Nov. 18 - Dec. 15, 2009

Art Made for Use P. 7

G N I OM AL C E HOM SPECI ld) o 9 f 0 r 0 e 2 cent (see

Dawn & Lisa Dish Out Advice P. 16

Gas Saving Tips P. 4

The Tower Kean University’s student newspaper

www.kean.edu/~thetower

Volume 10 • Issue 3 Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009

Esposito Regrets Low Student Vote

By Joseph Tingle

Food where and when you want it. Plus, Homecoming 2009!

Spring Promises More Food Options

BY Casey Murphy

Hungry students who have no time to sit and eat now have another option for food on-the-go. Right outside the University Center, across from the clock tower, is a new food cart that sells seasonal snacks, chips, hot dogs, and drinks.

By 11 a.m., when the cart opens, there is usually a small stream of people lining up to buy snacks in between their classes.

“It’s like steady,” commented Gourmet Foods staffer Towanna. “11:30 is a down time, 12 it picks up.”

This new addition, which is open most days from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., will not be around for much longer. According to Kean University Public Relations Representative Paul Dinero the car will be put away for the winter after temperatures fall below 55 degrees.

Kean University Theatre Major Rachelle Dorce thinks the food cart is the perfect idea for students who have a lot of classes back to back.

“I like the idea because it’s food on the go, especially if you don’t have time to sit and eat,” Dorce said. “You can have a hot dog for the walk.”

Delia Verdecia agreed, adding that most times students do not have enough time in between classes to wait in line or sit down to eat their food.

“I’m gonna say (I have) five minutes, and that’s like you walking and eating,” Verdecia said.

A possible issue is that the food cart only accepts cash. Luckily, however, the food isn’t pricy. A cup of coffee only costs 75 cents, chips are $1, and a hot dog goes for $2.

Another new (Continued on page 5)

He lost the race, but Kean University Professor Frank Esposito, who ran for Lieutenant Governor alongside Independent candidate Chris Daggett, said he hopes students now see how important it is to vote.

Distinguished Professor Esposito, who has been teaching in the History department for 39 years, said that students need to recognize the choice to vote or not to vote can directly affect their lives. Which officials are in office can mean a lot about what jobs are available, government debt, and education costs, he said.

“I was surprised by the relative apathy of Kean students,” Dr. Esposito commented after the election. “Your future economic well being depends on your awareness of what’s going on and the exercise of your vote.”

Election turn-out was dismally sparse earlier this month as less than a fourth of New Jersey’s voting population, just 18 percent of New Jersey’s eligible voters, ousted unpopular Democratic billionaire Jon Corzine in favor of a former US Attorney and Bush administration appointee, Chris Christie. According to statistics available at politico.com, voters aged 18 to 29 only made up 8 percent of the turn out.

Dr. Esposito hoped that students would turn out for this election, citing New Jersey’s dismal standings in higher education against the rest of the 50 states as reason enough. More money for higher education was one of his ticket’s platforms.

“Higher education isn’t a priority for Corzine,” he said.

But students didn’t get the memo.

Around the Kean University campus, find-

ing students who voted in this year’s election is tough. One Kean student, a senior graphic design major, said, “I didn’t vote because I don’t really care. I know that’s not necessarily a good thing.”

In the pre-election interview, Esposito offered some explanation as to why turnout might be low.

“Both political parties have failed,” he said. “They’re not raising the issues.”

Distinguished Professor Frank Esposito of Kean University, who ran as an independent in this year’s Gubernatorial Election

“People between the ages of 18 and 29 only made up 8 percent of New Jersey’s voter turn-out” His statement is validated by a Star Ledger exit poll, which claims that only 11 percent of New Jersey’s voters believed Christie and Corzine ran clean campaigns.

These kinds of elections, according to Esposito, are hard for voters to care about.

Throughout the campaign, Daggett and Esposito were praised by their supporters as being candidates willing to focus on relevant issues as (Continued on page 5)

THE COLOR OF YOUR FOOD AND WHY IT MATTERS (see pg. 11) By kelly pennisi

Photos: Kelly Pennisi

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: What's so addictive about Facebook?

Jason Cilento Sophomore, Theatre Education.

Juan Metrio Senior, Mathematical Science.

Malcom Hubbard Freshman, Criminal Justice.

Theo Odoemene Junior, Physical Therapy.

“Being able to keep in touch with people in high school and see what they’re doing now.”

“You can communicate with everybody.”

“It’s an easy way to talk to everybody with facebook chat.”

“I like looking at the the status people leave and playing games.”

Rachel’s Rave

3

Art Made for Use

Get Your Books For Free?

5

Editorial & View

10

A Word to the Wise

16

Dissidia: Final Fantasy

6

Health & Fitness

11

NCAA Football: John & Jay's Picks

16

7

Women’s & Men’s Sport

12-15

2

Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

Kean Promotes Wordsmiths

By Melissa Jewels

Even though students write all the time, it is an underappreciated skill.

To help students and faculty understand, appreciate, and celebrate the art of writing, the Kean University Writing Project hosted “Mapping the Frontiers of Writing,” a day specially dedicated to the National Day on Writing on October 20.

“Writing is hard,” said Lisa Sisler, adjunct professor in the English Department. “However, the more time you spend doing it, you get better at it, and the reward is the writing itself and a day devoted to writing is special.”

Established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the National Day on Writing is a day dedicated to providing awareness of all types of writing.

Such writing pertains to stories, poems, blogs, emails, recipes, and even artwork and audio/video.

In honor of the National Day on Writing, Kean held several events throughout the day in the CAS and on the grounds of Liberty Hall on Morris Avenue.

In the CAS, a paper “writing wall” was displayed on the windows of the CAS first floor. Students, faculty, and staff were able to write a short message or signature to celebrate free-format writing. Also in CAS, a workshop was presented by Dr. Kristine Mirrer, Professor Brian Oakes, Dr. Cathleen Londino, and Dr. Scott McHugh called “For Writing Out loud: Convergence in Current Media & Film Writing” that took a look at various forms of writing, from Script Writing and Radio Copy to Digital Stories and more.

Events at Liberty Hall included “Writing a Beginning Philosophy of Education” pre-

sented by Dr. Diane Bloom and “Writing for Publication” presented by Dr. Susan Polirstok. Both presentations were sponsored by the College of Education.

An “Open Mic” event at the Carriage House in Liberty Hall invited students, faculty, and staff to read their own works of writing such as short stories or poetry or any other readings that had inspired them. The College of Composition Program sponsored this event.

To conclude the day, author Jayanti Tamm presented her memoir “Cartwheels in a Sari” where she spoke of her life in a cult and how writing literally saved her.

(See related article, Page 3.)

Dr. Linda Best, chair of the Department of English and director of Kean’s Writing Project, was thrilled at how the day turned out.

“Over 300 participants spent time with us on October 20—that is an exceptional turn out in my mind, one that would not have been possible without the event planning that my assistant Erica Holan, and our academic specialist, Nadia Lahens, carried out,” said Best.

The Kean University Writing Project is an approved site of the National Writing Project (www.nwp.com). Kean is one of over 200 National Writing Project sites in the US. As an affiliate of the National Writing Project organization, Kean received a federal fund of $46,000, as well as funds from the university in order to carry out a program on writing that fulfills the National Writing Project’s mission.

Since Kean and the English Department are devoted to the Writing Project, they are already pursuing a funding application for the 2010-2011 school year, Dr. Best said.

Author Jayanti Tamm Says Writing Helped Save Her Life

By Melissa Jewels

If anyone understands the importance of writing, it is Jayanti Tamm, author of the memoir “Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult.”

Her book, a memoir, tells the story of her life in a cult from birth until she was kicked out at the age of 25 by cult leader Guru Sri Chinmoy after she

Memoir of Growing Up Cult” was the completion of therapy,” Tamm said.

Tamm studied fiction and playwriting and graduated from American University in Washington, DC with her MFA in Creative Writing. She is currently teaching writing as an English professor at Ocean County College.

She is also working on a novel that does not relate to her life. She recently

“I’ve kept a journal since I was about five.” made several unsuccessful attempts to leave. Released in April, the book is published by Harmony and now available wherever books are sold.

In the book, Tamm details her life in a cult that included constant feelings of guilt. As a young child, Tamm was made to feel as if she was the reason why the Guru suffered and had negative feelings due to the bad karma created by her behavior. The Guru’s karma philosophy convinced Tamm that she was responsible for anything that went wrong. To cope with her own negative feelings and doubts about the cult, Tamm channeled her burdened thoughts into writing.

“I’ve kept a journal since I was about 5,” said Tamm.

In her journal, Tamm would write everything the Guru had said to her that day. Ultimately, Tamm was able to convey her journals into her memoir.

For Tamm, writing enabled her to enter a healing phase in which she wrote as therapy.

“Writing “Cartwheels in a Sari: A

Author Jayanti Tamm

celebrated the National Day of Writing on October 20 at Kean University, where she spoke to a group about her memoir.

“I think the concept of a Writing Day is fantastic since writing has literally saved our lives,” she said.

Tamm advises anyone looking to publish a book to do their research and acquire an agent. She also said to “make the story unique and have it target a specific audience.”

Most importantly, Tamm stressed that aspiring authors should take their time while writing what they wish to have published.

“Don’t rush,” she said. “Have it be the best book it can be.”

Human Rights Institute Brings Home the Rest of the World

By D.J. Jean

Pakistan 1971: the Pakistani Army opens fire at a university to rid it of “intellectuals.”

Java and Bali 1965: mass murder is committed against so-called communists.

Rwanda. Darfur. Liberia. Bosnia.

Human rights abuses are regular occurrences around the world, but in prosperous New Jersey, they can sometimes seem very far away. Now the Human Rights Institute, a $15 million expansion of the Nancy Thompson Library, intends to bring those issues home to Kean University students and staff.

The institute, still under construction, is expected to be up and running this coming January. Its goal: to shed more light on issues regarding human rights and human rights abuse throughout the world.

Dr. Henry Kaplowitz, the director of the institute, hopes Kean will play a major role in having issues of Human Rights brought to the forefront. Dr. Kaplowitz expressed interest in the idea that Kean could one day become “The Human Rights University.” He hopes that Kean University students will aspire to more than just attaining a job after they graduate. He wants to see Kean “creating responsible citizens of the world.”

The Institute is not only planning, but facilitating a number of ways to bring awareness to its cause. It is holding confer-

ences, seminars, and introducing a gallery that will showcase artwork, publications and more attributed to human rights.

Dr. Kaplowitz.

“New institute aims to bring human rights issues to the forefront.”

The Institute is financed by fundraisers and supporters who advocate the fight for human rights and equality. Proceeds from the 12th annual Kean University Gala, which took place at Ellis Island this past summer, went towards the Human Rights Institute. Guests and honorees attended

the event, such as Human Rights activist Paul Rusesabagina, who was played by Don Cheadle in the film “Hotel Rwanda,” a movie that depicts the violence and genocide in Rwanda at the time of 1994.

Several documentaries have already been sponsored that illustrate the atrocities individuals have faced around the world. “Sounds of Silence” is about the life of Mozibur Rahman, who later changed his name to “Debdas” to negate himself from any religious affiliation. Itwas directed by Mofidul Hoque and produced by the Liberation War Museum in Bangladesh. He was a lecturer at Rajshaji University and was against the cruel injustice that was taking place by the Pakistani Army in 1971.

Another documentary titled, “War Crimes 1971,” deals with genocide. The film focuses on the testimonies of people who suffered horrendous hardship during the war crimes of 1971, perpetuated by the Pakistani army.

In a conference held on October 18, the institute focused on Bangladesh. Shariar Kabir and Mofidul Hoque were among the attendees, as well as New Jerseyans who expressed their connection to the 1971 ordeal.

“They talked about how in March 25, 1971, the Pakistani Army opened fire on the University in Daka, and tried to kill all the intellectuals, students, innocent people,” said Dr. Kaplowitz.

Both “Sounds of Silence” and “War

Crimes 1971” were shown at the Human Rights Institute and Bangladesh Study Group Movie night.

Another documentary sponsored by the Institute is “40 Years of Silence: An Indonesian Tragedy” directed by Dr. Robert Lemelson, a professor of anthropology at UCLA. The documentary centered around four individuals and their families from Java and Bali, who were interviewed about the mass killings that occurred against suspected communist under the Suharto regime in 1965.

Among the individuals interviewed was a Chinese woman named Lanny who witnessed her father’s execution, and a boy named Budi who seemed to harbor more animosity than anyone else in the film, even though he was born twenty years or so, after the horrors that took place in 1965.

When the film concluded, a discussion ensued by panelist, Dr. Dennis Klein, Dr. Sue Gronewald, Dr. Keith Nunes, who are all professors at Kean, and Dr. Lemelson, himself. They raised issues such as genocide, politicide, and childhood trauma.

If you are interested in learning more, the undergraduate course, ID 1800: Holocaust & Genocide, addresses genocide, human rights, and the many problems within the modern world.

The Tower

| Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

3

New Band Adds Some Pep to Kean Athletics

BY Jessica Pribush

Picture this: With four minutes left in the last quarter, Kean is trailing Rutgers-Newark by one basket. Because of last year’s budget cut, there is no cheerleading team in sight. With the absence of their spirited chants, the gym falls silent.

The crowd looks on with nervous anticipation and the team morale starts to diminish. Just as everyone, on and off the court, starts showing signs of defeat, a bell rings. The sound is not the familiar buzz announcing the end of the time-out, since all of a sudden it is joined by sounds of wind, percussion and string instruments.

Harwood Arena is now filled with the upbeat tunes of the Pep Band, causing the fans and players alike to rekindle their passion for victory. Clapping along with the cheery songs, the crowd helps motivate the Cougars to an unexpected victory.

This is only a hypothetical situation, at least for now. However, it is because of the newly official Kean University Pep Band, that the extra pep often needed to win a game, is now a possibility.

Directed by Jerry Bryant, a trumpet professor here at Kean, the Pep Band’s goal is to bring support and entertainment to all basketball games.

“I believe that pep bands fill a need among the student body to participate in school functions, as well as making those functions more enjoyable for the guests, students and faculty,” said Bryant.

The Kean University Pep Band is comprised of 25 students, playing traditional instruments including flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, tubas, French horns, electric bass, a drum set and bells.

Lauren Ferguson, a piccolo player, has always had a passion for this type of music, as she played in the pep band at her high school for all four years. “[Pep bands are] kind of like marching bands, minus the visual,” she explained. “I think it’s better to have live band music at sporting events to pep up the people.”

Try-outs were held in the Wilkins Theatre Building, Room 143 on Wednesday, October 21, and Thursday, October 22 from 7:30-9:30, where students with any major were welcome.

RACHEL’S RAVE The Best Southern Cooking This Side of Jersey

By Rachel Rothspan

Somewhere just past the Kean Campus, food is being served in big steamy portions. Whether it is rib tips, candied yams, beans, cornbread, chicken, pork, collared greens, or the peach cobbler des-

Photo: Phillip Martinelli

Church’s feels down to earth and homey

“Just make sure you have a nice cold drink on hand and a few wet naps available” ert, those who choose to dine at Church’s Kitchen on Vauxhall Road are in for the warm and fuzzy after effects of a good southern style meal.

Every Saturday, my co-workers hunker down over the page-long menu, and place a hefty order to Church’s. In charge of this expedition is Kean Student Mike Purefoy.

This is what he has to say:

“Good soul food is hard to find now a days. I have recently come to discover a place called Church’s Kitchen in Union, NJ. It’s a small Mom and Pop type restaurant that is owned by a family from Mississippi. When you walk in, you are greeted

by Ms. Judy or Mr. Church himself. The menu has a large variety of meals that are cooked with care. Their food is cooked old fashioned; no microwaves used around there. Your food is made to ordernothing is premade, so it is all warm and ready to fill you up. Everything is tasty on the menu. Just make sure you have a nice cold drink on hand and a few wet naps available.”

And Purefoy isn’t the only one raving about the food at Church’s. One co-worker of mine went as far as to say that the food left him “warm and fuzzy inside, and content.”

Another plus is the pricing—for the heaping portions, Church’s charges reasonably.

The downside? You’re going to want to order before you go in, as the food takes a while to make, and there’s not much of a rush on the kitchen.

Here in New Jersey, Southern cooking is rare, and good old style comfort food is hard to come by. As Fall starts to break into the colder months, consider the warm invitation of Church’s, where the atmosphere is friendly and the food is comfortable. But make sure you call on the restaurant before end of the weekendthis Church is closed on Sundays.

GET PUBLISHED JOIN THE TOWER Meetings Mondays @ 3:30 p.m.

CAS 413

With only 25 spots available, the competition became pretty tough. Maxi Miliano was one of multiple students vying for the solitary spot as the Pep Band’s drummer.

“It’s very competitive and I’m obviously a little bit nervous,” said Miliano, a freshman percussion player. “But it’s a positive nervous.”

Although Miliano made the band, the multi-talented student will be playing trumpet. As for the coveted spot of the drummer, it went to an upperclassman.

Try-outs for the 2009 basketball season have only recently taken place. But, the idea for a Pep Band has been around since last year. The music department was asked by the school administration in fall of 2008 to “create” a pep band, so with little time for preparation, Bryant threw together a somewhat make-shift one.

The Pep Band made its first appearance at a women’s basketball game last January, and its second during last month’s homecoming football game. Despite the terrible weather, the Pep Band’s homecoming performance was a success.

“We received many positive comments from the audience,” beamed Bryant. “A

number of people asked to have us back for every game!”

Now that the roster is set, and excitement for the basketball season is brewing, the Pep Band is getting down to business.

With four rehearsals and six game days stringing from early December 2009 to February of 2010, the band’s schedule is packed. Present at all men’s and women’s home basketball games, the band will be located on the floor, and will play songs before the game, during time-outs, at halftime, and a final song at the end.

As a bonus for all of the commitment and dedication needed to be a part of the band, each member receives one class credit per semester, a meal at every game, and a $40 compensation for each game day. Although there are many obvious benefits, they aren’t the only reason students wish to be a part of it all. Raising the spirits of the fans and the players is also a driving factor.

“There’s times your team isn’t playing well and the crowd is reacting negatively,” said Miliano. “It’s our job to keep them focused; everyone’s going to be rocking to our music!”

Library Construction Nearly Completed

By Dawn M. Phillips

A new Grand Study on the new 3rd floor of the library opened on November 3, after a special ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the beginning of the end of library construction. The library, under construction for the past 18 months, is now almost complete.

The renovation includes an expanded third floor in the building, as well as new lighting and more study space for students. A Human Rights Institute is also being built and occupancy will take place later this fall.

The institute, which will house Kean’s Holocaust Resource Center, will also assist in providing more room for the library’s holdings, galleries and meeting space. A ceremony to open the center is slated for Spring 2010.

The Nancy Thompson Library caters to all students at Kean, happily overwhelming them with books, journal articles, periodicals, studying space, computer access and relaxation. And while this modernization is benefiting the campus, the process has been a deafening one. Some may even refer to it as a hassle.

“It’s a big inconvenience. If you’re on the other side of the building, you have to walk all the way around to get to the entrance, and the entrance door is broken.

The people working are very distracting when you’re trying to study,” said Lauren Botnick, a sophomore biology major.

But the staffers—including library staff and staff from the Center for Professional Development—took the inconveniences in stride.

“The noise is expected during construction, we’ve moved a lot of furniture around. I haven’t received too many complaints from students,” said Luis Rodriguez, Director of University Library.

Norma Green of the Center for Pro-

fessional Development praised Matt Dandurand, project manager for the construction project and Superintendent of Hall Building Corporation, for tending to their needs.

“He accommodated all of our needs, he notified us ahead of time so that we could schedule our meetings around the noise,” said Green.

Photo: Ana Marie Silverman

University library under construction

Rodriguez described the workers as “tough”. The construction workers have been working year-round in all kinds of weather: hot, rainy or cold weather.

“They informed us of hazardous materials, they brought us heaters in the winter, they were very good to us,” said Sergio Saravia of the Center for Professional Development.

The third floor now has an extended 12,000 square feet of studying space for students filled with secluded study rooms with glass doors, comfy beige chairs, and new carpeting. This renovation project was made possible by an issuance of bonds, according to Kean’s Public Relations department.

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Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

Easy, Effective Gas Saving Tips

By Charley Falkenburg

Cash or credit? Students hear this question several times a week as they pull into the nearest gas station. Between braving the Garden State Parkway in the morning and idling in traffic on Green Lane, the gas meter seems to magically drop quickly until suddenly it is hovering around “empty.”

Instead of splurging on new clothes or Xbox games, we spend our hard-earned paychecks at the various Sunocos, BPs, and Exxons. Although there is no cure for the dwindling gas tank, there are a few helpful tips that will keep your gas meter happy as well as keep more money in your pocket.

Don’t Exceed 55mph. On the parkway it seems natural to cruise at 70 mph, but going over 55 mph actually wastes 20% more gas.

Not only does going over the speed limit eat gas, it also gives a green light for the police to give you a hefty ticket.

Don’t Stomp on the Gas Pedal. Flooring the gas pedal as soon as the light turns green also wastes precious gas. You can easily improve gas mileage up to 5 percent by easing onto the gas pedal and driving gently.

Start Car Pooling. If you and a bunch of friends are going to the same place, it makes more sense to take only one or two cars. This will save gas as well as provide company for the journey.

Don’t Idle. Leaving your car running while you run into Wawa every time eventually adds up. It wastes fuel, costs you money, and harms the environment. If your vehicle is not in drive, it is better to just turn it off.

Take Advantage of Public Transportation. You can easily find busses and trains that make stops at your destination. The Union train station is literally five minutes away from Kean campus. NJ Transit even helps students save 25% when purchasing a NJ Transit monthly pass. For more information on how NJ Transit can make your commute easier, hop on to www.njtransit. com.

Show Your Car Some TLC. Every once in a while take your car to the shop to get a quick tune up. Also, make sure to keep your tires properly inflated and to change your oil around every 3,000 miles. Keeping your car healthy increases gas mileage as well as the life of the car.

Get Gas Early in the Morning or Late at Night. The cool temperature in the early morning and late night makes the fuel denser. Gas pumps dispense fuel by the volume, so the colder the fuel the more bang you get for your buck.

Photo: Charley Falkenburg

The Sunoco gas prices on route 1 in Edison.

Get Some Exercise. If your destination is down the street or a couple blocks away, use your feet to get there. Walking, riding a bicycle, or even skateboarding saves gas and increases your health.

With gas prices ranging from $2.48 to $2.58 throughout the state of New Jersey, we need a little help in conserving gas as well as money. By practicing just a couple of these tips, you should be seeing less of the gas pumps and more of your paycheck.

Trendy Shop Gives Fashionable Prices for Fashionable Items

By Lillie Morales-Torres

In the heart of the small town of Roselle Park, where hair salons and doctor’s offices dominate the area, the two-month old Angie’s Boutique sits right on the corner for all to see. Women of all ages can shop at this boutique. Young girls walking home from the middle school nearby eye it like a candy store, and older girls turn their heads twice at the site of the window display. Such a trendy store in Roselle Park has never been seen before.

The location has seen sports shops and delis come and go, all unsuccessful. But now, one person has decided to take a chance and bring something new to town.

Angelica Palacios, known as “Angie,” is the charming little boutique’s store owner. She recently took time out of her busy schedule to show her trendy, dressed-tothe-nines mannequins, and her handpicked selections.

“We sell trendy tops for all occasions, dressy pants, and a variety of jeans in all sizes including plus,” said Angie. “Everything here is handpicked. About 80 percent are designs from the U.S. and 20 percent are internationally imported. We get new stuff every week and a half.”

The boutique is small, but has hidden treasures in every corner. In a glass showcase, the shelves sparkle with a vast array of costume jewelry, brooches, and glamorous head pieces. An antique glass table across from those pieces displays unique

bags in colors like burgundy, deep brown, black, and gold. Behind the register is a fun display of trendy knotted scarves and

pairs or quartets. This is a fashionista’s dream, because it means someone out there is less likely to have the same dress

Variety of chic selections at Angie’s Boutique in Roselle Park, NJ.

“If there’s one thing that women cannot live without, it’s beauty and fashion.” another showcase displaying jewelry imported from Angie’s native Colombia.

And because the items in the boutique are handpicked, you will always see a variety of things that do not all look the same.

Whatever Angie brings in, comes only in

Photos: Lillie Morales-Torres

as you, or the same anything at all!

Prices at this boutique are very reason-

able. The boutique thrives to bring in the latest in fashion at an affordable price. You can score a dress for as little as $25, and dress your tresses for as little as $8. And if you stop in soon, you can browse through what’s left of the summer sale rack.

In these tough economic times, opening a boutique can be challenging. Angie has had to deal with customers asking to take dollars off of items that are already being sold at a reasonable price to begin with.

With the help and support of her family, she is able to overcome these obstacles of being a local business owner.

But if there’s one thing that women cannot live without, it’s beauty and fashion.

And that’s what Angie’s Boutique has to offer, and there is more to come. Angie said she is working on building a website for the boutique, offering special sales and discounts, and much more. She also likes to listen to what her clients have to say. If a client has a special request or is looking for something in particular, Angie does her best to hunt down that item and bring it back to her shop.

“Our goal here is to make each client look and feel happy with our products,” said Angie. “We are different because we really take care of our clients by bringing them the most affordable fashion in town.”

Angie’s Boutique 304 Chestnut St, Roselle Park, NJ (908) 445-8772 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Student Government Hears From Funded Groups

By Kelly Pennisi

The Student Government Organization meeting on November 6 met and heard from class representatives of funded groups. Here’s what the various groups had to say: • The Association of Latin Students will hold a Latin dance workshop on Nov. 23. The Association of Computer Machinery will hold a gaming contest and will be giving away prizes on Nov. 20.

• The Kean Theater Council will continue running its production of the Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night through Nov. 21 in Vaughn Eames. For dates and times, visit www.keanstage.com.

• Kean Pride will be presenting a play called “Downtime” from Dec. 11 -13. They will also be visiting the Museum of Sex in New York City on Dec. 5.

• The Bookstore will be posting a list outside of the store of all the books that students can return • The Gourmet Dining Hall is looking for suggestions of cultural food to diversify their meals. Also, a sandwich “vote” is planned in which each funded group on campus will suggest a sandwich. The sandwich with the most votes will become a featured item on the menu at the Gourmet Dining Hall.

• The Senior class of Kean University will hold its last fall event on Dec. 1 called “G’s to Gents.” They are also seeking student opinions about the bookstore. The Junior class is planning to go to Broadway to see “Avenue Q.” Tickets are available to everyone through the Wilkins Theatre box office.

The Tower

| Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

5

Using Facebook to Get Your Books For Free...Possibly

By Megan Muller

Let’s face it, college is expensive, especially textbooks. You pay somewhere between $70-$150 on textbooks for each class. And what happens to those books at the end of the semester? You sell that $70 book for $17—if you’re lucky—and go buy yourself lunch.

In addition to buying new or used books from half-off websites, Rachel Rothspan, Kean University student, (and Tower Features Editor) has come up with a more familiar alternative. Facebook.

“With the cost of everything going up, it’s difficult to imagine that books may be an unachievable goal,” said Rothspan.

The concept of a Kean Book Exchange will rely on the students to make the difference. Students must be willing to exchange their textbooks with a text they need for another class, instead of money.

On the Kean Book Exchange group on Facebook, students will have the opportunity to advertise the books they have purchased and then shop through other students’ inventories to find the books

they need. You will not be able to receive a book unless you have given one as well.

“It [Kean Book Exchange] requires a willingness on the students’ part to give up the books they no longer need in order

“Many college students are feeling the slam as book prices soar.” to gain the new ones they want for the semester,” said Rothspan.

In order to turn this concept into a functional exchange, The Kean Book Exchange needs students to get involved. Students can help by trading books on Facebook’s

Kean Book Exchange, as well as coming up with creative ideas on how to make the exchange accessible for all students.

Don’t have a Facebook? There are other ways to find books for less. Let’s explore the ways to get those expensive textbooks for less.

Websites such as valorebooks.com, affordabook.com, cheapesttextbooks.com and amazon.com are just a few marketplaces where students can search inventory to find the lowest price for the desired textbook. There may be a shipping and handling charges depending on the seller, but generally the price will be cheaper than that of the bookstores on campus. A positive aspect of using websites like these is you will get a better deal. However, sometimes it takes 1-2 weeks to receive the book, so placing an order after your class has begun may be risky.

Another way to reduce the cost of textbooks is to buy used. When textbooks are purchased back from students after a semester, they are re-sold to the new students for a cheaper price. You may purchase a used book that has highlighting

from a previous owner or writing in the book. However, you are saving a significant amount of money with this option.

This idea is just that, an idea as of now, the Book Exchange needs the help of the students as well as ideas of others in order to be successful.

With the bookstore prices going up, now is a good time to start finding an alternative method for grabbing what you need.

Other tips for getting books for less: try to find an older version (but check with your teacher first), consider rent websites where you can rent a text for the semester, and check with your campus friends to see what might be available.

A free textbook exchange site that allows students to sell, buy or trade books has already launched called CollegeTextbookConnection.com. It works like a craigslist by matching book buyers or traders and also tries to connect students at their individual universities. It is also free.

If you are interested in assisting in the production of the book exchange group, please contact Rachel Rothspan at rothspar@kean. edu.

Homecoming Concert

What’s in a Shakespeare Course?

An Eclectic Mix of Music

Any Other is Not as Sweet

By Rachel Rothspan

After the Kean Cougar’s football team beat Morrisville College on Oct. 24, excited fans were ready to see their Homecoming concert show that featured the bands Fun, Anberlin and Taking Back Sunday.

First on stage was Fun, a lesser known band with an awesome use of multiple voices and harmonies, and an eclectic group of musicians, who changed between guitars, keyboards, and trumpets during the night.

After their performance, I was lucky enough to speak with two of the musicians, Emily Moore and Andrew Dost, who were running the merchandise table.

Moore, who played keys and acoustic guitar during the night, as well as adding many harmonies, wished Kean University a “Happy Home-Coming.” Both Moore and Dost were happy to be playing the concert, and excited to have stopped for our event on their tour.

LOW STUDENT VOTE

Next up was Anberlin, a rising Alternative group. They took the stage and created a true concert experience, with an incredible light show and a hard rock set. The lead singer, Stephen Christianson, dedicated two songs: one to some friends that supported the band, and another to the locals playing that night around New Jersey. Anberlin’s set included songs from their last three albums, and a cover of “True Faith”

by New Order, and ended with the room on their feet.

And the crowd stayed on their toes for the headliner band, Taking Back Sunday.

The group came on stage and played a long set that included a number of fan favorites. Their visual background gave a color scheme to the concert, and the lead singer’s charming anecdotes made the fans laugh and listen. The screaming audience took the homecoming concert out with the same excitement that they came in with around 9 p.m., despite the fact that it was 12:30 in the morning.

By Raquel Fernandes

For most students, class is simple: walk in, sit down in one chair, and listen and take notes on the lecture. Even if the material covered is interesting, the monotony of the average lecture can sometimes be draining on even the most curious of students.

cessible, contemporary, and vital to their lives. They are inspired to delve more deeply into Shakespeare’s ‘poetry in motion.’”

The class was encouraged to bring in wardrobe pertaining to the times of Shakespeare. Each student was to represent a specific character of his choice from one of the plays. Dr. Rich also brought in a few beautiful wardrobe pieces, including

The entire Shakespeare Survey class

(Continued from page 1)

opposed to personal attacks. During the campaign, Daggett once spent his time during a debate wedged between a bickering Corzine and Christie, attempting to answer questions while Corzine and Christie carried out a New Jersey tradition of ad hominem based campaigns.

“These guys are going to vote for me,” Daggett jokingly stated during the debate.

But when polls closed Tuesday night, Daggett’s numbers were much lower than even he had anticipated. Though Daggett and Esposito received a number of key endorsements, most notably from the StarLedger, and received more votes than any New Jersey independent candidate had in nearly 100 years, it was ultimately Chris Christie and the two party system that most independents chose to side with.

Still, many are saying that voters frus-

trated with Corzine wound up voting for Christie, who many apparently also didn’t really like. According to the Star Ledger’s exit poll, voters were more likely to harbor negative feelings for the Republican and Democratic candidates than positive ones.

Kean student Lauren Buttacavole, a senior in the English department, said she did “feel like I voted for the right person.

At least we won’t have to see those annoying commercials anymore.”

But another Kean student, a senior in the History department who asked not to be identified, may have been more typical —based on the turnout.

“I don’t like Christie at all,” said the student. “But I really can’t stand Corzine. I would have voted for Daggett if I thought he could have won.”

This is not the case for one literature class.

Dr. Susana Rich, poetry professor at Kean, and author of Television Daddy, a one woman poetry performance, implements a different approach to teaching Shakespeare’s plays.

“Shakespeare is essentially theater,” said Dr. Rich. “Enacting scenes, themselves-such as readings and this special costuming event—helps students to more viscerally understand the human and theatrical dynamics. Shakespeare becomes more ac-

FOOD OPTIONS

Photo: Raquel Fernandes

long gowns and colorful wigs.

After the characters were established, the students formed into groups, recited lines, and posed according to specific scenes relating to their chosen characters, including the murder of King Hamlet by Claudius, as well as the meeting of Romeo and Juliet.

All desks aside, the students began to incorporate theatre into their lecture.

“This is the way class is supposed to be,” said student Cathy Ramirez.

(Continued from page 1)

addition coming in Spring 2010 is the brand new Cougar’s Den, which is now closed for construction.

According to Paul Dinero, the extension to Cougar’s Den will expand the restaurant, adding an additional 20 feet of dining space.

Since the University Center is a main

hangout spot for students during the day, this extension will add more room for students to be able to relax in between classes. The extension also aims to improve student-related activities and organizations.

The overall price for the extension is $500,000, and is being paid through the general fund, Dinero said.

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Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Makeup From Day to Night

By Fiordaliza Martinez

I confess. The girl I saw recently with the white eye liner and hot pink shadow to match her hot pink shirt made me cringe.

There’s nothing wrong with being edgy with your makeup, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: “Edgy” makeup (bright shadows, heavy rouge, metallic liners) work best at night.

The problem is that during the day heavy makeup is just a bit much. When the sun is out, makeup is more noticeable, and instead of enhancing your beauty, which is the desired effect, it takes attention away from your natural assets. All people focus on is your glittery turquoise shadow and silver liner, and probably wonder what club you’re heading to after class.

The best looks for daytime are earth tones. Different shades of brown and even a thin layer of black or charcoal liner will enhance the shape of your eyes and make them pop. Again, the idea is to enhance your natural beauty.

Always be sure to pair any shadow with liner, as liner will complete your look. It will bring attention to your shadow and

your eyes in general. Natural tones are better for the day because they are subtle but do make a difference.

As for rouge, I don’t recommend it for the day, but if it is a must, always be sure to lightly brush a thin layer onto the cheekbone. Be sure to blow at the end of the brush before applying it to make sure to get rid of any clumps that would prevent an even application.

The lips are always best nude, with a bit of lip conditioner and a light gloss. Right now red lipstick is in, and if used, it can be done during the day, but do so tastefully.

Always be sure to apply a lip conditioner before applying the lipstick as this will prevent drying of the lips. After applying the conditioner and lipstick, I would steer clear of lip gloss unless it’s dark out, because the shiny bright red lips can be a bit distracting in the office or in class.

With all makeup applications day or night, subtle or edgy, always work within your comfort zone. Don’t try anything you don’t like just because it’s “in.” Remember, makeup is supposed to enhance your assets, not make you unrecognizable.

POWER TO THE TOWER

“Stepfather” From Hell

By Kelly Pennisi

If you want to see a movie that will give you the creeps, then Stepfather is definitely the movie to see.

Stepfather, a horror thriller film that keeps you surprised throughout, is subtle in places, yet also mysterious. In the end, Stepfather leaves you feeling eerie.

Oh, and did I forget to mention eye candy? Yes ladies, Penn Badgely has many scenes with his shirt is off, and he’s showing off those abs (which are very nice to look at).

Directed by Nelson McCormick, the cast includes Badgley ( CW’s Gossip Girl), Dylan Walsh (Congo, Everwood), Sela Ward (The Man Who Loved Women, Nothing in Common), and Amber Heard (Pineapple Express, All Boys Love Mandy Lane).

The movie starts off with David (Walsh) preparing to leave a house where a family was murdered. In the background “Silent Night” is playing quietly as he is shaving. As he heads out the door, he takes one final look at the family lying dead on the floor.

In the next few scenes, he is seen heading to another state. When he arrives, he meets Susan (Ward) in a grocery store, and the two immediately hit it off. He immediately lures her in with a sad story that he lost in his wife and daughter in a car accident, a typical serial-killer tale. Disguised with the perfect image of a friendly guy, she blindly falls in love, having no clue what she’s getting into.

A few weeks later, her son Michael (Badgely) comes home from military school only to find out that his mom is engaged to a complete stranger. Michael immediately becomes suspicious, and grows more so

Dylan Walsh, in Stepfather.

as each day goes by. Later, Michael’s girlfriend Kelly (Heard), his biological father, and even his own mother’s friends and sister are starting to see David for who he is.

Finally, faced with the threat of being sent back to military school, Michael must find out the truth about his future stepfather.

David, meantime, remains manipulative and murderous. He kills almost anyone that gets in his way, all the while keeping his image perfect to Susan and future family. The more David covers up his deeds, the more Michael wants to defend his family and find out the truth.

Overall if you if love movies with suspense, mystery and action, then Stepfather is the movie for you. It will leave you waiting and guessing until the very end.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy Review

By Eric Albuen

If you think that Dissidia: Final Fantasy is the best final fantasy game yet, you may be right. Developer Square Enix took the heroes and villains from their respective Final Fantasy series and threw them into a battlefield that many of the characters have never experienced before: A freeroaming fighting game for the Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable).

The balance of the world has fallen into disarray due to a savage war. Cosmos, the goddess of harmony, and Chaos, the god of discord, summoned warriors from far away lands to fight for them in the war.

For Cosmos, all hope seems lost as Chaos gains the upper hand in the midst of war.

For the few remaining survivors, this is where their story begins.

“It’s what my online acquaintances and I call ‘Dissidirage’.”

The game takes you through the journey as the ten main heroes of the Final Fantasy games. Square Enix did a superb job of being able to take ten characters from completely different worlds and storylines and seamlessly intertwine them into one universe. No one, not even I, thought it would be cool to see Garland, the main villain from Final Fantasy I, fight Jecht, the

main villain from Final Fantasy X. Meanwhile, girl fans squeal over the fact that no one ever thought to stick Bartz, the hero of Final Fantasy V, with Squall, the hero of Final Fantasy VIII, in a fan fiction together (which is a story for another day), but this game does a good job of connecting them.

The superb graphical design for the game, with the art done by Tetsuya Nomura, the artist also responsible for the Kingdom Hearts series, offers up eye-candy to any fan of the series.

As far as the game play goes, players have the choice of two different fighting styles which range from complete control over your character and the way they fight, or the traditional command style from all the Final Fantasy games. Players shuffle between using attacks that damage either the opponent’s bravery level or HP meter.

How much bravery you have equals the amount of damage you give out. If you’re bravery gauge is broken, then you’re more susceptible to a critical attack that could cost you the match.

The game is not without its issues, though. To start, there are a limited

amount of attacks. Each character can have up to three moves in the air and on the ground for both their bravery and HP attacks giving the characters a grand total of 12 attacks. Being limited to only 12 moves leaves little room for variety in your game plan and leaves you to be extremely predictable given your opponent knows the character you’re playing as.

Speaking of your opponents, the game’s AI can be… cheap. There will be lot of times where you’ll want to throw your PSP against the wall screaming bloody fury.

It’s what my online acquaintances and I call “Dissidirage”. I’ve had to redo a battle nearly ten to twenty times because one false move. Many times, this character I have to face isn’t even the boss of the stage that you’re on. Given you can get past the game’s cheap AI, you’ll still have loads of fun with the game. Finally, the lack of online play makes the game predictable.

The game itself is very easy to pick up and once you get the hang of things, you’ll have a blast with it. However, I can only recommend this game to fans of the Final Fantasy series. Those who are unfamiliar with it might not understand a lot of what’s going on with the game. There are several references that go back to the character’s respective games that would be useful towards understanding the character’s story in Dissidia: Final Fantasy.

I give this game a .

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The Tower

| Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Kathy Erteman: Art Made for Use

By Raquel Fernandes

The fantastic and complex world of art has, for the most part, been able to keep a safe distance from its left-brain admirers, placed behind glass walls and dark rooms.

It is not every day that true works of art have been integrated into homes, allowed to be touched and enjoyed everyday.

Kathy Erteman, New York based artist, is different; she has made art for use.

“Art works must be made for the home, not the palace,” said John Perreault, art critic, poet, and writer for numerous art publications, including Art News and American Craft Magazine. Erteman understands this, and some of her works have been made accessible for the home.

She is one of the most praised artists for her ingenuity and creativity in interior design pieces.

Her current exhibition Kathy Erteman: Monoprints and Clay can be seen at Kean University’s Karl and Helen Burger Art Gallery and includes paintings on ceramic tile, Monoprints, and vessel installations from 2005 until 2009.

Erteman’s works include architectural

installations, paintings, printmaking, and ceramic funerary urns. Her prominent influences including Japanese Printmaking, Bauhaus design, and Minimalist sculpture can be seen through these various mediums.

elegant ceramic variations on minimalist grind…, with an investigation that is strictly Erteman.”

Her ceramic pieces, designed with clean, smooth lines and glossy finishes, urges the viewer to test its weight, to pick it up, and

“Art works must be made for the home, not the palace.”

“I have always been interested in a pared down aesthetic and admire Sol Le Witt and Agnes Martin for their freedom within restraint and continue to refer to 19th century Japanese design for direction in the abstraction of natural forms,” said Erteman on her influences.

Erteman’s parents, Dutch and Austrian refugees, moved to California to escape Nazi persecution. Growing up in 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles, Erteman developed an interest in the art world, and in the 1980s developed a name for herself through her black and white ceramics.

According to John Perreault, “These wall pieces are not variables; they are not tiles and they are not paintings. They are

Photo: Kathy Erteman

Influence, 2005. Mixed media on Mulberry paper, 12 x 12 in.

feel its cold smooth rim. Erteman takes abstract shapes and color patterns that hone in on the human emotion.

“All of her work… occupies three-dimensional space and thus feels familiar to the viewer, who similarly exists in space,” said

Janet Koplos, guest editor of American Craft Magazine and former senior editor at Art in America in New York City.

Erteman’s works have been commissioned and sold at Tiffany’s, Dansk, and Crate & Barrel. More recently, Erteman has worked as a design consultant to ceramic artisans in Tibet through the United States Agency for International Development. Erteman has also lectured at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Kathy Erteman’s works are featured as permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Taipei Museum of Fine Arts.

A full time studio artist and part time teacher, Erteman has taught at Parsons School of Design and been a guest lecturer at The Brooklyn Museum, SUNY New Paltz, Bezalel Academy of Art, Jerusalem and currently teaches at Greenwich House Pottery. She is currently based out of New York.

For more information on Kathy Erteman, visit her website at www.kathyerteman.com.

JOIN THE TOWER Meetings Mondays @ 3:30 p.m., CAS 413

Photography and layout by Ana Maria Silverman

Homecoming Weekend was soggy, but it was not a washout. Despite the rain, students enjoyed a variety of festivies including sports, music and, of course, food.

10

Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

EDITORIAL

The Tower Department of Communication

WHAT SEASON IS IT? As I make my way through a Target shopping center in South Jersey, my eyes can’t help but stare at the holiday decorations. Wait - what season is it?

Halloween already passed, Thanksgiving is only a few days away and next is Christmas and Hanukah.

Snow will fall soon enough, but what happened to fall?

The weather seems to change unexpectedly. Some days in October felt like November with cold winds, but others felt like September with more sun.

Everyone looks forward to the future, but sometimes they forget to enjoy the present moments. Soon enough we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving Day and spending time with friends, family or coworkers.

Be sure to take time out and live these moments. Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Jillian Johnson

Editor-in-Chief

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Nov. 5, 2009 To the editor: Bravo to Jillian Johnson for her editorial, “Pump It Up! ” Everyone is stressed and her recommendation to get some exercise is good advice. But, double bravo to her for suggesting the Harwood Arena pool.

As huge as it is, it’s a big blue hidden treasure at Kean. Many people don‘t even know Kean has a

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

pool. I swim there twice a week and find it a great way to start the day and give me a sense of well being. At times, it has been a therapist when troubles were tearing my mind apart. Heed Ms. Johnson’s advice: jump in!

News Editor Joseph Tingle Sports Editor Nicole Von Gonten Arts and Entertainment Editor Rachel Rothspan

Sincerely, Donna Lee Goldberg Adjunct Instructor Communication Department

Staff Eric Albuen John Cherry Andrew Czirjak Charley Falkenburg Jay Hicks

D.J. Jean Melissa Jewels Fiordaliza 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 spaceavailable basis. All ads are run-of-the-paper unless an extra fee is collected for a paid position. Deadline for art work and copy is one week before the publication date. Classified advertising can be submitted up to the Thursday before publication as long as the payment is made at the same time. Call (908) 737-0468 or email tower@kean.edu for a rate card.

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

VIEW NJ’S NEW REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR IS A MESSAGE FOR OBAMA By jillian johnson

Following the November 3 vote, New Jersey has a new governor in office: the moderate Republican Chris Christie. Congratulations and let’s get started on fixing the damage left by outgoing Governor Jon Corzine.

Even though Christie beat Corzine, I can’t get over the cheap method Corzine used to try to get New Jersey citizens to vote against Christie: autodials. After reading the article on www.nj.com, I sat back and laughed. Pathetic Corzine, pathetic. A recording of the automated phone call was played for The Star-Ledger on November 1.

Sadly enough, walking around the Kean campus I realized there were many who didn’t care about voting for a governor. Back in May when I asked students if they were going to vote in the primaries, they didn’t know what I was referring to. Those who did know, didn’t care.

To all Kean students: voting is a big deal. It’s also a big deal to political parties. Voting sends a message, especially after a presidential election year. This year, the vote for governor said something about the president’s leadership in the country.

I’ve read many articles online regarding the fact that people admitted they voted for Christie as governor because they didn’t feel Obama was leading the country correctly. A Gallup poll taken in July of 2009 showed that about 52 percent of Americans approved of Barak Obama’s leadership as president, the lowest number of his tenure. When first taking office in November of 2008, 69 percent approved of Obama’s leadership. This is a turn around considering the president received an overwhelming amount of support when elected president

Shortly after being elected president, Obama signed a $159 billion stimulus fund to create or save approximately 640,329 jobs as of September 30, 2009, according to the White House. But, this number was miscalculated, according to abcnews.com. The news organization stated that as of November 1, only 74 jobs have been saved from the stimulus bill. Originally, the report stated that the stimulus money saved 250 jobs, then after realizing the credit was doubled, the amount of jobs was at 125, and now it’s down to only 74.

The newest and biggest issue is Obama’s public health option. But, this isn’t an option since it’s going to eliminate private insurance, as Obama stated. To hear and see for yourself, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-bY92mcOdk. One minute Obama is talking about a public health option and then next, he’s talking about Universal Healthcare. There is a difference in regards to the word “option” but that doesn’t exist since it’s going to eliminate private insurance. I know countless citizens believe universal healthcare benefits all, yet these are the same people who complain about the taxes taken from them by the government. Universal healthcare means more money from your paycheck. As citizens of America, aren’t we to live independently and freely? Why should you have to pay for someone else’s healthcare? It’s not your job nor your duty. As an individual, you should only have to worry about your own healthcare.

Just to add more jive to the election results, Conservative Republican Bob McDonne won the race for governor in Virginia.

The Tower | Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

11

OP-ED

News: It’s a Brave New World in Journalism

By Andrew Czirjak

Journalism majors and writers beware—There are a lot of bloggers and twitters out there turning the world of professional journalism upside down. Today, anyone with a computer and an opinion has the forum to say whatever they desire. How do the real journalists compete, though, in a world where everyone voices their opinion?

These were among the many issues addressed this semester at Kean University where a six week-long exhibit about the History of Journalism just closed and several panel discussions about the past, present and future of journalism were held as part of the college’s Issues '09 series.

To be a journalist in today’s world, not only do you need to know how to write and report correctly, but you also need to add a few items of importance to your repertoire.

For starters, journalists are also learning photography and the pictures by journalists have to be more than pretty.

The picture needs to capture the essence of the story itself. On top of that, journalists are now expected to blog their

stories too. Whew.

“That’s our job as journalists, to report the news and report it accurately,” stated Tina Kelley, an editor and blogger for The New York Times who spoke at a panel here on journalism’s future.

And I guess that is the key fact in journalism. The reporter has to make sure the information reported is correct and factual. Just look at the history of man for example. Uggs and grunts were probably the first words spoken by pre-historic man.

However, it wasn’t until man was able to associate meanings to sounds and objects that the first conveyance of information was passed. In journalism’s most basic form, pre-historic man left behind pictographs and cravings on cave walls of their daily lives. From these drawings, people today have a better understanding of what kind of lives those people lead. However, our ancestors were describing and recording the events of the time. In essence, our ancestors left behind information. After all, isn’t journalism the same thing, the passing of accurate information?

As a result, our ancestors were able to learn, and pass down important information to the next generation.

Throughout history, journalism has gone under several permutations. Human accounts have been documented on papyrus, etched on clay tablets (cuneiform) and in the dark ages, journalism and information were expressed in lais.

However, it wasn’t until the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Guttenburg that journalism became more than information sharing. Journalism was now a channel of communication that allowed people to be informed on current and political events.

“Our forefather’s said that a democracy requires an informed public to make decisions,” commented Pat Winters Lauro, assistant professor of journalism at Kean.

Needless to say, our country’s forefathers were correct. Journalism is supposed to provide the reader much more than just an uneducated, biased opinion. Journalists are expected to provide factual points, make intellectual counter points, and enlighten readers about world events.

Even though the format of journalism is moving from newsprint to Internet, to me it still doesn’t look like the paperboy will be out of a job soon. And plenty of people agree.

“My mother doesn’t know how to use the computer. My mother still likes to get up, get her morning paper and read it,” said Bridget Wentworth, a reporter for the Star-ledger’s website, www.nj.com.

She said her mother fears the day news will no longer be in print. No one knows when—or if—that day will come. But the panels showed that journalists can no longer get by with just the written word. They now have to be masters of all media.

“You have to be willing to put yourself out there and leave your surroundings in order to make it in this industry .You have to learn photography, know how to blog… journalism is constantly changing,” said Dr. Jack Sargent, associate professor of Communication teacher at Kean.

Leading news companies are already changing, introducing all kinds of new media online. Said Matt Dowling, an editor of the Star-Ledger’s website: “The Star Ledger in particular is trying to refocus itself not so much as much as a news company, but as a media company. And that’s a big departure for us; we have been around for more then 100 years,”

HEALTH & FITNESS Do “Hue” Know the Color Benefits on Your Plates?

By Dr. Josh Palgi and Jessica Adams

Color is a meaningful constant for sighted people and it is a powerful psychological tool. By using color psychology, you can send positive or negative messages.

While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning.

Over the last few years, extensive scientific research has been carried out into the psychology of color.

DARK BLUE—Commands respect and is therefore used for police and other uniforms.

RED—The most important emotionally intense color. Red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also a color of love.

PINK—The most romantic color, pink, is tranquilizing.

BLACK—The color of authority and power.

It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men.

WHITE—Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color.

YELLOW—Focuses on the emotions; ego, optimism, and self esteem. It is bright and cheerful, the color of sunshine and lifts the spirits.

When it comes to food, the color of food is an integral part of our culture and enjoyment. Even early civilizations, such as the Romans, recognize that people “eat with their eyes”, as well as their palates.

The color of food has its own significance which influences the human body.

Scientists are regularly reporting new health benefits associated with fruits and vegetables.

The beneficial effects of certain fruits and vegetables vary dramatically according to their color. Generally darker, deeper colored fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than lighter ones. The colors that imbue these foods and so many others are indicators of high levels of phytochemicals which are vital to good health.

Plants create phytochemicals to protect themselves from the damage caused by pests and UV radiation, as well as from their own photosynthesis. This damage is similar to that done to our own bodies by free radicals—a by-product generated through the essential interaction of oxygen with our cells. Because this damage is caused by reactions with oxygen, the phytochemicals in plants that protect us from free radicals are called antioxidants.

Antioxidants are like a miniature antimissile defense system, intercepting and harmlessly reacting with free radicals before they do harm. But because their efficacy is short-lived, it’s important to eat a steady diet of fruits and vegetables; in fact, eating several different kinds at the same time, such as a salad, creates a synergy that enhances the antioxidant benefit.

In addition to their anti-cancer properties, antioxidants have been shown to keep the immune system healthy, support healthy blood sugar levels, guard against aging, and keep the brain functioning optimally.

Red fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “lycopene” or “anthocyanins.” Lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, for example, may help reduce risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer. Lycopene found in foods containing cooked tomatoes, such as spaghetti sauce, and a small amount of fat are absorbed better than lycopene from raw tomatoes.

Anthocyanins in strawberries, raspberries, red grapes and other fruits and vegetables act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Antioxidants are linked with keeping our hearts healthy too. Some other examples of the red group are: red apples, red cabbage, cherries, cranberries, pink grapefruit, red peppers, pomegranates, and radishes.

Orange/yellow fruits and vegetables are usually colored by natural plant pigments called “carotenoids.” Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots is converted to vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Scientists have also reported that carotenoid-rich foods can help reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and can improve immune system function. Carotenoids may also be good for your heart.

Citrus fruits like oranges are not a good source of vitamin A. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate, a B vitamin that helps reduce risk of birth defects.

Some examples of the orange/yellow group include: yellow apples, apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, grapefruit, lemons, mangoes, nectarines, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, tangerines and yellow tomatoes.

Green fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigment called “chlorophyll.” Some members of the green group, including spinach, green peppers, peas, cucumbers and celery, contain lutein.

Lutein works with another chemical, zeaxanthin, found in corn, red peppers, oranges, grapes, and egg yolks to help keep eyes healthy. Together, these chemicals may reduce the risk of cataracts and agerelated macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness if untreated.

The “indoles” in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help protect against some types of cancer. Leafy greens such as spinach and broccoli are excellent sources of folate.

Other members of the green group include: green beans, honeydew melon, kiwi, lettuce, zucchini.

Blue/purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins in blueberries, grapes, and raisins act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They may reduce risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Other studies have shown that eating more blueberries is linked with improved memory function and healthy aging. Some examples of the blue/purple group are: blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, figs, prunes, purple grapes, and raisins.

White fruits and vegetables are colored by pigment called “anthoxanthins.” They may contain health-promoting chemicals such as allicin, which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and may help reduce risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Some members of the white group, such as bananas and potates are good sources of the mineral potassium, too. Other examples of the white group are: garlic, ginger, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, and turnips.

Although eating five servings of fruits and veggies a day is important, the variety and color spectrum is very important too. The newest food pyramid encourages to “eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables” each day for the best health benefits.

Remember: include a rainbow of colors in your diet.

The information given here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is provided for education and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.

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

12

Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Cougars Roll Through Morrisville State on Homecoming

By Nicole VonGonten

After starting off the season with a loss against Delaware Valley, the Kean football team has not looked back after winning their next six games, which includes the homecoming win against Morrisville State on October 24.The win also kept Kean undefeated, 6-0, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, and a win on homecoming is always nice.

“Any win is always nice, but you add Homecoming and staying undefeated in the NJAC; it certainly makes the win big,” Head Coach Dan Garrett said. “At this point in the season, week 8, to be undefeated and playing well, it is a true testament to our players and more importantly the seniors. They are working extremely hard and staying focused on the task at hand; one week, one single week season at a time.”

The wet and soggy field did not stop the Cougars from scoring on Morrisville early.

Kean scored the first touchdown of the game within the first 40 seconds of the quarter. The 59 yard touchdown run by senior running back Jared Chunn, and the extra point by kicker Billy Daniels, provided the Cougars with the 7-0 lead.Kean went on to score 16 more unanswered points, including a 33 yard interception return by defensive back Chris Lauda.

Morrisville scored their only touchdown of the game early in the second quarter.

The touchdown cut the Cougar lead to 236. With the half coming to a close, quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi completed a five yard touchdown pass to Sean Atkins, for the 30-6 lead.

D’Ambrisi had a solid game for the Cougars completing 18-of-26 passes for 302 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback has grown since last year, his fresh-

man year, and that has not gone unnoticed by his coach.

“Tommy has 100% grown as a quarterback from a year ago,” Garrett said. “The

“Any win is always nice, but you add Homecoming and staying undefeated in the NJAC; it certainly makes the win big.” fact that the ball is being spread around is a sign of that. He is taking what the defense is giving us and he is going through his progressions as far as the number 1 read all the way down to his 3rd read. He is making smart decisions, knows the situation and what to do in that situation. He is throwing balls away instead of forcing

things, he is consistent and he is a leader out on the field, all of that leads to him becoming a great quarterback.”

The Cougars cruised in the second half scoring 13 more unanswered points. Six of the points came off of a one yard blocked punt return by Rick Brandt. Kean cruised to a 43-6 victory.

The defense played a big role in the game forcing Morrisville to turn over the ball five times. While the offensive line also allowed plays to develop and happen, by stopping the Morrisville defense.

“It was very important jumping out to the early lead,” Garrett said. “Morrisville is a team that if you get up on early, you can make them give up. At the same time we didn’t want to be in a game with them and have their confidence up. The main thing that was stressed during the week was to execute early and often. The players were able to do that.”

Lady Cougars End Season and Miss Playoff Opportunity

By Jessie Rivera

The season finally came to an end for the Kean’s women’s soccer team on Halloween day, October 31. Just weeks before their final game, the Lady Cougars were still pushing to gain more wins.

Wilkes University made their way to Kean University for a home night game on October 7. It was a quick drive back for the Wilkes after the Cougars defeated them in a 3-0 shut out. The goals were scored by Danielle Esposito, Carly Seidel and Samantha Ciccone.

“With just two games remaining, the team of 27 regained their momentum.”

The Lady Cougars weren’t as fortunate when they faced off against longtime rival, Rowan University, on October 14 for an away Conference game. Kean fell short 3-2 after Rowan scored their winning goal with just eight minutes remaining in the game.

Kean traveled to Rutgers-Newark on October 17 for their next Conference game. It was an easy win for the Cougars as Jenna Godwin, Danielle Esposito, scoring two goals, and Randi Vizoco ended the match with a 4-0 shut out.

The Lady Cougars suffered a three game losing streak after their win against Rutgers-Newark. Western Connecticut State University defeated Kean 2-1; Richard Stockton College won the Conference game 6-5 in an over time finish; Albright College also defeated the Cougars 1-0 in an over time.

With just two games remaining, the team of 27 regained their momentum and was able to pull off a 2-0 shut out against their Conference competitors, Ramapo College, on October 28. The first half ended in a 0-0 draw and with the start of the second half, it seemed as if the game would end that way as well. Freshman Forward Carly Seidel scored an unassisted goal in the 84th minute to put the Cougars up 1-0. With just seconds remaining in the game, Seidel assisted Sophomore Danielle Esposito for the second and final goal.

As Kean University held the fifth-seeded spot in the NJAC tournament, they once again faced off against the fourthseeded team, Richard Stockton College, on Halloween. Richard Stockton started off strong with a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. The second half continued with a 1-0 lead over the Lady Cougars, but in the 70th minute, Kiera Hines from Richard Stockton, scored the second and final goal to put her team in the semifinals and end the season for the Kean University Lady Cougars.

Men’s Tough Soccer Season Ends in a Win

By Andrew Czirjak

The end to a hard-fought season ended in a win for the Kean men’s soccer team.

The Cougars closed out their 2009 season with a win 1-0 win over Ramapo College on October 28 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action.

Cougar standout Abner Denis, a freshman at Kean,scored the only goal that evening. Denis took a direct kick from the far sideline that ricocheted off a Ramapo player and went into the net.

Late in the game, Cougars Pedro Zamo-

ra and Robby Sopko, both seniors at Kean, held off an offensive attack late in the game against Ramapo. However, Cougars’ star goalie Brian Haines, a sophomore, made six critical saves to secure the win.

It was an up and mostly down season for Kean men’s soccer. Still, two members of the Cougars squad, senior back Zamora, and freshman forward Abner, were standouts all year.

Both Zamora and Denis were tabbed New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Honorable Mentioned All-Stars. Congrats!

Kean University Women’s Soccer Team.

Photo: Kean University Athletics

The Tower | Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

13

SPORTS This Spring Break See Europe For Credit or Pleasure

ROME-FLORENCEPARIS-LONDON March 11-21, 2009

Program fee: $3,662, includes airfare, hotels, all inter-city rail and bus transportation, breakfast and dinner, museum fees.

For further info, swing by CAS 402 for a flyer or email ggluck@kean. edu.

Students and friends of the Kean family welcome.

Jenna Godwin: A leader on and off the Field

By Jessie Rivera

In August of 2006, some 11 to 12 girls made the final cut as freshmen for KeanUniversity’s Women’s Soccer team.

Of that group, three girls made it through all four years on the team.

Now all seniors, Senior Captain Jenna Godwin, alongside her two senior co-captains Kayla Duncan and Nicolette Maggio, have fought to balance school work, a

soccer since the age of four and graduated from Delaware Valley Regional High School in 2006 where she played all four years.

“I think my general sense of the game has gotten better,” said Godwin.

“She is an excellent player and has the sickest moves around.”

Photo: Nicolette Maggio

social life and the demands of playing on a college sports team. Although there are perks like registering for classes early, receiving new free gear and creating memories with fellow teammates, it has -- needless to say—involved a lot of hard work.

“It has been such a great experience playing in the midfield with Jenna for the past four years,” Duncan said. “She is an excellent player and has the sickest moves around. She has definitely made this final year a blast.”

Godwin, who is majoring in Physical Education and Health, has been playing

Captain Jenna Godwin leads the Lady Cougars along with fellow seniors Kayla Duncan and Nicolette Maggio.

Godwin, midfielder for the Lady Cougars, ended her season with six goals and four assists. She played a key position which landed her two All-NJAC (New Jersey Athletics Conference) Second-Team awards in 2007 and 2008.

Now that the season is over, will Godwin continue on the field?

“I think I’m done after college,” said Godwin about her soccer career.

14

Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

Men’s Basketball Season Opens to New Challenges

By Ryan Mattesky

With the new season coming soon for Kean’s men’s basketball team, the team prepares for a challenge.

The team this year will be led by six returning seniors: Vinnie Darpino, Eugene Tolliver, Dean Hughes, Brian Lytle, Rodlin Pierre and Akinwande Oshodi. The team is looking to be pushed, which is what coach Rob Kurzinsky is hoping will happen..

The Cougars are preparing to face sev-

eral teams in the Division One and Two levels as requested by Kurzinsky. The Cougars will also be facing the extremely tough teams who are in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, including Richard Stockton College, which placed 2nd in the NCAA tournament last year.

“There aren’t a lot of cupcakes on our schedule,” said Kurzinsky, “We want to challenge ourselves.”

With that in mind, the Cougars must take on much preparation, but that’s ex-

actly what the team wants.

“I want each player to grow and become better every day,” said Kurzinsky.

In a league like this that’s something that this team is going to need to do. With tough preseason games against Manhattan College (division 1) and Bloomfield College (division 2) the team is preparing for this tough season.

Lady Cougars Look to Dominate on Court Again

By Ryan Mattesky

The dominant women’s basketball team at Kean is looking forward to a great season once again.

Currently ranked 11th in the nation, the Cougars are preparing to lead the New Jersey Athletic Conference again. Leading the Cougars this year is junior Tiffany Patrick and senior Melissa Beyruti.

“These are the girls we will be looking to,” said Head Coach Michele Sharp.

Last year, Beyruti only played in eight games due to injury, but this year she is healthy and ready to lead the team

to victory.

“I am expecting us to come together and basically accomplish all our goals. First overcoming the Rutgers game [which is ranked number 24 in the nation for division 1] winning the NJAC title, and then moving on to the NCAA,” said Beyruti.

But, as usual, this will not be an easy task. With rivals such as The College of New Jersey and Montclair StateUniversity, all teams will be looking to bring their ‘A’ game to the Cougars.

“There’s no love between us,” said Sharp regarding the Cougar’s rivals.

Luckily for this powerful Cougars team,

Field Hockey Prepares for Return to ECAC Tournament

By Ryan Mattesky

What started out as a phenomenal season by the field hockey team here at Kean has slowly lost momentum during the final part of the season.

Not to be confused, an 11-4 record is quite a feat and one of the better overall records in the conference. But, the problem lied on the team’s loss of three straight conference games, which jeopardized seeding placement in the ECAC tournament. However, they did win their final conference game against William Paterson University, 2-1.

In the upcoming tournament, the Cougars will be ranked third, right behind Montclair State University, which is right behind Wilkes University. The tournament

A WORD TO THE WISE

will begin on Wednesday, November 15, and Kean will host the first game against Catholic University.

If Kean beats Catholic University there is a possibility that in the following round they could face Montclair. This would be a huge matchup between the two schools.

The two have already face off against each other once this season, where Montclair bested Kean in what would prove to be a match between the teams defenses. The game ended with the Cougars winning, 2-1. All goals were scored in the first half.

Top scorers, Brittany Gibbs and Olivia Triano, need to lead the team in order to take the championship home. Together, Gibbs and Triano have a combined 67 points, with Gibbs having one hat trick and Triano having two.

(Continued from page 16)

Love Triangle My friend “Erica” likes a guy “Todd” but hasn’t told him. Todd goes to our school and has mutual friends so we’re always at the same social events. One day at a party that Erica missed, Todd confessed that he had a crush on me! I always thought Todd was cute but knew he was off limits because of Erica. My question is should I ask Erica if it’s ok for me to pursue things with Todd since they never actually dated and her being my friend, she should understand, or should I just ignore it and never mention it like it never happened?

Signed, Friend or Foe Dear Friend or Foe,

Pursuing things with Todd may not be a good idea. Even if Erica gives her blessing,

she will always feel awkward around the two of you. Say you and Todd work out and become boyfriend and girlfriend, wouldn’t you wonder if your friend is still harboring feelings for your boyfriend? Guys can come and go and they are not worth ruining friendships over. Erica may meet someone else and forget about Todd and then maybe pursuing him would be ideal, but for now let Erica have her crush and just be a good friend to her. If you feel strongly about this, consider sitting down and talking with Erica honestly, her response may or may not be what you are looking for, but you will have expressed your feelings to your friend. Then, it’s up to you to make a decision.

Email us with your dilemmas at wrd2thewise@ gmail.com and we’ll respond!

Sincerely, Lisa and Dawn

they are very deep at all positions. The team will be led by Beyruti and Patrick, but returning senior Cardiss Jackman will also be playing a major role. Jackman lead the team last year with an astounding 491 total points.

As the Cougars prepare in the off-season, many teams will be looking to them as the team to beat.

“Any time teams play us they always get up for us, so we can’t ever think we can take it easy, we always have to bring our ‘A’ game because everyone else is bringing there ‘A+’ game,” said Sharp.

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

The Tower | Nov. 18-Dec 15, 2009

15

SPORTS

It’s Time to Level the Playing Field on Illegal Drugs in Sports

By Andrew Czirjak

First, Whitney Houston declares live on national television that, “Crack is whack.”

And now tennis legend Andre Agassi openly admits to using the recreational party drug crystal methamphetamine.

What’s next, the use of anabolic steroids in sports?

So what, Agassi, did crystal meth in 1997. Did meth help his game much that year? Not really. If fact, in 1997 he was far removed from the number one ranking he held two years earlier. Agassi finished that year 141 in the ATP rankings.

Now, there is no excuse for Agassi’s drug use; nor, are there any excuses for drug use by any other athletes, including use of performance enhancing drugs. However, there is a huge difference between the two drug categories in sports. Performance enhancing drugs, [Anabolic Steroids] can help your game. Recreational drugs just impair the athletes.

Here are some examples between the two drugs.

First, we have Jason “Juice Head” Giambi.This is a baseball player with tremendous talent. However, not even Giambi’s talent can last forever. And youth, well that isn’t kept in a bottle. Rather, for Giambi, youth is an injectable. Giambi, juiced up and his talents magnified tenfold. And Giambi was an MVP. Second, Arnold “the juicer” Schwarzeneg-

ger. Even Mr. Olympia himself injected his way to fame and fortune. Schwarzenegger admitted to using steroids. And look art Arnie now. Schwarzenegger is now the Governor of California, and married to a Kennedy. So what that medical science says that his testicles might shrink due to over use of anabolic steroids.

Third, there’s Andy “I look innocent” Pettitte. What a pitcher. What an arm.

What a crock. Pettitte admitted to using anabolic steroids and he has the five World Series Championship rings to prove it.

Fourth, we have Roger, “the crypt keeper” Clemens. Clemens’ steroid use let him pitch well into his forties. And the result?

Clemens is one of only four pitchers to have more than 4,000 strikeouts in their career. Then, we have Petr Korda. WHO? Petr (and that’s how he spells it) Korda was a professional tennis player on the ATP. Korda is a tall, pencil-thin player that was consistently in the top 10 in his sport.

However, Korda was no threat to win any of the four major tennis tournaments {Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Us Open]. That is until he joined the juice club. Korda went on to win the Australian Open in 1998.

All the players mentioned above have been only marginally stigmatized, and easily forgiven for their steroid use. Society punishes these athletes by placing an asterisk next to their names in the record books. However, when athletes turn

to recreational drugs, then society comes down on them.

Let’s take for example Darryl Strawberry. Strawberry appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated seven times. Now Strawberry’s mug shot appears on prime time. Strawberry’s drugs of choice: pain killers and cocaine.

Then we have poor Martina Hingis. The Swiss miss was on the top of the tennis world 1997 to 2002. Hingis spent a total of 209 weeks as the World No.1 player.

“So what, Agassi did crystal methamphetamine?”

Journalists called her an assassin with a smile when she played tennis. Little did those journalists realize Hingis wasn’t an assassin with a smile. Hingis was just coming down from a coke binge. And doesn’t withdrawal make addicts angry?

At Wimbledon in 2007 Hingis tested positive for cocaine. Cocaine is supposed to be a speed. Cocaine is supposed to give you energy. Well, that wasn’t the case for Hingis. Hingis was bounced from the tournament [Wimbledon] in the third round.

Hingis’s career never recovered. She [Hingis] was ultimately banned from tennis for two and a half years.

This brings the story back to Andre Agassi. Agassi openly admits in his tell-all

book, “Open,” that he used meth in 1997, the year his world ranking fell to 141 and he was forced to place in “Challenger Events,” which is tennis’ minor leagues.

But unlike other athletes who fall victim to recreational drugs, Agassi was able to resurrect his career. Through hard work and determination, Agassi reclaimed the World No 1 ranking in tennis in 1999.

Unfortunately for the recreational users, not only will they forever be tainted as druggies, but they will always be plagued by the “what ifs.” Meanwhile, the steroid users went on to get public acclaim and lots of money. Fair? Hardly. Steroid use is cheating, and cheating is wrong.

Weren’t we taught as kids that cheaters never prosper?

So, let’s purpose a deterrent that can be effective and equal to all athletic players, from high school sports to the professional leagues. Let’s set one punishment that befits all athletes: a lifetime ban from playing professionally. This might seem like a harsh punishment, but it’s only fair. What needs to happen is one athlete needs to be made an example of, and then the rest will fall in line. The bar will then be set: if you cheat, you’re out. Let’s face it; the “dog ate my homework” excuse doesn’t work for regular people like us. Then why should it work for steroid users?

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

Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving

• 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

16

Nov. 18-Dec. 15, 2009 | The Tower

SPORTS

NCAA College Football: 4 Teams to Vie for National Title

POINT

COUNTERPOINT

By Jay Hicks

By John Cherry

Here’s an argument for all of you college football fans: Should there be a playoff system? I say yes. Here’s why: 1. The current BCS point system is all based on computations devised from a person’s formula. This involves the strength of schedule, the quality of the opponents, head-to-head win-loss records and other factors 2. In the past, before they established the BCS system, the United Press International and The Associated Press conducted their own polls that allowed coaches to vote. We don’t need to figure this out to know that such voting was biased!

3. Because of these polls, there had been serious controversies as to which team deserved the number-one ranking at the end of the bowl season. Take Penn State, for instance. In 1968, 1969 and 1973, they went undefeated, but Ohio State (1968), Texas (1969) and Notre Dame/Alabama (1973) were selected by the coaches’ polls as national champions. Many felt that Penn State deserved the honors.

Regarding the BCS system, it’s not infallible. Despite the formula for computations, it’s nowhere near ideal. The strength of a team’s schedule and the quality of its opponents should never have factored in to this formula. In a very simple, logical sense, teams have to play the game! Only then will the victors be recognized.

In 1973, Notre Dame and Alabama entered their national championship game unscathed, and Notre Dame won, 24-23. Because of the close game, the polls felt both teams deserved a share of the national title. The problem? Alabama lost! Penn State hadn’t lost a game all year, 12-0, and the polls placed that team number 5 in the nation. Hard to believe but this is why polls never worked.

Florida won its national title in 2008, but lost a game that season while Utah never dropped a single game. Is this fair? No. The BCS system had Utah lower than a few teams prior to the bowl season simply because Utah’s schedule wasn’t strong enough.

The NCAA will be much better served to reduce the controversial year-in, year-out debate over who’s REALLY number one. My solution is to establish an eight-team playoff system with the seeds as follows: number 1 against number 8, number 2 versus number 7 and so on. The higher-seeded winner plays the lower-seeded winner. This way, the national title bracket will produce much less talk by critics and fans alike.

I strongly feel this is the only way to declare the national champions.

“In a very simply, logical sense, they have to play the game!”

Playoffs! We’re talking about Playoffs! Yes, we are talking about the playoffs in college football, which has been heavily debated even more since the creation of the BCS. Although every other sub division of college football has a playoff system, do not except a playoff system for Division One any time soon, let alone an eight-team playoff that my counterpart Jay would like to see.

One reason why I would not like to see a playoff system in college football is because it would down play the regular season. The way I see it, every week in college football is a playoff: it can either be win or go home. This creates a great atmosphere the very first week of the season.

Another deciding factor on why there will not be a playoff is money. Money makes the world go round and the bowl system brings a ton of money into these colleges every year. Colleges get millions of dollars for playing in these bowl games every year and it is not something they would want to give up for a playoff system.

This great debate is another reason why colleges may never get a playoff system installed. It all comes down to money once again as higher ratings for regular season games are given much more attention. With a playoff system some games may just be passed

“Money makes the world go round.”

Tim Tebow hurdles defender.

over, just waiting t for the playoffs, and that’s when it will really matter.

Who you play in the regular season, or more importantly who you beat, will always matter. Like Jay said Utah was undefeated in 2008,outside of a rebuilding Michigan team, they did not beat any big time school in the regular season. If they wanted a shot at the National Title then they should have scheduled a big time school and not the likes of Weber State.

For a playoff system to actually be considered, you are going to have to have more than just a team like Utah to be undefeated at the end of the season. This may very well be that year to make it a huge issue with seven teams being undefeated through nine weeks of the season.

For the fans who want a playoff system, you have to be rooting for all these teams to stay undefeated because this would be a very big move toward playoffs.

With seven teams left standing unbeaten, only six can definitely make it because of the matchup between Alabama and Florida in the SEC Championship game.

Don’t expect a playoff system any time soon. The chances of these teams staying undefeated is unlikely because some are just not that good. If you’re looking for a playoff, the closest thing you will get to will be a plus-one system - basically putting the top four teams in a playoff bracket;eight will never happen.

A WORD TO THE WISE

By Lisa Martinez and Dawn M. Phillips

Fork in the Road I am in my last semester of school and I am confused as to which route I should take in my life. With the economy being unstable right now, I don’t know if I will be able to find a job that meets my criteria.

My college loans will be due for payment six months after my graduation date, and I don’t know if I will have a job by that time. I could apply for graduate school but after four long years of college, I’m not sure if I want to go back right away.

What should I do, attend graduate school or start my career?

Signed, Confused

Dear Confused, Congratulations on your graduation date!

You must research your field, because this is where you will receive all the information you need to decide if graduate school is for you or seeking a career is best. You also have the option of getting your ideal job at a great company that may reimburse you for going back to college. By doing this, it allows you to adjust to your career and decide if you still want to continue your education.

Carolyn Galligan, a career specialist at Kean’s Career Center suggests gaining experience in your field, as some fields don’t require a Master’s degree. On the flip side, obtaining a Master’s degree first may be a requirement needed to obtain the position. Blanca Rosales-Ahn, Career Coordinator at Kean’s Career Center believes it is extremely important to research the industry you want to work in, that is the deciding factor. If you’re still having a difficult time, be sure to visit the Career

Center at Kean University in CAS Room 123, or email them at career@kean.edu. The choice is yours; keep a positive outlook on your decision. Good luck!

Fail or Bail I am having such a hard time in a science lab requirement for school. No matter what I do I just cannot seem to understand it. It is too late to drop and I really need to pass. I went to the tutoring center on campus, but they did not have a tutor available for that subject. I feel so overwhelmed, I just want to completely give up. What can I do? I feel like I am out of options and the clock is ticking.

Signed, Stressed!

Dear Stressed,

Take a deep breath and exhale. Dr. Shing Yoh, chairperson for Kean’s Geology and Meteorology department, suggests talking to your professor and explaining your difficulties. He or she may have some great suggestions for help. He also recommends attending the American Meteorological Student Club (AMS) meetings, which are held every Tuesday in the Science building in room C336 at 3:30p.m. The club consists of high honor students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Introducing yourself and discussing your question with this group can be essential to your understanding of the subject.

We also recommend talking to your classmates to ask if someone can meet and help explain the material. Don’t forget also to reread your text in conjunction with your notes.

Don’t fret, you will get through this semester and this class; just focus and maintain a posi(Continued on page 14) tive attitude.