vol106issue24

CENTR A L CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSIT Y Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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Volume 106 No. 24

faculty Senate discusses Block Scheduling

News Business Club Heads to Boston to Gain Career Advice Page 4

Senate Finalizes May 2010 Graduates

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melissa traynor the recorder

OK Go Set For Toad’s Place Performance

Page 6

no superiority there, everyone is treated the same, on the same level," said Nelson.

According to Neama, the fourth annual Culture Shock in 2009 was a crucial year for ASO. Prior to that Culture Shock had low attendance.

The 4th annual Culture Shock was appealing because, like this year, the audience was integrated with the performers, engaging them in activities like salsa and belly dancing. Attendance jumped from 50 in 2008 to 200 in 2009, allowing the ASO a better opportunity to promote Culture Shock on a larger scale for this year.

Other cultural organizations on campus that are involved with Culture Shock include the Black Student Union, the

Faculty senate met to discuss final block scheduling options for Spring 2011 classes and to approve the list of undergraduates and graduates who are graduating this May. After a wave of committee reports during Monday's meeting, James Mulrooney of the biomolecular science department introduced the three schedules going into effect during the spring; blocks for graduate classes and undergraduate day and evening classes.

The need for computer labs and smart rooms has increased, as well as the amount of courses competing for specialized rooms. Currently, the variety of scheduling options often conflict with each other and prevent certain classrooms from being booked due to overlaps in classroom usage by minutes, at times.

Unique to the new block scheduling are certain features such a the university hour, a 3:05 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. block on Tuesdays and Thursdays during which no classes are booked, and several options for once-a-week classes. Some faculty raised concerns that the university hour would conflict with existing lab hours for specific departments, but Mulrooney assured that the designated time is not absolute, and is meant to accommodate most students and faculty.

The new schedule also allows for classes that meet three times per week to have more options and for classes that aren't restricted by the current 2 p.m. cutoff. With the new schedule, twice-per-week and once-per-week classes during the evening will take place MondayWednesday, Tuesday-Thursday or Wednesday-Friday and Monday through Thursday, respectively. The change to once-per-week evening courses is that come Spring 2011, they will have to start at 7:20 p.m. and can end at 9:55 p.m.

Graduate student scheduling also has its own time blocks and

See Culture Shock Page 2

See Faculty Senate Page 3

Kenny Barto | the recorder

Earth day at CCSU

Moving Toward a Greener Campus

Spring Concert Rolls Along, Not Without Incident

Page 6

Just in time for Earth Day, CCSU completed the replacement of 500 Victorian-style lamps on campus with more energy efficient LED bulbs. In the same week the university was also honored with a nod from The Princeton Review’s Guide to 286 Green Colleges, which includes references to schools that have made a serious commitment to sustainability efforts.

Since 2007, CCSU has set goals to become a greener university , including reducing campus carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2025 and implemented programs such as solid recycling.

Culture Shock Claims Title As Event of the Year Jason cUnningham

Connecticut’s Parks Offer Change of Scenery

Page 6

Sports

2009 Team Honored at Blue and White Game

Page 12

the recorder

Culture Shock, an event that features performances from across the African Diaspora, received Event of the Year at the Annual Club Recognition Dinner last Monday.

During Culture Shock, cultures with African roots represent themselves through performances, vendors and cultural foods to create a night of diverse entertainment.

Culture Shock is the biggest event mainly sponsored by the Africana Students' Organization.

"The night, all in all, went smoothly because we had a great team of workers to help who were organized and enthusiastic on making the show a memorable one," said Gigi Neama, president of the ASO. The Caribbean Orchestra,

Karibe Mambo lead by Orlando Ortiz and Alisa from Alisa’s House of Salsa came together during the event to make Culture Shock an interactive performance.

"Just imagine 200 people learning to salsa dance and topping it off with a Conga and Limbo Line," said Neama.

Culture Shock also featured a full buffet of Caribbean, African, Latin American, European and Indian food.

"In 2009 they needed the services of WFCS for DJing. We were a success so they brought us back," said WFCS 107.7 DJ Earl B-EZ Nelson.

Nelson along with Michael DJ Fresh Jackson provided music and sound expertise for the evening.

"The reason why this is such a success is because it's a cultural gathering of all cultures. There's

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2

NEWS

THE RECORDER Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Study Says Colleges Are More Susceptible to Meningitis Spread

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

Ashley Sepanski

Kent Wire | Kent State University

Art Director Geoffrey Lewis Copy Editor Elizabeth Mitchell News Editor Kim Scroggins 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.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

Gigi Neama performs at Culture Shock.

Culture Shock Claims Title as Event of the Year

Continued from Page 1

United Caribbean Club, the Latin American Students Organization and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People amongst others. The President of NAACP, Martine Bernade, has acted as one of the emcees for Culture Shock for the past two years.

"A lot of the times cultural organizations have a stereotype that they are specific to a certain race or

ethnicity of people and that hinder diversity within membership," said Neama. "A common misconception among our cultural organizations on campus, Culture Shock counters that and opens up student’s minds to giving ASO a chance."

ASO has already made plans to incorporate more events into their yearly calendar and hopes to be successful integrating fun and inviting events for the campus.

(WIRE) - Less common than the cold or flu, meningitis inflames the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and is far more dangerous.

While working off those extra winter pounds or simply spending more time outdoors, the simple act of not sharing water bottles could save students’ lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, the most common form of Meningococcal disease, bacterial meningitis, is a potentially fatal illness easily spread through the exchange of respiratory or throat secretions, or acts like coughing, kissing and sharing drinks. Along with bacterial, meningitis can be viral or fungal. All three forms are most likely to affect college freshmen, travelers, pre-teens and adolescents.

Although none of the bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis are as contagious as the flu or common cold, the disease inflames the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and is far more dangerous. Once contracted, the disease could ultimately lead to brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities or death.

Amy, a nurse from the 24hour University Health Services nurse line, said it is important for students, especially those living in a dorm, to get a meningitis vaccine.

She said the vaccine may become mandatory for incoming freshmen

in upcoming years.

“It’s not mandatory at this time, but it may be in the very near future,” said Amy, who declined to give her last name. “They do recommend it if you’re living in a dorm, but it’s not mandatory. But like I said, that law should be changing in the near future to where it will be.”

According to the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, in 2009 only 53.8 percent of college students — one of the groups most susceptible to the disease — received a vaccine.

Lauren Yovanno, junior fashion merchandising major, said most students are unaware of the dangers of meningitis and of how easy it is to contract.

“I got vaccinated as a kid, but a lot of people I know haven’t gotten it,” Yovanno said. “College kids are around each other all the time, so it’s really important for them if they don’t want to get sick. Actually, I’m not sure why it’s not required before you start school.”

Amy said anyone experiencing symptoms such as sudden fever, headache and stiff neck should immediately see a doctor to be evaluated. According to the CDC, bacterial meningitis can be effectively treated with several different antibiotics, and the vaccine can prevent most forms of meningitis.

“No one should be dying or brain damaged from meningitis when there’s a vaccine out there to prevent it,” Yovanno said.

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

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DanCentral performed “Sharing the Stage” on Friday night in Welte Theatre.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

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THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / NEWS

faculty Senate discusses Block Scheduling Continued from Page 1 all three schedules are available for download as part of a power point presentation on the faculty senate website.

Mulrooney said that all of the department chairs will soon receive a copy of scheduling block information from Registrar Susan Petrosino and any faculty with questions can contact Dr. Joseph Paige, associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

The senate also approved the list of graduating students for this year's commencement; there are 1,517 students on the undergraduate degree candidates list and 393 graduate students.

Among other committee reports, interim library Director Roy Temple reported that library staff are in search of a permanent director and they hope to begin conducting telephone interviews

by June. They also hope to arrange for on-campus interviews with candidates by September.

Temple also updated the senate on construction progress and he said that the next phase of construction is scheduled to begin June 1 and should last 90 days. Construction will include altering the ground floor so that it will become the main entrance of the library and plans are being made to transform the main area on the second floor into general study space. Temple said it is possible that Jazzman's cafe - currently on the second floor could be moved to the first floor but no definite plans have been made.

Morning Session M,W 8:00 am to 9:15 am 9:25 am to 10:40 am 10:50 am to 12:05 pm 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm 1:40 pm to 2:55 pm 3:05 pm to 4:20 pm

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8:00 am to 10:40 am

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University Hour

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Night Session M,W

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W,F 4:30 pm to 7:10 pm

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4:30 pm to 5:45 pm 5:55 pm to 7:10 pm 7:20 pm to 8:35 pm 8:45 pm to 9:55 pm

M only

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photo coUrtesy of facUlty senate

PDF versions of the block schedules are also available for download on The Recorder’s website at www.centralrecorder.com.

4

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / NEWS

Business Club Ships Up to Boston Kim Scroggins The Recorder

CCSU’s School of Business traveled to Boston for their annual group trip.

The trip, hosted by the Student Advisory Council and business clubs, took a group of business hopefuls to corporations such as The Federal Reserve, Liberty Mutual, and Northfield Information Services to explore and grab useful career advice.

“The objective of this trip is to establish and strengthen CCSU’s School of Business and the club’s identity in the New England business community,” said Erik

Lecco, the President of the CCSU School of Business SAC. Lecco sees this as an opportunity to “invigorate career opportunities by connecting with local corporations.”

Lecco says that the purpose of these trips is to give students industry knowledge and considers it as “sort of a job shadow program.”

Dan Legere, who has traveled on these trips before, uses them to gain “real world knowledge” of the opportunities that are out there. “[To] expand networking within the business community and to broaden travel opportunities,” Lecco says are main priorities for these trips. Also important, is “making sure that clubs are running

smoothly.”

"We are the eyes and ears for the Dean of the school,” Lecco said about the SAC. “We’re the link between the administration and the students.”

Lecco also mentioned the Strategic Planning Committee, which was put together by the Dean.

This committee, which consists of faculty, business leaders and the SAC, strives to compose a five year plan to achieve accreditation for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Upon arrival the group, made up of about 20 students, split up to head to different corporations.

But because the trip was open to

anyone, there were a few who just went to wander around the city.

At the Federal Reserve, the group discussed the bank’s response to 9/11 and were also introduced to the “counterfeit” $200 and $1 million bank notes as well as the genuine $10,000 note, which was in circulation until the late 1960s.

Info sessions and tours took up most of the time within each of the corporations visited. Students had opportunities to ask questions and were provided with tips and tools to help them progress in today’s rough economy.

Some of the students also met with Andy Porter, who is currently teaching at Simmons College, and

Rich Young, recruiter for Chaloner Associates. These men gave the students strict advice concerning building their resumes and eventually, job hunting.

“No matter who you send your resume to, you’re lucky if you get 60 seconds,” Young said. “The best thing you can do with a resume is have someone look at it who’s never seen it before.”

They brought to light some of the difficulties that some students may or may not realize about getting resumes out there and also quizzed the students on some typical, yet challenging interview questions that may seem common sense.

Introducing the Next Mr. CCSU Young Environmental Contestant with Schwarzenegger Talent Takes the Cake Rachael Bentley The Recorder

Central’s Annual “Mr. CCSU” pageant hosted a full house in Alumni Hall, with crowds of students packing in the doors to see what eight students would do to win the crowd's and the judges' hearts.

The evening consisted of dance, talent, formal and questioning segments in which all of the contestants performed exceptionally.

The 2010 “Mr. CCSU” was awarded to James Florence, who won the crowd with his Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation while he read “When You Give A Mouse A Cookie." The audience was in stitches as James improvised a whole skit on no more than four pages in a classic children’s book.

A close second for the crowd was Runner up Chris Kyle with his Ribbon dance to the song “Human”

by The Killers. His neon green tutu

did not distract from his majestic rainbow dance moves, as he ran up and down the aisle.

He was not the only one to demonstrate his dance moves, for in the beginning of the show, all eight young men danced to a medley of songs including “Party in the USA," “How Low," Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” and “Baby Got Back." Dancing was a major theme in this pageant, with an outstanding Michael Jackson impersonation, including dance moves, lip synching and white gloves for show.

Joe Patz ended his performance on a high note whiles donning a very tight glitter top and wig to impersonate Scary Spice from the Spice girls. He also performed “Mmbop” by the Hanson Brothers and “Hero” by Enrique Iglesais.

The rest of the talents included trumpet playing ska music, a “Flight of the Concords” tribute, and a Jabbawockeez style dance routine.

For the last portion of the

evening, the contenders were sporting formal wear and an escort on their side as they were asked light hearted questions. Contestant Zach Perras was asked, “If you could be a celebrity, who would you be?” After explaining he wasn’t trying to steal Florence’s thunder, he said he wanted to be Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Kyle was asked if he was to be stuck on an island, who he would want to be stuck with, in which his reply was “Brad Pitt," without a moment’s hesitation.

Florence, Winner of “Mr. CCSU”, explained his favorite movie was Hot Rod staring Andy Samberg because of its “randomness." And the best answer of the evening was when Brian Mariconda was asked “What nation would you most want to live in,” and he answered, “The Busy world of Richard Scarry."

At the end of the competition, all contestants walked around the stage with their escorts and were applauded for their performances.

Class of 2010 Invited to Mohegan Sun Melissa Traynor The Recorder

The senior class committee has organized a trip for students of senior standing to visit Mohegan Sun Casino this Saturday, May 1.

The day trip to Uncasville, Conn. costs $35 per CCSU senior, $45 for their guests and $90 for any non-CCSU guest. Tickets cover transportation to and from Mohegan Sun,

dinner and entertainment at Lucky's Lounge, half-priced admission to the casino's Ultra 88 Night Club and $20 in gambling, food and drink vouchers.

A bus from CCSU will depart at 4:30 p.m. and will leave Mohegan Sun around 2 a.m. Expected arrival in New Britain is 3 a.m.

Students attending the trip must be 21 years or older.

Tickets are available at the information desk in the student center.

Watch dogs wanted The Recorder is looking for News writers to begin immediately. Positions could extend through end of semester, if desired.

Contact Melissa Traynor: editor@centralrecorder.com

Leaders to Speak On Sustainability Tuesday Michael Walsh The Recorder

The University Sustainability Committee will be hosting a lecture featuring three individuals who were recipients of the Bower Youth Award, North America's top prize for bold young environmental leaders, as apart of their "Our Green Future" panel in Semesters on Tuesday May 4 at 7 p.m.

Among the speakers are 17-yearold Alex Lin from Westerly, R.I. Lin has overseen the recycling of 300,000 pounds of electronic waste and has also lobbied the R.I. state legislature to ban the dumping of electronics. In addition, Lin used refurbished computers to create media centers in countries like Cameroon and Sri Lanka to combat computer illiteracy.

Rachel Barge, a program manager for the Business Council on Climate Change in San Francisco, is also to be noted for

her part in Campus InPower, a nonprofit consulting firm that advocates innovative financial mechanisms to support campus sustainability nationwide.

The third individual to be recognized with a Bower Youth Award is Erica Fernandez, whose protests and testimony at the California State Lands Commission meeting helped convince the commission to vote to deny a project that included a 36-inch pipeline that was to be routed through lowincome neighborhoods on the coast of Oxnard, Calif. and Malibu, Calif.

The lecture, which focuses on leadership and empowerment, is sponsored by The Center for Public Policy William A. O'Neill endowed chair and the Student Center Living Room Lecture Series. Each of the award winners will speak for twenty minutes, sharing their own story and perspectives, with questions to follow.

OPINION EDITORIAL

5 THE RECORDER Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Spring Concert Has Room for Improvement

What could have been a phenomenal Spring Week concert had many areas still lacking. Central Activities Network, organizers of the Wale and New Found Glory concert this past Saturday, picked two extremely appealing acts, but somehow the show just didn't deliver. It was not sold out, the conduct of at least one of the performers during the show was reproachable and behavior of some students caused everyone to get a little riled up.

However, it should be pointed out that at least CCSU learned from the Metal Fest put on not so long ago; metal detectors were in place and security was on hand to put a stop to some potentially dangerous crowd surfing.

But despite the readiness and experience of those monitoring the concert, was it a success? The performers chosen, rapper Wale and pop punk NFG were a mix of new and old and at least many CCSU students have heard of or like both of them. But New Found Glory had maybe one or two hits back in 2002 and 2003. Were they really a good, relevant choice for Spring Week band? Wale at least brought something fresh to the table - he's had a hit since 2008.

And where there could have been a pretty good potential for turnout, the students really didn't come out in droves. Over half Kaiser Gym was full for the event, but Kaiser is no doubt a small gymnasium. Maybe the poor(er) attendance was due to a hike in ticket prices the day of

Letter to the Editor Today it hit me. I knew college was retarded long before I decided to begin. But, today, it really hit home: college is a joke.

The other day, when meeting with my worthless advisor (the higher education equivalent of a military recruiter: useless, tells lots of lies, but supposedly there to help you), he asked me why I failed a class last semester. I said I'd be honest and, even though I know it's not what he wants to hear, the teacher sucked. Half of the class had dropped by three weeks in, of those that remained, the majority failed. I wasn't making excuses; the professor was a genuine tool. "Impossible," he tells me, "If he was that bad he wouldn't have a job here." Really?

I'm pretty sure the collective student body of every school in this country would laugh until they pissed themselves if they heard him say that with a straight face.

Horrible professors are the norm, not the exception - especially at state schools. Everyone knows this. "I understand what you're saying though," the closest any administration member will ever get to admitting how horrific their faculty really is, "but you've got to learn to work around it. If you have a bad teacher, you have to learn to teach yourself or make up for it some other way."

That's when it hit home, more so than it ever has before. We're paying these schools thousands, ten-of-thousands, or even hundreds-of-thousands of dollars if it's a big name private school.

Contrary to popular belief, higher education is a service that is purchased by students, and a d*** expensive one at that. There's a general belief in our society that college is a necessity. This belief leads to schools feeling like

they're doing us a favor, rather than the other way around. Not only the administration, but also the students themselves have lost sight of the fact that they are paying for a service and they are not getting what they paid for.

What are we getting for our money? We're getting piss-poor service: generally terrible faculty that thinks they're beyond reproach and an administration that doesn't give a d***. We pay big money to be told, "Learn to deal with it," when the service sucks. Somehow this has become okay, and no one gives it a second thought. Yet, it doesn't fly in other industries. It's like hiring a contractor to remodel your house.

When the work is done, the roof leaks, there are holes in the floor, and half the appliances don't work.

The contractor's only response is, "Hey, stuff happens. Can't get the best workers every time; you'll just have to learn to live with it." ...and you're supposed to be ok with that. Better yet, it's like paying for golf lessons and getting a coach that can't speak English, spends the first 58 minutes of each hour long lesson talking about Cape Cod, laughs at you because you can't hit but makes no effort to show you how, and is proud of the fact that he sucks as an instructor and brags about how he doesn't have to care what you think because he'll never be fired anyway ...and all that is supposed to be okay. Don't bother asking for a refund. After all, they're the ones doing you a favor by taking that money off your hands. Learn to deal with it.

Tyler Mattas, CCSU '11 Business Administration

the concert. Student tickets began at $12 - and maybe that was not enough to bring them out to the concert - but an $8 increase the day of to $20? Students can see many other acts for much less in the area, and the prospect of a dry, indoor and pricey event is not going to entice them to cough up the $20.

Other attractive events that weekend included UConn's spring weekend - even without a musical performance, the idea of spending 48 hours partying in Storrs will probably top Wale and New Found Glory. Competing with UConn at Spring Weekend festivities is a game we will lose every time.

An example of good planning, and a successful event, was Homecoming 2009 when R&B artist Trey Songz came to Welte

Auditorium. The show was well publicized, buzz was abound and it drew out a relatively behaved, albeit excited crowd. The auditorium was packed and people still talk about the show. Songz is a relevant artist, worthy of students' attention.

Initially, it seemed as though headliners New Found Glory were a good choice, but in retrospect, a more effective name could have been brought to campus.

Saturday's band was old, possibly even disconnected from today's 18-24-year-old population and the strongest respect we'd have for them is maybe getting a bit nostalgic about high school.

CCSU has the capability, and most likely a large enough budget to bring a larger name to campus, so why not?

Planners could opt for a name reputable enough so that they even get respect from somewhat-fans or students who may not even like them at all. An act with a name that carries some weight would most likely sell out a show on status alone.

There are a couple of things that need to be accounted for come next Spring Week concert: find a good weekend for students without interferences, choose and bargain for at least a slightly relevant band (one that qualifies would have been talked about since 2005) and create the kind of atmosphere where it would not pain students to pay for the tickets or drive to campus on a Saturday.

Senior Column

Make An Impact Before It’s Too Late Bill Wellock

The Daily Collegian | Penn State

(WIRE) - You’re gonna die. In the words of Andrew Marvell and Chris Rock, you, my friend, right now so young and alive, are going to dont freaking tell me, are you freaking serious, yes im freaking serious going to die.

But you already knew that.

Since the intro to these columns, several more signs of impending worldwide destruction have appeared: Icelandic ash, Lil Wayne in prison, me making out with a hot girl, Conan O’Brien leaving The Tonight Show, (1), Oprah coming back to TV (2).

It looks as if everything is lining up for Earth’s last party (3). God is already making the Chex Mix. So what can we do?

If the Apocalypse does happen (4) and the planet is destroyed, there’s obviously little you can do.

But maybe it won’t happen all at once. Maybe it’ll be dragged out, and you’ll get the chance to put your survival skills to the test. In which case, if you’ve been reading these columns (5), you know that survival tactics are not going to get you past kids-on-a-rope, let alone crowbar-wielding biker gangs, let alone Nicholas Cage.

So what can you do? Perhaps the easiest solution to realize that despite any end-of-the-world fantasies you might have of fighting off toothless bad guys and manic warlords to lead a band of refugees through a harrowing escape to salvation, that’s

not going to happen.

December 21, 2012, will turn into December 22, 2012, and then you’re going to have to start coming up with excuses for why you can’t afford Christmas presents but still order the tasting menu at Zola every day. And “I was hungry” isn’t good enough, mister.

And then next December will come, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next, and then the next. And then you have to start taking care of the holiday things that need taking care of in December, if you know what I mean, and if you’re older than 8, I think you do.

And after you do all this, still -you’re gonna die! I mean, c’mon!

There are a few celebrated extracurriculars here that are about the opposite of what might come next. Events like football and THON, for example, revolve around a sense of togetherness, continuity and comfort. Joe Paterno has been the coach for 44 years, and his team plays in the largest stadium in the country. THON dancers are on their feet for 46 straight hours, and years of fundraising have collected more than $61 million.

But soon - no more.

You have to be your own coach and quarterback and linebacker and that redheaded guy Joe yells at. And as nice as it would be, no employer is going to provide moralers, especially entry-level (6).

So tell us the truth, adults is it just a slow withering, does everything begin to get staler, do I

not get to ride jet-skis with Kevin Costner?

I’ve heard enough people say it to start to believe it. And if we’re going to die anyway, what does it matter?

To that most important question, I have little new to add right now. Which might be the point. In between now and some unknown then, we’ve got to try to finish with something to add to the world.

For all the complaining adults do about taxes and the garage and this stupid kid, they have a lot of good things to say about the world.

Right now, for us, it really is various, beautiful and new.

How can we think about the end when we’re still really just children, just learning, just about to start the adventure of real life?

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

1. If only George Lopez had said, “I sincerely believe that delaying Lopez Tonight into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting.”

2 . One of these is not true.

3 . Dec. 21 ‘til ?

4. If. 5. Iffff.

6. Maybe Goldman Sachs.

Bill Wellock is a senior majoring in English at Penn State and is the Collegian’s Monday columnist. His e-mail address is waw5010@psu. edu.

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6 THE RECORDER Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Upgrade

Spring Concert Rolls Along, But Not Without Incident Matt Kiernan The Recorder

New Found Glory and Wale delivered a thrilling show to an anxious crowd in the Kaiser Gym on Saturday, but was slightly soured by at least one incident involving crowd injuries.

The Spring Weekend concert, which was organized by Central Activities Network, proved that the performers did what they could to unite the crowd. Accidents occurred during the pop punk band NFG’s performance, when during the first song two girls were injured by concert goers being pushed around.

The band paused shortly and the two left the concert with the aid of friends and security.

While rapper Wale performed one of his quietest tracks, “Diary,” an audience member shouted, “You suck!” which caused Wale to stop rapping and utter more than a few words that cannot be printed.

Wale also rapped his hit, “Chillin,” which originally featured Lady Gaga but a soulfully highpitched male backup singer filled in for her role during the live performance.

The ever-popular track, “D.A.N.C.E.” originally written by the electronic band Justice, and remixed by Wale and titled, “W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.” was given

NFG lead singer Jordan Pundik interacting with the crowd during the Spring Concert

a great live spin with a powerful backing beat.

Wale is currently on tour and making stops at many colleges throughout the country, with NFG about to embark on a small tour at

Toad’s Place Ready for OK Go Wednesday

the end of May in England.

Headliners NFG incorporated cover songs, which included a pop punk version of alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer’s, “Kiss Me.”

Matt Kiernan The Recorder

Indie rockers OK Go are to perform at Toad’s Place Wednesday night, having just released their third album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky, and are being supported by the classic rock sounding acts of Earl Greyhound and The Booze.

Seeing as OK Go combines many influences from the ‘60s and ‘70s into their music, it’s not a surprise that they would be backed up by bands that are fans of similar bands.

OK Go became an Internet sensation with the music video for their song, “Here It Goes Again,” a video that features the band dancing on treadmills with innovative choreography. The video eventually

won them a Grammy Award in 2007 for “Best Short Form Music Video.”

The band ended their deals with record labels Capital and EMI Records last month to form their own label, Paracadute Recordings, and re-released their newest album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky. Earl Greyhound bases their sound in the music of the 1970s, while The Booze have music like that of the early Rolling Stones in the 1960s.

Tickets are $15 in advance and on the day of the show, with the doors opening at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.

All three bands are on tour together until mid-May throughout the northeast and south with their next stop in New York, N.Y. on Thursday.

NFG gave the audience an encore performance, which included their hit, “My Friends Over You,” which was played to much approval by the sing-along-prone crowd.

The CCSU Battle of the Bands

A Change of Scenery Samantha Fournier The Recorder

Photo Courtesy of Ok Go

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

winners and members of the CT music scene, alternative rock band Hi-Planes Drifter, opened for the two main acts. Hi-Planes Drifter gave a passionate performance that was supported by a positive reception from the audience.

On their song “Down and Out” the lead singer was helped by the crowd when he asked for them to yell “down” and “out” when the words came up during the chorus.

The concert was also peppered by small clashes of security and students. During NFG’s show, many students crowd surfed their way to the front, which forced security to follow them and see that they landed safely. Students who surfed once were given a marker slash on their hand to show that if they did it again, they would be kicked out of the concert.

At the end of the concert, even if students didn’t already have a mark, they were kicked out for surfing.

This caused NFG lead guitairst Chad Gilbert to joke, “All right, the concert’s over, you’re all getting kicked out.”

After seeing many students kicked out, Gilbert jumped down from the stage and followed them to the exit and took the time to have his picture taken with fans.

“I thought the performances were awesome and the crowd surfing was amazing,” said CCSU freshman Craig Hunt.

For students looking to enjoy spring at its best, Connecticut has a variety of parks only a short drive away for CCSU students.

Elizabeth Park is a flower admirer’s dream. In June, the green vines, now laced over archways, will be covered with roses and the rose garden will swell with blossom and visitors. The same sweet scent will fill the air again. Currently, multicolored tulips have popped up in the garden adjacent to the rose garden.

Aside from flower admirers, the park also attracts walkers, bike riders, families and spectators at the summer concerts, which start in June with the swing band Eight to the Bar. Another Hartford park also attracts many visitors with its musical performances: each summer Bushnell Park hosts the Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, as well as Monday night jazz performances at the outdoor performance pavilion.

Students should visit Bushnell Park not only for its musical events, but for the view of the Capitol, the relaxing setting, and the Pumphouse art gallery.

Stanley Quarter Park is the city park that offers peace much closer to home. It is only a short walk away from CCSU and can offer exercise enthusiasts quite a few things such as a running or walking path that circles the pond. There are also exercise stations set up around the park. Students who are into skateboarding and bike riding can make use of the skate park.

For students looking for more exercise options Walnut Hill Park in New Britain not only has exercise stations and a wide open path where many races are held, but also tennis courts and a baseball diamond. The green space and wide open fields

are a nice contrast to the busy city streets on that surround the outside of the park.

Walnut Hill Park has great views of the city from the top of the hill, which also overlooks the Darius Miller Memorial Bandshell where concerts are hosted each summer.

Recently, volunteers also restored the rose garden surrounding the World War I Monument.

A little farther south, Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown has hiking trails that lead to Wadsworth Falls. The hike is a little long, but if students prefer they can drive to the falls.

Hartford’s Elizabeth Park.

This scenic spot also offers barbecue pits, picnic tables and a small sandy area that surrounds a swimming area. It is the perfect place to spend a warm spring afternoon.

Wickham Park in Manchester, although a slightly longer drive, is still a good place to spend a sunny afternoon. Whether it’s to study or read on one of Wickham Park’s many park benches or to visit the Aviary, nature center, or play disc golf at the 18 hole course, one could never tire of the activities offered at this park. Aside from the various gardens, there is also easy access to fitness and hiking trails.

Samantha Fournier | The Recorder

7

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / UPgRADE

Restaurant Review

The New Dog House In Town samantha foUrnier the recorder

The hot dogs at New Britain’s infamous Dawg House attract CCSU students and locals alike. New rival Chef ’s Dog House is located on Willard Avenue in Newington and offers more than just hot dogs. At this hot dog joint, Chef ’s also serves soups made daily, fresh salads, and hand-packed burgers.

The spicy long hot peppers in the Italian burger on the specialty menu kept me reaching for my cup of Chef ’s fresh lemonade, which was the perfect combination of sweet and tartness to cool down my burning tongue.

The Italian burger is piled high with sauteed onions and peppers, long hot peppers, tomatoes, fried potatoes, melted provolone cheese, garlic mayo set over a fresh beef patty and shredded lettuce, all between a fresh toasted bun.

All of the toppings made the Italian burger a delicious variation on the burger you encounter at the typical burger joint. The burger came out steaming hot, but the somewhat skimpy patty itself left something to be desired.

Overall, the Italian burger was a pleasure to devour, and at $4.50 it wasn’t out of my budget either. The perfectly crisp and golden brown wedge fries completed my meal at

$2.90.

The Gorgonzola burger and the pastrami cheese burger are a few other tempting choices on the burger menu.

Besides the regular beef dogs Chef ’s also offers chili-cheese dogs and the spicy red hummus hot dog.

And as if you weren’t already having enough trouble deciding what to order, Chef ’s also has sandwiches on the menu. A customer a table in front of me raved about the Italian chicken sandwich, adding that it had a “little kick.”

When your order is ready one of the friendly staff will bring it to your table for you to dine in or take out. After your entree arrives there are some tough decisions to be made. Chef ’s condiment heaven is set against a burnt orange wall; the station is set up like a salad bar and has more than 30 condiments to choose from including jalapeno mustard, pesto mayo and fresh salsa.

Stop in at Chef ’s for some deliciously unhealthy burgers and hot dogs that you can pile high with as many condiments as you desire.

Chef ’s Dog House is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Chef’s Dog House 337 Willard Ave Newington, Conn. 06111

samantha foUrnier | the recorder

Chef’s Dog House serves up the greasy Italian burger as well as classic wedge-style fries.

Prepare Your Palates for Seasonals melissa traynor the recorder

The transition month of April marks the switch from heavy things to lighter clothing, lighter colors, buoyant attitudes towards warmer weather, lighter workloads (maybe), but more importantly, brewing companies prepare to roll out their lighter summer beers.

Around this time of year, brewing companies still have their spring beers kicking around, but more importantly, they introduce their summer beers that rival the flavors of winter and spring seasonals, but don’t really retain their heaviness.

This year’s selection includes a lot of IPAs - India Pale Ales - that are distinguished by their bitter tastes and hops. Usually they make for a far more interesting choice than the average standard ale.

New Hampshire brewers Smuttynose and local Hartford Better Brewing Company make pretty remarkable IPAs. In terms of drinkability, IPAs are only great for the first few drinks of the night.

They are relatively filling and by the time you make your way to the third or fourth, the taste is a little overwhelming.

For standard, the year-round Smuttynose’s Big A IPA at 9.6 percent ABV is rich and bold, but

probably not a great choice for the average partygoer, and certainly not ideal for the beer pong table.

Smuttynose’s is comparable to a Dogfish Head 60-minute in its complexity and bitterness, but is hard to get down after a while.

Where the former beer lacks, Hartford Better Brewing Co., a brewer actually based at Shipyard in Portland, Maine, makes up for with their IPA - a beer with a serious aftertaste. While not extremely tasty at first, this beer has an intense kick at the end.

One of the better IPAs sold this spring is Dogfish Head’s own Aprihop. It has a bold reddishamber color and smells like citrus hops.

Out of the bottle, at least, it’s a refreshing lighter IPA and tastes bitter and fruitier enough to qualify for a good spring choice.

It’s made with apricots as the name suggests, but very little of the taste is evident. Aprihop is beyond ideal for backyard parties.

This season’s collection also comes with a few fairly unremarkable beers. I’m looking at you, Otter Creek spring ale, Smuttynose Summer Weizen and Magic Hat Vinyl lager. Way to taste like Bud Light after 3 sips.

Look for Part 2: Bring on the Hefeweizen!

CCSU PRIDE Hosts Spring Drag Ball

photo coUrtesy of lindsay pearsall

Kim scroggins the recorder

Last Wednesday night, the PRIDE group sponsored the Spring Drag Ball where queens returned to put on a show for students and where some of the members of Student Government Association, Latin American Students Organization, and other CCSU groups donned their heels for the cat walk for this fundraiser.

“The idea to raise money ahead of time to see campus leaders in drag came from a couple members,” said Melissa Cordner, the President of PRIDE, “the event was spearheaded

by Bryce McKinzie, our treasurer last semester.”

The Polo Club’s Divine Spice emceed the ball, which took place in Semesters. As part of the show, drag queens came and “lip-synched for their lives” on stage covering anything from Lady Gaga to Michael Bublé. It was something anyone who is familiar with RuPaul and her

Drag Race could appreciate.

Among those to participate in the drag transformation were the current SGA President Andrew Froning, SGA Presidential candidate Alex Rodriguez, VP Candidate Chris Kyle, and the highly anticipated Scott Hazan, Student Activities Leadership Development Director – who strutted his stuff in a little black sequined dress and kneehigh boots.

“Thanks to the collaboration of all of these people, we raised just under $800 dollars for True Colors, the nonprofit organization that hosts the biggest GLBT youth conference in the nation, which is usually held right here at CCSU,” Cordner said.

“The Spring Ball was first made into a fundraiser by our VP last year, and the idea took off so we made it even bigger this year,” she explained.

PRIDE hosts the drag ball every semester and the last was the Masquerade Ball on Halloween.

8

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / UPGRADE

REVIEWS The Tallest Man on Earth The Wild Hunt Dead Oceans April 13

Jeff Beck Emotion & Commotion Atco Records April 13

Justin Nozuka You I Wind Land and Sea Glass Note April 13

The Apples In Stereo Travellers in Space and Time Yep Roc Records April 20

Matt Kiernan

Matt Kiernan

Matt Kiernan

Matt Kiernan

Ever since the changes in Bob Dylan’s voice during the 1980s up until the present, fans have pined for the tone of his nasally and abrasive voice from the 1960s. Folk singer Kristian Matsson resurrects said voice with Dylan’s style of music, and does it very well with his second release, The Wild Hunt.

It may be that Matsson’s voice just so happens to be very similar to that of Dylan’s, but the comparisons are hard to ignore. Both use poetic lyrics and an acoustic guitar, having his songs tell stories that are meant to draw pictures in listeners’ heads.

He continues the sound of his first album, Shallow Grave, on the newest album, and starts it off with the track, “The Wild Hunt,” a sweet song about being unafraid of death.

“Troubles Will Be Gone” sounds like the songs featured on Dylan’s breakout album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Matsson’s fast guitar plucking may be even greater than his music’s godfather, and his vocals just as ardent.

If the connection between the two artists is still in question, Matsson even references Dylan’s song “Boots of Spanish Leather” in his song “King of Spain.” Matsson’s nod is seen when he sings, “And I wear my boots of Spanish leather/ oh while I’m tightening my crown.”

Matsson puts down his guitar to take up a piano on the final track of the album, “Kids on the Run.” “Run” is an emotional track about looking back at memories and connecting them to relationships and love.

Matsson’s music goes beyond the ideas of politics in folk music to be something about his experiences and memories in ways that are simple but wonderful.

For those who have been looking for an artist who could measure up to the music of classic Dylan, look no further, you’ve found his successor.

Master of the electric guitar, Jeff Beck has built a reputation for being someone who can cross the boundaries of all genres of music to incorporate them into his own style, and does it again with his newest release, Emotion & Commotion, an album that features originals and covers of other artists’ works.

Beck starts the album with an orchestrated track, originally composed by Benjamin Britten, “Corpus Christi Carol.” You can hear the power of Beck’s allegedly 64-person orchestra backing his bent guitar notes.

More similar to his previous work, “Hammerhead” goes back to Beck’s jazzfusion music, fitting into songs that would be featured on a set list at an arena rock show.

Most of the orchestra is stripped away to make room for the standard rock ‘n roll formation of guitar, bass and drums.

1939 ballad “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” from the movie The Wizard of Oz, is resurrected with a violin and guitar focus. Beck fills in Judy Garland’s vocals with dissonant guitar plucking.

British singer Joss Stone is featured on Beck’s cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You,” providing a bluesy passionate voice. Right when it seems Stone’s about to burst from her rises in singing, Beck moves in to play a melodic blues solo that equals the strength of Stone’s voice.

Beck has never been one who has reached for mainstream success such as fellow guitarist Eric Clapton, deciding not to sing in order to concentrate on guitar experimentalism. This has worked very well for him, considering he’s been able to come up with a sound that’s all his own.

With the release of this album, Beck seems to have reached a point of comfortableness where he feels he can successfully record any type of song, and do justice to himself and the artists he admires.

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter Justin Nozuka returns after three years to release his second album, You I Wind Land and Sea, an album filled with heartfelt songs about inner struggles and women.

As a musician who, for the most part, performs with just his voice and acoustic guitar, along with backing performers, Nozuka has made an impact in the indie world with his last album Holly climbing the Billboard Independent Albums chart.

The quietly opened first track “Gray” features the soulful singing of Nozuka, bongos and guitar notes. After a quiet beginning, the song opens up into powerful acoustic guitar chords with Nozuka singing, “I don’t want to lose it.”

“Love” shows the nice transitions that Nozuka features in his songs, going beyond the beginning of the song’s acoustic guitar and singing combination, to lead into backup vocals, drums and eventually electric guitar.

Nozuka’s ability to speak from the heart is heard in his lyrics, “I know I’m in love/ I feel like my heart’s exploding.”

“My Heart is Yours” carries a resemblance to that of a John Mayer tune, sticking to the guitar and vocals with a little bit of drums to express the feeling a person gets when they’ve realized they’ve met the right person. The ending message leaves a person elated when he sings, “Everything is gonna be all right.”

It’s impressive to think that such a young musician could write such adult songs and have a seemingly well understanding of the intricacies of love. Considering his first album was released when he was 18, Nozuka seems to have a greater maturity than many people his age.

Justin Nozuka’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to acoustic guitar singer-songwriters, proving he can equal his predecessors and current musicians when writing songs about his experiences with love.

The Apples In Stereo round out their 15 years of leading the neo-psychedelia scene with their eighth full-length album, Travellers in Space and Time, a dance album on acid that contains plenty of catchy tunes to please their fans.

Considering the band’s lead singer and songwriter Robert Schneider has worked on many influential albums in psychedelic and indie pop bands that include the Olivia Tremor Control and Neutral Milk Hotel, it’s amazing how he can manage to write songs that are just as intriguing as the material he wrote at the beginning of his music career.

Approaching the age of 40, Schneider doesn’t seem to be winding down any, releasing an album that’s just as good as anything else he’s written.

After the scientific speech heard on the opening track, “The Code,” the space traveling begins with “Dream About the Future.” It’s a psychedelically synthesized song with the catchy lyrics in its verses that begin with, “When I tell you….” and has a break with vocals similar to that of John Lennon from the Sgt. Pepper’s days.

The dance music really begins with the third track, “Hey Elevator,” a song that floats around the edges of disco having plenty of pianos, drumbeats and hand claps. The Bee Gees high-pitch backup singing also helps it to be pushed into said category.

The one-minute long “Strange Solar System,” keeps the listener in mind in concept album format. This track tells a story in a robotic voice of how people traveled dangerously far to explore the universe.

The neo-psychedelic track “No One in the World” has nice hop to it with the catchy chorus of, “There’s no one in the world/ like my little girl.”

The Apples In Stereo prove once again that they’re the champs of their sound, making sure their music is highly accessible to anyone who cares to listen.

The Recorder

The Recorder

The Recorder

The Recorder

Podcast of the Week: Nerdist Delivers the Funny Melissa Traynor The Recorder

Photo Courtesy of technoccult.com

Chris Hardwick is the host of new comedy podcast the Nerdist. The podcast is free on iTunes.

This podcast’s name is a little misleading; aside from gadget references and the host’s love for staying in and watching Dr. Who, this show is simply just about comedy and being really precise and nerdy about it.

Right off the bat, it’s easy for listeners to get a little lost. Maybe one-third of the show, the host Chris Hardwick and co-host Jonah Ray make all kinds of entertainment industry references and inside jokes. But maybe into the second or third pocdcast, it’s easier to pick up on and actually appreciate.

The Nerdist has about 10 episodes on the lengthy side at 50-something minutes each, but they manage to get pretty big names into their conference room studio. It’s set up in a very informal conversation style with a weak Q and A format, but in a way it makes the show more natural, and hence, funny.

Coincidentally, a lot of the actors or comedians they bring on the show are not new to the entertainment industry, but somehow they’ve just made it “big” in recent years.

For example, Jon Hamm, a.k.a. “Don Draper” from the AMC show Mad Men, stopped by to talk about Rip Torn fighting Norman Mailer in the 1970s and his own amazing luck in the industry up to his current fame. The podcast manages to take actors who’ve made a reputation for themselves by taking on serious roles, and their interview with Hamm is so riotously funny that it kind of shakes off any ideas that he really is just a serious man. Although the set-up and conduct of the interview forces listeners to make it the whole way through the podcast, it’s ultimately rewarding because of all of the inside jokes you just picked up on (though, don’t play it aloud; this podcast is definitely NSFW).

They’ve also brought on Joel McHale - The Soup host for years on E! - but just recently landed the role of Jeff Winger on the NBC show Community. This episode is for people who are fans of sarcasm and making fun of Ryan Seacrest.

Nerdist is really the brainchild of stand-up comedian Hardwick, a guy who has way too many behind-the-scenes or super small nonspeaking roles to list, but he’s been around E!,

writes for WIRED magazine occasionally and reviews electronic products on G4 network shows.

If not for the guests brought onto the show, Hardwick really drives it, despite his kind of hurt, under-employed and under appreciated actor persona. Though he actually does ask real interview questions, usually the answer gets mixed with chatter, weird imitation voices and sex jokes. And the guests he picks to bring onto the show are outgoing enough to play along if they do not fully enjoy it. In no way is the switch awkward between a real answer to messing around and making jokes about how everyone’s ATM personal identification number is a four-letter word for the male genitalia (Episode 7 with Andy Richter).

The Nerdist definitely calls for a certain sense of humor, and a tolerance for not immediately understood industry references.

After a while listeners will grow to appreciate the Nerdist in all its geeky glory.

Notable episodes: Number 10: Live at the Largo with Adam Savage of Mythbusters, Number 1: Tom Lennon (of Reno 911), Number 5: Jon Hamm

9

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / UPgRADE

Calendar 4.28 - 5.5

FILM 4.28 The Art of the Steal @ Real Art Ways Hartford, Conn. $6.25 / 7:00 p.m.

photo coUrtesy of enBee photo

Cory Murchy of MINuS THE BEAR. The band plays at the Webster this Friday.

MUSIC 4.28 OK Go @ Toad's Place New Haven, Conn. $17 / 8 p.m.

4.29 Mick Taylor @ Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton, Mass. $25 / 7 p.m.

4.29 Here We Go Magic @ Iron Horse Music Hall Northampton, Mass. $13 / 10 p.m.

4.30 Minus the Bear @ The Webster Theatre Hartford, Conn. $19.50 / 7 p.m.

4.30 Never Shout Never w/ The Cab, We The Kings, Cartel, Every Avenue @ Toad’s Place New Haven, Conn. $17 / 7 p.m.

5.1 Frightened Rabbit w/ Maps and Atlases, Bad Veins @ Pearl Street Night Club Northampton, Mass. $18 / 9 p.m.

5.4 Rodrigo y Gabriela w/ Alex Skolnick Trio @ Calvin Theatre Northampton, Mass. $25 - $45 / 8 p.m.

5.5 Clipse w/ Ninjasonik @ Toad’s Place New Haven, Conn. $25 / 9 p.m.

"Calculated to enrage and pulling it off like gangbusters, Don Argott’s documentary The Art of the Steal pits the legacy of the late Albert C. Barnes’s Barnes Foundation (which boasts arguably the world’s finest collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art) against the social-climbing, philistine, downright Nixonian machinations of Philadelphia’s wealthiest—who gamed the system and pried the collection loose in defiance of Barnes’s legal will." - David Edelstien, New York Magazine "It is perfectly clear exactly what Barnes specified in his will. It was drawn up by the best legal minds.

It is clear that what happened to his collection was against his wishes. It is clear that the city fathers acted in obviation of those wishes, and were upheld in a court of appeals. What is finally clear: It doesn't matter a damn what your will says if you have $25 billion, and politicians and the establishment want it." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times 4.28 - 5.1 Shutter Island @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7.00 / 7:30 p.m.

While some fans of Dennis Lehane’s realistic and gritty thrillers won’t make the leap to the operatic visual cinema of Martin Scorsese, those who do are in for a terrific movie experience. Shutter Island goes deep inside the head of its main character, a U.S. Marshall who ferries across Boston Harbor to investigate the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane.

On this rain-swept island, World War II vet DiCaprio is up against a pair of psychiatrists (Max von Sydow and Ben Kinglsey) who seem more like fascists than angels of mercy. The fierce ensemble cast and camera action create a slice of psychological horror that is also a master movie-maker’s homage to the edgiest reaches of film noir.

“Scorsese makes dark magic in this mesmerizing mind-bender. No one who lives and breathes movies would dream of missing it.” Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.

4.30 - 5.6 Vincere @ Real Art Ways Hartford, Conn. $6.25 / 7:00 p.m.

The tragic story of Ida Dalser, the young beautician who had a love affair with Benito Mussolini before he got acquainted with Rachele Guidi and later died in an asylum in 1937 after having given birth to Mussolini’s first child.

“An operatic tour de force.” - Mark Peranson, The Globe and Mail “A fascinating, powerfully acted period drama” - Manohla Dargis, The New York Times 5.2 - 5.4 The White Ribbon @ Cinestudio Hartford, Conn. $7.00 / 7:30 p.m.

The winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or for Best Picture is the second movie on the Cinestudio schedule representing central Europe’s film renaissance.

The White Ribbon is directed by Michael Haneke (Lemmings, Caché), known for his uncanny ability to disturb audiences right where they live. In a doll-like village in Northern Germany the year before World War I, a schoolteacher looks back at the eerie events that touched the town’s families, each ruled over by strict, moralistic parents. As the nastiness escalates, even the children (who may just grow up to be Nazis) are possible suspects. “What makes The White Ribbon a big movie, an important movie, is that Haneke’s point extends beyond pre-Nazi Germany.

It’s a warning that could easily be directed at today’s Middle East or, for that matter, at us.” Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle.

5.3 The Last Metro @ Real Art Ways Hartford, Conn.

$9 / 1:30 p.m.

François Truffaut’s story of a theatre company during the Nazi occupation of France. Set during the German occupation of Paris during the Second World War, it tells the story of Lucas Steiner, a Jewish theatre director and his Gentile wife, Marion Steiner, who struggles to keep him concealed from the Nazis in their theatre cellar while she performs his former job both as an actress and directing the company. Starring Gérard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve.

CCSU 4.28 Vance Lecture - Steve Forbes @ Welte Auditorium CCSU Free / 7:30 p.m.

4.29 Latin American Students Organization Carnival @ Student Center Circle Free / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4.29 Devil’s Den at 10PM: Talent or No Talent Show @ Devil’s Den Student center Free / 10 p.m.

Devil’s Den will also host a showing of A Single Man. 5.1 Senior Class Trip to Mohegan Sun @ Mohegan Sun Uncasville, Conn. $35 / Bus at 4:30 p.m.

5.4 - 5.8 William Shakespeare’s As You Like It @ Maloney Hall, Black Box Theatre New Britain, Conn. $5 students, $10 regular / 7:30 p.m.

Join Rosalind and her cousin Celia in a romp through the Forest of Arden in CCSU Theatre’s bold new retelling of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Banished from court and disguised for safety, the two cousins encounter a wild cast of characters and find surprising contentment in a world governed by love. Directed

by Sheila Siragusa.

The Space gets Punked matt Kiernan the recorder

Indie rock band The Thermals performed a punk-driven concert at The Space on Saturday, April 17, supported by the opening acts of Past Lives and The Coathangers in a concert that was kept slightly stiff due to The Space’s “no moshing” rules.

While no moshing or pushing was allowed at the venue, the bands made up for it with their abrasive sound and performances, making strong attempts at drawing the attendees into their music.

“We’ve been going on tour with Past Lives and Coathangers for the past couple weeks, and it’s pretty awesome,” said Thermals lead singer Hutch Harris to the crowd.

The Thermals worked over the crowd with their power chord heavy songs and catchy anthems that aren’t as easy to find the world of indie rock. The Space’s speaker system helped greatly with the choruses, with speakers placed above the concert attendees’ heads so that it sounded as if the singing was originating throughout the room.

Drummer Westin Glass riled up the crowd by standing up when not having to play drums to provoke them to start clapping and cheer on the performance.

Concertgoers supported the acts of The Thermals and Past Lives by clapping along to their playing during breaks, pumping up

others. Harris would move over to Glass, as well as Past Lives singer Jordan Blilie to the band’s drummer during their set to get into their songs’ beats.

Blilie is a very performance heavy singer, screaming into the microphone seeming to give everything he has into his vocals. His body motions could be described as being very pent up and stiff, keeping everything just barely contained while looking like he could explode at any moment.

Former member of the post-hardcore band Blood Brothers, Morgan Henderson played his baritone guitar as if it was a bass, hitting notes all over the fret board, leaving the traditional electric guitar playing to guitarist Devin Welch.

The all-female band the Coathangers have a sound from the late ‘70s, falling into the genre of post-punk. The band’s lead singer has an almost screeching tonal quality that’s very punk-like, which helps the songs in a way because it catches the attention of those who listen to their songs.

The Thermals continued their tour with Past Lives and The Coathangers through April 20.

TOP: Kathy Foster (bassist) of The Thermals.

BOTTOM: Supporting act The Coathangers are an experimental punk rock band from Atlanta, Georgia.

photos coUrtesy of ctindie

10

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / SPORTS SPORTS BEGINS ON BACK PAGE

Bigger Tournament Expansion Helps NEC Flourish Christopher Boulay The Recorder

The NCAA announced this week that they will be expanding the men's basketball tournament field of 65 by three; to 68. This adds play-in games for every part of the bracket, instead of the one game that has been in place since 2001.

The idea of expansion in the tournament has been heated as of late, as the tournament purists have loved the current format, which has allowed near parity and had “Cinderella” teams like George Mason in 2006 and Butler just a few weeks ago. There is a strong belief that if more teams are allowed in, it will not only ruin the current format, but it will make the tournament longer and less interesting.

The other side really enjoys the possibility to expand the tournament to 96 or more, mainly on the belief that ‘if it is this good now, it will be even better with more.’ No matter which side you are on, this will have a large impact on CCSU men’s basketball.

The Blue Devils, as members of the NEC, belong to one of the smallest conferences in Division I. Though competitive, the conference does not get much love from the selection committee, and the automatic bid is usually hanging around the lower end of the tournament; from 14-seed to 16-seed.

Keeping the tournament at it’s present 65 keeps the NEC stuck in the same position as every season – getting put up against a national powerhouse and hope that a near miracle

occurs. Expanding it to 96 teams allows the NEC to possibly avoid a national powerhouse, and play a middle-of-the-road larger conference team. This may be considered to be blasphemy to the tournament purist, but it would be brilliant for a school that would otherwise have to play a team with 30 wins.

The NCAA compromised by making the field 68 teams, but this could be the worst-case scenario for the NEC. With this format, a few more schools from the major conferences will make it in, pushing the low seeds even further down. This would mean that a conference like the NEC would be destined to face a 15-seed, 16-seed, or get put in one of the dreaded playin games; unless of course, one of the NEC schools ended up having the season of their lives to avoid this scenario.

Even though the tournament is great already, the NCAA has shown its’ hand. It wants to expand. Whether for the better or the worse for the viewers, it is an inevitability that this will end up occurring. This tournament is an absolute cash cow for the NCAA, and the chance to increase that is one that they will not pass up.

CCSU, the other NEC schools and their fans need to push for an expansion to the tournament. A field of 68 is not enough and won’t do anything to aid the conference. With the tournament destined to get bigger, it’s time we all jump on board and give CCSU the opportunity it needs to help the other schools in the conference put the NEC on the map.

Softball Drops Both Ends of Doubleheader with Monmouth CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

Central Connecticut falls to 16-26 on the season and 6-8 in the Northeast Conference after dropping both ends of the doubleheader to Monmouth. Monmouth advances to 22-14 and 11-4 in the NEC with the two victories.

Central Connecticut was led at the plate by freshman Kelsey Barlow who went 3-5 with a home run for the Blue Devils.

Monmouth opened the scoring in game one in the top of the first inning when Emily DeLong drew a one out walk and then stole second base on the next play. DeLong then advanced to third on a wild pitch and was awarded home plate when the ball rolled into the dugout on the play.

Monmouth added to their lead in the top of the fourth inning scoring four runs capped by a three RBI home run by senior Christine Scherr making the Hawks lead 6-0 at the end of the fourth inning.

Monmouth added a run in the top of the fifth inning on a home run by senior Jessica Nicola to make the Monmouth lead 7-0.

Central Connecticut would answer for two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on a

two RBI home run down the left field line by Barlow to make the Monmouth lead 7-2.

Monmouth would score two more runs on a home run by junior Emily DeLong’s in the top of the sixth inning. Monmouth scored two more runs in the top of the seventh inning on a pair of RBI doubles to finish the game with 11 runs on 13 hits and no errors to defeat the Blue Devils in game one who finished the game with two runs on 10 hits and no errors.

In game two Monmouth got out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning scoring on an RBI single by sophomore Chelsea Poprocki. The Hawks would add two more runs in the top of the third inning on a one out two RBI double by senior Alexa Ferrara to make the Monmouth lead 3-0.

Monmouth continued the offence to finish the game with 11 runs on 10 hits and one error to defeat Central Connecticut who finished with no runs on two hits and two errors.

Central Connecticut softball’s doubleheader with the Blackbirds of Long Island origionally scheduled for Sunday, April 24 has been postponed to a time and date to be determined due to the impending rain.

Pair of Freshman Earn End of Season Lacrosse Awards CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

A pair of Central Connecticut freshmen received end of the season Northeast Conference honors on Thursday. Betsy Vendel and Mackenzy Ryan were both named to the NEC All-Rookie Team at the conference banquet held on the night before the league championship tournament. Vendel also became the first Blue Devil to earn the accolades of Rookie of the Year in the NEC in the program’s history.

Vendel and Ryan led Central Connecticut to a school record five wins in 2010. Vendel, an attacker, led the Blue Devils with 30 goals and 25 assists on the season. She also added a team best 34 draw controls to go along with

28 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers.

Vendel’s 25 assists were a single-season record at CCSU, while her 55 total points were good enough for the second best scoring out put in school history.

Playing midfield, and along with Vendel starting all 14 games this season, Ryan recorded the second most goals for Central in her first season in New Britain. She tallied 25 scores while adding 10 assists in 2010. Ryan also finished the year with 23 ground balls, 17 draw controls and 13 caused turnovers.

Central Connecticut ended the year with a 5-9 record. The freshman duo will return in 2011 to attempt to lead CCSU to its first NEC Tournament appearance since joining the league in 2000.

Photo Courtesy of steve mclaughlin

Vendel (left) and Ryan (right) scored the first and second most goals for CCSU.

Photo Courtesy of steve mclaughlin

Kelsey Barlow is greeted by teammates after a two-run home run.

Freshmen Hrezi and Radden Excel at Yale Springtime Invitational CCSUBLUEDEVILS.COM

Freshmen Mohamed Hrezi and Aaron Radden excelled on the track as Central Connecticut State University competed in a non-scored meet at Yale University on Sunday. Hrezi broke his own school record in the 800 meters, winning the event in a time of 1:52.12. Radden won both the 100 and 200 meter dashes, recording times of 10.86 and 21.59 seconds, respectively.

Hrezi topped his previous 800 record of 1:52.81 set at Holy Cross earlier in the year.

Radden, who earned Most Valuable Performer honors at the Northeast Conference Indoor Championships, won both the 100 and 200 for the second straight meet.

Radden was also a member of the Blue

Devils’ 4x100 meter relay team that placed third. He, along with freshman Keit BoydCarter, junior Harry Lewis and junior Josue Paul recorded a time of 42.33 seconds.

Sophomore Jeremy Schmid joined Hrezi in the 800 meters, placing fifth in a time of 1:55.34.

Sophomore Anthony Gonsalves ran the 3,000 meter steeplechase in 10:04.39 to place fifth in the event. CCSU received top field performances by sophomores Rashad Williams and Nick Trifone. Williams took fifth in the discus with a distance of 136’1”, while Trifone jumped 6’4.25” to place second in the high jump.

Central Connecticut will next compete in the NEC Outdoor Championships in Emmitsburg, MD on May 1 and 2.

Photo Courtesy of steve mclaughlin

Aaron Radden won both sprinting events for the second meet in a row.

11

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, April 28, 2010 / SPORTS

Quinnipiac Squeaks By Blue Devils Kenny Barto The Recorder

Sean Allaire hit .467 for the series.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

Soccer Moves to 3-1 With Shut Out Continued from Page 12 said. “I was surprised at how hard [AIC] kept playing. In the second half I thought they would calm down a bit, but they didn’t. They really took it to us in the second half. But, what is important to me is establishing the shutout again.”

Perkins, along with Anthony Occhialini and Ian Mangione shared in the spoils of the clean sheet.

“Perkins made some good saves, he did well. Credit to him, as he’s been out for a long

time. To come back in a tough game like this, he did what was needed,” Green said. “I am glad he was exposed and got the chances that he faced. It did a lot for his confidence.”

This is the Blue Devils’ second clean sheet of the spring season.

CCSU will face the Western Massachusetts Pioneers, a member of the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League Saturday at 7 p.m. at Arute Field. The last meeting between the two clubs was last spring, where CCSU held off the Pioneers 3-2 at Arute. This match is rescheduled from April 16.

CCSU and Quinnipiac were able to play through a steady rain on Sunday, as the Bobcats were able to come away with a 3-2 victory over the Blue Devils.

With the New Britain Rock Cats being rained out across town, the new baseball facility showed its value.

“You have to play through days like today,” said Head Coach Charlie Hickey. “The field showed its worth, and what you have to do to play baseball in New England.”

Going into the bottom of the ninth, CCSU trailed Quinnipiac 3-2, but were able to get runners on base. After a quick ground out by Sean Miller-Jones, Sean Allaire was able to work a walk. Anthony Scialdone followed with a single through the right side.

Pat Epps was then robbed by the shortstop, and former high school teammate Mickey Amanti, on a diving play up the middle that forced Scialdone out at second.

With runners on first and third, and two out, the dangerous Tommy Meade stepped up to the plate. Meade worked the count to 3-2, but was unable to handle the fastball up and in, and struck out to end the game.

CCSU was only able to win one out of four in the series, and will drop to 17-15 overall, and 10-10 in the NEC. “We’re going to wake up tomorrow and look at the conference standings, and everyone is going to be on top of each other,” said Hickey. “It just proves that this conference schedule is going to be a grind.”

The only Blue Devils offense came from a Mitch Wells solo home run in the second inning, and an RBI single in the sixth by Kyle Zarotney that scored Meade, who led off the inning with a double.

Despite two hits in the game, Scialdone also made two key mistakes. He bobbled a routine ground ball at shortstop in the third inning with two outs and the bases loaded, which resulted in a run scoring. Then, after he singled in the seventh inning, Epps lined

a ball to the center fielder, which was caught.

Instead of holding halfway, Scialdone ran on contact and passed Tommy Meade who was retreating back to second base. “[Scialdone], Zarotney, and Richie Tri all had chances to perform today, and didn’t,” said coach Hickey. “You can’t have three of your starters that can’t go out there and perform in the clutch, and that’s not harsh, it’s reality.”

Starter Jack Greenhouse turned in a solid performance. He was able to go 6 1/3 innings, giving up nine hits and letting up two earned runs. He struck out four, and did not walk a batter.

“If he can throw strikes and throw his change up and breaking ball, he can keep a good team like Quinnipiac off-balance,” said Hickey. “Problem is, you have to play defense behind him, because he’s not going to strike a lot of guys out, and the ball is going to be in play.”

Allaire had another solid offensive weekend, getting a hit in every game, and batting .467 in the series. He now leads the team in batting average at .473, as well as RBIs, hits, doubles, triples, total bases, and slugging percentage.

“It’s really fun to watch,” said coach Hickey. “He’s playing on such a high level, and he’s performing day in and day out.”

Allaire has also proven to be a solid defensive player, and has been playing three positions for the Blue Devils.

“We really haven’t been fair to him,” said Hickey. “I think he started a game at shortstop, a game in center field, and one or two behind the plate. He’s just an all around great player.”

The Blue Devils will travel to Storrs to face the 19th ranked University of Connecticut Huskies on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Marist on Friday and then returning home on Saturday to play Marist again.

“We would’ve liked a win today to get more confidence to face [UConn],” said Hickey. “I don’t think [the team] is thinking about it, but hopefully come Wednesday they realize it, and give it all they’ve got.”

2009 Team Recognized at Blue & White Game

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

Gunnar Jesperson was 25-41 for 357 yards through the air.

Continued from Page 12

Midfielder Connor Smith.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

nervous you can tell he stumbled… but that’s to be expected. He’s got a very good arm,” said Coach McInerney. “We were throwing the ball into the wind some but you can see the one pass to P.J. [Borawski] that he’s got it and we just have to keep going. I think we’ve got a shot with him…I was pleased with him.”

The white team scored again in the second to put the team up by 14 at the half. The touchdown came off of a 39-yard completion from Jesperson to wide receiver Josue Paul.

Jesperson hit Paul twice for 58 yards.

The white team dominated the scrimmage, scoring twice more in the third and fourth periods to put them up by 28 with 11:15 to play in the fourth. Jesperson hit Benjamin again for the third touchdown of the game going 4-for-4, capping off a 59-yard drive. In the fourth Jesperson found Matthew Tyrell for a 42-yard completion and another seven points.

The blue squad managed to get on the board with 8:25 left in the fourth. The squad’s seven points came off of a six-play, 60-yard drive. The 16-yard touchdown run was made

by Anthony Julbes from Jake White.

Jesperson was named the game’s MVP going 25-for-41, 357-yards and four touchdowns (three throwing, one rushing).

Jesperson is a new member of the Blue Devil team, transferring to CCSU in January from Allan Hancock Junior College in California.

Fowler rushed 11 times for 60-yards, while Benjamin rushed 10 times for 51-yards.

“I think it’s going to be a great offense. We got something for every look that the defense gives us - we got an answer for it. We just got to start executing a little better and a lot of that starts with me,” Jesperson said.

The Blue Devils’ season opens at the University of New Hampshire on Sept. 4, but return to Arute field on Sept. 11 versus Bentley at 12 p.m.

THE RECORDER Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sports 4/28

Wide Receiver Josue Paul makes a touchdown catch during the second quarter.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

NEC Championship Team Honored at Spring Game Brittany Burke The Recorder

For a true football fan the season can never come too early, and that was the feeling as Blue Devil supporters began their preseason tailgating to celebrate Friday’s annual blue and white game.

While the scrimmage ended in the white team’s favor, 28-7, for once it wasn’t about who won, it was about seeing what the players were made of for the 2010 season.

The atmosphere around Arute field was more laid back and celebratory than a regular season game would have been. It is not every day you get to see the head coach interviewing

the officials and players in between plays.

The 2009 team was presented with their NEC Championship rings prior to the start of the game. The team went 7-1 last season to win the NEC Championship outright for the first time in the school’s NEC history (the team shared the title in 2004 and 2005), as the rings boast.

Standing midfield as Queen’s “We are the Champions” played, Coach McInerney called up the excited players and presented them with their rings, along with the coaching staff and other members of the extended staff who made the win possible.

“Until you get the ring you don’t really realize how special the season was. Looking

back at last year I think it was our year because we went through a lot,” said senior Alondre Rush. “We had four or five extremely close games, we came back from 19 points down in the fourth quarter to beat Monmouth and chances are nine out of 10 that’s not going to happen.”

“I think that the thing I liked about last year was we were a team. We didn’t have the greatest athletes at every position but we really came together as a team and were able to get through the tough ones that came down to the last play, us as a team were able to accomplish that,” Rush said.

At half time, the 2010 captains were announced, an honor bestowed upon five

players voted on by their teammates. Three of the captains come from the defensive side of the ball: Jeff Marino, Dominique Rose and Rush. From the offensive side of the ball, Mike Allison and Brian Fowler were named.

The white team was the first to get points on the board with a 7-yard rushing touchdown from transfer quarterback, Gunnar Jesperson.

The touchdown capped off a 74-yard, 10 play drive of three minutes and 22 seconds.

Everett Benjamin, a senior running back who transferred from Hofstra rushed twice for 26 yards.

“He’s had better scrimmages. He was a bit See 2009 Team Recognized Page 11

Blue Devils Swat Yellow Jackets Christopher Boulay The Recorder

A flurry of early goals sent CCSU men’s soccer team to their third win of the spring season, defeating American International College 3-0.

A brace by striker Joel Diamand opened the score sheet for the Blue Devils (3-1-0), who got back to their winning ways Saturday, after a 3-1 loss to Yale last weekend.

In addition to Diamand’s two goals, striker Raphael Guimaraes scored to make it 3-0, a scoreline that was comfortably protected for the remainder of the match.

“We were up 3-0 up here. We should have gone and killed the game off,” Captain Robert Cavener said. “There was a lot of changes being made, and it is experimental in the spring, so maybe we haven’t got that bond yet.

Good result, we just need to perform better in the second half.”

In the second half, Eduardo Ortiz had a brilliant opportunity to add to the lead on

Inside This Issue:

a breakaway, but the Yellow Jackets’ keeper made a sliding save to prevent more damage from being done.

Despite the lead, Cavener was not thrilled with the second half display by his team, and made it clear that the squad needs to improve before their season finale.

“We’ve come up against teams like this, and we go up a couple of goals, and we kind of drop to their level. No disrespect to them, but they are not anywhere near our level,” Cavener said. “They were the better team in the second half. That was the same that happened at Yale.

Whether its endurance or fitness levels, we have to get on that. The Pioneers is a harder game.”

Yellow Jackets’ forward, Thomas Denomme had the best chance of the night for his team, but the shot from the right corner of the 18-yard box was saved by Blue Devils goalkeeper James Perkins.

“A 3-0 lead is a complacent lead,” Green See Soccer Page 11

Forward Eduardo Ortiz.

Kenny Barto | The Recorder

Baseball Drops Final Game of Series to Quinnipiac

Softball Swept in Doubleheader Against Monmouth

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