April 29 - May 5, 2009

The Write Way P. 3

Fast and Furious

John & Jay

My Aching Head!

P. 6

Predictions for MLB Awards!

Movie Review

P. 12

P. 5

The Tower Kean University’s student newspaper

www.kean.edu/~thetower

Volume 9 • Issue 12 Apr. 29-May. 5, 2009

Battle Over Budget Cuts

By Joseph Tingle

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Election Results Delayed

By Jillian Johnson

Student Organization election results are in, but will not be released until complaints filed against each other by the teams on the ballots are reviewed by the university elections committee.

According to Scott Herman, the current President of Student Organization, election results will be released either this week or next week.

“We do apologize for the inconvenience,” said Herman.

Teams that ran in the election, “Team Change,” “Team X-Pect Change,” and “AllStar,” ran for the 2009-10 executive board, which is the student governing body for the college. Candidates included the position of Student Org President and a slate of candidates for the president’s cabinet,

which includes the positions of Vice President of Funded Groups, Vice President of Committees, Vice President of Student Affairs, Assistant Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and Director of Public Relations. The presidents for the 2010 senior class, the 2011 junior class and 2012 sophomore class also ran.

Complaints filed by the slates running against one another included charges of violating campus election policies, such as soliciting and campaigning before the elections. Herman said the complaints are under investigation by the committee and that they could be false or they could be substantial.

Teams filing complaints consulted with Mike Tripodi, the university ethics liaison officer, who provides the teams with ideas (Continued on page 2) and approaches

Kean President Dawood Farahi met with a group of Kean students recently to address ongoing concerns about the university’s budget problems and an expected 3 to 5 percent increase in next year’s tuition and fees.

According to Dr. Farahi, the university is “in the hole for about $10 million” due to $4 million in rising expenses, $4 million in salary increases and nearly $2 million in funding cuts from the state which will not be reinstated next year. To make up the difference simply by raising tuition could mean an increase of anywhere from 10 to 20 percent for students, which he said will not happen.

“Every $200 or $300 you add to tuition would exclude that many more people,” Dr. Farahi said.

Instead, the Farahi administration is proposing a plan that demands the administration, faculty, and students make sacrifices. In order to keep tuition costs to a minimum, he said both the administration and the faculty union, and the Kean Federation of Teachers, need to negotiate salaries and refuse raises.

“If they don’t take a raise, I won’t take a raise,” Dr. Farahi said.

However, the KFT is skeptical that the new budget situation is actually a crisis.

According to a flier that the KFT distributed to members last week and posted on the office doors of some faculty, the budget shortfall is more like a “$6 million deficit out of a $155 million budget that represents a maximum potential shortfall of 4 percent."

“The information the administration provided us is in dispute with the informa-

tion they have provided [the students],” said Dr. Castiglione. “This year’s deficit is far smaller than the one projected for last year. If we were able to get through last year, then we should be able to do the same this year. A 4 percent budget deficit is not of crisis proportions.”

As a solution to the budget issues, the KFT offers its own recommendations, which include suspending construction projects, instituting a hiring freeze, reducing the number of administrators, and, among other things, use what they call “fiscal transparency and accountability”.

thanks to the new federal stimulus plan, more financial aid will probably be available for students.

However, Dr. Castiglione said at the moment the KFT is more concerned with a proposed academic reorganization that it learned of during a meeting with the administration in early April. The administration’s plan, according to Dr. Castiglione, would involve up to 39 academic departments being reorganized into as few as 20 academic units, which would be overseen by a new level of administrators.

According to Dr. Castiglione, the administration has already announced its intent to eliminate the department of Social Work, which has 333 graduate and undergraduate majors. There is also the possibility that several other departments—including Philosophy and Foreign Languages— will meet similar fates. In reaction, KFT called (Continued on page 4)

STUDENTS BECOME THE CHANGE (see pg. 3)

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: What has changed most during your years at Kean?

By kelly pennisi

Eiser Almase Senior, English

Wilson Rios Senior, Marketing

Jossie Suero Senior, Math with Teacher Certification

Kevin Gilbert Senior, Theatre

"Kean has a lot more physical additions such as the East campus and the renovations. They even renovated the lunch room."

"The new schedule is different and it does not have a lot of flexibility for students to take classes at different times."

"The addition of the freshman and upperclassman dorms. More people will be able to live on campus."

"It seems that there is a larger and more varied student body. You walk around campus and there are tons of people."

Forecast is Favorable for Kean Weatherman 2

Words From a Holocaust Survivor

4

The Tower Wins!

Homeless Shelter Gets Makeover

3

Rachel's Rave!

5

Women's & Men's Sports

Kean Student Publishes Own Novel

3

Editorial & Anger Management

8

MLB Awards: John & Jay's Picks

9 10/11 12

2

April 29, 2009 | The Tower

Kean Student Says Eagle Scouts Provided Skills for Life

By Casey Murphy

The term “Eagle Scout” typically produces images of Pinewood Derby races and little old ladies being helped across the street. However, becoming an Eagle Scout is harder than it seems and can actually be downright macho.

Frank Schiano, a marketing major at Kean University, joined Troop 37 in 2001 when he was 11 years old. He was inducted into the Eagle Scouts four years later in 2005 at the age of 15, two years earlier than it usually takes to become an Eagle Scout. While an Eagle Scout, he was able to take a trip to Mexico with his troop, where they hiked 102 miles in one week, carrying all the supplies on their back.

“We hiked up one of the biggest mountains there, and made camp in little towns,” Schiano said. “All our food we just had to add water. But it was a nice experience, es-

Scout is through a service project. Schiano said he did a lot of community service acts, like visiting the homeless and the elderly. His service project was cleaning up a park.

Since Schiano was inducted into the Eagle Scouts early, he was eligible to receive

The Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts, it’s not easy to achieve.

Kean's Frank Schiano, former Eagle Scout.

pecially when wild horses ran through the camp site.”

The Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. Not only are the Eagle Scouts required to do community service and other requirements to receive merit badges, but one main way to become an Eagle

Palms, which are badges that an Eagle Scout can receive after their required service duties are done.

“They have bronze, gold, and the highest one is silver, which is like more activities beyond what an Eagle Scout had to get at that point,” Schiano said.

Receiving a merit badge isn’t as easy

as it looks either. Some merit badges can have at least 10 requirements, there are large books that have to be read about what has to be done, then a so-called merit counselor has to approve that the Scout knows what he’s talking about, according to Schiano. Luckily for Schiano, he no longer has to worry about all these requirements.

Once you turn 18, you no longer have to attend Boy Scout meetings and you no longer receive merit badges but you’re considered an Eagle Scout for life, according to Schiano. Still, from the Eagle Scouts, Schiano has learned leadership skills, life safety, how to camp, survival skills, and tent building, some of which he uses everyday to help make life decisions.

“I’m like MacGyver, you know I could take this book and escape from that window, without even breaking the window,” Schiano said.

Weather Signs on KUTV

By Jay Hicks

Last fall, walking through the University Campus lobby heading toward the cafeteria, something caught my attention.

On a big screen TV above the doorway leading into the cafeteria hallway appeared a guest weatherman on Kean University TV (KUTV).

Immaculately dressed in a suit, his black hair combed back, he appeared like any weather person—except that this student was giving the forecast in sign language.

Sal Orobello, a graduating senior majoring in meteorology at Kean, is deaf and he did the interview for this article in sign language. Yes, like Orobello, I too am deaf and signing was a perfect format for us because we can communicate without the need of an interpreter.

Orobello lost his hearing around the time of his birth due to high fever. (For the record, I lost my hearing prior to birth due to rubella, a scientific name for German measles, when my mother contracted it during the third month of her pregnancy.)

“I learned sign language around three or four years old,” said Orobello. “But I learned to speak first.”

When Orobello was young, he immersed himself in geography. He could memorize all 50 state capitals, which is very impressive for someone so young.

From there, he developed a keen interest in how weather forms in certain regions across the country. This led to his current studies at Kean.

Orobello chose Kean University be-

ELECTION DELAYED

cause of location, and because he prefers the smaller class sizes offered at Kean even though he feels Rutgers—the other school he considered—had the better reputation.

Orobello was initially nervous doing weather forecasts on KUTV. Weather forecasting is more detailed than it appears.

The weather person first consults with the Almanac for both norm and record high and low temperatures for the particular day. He then headlines the weather, which includes explaining what to expect for that particular day, during the weekend and the following week. He also examines surface weather—cold and warm fronts, high and low pressures and where they are moving. Finally, he previews the sevenday forecast.

He recently completed a second stint two weeks ago on Kean TV last week. Both times, he employed sign language with a voice interpreter.

“The AMS (American Meteorology Society) president and my professor both encouraged me to try weather forecasting on Kean TV,” he said. “They felt that it would be something new and different.

I was nervous doing it at first, but as I performed again the second time, I grew more confident.”

As for his future, he plans to become a producer for a weather TV show. He likes to do research and graphing out the weather patterns. He does not see himself reporting weather on air.

“But I don’t mind doing the weather forecast on TV if they ask me to,” he said.

Now that will be really cool.

(Continued from page 1)

to handle situations. The elections committee, which consists of students who are not eligible to vote such as graduate students, decides how to handle the complaints.

According to Herman, the elections committee could decide to disqualify candidates based on the complaints. If a candidate is disqualified, he or she will receive a letter and is given 24 hours to appeal the decision. An appeals committee reviews the disqualifications and gives the final say on whether or not a candidate is disqualified.

It all began on April 6, the day before

voting was to begin, when the candidates filed complaints against each other. Voting on April 7 was set to begin at 9 a.m. and end on April 8 at 6 p.m., but was changed to start at 1 p.m. to ensure that students did not vote for disqualified candidates.

Then at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Student Org experienced technical difficulties with Election USA, the company used for the voting system at Kean. According to Herman, the system had to be rebooted.

Voting then began at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and ended at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The elections committee met on Friday, April 17 to discuss the complaints.

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The Tower | April 29, 2009

3

Students Become The Change for Local Shelter

By Robert M. Pereira

Over a recent three-day period, more than 70 Kean University students volunteered to paint, clean and redecorate the Isaiah House, a homeless shelter for teenage girls in East Orange.

The vast majority of the participating students are part of a loose volunteer organization at Kean called “Be the Change.”

Other volunteers included students from Ramapo University, Rowan University, Montclair University and even students from North Carolina.

“It was great bringing life back into a house for the girls so they have a nice place to stay,” said Jessica Lorber, a Psychology major at Kean.

“Be the Change” takes its name from Mohandas Ghandi’s quote, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

The organization was established after several students from Professor Norma Bowe’s “Death in Perspective” class visited a local jail two years ago.

“An inmate at the jail challenged my students to be the change in the world,” said Dr. Bowe. “This is what started it all. Since then my students have redecorated a hospice in desperate need of repairs in Elizabeth, worked seven straight days with homeless women at a church in Edison, and have brought high risk students from Newark to campus tours and homecoming.”

The Isaiah House was acquired by a local non-profit in the 1980s, but the building

Kean students gather in front of house.

has steadily deteriorated due to a lack of funds. The home currently houses nine girls between the ages of 15 and 17 who have no place to live. The teens reside at the house for a few years until they can find a job or enroll in college.

The girls are living at the house due to a variety of difficult circumstances. Two of the girls are pregnant. Another is there because both her parents died from HIV. A pair of sisters moved in because they had parents who were substance abusers whereas another girl moved in because her parents neglected to take care of her.

The Isaiah House in East Orange looked more like an institution with bars in every window and everything was painted in gloomy shades of gray, much like the lives of these nine girls.

“It was a huge challenge, every part of the house was painted gray, bags of garbage everywhere and just endless junk,” said Dr. Bowe. “Thankfully, we received numerous donations. Home Depot donated 45 gallons of paint, Sears donated 75 gallons, and we had about ten truckloads of donated goods such as couches, shelves, desks and cupboards.

The Greek Life at Kean gave us all their old furniture so that we can make a conference room for the girls as well as a dining room table so they can all eat together since the previous table wasn’t big enough.”

The students participated in a painting activity with the girls before they began redecorating so that they can see beforehand some of the designs the girls would like to see on their bedroom walls. Each of the bedroom doors had post-it notes with the desired colors and designs picked by each of the girls. One of the girls picked the colors lime and pink; she was extremely excited to see the outcome of her new bedroom.

Dr. Bowe and her students have revisited the house since the three-day makeover of the home.

“They used the china we gave them for Easter dinner and are taking great care of the space,” said Dr. Bowe.

Students will be visiting the home twice a month to participate in activities with the girls. All students are extremely proud of their hard work and have created an unforgettable bond. It was exhausting but so much fun, a great bonding experience.”

The nine girls also will come to Kean University for its Charity Ball to be held on April 29.

“It felt really great to make a house into a home,” said Elissa Hyer, athletic training major at Kean.

Kean Student Publishes Own Novel, Says So Can You

By Dawn M. Phillips

For someone who never brings a pen to class, Quashon Davis, a returning student and senior at Kean majoring in Communication, is ready for the writing world, thanks to the help of the Communication Department.

In 2007, Davis self published his first book entitled Masquerade, a story about a sophisticated, family love triangle between two brothers. The book’s cost initially was $15.00, and is currently selling for $10.00.

To date, his book has sold over 1,200 copies. Davis attends book fairs, promotes his book on his radio show, and attends various local events in order to market his book.

Now, Davis is in the process of teaming up with Dr. Jack Sargent, professor in the Communication Department at Kean to give a seminar on how to self-publish a book. The proposed seminar is expected to be held this fall, and Davis wants to draw in all aspiring writers.

“I think the seminar would be good for students to understand the opportunities of self publishing,” said Dr. Sargent.

Davis’s second book is expected to be published this summer and will be a spinoff of Masquerade, featuring a main character from the book.

“I have a vivid imagination and I intertwine ideas to entice my audience,” said Davis.

At the age of 14, Davis wrote a 250 page book. Although his book has not been

published, it was his first of many books to come. Davis recalls in 3rd grade when his teacher asked the class to write an essay on where they would like to go on vacation. While other students wrote a paragraph or two, Davis wrote ten pages. He knew from then what his destiny was.

“You can learn to be a good writer, but a great writer is in you,” said Davis.

Davis credits his influences in writing to his life experiences, as well as to his mother, who struggled to take care of them while attending law school all at once. His mother, Rashidah Hassan, is now a wellknown attorney in New Jersey.

With a hectic schedule consisting of school, an overnight job, and a weekly online radio show, Davis manages to write two to three times a week. His weekly radio show, “The Qman Show,” has on average 300 listeners every week. Davis discusses different topics such as family, relationships, love, and racism to name a few.

The show is filled with humorous antics, and live call-in questions, comments, and chat. Davis encourages his listeners to e-mail topics they wish to discuss as a way for his audience to interact. Every Wednesday gift cards from various stores are given away. Next month, the show will feature singer and songwriter Wyclef John, and actress Mia Amber from the movie “Road Trip.”

Davis encountered many obstacles while trying to establish his radio show and publish his book.

“I was going through an ugly divorce, I had no money, and self-publishing was

Quashon Davis Senior Communication major.

very difficult,” said Davis.

In November, Davis was invited to Rutgers University to host “Battle of the Sexes,” which is a competition between male and female poets.

Davis was determined to get his book published and decided to finish what he started. He mentioned that negative feedback was fluent throughout the process, but you have to keep going. He recalls his first book review, and still remembers the man who gave his book the worst feedback ever, but he took it in stride and continued his endeavor.

Davis is also currently working on

screenwriting and received approval from Essex County College’s theatre to produce short films. Raymond Muhammad, an overseas film director who has won awards for his films overseas, is currently bidding on the movie rights to Davis’ book, Masquerade.

Muhammad gave Davis the lead role in a short film he’s working on, and will be flying Davis out to California this summer.

He hopes to have this up and running by the end of this year.

“Initially, I didn’t think I would even get this far,” admits Davis.

Davis hopes to write for a television network. Last month he submitted a script for Law and Order SUV and is waiting for a reply.

Davis urges all aspiring writers to exercise patience, as the writing industry can be intense. Network, network, network was also what he stressed. Networking helped him land his radio show. While selling his book at a Harlem NY book fair, he ran into a woman who had her own radio show and she invited him to be a guest on her show to promote his book. After the show, Davis realized he too could host his own radio show and a short while later he did. Davis proves to be an example to all majors in that, if you put forth effort, determination, and creativity, success is not farfetched.

Davis radio show can be heard every Wednesday from 9 p.m.-10 p.m. at www. blogtalkradio.com/theqmanshow.

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April 29, 2009 | The Tower

Kean Goes to Holocaust Museum and Hears From a Survivor

By Lisa Martinez

At one point, I was wondering: If I had been a victim, would I have preferred to not have survived the Holocaust for fear of the terrible memories and nightmares I’d probably endure for the rest of my life?

These were the thoughts that I had on my recent trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., which I took as part of a course here called “Holocaust and Genocide” (ID 1800). I had been very excited about the trip, which consisted of an entire day in D.C. and was sponsored

by Kean University. I had heard about the powerful effect that the museum had on its visitors, and I was curious about how it would affect me as well as my classmates.

All sections of this course met at Wilkins Theatre at 7 a.m., and after a long, threehour bus ride, we arrived at the museum.

The building from the outside had a strong powerful presence. What the building represented - the oppression of the Jews, the pain and the memories - are what seemed so profound just from standing outside.

As we entered the building, our bags were checked and we passed through a

tattered; they had vertical stripes like the jail uniforms you would see in old movies. There were also blazers, coats, dresses even children’s clothing with the Star of David stitched on the arm.

There was a large pit full of shoes that were the actual shoes recovered from the concentration camps.

As I observed all of these things, the eye

The experience of the Holocaust Museum was like no other.

Holocaust Survivor Nesse Godin

detector. We were then led to a lobby and asked to pick up a small mock passport which contained a photograph and information of an individual in the Holocaust.

The passport explained where the individual was from, the year they were captured and whether or not they survived.

As I walked through the museum, I saw exhibits that displayed clothing that were worn by prisoners in the concentration camps. The clothes were very thin and

Kean Gets "Kuts for Kause"

By Carlos M. Reynosa

The rain could have poured throughout the entire day; still nothing would have stopped a Kean University student from getting a free hair cut.

On Monday April 6, the Portuguese Club presented “Kuts for Kause;” an event hosted on the second floor in the University Center where they offered free haircuts to students as part of a donation for “Locks of Love.” The event was held in order to promote awareness of diseases such as cancer.

“Locks of Love” is a nonprofit organization that receives donations of human hair to create wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical treatments.

The children are allowed to choose the hair style they would like to wear and with the hair that was donated, “Locks of Love” creates the wigs in the style they choose.

“We were going over ideas for our yearly fund raiser,” said Stephanie Vechinna, head of public relations for the club who along with Mindy Banderia, the club president, hosted the event. Banderia also donates regularly. “We knew about Locks of Love and I brought up the idea in our meeting and they were all interested and

BUDGET CUTS

decided to do it.”

Once it was approved by the Student Organization, the Portuguese Club contacted the “Locks of Love” home based in Florida and made the arrangements, Bandeira said.

Banderia said the people cutting the hair were licensed hair stylists who volunteer their services from different salons to support the Locks of Love. For visual effect, the club provided a slide show demonstrating how a student’s hair can be benefit children who do not have any. The hair stylist inspects the hair to ensure it is acceptable, and it is transported to Florida the next day.

Although any Kean University student was able to get a free hair cut, the “Locks of Love” does have requirements for donating hair. The hair must be 10-incheslong and if it is curly, it can be straightened to meet the requirement. Permed or colored hair is acceptable, but it cannot be bleached or chemically damaged. The hair must be clean; Locks also does not accept ponytails, dreadlocks or braids.

Despite the rain, “Kuts for Kause” was a success.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” said Vechinna.

glasses, the dishes, the luggage, the train cars that were jam-packed with people being shipped off to the camps, the wooden bunks they were forced to sleep in, and the photos of the malnourished and overworked prisoners, a chill crept up my spine.

Regardless of how powerful the images in the museum were, I could not help but notice that I was not as emotionally affected as other visitors were. Although I was affected by what I saw, I did not cry nor

did I have a shocked look on my face. This concerned me. I then realized that prior to the visit to the museum, I saw video after video about all of the horrors that took place during the Holocaust. It was as if the gruesome images in the videos had desensitized me to what I saw at the museum.

At the end of the tour, we were taken to an auditorium and were greeted by a speaker named Nesse Godin, a Holocaust survivor. Nesse Godin was born on March 28th, 1928 in Siauliai, Lithuania.

Mrs. Godin’s words were what brought forth my emotions. She spoke about how she and her family were forced to the ghettos. Then how, at the age of 14, she was taken to the concentration camp and forced into labor for two years. She starved from it. She thought she would not survive what she was enduring. After the Holocaust, she reunited with her mother, the only other survivor in her family.

Godin’s words were so powerful, sincere, heart breaking and heartfelt that she received a standing ovation. The experience of the Holocaust Museum was like no other. The privilege of listening to Godin is one I will forever cherish.

Earth Day was Earth Week at Kean

By Jessie Rivera

The Kean University Institute of Urban Ecosystem Studies and President’s Sustainability Task Force decided to take action and become involved in spreading the word about our environment in 2008 by organizing an expansion of Earth Day and

having an Earth Week. This is so students could learn more about the environment and feel inspired to save it.

The environmental club FOCUS, Student Organization, the Office of Residential Life and Student Life and Leadership partnered up to help with the event. This year, Earth Week was held April 20-25.

“We are organizing it to foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship on campus,” said Ecology Professor Daniela Shebitz.

Students enjoyed a week’s worth of activities such as games and a Climate Project seminar on Monday, April 20; the Elizabeth River Clean-up, a vendor fair in the UC and three seminars on Tuesday, April 21; contests and competitions for prizes on Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22; the Science Celebration Day and scavenger hunt, as well as a seminar on Thursday, April 23; the Tree Restoration Project at Liberty State Park and the Watershed boat ride with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday, April 24; and, finally, Spruce-Up Day on April 25.

Trenton, he said.

The meeting with the students, which took place two weeks ago in the University Center’s Little Theater, was attended by invited administrators and invited members of the student body, such as representatives of the Student Organization, members of funded and non-funded groups, resident assistants, and student workers.

The meeting was not publicized as an open public meeting to the general campus community. Dr. Farahi did not mention an academic reorganization, however, he noted that students should stay out of disputes between the administration and the teaching staff.

Students, Dr. Farahi said, can do their part in handling the budget situation by

utilizing the weekend campus more often.

By taking classes on weekends, students save the university money because the facilities, such as the heat, electric and police must be paid for regardless if anyone is using the buildings or not, he said.

Dr. Farahi also promised $100 in socalled “flex” dollars to all students who sign up to take classes on Friday nights and Saturdays. The flex dollars are monies that will be put on Student’s I.D.s and be available for use at all of the campus stores.

The flex dollars will be put on the cards of students who take Friday night and Saturday classes after the add/drop period in the fall semester, Dr. Farahi said.

Also, he reminded students that, thanks to the new federal stimulus plan, more (Continued on page 10) financial aid will

Earth Day, which is celebrated on April 22 every year, has become a national phenomenon. Whether it’s going green or turning off all the lights for one hour, it’s an event that has been spreading and evolving.

(Continued from page 1)

an emergency meeting on Monday where they announced that Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, will be visiting Kean for a press conference due to the "national implications" of the budget situation. A campus rally is also in the works.

Dr. Castiglione said the KFT is not completely opposed to a reorganization, but wants the administration’s methods to be more inclusive.

“A true reorganization would involve bringing in departments that would be affected—the Faculty Senate, all of the campus unions, and the students,” Dr. Castiglione said. “There would be a detailed, open, transparent process.”

University spokesman Stephen Hudik said NJ Governor Jon Corzine’s pro-

posed budget for Fiscal 2010 calls for a five percent cut in state aid to most public colleges and that "state funding for colleges and universities has declined significantly over the last several years even though New Jersey institutions are serving more students."

As for the reorganization, he said Kean "is developing an overall restructuring plan across all departments, while maintaining the University’s mission of affordability and accessibility to its students."

"Our aim is to identify potential areas that can be made more efficient while still meeting the needs and demands of our student population," he said in a prepared statement.

The final university budget depends on what the final appropriations are from

The Tower | April 29, 2009

5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Rachel's Rave: Helping Kids is a Hot Topic

By Rachel Rothspan

Just beyond the Kean Campus, there are myriads of causes that are being addressed and aided. Many are familiar with some such as Product Red, the Gap foundation which was eventually picked up by Bono of U2, or World Vision, which helps to sponsor children in other countries who don’t have the money to live. But, sometimes, it seems like there is nothing that we as students can do to help out in our world.

In 2004, Hot Topic, a popular clothing store that can be found in many malls, decided that they wanted to support their own cause. They started the Hot Topic Foundation, an organization that helps to keep the arts involved in the lives of

kids who would otherwise miss out. The Hot Topic Foundation sells a small collection of products sporting tag lines like “Music=Life,” and “Rock the Arts”, which people can purchase in the store or online.

These items range from guitar illustrations to reusable bags to CDs and DVDs, and are affordable even on the college budget.

Since the beginning of the foundation, Hot Topic has supported over sixty charities. Some examples include Rock Against Cancer, which uses music as therapy for kids with cancer, and Inner City Arts, an effort to keep art and music programs in inner city schools. Their foundation has raised over $2.5 million dollars to these charities.

Hot Topic as a store sells many items that appeal to the punk rock generation.

Hot Topic logo.

They provide a colorful assortment of accessories and apparel as well as objects portraying popular media, both new and nostalgic. Many people go in with the intention of finding specific memories; popular sellers include every theme from Ninja Turtles to The Nightmare Before Christmas to The Princess Bride. The shoppers range from preteens to young adults,

but the Foundation makes itself available to everyone. In addition, the store sells items that support other foundations, such as To Write Love on Her Arms, a group that donates money to getting help for suicidal kids.

“We believe the arts enhance the quality of everyone’s life,” says the Foundation Web site. “Through our appreciation of music and company culture, we hope to promote the arts through experiences and education that enrich the lives of young people.”

Supporting the arts that make life interesting is a cause that many college students can identify with and give their backing. With its cool items and inexpensive pricing, Hot Topic gives us the chance to jump in and make a difference.

Movie Review: "Fast and Furious" Revs up the Screen

GO

By Kelly Pennisi

CLASS of 2009 Fast and Furious movie poster.

They’re back. They’re fast, and they’re oh-so-furious! Get in your seats and hop on the ride again for another adventure of hot cars and hot action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Directed by Justin Lin, Fast and Furious brings back our favorite boys, Paul Walker and Vin Diesel.

Walker, who also starred in Joy Ride and Eight Below, returns as Brian O’Connor who is now working for the FBI in Los Angeles.

Diesel, who has starred in The Pacifier, and The Chronicles of Riddick, comes back as Dominic Toretto, an international criminal who is now wanted by everybody.

Dom leaves his girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) thinking that she will be safer without him, then discovers later she has been murdered. This leaves Dom now angered and wanting revenge.

Ironically, at the same time Brian is after the same guy who murdered Letty, Arturo Braga, but for other reasons.

John Campos stars as Arturo Braga a drug lord who forces Dom and Brian to join up together in order to catch him.

Campos has starred in many films such as American Gangster, Take the Lead, Amistad, and many others.

If you love hot cars and lots of action, this movie is the perfect mix. Just remember, it’s not what you’re racing, but how you race.

Critique: Is it Laptop or Notebook?

Rachel Rothspan

Since the days of rock slate and stone chisel, people have been taking notes on the important experiences and information that they come across in life. As students, we are more than familiar with the concept of note-taking. Since elementary school, we have continuously developed our own systems of shorthand and abbreviations in order to use the least amount of time possible to take the most accurate information down. Tell us we are going to be tested and watch how fast we start to scribble.

But technology has changed since the days when we were kids. Note-taking is no longer limited to a writing implement and a piece of paper. Instead, today we have the freedom to travel with computers.

Thanks to the laptop, notes can be taken on a keyboard and saved to a hard drive.

It’s not unusual to walk into a class room and see a mixed group of notebooks, binders and computers.

There are pros and cons to both the notebook that you write on and the notebook that you type into. To begin with, let’s give the paper analysis. Paper notebooks are lightweight, even the multisubject notebooks don’t weigh anywhere close to a computer. They often come with folders where you can store your extra

papers when teachers distribute papers.

It’s easier to take down a diagram with a note book, and since the pages are bound together, it’s often easier to keep notes organized in a linear order. Of course, the biggest reason is cost efficiency. An expensive paper notebook cost $20, but the average notebook costs between 50 cents and three dollars.

Of course, there are always downsides.

While the notebook may be easier to organize when taking notes, it’s much harder to find the notes if you didn’t organize properly. A notebook requires a secondary object to write with; for example, you must always have a pen or pencil. The notebook’s light weight makes it easier to forget as well. And the space is much more limited. In addition, a full day of classes requires a full set of notebooks as opposed to just one laptop.

There are several perks to a laptop. Most of us were taught to type at a better speed than we were taught to write, and we can take down a lot more information in shorter time on a laptop. A laptop has a delete key, which makes notes a lot neater when they are taken. Bringing a laptop around allows a student to do work almost anywhere. Since most teachers today require that papers and assignments be typed up, and even though you can draft in a notebook, you will have to go back to

redo the final draft. While size can be an issue, many companies are creating smaller, lighter computers. Netbooks, which are miniature laptops mainly used for extremely portable work and the Internet, give off very low densities. The computer also allows students to follow along when teachers use aids on the overhead screen, which is hooked up in every classroom to—what else—a computer.

But there are some big concerns to the computer. For one thing, there is battery life to consider. A mobile computer has to run off some sort of power; batteries only last so long and a power outlet is not always accessible. Computers are also fragile—backpacks that get banged around too often can damage the equipment. The equipment can run anywhere from $300 to close to $3,000. The computer also has access to the Internet and that can be extremely distracting; it is very easy to get off topic and surf the Web instead of paying attention. The pattering of keys can throw teachers off guard.

As personal research for this article, I spent the semester taking notes on a Macbook computer. I found that as a journalism student, it was much easier for me to have the laptop with me at all times. I was able to get down the notes faster, have the notes at my fingertips when needed and use them when necessary. In addition, the

computer saved me a lot of paper that I would have been using. I take a lot of notes and write out almost everything. For the most part, I was able to control the urge to not pay attention by reminding myself that, just like doodling is distracting, so is the Internet. I was also able to turn off the Internet or enable full-screen mode when distraction became too tempting.

Some tips that I would suggest if you plan to use a computer next semester include the following: Always back up your data multiple times using either an external hard drive or a flash drive for smaller projects.

Make sure that your computer is fully charged before class begins and only run the programs necessary to help conserve the energy.

Find a computer that can hold ample amounts of work and make sure that you like the one you buy; otherwise you may find yourself wanting a new one in a few, short years.

This semester is ending, but the next one is coming soon. Remember that you will still have to take notes next year, but thanks to the options today, you have choices on how to take notes.

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April 29, 2009 | The Tower

HEALTH & FITNESS Oh My Aching Head!

Dr. Josh Palgi and Dr. Jessica Adams

When it comes to the rate of chronic headaches in America, studies have shown that roughly 45 million Americans (20 million American women and 25 million American men) suffer from them per year.

This represents a prevalence of chronic headaches that is roughly one out of every six people.

Headaches are disorders that affect the lives of millions of people imposing a great physical, emotional and functional burden. Headache or “cephalalgia” is a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and sometimes the neck.

It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

There are many different types of headaches. Although not all headaches are the same, they all share at least one thing in common—they cause pain.

In 2007, the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache. The new classification system allows health care practitioners to understand a specific diagnosis and provide better and more effective treatment regimens. There are three major categories of headaches: 1. Primary headaches which include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headaches. Primary headaches are generally due to benign neurochemical factors within the nervous system.

3. Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and other headaches. This category describes a group of headaches that occur because the nerves in the head and upper neck become inflamed and are the source of the head pain.

The three most common types of headaches are

1. Tension headaches 2. Migraine headaches 3. Cluster headaches.

Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. They 2. Secondary headaches. The Interna- may occur at any age, but are most comtional Headache Society lists eight mon in adults and adolescents. About categories of secondary headaches.

69% of men and 88% of women develop a. Head and neck trauma a tension headache sometime during their b. Blood vessel problems in the head lives. Tension headaches cause feelings and neck of tightness or pressure on the forehead c. Non blood vessel problems in the or the sides of the head. The pain often brain moves into the neck and shoulders. Ten d. Medications and drugs sion headaches are usually the result of e. Infection muscular contractions caused by factors f. Changes in the body’s environ- like stress or lack of sleep, according to ment neurologists specializing in pain man g. Problems with the eyes, ears, nose, agement. This is why tension headaches throat, teeth and neck tend to start in the neck and cause sore h. Psychiatric disorders ness around the temples and a tightening

band-like sensation across the forehead.

Other causes for tension headaches may be poor posture, eye strain, working in an unnatural position for an extended period of time, physical conditions like arthritis, spinal compression and stenosis.

Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache and the most crippling. According to recent estimates, about 30 million people in the United States suffer from migraines and the majority of them are women. The sufferers generally experience severe, sharp, throbbing headaches that strike one side of the head (the term ‘migraine’ comes from the Greek word for ‘half the head’). It has been estimated that 70% of migraine sufferers are women. Of these women migraine sufferers, 60-70% report that their migraines are related to their menstrual cycle—hence the name, menstrual migraines. The migraines in women have been related to changes in the level of the female hormone estrogen during a women’s menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels drop immediately before the start of the menstrual flow. Premenstrual migraines regularly occur during or after the time when the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, decrease to their lowest levels. Other factors that can trigger

A College Degree Can Lead To A Great Future.

Choose Middlesex

Dr. Palgi and Dr. Adams are professors in the Department of Physical Education, Recreation and Health.

GOOD LUCK!

• Quality education at an affordable price • Develop the skills to get a great job; acquire the knowledge to adapt and thrive in an unpredictable future.

• Earn a two-year degree and go directly

CLASS of 2009

into a career or transfer as a junior to a college or university.

• Attend full- or part-time Visit

www.middlesexcc.edu or call 732.906.4243

migraines, which vary from patient to patient, are too much sleep, hunger, road glare, alcohol, aged red wine, aged cheese, chocolate, changes in altitude or barometric pressure, weather changes, caffeine and foods with nitrates or monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Cluster headaches are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population. Cluster headaches generally begin between the ages of 20 and 50, seems to affect men more than women, common in people who smoke and drink alcohol frequently and tend to run in families (suggesting a genetic role). Cluster headaches come in groups (clusters) lasting weeks or months, separated by pain-free periods of months or years. The pain typically is excruciating and located around or behind one eye. The biochemical cause of cluster headaches is unknown.

However, the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the base of the brain (the trigeminal-autonomic reflex pathway) is activated.

What triggers your headaches? Is it anxiety, glare, noise, medications, physical activity, hormones or certain foods? The exact cause of headaches is not completely understood. However, the good news is that progress has been made in keeping headache pain to a minimum, both with new medications and non-drug therapies.

Tracking your headaches, their quality, quantity and duration will allow you to spot triggers over time. Keep a daily record of your eating, sleeping, drinking, where you are in your menstrual cycle, if and when you are taking medication or HRT, and exercise habits along with when and where you begin to feel a headache coming on.

The exact cause of headaches is not completely understood. However, education and knowledge will enable those afflicted to manage their pain and associated symptoms more effectively.

PERTH AMBOY l EDISON l NEW BRUNSWICK

The Tower | April 29, 2009

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s m e u v a S H t s Mu nder U 00 $1 L

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EXPOSE YOUR TOES Due for a pedicure? Act fast before the sandal bug hits you. No one likes to see dry beat-up feet in the summer. If you have very dry feet, you can try good old-fashioned Vaseline.

Rub all over your feet before bed and cover with socks. You will see rapid results. You can also try foot scrubs, lotions or the new instant pedicure foot creams. When it comes to nail polish, all colors are in this season, ranging from plum to pink. You can’t go wrong. Just remember to get a second opinion. Try Ahava Mineral Foot Cream, $16.

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MAKE UP This year summer make up collections from Chanel, Christian Dior and MAC consisted of colors in the red, pink and orange family. Inspired by Bohemian style, shimmery reds, sandy pinks and cool corals will be the craze. For a sun-kissed look, try a good bronzer like Chanel’s Soleil Tan de Chanel Precious Bronzing Loose Powder, $65.

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SCENTS Put yourself into the summer mood with a new scent.

Aromatherapy has been proven to work and by putting a few drops of a tropical scent, it can sweep you away to an exotic getaway.

Or maybe just pep up your mood. You can try scents like Island Michael Kors, $98, a blend of honeysuckle, Chinese kiwi and Bulgarian rose or Acqua di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo, $60, a mix of mandarin & bergamot and a bit pricey - but once you get a whiff, you’ll know why.

SHADES Getting back to protection, the sun is deadly. Shades are ideal.

Not only are they fashionable, but they protect your eyes and help prevent squinting which causes aging. This summer, retro sunglasses are in. The vintage plastic frames are very cool for the trendy fashion lover. They come in all colors, too. Red, green, white, yellow and purple to name some. So go ahead—splurge on a pair of shades and say you are concerned with the safety of your precious eyes. $89.

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PROTECTION The sun is more dangerous than many people think. It has rays that can permanently damage your skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin and premature wrinkling. Be sure to protect yourself this summer with a good sunscreen. Sunscreen comes in different forms like powder, lotion, cream, spray and lip balm. Don’t forget places like your lips, hair and scalp, too. Sun damage can attack any spot. Try Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunblock SPF60,$11 (good for babies and adults) for ultimate but gentle protection

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B

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It’s late into spring and summer is just around the corner. The smell of freshly cut lawn and the sound of music from the ice cream truck are little signs that you need to get your sandals and your shades out. Every summer, there are new things a girl simply must have to stay fashionable.

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SHOES, SHOES, SHOES An absolute must-have for every changing season.

Of course, sometimes a student budget isn’t the easiest to shop on, but there are ways around it. This summer, shoes play a major part in your attire. First, let’s look at sandals. There are over a dozen designs such as Gladiator (forever21com, $29), rope, strappy (stevemadden.com $79), slip-ons, etc. Then you have wedges, espadrilles, platform, stiletto and many more styles of shoe. The goal is to have at least a few nice pairs for your summer wardrobe.

You may want to take a “shoe-shopping” day where you specifically go and try on different shoes. From there, narrow it down to your best picks. Hunt for a bargain and, above all, comfort.

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BAG IT Aside from bold jewelry and shades, bold bags are on the list, too. So, put those shades on because this summer will be a bright one. Designers like Oscar de La Renta and Christian Louis Vuitton displayed big bright bags in their stores this month in colors like orange, yellow, blue and red. Other popular but more classic colors are white and beige. The bags are also fun and detailed with summery themes like seahorses and beads. If you’re not into big bags, you can also find colorful bags in smaller sizes.

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April 29, 2009 | The Tower

EDITORIAL

The Tower Department of Communication

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2009!

With graduation just weeks away, seniors are overwhelmed with different feelings: relief, anxiousness, and even a bit of sadness. We feel sadness because college life wasn’t really the hard life after all. Yeah the tests, quizzes, and papers were hassles along the way, but the friendships that we made along with the lessons that we learned are what we are going to miss the most. We’ll also miss those Thursday night parties that managed to continue throughout Friday, and the late night procrastination sessions with roommates or class mates. You can’t help but look back now and miss what in that moment felt like overwhelming stress because along the way you were able to relate to other people and form relationships.

Stepping into the position as editor-in-chief of The Tower was something that I was uneasy about. Having spent most of my high school and college years as a reporter, I was unsure of myself in such an important position. But, between the late-night deadlines, last minute changes and stressful weekends, I wouldn’t change a moment of it. I feel that this paper has come a long way in just the two years that I have been a part of it. Our new advisor has turned a staff of students into a family of friends and encouraged us along the way. The awards The Tower won just this year alone shows its growth and development. The staff has increased and the quality of writing and reporting has accelerated greatly. I am so proud to be a part of a staff like this one, and I know I am going to miss each and every one of you. But I know you will all do well in the future. This paper has a lot of potential and its reporters, editors, and photographers will allow it to succeed.

To the readers, there was nothing I enjoyed more than seeing someone grab an issue and read it while they waited for their class to begin. You are what makes this school so successful. The Kean student body is a diverse group of people who are not only educated, but have the ability to do great things in their future.

Good luck to the class of 2009 and to all of you undergrads. Live each of your college years to the best of your ability. Have fun and enjoy yourselves, for it ends sooner than you think.

Kelly Nemeth Editor-in-Chief

Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0468 Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s print journalism option in the communication major program. It is published biweekly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tower is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content.

Editor-in-Chief Kelly Nemeth Deputy Editor Jill Johnson Sports Editor Nicole Von Gonten Arts and Entertainment Editor Raquel Fernandes Staff Kevin Adams John Cherry Charley Falkenburg Lisa Martinez Lillie Morales-Torres Kelly Pennisi

Robert Pereira Dawn Phillips Carlos Reynosa Jessie Rivera Rachel Rothspan Ana Maria Silverman Joe Tingle Copy Editor Jay Hicks Business Manager Egdanis Torres-Dominicci Faculty Adviser Pat Winters Lauro Designer Stephanie Skirvin

Opinion pieces and letters to the editor The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any source. Such material should be submitted to tower@kean.edu or left at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions must include the writer’s name and contact information.

Students should include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication of any submission.

Display and classified advertising Deadline for space reservations for display advertising is two weeks before the publication date. Ads submitted after that may be used on a space-available basis. All ads are run-of-the-paper unless an extra fee is collected for a paid position. Deadline for art work and copy is one week before the publication date. Classified advertising can be submitted up to the Thursday before publication as long as the payment is made at the same time. Call (908) 737-0468 or email tower@kean.edu for a rate card.

THE TOWER STAFF SAYS GOODBYE & GOOD LUCK KELLY

BY Jillian Johnson

With newspaper stories to assign, stories to edit, story placement to determine, and stories to review one last time before going to print, remember the work doesn’t stop here. There’s school work to complete, tests to study for, job hours to work and time to spend with friends and family. Time seems endless, but in the end it pays off.

Kelly, you’ve done an extraordinary job serving as editor-in-chief for The Tower during the Fall ‘08 and Spring ’09 semester. Although times were rough, you never gave up and completed the job.

The Tower staff was pleased to have you serve as editor-in-chief and we all graciously thank you for your dedication to the newspaper. We wish you the best of luck in your future!

Tower publication schedule Spring: Jan. 28, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, Mar. 11, Apr. 8, Apr. 29.

ANGER MANAGEMENT TRUTH BE TOLD, ANGER COLUMNIST ISN'T MAD

By Kelly Nemeth

I began this column over a year ago when a professor told my class about an attendance policy she had. She told us we were allowed only two absences, one in which needed some form of proof (note from a doctor, obituary). Also, if you go over those two absences your grade would be dropped one letter. I was appalled by the fact that I was spending money to be in the classroom and I was required to attend class. It bothered me because a grade is something you earn by studying, taking tests, and writing papers and if I chose to miss a day of notes, then that was my own problem. I knew I could not tell my professor this, so I decided to rant a little in The Tower.

My little rant led to many more. Some were about the school; some were about students, or professors. I would listen to other students in the cafeteria or during my classes for things that bothered them, and put it into writing. The feedback I received was motivating. It was interesting to see how many students also felt as I did about things

like students who take the elevator to go just one floor, or about that one student who always eats in class.

But truth be told, I am not an angry person and I do not have a personal vendetta against Kean University or the students in this school. Everyone has pet peeves and I used this column to discuss them and perhaps put a little more emphasis on them. I enjoyed the ideas that were given to me from all of you. I thank you too for your comedic ideas and your creative outlook on certain flaws that are present in our school.

This column is my last for The Tower. Next month, I will graduate. Still, out of all the news, features and editorials that I have written, this column has been the most enjoyable for me. I thank you all for reading and don’t be shy to write to The Tower in the future if you just happen to be sitting in class one day and something bothers you.

The Tower | April 29, 2009

9

OPINION

If I Were the University President

By Jay Hicks

Imagine yourself as the president of Kean University. You are now in charge of the entire campus. What will you do to help this university become a more comfortable, cool and highly recommended place not just for educational purposes, but also for social, athletic and entertaining events? What necessary steps will you act on that will transform Kean into a more fitting and apt institution?

If I were in charge, the very first action I would require that every professor adhere to a policy that whenever he or she is showing a DVD in class, that the film MUST include subtitles or closed captioning (CC, for short) for the hearing impaired. We have deaf students here—myself included—who often face the dilemma of watching movies without subtitles or CC. Yes, deaf students have interpreters. But it’s not the interpreter’s responsibility to translate movies. Worse, students like me have had to look back and forth—at the screen, then to the interpreter—just to understand what the characters in the movies are saying. It’s like watching two television sets, four feet from each other.

It’s distracting and tiring to deaf students.

Another issue that has always been a festering problem for me here at Kean is the parking. I would add new parking garages on campus so that those who sit in their cars

waiting for others to leave to get their long-awaited spots, could park conveniently on time and without hassle. Sure, it costs money to build them, but it’s worth it. When I first came to Kean, and I hurriedly pulled my car into a parking spot, I almost got hit by another driver who wanted to park there, too. We argued after I got out of my car and she nearly threatened my person with her SUV. I was so scared. Then, two years later, the same incident occurred with another driver, and when I ignored her plea to allow her to park in my spot, she became furious and stabbed one of my tires. I had to call Triple A to tow my car to a local garage to install a new tire.

If I were the university president, I would most definitely cancel classes for the rest of the day in the event of snow or ice. This semester we had two delayed-opening notifications. The first one was for ten in the morning and the second was for noon. Because of the unpredictable conditions of the weather that day, I chose to stay home. Human safety is important. I have been on the road before in snow and ice, and let me tell you, it was terrifying. To risk a student’s life is absurd. It wouldn’t matter to me if it snowed just two inches and the road seemed safe; there is always uncertainty associated with cold weather. If I were the university president, Kean would be closed, period.

As university president, I would feel that by making these changes, Kean would be a better place to learn and to enjoy.

Spring Brings a Variety of Weather Conditions to New Jersey

By Tasha Anderson

As the semester draws to a close, the spring season is in full swing. Flowers and plants have begun to bloom, trees have started to bud, and the birds and other wildlife have become more active. While many think of spring weather as sunny and pleasant days with temperatures in the 70s, the atmospheric reality is quite different. Spring is a time of transition from winter to summer and “pop-up” showers or thunderstorms are often an indication of the instability that can result from two very different types of weather conditions doing battle—cold, dry air from the north and warm, moist air from the south.

This battle often leaves us scrambling as to what to wear and whether we will need a sweater, umbrella, or shorts from dayto-day.

April is a prime example of spring’s variable nature as temperatures in New Jersey

have soared into the 90s, sunk into the teens, and the atmosphere has produced strong winds and hail. While “April Showers” is a familiar phrase to most people during April, the thought of snow is not often mentioned. Although getting several inches of snow is relatively rare in New Jersey in April, it has occurred, and Newark averages just less than one inch (0.8”) of snow in April. It is this variation that sometimes makes spring a ‘difficult’ season for some, as Kean University student Danielle Fadeski points out “April can be disappointing” given the chaotic variation of weather conditions from day-to-day.

So far this month the temperature at nearby Newark Airport has ranged from as high as 81 to as low as 33 degrees. Nearly two-and-one-half inches of rain have fallen, some with severe thunderstorms and hail, and a trace of snow has been observed. In some sections of the state up to an inch of snow has been observed. Other

Benefit for Human Rights Institute

By Charley Falkenburg

Everyone is dressed in their finest attire and laughing while sipping their cocktails.

Gourmet food is presented and some very prestigious people can be seen enjoying the night. An historic island is theirs to admire for the whole evening. No, it’s not an episode of The Hills. It’s a fantastic party and Kean University is the host!

Kean University will hold its 12th annual gala affair on June 7th at Ellis Island, with the Statue of Liberty serving as the view. The fundraiser’s goal is to raise around $500,000 to support the new Human Rights Institute. Hundreds of people will gather to dance, enjoy food, and donate money in the name of higher education.

Since this year’s gala promotes the new Human Rights Institute, Ellis Island became the decided location because it fit the whole human rights theme. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that receives, invests, and administers private donations for Kean University.

“What better place than Ellis Island where generations of people have come to have the opportunity to have a better life,” said Doug Nelson, the vice president for Institutional Advancement and foundation president, who noted that the estimated 750 guests who attend will have the opportunity to visit all the sights and

shops on the island. “The entire island is reserved.”

A special speaker at the event is Paul Rusesbagina, the real-life hero who saved 1,200 lives at Hotel Rwanda during the Rwanda genocide. Rusesbagina is no stranger to Kean. “He was actually here before speaking on African Studies,” Nelson said.

For 25 years, the Foundation has raised and used private donations towards scholarships and new innovative programs.

Though Kean is a public state university, the university receives less than 22 percent of its funding from New Jersey. The private donations allow Kean opportunities to delve into new education and research programs. It also provides scholarship money.

Last year, the foundation had 5,164 donors, amounting to a total of $5.4 million, down from $5.9 million in 2007, according to its annual report.

The event is open to students, alumni and faculty. You can choose exactly where you want your donation to go towards whether it’s a specific program, department, scholarship fund, or any place that needs it the most.

You can make your annual gift by directmail appeals, phone pledges, and online by clicking “Make a Gift Now” at the top of the Foundation home page.

Conditions for April 2009 at Newark

“Top 5” warmest temperatures, date/year

“Top 5” coldest temperatures, date/year

“Top 5” snowfalls, date/year

Highest – 81

97 (17th 2002)

16 (7th 1982)

12.8 (6th 1982)

Lowest – 33

94 (27th 1990)

17 (6th 1982)

10.1 (5th 1957)

Rainfall – 2.38

93 (18th 2002)

23 (4th 1954)

4.4 (7th 2003)

Snowfall – T

92 (16th 2002)

23 (5th 1995)

4.1 (4th 1957)

Severe Weather – Hail on the 13th

92 (19th 1976)

23 (8th 1982)

4.1 (19th 1983)

Table data obtained through the National Weather Service online at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/okx/climate/almanacs/ewrapr.htm

days have been downright dreary with overcast skies, rain, and strong winds. Yet these are reflective of past April’s in New Jersey and not ‘records’ by any means.

What will the remainder of the month bring? While difficult to know precisely, it is clear that large variations are to be expected during a spring transition month.

Story prepared by Tasha Anderson, junior Meteorology major, with assistance from Professor Croft. Information provided by the Center for Earth System Education and the Department of Geology & Meteorology (http://hurri.kean.edu) at Kean University.

For more information or if you have questions please call (908-737-3728); or email us at wemapit@kean.edu.

The Tower Wins Student Press Awards The Tower, Kean University’s student newspaper, has won three awards from the New Jersey Collegiate Press Association in a competition among 19 of the state’s four-year public and private colleges and universities. The Tower, which is part of the academic program in journalism in the Department of Communication, is produced, written and edited by students with the help of a faculty adviser.

The competition included 389 entries from college newspapers, including papers at Princeton, Rutgers-New Brunswick, the College of New Jersey and Drew University, among others.

The Tower received an honorable mention in the coveted category of “General Excellence,” which is an overall look at the coverage, writing quality, copy editing, style use and layout of the newspaper. Local appeal, effectiveness and readability

are taken into account.

Tower Editor-in-Chief Kelly Nemeth received a third place in Editorial Writing, which is based on writing quality, depth of thought, courage, public service and persuasive ability.

Tower photographer Ana Maria Silverman received a third place award for Layout and Design for her Tower centerfolds, which have included artistic treatments of featured stories on Elizabeth, Newark and the Kean Child Care Center.

The contest judges were given the option of awarding ties and one or more honorable mentions, as well as withholding the awarding of prizes. The contest was judged in March by active or former editors, writers and photographers of the New Jersey Press Association as well as by other media professionals.

Power to The Tower

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April 29, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Women's Lacrosse Wins 4 out of 5

By Nicole VonGonten

With a game against The Sage Colleges on April 4, the Lady Cougars kicked off seven straight games against conference rivals.

Stephanie Cirino started the scoring attack for Kean with two goals in the first minute of the game. The goals by Cirino not only gave the Cougars the early lead, but it gave them the go-ahead goal. Kean scored 10 straight goals before the Lady Gators got on the board. Gabrielle Piccione scored the lone goal of the day for Sage with nine minutes remaining in the half.

Heading into the second half, the Lady Cougars held a commanding 13-1 lead.

They added two more goals before time on the clock expired. Kean won, 15-1, to get back on the winning side. Cirino finished the game with five goals for the Lady Cougars while Amanda South had three goals with three assists.

Kean headed to Maritime College on April 8 looking to continue their dominating play.

For the second game in a row, Cirino led the scoring attack in first half. Cirino scored the first three goals of the game six minutes in. The Lady Cougars continued

Sophomore Attack Amanda South looks to score for the Lady Cougars.

to dominate on offense in the half. The defense also did their job by keeping Maritime off the board. Kean had the game wrapped up as the half came to a close leading, 11-0.

The Lady Cougars added three more goals before the game ended. Kean’s

scorching defense kept Maritime from scoring, maintaining the 15-0 shutout.

Cirino finished the game with six goals in the contest while South contributed with five assists. Gina Petrizzo and Sabrina Vargas split time in the goalpost for Kean, combining for eight saves.

The Polytechnic Institute of NYU traveled to face the Lady Cougars on April 10 for a conference game.

For the third straight game, Kean dominated in the first half. Erica Kelly scored the first goal of the game for the Lady Cougars that would prove to be the game winner. A balanced Kean scoring offense helped to build a 12-0 lead at halftime. For the second consecutive game, the Lady Cougars posted a shutout, winning it, 140, against Polytechnic. Goalkeeper Vargas registered one save in the game for Kean to stretch their winning streak to three.

The Lady Cougars traveled to Ramapo College on April 15 and they discovered that unlike the previous three games, this would not be an easy one.

Cirino and South scored the first two goals of the game for Kean before Ramapo got on the board. The Roadrunners then jumped in front of the Lady Cougars by scoring six straight goals in three minutes.

Kean, down 7-3, started making a come-

back. Cirino and South both scored two goals apiece to tie the game for the Lady Cougars. Ramapo and Kean ended the first half tied, 7-7.

Kean took the early lead in the second half, building a 9-7 lead. The Lady Roadrunners answered back with two goals to tie the game again, 9-9. The teams tied one last time at 10-10 before South netted the go-ahead goal that would keep the Lady Cougars in front. Kean held on to edge Ramapo, 15-13, for their fourth straight triumph.

Montclair State University traveled to face the Lady Cougars on April 18 for a conference game.

The Lady Red Hawks dominated from the onset. Montclair jumped out to an early 9-0 lead before Kean scored their first goal with 11 minutes to go in the half. Julie Bachovchin provided the first goal for the Lady Cougars. Kean tried to cut the lead before the half ended, but could not get closer than 13-3. The Lady Red Hawks continued to dominate in the second half and routed the Lady Cougars, 21-6. The loss ended their four-game winning streak.

Men's Lacrosse Regular Season Begins to Wind Down

By Nicole VonGonten

Coming off three straight victories, the Cougars looked to add to their streak when they traveled to Maritime College on April 4.

After a strong defensive showing early in the first quarter, Kean broke the scoreless tie first. Eric Gillar set up the goal for Anthony Bertucci six minutes into the quarter. Scott Leathem added another goal for the Cougars before the quarter ended, off of an assist by Josh Morales.

Kean inflated their lead in the second quarter with a goal from Mike Terry. Maritime rattled off three straight goals before the period came to a close. With the three goals Privateers tied the game, 3-3, as the third quarter neared.

Maritime continued their scoring streak in the third quarter. Privateers Alex Korb and Michael Hanratty scored the only two goals of the quarter, to break the tie and lead 5-3. The Cougars began to make a comeback in the fourth quarter. Gillar scored a goal of his own to cut the Privateers’ lead to one. Maritime took control of the situation shortly after the goal. For the second time in the game, the Privateers scored three straight goals to take an 8-4 advantage. Kean tried to mount a late rally in the period with two goals by C.J. Gannon and Jazimar Bailey, but Kean fell short, 8-6.

Kean traveled to face conference rival

BUDGET CUTS

Montclair State University on April 8.

The first half of the game saw little scoring action as both teams seemed to have their best defensive game going. The Cougars scored the first and only goal of the first quarter. Morales put Kean on top with an unassisted goal. Early in the second quarter, Bertucci generated an unassisted goal. The Red Hawks’ Taylor Bonner cut Kean’s lead a minute later. The score remained 2-1 as the period ended.

Montclair State tied the game seconds into the third quarter on a goal by Robert Sinicola. The teams appeared as though they would go into the fourth quarter tied 2-2. With 43 seconds remaining, Matthew Prongray broke the tie for the Red Hawks to jump ahead, 3-2. MSU quickly added two goals in the fourth. The Cougars’ Andrew Rau and Gannon scored two goals to get within one goal. The Red Hawks netted another goal before the game ended and went on to win, 6-4.

After two losses, the Cougars looked to change their luck when they traveled to face Farmingdale State College on April 11.

The Rams took the first lead of the day with a goal by Erick Thomson. After that first goal, Kean shot four straight goals to end the first quarter. The Cougars added two more goals for a 6-2 lead to end the second quarter.

The third quarter saw Kean broaden their lead, but Farmingdale staged a fe-

Junior Midfielder Anthony Bertucci looks to lead the Cougars to victory.

rocious rally. The teams headed into the last quarter with the Cougars leading, 8-4.

Kean added two goals early in the quarter for a 10-5 fourth-quarter lead. The Rams then stunned the Cougars and scored five successive goals to tie the game at 10-10.

The last goal occurred with 13 seconds left in regulation to tie it up and send it into overtime. With three minutes remaining in the first overtime period, Scott Leathem came through for the Cougars with the lone goal of that period. Kean squeaked by for a well-earned 11-10 victory.

The Cougars returned home on April 15 to face the College of Mount Saint Vincent

in what would turn out to be team’s largest victory of the season to date.

All five goals in the first quarter were scored by Cougar players. Leathem started the second quarter with two goals of his own for Kean for a 7-0 advantage.

The Cougars closed out the period in total command, 13-2. Kean easily crushed Mount Saint Vincent, 20-2.

The Cougars hoped to tack on their winning streak when they squared off against Moravian College on April 18.

Moravian and Kean battled for much of the first quarter. The Greyhounds struck with the first goal, and then watch the Cougars score two to take the lead. Moravian went onto tie the game. The Greyhounds took the lead with the quarter ending, 4-3.

Leathem tied the game for Kean two minutes into the second quarter. Mike Terry then broke the tie with an unassisted goal for the Cougars. Moravian tied the game, 5-5, with 24 seconds in the quarter.

Chris DeCarlo broke the tie to start the third quarter and Gillar widened the lead to 7-5 for the Cougars. The Greyhounds took the lead back in the fourth quarter with three consecutive goals. Sean Cope came through for Kean, tying the game, 8-8. The Cougars took the lead back for good on a goal by Morales. Kean nipped Moravian, 10-9, for their third straight conquest.

(Continued from page 4)

probably be available for students.

Scott Herman, president of the Student Organization and alternate student trustee-elect, opened up the meeting by ensuring the students in attendance that the Student Organization and the administration had been working together to see that everyone’s best interests are fulfilled.

“They want to make sure we aren’t the ones affected,” Herman said.

Dr. Farahi noted that the construction projects have helped attract students. He called Kean’s athletic facilities among the best in the New Jersey, and the two new residence halls that will open in the fall will serve over 1,500 new residents.

Despite the budget problems, Dr. Farahi remains upbeat about Kean’s future.

“Every year things are getting better,” Dr. Farahi said. “You don’t have to hang your head low when you say ‘I’m going to Kean.’”

GO COUGARS!!

The Tower | April 29, 2009

11

SPORTS

Softball Faces Conference Rivals as Regular Season Begins to End

By Nicole VonGonten

Lebanon Valley College traveled to face the Lady Cougars on April 9 for a day night doubleheader.

Lebanon Valley struck with the first run of the game in the top of the second inning. Allie Davies hit a homerun off of the Lady Cougars starting pitcher Cassie Shotwell. In the bottom of the third Kean had an opportunity when Shotwell doubled to right field but could not produce anything from it. Lebanon Valley added to their lead in the top of the fifth with two runs on two hits. The Flying Dutchmen kept the Lady Cougars scoreless through seven innings to walk away with a 4-0 in the first half of the doubleheader.

In the night cap the Lady Cougars fared better then they had in the first game.

Lebanon Valley took the early, 2-0, lead in the top of the first. In the bottom of the second the Lady Cougars took control of the lead. Katie Yard began the scoring with a double that scored shortstop Sara Steinman. Jesse Buchanan singled to the pitcher to allow the tying run to score.

Next batter Lindsay Kennedy singled to drive in two more runs for the Lady Cougars. Kean added six more runs in the fifth inning to secure the win. The Lady Cougars walked away with an 11-3 victory to split the doubleheader.

In a NJAC rival game the Lady Profs of

Rowan University traveled to face Kean on April 13.

Both teams left scoring opportunities on the bases in the first three innings, which could have changed the game. The Lady Profs broke through in the top of the fourth though scoring three runs on three hits. One of the three runs coming on a solo homerun by Julie Leskanic off of Cassie Shotwell. In the sixth inning Rowan sealed the victory. The Lady Profs added four more runs in the inning to complete the 7-0 shutout.

In the second game of the day for the two teams Rowan dominated the game yet again. The Lady Profs took the lead in the bottom of the first with a two run homerun. Kean tried to cut the lead in the top of the third inning. Allison Lizzi doubled to right center to drive in Lindsay Kennedy.

Kean could not continue to rally in the inning. Rowan added to their lead in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to secure the victory. The Lady Cougars lost the second game of the doubleheader 9-1.

The Lady Cougars continued their streak of games against NJAC rivals when they face New Jersey City University on April 14.

In the first game both teams produced little offense as the pitchers dominated.

The Lady Cougars broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the third. Pitcher Cassie Shotwell helped her own cause when she

Junior Centerfielder Allison Lizzi looks to score from third against New Jersey City University.

singled to left field to score Jesse Buchanan. In the top of the sixth the Gothic Knights took the lead from Kean. The Gothic Knights scored two runs in the inning to defeat the Lady Cougars 2-1.

Game two would be played on April 16 due to inclement weather two days earlier. In this game the Lady Cougars would need just five innings to defeat the Gothic Knights. Kean did most of their scoring in the top of the second inning. The game winning hit was provided by Shotwell,

who drove in two runs with a single to left field. The Lady Cougars added three more runs in the inning. Kean maintained the shutout against the Gothic Knights to win 8-0. In the victory, Shotwell pitched a five inning, three hit shutout for the Lady Cougars.

The Lady Red Hawks of Montclair State University and the Lady Cougars played in a split doubleheader on April 18.

The first game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with only three hits coming from the Lady Red Hawks. The Lady Cougars went ahead in the bottom of the fourth with the first run of the game, which would also be the game winner. Cassie Shotwell provided the Lady Cougars the first RBI of the game on a single up the middle to score Sara Steinman. Kean added three more runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Shotwell kept the shutout going through seven innings not letting Montclair score. The Lady Cougars took the 4-0 shutout victory.

In the second game of the day the Lady Red Hawks dominated Kean. As in the first game the game remained scoreless until the bottom of the fourth. Montclair scored eight runs, on four errors by the Lady Cougars in the inning to take the lead. Kean could not score in the fifth inning to break up the shutout. The game ended in five innings with the Lady Cougars falling 8-0.

Kean Kids Get a Lesson in Physical Education

By Sara Steinman

Every Thursday morning several volunteers from the Physical Education Major’s Club gather to teach a class to the preschool children from the Child Care Center on campus. This semester’s program leaders included Sara Steinman and Chris Quigley, both senior Physical Education Majors. Dairy Londona, a junior Physical Education Major and Janine Duran, a senior in Early Childhood Education, assisted with the lessons.

The program, which commenced in the spring semester of 2008, has had continued success. It has provided the preschooler’s with Physical Education opportunities while serving as an authentic teaching experience for the student volunteers without the pressure of being graded. It is very rewarding for the Physical Education students who participate, not only because of the experience one gains but also the satisfaction of having an impact on the development of these young children’s motor skills.

After observing the program in action, Dr. Polirstok, Dean of the College of Education commented, “This program is great for the College of Education because it provides the children from the Child Care Center the chance to have structured physical activity where they can gain an understanding of movements and their body shapes and sizes.

The benefits this program provides for the Physical Education students who volunteer are endless. Most importantly, it creates a relaxed environment for collaborative teaching, reflection, and immediate feedback from faculty and staff. It provides additional opportunities for the students to apply content learned in their pedagogy classes. Students take turns writing lesson plans each week prior to

the class which are reviewed by Dr. Adams, their faculty advisor. Immediately following each session feedback is provided by both Dr. Adams, coordinator of the PreSchool PE program, and Kathleen Berkowitz, Director of the Child Care Center. This feedback is incredibly useful because it helps the volunteers prepare for the next lesson as well as gives them valuable tips for when they become teachers.

“The feedback from Dr. Adams and Kathleen Berkowitz steered us in the right direction on what they wanted to see and what they as professionals believed the children needed. We [the student teachers] benefited from their knowledge and wisdom and saw improvement in our planning and execution of our lesson plans as the semester progressed,” stated Chris Quigley, a senior Physical Education major who volunteered for the program.

Lastly, because Physical Education Majors graduate with a K-12 certification, their field work is primarily done in those grades. However, many schools also offer pre-k programs. Therefore, the Preschool Physical Education Program offers a great experience to work with younger children. “The wide range of developmental differences in a class of three to five year olds is astronomical, presenting a unique challenge to working with children so young,” added Dr. Hoffman, Associate Dean of Education.

“Movement is part of the inherent nature of children”, commented Ms. Berkowitz. This type of program is imperative to begin teaching organized and structured movement that will benefit these children.

Lessons focused on basic concepts such as locomotor movements, body and space awareness, and educational gymnastics.

According to Ms. Berkowitz, “cross lateral movements and moving in different planes of space are extremely important

for young children because it integrates left and right brain thinking. The younger children may have difficulty with activities that involve crossing the midline, but it is important to give let them try.” The Physical Education majors incorporate such movement into their lessons as often as possible. Obstacle courses are great activities for the preschool students because each station requires a different type of body movement.

There are hopes that the program will continue to improve and expand each semester. The Physical Education majors who volunteer for the program walk away with tremendous experience while also providing a much needed service for the children of the Child Care Center. “This is a unique opportunity for future Physical Educators, departmental faculty, and staff from the Child Care center to work col-

laboratively. Our common goal is to create the most effective physical education program possible while providing our majors with valuable hands on teaching experience. I am extremely proud of the quality time and dedication of my student volunteers.” commented Dr. Adams. Dr. Bakker, Chairperson for Physical Education, Recreation and Health added, “ I’m extremely proud of the dedication of our Physical Education students. Their professionalism and willingness to go the extra step is an indication of their character and confirms my belief that they will make outstanding future Physical Educators.”

If you are interested in volunteering for the program for the Fall’09 semester, please contact Dr. Jessica Adams jeadams@kean.edu.

Please put Pre- School PE in the subject line of the e-mail.

12

April 29, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Award Predictions For MLB

POINT

By John Cherry Finally, baseball is back. It could not come at a better time with the end of the football season that seems ages away. Basketball and that sport they play on ice just were not cutting it for many.

So far I am one for one in my predictions, although picking UNC to win the NCAA championship was not too tough a choice.

Baseball gives you so many different topics to debate and since we have already gone over who I think will win it all, let’s go on to who is going to win the individual awards. This year could be a coming-out party for a lot of young and upcoming studs.

Let’s start off with what wins championships, and that’s pitching. The AL Cy Young award winner will be “King” Felix Hernandez. Felix has been good, sometimes even great, but he hasn’t put it all together for one season. This year, with an improved team around him, he will put it all together for a dominant year.

In the NL, Josh Johnson will be the new young gun to take the award from reigning champ Tim Lincecum. It will definitely come down to these two and with Johnson’s team being much better. He will have at least four more wins than Lincecum.

The MVP awards in both leagues are definitely going to be a tougher choice with the range of players that can win it being much greater.

In the NL off the top of your head, you can name ten possible candidates for the award. There are seven in the NL East alone: Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, David Wright and, the sleeper of the group, Hanley Ramirez. Although all these players are great, it will come down to just two, Albert Pujols and Manny Ramirez.

Manny could have walked away with the trophy last year playing in only half a season with the Dodgers, but this season he will. Although he got a two year deal, the second year is a player’s option. Manny will be just as motivated this year to put up monster numbers. Then he could opt out if the economy turns around. That is a big if, though.

The AL is probably even tougher because there isn’t any stand out guys like there are in the NL. You would think it would come from the AL East because that’s where the best teams are, but those team are much more balanced and don’t rely on one person as much.

That’s why although they are off to a rocky start, I believe that Grady Sizemore is another one of those young guns ready to make a big step and win the AL MVP. This team will get it rolling in a weak division and he will put them on his back and carry them to the playoffs.

I’m going to go outside the box a little bit with the Manager of the Year in the AL. The teams that are supposed to be good should not have a manager that wins the manager of the year award. That’s why I think Trey Hillman of the Kansas City Royals is going to win it. The Royals have a young nucleus that Hillman will be able to turn in into good success for a franchise that needs it.

In the NL, I’m going with the same idea, taking Fredi Gonzalez, the manager for the Florida Marlins this year. I think this team has a chance to be this year’s Tampa Bay Rays. They will probably fall short at the end of the season, but they are definitely a team on the rise.

RECENT KEAN GAME SCORES MEN’S LACROSSE: 04/20 Kean 12, Castleton State College 8 04/25 Kean 6, Richard Stockton College 7 WOMEN’S LACROSSE: 04/22 Kean 17, College of Mount Saint Vincint 18 04/25 Kean 10, Farmingdale State College 24 SOFTBALL: 04/24 Game 1 Kean 1, Ramapo College 0

Game 2 Kean 5, Ramapo College 4 04/25 Game 1 Kean 10, Rutgers-Newark 0

Game 2 Kean 11, Rutgers-Newark 0

COUNTERPOINT

By Jay Hicks

After reading John’s comments, I had to laugh that he’s one for one so far. That was pure luck on Michigan State’s part in beating UConn in the Final Four game.

UConn didn’t make one single adjustment on their offense and that’s what led to their dismal performance. Had they done so, they would have beaten Michigan State and UNC for the championship!

Digressing…here are my choices: AL Cy Young – this is a tough choice because several pitchers can win this award. A.J. Burnett, Josh Beckett, C.C. Sabbathia and Roy Halladay all are legitimate contenders for this honor. It all boils down to consistency. For this reason, I have chosen Halladay for the award. Year in and year out, he’s been the ace on the Toronto Blue Jay pitching staff. He has won this award in 2003 by going 227. He is 3-0 this season with a 3.00 ERA, which is considered very good by AL standard. Burnett is 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA, another good start for him. However, we cannot always predict at the start of the season. It’s during the course of the season that determines the winner…usually!

NL Cy Young – this is a no-brainer. It goes to Johann Santana of the NY Mets.

He is currently the best pitcher in the NL with a 2-1 record and a microscopic 0.46 ERA while striking out 27 in just 18 innings. I do not think any other pitcher, including John’s pick, Josh Johnson, will come even close. Santana won the AL Cy Young in 2006, producing a 19-6 record and a 2.77 ERA. Off to a great start, despite his team’s puzzling timing with the hitting, Santana is a logical choice for the award.

AL MVP – I agree with John on this one. There are too many potential candidates, especially with Vladimir Guerrero and Alex Rodriguez out of the picture due to injuries. Grady Sizemore is putting up nice numbers, but so has several others. Right now, Miguel Cabrera is leading AL in batting with a .489 average.

Next in line is Ken Youkilis, who’s hitting a blistering .469. If they keep it up, we may see the first .400 hitter since Ted Williams in 1941 who posted a .406 average. Cabrera is among the AL leader in homeruns right now with 4. Another strong candidate, Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria, has been phenomenal, whacking 5 homeruns and driving in 12 runs. He’s currently batting .391.

My choice goes to Longoria because I feel that he is a long-season contender.

Barring an injury, he should have one of the most productive seasons of any AL player this year.

NL MVP – I disagree with John. Manny Ramirez will not win it. Even on a short season, his performance on the field defensively has been lackluster. I discount him immediately. The real threat is Albert Pujols. He won last season despite an injury that kept him out for a month. He still hit 37 HRs and drove in 116 runs while batting .357. He is a little off the pace this season despite 4 HRs and 14 RBIs – he is two points under .300 right now. I still think he will start hitting it out and raising his batting average during the course of the season. He gets my selection because of his all-round ability both on offense and defense.

Two players may be in the running for the award: Chase Utley, who’s hitting .366 with 4 round-trippers, and Pujols’ teammate, Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick is the current average leader at .405 with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. However, I do not believe either one of them will win the award.

The NL MVP will once again be given to Pujols.

AL Manager of the Year – If Toronto holds up for the rest of the season, Cito Gaston will reap the award. He’s gotten the Blue Jays pitching and hitting well, so he got my nod over John’s choice, Trey Hillman. Gaston had previously brought Toronto around, and it looks like he’s doing the magic again this season.

However, another manager may deserve the honor: first-year Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu. He’s done a great job with the Mariners, getting them off to a 8-5 start. Once again, if Seattle maintains its position to the end of the season, Wakamatsu may edge out Gaston for the award. Right now, Gaston is in an ideal spot to earn it.

NL Manager of the Year – I agree with John that Fredi Gonzalez of the Florida Marlins may win it. His team is off to a flying start with a 10-2 record. Two other potential winners include Chicago Cubs’ Lou Piniella and San Diego’s Bud Black, whose squad was a horrific 63-99 last year and is now off to one of its best starts ever at 9-4. These two has got their teams to hit well and close the games with strong pitching. But I think they will come up short.

Gonzalez should win this one.

One note, though: the Marlins will not be this year’s Rays of yesteryear. The Padres will. The Marlins did not end up in last place in their division; the Nationals were. The Padres were dead last; now they’re 2nd and rising. If they can dethrone the LA Dodgers for the West division title, they will be this year’s Rays.