Sept. 2009

My Summer as a TV Studio Intern P. 4

John & Jay

Beauty Addicts P. 6

NFLPredictions

P. 16

The Tower Kean University’s student newspaper

www.kean.edu/~thetower

T N E D TU S T GREA DEALS! on

ons 15 p u o c See ges 12 & pa

Volume 10 • Issue 1 September, 2009

Kean Reorganization Underway

By Joseph Tingle

Welcome Back Kean! (See centerfold, pgs 8-9.)

Photo: Ana Maria Silverman

Ramos Expects Change

By Kelly Pennisi

Scott Ramos, the new president of Student Organization, Kean’s full time student government, has taken office and wants to change student’s perceptions about the university and the student government.

Ramos, who ran under the ticket, “Expect Change” last semester, said that he ran for president for one reason- he wanted to change things.

“I felt that things can and should be fixed, and I decided to take that step,” said Ramos.

Ramos said he is aware that not everybody knows what Student Organization is, and wants to fix that. With his concern of school pride, Ramos plans on increasing the level of school spirit by working

through Student Org to help students become more involved and attend more university events.

So far, Ramos and Student Org have made good on that promise. Last Saturday recording artist Pitbull, whose Rebelution album reached #8 on U.S. charts and #1 on rap charts, performed at a welcome back concert sponsored by Student Org. Concerts, like the Pitbull concert that sold out and was held on Sept. 12 in Wilkins Theatre, are usually reserved for next month's homecoming, and next semester's Unity week.

“The work we do is hard,” said Ramos to an almost-packed Wilkins Theater. “But when I see everyone in this auditorium, it’s worth it.”

Ramos also said another goal he would (Continued on page 5) like to achieve is in-

The Kean University administration has reorganized several academic departments and opened four new schools within the college this semester.

Proposed by the administration and approved by the board of trustees in June, most of the reorganization has already taken effect and is now mostly complete.

Besides creating the four new schools, the plan also included the integration of the department of Philosophy and the department of Foreign Languages into several of the University’s larger departments, according to Dr. Mark Lender, the interim vice president of Academic Affairs. In addition, the Media & Film Studies department has been moved from the School of Visual & Performing Arts, and reunited with the Communication department in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences.

The future of the department of Social Work, which was a subject of concern among some students and faculty last semester, is currently being reviewed by what Dr. Lender described as an out-ofstate, nationally renowned authority.

“There were a number of concerns about the management of the department, the viability of the program, and the program’s expense,” Dr. Lender said.

He also said that although the full review of the department will not be complete until November, the current plan for Social Work focuses on the Master’s program, which has been moved to a new dean in the Nathan Weiss Graduate College and is unconnected with the undergraduate Social Work program.

Also in transition is the department of

Communication Sciences and Educational Services, which is expected to make a change by 2010. The department, which focuses on programs to strengthen reading and literacy, will be integrated into the department of middle, secondary, and special education.

“It’s about budget, but that’s not what it’s all about,” said Dr. Lender.

The reorganization is meant to get the University “ahead of the curve” by focusing on its strengths while also creating opportunities for the University to gain more funding, both from the public and

"When times are tough, you’ve got to think ahead." private sector. The four new schools, according to Dr. Lender, have been created due to the presence of student and faculty interest, and the possibility for raising external funds.

For example, the new School of Nursing promises to make it easier for Kean to compete for federal funds enacted by the federal Stimulus Bill, according to information provided by the Office of Academic Affairs.

The Kean Federation of Teachers, which is the Kean chapter of the American Federation of Teachers union led by Dr. James Castiglione, opposes the reorganization and has begun pursuing the university’s grievance process, Dr. Castiglione said.

He said that the KFT feels the reorganization has been rushed, and is based on personnel issues rather than academic ones.

(Continued on page 4) “Usually, these

SWINE FLU: TIPS ON AVOIDING IT (see pg. 11)

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: What was the most memorable part of your summer?

By Charley Falkenburg

Brielle Kerken Senior, Early Childhood Education

Michael Milazzo Senior, Communication

Nick Muzzillo Senior, Communication

Stephanie Romano Junior, English and Secondary Education

"The best part of my summer was white water rafting at Lake George in New York."

"The most memorable part of my summer was going to the Biosphere Natural Exhibit in Montreal."

"I spent my summer in North Carolina jet skiing, bike riding, and being on the beach."

"The greatest part of my summer was producing a charity show in East Brunswick that raised $10,000."

New Dorms at Kean

2

Rachel's Rave!

6

Do I Have Swine Flu?

Eating Healthy on the Cheap

3

Gaming on a College Budget

6

Women's & Men's Sports

University Center Make-over

5

Editorial & Life @ Work

10

NFL Predictions: John & Jay's Picks

11 12-15 16

2

September, 2009 |

The Tower

Kean Salutes the Great American Newspaper Good Journalism is Incredibly Important

By Lillie Morales-Torres

After discovering hundreds of newspapers that dated back centuries in the basement of Liberty Hall, the staff at the Kean University museum knew they had to find a way to highlight this incredible find.

Now, more than a year and much work later, the find has culminated in the opening of “Headline News: The Life Transformation of the Great American Newspaper” inside the Karl and Helen Berger Gallery at the Center for Academic Success. The exhibit is open weekdays from 11 a.m. through Oct. 28.

“The exhibit is coming at a good time,” said Terry Golway, director of the John Kean Center of American History and cocurator of the exhibit, who led the show’s effort working with Pat Winters Lauro, assistant professor of journalism in the Communication Department; Susan Garino, Kean’s coordinator of historic structures; and William Schroh, Kean’s director of museum operations.

“Many people are unsure of the security of the newspaper,” Golway added. “When we found all of the newspapers in the Liberty Hall museum, I realized that we had to find a way to show them.”

A tour through the exhibit is like walking through a time capsule. The oldest

Some of the featured front pages.

The exhibit features a replica of an old newsroom, circa 1940s.

front page featured in the exhibit is a copy of The Gazette dated Nov. 7, 1789. Founded in 1789, the Gazette served as the voice of President George Washington’s new administration. Maybe that’s how it was left there too. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, who lived at Liberty Hall for a short time, urged the supporters of George Washington to launch the Gazette.

The Gazette is also the oldest artifact at Liberty Hall, which was the ancestral home of the Kean family, one of New Jersey’s oldest families and the namesake of Kean University. John Kean and his wife, Pam, along with Kean University President Dawood Farahi, and Neil Tetkowski, the director of the Berger gallery, officially opened the exhibit on Sept. 10.

A special feature is an audio tour, a first for Kean and adapted for the gallery by Garino in an effort to make the

Photos: Lillie Morales-Torres

exhibit interactive. Guests dial into a cell phone to hear local reporters talk about journalism or to listen to excerpts of stories by famous reporters such as Jimmy

The front page of Gazette, dated Nov. 7, 1789 is the oldest artifact at Liberty Hall.

Breslin, read by student’s from Kean’s theatre department.

The exhibit also showcases video snippets of great newspaper movies such as “Citizen Kane” as well as a replica of a newsroom from the old days, featuring an

old-fashioned typewriter, trench coat and a typical reporter’s fedora.

The New York Times and The Star-Ledger are prominently featured front pages throughout the show. Also displayed are New York’s Herald Tribune and Journal American, and New Jersey newspapers, the Elizabeth Daily Journal and the Newark News, now all out of print.

Headlines like the shooting of President Abe Lincoln is encased in glass next to a front page late-day edition on Nov. 22, 1963 announcing John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

The exhibit covers the history of newspapers and also features special areas of news coverage, ranging from war to crime to so-called “women’s pages.” A woman’s page from the 1920’s shows how much ladies dress styles have changed, for instance, but also how the clothing people today wear is still inspired by the old times.

Long before the web—or even radio or TV—the newspaper was America’s main source of news. It was newspapers that developed the art and craft of journalism, resulting in such news mainstays today as crime coverage, investigative journalism and feature writing. The newspaper also helped to record history for future generations.

“I hope it shows students that good journalism is incredibly important and necessary,” Lauro said of the exhibit. “We need good journalism not only for democracy to thrive, but because whether you call it a newspaper or web news or whatever, coverage of a place creates a sense of community in a world where there is precious little of it.”

Kean Students Meet New Dorms Old Residence Halls See Upgrades as New Halls Open

By Rachel Rothspan

For many students who live on campus, college is more than just a place to attend classes—it’s a place to hang your backpack, to stay up late studying, and meet new people. Residence life is constantly making additions to give new features to those who chose to live here at Kean.

Students who applied to live on the school grounds last semester and over the summer had two new options, thanks to the completion of two new residence halls on campus. The new buildings are housing their first set of students this semester.

The new residence halls, one for freshmen and the other for upperclassmen, have a number of appealing attributes.

The Freshman Residence Hall can house

sized, stainless steel refrigerators, and microwaves, in addition to the furnished bedrooms. Both the Freshman and Upperclassmen Residence Halls include cable TV, internet,and telephone, as well as air conditioning and heating that can be con-

Residence Hall also has a screening room where student events will take place, as planned by the staff of the hall.

Erin Sugrue, a junior at Kean, is a Resident Assistant in the freshman hall and said that there are many perks to living in

“I feel like the new residence buildings [are their] own village.”

420 students in suites that include two bedrooms, a private bathroom, and a common area which accommodates four people. The Upperclassman Hall can hold 408 students, and is also compromised of suites, some with double bedrooms and some with singles. The upperclassman kitchens come with kitchen sets with full

Views of Kean's newest residence halls.

trolled from each room. And both come fully carpeted and furnished with wardrobes and desks.

The New Residence Halls focus on student life and students interactiong. Both resident halls have study rooms and game rooms for students. The Upperclassman

the new buildings. She classifies them as more modern, roomier, and more colorful. While she was assigned to the room because of her position, she is really enjoying her new home. But there are negatives, Sugrue said.

“Everything is new, so you have to be

really careful,” she said.

Sara Fergenson, also a junior, is living in one of the tradition halls, Burch Hall, in a four person suite with two other roommates. She confesses that, while the new rooms have more amenities, the old halls appeal to her more because of their size.

She also says that the proximity to campus made the difference for her when it came down to making the decision on which place to request.

“I like the fact that my room is really close to classes,” she said. “I feel like the new residence builings [are their] own village.”

She also has the comfort of the features of the new halls within her building- the old halls were given couches and appliances such as refrigerators to match that of their classmates in the new residence halls, while still costing roughly one thousand dollars less per year to live in.

Either way, both Sugrue and Fergenson are happy to be on campus this fall and living with their classmates away from the hustle of normal home life. They agree that living on campus is the right choice for them.

The New Residence halls have been created from scratch, the traditional halls have been updated with new bits and gadgets to give them a brand new feel. The conclusion; any residence hall on campus is a good place to live, the students said.

The Tower | September, 2009

3

Kean Pride the Theme of President Farahi Address

By Joseph Tingle

Kean University President Dawood Farahi delivered an upbeat address welcoming back the Kean community on Sept. 1 in Wilkins Theater, setting an energetic tone for the upcoming academic year.

The speech, which was attended by some 900 board members, faculty, professional staff, and students took place in the early afternoon and announced future projects, congratulated last year’s successes, and emphasized the importance of staff and students having pride in the evolving university. “[Kean] will not go backwards,” said Dr. Farahi early in his opening remarks, asserting that most students, staff, and faculty are proud to be a part of what many consider to be a transforming Kean University, a motif which would be repeated throughout the speech’s hour long duration.

Dr. Farahi did not mention specifically which policies the University would not go back on, but the remarks come after an academic year in which the administration incorporated a controversial schedule change and minimally publicized depart-

mental reorganization.

The president was optimistic about the future of Kean University, and pointed out that Kean will continue to make needed changes despite tough economic times.

Two new schools, the School of Environmental Studies and the undergraduate School of Sustainability have been approved, according to Dr. Farahi. Also, the University is nearing the completion of its new science building, and in the process of renovating the Cougar’s Den, which, according to the president, will reopen in November.

“The future may be beyond our control, but it is not beyond our vision.”

Also on the University’s agenda is a compost facility which will transform the university’s estimated 10 to 12 tons of food waste into fertilizer. Dr. Farahi also announced that the presidential “Issues” lecture series, which began last year, will also continue this year, and that the college is also launching a new Kean-centered

Kean University President, Dr. Farahi.

mobile application download (an APP) for cell phones for free.

Most ambitious of the university’s plans, however, was the announcement of a verbally approved plan between Dr. Farahi and Chris Bollwage, the mayor of Elizabeth, which would turn the area from

Morris Avenue to the Elizabeth train station into a new “university avenue,” likely dotted with stores, trendy intellectual cafes, and faculty and graduate housing. Dr. Farahi stated that the project would begin in three to five years.

Dr. Farahi also used his welcoming address as a chance to honor the success of the university’s academic departments.

Among those noted, Dr. Farahi commended the History department faculty, which published more than 40 books last year, and the English department for its new Masters of Arts in English Writing program. He also honored Kean’s students for making community service a priority and increasingly important to student groups. Dr. Farahi praised the award winning “Blues Goes Green” environmental campaign, and congratulated the football team for raising over $10,000 for cancer research over the last two years.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Farahi again stressed the importance of pride in Kean and constructive participation from those in attendance.

“The future may be beyond our control, but it is not beyond our vision,” Dr. Farahi said.

Eating Healthy Doesn't Have to Cost so Much Chipotle: The Freshest Place to Eat on Rt. 22

By Megan Muller

Are you already tired of the cafeteria food on campus? Or, perhaps you’re looking for somewhere to take your date on a Saturday night without breaking the bank. Maybe you’re ready to give your taste buds a little treat. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past 16 years, grab a seat and be prepared to eat well.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, whose name derives from the Mexican Spanish name for a smoked dried jalapeno chili, was founded in 1993 by CEO Steve Ells and was originally based in Denver, Colorado.

With an $85,000 loan from his father, Ells created one of the first chain establishments in the new and trendy category of fast-casual dining.

With a menu covering everything from burrito bowls to soft tacos, Chipotle quickly became a restaurant whose line was literally out the door. Ells knew he had something great cooking up, and it wasn’t just the fajitas.

In 1998, McDonald’s began to notice the potential in these small establishments, then with 16 restaurants open, and made a minority investment in the company.

Within four years, they became Chipotle’s largest investor and gave Ells the opportunity to expand to over 500 establishments

in 2005. In October of 2006, McDonald’s sold their entire stake in the company and Chipotle’s full divestment was complete.

Although McDonald’s helped Chipotle get its foot in the door, please don’t associate it with just another greasy burger-and-fries fast-food joint. Health.com has included Chipotle in its list of the “Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants.” Are you an individual who needs a glutenfree diet? Only the flour tortillas which are used for the burritos and soft tacos contain gluten.

A mission statement called “Food with Integrity” was released by Chipotle in 2001. This statement highlights the restaurant’s commitment to use naturallyraised meat, organic produce and dairy without hormones. Most of their products come from family farms such as Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm in Virginia and Niman Ranch in California. All chicken and pork used in the meals are open-range, antibiotic free and with a vegetarian diet, as well as 50% of the beef.

GreezBiz.com praised Chipotle by saying they are “the first and only national restaurant company committed to buying local on a significant scale.”

Chipotle serves their food in a type of assembly line. You tell them your version of the perfect burrito, choose your ingredients and they will happily oblige to meet

whatever your stomach desires. One additional treat that you can never get enough of is the ever tasty, extra chunky guacamole; it’s to die for!

In 2008, Where Toronto, a hospitality magazine, said in a review that “freshness and flavor aren’t the typical hallmarks of fast food, but both are undeniably present at the first Canadian location of Chipotle Mexican Grill.”

It’s not just the food that separates Chipotle from other fast-food restaurants; it’s the architecture of each establishment.

Although each store is unique, they are all

the University of Denver campus. It’s also on display in every Chipotle location, even though they may all be modernizing.

“We want to incorporate elements of sustainable design into all of our new restaurants,” Ells said.

As of March 2009, there are 830 restaurants throughout the United States and Canada. Each establishment is companyowned, rather than franchised. Ells still serves as chairman and CEO today. They have not reached their maximum potential however. Ells is reaching for the stars and continues to search for real estate to

“Freshness and flavor aren’t the typical hallmarks of fast food, but both are undeniably present at the...

Chipotle Mexican Grill.” built using most of the same materials.

The interiors all have a look of “industrial, sheet metal.” However, newer locations have begun to use white ceramic tile instead of stainless steel because of the relative ease of recycling the white tile.

Bruce Gueswel is Chipotle’s very own sculptor. All of the wood-and-metal sculptures of human figures were designed

by Gueswel as well as the design of the chairs. You can also find a picture of the original restaurant on Evans Avenue near

open new locations. If you have an area you think would help this company, visit the website at www.chipotle.com and let them know!

The good news? A Chipotle Mexican Grill has just opened up less than 3 miles away on Route 22 in Springfield. The bad news? You’re going to be hooked!

If you’re looking for a great place to work, submit an interest form on the website as well.

Pick up The Tower at these locations • Administration Building, First floor lobby

• ESL Office, Willis Hall 301

• Bruce Hall, First Floor Lounge

• Harwood Arena, by the basketball courts

• Center for Academic Success, Lobby

• Hutchinson Hall, First Floor Lobby

• Communications Department Office, CAS 402

• 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

4

September, 2009 |

The Tower

My Summer as a Spanish Television Studio Intern

By Lillie Morales-Torres

As spring semester came to an end, I began to question my plans for the summer.

Originally, I had planned on taking two classes, but then realized that the hours wouldn’t work out with my toddler’s child care. I thought about obtaining an internship either at a magazine or television station, but I knew it was too late to apply.

So, I decided to relax and take some time for myself.

Then, in mid June, I received an e-mail from Doug Black, former member of the Kean television studio in the Media and Film Department. Doug spoke to a friend from the Spanish news station, Univision, about me and two other students from Kean. The station was offering internship opportunities to college students and was accepting applications for the summer. Although it wasn’t one of my plans, it was a wonderful opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on. So, I went for it.

Shortly after submitting my resume and reel, I was called in for an interview. I

Lillie Morales-Torres with singer Jose Jose.

was a bit nervous, but hoped for the best.

One of the producers at the station went over my resume and asked about my experience in television. Having worked as a production assistant for another Spanish television station, Telemundo, and with the hands on knowledge I had from previous classes in the Kean studio, I knew a thing or two, which was a big help. After the interview I was asked to take a pop quiz, which I was totally unprepared for. It a was multiple choice quiz with questions about New Jersey, New York, the Mayors, newspapers, bridges, and tunnels. I knew most of it, but there were some questions that totally got me like naming all of the bridges and tunnels of New York City.

After reviewing my quiz, I was offered the six week internship. Because of my

KEAN REORG

Lillie Morales-Torres at work at the Univision offices.

interest in entertainment news and fashion, they decided I’d be great for the morning show, Al Despertar. Like your average morning show, Al Despertar offers viewers local news, international news, top news, entertainment news, sports news, and special guests. Some days they had cooking segments, other days they had celebrity actors and singers. As excited as I was, the only challenge was the schedule: Monday through Wednesday, from 3 a.m. until 11 a.m. What started out as a mellow summer had suddenly turned into a very busy one.

Waking up at 1 a.m. to get ready for work was definitely an experience for me, but the commute was great because I never got caught up in traffic. It wasn’t so hard to wake up, but coming back home to go to sleep during the day was hard. My body was not used to it at all and I felt like a zombie.

On my first day, I met the producers of Al Despertar who I would report to and work closely with. I was surprised to find that they were both fairly young, in their 30s, and both female. I learned a lot from these two women and found them to be quite inspiring. I also worked with the show’s writer, the assignment desk person, the cast, and the reporters. It was a

small staff because of many job cuts the station had suffered this year. Everyone was very nice and welcoming even though they were sleep deprived and surviving on coffee.

I worked closely with the producers of the show for the first two or three weeks.

They showed me how they gather news for the morning show and book guests, how the assignment desk works, how to check timing on news packages, how to work with the Avid program, how to write titles, and much more. My other challenge was

perhaps a philosophy minor.

Dr. Lender also ensured that no faculty member has lost his or her job as a result of the reorganization.

“We’re not losing people,” Dr. Lender said. “We’re putting them where their skills can contribute."

The chairs of dissolved departments have gone back to full time teaching, instructing four classes instead of two. According to Dr. Lender, this saves money because the University does not have to hire as many additional professors.

“It adds up. You start to save six figures pretty quickly,” he said.

The professors that made up the nowdissolved department of Philosophy, for example, have moved to some of the University’s other departments: one to the sociology department, two to the political science department, and the remaining to the college of education. Foreign languag-

es will be packaged together as “world languages,” within the new “School of Global Education and Innovation,” but will no longer have its own department.

In addition to the School of Global Education, Kean now has a “School of Environmental and Life Sciences,” which focuses on the environment, the economy, and society; a “Robert Busch School of Design” within the College of Visual and Performing Arts; and a “School of Nursing,” within the College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences.

The school of Environmental and Life Sciences will “offer students a strong scientific and quantitative background necessary to understand and confront environmental and economic challenges,” according to prepared materials.

The Robert Busch School of Design, the materials state, will “confirm the university’s commitment to the design disciplines,

Cast members of the morning show, Al Despertar.

writing everything in Spanish.

On other days, I worked with the assignment desk person so that I could learn about her job, and occasionally I sat with the anchors and assisted them with booking talent, making phone calls, and sending out emails.

I also assisted the guests and worked

as floor manager when they were on to help make sure everything looked good on the set. I met people like singers, actors, playwrights, doctors, and musicians.

I met Latin artists like merengue singer Elvis Crespo, bachata singers Andy Andy and El Torito, Objetivo Fama, which is like American Idol but in Spanish, winners, and many local New York playwrights and actors. My most memorable time was meeting legendary singer Jose Jose. His kindness showed when he gave me tickets to see him in concert that weekend.

The highlight of my internship was spending the day with reporter Sandra O’Neil. Learning behind the scenes was great and helped me understand how the show is produced. It really takes good team work to put on a show. But, the fact that what I really want to report, not produce, made the experience more exciting.

My day with Sandra started out at 4 a.m. going to New York to report about Sonia Sotomayor, who is the first Hispanic (Puertorican) female to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Sandra and her camera crew were great and very encouraging as they gave me good advice and tips. From them, I saw how reports are transmitted live and they even let me practice a live report. Afterwards, we went for breakfast and later went to cover a breaking story on a murder. It was a tragic story about the killing of a young college student who was found dead by her mother in their apartment.

Seeing the family devastated and the CSI taking their daughter’s body out in a bag was heartbreaking.

The experience made me think. Reporting stories of that kind can’t be easy.

Reporters will see all types of tragedies, which can place them in danger, and can become depressing. It may look easy and glamorous to be a television reporter, but it takes a lot of strength, courage, and work.

My short, six week experience helped me to learn more about the world of news media and I am grateful for having had the opportunity. I look forward to working in television in the future. And yes, probably as a reporter.

To read more about my internship, visit my blog at: http://lilliemorales.blogspot.com

(Continued from page 1)

things take several years,” he said, referring to the implementation of a college-wide reorganization.

But when Dr. Castiglione complained to the Board of Trustees at its recent September meeting, he said he was “met with silence.” The KFT has also called into question some of the academic aspects of the reorganization.

“How can you have a world-class university without a philosophy department?”

Dr. Castilgione asked.

Dr. Lender said that the reorganization is open to improvement.

“This is the first semester under the reorganization,” he said. “If the programs don’t work, we’ll work on changing them. If they do [work], we’ll work on expanding them.”

He also noted that the university would continue to investigate ways to incorporate higher level philosophy courses, and

act as a vehicle for greater community and professional outreach, and increase the possibility of program and scholarship funding through grants and corporate and philanthropic donations.”

The School of Global Education and Innovation will focus on “key 21st Century themes,” such as “financial, economic and business literacy, civic literacy and health literacy.”

According to Dr. Lender, students who pay tuition need to know that the university is making the best possible use of their money, and reallocating money to areas which the university feels are most effective.

“We have to do the most we can on scarce resources,” he said. “When times are tough, you’ve got to think ahead.

It’s what we build when times are tough that allows us to do more when times are better.”

The Tower | September, 2009

5

Trustees Approve Contracts; Approve New Program The Kean University Board of Trustees gave a nod of support to President Dawood Farahi at a public meeting Sept. 14, voting unanimously to continue the provisions of his contract as it relates to his salary and retention bonus.

The board, in a prepared release, noted the president’s accomplishments and said the vote concludes its annual review of the president’s performance. However, in line with the fiscal climate, the contract calls for no salary increase. Dr. Farahi’s retention bonus program will continue at its

STUDENT ORG

(Continued from page 1)

forming the students at Kean of who and what Student Org is, and let them know that through it, students have a voice. Ramos, who said he heard rumors that some students consider Student Org to be a clique, wants to change that reputation.

“For those who view us a clique, I strongly encourage them to come to our council meetings,” Ramos said.

Ramos says that to achieve his goals, he has to have a strategic plan. However, Ramos doesn’t have a solo strategy, but relies on his executive board, most of whom ran alongside him on ticket “Expect Change” last spring.

They plan to keep close communication with each other, to be open-minded about each other’s ideas, and to remember the position that they are in, because students believe in them and trust them to do what’s best for the students.

First on the agenda is Ramos’s plan to work on catered events. This is especially in the case of musical performances.

“I want our musical events to be more diverse,” said Ramos.

More information about Student Org can be obtained at http://www.kean. edu/~stuorg.

existing level, but is extended for a fourth year until 2013, instead of for three years, the statement said.

The Board noted that it applied to the president the same cost-saving measures applied to other University managers including a wage freeze and furloughs.

The Kean Federation of Teachers, the union representing faculty, has agreed to take seven furlough days in the 2009-10 academic year, and is delaying planned raises. State workers at Kean are taking similar actions due to the poor economy.

Separately, the board approved a partnership between the College of Education and the state that is designed to produce more physics teachers for New Jersey’s public schools.

The Progressive Science Initiative will take certified teachers and immerse them in a new educational curriculum focused on physics. Initially, the partnership will help train physics teachers for school districts in Jersey City, Paterson and Newark.

However, Kean expects the program has great potential for expansion, according

to the prepared release.

The board also approved the award of a construction contract to Nordic Contracting to develop an “athletic amenities building” that will complete renovations to the football, softball and baseball fields on the main campus, and provide supplemental services for Harwood Arena.

The new amenities building, among other things, will include a weight room for students and new restroom facilities to service the busy athletic area.

The University Center Gets a Make-Over Kean Creates a New, Spacious Game Room For Students

By Charley Falkenburg

If you’re looking for a bigger and more entertaining lounge area, the wait won't be much longer. Kean University and the Student Government Organization are undertaking a joint effort to fund major renovations in the game room and the Cougar’s Den in the University Center.

With games, comfort, and fun only minutes away, Kean students can banish boredom, meet new people, and save some cash all in one shot.

“We want the game room to have a large and open space so that students won’t be secluded. They can communicate and interact with each other in a positive way,” said Scott Ramos, president of student organization.

With the provided spacious size, the new lounge will come equipped with endless amounts of games and activities, such as pool tables, air hockey tables, foosball, ping pong, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, tables to play chess and checkers

on, and, of course, T.V.s to watch the latest movies and sitcoms.

“This room will have a Dave & Buster's type of appeal,” Ramos said. Dave & Busters is a combination game arcade and restaurant-bar that features boardwalk-like attractions such as chance games, Skeet-

“This room will have a Dave & Buster's type of appeal.” ball, and advanced life-like videogames.

The one closest to Kean is probably in West Nyack, NY at the Palisades Mall In mid January, the new and improved “sky room” will open, Matt Caruso, president of the Graduate Student Association.

The sky room, which will be much larger than the old game room, will include the old T.V lounge, the ice cream parlor area, the blue room, and the Martin Luther King garden.

While the game room get’s a makeover, so will the Cougar’s Den. The den will be

turned into a big lounge where students can run events, such as poetry nights or bake sales. This lounge will have more of a Starbucks atmosphere where students can relax and unwind after a hard day’s class.

Even the administration offices are getting new furniture and carpeting.

“It’s kind of like a face lift of the University,” Ramos said, “This year we have 800 more students, and our main focus is to accommodate everyone.”

One such accommodation is saving money. The university is looking in to having movie “red boxes” placed in the University Center so students can rent a movie for $1, which is an advantage to the students not having to trek off campus.

“Everything will be right here for them,” Ramos said.

As the renovation continues and until the new rooms are completed, students can look forward to an entertaining Spring 2010 semester.

Get ready for game time.

6

September, 2009 |

The Tower

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Beauty Addicts

Rachel's Rave

By Rachel Rothspan

By Lisa Martinez

If you’re anything like me with my small non-existent lashes, then you are constantly on the hunt for mascara that’ll work wonders. Anywhere there is a cosmetics counter, I am always keeping an eye out for something new in the mascara world. Recently, what caught my eye was the new wave in eye make; the vibrating or oscillating mascaras. Even at double the average price you’d pay for drugstore brand mascaras, and despite my weary feelings, everything I read about the product was just begging me to try it.

"Vibrating mascara works wonders."

I read about the Lancome Oscillation mascara priced at $34 and the Maybelline version for $12. It has been my experience that department store brands (Lancome) and drugstore brands (Maybelline) have little-to-no difference. Therefore, my recession affected pockets decided on the drugstore brand, which was still a little over my eye makeup budget. I purchased Maybelline’s Pulse Perfection by Define-A-Lash Vibrating Mascara for $12 at Wal-Mart. It has a built in motor at the top of the brush cap that is activated by pressing a small button. The elastomer brush vibrates 7,000 times per stroke, which promises to elongate and separate even more than the average mascara due to the speed of the vibrations and combined with the stroke of

your hand. I purchase the non-waterproof in blackest black.

I was looking forward to faking long gorgeous lashes with the help of Maybelline.

I couldn’t wait to try it, but I was afraid of buyer’s remorse.

The moment had arrived. I peeled back the cardboard and removed my new beauty tool from its plastic cocoon, peeled off the tab over the button that triggered the motor, and unscrewed the cap. The child in me immediately started to play with it, pressing the button over and over again and watching the brush vibrate. Once I got over the fascination with the vibrations, I washed my face and applied the mascara.

I used about six or seven coats, looked in the mirror and was amazed. My once tiny almost invisible lashes were now full, long and luxurious.

I texted friends and raved about it. That evening I went out with my sisters, and before I mentioned it, they complimented my eyes. The one tube lasted me about two months before the motor stopped working. It worked great from beginning to end. I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone. From pros to newbie’s, this is high quality make-up.

Gaming on a College Budget Big Entertainment for a Small Price

By Eric Albuen

Let’s face it—we’re all cheap college students and several of us are gamers. The recent rush of buying books for classes

ful information about where gamers can find the best deals available throughout the United States. Every week they give information about the best weekly deals available at stores such as Target, Best Buy

leaves little in our pockets to purchase new and amazing games just released on the market, may it be Rock Band: The Beatles, Halo O.D.S.T or even Batman: Arkham Asylum.

So, how do we play these new releases and still have money in our pockets to eat at the University Center? The answer is to think of buying video games as buying books. While buying them brand new is expensive, there are many other places you can go to find the same exact item for even less than what the original price is.

While there might be a bunch of Game Stop stores in our area, sometimes looking online is a better option. Websites like CheapAssGamer.com provides use-

and Toys R Us. A considerably good deal by their standards might be a huge price drop on a popular game or getting a gift card with the purchase of a new game.

After you’re done with the class, the books become kind of useless and just take up space on your shelf. The same can be said for games that you have previously beaten. What good is an old or beaten game on your shelf? Places like Game Stop accept trade-ins for store credits all the time that can be used to your advantage to purchase new games. With most new releases, you can get an additional 25% toward buying that particular game. It’s a nice little bonus for gamers looking to get a little more money back.

1) TuneWiki (free): There is nothing like being at a party and wanting to karaoke, but not knowing the words. TuneWiki pulls the song that you are playing on your iPod or iPhone, and sends you back the words in old fashioned Karaoke machine style.

Now, you can’t pull the “I don’t know the words” excuse not to sing.

2) Monopoly Here and Now (4.99): This enticing classic gives you all the style of the old family favorite, with the options of the modern day, without the clean-up. It’s the perfect boredom stopper and a great way to show off the graphics on your handheld device—to roll the dice, Simply shake your phone or player and the pieces move animatedly on the board.

3) MLB At Bat (9.99/season): The baseball fans life is complete with this app.

It brings statistics, streaming live radio feeds from both team’s local affiliates, and

in game video highlights, which is everything a baseball fan needs to supplement the game. MBL.com charges more money for less content, making this app the inexpensive way to enjoy the season.

4) Peggle (4.99): Remember the Price is Right Game, Plinko? This game has a similar setup, but the object of the game is to rid the screen of all the orange pegs.

Though simplistic, it’s challenging higher levels are entertaining for hours on end.

Are you a World of Warcraft fan? This game has a downloadable plug-in for that as well.

5) Fluent news (free): I am a journalist at heart, but fluent news is the perfect solution for any student who needs to be up to date in the media. It pulls the big news stories from major media and then gives a list on all the sources reporting on them. This is a researcher’s best friend as fluent news helps get together the story and fast.

6) Texas Hold’em (4.99): For the poker player or the pseudo-gambler, Texas Hold’em is the game to play. The virtual characters are so realistic that they actually have tells so you can figure out when they are lying.

7) Around me (free): A popular app, Around Me is a locator that can tell you where to go when you’re unsure of your surroundings. You pop in your location, and Around Me lists restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, gas stations, and many other options in your general vicinity.

8) Paper Toss (free, or .99 for ad-free): Imagine sitting in your office, throwing paper from your desk to the trash can because you’re that bored. Sounds plain, but Paper Toss is the virtual embodiment of that and makes tossing trash enjoyable. Using an office fan and giving the wind speed, it’s the player’s responsibility to figure out the right angle to throw the paper into the garbage. The score builds as you get the paper in consecutively, but when you miss, it’s back to zero.

9) Bump (free): Bump is the perfect way to share your pictures and contacts even without picture messaging. Just attach the file you wish to send and gently bump the other person’s phone or ipod to send the file. The information “jumps” from one device to the other.

10) Mancala (free or 1.99 for ad-free): This marbled classic is still fun and this is coming from a college student. The point of the game is to get more beads into your home space in order to win. You can play against the computer, over aim, or even with your friends over wi-fi. Mancala even keeps score, telling you where you rank according to your wins and losses. The technology of the game adds a new dynamic to the exhilaration of a childhood favorite.

There are alternative options to buying games. Movies and games are now becoming downloadable. Websites like GameFly provide gamers with a service similar to Netflix. Rent a game for as long as you like and pay a monthly fee for the service.

It’s useful for those who are looking into saving money for other things. Starting at $15.95 per month, the service will allow you to rent one game until you’re done with it. When you look at how much it costs to rent the game for an unlimited amount of time in comparison to how much a new game costs today, the savings are pretty significant.

But those are only a few available options. Remember, we’re on campus.

Whether we’re aware of it, there are other gamers on campus as well. With the construction of the new game room, it makes it possible to interact with other gamers.

You can make new friends as well as being able to trade with each other. Not only will a student save money on buying games, it’s totally free! There’s nothing better than something that’s free, right?

When it comes down to it, all work and no play make people go crazy. Video games can be used to help relieve stress as well as keep yourself and others entertained.

No one likes going crazy over the price of books. As college students with limited funds, you shouldn’t have to go crazy over the price of quality entertainment either.

Somewhere past the Kean Campus, trends are starting and flowing and changing. And right here on campus, students are coming up to meet trends every day.

It isn’t unusual these days to see students with iPod touches or iPhones, tapping away at their touch screens with glee.

I, being the good geek that I am, am the proud owner of a 3GS phone myself, and I have to tell you, I spend more time playing

Texax hold-em up.

with my phone than I spend even at my own traditional computer. The App store has become my best friend by giving me options for a million and one new things my phone can do. Here are my top 10 apps and games for the iPhone or iPod touch:

The Tower | September, 2009

7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Music Department Welcomes the New Enlow Hall Concert Artists Program Finds a New Home

By Raquel Fernandes

It’s been an 11-year process for the Concert Artists of Kean University, but the long wait will end on a high note Oct. 2 when the renowned interpreter of the Great American Songbook—Michael Feinstein—will open the college’s new recital hall.

The Kean Concert Artists will launch its 2009-2010 series at a 332-seat, state-ofthe-art musical facility on the East Campus named the Gene and Shelly Enlow Recital Hall. Gene Enlow is chairman of Kean’s Board of Trustees.

“We have waited a long time for Enlow Hall,” said Dr. Anthony Scelba, director of the Concert Artist program and chair of the music department at Kean University.

“It is the first world-class performance space that Kean University has ever had.”

On Oct. 2 at 8 p.m., a benefit performance by Feinstein, a pianist, singer and

interpreter of the repertoire, the Great American Songbook, will commemorate the grand opening of the new Enlow Recital Hall.

Recognized for his commitment to celebrating and preserving American popular song, Feinstein has played Carnegie Hall,

Concert Artists. Additionally, the hall is equipped with a fully-functional digital audio recording studio. The newly-finished hall was built as an outgrowth of the existing hall at Kean’s East Campus building.

Following the opening performance, Kean’s Concert Artists will grace the new

“It is the first world-class performance space that Kean has ever had.”

Buckingham Palace and the White House.

This year, he was nominated for his fifth Grammy Award for his new album, The Sinatra Project. A PBS series is also in the works for 2010 called “Michael Feinstein: Man on a Mission.”

Enlow Hall houses a brand-new Steinway Grand Piano and a Fazioli F-308 Grand Piano built especially for the Kean

Kean's new recital venue, Enlow Hall.

hall with a concert comprising works

by Brahms, Liszt, Rossini, Gounod and Saint-Saëns, performed by Concert Artists Brennan Sweet, violin; Victoria Stewart, violin; Brett Deubner, viola; Joanna

Inglourious Basterds

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October 13 • November 10 • December 8 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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Frankel, violin and viola; Susannah Chapman, cello; Anthony Scelba, double bass; Allison, Brewster Franzetti, piano; Alexander Fiterstein, clarinet, and Katherine Harris, soprano.

While maintaining successful careers as professional performers, the Concert Artists present solo, chamber music and jazz recitals at Kean, bringing world-renowned performing musicians onto the faculty of Department of Music. The faculty teaches private, weekly studio lessons to Kean students.

“The Concert Artists couldn’t be more pleased, not because the hall will make us sound so much better, which it will, but because our audience will finally have the full experience of great music in a great place,” said Dr. Scelba.

For more information about the Concert Artists and a full calendar of performances, visit their website at www.keanconcertartists.com.

They’re glorious (ok, they’re inglourious!) and they are out for vengeance. For anyone who loves a move with drama, revenge and action all packed in one, Inglourious Basterds is the perfect movie for you.

Directed and written by well-known screenwriter, producer, cinematographer and actor Quentin Tarantino, the movie portrays the strive for revenge.

The Basterds, the main characters, are a group of Jewish-Americans who want revenge on Hitler and the Nazis. Actor Brad Pitt (Legends of the Fall, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) plays the leader of the Basterds, Aldo Raine, a U.S. second lieutenant in the First Special Service. French actress Melanie Laurent plays Shoshanna, who seeks revenge on the Nazis because of the brutal murder of her family by Colonel Hans Landa, notorious in history as the “Jew Hunter,” after he suspects her father of hiding Jews. Shoshanna, the only survivor of her family, miraculously escapes by running away.

Four years later, Shoshanna lives in Paris under the identity of Emmanuelle Mimieux and becomes the owner of a cinema. Frederick Zoller, a greedy actor who is getting a film in honor of his heroism of killing Americans, chooses her cinema to exhibit his film. Ironically, he has a crush on Shoshanna, who in turn rejects his affections. He convinces the Goebbels to premier his movie at Shoshanna’s cinema giving her the perfect opportunity to seek revenge.

Meanwhile, the Basterds receive help from Lt. Archie Hicox, a dispatch British

officer, and a German double agent/actress named Bridget von Hammersmark, played by Diane Kruger (Troy, Wicker Park). Unfortunately, Landa finds Bridget and strangles her to death, then proceeds to capture Aldo. After he seizes Aldo, Landa reveals that he was planning to kill Hitler, and reaches Aldo’s commanding officer demanding money and safety. The

rest of the movie depicts the two groups’ respective struggles with their methods of retribution.

With its awesome cast, intense story line and surprise ending (which you’ll have to see for yourself), Inglourious Basterds is a great way for a Kean student to start off the fall semester.

POWER TO THE TOWER 9/4/09 11:00:46 AM

10

September, 2009 | The Tower

EDITORIAL

The Tower Department of Communication

SCHOOL BEGINS AGAIN As I finished my junior year of college last May, I looked forward to a nice summer. Yet, I forgot how quickly time flies by. Now, it’s September and I’m beginning my senior year. Interesting how people always say that time flies, but no one feels it until it happens.

I remember as a senior in high school I looked forward to graduating and beginning college. Now, I’m looking forward to graduating with a BA in Communication.

But, until I graduate in May of 2010, one great way to look forward to school is living in the new Upper-Classmen Resident Halls. I admit, I was hesitant if the new resident halls would be completed this September, but I will not pause to write that they look fabulous. I feel as if I am living in my own apartment away from college. All I can add is that my complaints are limited.

While I enjoy living in the new resident hall, I must remember that school is back in session. I wish everyone the best of luck beginning the Fall 2009 semester. As usual, attend class and study hard, but don’t forget to have some fun.

Jillian Johnson Editor-in-Chief

Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0468 Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu 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 Jillian Johnson Deputy Editor Raquel Fernandes News Editor Joseph Tingle Sports Editor Nicole Von Gonten Arts and Entertainment Editor Rachel Rothspan Staff Eric Albuen John Cherry Andrew Czirjak Charley Falkenburg

Jay Hicks Lisa Martinez Ryan Mattesky Lillie Morales-Torres Megan Muller Kelly Pennisi Dawn Phillips Carlos Reynosa Jessie Rivera Ana Maria Silverman Emerald Vaughn Business Manager Eileen Ruf Faculty Adviser Pat Winters Lauro Designer Stephanie Skirvin

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

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

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

Tower publication schedule FALL: Sept. 23, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16.

LIFE @ WORK QUALITY FOOD, FAST AND FRIENDLY By jillian johnson

When the last day of finals ended in May, I was ready to head home with my bags packed. Classes were over. I was excited to sleep in my own bed at home, have my room to myself and not awaken to the annoying sound of an alarm clock.

But I forgot about work.

For the past two years, I have worked at an Arby’s Restaurant in South Jersey, ultimately becoming a shift-manager. My job responsibilities included cash skimming of registers, which is when I count the amount of money in drawers and take out money if there is more than a certain amount (this helps reduce money shortages or overloads at the end of the day, store closing organization, which is ensuring that employees clean and restock all utensils and the store itself, and I fill out paperwork, and my main duty was to ensure that employees completed their jobs. When given the title as a shift-manager,

I was excited. The title looked good on a job resume, gave me a higher standing at the restaurant and meant more money. But it wasn’t an easy summer. Most people think working at a fast food restaurant is no big deal, but they have no idea how frustrating it can be.

First, the meaning behind the term, “fast food” is that it’s the job of the store to hand customers their food as quickly as possible. Hence, the word “fast.” In drive-thru, Arby’s restaurants are to distribute food to the customers within a minute and fifty seconds. Time is tracked by monitors and higher standing workers, like general managers, look at the times to see which district or region in the area is getting food out the quickest. But, customers don’t make that easy on our part.

Here’s a typical scenario: A car pulls up to the drive-thru (Continued on page 11)

The Tower | September, 2009

11

HEALTH & FITNESS Flu Alert: Do I have Swine Flu? Dr. Josh Palgi and Dr. Jessica Adams

Is it a cold or a flu? Is it a flu or the socalled Swine Flu? It is important to know the difference.

A cold is a milder respiratory illness than the flu. While cold symptoms can make you feel bad for a few days, flu symptoms can last from a few days to weeks.

The flu is caused by a variety of influenza viruses. The flu viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth. Every time you touch your hand to one of these areas, you could be infecting yourself with a virus.

Influenza (flu) is a viral infection. People often use the term “flu” to describe any kind of mild illness, such as a cold or a stomach virus, that has symptoms like the flu, but the real flu is different. Flu symptoms are usually worse than a cold and last longer. The flu can also result in serious health problems such as pneumonia (an inflammation illness of the lungs) and even hospitalization.

The 2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April.

This virus spreads from person to person probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It was called “swine flu” originally because laboratory testing showed that genes in the new viruses were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs, or swine, in North America. However, further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in peo-

QUALITY FOOD

ple include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Additional symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting.

What makes the 2009 H1N1 flu different? The flu we get each winter is based on the flu from the year before. That means most of us have already built up a partial resistance to that strain of the illness.

However, the 2009 H1N1 flu is new. Our bodies don’t recognize it, so our immune defenses are weaker. As a result, this flu spreads faster than usual. Most U. S. cases of H1N1 swine flu have been in older children and young adults, but certain groups are at particularly high risk of severe disease if they get flu such as pregnant women and people with chronic disease like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.

Since it first emerged in April, the glob-

al swine flu epidemic has sickened more than 1 million Americans and killed about 600. It also spread around the world, infecting tens of thousands and killing nearly 2000. In June, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 6, indicating a global pandemic. A pandemic is when a particular illness occurs over a wide geographic area, affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

In September, The New York Times reported that the Food and Drug Administration had approved a new swine flu vaccine. The government is working to start mass vaccinations next month, and will be available at up to 90,000 sites including schools and clinics across the country. The government has ordered 195 million doses but may order more

"Arby’s restaurants are to distribute food to the customers within a minute and fifty seconds" don’t consider they just purchased $40 worth of food in one order and expect it to be done in two minutes. When a crew is making five sandwiches, five large fries, milkshakes, mozzarella sticks, potato bites and who knows what else, there’s a lot of running around to ensure that the bread is toasted, the mozzarella sticks are cooked and the milkshake mix isn’t spilling down the sides of the cups. Sorry, humans only have two hands, two legs and 10 fingers.

Oh, and in regards to sanitary conditions, please, customers, stop handing employees trash to throw away. Talk about spreading germs? Once, after I handed a lady her food, she handed me an Arby’s bag filled with trash, and admitted that it was left in her car from the day before. I spent five minutes washing my hands after that one.

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

TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE FLU

(Continued from page 10)

speaker. An employee says, “Hi, may I take your order please?” and the customer asks just for a moment to look at the menu board. After about a minute passes by, the employee asks if the customer is ready to order and the customer says no. In some cases, the customer will say, “There’s no one behind me.” Although that may hold true, the customer doesn’t realize that once his or her car comes to the speaker, time is clicking.

Customers- if you’re not sure what you want or are not familiar with the menu, then come inside. Besides, we aren’t a five star restaurant with fancy food. We’ve basically got roast beef, milkshakes and fries.

Also, there is a reason why fast food restaurants have a speaker by the drive thru. So many times cars pull up to the speaker, and as an employee asks, “Hi, may I take you order please?” the driver immediately pulls up to the window. This instance then causes time problems as another car pulls to the speaker, places an order and then pulls up to the window as the first car places an order at the window. Who knew placing an order could be so difficult.

Oh, and how nice of customers to drive up to the drive thru and in a split second yell at the speaker, “HELLO?” Drive thru workers are required to wear a head set and two other people are assigned a headset as a back-up. How about you just give me a second to say, “Hi, may I take your order please?” What’s even better is when it’s late at night and a car comes by drive thru. We say, “Hi, may I take your order please?” and they respond, “Are you still open?” Must we respond to that question?

Interesting how customers complain that workers take too long to make food, but

if there is enough demand.

Typically, fewer than 100 million Americans seek flu vaccine every year, and it is unclear whether swine flu—the 2009 H1N1 strain—will prompt much more demand.

The new swine flu seems no more deadly than regular winter flu, which every year kills 36,000 Americans and hospitalizes 200,000, but there is an important difference. This H1N1 strain sickens younger people more frequently than the people over 65 who are the main victims of seasonal flu. There is no indication the virus will be more virulent than what we experienced in May and June, but we must have contingency plans in case the virus becomes more widespread or more severe in its symptoms.

President Obama said, “I don’t want anybody to be alarmed, but I do want everyone to be prepared”.

With the flu season rapidly approaching, Kean University is working closely with Union Township and the Union County Health Department to monitor flu conditions and to develop steps to help prevent the spread of influenza on campus.

Because the situation is changing rapidly, it is important to check regularly for changes in recommendations as they become available. Online resources for daily guidance include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Medscape’s H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) Alert Center.

•

Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective.

•

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.

•

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs are spread this way.

•

Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. A fever is a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius.

• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness and remain home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have fever (achieved without the use of feverreducing remedies such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.)

•

Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu.Also, if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Kean University Health Services will have the seasonal influenza vaccine available on Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the University Center, Room 226B. Availability of the H1N1 vaccine is expected in mid-October.

For more information, please contact Health Services at 908737-4880 or visit www.kean.edu/~health.

12

September, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Cougars Lose Close One 7-5, But Still Walk Away Big Winners

By Andrew Czirjak

Everyday there it is smack in your face; pressure. Sure, some of us crumble under pressure’s constant burden, while others seem to thrive and excel under it. Unfortunately and yet expected, athletes have to rise above and conquer pressure.

Last year, during the post season, the Kean Cougars men’s baseball team was on the precipice of victory, but ultimately fell in a close game, 7-5, to Chapman University in the College World Series.

However, it wasn’t the pressure of the moment that kept them from winning, but rather it was ‘good pressure’ that took the Cougars to the NCAA’s in the first place.

“It takes a lot of good pressure for a team to succeed,” said Neil Ioviero, Head Coach of the Kean Men’s baseball team.

And Ioviero was right. It was fundamental ‘good pressure’ that helped them win the NJAC Regular Season Championship and the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship for a third consecutive season. More impressively, the Cougars repeated their 2008 success with another 39-11 record in 2009.

Under his guidance, Ioviero has five goals he wants his team to achieve this season, beginning with winning over 30 games during the regular season. Followed by winning the regular season, get to the conference, take regional’s, and win the College World Series. Talk about pressure.

Why not though? Ioviero and the Cougars excelled under pressure in 2007 winning the College World Series, and this year, he feels his team is even better.

In order to get to that point Ioviero has a plan. For his last 12 years at Kean University, Ioviero has used the same process to help the Cougars achieve their goals.

Yet, his plan is not as convoluted as one might think. The genius of his plan lies in its simplicity.

“It takes a lot of good pressure for a team to succeed.”

“It’s a process [that is] one step at a time,” said Ioviero.

Ioviero starts preparing his pitchers by reinforcing defense. Ioviero can provide evidence for his strategy, with proof in star pitcher senior Joe Bartlinski. Bartlinski, a junior at Kean last season was instrumental in getting the Cougars to the CWS. In fact, Bartlinski nabbed the NJAC Pitcher of the Year for a second consecutive season. “[The award] was a total surprise. There are a lot of good pitchers out there,” said Bartlinski.

However, Bartlinski was not dwelling on his past accomplishments; instead the pitcher was strictly focused on the here and now. His main goal this year is to stay

ahead in the count and not fall behind.

Ioviero’s plan also extends his defensive strategy to the field. Sounds easy? Not so.

It takes practice and discipline to achieve such goals. Defense, practice and discipline are just the foundations to a winning team. Staying on course and tweaking the plan here and there is what Ioviero plans to add once the season starts. And with over 30 wins in the last three seasons, Ioviero’s plan seems to be a good one.

“We play an unorthodox style here, while other teams are focusing on offense and hitting, we concentrate on defense,” said Ioviero.

Ioviero’s confidence for the Cougars must be high since they swept the ECAC’s.

Five members of the squad (including Bartlinski) earned major accolades. Former Cougar Brandon Aich and sophomore (then freshman) Dylan Laguna were awarded second-team honors while freshman (now sophomore) Ryan Zamorsky earned a third-team nod. However, the night belonged to senior, (then junior) Mike Moceri as he and Bartlinski were tabbed with first-team honors.

Last season, Mike Moceri, currently a junior at Kean, was tabbed as ABCA / Rawlings First Team All-American, making him only the fourth first teamer in the programs history. He also led the squad with an impressive .436 batting average and set records with 82 hits, 22 doubles and 57 RBI. Moceri said that it always feels good

to be honored and recognized. But, he also said his team and himself are focusing on the season. Moceri knows that it takes plenty of hard work to go beyond last year’s success. He feels the rest of the squad is working just as hard if not harder than last year.

“We had a good year,” said Moceri. “But we’re going to try to do better this year.”

That’s because the Cougars were plagued with injuries last season and forced to rely and its freshmen players to step up and fill in the gaps that were left, most notable, Dylan Laguna. Last season, Laguna received ECAC Division III and NJAC Rookie of the Year honors.

Another notable new comer is D.J Breckenridge, currently a sophomore at Kean. Breckenridge reflected back on last season and gave some insight on personal goals he has coming into this new year.

“Work harder, compete harder,” said Breckenridge. “This year the goal is to win the CWS.” Still, as the need for greater success surmounts and continues to grow, the Cougars will need that “good pressure” that Coach Ioviero insists makes a winning team.

As for the word pressure, the Cougars don’t seem to have that word in their vocabulary. That’s what makes the Cougars different from other college teams; their uncanny ability to live in the moment and not get ahead of themselves. Best of luck this season, Cougars!

The Tower | September, 2009

SPORTS

Player Profile: Darryl Jackson GO COUGARS!! visit: http://www. keanathletics. com/landing/ index for more on Kean athletics

By Ryan Mattesky

Standing in at 6’2” and weighing in at 330 pounds, senior defensive lineman Darryl Jackson is ready to add a lot of excitement to the Kean University Football Team. As a third-year returning starter, Darryl is a leader for the defense and the football team. Last year he had 37 total

“he's a dominant force.” tackles and two sacks, as well as three fumble recoveries. This year Darryl should be even more productive.

“He is a force people have to account for in our defense,” said head coach Dan Garret. “He is a dominant force.”

And it is because of this force that NFL teams such as the Texans, Browns, 49’ers,

Jets, Panthers, to name a few, have come to scout him.

Jackson has been a part of the Kean community his entire college career. He will be graduating with a degree in community recreation. With this being Jackson’s final season in college football, he reflected and said that his favorite memories here at Kean are when the team defeated Rowan and Montclair State University during Homecoming.

His plans after football are to coach or go into the recreation field. Hopefully, though, we will be seeing him in the NFL before that happens. With the 2009 football season just beginning, there is a lot of promise for this year’s Kean University Football team and when asked what his predictions for the season were going to be, he answered with only one powerful and confident word: “Undefeated.”

Senior defensive lineman, Darryl Jackson.

The News, the Environment and Politics equal Issues ‘09 Kean University is featuring a lecture series on diverse topics this fall, ranging from the transformation of the news industry to how to save our planet. The series is open to the public. Following is a partial list: The Transformation of News Thursday, October 1, at 12:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre, featuring online editors Bridget Wentworth and Matt Dowling of nj.com; Tina Kelley, reporter and blogger for The New York Times; and political editor Josh Benson of the New York Observer.

9 Billion People + 1 Planet = ?

Wednesday, October 7, at 12:30 p.m. in Wilkins Theatre, featuring prize-winning journalist and author, Andrew Revkin. An environmental reporter for The New York Times, Revkin covers topics ranging from the assault on the Amazon to the Asian tsunami, from the troubled relationship of science and politics to climate change at the North Pole. He is an expert on environmental issues and has written numerous books on the Amazon, Arctic and global warming.

Newspapers, Then and Now Thursday, October 22, at 12:30 p.m. in the Little Theatre, featuring award-winning journalists Jon

Lender of the Hartford Courant; Dan Barry of The New York Times; and FranWood of The StarLedger.

Variety is the Solution: A Look at How Literature Brings Us All Together in the World Monday, November 16, at 11 a.m. in Wilkins Theatre, featuringaward-winning poet, writer and educator Naomi Shihab Nye. An advocate for shared humanity, Nye has spent 35 years traveling the world leading writing workshops and inspiring students through her work. She is an expert on multiculturalism and author/editor of more than 25 volumes, includingseven prize-winning poetry anthologies for young readers.

In January, the series continues with: Combating Hatred: Third Annual International Conference on Human Rights Friday, January 29, 2010 in Wilkins Theatre, featuring keynote speaker Morris Dees, founder and chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The conference, sponsored by the Human Rights Institute, will bring together an international panel of experts.

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14

September, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Life as a Freshman Athlete

By Nicole VonGonten

MS: The biggest difference so far is the competitiveness and attitude. Every girl on that field wants to win and plays with everything they have. Everything you are told to do must be done and done at an acceptable time. Nothing can be done with little effort. It is played at a higher level so everyone expects you to keep up with the group.

Many people do not often realize the types of training and practice that student athletes put into making their college team. This pressure is never more apparent than when a freshman is trying out for a college team for the first time. Marie Silva, of the Lady Cougars soccer team, gives an insight as to what it is like to compete for a spot.

TOWER: How long have you been playing soccer, and did you play on travel teams and in leagues?

MS: I have been playing soccer for 14 years.

I played on many traveling teams such as Thistle FC, Den of Lions, PDA and TSF. TOWER: What was the hardest part about trying out for the team? (i.e., early practices, running....)

MS: The toughest part had to be all the early fitness. I had to suck it up and push through until my body adapted to it.

TOWER: What helps you get through the long, tough practices?

MS: The support from my teammates keeps me focused and it helps me get past the tough times and to never give up.

TOWER: Have any unexpected things happened since trying out and making the team? Have things been easier or harder then you thought?

TOWER: How do you think you can help the team this year?

MS: I think I can help the team by being a team player and bringing a positive attitude on and off the field.

Marie Silva of the Lady Cougars soccer team.

“Every girl on that field wants to win and plays with everything they have.”

GO COUGARS!!

TOWER: What do you hope to gain out of your first season on the team?

MS: I hope to gain a better understanding of the game and be the best player I can be. I want to be a great support and friend to my teammates.

TOWER: What advice would you give to a younger friend that said they wanted to MS: No, things have been a lot easier than try out for a sports team in college?

I thought they would have been because I MS: Go for it and never give up. It is the have one of my closest friends here with best experience ever. You meet the nicn_09_0057_nj003.indd _r02 me. I now also have 24 new teammates est people who will be there for you throughout your years in college and who help make every step a lot easier. will always be there for you. It’s going TOWER: What has been the biggest differ- to be tough at first, but mentally you ence so far playing in college, compared to just need to tell yourself you can do it. high school or travel teams?

Women's Soccer Looks to 2009 Season

By Jessie Rivera

While most spend their summer relaxing by the pool or going on a site seeing vacation, there’s a select few scattered around NJ that are training to become the next Women’s Kean Soccer players.

120s for fitness, one-on-one and two-ontwo games to finish at goal and nine-onnine games for defending.

Although the team came short on their opener game against Manhattanville College, 2-1, things picked up at the two day annual Cougar Classic. The Lady Cougars defeated St. Josephs College, 4-0, as freshman Carly Seidel debuted in her first game $ 99 with a goal while veteran Randi Vizoco, a junior, finished the game with a hat trick Boost Motorola Clutch™ i465 (three goals). On the final day of the Cou$50/mo. unlimited SAVE $15 gar Classic, Oneonta State could not keep nationwide talk, text, $ 99 their 1-0 lead against the Cougars and, in Web and walkie-talkie.▼ Expandable 4GB 17-4429 the 50th minute, sophomore Danielle EsSansa® Fuze posito scored the tying goal.

• FM tuner With the season just beginning, Do• Slot for microSD 99 $ card herty sees a growth in his team and a 42-399 Reg. 79.99.

8GB USB leadership that could motivate the playFlash Drive ers when competing against nationally 25-1110 ranked teams. The Cougars put that to the test when they arrived at Virginia on Sept. 11 to play in the Captains Classic $ 99 $ 99 SAVE $10 against host, Christopher Newport UniPlantronics E230 AUVIO™ In-Ear Headset versity and the #12 team in the country, Bluetooth® Headset with Microphone Virginia Wesleyan College on Sept. 12. It 17-3662 Reg. 39.99.

33-267 was an intense first half as KU and CNU Offers good through 9/30/09. Availability may vary by store. See store for details. battled to keep a lead, but both came short ▼Monthly Unlimited Plan: Includes domestic voice calling, walkie-talkie services, Web, text messages, picture and MMS/Audio messages. Additional after a double overtime game ended in a charges apply for international services/messages. Other restrictions apply. See in-store materials or boostmobile.com for details. ©2009 Boost 2-2 tie. The Lady Cougars passed the test Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Boost, Boost Mobile and the Logo are trademarks of Boost. MOTOROLA and the Stylized M are registered when they defeated VWC, twelfth in the trademarks of Motorola, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. country, in a double overtime. Sophomore Danielle Esposito scored the first goal and VISIT A RADIOSHACK STORE NEAR YOUR CAMPUS. Freshman Carly Seidel finished the game Lyons Plaza with the two winning goals.

467 Lyons Avenue 304 Main Street “I would tell them that I recruited Newark Orange Ph: 973-923-9380 Ph: 973-674-0247 each of them here because I see something special in them and that I wouldn’t want to go into any game with anyone n_09_0057_nj003.indd 1 9/10/09 3:06:09 PM else if I had the choice because I know Placed Graphics Trim those special qualities that IFilename see in each 5 in x 7 in n_09_0057_nj003.indd of them will rise to the Print occasion evBleed Time 5.25 in x 7.25 in 9-10-2009 3:06 PM ery time they need to,” Last saidModifi Doherty.

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SETUP

At the end of August, the girls began to move into their dorms and learned the names of their competitors and future teammates. After a week of intense training, the scattered 40 became the next 28 Kean Cougars.

“I have a better understanding of the game of soccer, I am a better motivator, [and] I can separate things that happen off the field from things that happen on the field. When I was younger, if I had a bad day before practice, I brought that to the field with me, [but] I don’t do that anymore,” said Coach Brian Doherty.

Beginning his eleventh season, Doherty prepared his team by holding practices that consisted of keep away drills that would improve their possession. For example, the team trained by practicing

FILE INFO

Coach Brian Doherty.

Page Scale Page Count

1 in = 1 in 1

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The Tower | September, 2009

15

SPORTS

Men's Soccer to Improve Upon Last Season

By Nicole VonGonten

Each new year brings hope and promise for many sport teams. They hope to improve upon what happened the season before and grow as a team. This speaks true for the Kean Men’s Soccer team.

With a 7-12-1 finish last season, going 2-7 against NJAC teams, the Cougars put in their work this offseason to make sure this year is better than last. No one knows better than head coach Tony Ochrimenko on how to get a team back on the winning track. Ochrimenko has been coaching the Cougars since 1976. This season Ochrimenko saw the greatest improvement in his team from January through May with their offseason workouts. The team began to rebuild a positive self-image of themselves and solid work ethics.

While most teams’ strongest points are visible on the field, it is the things that go on in the locker room that go unnoticed sometimes. Ochrimenko believes that success comes with good camaraderie and sportsmanship, plus a solid attitude to work hard at all position.

The Cougars are coming into the season with a roster full of freshmen and sophomores. The head coach does not see that as an obstacle for the team, though.

“The newcomers to the team give us a lot of energy and a most positive

attitude as well as a great work ethic,” Ochrimenko said.

The two seniors returning this season, Pedro Zamora and Rob Sopko, have been providing a positive attitude for the younger players to follow.

“Zamora and Sopko give you 100% with their work with the team and for the team.” Ochrimenko said of the seniors.

Some Cougars did receive off the field acknowledgements for their 2008 season with goalie Alfredo Oquendo headlining by being named a NJAC Second-Team All Star. Mark Wallis and Andres Berriel were named to the NJAC Honorable Mention squad.

Like any coach, Ochrimenko expects to win every year, and he looks for big things to come his team’s way this season. “The strength of this team is their individual and collective work ethic and commitment to excellence on a daily basis.”

With the season under way, the Cougars hope to make a splash in the NJAC and try to make it all the way to the NCAA Championship. As of September 12th, Kean’s record stood at 3-1-1 with big games against conference foes looming, such as The College of New Jersey, Montclair State and William Paterson.

With a good work ethic and commitment, the Cougars are primed for a winning season.

Field Hockey Picks Up Where They Left Off

The Lady Cougars in action against Castleton.

By Nicole VonGonten

With a fantastic ending to the 2008 season, winning the ECAC championship, the Lady Cougars look to repeat their success in the 2009 season.

The Lady Cougars are primed for a similar outcome to their 17-5 record last season and may even surpass that this season. In their first 5 games of the season, Kean posted three shutout victories and fell short of a win once.

In their first game against Castleton State College, Brittany Gibbs and Lauren Kusik led the way with two goals apiece.

Goalie Lauren Dobbs had a solid game making three saves. With the combination of defense and offense, the Lady Cougars cruised to a 6-0 victory.

Like the first game, the Cougars took the quick lead against Vassar College on September 5th. Gibbs led the team in scoring with 4 goals. Kean went on to win by a score of 5-0 for their second shutout.

Kean continued their success with wins

against FDU College at Florham, 5-1, and Susquehanna University, 3-0.

The Lady Cougars looked to remain undefeated when they traveled to face Stevens Institute of Technology on September 12th. Kean faced its first challenge of the season in Stevens. The teams went into half time with zeros on the board. However, the Lady Ducks prevailed in the end with Kean being given eight penalty cards, including two red cards. Stevens went on to take advantage of Kean’s misfortunes and defeated Kean, 3-0, handing the Lady Cougars their first loss of the season.

The Lady Cougars on the field.

16

September, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

NFL Predictions

POINT

COUNTERPOINT

By John Cherry

By Jay Hicks

With the Mets reeling and the Yankees on cruise control, football could not have come any sooner. With the Jets and Giants having bitter sweet endings to both their seasons last year, they both look to redeem themselves for a long playoff run.

The Giants are definitely looking better than the Jets to make that run. The NFC East is going to be a battle all year long, but it will come down to the same two teams as it did last year in the Eagles and Giants. One will win the division and one will make the wildcard.

In the NFC North, only one team will make it and it doesn’t matter who the quarterback is because I could win nine games handing it off to Adrian Peterson.

The NFC South may very well be the most competitive in football with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints. Two of these three will make the playoffs and one will be on the short end of the totem

I am sure whatever John has to say, some of the predictions I propose will agree with his. However, I am also sure that most of my forecasts will disagree with his. That’s the fun part of this column! Otherwise, it’ll be boring and nobody would want to read our predictions.

First of all, kudos to the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers for their hard-fought, thrilling 13-10 overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans. Wow! What a ferocious and nerve-wracking clash of two great teams!

As the National Football League kicks off its 2009 season, there are many intangibles involved. For one thing, the Minnesota Vikings just brought in aging quarterback Brett Favre that somehow complicates things. The obvious puzzle is that he’s 41 years old. Why the heck would they bring in someone who’s at the end of his playing prime? They already have Tarvaris Jackson, a young man who already has playoff experience and who can be their main guy for a long time.

Sounds to me like they don’t trust Jackson to carry the team load for them.

Add the Indianapolis Colts into the mix. Suddenly, Head Coach Tony Dungy retired. Then the entire staff resigned. The Colts hired new coordinators to fill in the positions, but they’re wet behind the ears. Will their offensive and defensive strategies work? I guarantee you that they’re definitely not the same as last season! The Colts will not see another twelve-win campaign as they traditionally accomplished the past seven years, a NFL record.

Then watch the quarterback controversy unfold in Detroit. The Lions named Matt Staffod their starting quarterback. He’s a rookie who had done a mediocre job in the preseason. I was surprised when I heard the announcement and wish them the best. Logically, Daunte Culpepper is the better choice because of his experience—this will be his 11th season. I think Culpepper will get the Lions contesting for a .500 record; I don’t see them as a postseason team yet.

The return of Tom Brady will definitely boost the New England Patriots, but just how good is his knee? His recently injured shoulder may hinder his passing ability for the time being, so that is a question mark.

The New York Giants are now without two receivers that helped them win Super Bowl XLII—Plaxico Burress and David Tyree. Burress was arraigned and sentenced to two years in jail, and Tyree was let go because of his oft-plagued injury. They drafted Hakeem Nicks in the first round to fill in for Burress, but is he the answer to the problem? That remains to be seen.

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired former Patriot quarterback Matt Cassel, and he looked good in a preseason until his knee got twisted in a tackle. Now, with his status shaky, who’s going to call signals for the Chiefs? And if healthy, is Cassel the solution to their offensive struggle the last 2 seasons in which they went a combined 6-26?

The trade between the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears drew everyone’s attention—and my frown. It’s the worst trade of 2009. Jay Cutler would have been much better off staying in Denver because he had Brandon Marshall to throw to. Who will he pass to in Chicago? Who will be Cutler’s favorite target? And Kyle Orton didn’t fare too well for the Bears, so how the heck is he going to be better for the Broncos, even with Marshall (if Brandon resolves his personal issues with the Broncos soon)? Good luck, Denver and Chicago…neither team will make the postseason as far as I am concerned.

"The Giants are definitely looking better than the Jets."

Brett Favre.

pole. The Falcons and Saints have young studs at quarterback. The Panthers do not and they will be the odd team out.

The NFC West is simple; it’s the second-worst division in football and there is no way Kurt Warner stays healthy two years in a row, so the Seattle Seahawks will take back the division.

Two out of four divisions in the AFC have clear-cut champions and no other real contenders. Sorry to say this Jet fans, but the New England Patriots will walk away with the East.

In the worst division in football the San Diego Chargers will have the AFC West locked up by week ten and will be sitting their starters.

The AFC North should finish the same way it did last year, but look for a much improved Cincinnati Bengals team to make a strong push but fall just short of the playoffs.

The AFC South is where you are going to see a shocker this year. The Houston Texans will have a break-out year and jump over both the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans to win the division.

The Super Bowl will come down to the Chargers and Saints. The ex-starting quarterback for the Chargers—Drew Brees—who was shown the door for incoming quarterback Phillip Rivers, will get his sweet revenge and be victorious in Miami.

JOHN AFC North AFC East AFC South AFC West Wild Card Wild Card NFC East NFC North NFC South NFC West Wild Card Wild Card AFC Championship NFC Championship Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens New England Patriots Houston Texans San Diego Chargers Pittsburgh Steelers Indianapolis Colts Philadelphia Eagles Minnesota Vikings New Orleans Saints Seattle Seahawks New York Giants Atlanta Falcons Chargers over Patriots Saints over Eagles Saints over Chargers

JAY Pittsburgh Steelers New England Patriots Indianapolis Colts San Diego Chargers Baltimore Ravens Houston Texans Philadelphia Eagles Minnesota Vikings Carolina Panthers Seattle Seahawks Arizona Cardinals New Orleans Saints Pittsburgh over San Diego Eagles over Saints Steelers over Eagles