The Tower - 9.23.10

Beauty Marked: Fall Must-haves P. 4

Scott Pilgrim Gets an A P. 7

ome c l e W ck!

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My Pet Dragon Steps into the Scene P. 9

The Tower Kean University’s student newspaper

www.kean.edu/~thetower

Volume 11 • Issue 1 Sept. 23 - Oct 13, 2010

Kean Students Clean up Gulf Spill

By Samantha Feller

Photo: Stephanie Musat

Diana Calle stands in front of the Board of Trustees on Sept. 13 with 36 Hispanic students in support of their adviser, Myriam Quinones, who was laid off in August.

KFT Questions Layoffs

By Stephanie Musat

In response to layoffs of 26 staff members since August, the Kean Federation of Teachers questioned the management of Kean President Dawood Farahi’s administration before a crowded room at the Sept.

13 Board of Trustees meeting.

Before about 150 faculty, staff and students, James Castiglione, president of the KFT described the latest cuts as financially irresponsible and discriminatory.

“How the students will be served is one of the great hypocrises of the Farahi administration,” Castiglione said. “The list contains individuals who work very closely with students in advising positions and it is clear that despite the claims from the university that students will not be hurt, students are going to be hurt.”

Philip Connelly, executive vice president for operations, said that he met with administrators to explore saving options like tuition increases and salary freezes, but that those usual ways of closing budget gaps could not be done without a reduction in personnel.

Kean faced nearly a 20 percent reduction in aid, $5 million in increased salary costs and a four percent cap on tuition, said Steve Hudik, Kean’s director of communications.

Of the 26 layoffs, 12 people were part of professional staff and nine were managers. Five were believed to be secretarial positions that were part of the Communications Workers of America Union, according to the KFT. Richard Katz, an associate professor (Continued on page 9) in the English

Kean University has become the unexpected home for some 60 samples of oil and dead sea life from the Gulf taken this past summer during the Beyond Petroleum (BP) oil fiasco, thanks to the work of an intrepid Kean professor, Dr. Norma Bowe and her students.

The samples are being tested for possible contaminants, which may have leaked into the local food supply in Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport and Biloxi Mississippi area.

A local fisherman who has a hog farm, fishes everyday to give his hogs a high protein diet. The beaches and fishing piers are open to the public and there is nothing prohibiting fishing in waters where BP subcontractors are picking up tar balls.

“I was so concerned for the public’s health down there that I decided to go back and get more samples,” said Dr. Bowe.

The journey began as a mission of help over the summer on July 25 with limited funding from Kean and seven “Be the Change” students: Nicolette Maggio, Kayla Duncan, Elissa Hyer, Becca Bowe, Benito Nieves, Mario DaCosta, Alexandra Bastos and Dr. Norma Bowe, a professor in the health department.

The group rented a Chevy Suburban, packed it full and drove 19 hours with determined spirits to change the world.

Upon arrival to the Gulf, plans to assist the Alabama Coastal Project were denied because BP had already taken full control of the clean up and prohibited volunteers. They were informed that the workers were contracted by BP and had signed agreements forbidding them from talking to the media or publishing

any findings for 10 years.

People at the Foundation spoke to the group from Kean and described instances where locals defied BP and took matters into their own hands, according to Bowe.

For example, a local fire department proceeded to use home made boom (plastic rubber which floats and skims the oil) to clean the oil out of water. Another neighborhood started a donation of hair and collected as much as possible to make boom to collect oil. This was an desperate attempt to keep the oil from reaching the shoreline.

The trip was also an educational experience in public relations, as the group saw

“I was so concerned for the public’s health down there that I decided to go back and get more samples.” firsthand how the crisis was mismanaged; showing the best possible picture to the public, an image that did not always tell the whole story.

The students encountered another obstacle when their plan to visit the International Wildlife Rescue Association, which was located right on the beach, was abruptly closed. The group was eager for an explanation and they found that one once again BP took control and the birds at the rescue center were relocated to the Hammond Rehabilitation Center, 2 ½ hours inland in Louisiana.

Once arriving to the site, the Kean students realized they had reached a military (Continued on page3) base. There was

NEED HELP UPDATING YOUR FALL LOOK? GET SOME TIPS ON PAGE 4.

By Celleste Valeanu

Nikki Lyn Rogers Freshman, Major Undecided

Alex Gallegos Freshman, Business Major

Kalimaah Bolden Freshman, Psychology Major

Joe Hunt Freshman, Physical Education Major

“My experience has been great! I’ve met a lot of people and am also interested in joining a sorority soon.”

“The campus and students are nice.

I am “living the dream!”

“So far the classes are easy, icebreakers in class gave me a chance to meet diverse people.”

“Everyone is really friendly here, and the campus makes it really easy to find my classes.”

Fighting Hate

2

Review: The Cougar’s Den

The Legacy of 9/11

3

Arts & Entertainment

Fall Fashion

4

Editorial & Op-Ed

5 6-7 8

Health & Fitness: Steroid Use

10

Sports

11

2010 Fantasy Football Picks

12

Photos: Celleste Valeanu

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: How has Kean fulfilled your expectations regarding college life thus far?

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Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010 |

The Tower

Fighting Hate in Edison

By Andrea Edwards

There has been an increase of awareness surrounding the town of Edison recently regarding the hatred toward the community’s Jewish residents.

Swastikas, which are associated with Nazi Germany, have been showing up in the town’s playgrounds, synagogues, and more recently, cars on the lot of a Lexus dealership.

Rabbi Dr. Rosenberg of the Congregation Beth El in Edison believes the increase of vandalism in the area may be attributed to a situation about a year ago involving a Yeshiva University student who was physically attacked on his way home in the township. Rosenberg admitted to being very vocal in that matter, and he thinks that the harassment has escalated as a result.

“We dare not be silent when bigotry and

Photo: www.nj.com

Synagogue defaced with swastikas.

bias exist,” said Rosenberg, who is also the son of two holocaust survivors and is dedicated to fighting against hate in its many forms.

Rosenberg, however, has met resistance in his fight. His synagogue and the grounds that surround it, have been marked with graffiti of the swastikas.

Rosenberg believes that this type of

ignorance will not end with the Jewish community, but will move on from Jew baiting to Muslims, Latinos, and other ethnic backgrounds.

“We are Americans who believe in the Bill of Rights and that all people should be treated with respect and dignity,” said Rosenberg in a recent press release.

Rosenberg recalls a situation where he and his wife were walking home from the synagogue on Route 27 and a passerby in a vehicle had shouted out to them, “F…ing Jews.”

Rosenberg dismisses the notion that these are just mere adolescent pranks.

“Hate is taught,” said Rosenberg. “These displays of hatred have always been here.”

With this in mind, Rosenberg has reached out to the local clergy and educators to come together in an effort to educate teens on the topic of hatred. In doing so, he hopes to change their behaviors.

The “Stop the Hate” rally will be held on September 27 at the Congregation Beth El. Located at 91 Jefferson Boulevard in Edison, the event will start at 7:30pm and will be sponsored by the Metuchen Edison Area Clergy Association.

According to Rosenberg, the mayor and the police chief of Edison are expected to be in attendance. He encourages everyone in the community to participate in the event.

Rosenberg is the author of three books and has served as the chairman of the Human Rights Commission for 10 years. He also held the position of Chaplain of the Department of Public Safety in Edison for 18 years until recently. He possesses a Doctorate degree in communication and education among others.

Fresh Start: A Welcome Back Cultural Event

By Carlos M. Reynosa

As a cool breeze wafted through the air on a sunny day, Kean students decided to fill their stomachs with a little culture at Student Organization’s “Fresh Start: A Welcome Back Cultural Event.” Students at the event were educated about diversity, surrounding them with multicultural songs, dances and food.

“We just wanted to do something different,” said Student Organization (S.O.) President, Rebecca Jones.

Jones along with other members of the S.O. had been planning events over the summer to help welcome back Kean stu-

dents to the start of another semester.

“Kean University is one of the top five most diverse schools in the country,” Jones said. “It just seems fit to have a fes-

“There is just so much diversity on this campus and it just hasn’t been seen yet.” tival that symbolizes that diversity.”

Instead of the taboo hamburgers and hot dogs, S.O. featured an array of cultural

backgrounds with Indian, Italian and Latin foods.

“It doesn’t hurt to try something new,” said S.O. treasurer, Liscet Duran. “There is just so much diversity on this campus and it just hasn’t been seen yet. We just want people to be aware of it.”

The cultural event provided music performed in the styles of Reggae, Latin and Indian. For entertainment, S.O. provided massages, hair brushing, painting and belly dancing lessons for Kean students.

“What I like about this [event] is the food and the music,” said Siddkarth, a communication student at Kean.

Although many responses to the event

were upbeat and positive, there were others that found it disappointing. Some students felt it lacked information about the cultures and hosted more of an entertainment value, expecting more of an explanation about the historical culture. S.O. is open to suggestions for events from students while they brainstorm other ideas of encouraging diversity.

“I believe I speak for everyone here when I say we want to hear students’ suggestions,” said Jones. “We are always open to suggestions; I want to hear what the students want to say.”

For more information and upcoming events visit: www.kean.edu/~stuorg/

Kean Holds Annual “Meet the Greeks” Event

By Christine Valdez

Kean University held its annual fall semester “Meet the Greeks” event on September 15 in Downs Hall. Several of Kean’s Greek sororities and fraternities were there to inform the students of their purpose on campus in hopes of recruiting new members.

Tables were surrounded by students eager to learn more about the different fraternities and sororities that have chapters at Kean. All of them have a lot to offer students; therefore “Meet the Greeks” provides a way to learn a little bit about each organization.

“Greek life is the best time of your life,” Paul Medeiros, member of Nu Sigma Phi fraternity said. “You get to find the best friends you ever had.”

Greek life is a way to meet new people on and off campus as well as serve your community in many different ways. Many of the fraternities and sororities who have chapters at Kean University have other chapters established throughout the country as well.

“Greek life is a great opportunity to meet new people,” Annie Mallick, a member of Omega Phi Chi Multicultural sorority said. “I’m very excited to meet new girls and we’re open to everybody; Omega Phi Chi is very diverse.”

Carlos A. Cruz of Lambda Sigma Upsilon points out that a fraternity is a brotherhood among the guys. Although Lambda Sigma Upsilon may be recognized as a Latino fraternity, they don’t discriminate and welcome people of all backgrounds to join because they are multicultural.

Greek life offers opportunities to get involved in activities such as community service and various events held throughout campus. Many of the chapters at Kean

“Greek life is the best time of your life. . . you get to find the best friends you ever had.” also give back to different philanthropies.

“Come out and meet a lot of people, Magda Dopieralska of Delta Phi Epsilon said. “We do a lot of volunteer work and community service along with events on campus.”

Dopieralska encourages girls to come

out to their meetings and events. She emphasized that Delta Phi Epsilon is a “sisterhood for life.”

Tahisha Dorceus of Beta Kappa Sigma mentions that her sorority is a diverse group that participates in different community services and strives to be positive role models for the community.

Although Greek life may seem exciting, Candy Rivera of Chi Upsilon Sigma encourages people to join a Greek organization for the right reasons.

“Don’t just join an organization for the colors or just because a friend joined,” Rivera said. “Do it if you feel comfortable.”

To learn more about the different sororities and fraternities on campus, visit http://www.kean.edu/~slld/greek.html.

Pick up The Tower at these locations

• • • •

Administration Building, First floor lobby Bruce Hall, First Floor Lounge Center for Academic Success, Lobby Communications Department Office, CAS 402 • ESL Office, Willis Hall 301 • Harwood Arena, by the basketball courts

• Hutchinson Hall, First Floor Lobby • Hennings Hall, First Floor Lobby • Science Building, First Floor in hallway between Rooms 121 and 122 • Technology Building, hallway inside front door • Tower Newsroom, CAS 413

• University Center, across from the cafeteria entrance • Townsend Hall, First Floor reception area • Vaughn-Eames Hall, First Floor Lobby • Willis Hall, First Floor, across from the elevator

The Tower | Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010

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The Legacy of 9/11 and the Controversy Surrounding a Mosque

By Laura Urban

Members of the Kean faculty met together in a panel discussion on campus to discuss the legacy of 9/11 and the people who had lived the aftermath of that day‘s events.

The event took place on the Monday following the ninth anniversary of the attacks in the University Center’s Little Theatre.

Dr. Dennis Finger, professor of psychology at Kean and a member of the panel discussion, said the 9/11 attacks have been compared to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, leaving many people who lived during those historic events with a vivid memory of where they were at the exact time they had heard of the tragedy.

“The image we all have is of firefighters entering the World Trade Center and going up to their deaths,” said Terry Golway, director of the John Kean Center for American History at Kean who also spoke on the panel.

Citing the psychological effects of that day, Finger examined a study that took a look at the World Trade Center Health Registry that included 71,437 participants. Two to three years following the attacks, 16% of registered people still suffered from posttraumatic stress dis-

order, also referred to as PTSD, while 8% suffered from some sort of psychological distress. The rates are particularly higher among women, minorities, and lower income people, said Finger.

Photo: Laura Urban

Remembering 9/11 through the landscape of the Kean campus.

“One hypothesis is that those people had suffered more trauma early in life that would affect them more when something as traumatic as the events of 9/11 were to happen,” said Finger.

With the recent controversial issue of building an Islamic center two blocks away from ground zero, many people have been forced to relive the tragic occurrences of that day.

In August, Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said that a proposed

Islamic cultural center and mosque near ground zero would “horribly offend” families of 9/11 victims and should be built elsewhere, stated The New York Times.

Other people, however, feel that the building of the center should proceed as planned because of the religious freedom of the United States, according to WBALTV.com.

Feisal Abdul Rauf, imam of the proposed Islamic center, had stated in an appearance on “Larry King Live” on CNN that if he had known how much negative response his plan would create, he would have chosen another location, stated The New York Times days before the ninth anniversary of the attacks.

“It was the first time that one of the supporters indicated that the opposition was not just coming from bigotry, that in other words there were legitimate people who were upset by this, who were not Islamophobic and just saw it as another unnecessary distraction,” said Governor David A. Paterson of the state of New York to The New York Times.

More recently, on the day that the Kean panel discussion took place, Abdul Rauf stated to The New York Times that he promises to resolve the dispute around his plans of building a Muslim community center blocks away from ground zero.

“Everything is on the table,” Abdul Rauf

said to The New York Times. “We really are focused on solving it” in a way that will be best for everyone concerned, he added. “I give you my pledge.”

Among plans for the Islamic center, a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization proposes to buy the controversial site and make it into a therapy center where free services would be provided to emergency responders disabled in the 9/11 attacks as well as free therapy services for autistic and special needs children whose parents lost their lives on that day, according to WBALTV.com.

The organization, called Drums and Disabilities, or DAD, is prepared to buy the property for $12 million, stated WBALTV. com, but it is not known if Abdul Rauf has considered the proposal, although it would not affect the location of the center. Real estate developer Sharif el-Gamal controls where ultimately the center will be located and his supporters and him do not believe a move would satisfy critics, stated The New York Times.

Gamal has felt strongly about his right to build what he wants, where he wants, stated The New York Times.

“I’m an American, I’m a New Yorker. I don’t hold my faith responsible for 9/11,” said Gamal to The New York Times.

Kean Service Corps Helps Organize 9/11 Tribute on Campus

By Matt Marchesano

Thanks to the grand efforts of the student and faculty who operated Kean University’s Center of Leadership and Service, all who were on campus Monday, September 13th, were invited to remember 9/11 through a day full of events, encouraging everyone present to become involved with their fellow Kean body to pay tribute together. Just nine years into the wake of our nation’s most grievous event, recalling September 11th this past month has felt just as emotional as it has been every year since.

In honor of President Obama officially establishing September 11th as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009, Kean-goers had opportunities to participate in various service activities around campus, focusing on humanity and the importance of spreading good deeds.

The on-campus events, which began before noon on Monday, September 13th, were open to all, and were extremely emotional. The University Center Atrium was a one-stop area for various options of ways that people can help out their community.

GULF SPILL

Attendees could be exorbitantly charitable and register with the DKMS Bone Marrow Donor Services, the NJ and Sharing Network Organ Donation Network,

“ Just nine years into the wake of our nation’s most grievous event, recalling September 11th this past month has felt just as emotional as it has been every year since.” and they could sign-up for the trusty Campus Alert system, if they had not done so previously.

Likewise in the spirit of philanthropy, the New Jersey Blood Services held a donation drive in Downs Hall, accepting blood and platelets donations. Also, members of the Kean Service Corps ran a table encouraging humanity and goodwill towards neighbors. Participants could write down something nice that they had

done for another person and be awarded with an official “Do a Good Deed” sticker, worn to hopefully encourage others to do the same.

The events closed with a truly heartfelt Interfaith Vigil at 4:30 pm. The large crowd of observers shared a passionate presence while collecting from the Kean clock tower in procession to the 9/11 Memorial Fountain in Townsend Courtyard. Here, they, embodying all walks of life, stood together, prayed, and reminisced upon the horrors of that ominous day, while in unison looking towards the future.

Leading the walk, as directed by Mr. Mike Mazzlo, U.S. Military officer, was a band of local police officers, military officers, firefighters and steelworkers, all of whom were first-responders to the Twin Towers attacks. The vigil was conducted by three spiritual leaders of different religious affiliations; Father Thomas Blind, Imam Hamad Ahmad Chebli, and Rabbi Steven Bayer, each of whom recited one of their respective prayers. At the closing of the service, Mr. Mazzlo too, shared with the crowd some wisdom, in the form of an original poem entitled “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow.” Throughout the mass

of people, emotions were surfacing and there was a collective heavy feeling, possibly channeled through to the weight that many in attendance were feeling below their eyes while observing.

Kean Service Corps representative Iliana Jimenez helped coordinate the services and events.

“We plan lots of events throughout the year to help out the community,” she explained, “like food drives and blood banks, and fund raisers.”

The idea is to encourage Kean cougars to help out the less fortunate. “The next big thing is our ‘Homelessness Week,’ which will take place around Thanksgiving and all profits go to charity.” Ms. Jimenez is hoping to organize more art and creativity-related events, like possibly holding an art auction featuring original work from Kean students. All the monetary income will be given to charity and it would be a good showcase for our talented student artists.

For further information, you can visit the Center for Leadership and Service at http://kean.collegiatelink.net, or visit the center in room 219 of the University Center.

(Continued from page 1)

no turning back, the group entered only to see empty cages and no animals, they were told to vacate the premises promptly and that the birds were inside.

From there they went to New Orleans where the Hurricane Katrina relief was still taking place. The students worked along side the United Saints Recovery Project and did construction on senior low-income housing that is being rebuilt.

This is where they really saw the change they were hoping for.

“It was an absolutely incredible experience that I will never forget and I feel that everyone should have the opportunity to

volunteer at least once in their lifetime,” said Elissa Hyer, a student in the “Be the Change” group. “To be able to see the joy on peoples’ faces is a true eye-opening and life changing experience.”

After traveling to Mississippi, the students assisted subcontracted BP workers where they saw oil on the beach, yet the beaches remained open. A few swimmers even bathed in the soiled water, yet no volunteers were permitted to touch anything.

The Coast Guard arrived and posed the BP workers on a cleaner area of the beach for pictures, according to Bowe. The

Photo: Be The Change

Students who went on the journey.

group was able to take pictures of this as it occurred. One Kean student decided to

get a sample of the water near the part of the beach the Coast Guard was passing off as clean.

According to the group, the trip was enjoyable but still educational. They had the opportunity to help the community and had a lot of fun building friendships with each other.

“I wouldn’t teach anywhere else because Kean students are very special. They work really hard to be in school and are committed to giving back to the community,” said Dr. Bowe

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Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010 |

The Tower

UC Renovations Welcome, But Time Change Not So Much

By Casey Murphy

The Kean campus may look different to some this semester as new renovations have been made to both the Cougar’s Den and the game room.

the perfect thing.”

The game room also includes the presence of large windows that, along with skylights on the ceiling, allow for sunlight to stream throughout the room.

“I feel it’s a lot more open and brighter

es, a junior and media and film major. “The service is okay, but I don’t like the food.”

With the opening of the new Den, the University Center cafeteria, also known as the Café or the UC, has been working on a new time schedule. It now closes at 7pm

dore, a correspondent for Matt Caruso.

He also noted that the cafeteria in the residence halls are also open later than the UC cafeteria.

The new renovations, despite the few disappointments, are welcome additions

Photo: Gabrielle Matarazzo

A panorama of the game room.

Located in the University Center, the game room offers a selection of gaming opportunities for students.

Upon entering the room, students are met with pool tables near the door. As they make their way back into the space, Wii and Xbox systems line the walls and around the corner there are air hockey, foosball, and ping pong tables. Several televisions occupy the area and there are couches and chairs in which to lounge in.

“The only thing I could see is a vending machine and that’s it, “said Matthew Fontanez, a senior and psychology major at Kean. “A vending machine would be

and the environment is welcoming,” said Fontanez. “There’s a lot more students here unlike the old game room.”

Along with the newly renovated game room, the Cougar’s Den, has also seen its share of changes, including new chairs, tables, and a paint job.

“The front entrance is a lot nicer,” said Fontanez. “I think the food is prepared better and presented nicer and the way it’s decorated is all around nice.”

Not all students, however, feel that The Den, as it is referred, has met its full potential.

“I don’t like the food,” said Paris Holm-

fashion: welcome back fashion By ayana gibbs

Coming back to school, we as students are under a lot of stress. Classes, buying books, and finding time for a social life can be daunting. One thing that shouldn’t be on this list of worries is how you look.

Finding your inner style guru is the key to a successful year and a great outfit with a side of attitude makes a day.

can be dressed up or down.

Worn-in military boots or loafers should be added to your shoe collection, giving you more to work with than just sneakers.

These few minor changes will have the ladies around campus taking notice.

Having style is more than just putting on clothing; it is a form of self-expression.

“A great outfit with a side of attitude makes a day.”

So what’s hot in fall fashion?

For women, jeggings are all the rave.

They give you that denim look, but fit comfortably like a second skin. Whether worn with heels, flats, or wedges, they will accentuate your figure.

Ankle-length harem pants are very trendy. Whether print or fabric, just add a simple tank for a clean look. Beware of pants that are too baggy because you’ll look like an Aladdin reject (and I say that in the nicest way possible).

Indulge your inner Janelle Monae and get a pair of oxfords stat! They’re cute, classic and complete any outfit. Pair them with an A-line dress, opaque stockings and a cardigan for a fashion forward fall look.

For my scholarly boys it’s time to dress for success. No more sweats and T-shirts unless you’re going to the gym.

Fitted sweaters with a nice boot cut jean will give you a suave look. Invest in blazers; because of their versatility, they

Monday-Thursday and at 3pm on Friday.

“The Den offers a smaller, healthier selection,” said John LaFountain, a history education major. “I like the UC. If they’re going to close it at 7pm they should offer a wider selection in The Den.” According to Matt Caruso, the University Center director, the reason for the change in time at the University Center cafeteria is to accommodate the hours for The Den. “The cafeteria’s time change is because of the capability for the new Cougar’s Den to serve students who are seeking dining options up until 11pm,” said Jeffrey Theo-

to newcomers to the campus.

“I like the campus because it’s new,” said Elizabeth Zelaya, a freshman and early childhood education major at Kean.

“It feels updated compared to other campuses and I like the game room. I feel like there’s things to do in your spare time.”

The game room is open Monday-Thursday between the hours of 9am and 11pm, Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, and Sunday 12pm-9pm. The Cougar’s Den is open Monday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday 11am-5pm, and is closed Saturday and Sunday.

beauty marked: fall essentials you need in your make-up bag By cellestE valeanu

Calling all make-up trendsetters and seekers! Celly here to give you the inside scoop in the latest in Fall trends first hand from my recent visit to New York’s Fashion Night Out 2010. Yes, New York Fashion Week is about the fashion, but the make-up serves as much purpose as the models that bring the designers visions to life. I come baring a few tips to turn runway looks into instant transitional beauty enhancers that make you exude campus chic.

Did someone press fast forward to Fall?

Is it just me or was it just yesterday I was planted on the sand catching rays at the ever so popular Jersey Shore? Well, here we are back to reality and in the midst of the summer to fall transition which leads me to a few simple beauty tweaks that I highly suggest you try this season, like the day to night cat eye and products for radiant well hydrated skin.

Cat Eye – This tip is simple yet bold and also seen on the cat walk throughout various shows. To achieve a more straightedge geometric shape to winged out liner, try MAC Cosmetic’s fluidline gel eyeliner in

to deep tones. I am super excited about the new Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo’s in a rich navy/green pigment. A quick smoke and smudge of these highly pigmented shadows along the lower lash line will add a pop to your evening kitty eye. Stay tuned for the release in late September.

Hello Hydration – Skin is always in and you should be using a super hydrating moisturizer daily to ensure your skin stays supple and healthy throughout cool weather seasons. Try Welda’s Skin Food, it can be found in drugstores and is great for most skin types when strategically placed. If your skin tends to be oilier avoid

Photo: Musingsofamuse.com

MAC’s Venomous Villains Collection.

Clockwise from top left: Blazer, leggings, oxford shoes, military boots.

Haute fashion looks always call for an open mind so for this school year be fearless! Check out http://www.thevonimanaffair.wordpress.com for more fashion looks, tips, and trend forecasting.

WANT TO SEE YOUR NAME IN PRINT? Email us at thetower@kean.edu

“Turn runway looks into instant transitional beauty enhancers that make you exude campus chic.”

Blacktrack and a #208 tiny angled brush for definition.

Va Va Voom Venomous Villains – It is here! Perfect timing for Halloween, Disney and MAC Cosmetics have collaborated to paint and transform your inner Venomous Villain character. This collection includes a multitude of new shades ranging from soft

your t-zone, the area across your forehead and down your nose, but rather focus on where your skin is more of a normal type.

Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to always hydrate.

Although I am a MAC make-up artist, I am completely limitless to using other brands and will try anything, TWICE! After all makeup is an experiment and form of art in which it challenges your creativity and inner persona. Just run with it, your options are infinite.

Coming up next month, Lovely Lashes 101—lash primers, mascaras, and falsies.

The Tower | Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010

cars: nissan turns over a new leaf

Food: The Cougar’s den

By Charley Falkenburg

By Samantha Feller

Healthy food was almost impossible to find around Kean University, until the recent renovation of the Cougar’s Den. It promotes the food with a logo of “natural, healthy and delicious,” and it just may be right.

With the majority of ingredients purchased from local N.J. farms, everything is natural and fresh. This makes it very convenient for students to eat healthy right on campus for a reasonable price.

“The Cougar’s Den has made a complete 360, out with the old and in with the new,”

“The Cougar’s Den has made a complete 360, out with the old and in with the new.” said Kean student Tina Leroy. “Not only is the Cougars Den a great getaway place but the food is healthy and delicious.”

The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a great and healthy place to eat during the week in between classes or a convenient spot to just hang out and get school work done.

It is also a great work environment because it employs students along with trained professionals. The staff is very welcoming and highly interactive with the students.

“Working at the Cougar’s Den is a new experience where you can meet interesting people and learn about students’ majors,” said employee Manny Barahona. “Personally, my favorite dish is the grilled flat iron steak salad and I highly recommend it.”

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The old Cougar’s Den had the same unhealthy food options as the UC cafeteria, the same company employees and was

Photo: Gabrielle Matarazzo

The new front counter in The Den.

never open late creating an inconvenience for students.

The Cougar’s Den has come a long way not only with food, but also with its appearance. It may have taken almost two years to complete, but it was well worth the wait.

“The old Cougar’s Den was mediocre, lines were too long, the food wasn’t that good, there wasn’t enough seating and the hours weren’t good,” said Kean student AJ Hughes. “The new one is healthier with a larger menu, fairly reasonable prices and their services are a lot better.”

It is a refreshing first impression that will aid in changing the university for the better.

Imagine a world where cars are made without gas gauges. A world where all the various Sunoco and Exxon gas stations are obsolete and worries of running out of fuel are a thing of the past. Imagine cars that are plugged into chargers for the night just like any cell phone, laptop, or digital camera.

Although this world may sound like a fantasy, Nissan is quickly making this a reality with its 2011 Nissan LEAF, an all electric zero-emission hatchback. Not only is this vehicle ground breaking, but also is a realistic peek into the direction car manufacturers might be headed.

“Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable zero-emission vehicle for the mass market. The LEAF is in a class by itself,” Brian Carolin, the senior vice president of sales and marketing of Nissan North America said.

it up to the maximum speed of 90 mph.

While the LEAF isn’t exactly set up for the Autobahn, it has instant torque, which gives it great off-the-line acceleration As any other battery operated object, the LEAF can only be used for a certain amount of time before it needs to be recharged. Nissan estimates that the LEAF will be able to go approximately 100 miles per charge. Although 100 miles doesn’t seem that much at first, Nissan states that “95% of Americans don’t drive more than 100 miles per day,” making the LEAF a perfect candidate for the majority of drivers. Just don’t plan on taking the LEAF on any road trips to California.

To alert the driver if the battery is running low, Nissan installed Carwings, a high-tech system that displays the battery status as well as surrounding charging stations. Nissan reports that a full charge takes approximately eight hours on a standard 220 Volt outlet.

“Nissan leads the industry by offering the first affordable zero-emission vehicle for the mass market.”

Photo: www.insideline.com

The all electric 2011 Nissan Leaf.

The LEAF is powered by a 107 horsepower all electric motor that runs on energy supplied by lithium-ion cells, according to Nissan. Die-hard gear heads might be skeptical about the lack of camshafts, valves, exhausts, pistons and catalytic converters, but these all electric engines cut maintenance costs and boost reliability. Not only are pesky oil leaks a thing of the past, but engine and exhaust noises are eliminated making the LEAF a stealthy eco-friendly contender.

Nothing about the LEAF is traditional, including its lack of a standard transmission. Say “goodbye” to the days of gears slipping, stalling on hills and riding clutches. Although the car acts like an automatic, it only has one gear that takes

“People will charge their LEAFs at home much like they do their cells,” Nissan said.

The LEAF is as easy on the wallet as it is on the economy. Nissan has set the starting price at $33,000, but this price can drop to $25,000 with federal tax-credit prices. Even though the LEAF is set to go on sale nationwide in late 2011, there is already a sky-high demand for Nissan’s newest creation.

“More than 18,600 people in the U.S. have already made a reservation for the LEAF,” Nissan said.

For more information about the LEAF and how to get a hold of one, visit www.

NissanUSA.com.

Think Twice: Jaywalking at Kean

By D.J. Jean

Kean students recently received an email notification urging them to resist from jaywalking and to stay within the confines of the outlined crosswalks throughout the campus and elsewhere.

According to the State Division of Highway Safety, it is estimated that about 150 pedestrians a year have been killed on New Jersey’s roadways since 2004. Last year, that number increased to 159 pedestrians a year after a three year decline.

In 2009, a vehicle struck a Kean University student who was crossing North Avenue by Kean and Phil Rizzuto Park early one morning in April. The collision was not fatal, but the Kean student was left seriously injured. The student was struck crossing an area where there were no traffic lights or crosswalks.

In January, Former Governor Jon S. Corzine signed a revised traffic law that requires drivers to come to a complete stop for pedestrians. The law was enacted in April and was instituted to curb fatalities of traffic in New Jersey. State and federal traffic statistics found that 25% of auto-related fatalities involved pedestrians, which is almost double the national

average. In the past, New Jersey drivers were only required to yield to pedestrians entering a crosswalk.

Drivers who do not adhere to the revised traffic law face being reprimanded with any of the following: a $200 ticket, 15 days of community service, and/or two points on the driver’s license.

Pedestrians, even under the revised law that was designed to accommodate their safety, face similar penalties as drivers who violate the law. They may be charged with a $200 fine and/or community service. Points, however, will not be placed on their drivers’ licenses.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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literature

to the letter: an afternoon of letters and one-act plays By casey murphy

As the rain poured outside on Sunday September 12th, inside the Center for Academic Success an afternoon of letters and one act plays was underway.

Presented by the Kean University Foundation (KFT) and Alumni Associations, To the Letter is a collection of four letters and three one act plays written by Estelle Ritchie, a former Kean University faculty member.

“It was wonderful [working with Estelle] Estelle Ritchie because it was so much about the art scene in 1913-2001 New York,” said W. John Bauer, a former Kean faculty member and producer of To the Letter. “I learned so much because I went to plays with her.”

Starring Annette Curran, John Curran, and Lauran Parnes, all members of Café Theatre in Brick, NJ, To The Letter is a combination of letters written by Ritchie to one of her former students as well as three one act plays: “Division of Spoils,” “You Don’t Talk to Me No More, Francesca,” and “Love You to Pieces, Marianne.”

The idea for To The Letter came when Bauer discovered Ritchie’s let-

“She had a great admiration for women trying to get back to school after having children.” ters. Close to 200 pages, he handed the document to Parnes who read through them and carefully selected the ones that would work best for the production.

“I was only sorry reading [the letters] that I never knew her when she was living,” said Lauran Parnes, the director of and an actor in To the Letter. “I had so much in common with her.”

Born in Boston in 1913, Estelle Ritchie spent her childhood reading and writing. In later years, after her husband died in World War II, she did fellowship work in drama at the University of North Carolina and then studied acting in New York.

In 1964 Ritchie started teaching literature and writing at Kean University. In 1979 she left after her script, A New England Legend (a verse adaptation of The Scarlet Letter), was produced at the Lincoln Center to focus on writing full-time. Ritchie passed away in 2001.

“She had a great admiration for women trying to get back to school after having children,” said Bauer. “She was strict, but sympathetic to students’ needs.”

Even after her passing, Ritchie continues to help students at Kean with a scholarship in English and a Theatre in her name. Established by W. John Bauer, Nancy Boucher, and Janice DeYoung two scholarships are awarded to undergrad students majoring in English and Theatre with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

➦

A&E

drama

the play is the thing at kean

By Ernst r. constant

The International American Drama Conference, organized by Professor Janet Balakian in partnership with the English and Theatre departments, will be held Oct. 29 and 30 at Kean University.

The conference will have scholars from all over the world discussing a broad range of plays by American playwrights that deal with issues such as politics, human rights and gender.

Michelle Alequin and Jennifer Pepe, two seniors and Psychology majors who minor in English at Kean, will be presenting papers at the conference. Alequin and Pepe will also assist in the lectures and discussions with Kean’s production of “Our Town.” The performance will be Photo: Merri Cyr followed by a panel discussion of the play Emily Mann featuring scholars and directors such as Emily Mann, Todd London, Chris Bigsby and Brenda Murphy.

We are in difficult economic times, and so people understandably focus on their economic security, which dictates their course of study in college,” said Balakian. “In doing so, students can forget the importance of the arts and humanities. The conference will explore the ways that drama is essential to our humanity.

The students who wish to attend the play “Our Town” can submit their registration at the same time with the same price and the English department will order a bunch of

“We are in difficult economic times, and so people... focus on their economic security, which dictates their course of study in college.” tickets. The public is also invited to attend and should call 908-737-SHOW or go directly to the Wilkins box office to purchase the tickets. Students who attend the conference will receive co-curricular credit for attending after filling out a questionnaire.

Studying a play means engaging with our whole society,î says Balakian. ìWe are fortunate that the NJ Council for the Humanities has embraced our conference.î Acting Dean of the school of visual and performing arts, Holly Logue is credited in providing the financial support needed enable to launch the conference. The conference also received a grant from NJ Council for Humanities which means the scholars and directors listed above will be free and open to the public.

The conference will be held at several Kean locations such as the Center for Academic Success, the Human Rights Institute, the Little Theatre inside the UC and the Wilkins Theatre.

The price for students is $10 and $25 for the public; all students are encouraged to bring guests. The tickets can be purchased on line at http:www.kean.edu/~drama and the forms should be delivered along with the $10 to Kim in CAS room 301.

For more info or questions visit http://www.kean.edu/~drama.

movies ➦ Go Cougars!

Farrington has been involved in several Premiere Stages performances including the roles of Donny in “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” Dad in “A Hairy Situation,” Sir Toby Belch and Malvolio in “Twelfth Night,” Michal in “The Pillowman,” Happy in “Death of a Salesman,” Father Lux in Our Lady of 121st St. and was a part of the ensemble in “Encore: A Kean University Theatre Retrospective.”

He was also a part of several other plays at the Fla. community college of Jacksonville and other performing arts schools, such as the director of “As Is” and the stage manager of “The Laundromat.”

Premiere hosts a new show each year at Kean University.

Since Premiere hosted this new play, FarDavid Farrington acting as rington has been researching the play and witnessMichal in “The Pillowman.” ing its growth. It has been in development for 18 months and he has been able to see how it has changed.

Every year Premiere has an audition at the end of the spring semester for selected students. These chosen students are called back over the summer with the opportunity to audition with professional actors going out for the same parts. Farrington is recognized as an equity actor in the live theatre union as well as part of the Premiere Co.

theater

GAMES

scott pilgrim vs the world: the game

By Eric Albuen

Remember Double Dragon? Maybe in the arcades you played the 1989 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or perhaps a more common game like The Simpsons: Arcade Game. These games had a certain charm to it, playing with friends in the moment and working together to beat a boss side-by-side and controller-to-controller.

Many games today seem to have been lost in the mix that is First Person Shooters.

Thankfully, one game has decided to bring back everything we loved about working together in those kinds of cooperative games and (hopefully) bring us together once more. They call this game Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game.

The Scott Pilgrim series started out as a comic book series and was created by Bryan Lee O’Malley, a Canadian cartoonist. His six book series was later adapted into a movie, duly named Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and was eventually made into a video game and developed by Ubisoft.

Scott Pilgrim is in love with Ramona Flowers and in order for Scott to date Ramona he has to fight her seven evil exes. The game takes you into the adventures of Scott, Ramona, his ex-girlfriend Kim and his friend Stephen through the cold tundra that is Toronto, Canada to fight their way so the two can date.

The game is your typical brawler where you have to defeat a certain amount of enemies in an area before you are able to move on. A leveling system is implemented so your character can grow stronger and learn new abilities as well. A shop system in-game helps players buy various power-ups to further promote your characters strength and help make the game a little easier. For those who remember, this plays

The last exorcism

By Jaclyn tuman

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Since his first role in fourth grade as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” David Farrington has been pursuing his passion for theatre through multiple plays directing, managing and most importantly, acting.

Finishing up his last semester at Kean University, Farrington is acting in another Premiere Stages performance, “Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods,” by Tammy Ryan at the Zella Fry theatre in the Vaughn-Eames fine arts building.

“The thing I love most about theatre performance is the creative and collaborative nature of it. It gives you a chance to work with people with like minds, and to learn from each other’s different strengths and weaknesses,” Farrington said.

Farrington’s first experience in Premiere was when he was cast as an understudy for the play, “Any Other Name.” More recently, he played the role of Michael Dolan, a “disillusioned social worker,” in “Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods,” Farrington explains. The play circles around a suburban woman who meets a “lost” boy from Sudan.

Farrington really enjoys the collaboration in “Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods” and the fact that it is a social action play. He is also excited to work with a brand new director, John Pietrowski and to perform with Kim Zimmer, an Emmy award winner who plays the role of Christine in the play. He is looking forward to being a part of future shows as well.

“I am really excited about the theatre department’s movement based play, “The Other Shore,” which will be playing November 12 through November 20,” Farrington said.

➦

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DaviD farrington performs for Premiere stages

a lot like the NES classic River City Ransom.

The series itself takes after a lot of old video games and many are referenced throughout the game. The game is stylized, as Joystiq.com puts it, in a “hyper 8-bit style.”

The game’s pixel work is absolutely superb and bringing O’Malley’s unique character design to the 8-bit world makes it look amazing. Along with his characters looking amazing as 8-bit characters, the backgrounds of the game really come to life. It blends the best of modern day game design with the old 8-bit style we once loved.

The music itself is also quite amazing. The whole soundtrack was composed by a famous chiptune artist who goes by the name Anamanaguchi. With extremely well composed tracks and an 8-bit soundtrack to match the charm of 8-bit graphics, the combination can’t be beat and is something to be experienced.

But as beautiful as the game is, it does have a couple of problems. While Ubisoft had hoped to bring people together, people these days just don’t have that luxury of meeting up with a friend and just playing a game together in the same place.

The addition of online play would have made this game amazing. The game also suffers several unexplainable bugs that would cause the game to freeze forcing players to restart the game and lose most of the progress they had made. The game’s A.I. also doesn’t compensate for when a full cast of characters isn’t playing. A good majority of the time, the game would overrun you with enemies on-screen and you’d be easily overpowered, therefore making the game difficult when you start out.

Despite its flaws, this game has many good things going for it. With amazing graphics and an amazing soundtrack to boot, I could easily recommend this game to anyone. For only $10, you can’t find a game more worth it than that. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is available on both the Playstation Network and the XBOX Live Arcade.

I happily give this game an .

By brett williams

Just when you thought it was safe to sleep in the bed at night again a new terror arrives! From the dark mind of Eli Roth comes his latest fright fest, The Last Exorcism.

Already critically acclaimed, The Last Exorcism sets the bar and raises a whole new look on the demonic exorcism film genre.

The plot follows a want-to-be exorcist who mockingly goes across country to answer the calls of people of need in healing.

He gets more than he bargains for when one of the calls brings him to a small farm in a small town down South, where he encounters real evil.

In true documentary style, Eli Roth brings this experience to life with shocks

and screams at every corner. Combining the best elements of horror films like The Exorcism and mixing it with the technique and shooting style of Paranormal Activity, The Last Exorcism is an entirely new experience that sets a new direction for the exorcism movie genre.

Hard to turn away from and very alluring, the suspense through out the film will keep any thrill seeker on the edge of their seat. Roth has done an excellent job balancing the mood and keeping the audience wanting more at every turn until the shocking conclusion.

Eliminating cheesy Exorcism copies, this movie definitely is a good pick to enjoy a couple of frights with that special

someone or a group just looking to go out and have a good time. Be careful though, it just might possess you too!

“‘The Last Exorcism’ is an entirely new experience that sets a new direction for the exorcism movie genre.”

8

Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010 |

The Tower

EDITORIAL

The Tower Department of Communication

WELCOME BACK! Unfortunately, it’s time to roll up those beach blankets and trade them in for a backpack. It seems as though this summer happened in a blink of an eye. One minute we’re celebrating the finish of our last final exam and next thing you know we’re fighting for a parking spot at good ‘ole Kean University.

There are so many positive changes to look forward to this semester. Construction that made it so difficult to concentrate last semester is finally done. If you haven’t gotten a chance to look at the newly renovated Cougar’s Den, you’re definitely missing out!

On top of that, we have over 1,600 new students this year (no wonder why parking is so difficult), including the largest freshman and transfer class in Kean history. This semester offers numerous possibilities to make a difference on yourself, your academic career and in your life in general. So take advantage of the opportunity!

The Tower has been working hard to bring some great new things for you. I don’t want to spill the beans quite yet but I can promise you that within the next few weeks, you’re going to THREE STEPS closer to continuous news coverage. Are you on the edge of your seats yet?

Our staff is eager to bring the news to you but we can’t do it without you, the students at Kean University. So, I want to hear your thoughts! What’s bugging you about the campus? What are you excited about and want to inform your fellow students about? The Tower staff is here to bring the news to the students so let us know what you want to read!

Are you looking to be published? Having something on your mind that you have been eager to get into print? Let me know! We’d love to have contributions from the Kean students to host in the paper. Show us what you’ve got and you may see your name in print in the next issue of The Tower.

I wish you all the best of luck in settling back into school-mode. And as a wise woman once told me, “Where you are is exactly where you should be.” In other words, the journey to today has brought you here for a reason so embrace it! Remember: don’t rush to graduation or to next semester, to finals or midterms.

Enjoy each day for all it’s worth. After all, college is a learning experience. You don’t want to blink and forget the lesson!

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

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s print journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly 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 Megan Muller Deputy Editor Rachel Rothspan News Editor Laura Urban Sports Editor Nicole Von Gonten Assistant Sports Editor Matt Chin Arts and Entertainment Editor Charley Falkenburg Features Editor Andrew Czirjak

Megan Muller Editor-In-Chief thetower@kean.edu

On-line Editors Casey Murphy Stephanie Musat

Staff Matt Marchesano DJ Jean Carlos Reynosa Melissa Jewels Eric Albuen Jonathan Daneshpour Samantha Fellers Ernst Constant Jaclyn Tuman Christine Valdez Celleste Valeanu Brett William Andrea Edwards Ayana Gibbs Brian Konchalski Daniel Dolocheck Arkor Kolubah Aydin Reyhan Gabrielle Matarazzo Faculty Adviser Pat Winters Lauro Business Manager Eileen Ruf Designer Stephanie Skirvin

EVENTS CALENDAR ACADEMICS: 9/23 12:00 pm 9/25 11:30 am

11:15 am 9/26 1:00 pm

8:00 pm

8:00 pm 9/27 2:00 pm 9/28 3:00 pm

3:15pm 9/29 10:00 am

8:00 pm 9/30 9:00 am

3:30 pm 10/6 10:00 am

7:30 pm 10/8 4:00 pm 10/9 11:15 am 10/11 10/13 10:00 am

7:30 pm 10/14 12 pm

2:00 pm

Campus Awareness Festival, Cougar Walk Undergraduate Open House, Harwood Arena Community Foodbank of New Jersey, shuttle departs from Vaughn-Eames Lot Graduate Open House, East Campus Sunday Night Football, UC Game Room Catholic Newman Club, UC Pizza & Pool League, UC Game Room Spades Tournament, UC Game Room Humans Rights Interest Meeting, Human Rights Institute (Library) room 201 Cougar Fair, UC Atrium Lip Sync Night, Cougars Den Market Vision Poster Sale, UC Patio Atrium SEPIC Club, UC 226B Cougar Fair, UC Atrium Domestic Violence Workshop Hosted by Chi Upsilon Sigma, UC 337B Student Org. Student Council Meeting Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Shuttle departs Vaughn-Eames Parking Lot Columbus Day: No classes The Cougar Fair, UC Atrium eXpresso Informational Meeting Chi Upsilon Sigma, UC 337B Blood Drive, UC 219 Cotton Candy Land, UC Atrium

KEAN STAGE: 9/25 7:30 pm 10/9 7:30 pm 10/10 2:00 pm 10/14 8:00 pm

AHN Trio, Enlow Recital Hall Vanessa Carlton, Enlow Recital Hall New Jersey Symphany Chamber Players, Enlow Recital Hall En France, Enlow Recital Hall

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 spaceavailable 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.

Tower publication schedule FALL 2010: Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9.

OP-ED I’M JUST NOT A CITY GIRL - PART I

By MEGAN MULLER

I began an internship at the beginning of the summer. It was everything I was hoping for and I couldn’t wait to get started, literally counted down the days until I’d begin. But, by day 3, I was over the internship and vowed never to go into New York City again.

Monday night: I chose my outfit the previous night so I didn’t try on my entire closet Tuesday morning. I packed my lunch, a few snacks, shoes, and a notebook.

I looked and acted like a child getting ready for my first day of kindergarten. But, I WAS PREPARED! Tuesday: I woke up at 5 a.m. to shower and get myself all dolled up for my first day.

It was early but I had to be on the train by 6:50 a.m. so it was necessary. Donned with a khaki tube dress and a black cardigan with black ballet flats I was ready to take on the city. The company I was working at focused on platinum jewelry. You’d think common sense would’ve told me NOT to wear the gold tiger’s eye necklace I dressed myself with that day. Instead, my boss pointed it out as soon as I walked in the door. Strike!

Wednesday: Up again at 5 a.m. and the humidity was intense. Hopped out of my bed and literally could not walk because I was so exhausted from the previous day’s excursions. I decided to pass on the breezy dress idea and lean towards something with a little more comfort and security. Outfit for the day was pants, awrap shirt and flip-flops, what

could possibly go wrong?

Just my luck, Wednesday happened to be the hottest day of the week. I’d say it was about 130 degrees in the city. And me? I wore pants. It literally felt as though I had wrapped myself in saran wrap and stuck myself in a sauna. Heat in New Jersey is incomparable to heat in New York City. You think that beating sun is tough when your catching rays on the beach? Add about 20 degrees to it and cover your body completely, that’s what it felt like.

I had to get 16 binders (which by the way are incredibly heavy even when they don’t have anything in them). So I walked to Staples, picked out the items, back to the office to get help carrying it all (I couldn’t just call and have someone meet me because I forgot the number), back to Staples to get everything and then back to the office.

By the time I got back to the office it must’ve looked as though I had jumped in the Hudson River. Lovely.

Want to read how the rest of the week went? Stay tuned for Part 2 in the October issue of The Tower or visit http://glamoroushustle.blogspot.com/2010/05/nervous-breakdown.html to see pictures!

The Tower | Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010

MUSIC

RAVE

NEW BAND “MY PET DRAGON” STEPS INTO THE SCENE

WHAT THE CAMPUS HAS FOR YOU

By BRIAN KONCHALSKI

My Pet Dragon, an alternative rock and dance duo from New York City, are gaining fans with their hits and performances.

The band consists of Todd Michaelsen and Reena Shah. Michaelsen quit college to move to the city and focus on his music career. He met Shah through the Brooklyn rock music scene and they soon were dating, living together and planning a trip to India. Shortly after their trip, they formed My Pet Dragon.

Their music is heavily influenced by their trip to India. The duo released their first album First Born, and it proved to gain success. One of their songs, “Dragon’s Breath” played on the BBC radio and it wasn’t long before someone noticed My Pet Dragon. Karsh Kale, a highly acclaimed DJ and producer, just happened to be that someone. Their album boasts six tracks, including their single “Lover in Hiding” which Kale helped to produce

By RACHEL ROTHSPAN

I think it makes the music that much better; after all, the band IS a couple.

Another great love song, “Between Us,” has a slower melody maybe but it will definitely stick in your head. Michaelsen shows his mastery of his gift of the guitar in this song, especially at the end.

Lastly, “A New Nation,” takes a completely different direction from “Lover

“When I first heard ‘Lover in Hiding,’ I felt like I was like I was breathing a breath of fresh air.”

Photo: www.gimmethatsound.com

I initially thought My Pet Dragon was going to be another new band that I was not going to like, but it turned out I was wrong. The overall melody and mood of the songs were great. When I first heard “Lover in Hiding,” I felt like I was breathing a breath of mountain fresh air. Within seconds I knew I wasn’t going to be reviewing another alternative rock band.

Their sound is new and unique, combining synthesizers and guitars and making it sound good is no easy task but yet something they have mastered.

Michaelsen’s voice in “Lover in Hiding” really makes the lyrics stand out. He seems to have no limits to his vocal range and his lyrics really struck a chord with me. It’s a great song for people who love sappy love songs. While some may see the lyrics as sappy and too love oriented,

KEAN BUDGET CUTS

9

My Pet Dragon poses for the camera.

in Hiding” and “Between Us.” There is no synthesizer, just Michaelsen’s voice and his guitar. This technique shows off his vocal abilities without masking it with other noises. It’s not often that you hear somebody’s voice recorded without it going through digital enhancement. The song’s lyrics are powerful and moving, yet subtle enough to make you think. Two lines in particular stood out to me: “And to all you Zombies watching the Evening News -/ Your World is much wider than they choose” If you’re looking for a band that stands apart from others on the radio, give My Pet Dragon a shot. For more information on upcoming shows and to hear some of their music visit their website at http:// www.mypetdragon.net/.

Just past the Kean Campus, there are a million different things to do. But it’s a new school year, and Kean is starting to feel like home again. With more incoming students than ever before, it’s not surprising that parking feels like even more of a tremendous burden than past years.

What is surprising, however, are all of the under used services of new and old that many Kean students do not know about.

Here are some of the ones that are less discussed, but worth a student’s time.

Many people remember the old game room that the UC once featured, but the new year brings a re-constructed game room, featuring impressive new chairs, clean pool tables, and a new feel. Students living away from home, or even commuters with large breaks in between classes can head over to the game room and mingle. Whether going with friends, to meet friends, or even to sit and just be part of the college scene, the game room is an impressive way to enjoy Kean campus.

This month’s Tower features a story by Casey Murphy about the location and its fun new feel, which can be found on page 4. She writes “Directing the time machine back two years ago, the game room has been greatly improved from its original form, and even from the substitute that resided in the Greek Lounge last year.” Check out her story, and check out the room.

The game room is a place for hanging out, but there are also services that can help a student with personal growth in many areas. Incoming freshman may hear rumors of mythical sports equipment, for improving health and creating a workout regime, to avoid that freshman fifteen.

But Kean offers more than just equipment; they have a whole fitness center, and a pool, both of which are available for students when the athletic teams are not meeting. The fitness center features elliptical machines, treadmills, and stationary bikes, as well as weights. Located inside Harwood Arena, the furnished room requires workout clothes and has a locker room, and can be a great workout spot

for any student. More information can be located at http://www.keanathletics.com/ information/facilities/index.

Sometimes, however, self improvement and new friends are not enough to change the emotions a college student may experience. Students often hear about the good stuff, like the happiness of finding new friends and the freedom of being

Photo: Kean University

The Pool at the Arena

away from home. Still, there is much less conversation about the harder feelingsstress, depression, and loneliness. Many students will suffer through a negative emotional journey at one point or another during their career at Kean. Many students work through these times alone as best they can, but there is another option. Kean offers a counseling center, free of charge, where students can go to talk through whatever they are going through, whether it is related to their current role as a student, to anxiety about the future, or even trauma caused by a difficult past.

The service is open to all (even to faculty, although it’s a bit more limited), confidential, and ready for appointments. According to their website, “The Kean Counseling Center is designed to assist students in all areas of psychological counseling.” Check out http://www.kean.edu/~kcc/counseling. html to get more information.

Whether you are new to the Kean Campus, or a seasoned veteran who hasn’t taken advantages of these great benefits the school has to offer, be sure to check them out. With limited budgets and time, having these be accessible right on campus is a unique and wonderful way to utilize our college.

(Continued from page 1)

department and former KFT president said no staff should have been laid off due to finances. He cited Kean’s eight sister universities, specifically Montclair University, William Paterson University and Rowan University that have similar enrollment, which managed state budget cuts without eliminating personnel.

“The budget cuts are happening at all institutions but the institutions have different priorities,” Katz said. “The priority of this administration is public relations, construction and beautification. Hiring the right faculty, hiring efficient support staff for students is not a priority.”

Kean spent $4.8 million more on campus operations and maintenance in 2009 than in 2008 whereas the total allotment for faculty salary rose $3.3 million, according to Middle States draft reports. Student tuition has risen 62 percent since 2003, yet full-time faculty has dropped from 400 to 324, according to the NJ Commission on Higher Education.

That, Castiglione said, is the biggest problem with the financial management of the administration. Students are pay-

ing more, but getting less in the classroom and even less in support as more professional staff are being let go, he said.

A tuition raise was not going to be a solution to this, Hudik said, and would in turn be detrimental to students. “Tuition accounts for more than 80 percent of our revenues. Nevertheless, Kean’s tuition in these difficult times remains among the lowest in the state,” he said in an email.

Of the 16 people who spoke in front of the Board, 12 spoke in support of the KFT. Diana Calle, along with 36 Hispanic students, stood in front of Dr. Farahi and the Board in support of Myriam Quinones, an advisor for the Spanish-speaking program, saying that she aided in her assimilation to Kean and kept her motivated “There were many days were I wanted to give up and I didn’t think I would accomplish my professional goals,” said Calle. “I relied on the spiritual guidance of Myriam Quinones to keep me engaged. What I got from Myriam Quinones was unconditional support and encouragement.”

Connelly responded that the actions

were a last resort for the administration to balance the budget.

Photo: Stephanie Musat

Kean President Dawood Farahi (right) and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Eugene Enlow (left) listen at the public meeting Sept. 13.

“If anyone thinks we are taking these actions in some lighthearted kind of way, that we aren’t very serious about the actions that took place, that is simply not true,” Connelly said. “It is about putting finances in order and being realistic about what the future finances of the state are going to be and what we are going to have to deal with in the future.”

He noted that faculty and public safety were exempt from layoffs. Everything else was on the table.

The KFT is also charging that the layoffs discriminated against women, African Americans and Hispanic staff. Castiglione said that of the 12 professional staff laid off, 10 are women – six of whom are African American and two are Hispanic. He said the KFT is looking into taking action.

“There are very, very serious questions of discrimination when you look at the list,” said Castiglione after the KFT meeting. “There are significant questions of what factors went into their decision making.”

Connelly defended the university in the Board of Trustees meeting by saying of the nine managers who were laid off, eight are Caucasian. “There was nothing racist, there was nothing sexist about this approach,” he said.

Sharon Fouchee, who has advised the EEO program for 33 years, was among the people cut despite her years of service.

“I’ve not only worked with freshman, but generations of freshmen whose children then come here,” she said. “We have a fight in front of us.”

10

Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010 | The Tower

HEALTH & FITNESS STEROID ABUSE IN SPORTS

By DR. JOSH PALGI

The history of anabolic steroids cannot be explained without looking back to the discovery of testosterone. It’s been accepted since ancient times that testicles were required for male sexual characteristics and development. By the mid 1930’s scientists had synthesized testosterone making it the first anabolic steroid. Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble the chemical structure of the body’s natural sex hormone testosterone. They promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of sexual characteristics (androgenic effects) in both males and females.

When anabolic steroids increase the levels of testosterone in blood, they stimulate muscle tissue in the body to grow larger and stronger. This leads to the abuse of the compound by body builders and weightlifters and also by athletes in other sports to improve their ability to run faster, hit farther, lift heavier weights, jump higher, and have more endurance. Although steroids are effective performance enhancers, they lead to many health and legal issues.

Health Issues The potential side effects of steroids are enough to scare the average person away from use. Side effects in males may include: • • • • •

accelerated male- pattern baldness decrease sex drive reduce sperm production breast development testicle shrinking

And while men may experience feminization, women may experience masculinities with side effects including: • • • • • •

clitoris enlargement menstrual changes deepened voice breast reduction male pattern baldness facial hair Both sexes may experience:

• • • •

skin disease cardiovascular disease liver disease psychological effects (from depression to aggression)

Legal Issues In the USA, steroids are classified as controlled substances and carry with them

felony charges. The FDA, the Department of Education and the Drug Enforcement Administration has joined together in sponsoring public education program on steroids aimed mainly at youngsters.

One challenge in youth steroid education is that young people tend to believe they are immortal.

The second problem is when professional athletes, many of whom are regarded as a role model by young people have been accused for turning to steroids and other illegal drugs to pursuit of a competitive edge or to prolonged their powers and speed. The times book critic Michiko Kakutan; called it “Classical Tragedy”. He said that the very qualities that once made Marion-Jones, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds best aggression, tenacity and relentless need to win- were the very qualities that would sabotage them in real life, in the legal arena, on Capitol Hill and in the court of public opinion.

Roger Clemens, knows as “the Rocket: and larger than life pitcher had 354 wins, 3.12 ERA and seven CY Young awards just to pick a few. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he lied to congress when he said he never used performance- enhancing drugs.

Marion Jones, who won five track and field medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics served six months in prison after pleading guilty to making false statements to federal authorities about her use of performance enhancing drugs and relinquished her 5 medals to the United States unit of doping agency.

Barry Bonds, baseball career home run leader, won 7 most valuable players awards, named to the All-Star team 14 times, has won 8 Gold Glove awards and was named Best Player of the 90’s. He was indicted on charges that he made false statements before a federal grand jury about his use of performance enhancing drugs.

For most people, steroids are a bad choice. People often start taking them without properly educating themselves about the risks and rewards. Steroid may give you the sense that they make you stronger and more athletic but the consequences are too dangerous to risk.

Make sure that you know and understand the health risks and the possibility of legal trouble.

Dr. Josh Palgi is a professor in the Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Health Department.

BE SEEN AND HEARD! WRITE FOR THE TOWER JOIN US EVERY TUESDAY AT 3:20 PM CAS 413

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9/29 7:30 pm

Women’s Tennis vs Ramapo College Field Hockey vs Mercy College Women’s Soccer vs RutgersCamden Men’s Soccer vs New Jersey City University 9/30 3:30 pm Women’s Tennis vs College of

Staten Island 10/1 7:00 pm Football vs Montclair State

University 10/2 12:00 pm Women’s Volleyball vs John Jay College

1:00 pm Women’s Soccer vs Ramapo

College

4:00 pm Women’s Volleyball vs

Farmingdale State College 10/7 7:00 pm Women’s Volleyball vs Rutgers

Camden 10/9 1:00 pm Women’s Tennis vs William

Paterson University

1:00 pm Field Hockey vs Rowan

University 10/13 7:30pm Men’s Soccer vs Montclair State University 10/14 3:30pm Women’s Tennis vs Richard

Stockton College

The Tower | Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010

11

CAMPUS SPORTS

Prized Prey Slips Through the Cougars’ Paws Once Again

By Andrew Czirjak

Last season Kean University baseball team was on a roll. The Cougars were confident even with the inexperienced freshmen on the Cougars team. They had a swagger to them. But, most importantly the Cougars had the belief they could win the College World Series.

Seeking their fourth-straight trip to the College World Series, the Cougars began their quest against Manhattanville College in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament.

The Cougars were unstoppable, especially from the pitching mound. Standout pitcher Ryan Zamorsky, a sophomore pitched a five-hit, complete game shutout leading the Cougars to a 3-0 win.

On May 21, the Cougars blasted their way past Widener University, 8-2 to win their second elimination game during the

NCAA Tournament. The wins for team just kept on coming. The Cougars would win their next two games defeating Alvernia University 3-2 and upsetting John Hopkins University’s Blue Jays 9-6.

Some of their wins came easy to the Cougars, and some wins they had to fight tooth and nail for. But once again the pride of Kean University found themselves one win away from advancing to another College World Series.

However, in a crucial playoff game against the number one seeds John Hopkins University, the Cougars were unable to clip the Blue Jay’s wings again. They would go on to lose to the Jays 8-3 in the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional.

Still, the Cougars had another very successful year. And no one can argue that.

The Cougars 39-12 record proves it. Kean team closed out the 2010 season as the NJAC Tournament Champions, as well as

making it to the NCAA Regional.

However, the ultimate prize, a College World Series win continues to elude Kean University’s baseball team. For the past three seasons the Cougars have gotten close. Unfortunately, the Cougars continue to fall short in achieving their goal.

Not making it to the CWS was the bad news. The good news is some of the members of the Cougars 2010 squad did have something to smile about.

Junior Nick Nolan earned the yearly New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association awards and First Team ABCA All-Region Honors. Nolan, the 2010 NJAC Player of the Year, was selected as the NJCBA Division II/III Player of the Year as well as being tabbed as the ECAC Metro Player of the Year. He set a new Kean University single-season record, with 17 doubles, four triples, nine homeruns and a perfect 21-of-21 in stolen base attempts.

Freshman Kevin Herget was also tabbed as the NJCBA Division II/III Rookie Pitcher of the Year after finishing with a 7-1 record in eight starts this season.

Need more proof?

Junior Ken Gregory finished the 2010 season as the NJAC leader with a (.427) batting average.

And Kean University star infielder, senior Mike Moceri was selected as a second team member finishing the season with a .376 batting average 73 hits, 45 RBI and 45 runs scored in 48 games played this year. Moceri was also selected as a first-team all-star.

Then, there should not be a question if they still can win the College World Series. The big question should be is when.

And with the caliber of talented players the Cougars have in their line-up this season it is only a matter of time before the Cougars due.

Cougars Look to Take the Lead in the NJAC

By Matt Chin

With 20 returning seniors on the football team, head coach Dan Garrett has a team ready to compete for a national championship.

“We have a good veteran ball club with guys who know how I expect things to get done and know how to handle themselves,” Garrett said.

During the preseason, coaches in the New Jersey Athletic Conference ranked the Cougars third in the preseason poll.

“We haven’t done anything yet. It’s the first time we’ve ever been ranked that high. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish,” Garrett said.

Garrett tries his best to keep his team from getting too comfortable with what the team has accomplished, “I try to do a good job of knocking them down a peg everyday. So when I start to see them get complacent or start talking about the preseason ranking, I tell them you haven’t

done anything yet.”

Garrett talks about the season being 10 single week seasons, and the only thing that matters is the next game.

“I did a lot of research on Coach John Wooten of UCLA and Nick Saban of Alabama and those two guys preach winning today,” Garrett said. “We’re not looking to be mediocre; we’re not looking to be average. We’re looking to do some good things.”

On the field the Cougar’s offense is led by three-year-starting junior quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi.

“He can throw the ball from any different angle. He can throw it rolling out, three step, five step, play action, he can run and do some things with his feet in the run game,” Garrett said of his quarterback. “He can also run when the pocket breaks down in the passing game.”

Garrett stresses the importance of protecting the ball on offense and stopping the run on defense. “We can’t turn the ball

over, we got to be able to stop people in the run game on defense.”

Over the summer, recent graduate Markal Ginyard passed away in a one-car accident. Ginyard started in the safety position during his tenure at Kean.

“We have a good veteran ball club with guys who know how I expect things to get done and know how to handle themselves.”

The Cougars grieved during preseason training camp over the loss of Ginyard.

“First it was emotionally tough because Markal was only two years removed from us. And he was around because he just graduated in the spring,” Garrett said.

“Even though he finished playing for us in ’08, there were a lot of guys who were still

really close to him.”

Helping to anchor the defense that Ginyard used to play in is 5-foot-8-inch junior safety Jamahl Williams and 5-foot-10inch junior safety Mike Mancini.

“Jamahl Williams is probably the most talented young man I’ve ever coached at that position,” Garrett said.

Garrett is hoping Williams experience and leadership will help the Cougars win games this year.

“He’s got 11 starts from last year, and seven from the year prior. So his leadership is going to be key,” Garrett said.

With all the returning seniors on the team, Garrett expects leadership from everyone. D’Ambrisi helped out tremendously in that regard.

“He’s got 22 games under his belt.

His leadership is outstanding this year.

He’s been phenomenal right now,” Garrett said.

Catching Up With the Lady Cougars

By Daniel Dolocheck

The Kean women’s soccer team, led by coach Brian Doherty started fast this season by winning their first three games by a combined score of 15-2.

The team succeeded early this year and impressed Doherty in his 12th season as coach. “I think our team this year compares on paper to the most successful teams we’ve had here at Kean,” the coach said. “The season will tell us whether or not that translates onto the field and into results.”

The team currently sits at 4-1-1 after suffering its first defeat to Stevens Institute of Technology.

The Lady Cougars, ranked fourth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll, were considered the dark horse selection in the group.

“As far as us being the dark horse - I think if we play the way we are capable of playing to our best level and continue to challenge ourselves to do that everyday

Photo: Kean Athletics

2010 Women’s Soccer team.

that we have a great chance at competing for a conference title,” Doherty said.

Coach Doherty said he valued the opinions of his colleagues and that of the particular poll, because coaches in the conference voted on it.

The Lady Cougars returned 23 players this year and Doherty felt that they have all become better players since entering the program.

“I can’t pick one player off of this team.

We have too many great players to choose one. We are very deep in terms of talent, and I respect all of my players too much to choose just one to put on a pedestal,” Doherty said. “I’m just happy with the team to this point both as soccer players, and as people I think we have great character on this team.”

Doherty gets excited for every game because they are so important for different reasons.

“In our sport, the way the NCAA selection is structured it makes every game important. You have to win as many regional games as possible so that if you don’t win the conference you have a strong regional record and a better chance at a large bid to the NCAA tournament,” Doherty said.

“It just so happens that all of our games are regional games so it makes them all important. Of course the better your opponent the more excited you get because of the challenges that you will face against those teams, it shows you what you are made of.”

Even though the rest of the season still has to be played, the team has what it takes to win a championship.

“I do think this group of players (women) is capable of winning a conference and national championship, they have the depth, talent, and character to do so, if they stick together through the tough times and come out the other side of them stronger for it then we can do anything we set our minds to together,” Doherty said.

12

Sept. 23 - Oct. 13, 2010 | The Tower

SPORTS

Fantasy Football Picks

TEAM CHIN

By Matt Chin

Finally the NFL regular season is here. Teams have already played two games and are preparing for the third week of the season. Like every fantasy football owner, you’re probably torn between which players should be started, which should be benched and which should be claimed off waivers. For every issue you have, this column will help you pick which players you need to start, bench, pick up, or drop from your fantasy football team. So let’s start off with the players you must start for week three: MUST STARTS Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG): He’s tough. He doesn’t stop moving his legs forward. He makes something out of nothing. What else can be said about the guy? He’s awesome. I’m a little skeptical of the Titans run defense.

Rashard Mendenhall (PIT): I’ve been saying it all summer; Mendenhall will be one of the most valuable fantasy backs through the first month. The Steelers are going to pound the ball since they don’t have Big Ben starting. Look for a big game from him against the Bucs.

Brandon Jackson (GB): Ryan Grant is done for the season. Jackson’s value just skyrocketed.

Ray Rice (BAL): Whether it’s catching out of the backfield and running or a handoff, he’s fast. He surprised a lot of people last year. He won’t surprise anyone this year, but that won’t stop him, especially against the Browns.

Carson Palmer (CIN): It took a while, but Palmer eventually turned it on against the Patriots in week one. He threw for 345 yards and two scores against the Pats. He’ll do that to the Browns.

Donovan McNabb (WAS): He didn’t throw a touchdown against the Cowboys in the first week, but he looked good. The Rams have an awful pass defense.

It’ll be a different story then.

Santana Moss (WAS): McNabb has two options: Moss or Cooley. Moss is more likely to have more targets. He has a slightly bigger upside than Cooley.

Hakeem Nicks (NYG): The wide receiver on the Giants with the biggest upside.

He may not catch as many balls, but he has big play capability. He could very well turn out to be the best receiver in the NFC East.

Chad Ochocinco(CIN): I like him for the same reasons I like Carson Palmer.

Dez Bryant (DAL): This kid may sneak up on some. He’s owned in a lot of leagues, but he people may not be playing him. He needs to be started.

Joe Flacco (BAL): T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Anquan Boldin, Ray Rice. Scary combination. He’s going to almost always post big numbers. It’s no longer about Baltimore’s defense.

Pierre Garcon (IND): Manning has a lot of options in that offense. But Manning also throws a lot. He may be hit or miss some games, but is more likely to hit than miss.

Mark Clayton (StL): He’s the only person Sam Bradford can throw to on that offense. And Bradford isn’t a bad quarterback. Pick him up if you’re desperate.

Sit, Sit, Sit Calvin Johnson (DET): Did nothing in the first week. I know the rule, it’s terrible, and the rule needs to be changed. He was beat by a rule. Still, with Matthew Stafford injured makes Megatron’s fantasy stock plummet. Sorry, Shaun Hill.

The entire Minnesota Vikings wide receiver core: Brett Favre has no idea who to trust. Sidney Rice is out for at least half the season. I don’t know how this team is going to win games if Favre has no one to throw to.

Steve Smith (CAR): Who knows how long Matt Moore will be out for. Jimmy Clausen is a rookie. Smith is tough, but teams are going to blanket him.

Any Bears wide receiver: Who is Jay Cutler throwing to? Right, none of them have done a thing to distinguish themselves.

DeSean Jackson (PHI): Kevin Kolb could be out for a little while with a concussion. He didn’t look too great against Green Bay anyway. Michael Vick makes too many plays running. Too many question marks with who is under center to make me like any Eagles wide out.

Brett Favre (MIN): If I don’t like his receivers, then I’m definitely not liking him.

Dump Sidney Rice (MIN): Who knows when he’ll be back, it’s not worth keeping him on your roster and taking up space.

Vincent Jackson (SD): Same as Mr. Rice above listed above him.

TEAM DOLOCHECK

By Daniel Dolocheck

The 2010 NFL season is among us and with that brings everyone’s favorite fall game: Fantasy Football. Everyone gets to become an armchair owner in which your decisions and actions determine if you will be a winner or a loser. This is where I come in. I have played Fantasy football for the past seven years and have learned a thing or two over that time.

This column will showcase who I feel you should drop and pick up each week in order to maximize your score.

Pick ups-If you don’t like the defense that one of your players has to go up against look to the waiver wire to add a player with a more favorable match up.

Quarterbacks Kyle Orton (DEN): He’s a consistent player that puts up solid fantasy numbers each week. Even with the departure of Brandon Marshall, the Broncos have enough weapons to get into the end zone. He’s currently only owned in 35 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. In week three he plays a Colt defense that has shown very little.

Matt Cassel (KC): Matt Hasselback and the Seahawks put up 31 points in week one against the 49ers. Enough said. If you’re really in a bind and need a starter for week three Matt Cassel wouldn’t be your worst option. The Chiefs are going to need to throw the ball if they expect to win. Unless you’re in a huge league Cassel will be available.

“It doesn’t matter who the Patriots are playing they will put up points.”

Running Backs Fred Taylor (NE): Laurence Maroney’s nagging injuries have seriously dropped his fantasy stock and it looks as if Fred Taylor is going to receive most of the carries for the Patriots. Though a little old, Taylor still has plenty left in the tank and is great catching passes out of the back field. He’s currently only owned in only 21 percent of leagues on ESPN. It doesn’t matter who the Patriots are playing they will put up points.

Peyton Hillis (CLE): It looks as though Peyton Hillis will be sharing carries with Jerome Harrison. He’s a tough runner with a nose for the end zone. If he can limit his fumbles and stay on the field look for Hillis to have a major role in the Brown’s offense. He’s currently only owned in 4 percent of ESPN leagues.

He plays a tough Baltimore defense in week three but should see the bulk of the carries if the Browns make it into the red zone.

Wide Receivers Austin Collie (IND): Collie is a nice pickup in medium to larger leagues. He’s owned in 78 percent of ESPN leagues meaning if your quick your could be able to snag him. Peyton Manning finds all his options on the field and connected with Collie for 10 completions in week one.

Jabar Gaffney (DEN): With Brandon Marshall leaving for Miami this offseason, Gaffney is penciled in as the Broncos number one right now. He’s only owned in about half of ESPN leagues and is a steal if you’re able to pick him up.

The week three match up with the Colts should spell a big day for him.

Tight Ends Tony Scheffler (DET): He led the lions in catches in week one, and with Matt Stafford’s shoulder a concern, this tight end could end up seeing a ton of passes coming his way with backup Shaun Hill at the helm. He’s barely owned in most fantasy leagues and is a good option versus an aggressive Viking defense in week three.

Jermaine Gresham (CIN): This rookie is a freak of an athlete and has great upside in the Bengal’s offense. He had six catches and a touchdown in week one. Look for Gresham to get plenty of looks in the red zone with his massive frame.

Defense and Special Teams Seahawks (SEA): The Seahawks looked great under former USC coach Pete Carroll in the season opener holding the 49ers to only six points. In week three they go up against the Rams which is a great match up for them considering they have rookie quarterback Sam Bradford starting. Look for big numbers from this Seattle defense in week three.

Next issue: 2010 fantasy draft busts. Who you should drop from your team like a bad habit.