The Tower - Nov. 17 - Dec. 7, 2011

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Kean Football clinches NJAC championship, enters NCAA Division III tournament for the first time By Ryan Gaydos The Kean Cougars pulled off a huge win against Montclair State University Saturday afternoon behind junior running back Darius Kinney who ran in for two touchdowns that lifted Kean to a 27-14 victory. With the victory, Kean earns their third New Jersey Athletic Conference championship in school history and their first ever NCAA Division III Playoff berth.

After the win, Garrett said, “I think it a tremendous honor for the group of young men that have worked tirelessly, all year long, to reach the NCAA play offs for the first time in the University’s history. I an very proud of this group of young men and our leadership has been great. We have 25-30 guys who have been great leaders for this team. Hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and determination best describe this years team.” Kinney would finish with 80

yards along with the two scores. Along with the prowess and athleticism of Kinney, freshman linebacker Matt Clerk intercepted two Montclair State passes. Jamahl Williams also had an interception that he returned 63 yards. Jerrelle Peay had one if his own that setup the final Cougars score that would seal the eventual win. Kinney was not the only one doing it big on the ground for the mighty boys in blue. Chris DiMicco led the team with

86 yards on the Cougars 36 total carries. Quarterback Tom D’Ambrisi finished 8-for-23 with 75 yards passing, one of his lowest totals on the season. MSU did not go down without a fight. Montclair’s running back and Union, N.J. native, Chris D’Andrea, rushed for 126 yards and scored a touchdown. His 126 yards extended his own single-season school rushing record to 1,583 yards. His

lone touchdown was his 16th of the year. This is the first time Kean has even been given a berth to the Division III playoffs. Previously, head coach Dan Garrett led the Cougars to the ECAC Southeast Bowl and won twice while only losing once in the ECAC playoffs. In Garret’s turn around of the program, the team has not had a losing season since Charlie Cocuzz’s final year in 2005 in which continued on page 6 the team

Scholarships pulled due to NCAA citations By Stephanie Musat

Kean University defeats Montclair State University, earning NJAC championship and position in NCA A Division III tournament.

Professor earns place in art history By Andrea Edwards Five bronzed figures stand in a line, waiting for bread. It’s a famous statue meant to depict the Great Depression this country went through. It is currently on display at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, in Washington D.C., as well as several modern art museums throughout the country. The third man in line—the re-

ally tall one—is Donald Lokuta. Lokuta, a photography professor at Kean University, knew the sculptor, George Segal, who immortalized the professor in bronze. In return Lokuta sculpted Segal for the piece before it was bronzed. For the past 30 years, Lokuta has been bringing his artistic sensibilities to the classroom at Kean. As a young man, Lokuta stud-

Photo: Ryan Gaydos

i am kean This article is the second of three in a series profiling Kean University community members.

Next issue: A student working to protect human rights.

ied graphic design and planned on doing just what was expected of him; work in a respectable field, and earn a decent living. It was something that, back in those days, many aspiring archi-

Photo: Neil Tetkowski

tects did, he said. While attending Newark State College, (now Kean) Lokuta worked out of a design firm in Union, NJ, designing homes for continued on page 2 some of

Kean University announced that scholarships for 11 James E. Dorsey Scholarship program athletes will be pulled, prompting one athlete to file a lawsuit against the university. Emily Cristaldi, a shooting guard on the Kean women’s basketball team, filed a lawsuit against the university in October, listing Athletic Director Chris Morgan and President Dawood Farahi as plaintiffs. The lawsuit, filed in Union County Court, said the university deliberately delayed the announcement of the scholarship cuts so athletes were unable to transfer from the university to another institution. The decision, made by the athletics department, told Dorsey scholarship recipients they must give up their $10,200 scholarship or resign from the team they play for, the lawsuit said. Cristaldi is no longer part of the basketball team. Union County Superior Court Judge Lisa Chrystal denied a hearing for the suit, which asked for $96,000 in damages. Cristaldi has the opportunity to appeal the decision, according to the court. The decision was a result of an on-going NCAA investigation into Kean Athletics, after former Athletic Director Glenn Hedden alleged he was fired for reporting to the NCAA that administrators changed grades and fabricated courses for players on the women’ s basketball team to continued on page 3 main-

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Labor union questions 15-year contract for Gourmet Dining By Brian Konchalski A labor union is taking aim at a resolution by the Kean University Board of Trustees to grant a 15-year contract extension to Gourmet Dining LLC, the company that has provided food services to Kean for the past three years. The resolution, which was passed in May, used the power to waive the public bidding and advertising process for the contract. This power which is granted to the university’s Board of Trustees through the State College Contracts Law, stipulates that certain services, food services among them, can have the public bidding and advertising process waived if the board finds that it is acceptable to do so, according to Ian Mukusko, an organizer from Unite Here, a labor union for food service workers. Gourmet Dining and Kean are still in negotiations about the conditions of the contract. The law states, “Any purchase, contract

or agreement… may be made, negotiated, or awarded by the State college by resolution at a public meeting of its board of trustees without public advertising for bids for bidding therefore if (a)the subject matter thereof consists of…(vii)Food supplies and services….” Mukusko said that the best way to make sure the university gets the best financial deal is to allow the contract to go through a public bidding process. Mukusko has been trying to generate awareness of this contract extension on campus. “How does the university know it is getting the best deal if it does not put the contract up to a public bidding process?” he said. Mukusko said that students at Kean should be more involved in choosing the food service they receive. In addition, he also said that the competitive bidding process would allow companies that might better serve the students get a chance to offer their services. University Spokesman Steve Hudik

said he was unable to get information on the contract. Robert Lerner, the sophomore class president and student representative to the university’s food service committee, said that the food has improved since he has been on the food service committee. Lerner, who lives on campus, said that the best way to make some kind of change to the food service is to go to the committee meetings. “At the beginning of [this] semester a student complained about the University Store not having Arizona Ice Tea anymore. I was on the committee and I voiced this concern and now Arizona Ice Teas are back in the University Store,” said Lerner. The next meeting of the food service committee will take place on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. The room where this meeting is to be held has yet to be announced. Students seem to have mixed feelings about Gourmet Dining at Kean University. Stephanie Lee, a freshman majoring

in criminal justice, said that she had no complaints about the food served to her in the cafeteria. She also added that the food is pretty good for a university. While some students are giving praise to the food service, other students such as, Haikema Batbmon, a junior majoring in criminal justice, said that she will not eat from the cafeteria unless she has no other option. “I had a bad experience with the food once… and compared to last year, [Gourmet Dininig] is serving us less food, but they are still charging us the same prices,” she said. Terrance Phelps, a fourth year student majoring in information technology, eats from the cafeteria at least one time a day on the days he is at school. While he did not have a problem with the food served at Kean he did say that “at other [universities] there are more options available to the students.”

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Obama’s new plan—the help that students have been waiting for? By Ana Ferrer In the wake of President Obama’s relief plan for student’s debt, Kean students were asked what they thought about the plan, their concerns for the future and how this will affect their own repayment plans. Obama’s debt relief plan will limit monthly payments to 10 percent of annual discretionary income, which was lowered from 15 percent. The plan will also forgive loans after 20 years instead of the current 25-year plan. Some of the students interviewed had debt ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 from private and federal loans. Others had no debt at all or are being helped with their tuition by their parents. Many of those who had loans also shared fears of the future and attempting to repay them. Rinta Pinto, a psychology major said, “It’s scary to know that after I graduate, I might not even have a job, especially after many universities try to guarantee that you’ll find one.” “Education should be easier to afford in general,” Pinto added. Education major, Renira Labong said she’s concerned about the pressure of trying to repay her almost $120,000 col-

lege tuition bill when she graduates. Of the students worried about their future, John Mopper, a first-year graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling, only has about $2,000 left to pay for his undergraduate studies. He is, however, paying out of pocket for his graduate work, and for the two courses he’s taking, it comes out to about

he graduates. “I will make enough money to pay off my loans and then pay off someone else’s loans if I’m feeling generous; I am going to put my Kean education to work in the corporate world,” Palumbo said. Jannette Belen, a transfer student said she’s no stranger to debt. “I already owe about $10,000 just from county college,

“As a student indentured to the government, I believe they should do whatever they can to assist students who are incurring debt in order to get an education.” $4,800. For his master’s degree he anticipates to owe about $50,000 and then double that for his doctorate. Unlike many of the other students, he doesn’t feel as anxious about taking on so much debt, but he does worry about having to repay that as well as trying to start up his own practice or trying to purchase his first home. Michael Palumbo, a senior from the Communication department, feels confident that he will be able to find a job after

and the job market makes me nervous.” “I will give it up to Kean though, although they are a cheaper school, their programs are pretty good in comparison to more expensive colleges,” Belen added. Isabel Molina, a political science major who hopes to become a lawyer thinks Obama’s plan is a good idea, because it will give students additional time to pay off loans. “I would prefer to pay my loan off over a

of unexpected moment portrayed by the subject featured in them. It’s what he does best; captures the human emotion, thought and movement, during our uncensored moments—when we think no one is looking. Lokuta’s work has been widely published and has been shown in well more than 300 exhibits. “Whenever Donald Lokuta’s work shows up, and in whatever part of the state, they should be seen,” wrote Fred Ferretti in The New York Times. Many of those images can be seen in his many photos of New York City, taken of people going about their business. But all is not necessarily what they appear to be, Lokuta said. To illustrate this point, Lokuta put together a collection of works titled Plato’s Cave. The photos are that of blown-up black and white photo, texturized with paint.

Each represents its own question of how we all as individuals, perceives reality. As in Plato’s Republic, where Plato examines the world of illusion and belief, Lokuta too, says that—through this collection he explores the possibility that what we believe to be truth may be based on an illusion formed with limited information. “Everyone looking at the same image are only capable of seeing whatever they see, based upon their own knowledge and understanding,” Lokuta said. Lokuta has a number of permanent collections in several museums including the Art Museum at Princeton University, the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, the Museum of the City of New York, the International Center of Photography in New York City, Lehigh University in Bethlehem, The New York Historical Society, the National September 11 Memorial &

longer period of time than to worry about making higher payments in a shorter period of time,” Molina said. Like many of us who feel that student loans are evil, Labong and Molina all had similar thoughts about the interest rates. Labong said, “Student loans shouldn’t have any interest at all we’re paying for education not buying a house.” Labong has already started making payments on the interest to the tune of $600 every few months in order to reduce the amount she’ll owe upon graduation. “I don’t understand how they expect us to pay these high interest rates when there are no jobs available. People are staying in school to delay repayment of their student loans because they don’t have the money to start making loan payments and there are no jobs,” said Molina. One student in particular Janine Rivera, a psychology major, had this final thought to share, “As a student indentured to the government, I believe they should do whatever they can to assist students who are incurring debt in order to get an education.”

@ 8D B<8E (Continued from page 1) the more affluent residents. “Imagine if some of those people were to realize that an 18 year old kid was designing their home,” Lokuta said. Lokuta said had a far greater calling— and that was to be in the world of art. Now a married man, Lokuta made a courageous decision along with his wife, to move to the state of Ohio where he had been offered a full grant to attend Ohio State University in the city of Columbus. The move, made possible with a promise to his wife that upon completing his doctorate in Art History, he would agree to move anywhere within the United States that she so desired. Her deep family ties returned him to New Jersey once more. His work goes beyond the superficial and his photos displays a raw quality of expression that capture the innocence

Museum in New York City, the NelsonAtkins Museum and the Smithsonian Institution (National Museum of American History) in Washington, D.C. In addition to his own work, he is a collector of historical photography. But as a professor at heart, he wants to share with others, donating 31 historical pieces of artist George Ault. Ault was most associated with the precisionist movement in the early part of the twentieth century, but did explore other styles. Lokuta’s contribution to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in Kansas City, represents Ault on paper; a collection of drawings and watercolors done during the year of the artist untimely death.

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New gym equipment anticipated at Kean By Jackie Tuman The second floor of D’Angola Fitness Center in Harwood Arena holds 13 broken cardio machines and as students’ frustrations grow, the school plans to install 25 new machines between the past few weeks and the Thanksgiving break. The new cardio equipment will include 11 new treadmills, four cross trainers, two Stairmasters, two summit trainers and six upright lifecycles. It will also have two recumbent lifecycles, bikes that allow more range of motion while pedaling as opposed to just an upright position. The equipment will also contain 17inch TV/entertainment systems, according to a Kean University spokesman, Stephen Hudik. The university requested an upgraded fitness room last year when it petitioned for bids from qualified vendors. Kean University awarded the contract for the purchase of 27 new pieces of cardio equipment. The original cardio equipment was installed in February, 2006, when the fitness center opened. Over time, the equipment must be replaced because of

certain factors like use or age, according to Hudik. A new fitness center, which opened in September, is also available on East Campus. Carole Hynes field house weight room is also new to East Campus.

giving because it’s getting a little crazy,” said student, Sal Genova. Student Allycia Tell agreed. “Everything always takes forever to be fixed,” said Tell. “The headphone jacks are ripped out somehow on the treadmills

“I think it’s about time they finally put the new stuff in.” Photo: Jackie Tuman

Notes on Equipment in the fitness center warn that the machines are out of order .

The upgrades are coming none too soon. “I think it’s about time they finally put the new stuff in. More keep breaking and they never put the new ones in. It’s ridiculous that the headphone jacks on the only working ellipticals are all broken. You can’t even listen to the TV’s and how does that even happen? I hope the new stuff does actually come during Thanks-

and they have been broken for at least a year. At least three of the treadmills didn’t even turn on when I was there recently. I hope people aren’t abusing the equipment, which is what it looked like when I was there but who knows,” Tell said. The gym holds eight ellipticals, eleven treadmills, and eight bikes. Six of the ellipticals, five bikes and two of the treadmills are broken. A majority of the working machines have malfunctions like ripped headphone jacks, sudden stops

during workouts or destroyed emergency stop switches. Another student, Lauren Kusik, does not go to the gym anymore. “I barely have enough time to get to the gym as it is and I’m not going to waste my time walking over to the gym just to get on a treadmill that has some type of malfunction. And that’s if you’re lucky! It’s very frustrating. With winter weight gain season approaching, they better get the cardio machines fixed ASAP!” said Kusik. A worker at the gym for five months, Joe Vazquez, said professors have been coming up to him recently complaining about the equipment. “They say it needs to be fixed soon because it has been like that forever,” the sophomore said. Student Sal Genova remembers the treadmills randomly stopping during his exercise. “You’ll be walking and like every 40 seconds or so it says it can’t read something and you have to hit the button and it’ll start up again then keep shutting off every 40 seconds,” said Genova.

Student Advisory Committee designed to assess students’ needs By Arkor Kolubah A Student Advisory Committee has been created by the Office of Accreditation and Assessment to allow students to voice their opinions about how well Kean University is meeting their needs. LaMont Rouse, the director, has been posting fliers around campus that asks students to participate. Created last year, the committee is made up of a minimum of 150 students and more students are added to the team as interest in the program increases. Students participate on a voluntary basis. Rouse said he formed the committee as a way to get input from all students, not just those who are active in campus affairs and therefore probably already have a voice on matters that are of concern to the campus. “Why this committee is important is because I wanted to capture not just individuals who are involved, but have the possibility of having all students…voices heard,” he said. Student volunteers do not meet formally as a group, but receive surveys from Rouse via e-mail. This, said Rouse, is more efficient because about 80 percent of students work and e-mail is a convenient means of communicating, as it can accommodate students’ as they go about their busy lives. Rouse said that the creation of the Student Advisory Committee had nothing to do with the fact that Kean was

placed on “warning” for failing to meet two standards—related to assessment of the institution and assessment of student learning—of the 14 Middle States standards. Kean will be reevaluated by Middle States in March. The surveys ask questions such as, how involved students are on campus, how often seniors use career services and if they plan to go to graduate school. Surveys are also designed to investigate topics such as how often student use the cafeteria and game room and what are their sleep patterns.

both what is and what is not working. For instance, surveys of graduate students showed that students tend to find their professors readily available when needed. Also, Rouse said that data report that students are happy with campus beatification efforts. “The group itself is broader than standard seven, fourteen or one to thirteen. It is the voice of students and will be here no matter what Middle States said,” said Rouse, who also pointed out that the committee pre-dates the Middle States report issued last summer.

“These kinds of quantitative surveys are the only way to gather a large amount of data... This is the best, quickest and more reliable way to do this.” “It is data that can inform change,” said Graduate Assistant for the Office of Accreditation and Assessment Julie Narain. She is also a member of the Student Advisory Committee. The data helps inform the university in certain areas that needs work. For example, Rouse said that when data indicated that students tend to stay up late, the university began to open computer labs later. Rouse said that the data is used to find

Although the creation of the committee is not directly related to Middle States placing Kean on “warning,” Rouse said that putting all of the surveys data online fulfills Middle States requirements for transparency. The information gathered from surveying students also addresses Institutional Effectiveness. The surveys ask how engaged students are in learning and how much of that learning matches Kean’s academic mission statement.

Cristaldi’s attorney, Tim McIlwain, said Cristaldi went to Kean because of the scholarship and now cannot afford to attend the university. “The NCAA did not state that Emily Cristaldi’s eligibility was at stake, and there was no threat of Cristaldi losing her scholarship,” McIlwain said. “Yet Kean University—with no hearing, no investigation, no written explanation—chooses to punish someone who did nothing wrong.” The scholarship awards tuition aid based on academic achievement and financial need, requiring a minimum 3.0

grade point average and a minimum 1100 SAT score. Applicants must be African American or Latino. The NCAA found that the amount of tuition aid provided to these scholar-athletes averaged higher than the amount of aid awarded to the general student body. The NCAA regulation requires the percentages to be relatively similar. McIlwain said Cristaldi has maintained all the requirements for the scholarship. “This is a heartbreaking decision,” Morgan said of the decision to pull scholarships when Kean announced the self sanc-

They also ask questions about student learning outcomes, how well the students are learning, how rigorous and challenging their courses are and if they are meeting course objectives. Narain said it boils down to students’ perceptions and impressions of the university, and whether the university needs to make changes based on these perceptions. She said the Student Advisory Committee is a good way to collect data to see what students really think and feel about Kean and how the university can improve. Rouse said limiting the surveys to the committee as opposed to including the entire Kean community is more effective because there tends to be a higher response rate when the surveys are sent to a committee instead of the entire community. He said that last year, there was a 50 percent response rate among the committee members, as opposed to the 15 or 20 percent response rates received when the surveys are sent to the whole community. “These kinds of quantitative surveys are the only way to gather a large amount of data so you can gather inferences. This is the best, quickest and more reliable way to do this,” he said. However, he did not rule out surveying the entire campus community if Kean determines the need for it.

J:?FC8IJ?@GJ (Continued from page 1) tain eligibility. The athletic department was issued five citations from the NCAA—four of which surround the accusations made by Hedden. The last citation said the athletic department issued a disproportionate number of Dorsey scholarships to its students. As a result, Kean issued self-sanctions, cancelling the post season for the women’s and men’s soccer teams and the women’s volleyball team. In addition, the scholarship athletes were informed about the scholarship cuts, the lawsuit said.

tions in September. “All of the student athletes who earned the Dorsey scholarship met or exceeded the program’s criteria. They did absolutely nothing wrong; in fact, they are amazing students. It was simply an inconsistency with NCAA regulations that, frankly, should have been corrected sooner.” The university did not have a response on the pending litigation. The university will appear in front of the NCAA Committee of Infractions in March 2012.

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At the polls: Kean talks politics at recent lecture event By Daniel Reyes Two leading political strategists met at Kean University to discuss the changing political landscape, the future of New Jersey politics and the impact of the Nov. 8 elections on students and educators. The event titled, “At the Polls: Examining the Political Landscape for New Jersey & the United States,” was structured as a panel discussion between Democrat Mike Muller and Republican Mike DuHaime. Kean University Professor Terry Golway mediated the event held at the Liberty Hall campus on Nov. 1 as part of Kean’s ‘Issues ‘11’ lecture series. “We’re faced with very critical times,” said Muller, who worked as the New Jersey presidential campaign director in 2008 for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. DuHaime, who was a lead strategist for N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s 2009 campaign, said that while this may be a crucial point in New Jersey politics, it is “very unlikely the legislature [would] change hands.” DuHaime was right. The Nov. 8 election resulted in Democrats maintaining control of the state legislature, which DuHaime believes will be the case for the next 10 years. He also predicted that only two of the 40 legislative districts, the Atlantic City area and Central Bergan County, could see a party other than the Democratic Party

take seats in the State Senate. Despite this prediction, each of the two districts had the Democrat incumbent winning by

Photo: Daniel Reyes

A concerned student talks with Mike Muller.

6 and 10 percentage points, respectively. Former governor, Jim McGreevy was the only governor in 50 years to win more seats for his party during the midterm elections. While DuHaime championed that any pick up for the Republicans would be a win historically speaking, neither party managed to gain any ground within the State Senate. The two strategists urged the audience to hit the polls and vote in the midterm elections. “The decisions made in Trenton have a real big impact on your lives,” said Muller. New Jersey, which had about a 70 percent voter turnout during the 2008 presi-

dential elections, dipped to just 30 percent in 2010. This remained the same in the recent election. The low turnout does not benefit anyone said DuHaime, who also added that an elected official will be more receptive to the opinions of those that voted for him or her. In a comment he made after the event, Muller said that he believes the recent Occupy Wall Street protests will have a positive effect on the voter turnout for next year’s presidential election and this would benefit Democrats. He added that while he believes that there is “growing dissent against incumbents,” ultimately the protestors would side with Democrats. He explained that America is upset because the country bailed out big corporations and not the homeowners across America who lost their homes and Republicans were perceived as the perpetrators. Social media, a tool routinely used in everyday life, is also a defining factor in the changing landscape of politics. With social media, both strategists believe that the political game is changing. They agree that traditional news gathering has significantly changed. Darrel Isherwood, editor of politickernj.com which was sponsoring the event, said that in the circulatory system of culture “news is instant [and] websites

have become irrelevant.” Additionally, the speakers talked about the impact politics have on education and educators and vice versa. With Governor Chris Christie’s budget cuts being felt throughout the state, his education cuts are receiving the most publicity. When Golway, as mediator, posed a question about which party would best represent the future teachers sitting in the audience, Muller argued that Christie’s cuts “were deep” and that there needs to be increased funding for schools. DuHaime pointed out that “Teaching is the only profession where excellence and mediocrity are rewarded exactly the same.” He said a lot of teachers won’t get the pensions they were promised. He believes it was wrong for those in power to promise something that could never be fulfilled. On the topic of recent education cuts DuHaime said “you may not like it, but we want to reward good teachers.” When the floor was opened for questions, Christopher LaVecchia, a sophomore, criticized politicians for being all talk and no action and then gruffly asked the two speakers, “what will you do for me?” Find a candidate “that you believe in,” said Muller. “Everything we’re fighting for is to make NJ a more affordable place to live and work.”

Freshman 15 myth debunked by new study By Trevor Conlow The next time you, freshmen, pass on a slice of that delicious peppers and onion pizza with extra sausage to opt for the much healthier salad or bowl of vegetable soup, you might want to take the thought of getting fat out of your heads. A new study by Ohio State University found that on average, students entering college gain only two and a half to three and a half pounds during their first year. Campusexplorer.com explains what the myth of the Freshman 15 is all about. “Freshman 15 is a term commonly used in the United States to describe the extra weight that freshmen students typically gain during their first year of study. It is not an official medical condition,” according to the website. The results of the Ohio State study, which pooled in data from over 7,417 young people, disprove the “freshman 15” rumor that has circulated on college

campuses for decades. The study shows that freshmen typically pack on only an extra half pound more than people of the same age who do not attend college. Several students said they agree with the results. “Gained weight? No way. I lost something like 5 pounds my first year,” said Rudy Dogum, an Electrical Engineering major. Kayla Santiago, a Biomedical Technician major, agreed with the evidence. She said, “I’ve been the same weight for almost five years.” For some people, however, the freedom they have choosing their own diet and the access to more alcohol during their college experience was a factor that led them to pack on some extra pounds. A study similar to the Ohio State study performed at Cornell University in 2003 found that students gain an average of 4.2 pounds during their first 12 weeks

on campus. Dr. David A. Levitsky, the professor of nutritional sciences and psychology at Cornell attributed the gains to breakfast and lunch all-you-can-eat dining. This, he concluded, accounted for 20 percent of weight gain in the study. The Ohio State Study drew different conclusions. From their results, they concluded that excessive binge drinking was the only factor associated with weight gain during the first semester. And even then, heavy drinkers only gained less than a pound more than those who did not drink as much. Brian Burak, an art major, agreed. “I drank a lot more beer my first year of college. I’m a lot bigger than I was back in high school.” While some may disagree, the study at Ohio State explained that the increase in weight comes not from the new freedoms of the college experience, but from the vigor of becoming a young adult. Accord-

ing to the study, by staying active, making sure those parties and organizational meetings don’t become overwhelming, and ensuring that stress levels from coursework are kept to a minimum, students can avoid weight gain and can contribute to quieting the myth of the Freshman 15. While both studies may have conflicting results as to just how much weight students gain during their first year, they both debunk that myth that students gain an average of 15 pounds during their first year of college. The Center for Eating Disorders recommends that college students should worry less about weight gain and diets and instead focus on memorable tips for achieving wellness during their time in college. The center suggested for students to eat three meals a day, keep hydrated, eat mindfully, and to not keep eating when they are full, even if that last donut looks incredibly salivating.

Romance could be keeping women away from science By Avani Kapur Everyone has their own motives behind picking a major, and while it may seem unusual that romance would be on someone’s mind while scrolling through a list of degree programs, Lora Park, assistant psychology professor at SUNY Buffalo, has found otherwise. Her recent study, “Effects of Everyday Romantic Goal Pursuit on Women’s Attitudes Toward Math and Science,” published in September by the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, was done to determine why women are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) despite their progress in other careers and areas of study. The study suggests that when a wom-

an’s goal is to be romantically desirable she stays away from STEM majors. Senior Kimberly Butler, Biology major, and junior Christina Deleto, Math major, said that for them romance had

a typical male-female interaction at the bar she works at. Deleto added that in general some women tend to feel that letting a man know they are intelligent or successful will be intimidating.

“I think men would find women picking harder majors more attractive.” nothing to do choosing STEM majors but they both agreed that some girls do “play dumb” and hide academic achievements when meeting new men. “I see it even from working, girls won’t say what they do,” Butler said describing

Senior Stephanie Salomonsen also said that her decision to major in Elementary Education and English had nothing to do with romance or feminine instincts. “I want to emulate the people I looked up to,” she said. Salomonsen’s desire to

become a teacher came from having admirable elementary school instructors. She added that she thinks that if women do choose to stay away from STEM majors for romantic reasons they would not do it consciously. “I think men would find women picking harder majors more attractive,” she said. Park and her colleagues at t he University at Buffalo Graduate School, conducted three studies of more than 350 men and women. The studies were partly funded by the National Science Foundation. In the first study, the men and women were shown images that were meant to trigger romantic or intelligence goals. The second study exposed the men and women to conversations intended to trigger continued on page 5

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November | December 2011

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‘No Shave November’ is more than just an Internet trend By Nicole Marie Padinha This November many guys will be setting aside their razors and forgoing their usual facial grooming routines, all for a good cause… whether they know it or not. Originally thought to be a hip, Internet fad, No Shave November is more than just a few lazy men with massive facial hair. Founded in Australia in 2003, No Shave November (also known as Movember) is actually part of a campaign to promote men’s health. The ‘No Shave’ movement has various websites such as Movember. com and Noshavenovember.com, a Facebook & Twitter page, and yes—there’s even an App for it! With the slogan: ‘changing the face of men’s health,’ the no shave campaign has grown as rapidly as the facial hair it promotes, and has raised millions of dollars for men’s health programs such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Livestrong, as well as for the overall education and awareness of men’s health. Still, however popular the movement may be online, it still does not seem to be making a giant impact on students here at Kean University. In a survey taken of 30 KU students, only two-thirds have heard of No Shave November. And only onethird are actively participating (whether it be by beard, mustache, or moral support) to raise awareness, or simply just for fun. Jesus Calo, a freshman, originally heard of it as a joke from a girl who was trying

Photo: Samuel Mantel

Before and after shots of Samuel Mantel’s Novembeard.

to repel guys she didn’t want out to go out with. “It wouldn’t work for girls, but for us guys, it’s the greatest excuse not to shave.” Calo said. Jonathan Massa, a senior, early education major even created his own Facebook Event to convince others to join in the beard growing merriment. “Two of my friends challenged me to not shave for the whole month last year; I decided to actually do it this year,” Massa said,

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“Grow a beard, and save a life!” “My Novembeard is growing faster than I expected. It’s going to be pretty intense by December 1st.” Another senior, Samuel Mantel, who is

Nancy Thompson Library computer lab set to expand By Alexandria Addesso

Photo: mindingthecampus.com

A new study says women are being deterred from careers in the sciences for romance.

romantic goals, intelligence goals or friendship goals. The participants were then asked about what majors they preferred and how they felt about STEM majors. Only women had less positive attitudes toward STEM majors after being exposed to the romantic pictures and conversations but not those related to intelligence or friendship. The third study involved tracking the daily feelings and activities of women who were already majoring in a STEM field. They were given PDA mobile phones to track their activities. This revealed that when the women were pursuing romantic goals they engaged in less STEM related activities. The study said that two of the most important goals in a young adult’s life are to be romantically desirable and intelligent in educational and career pursuits. For women, but not men, romantic interest conflicts with traditionally masculine

an English major and No Shave November veteran, has been growing out his beard since he heard of the trend in 2005. “Having done this for six years, it’s interesting to see the way my beard grows now. When I first started, a month of growth was the same as a week is now.” For some, Movember is more than just an excuse to ditch the shaving gel. “My father just beat prostate cancer. It was diagnosed early, and he is now cancer free,” Tom Griffin, marketing major and brother of the Gamma Psi Epsilon Fraternity said. “It makes me feel better about my participation. Grow a beard & save a life!” Even though he did not know about the movement’s affiliation with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Griffin is now even more proud and eager to stunt his lumberjack locks. A majority of the ladies of Kean University still think otherwise on the ‘No Shave’ movement, calling it ‘gross’ or ‘silly’, refusing to kiss their bearded boyfriends, and even threatening them with the thought of not shaving their legs or arm pits. Non-the-less, there are a few who support the movement whole-heartedly. Lauren Frisoli, a senior majoring in English, stands by her bearded brethren: “The idea of guys growing Santa Claus beards in November is hilarious, but overall it’s entertaining and for a good cause. Just make sure you hit up the razor and shaving cream come December 1,” Frisoli said.

subjects like math and science. The study pointed out that at a young age men and women are introduced to romantic scripts and gender norms that dictate how they should act. Women are expected to be communal and nurturing so they tend to become involved in subjects that value those qualities. The study also noted that women are expected to be less aggressive in love than men, so participating in areas considered dominant by society contradict this social norm. Senior Kimberly Castellano, a Recreational Therapy major, said that although women are romantic they still put their education and career first and, “hope to meet someone towards the end of their educational time at Kean.” “Personally, I chose my major because that is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” she added.

The computer lab in the Nancy-Thompson Library is undergoing a revamp. Soon, the crowded desks and limited computer availability will be a thing of the past, as workers renovate the compact space. The computer lab has been under construction since the summer of 2011 and has been undergoing different phases of the process since that time. Recently, nine new computers were added outside the computer lab to help ease the flow of traffic as students rush into the lab. More computers are expected to be added to the forty Dell computers already in the lab soon, according to Luis Rodriguez, the University Librarian and Director of the Library. The Nancy-Thompson library computer lab was added to the university in the nineties and hasn’t been adjusted in size in quite some time. “No work has been done to it for a good number of years. Before my time.” said Rodriguez, who has been the head librarian for the past five years. Rodriguez also said that the new expansion of the lab will “allow us to have more stations to work in groups.” New rooms will be added to the computer lab including a presentation practice room that will allow students to work in groups at the computers. This is a luxury not afforded to the current computer lab users. The computer lab is opened to all Kean students with a current, valid, and active Student ID. The primary purpose is to provide software support for Microsoft Office products, according to the Nancy-

Thompson library’s website. According to Stephen Hudik of Kean Media and Publications, the construction and expansion of the computer lab is anticipated to be done by the end of this year.

Photo: Alexandria Addesso

New computer cluster.

“No work has been done to it for a good number of years. Before my time.” “The work has been scheduled to try to minimize disruption for students as much as possible. The university received feedback from students about expanding the lab services, and this work will provide more opportunities for students,” said Hudik. The amount of funds used for this project and where the funds are coming from were not released to The Tower.

6

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

Senior at Kean launches own shoe brand By Pamela Mata Beyond the voices of professors and students mumbling about classes and the steering coffee machine at Starbucks’ at the Nancy Thompson library, Manny Suero sits in front of his tall macchiato pouring out his heart expressing how passionate and excited he is about his new launching shoe brand. Four years after enrolling in the EEO Department of Kean University, Suero is finally graduating with a degree in Communication with a Public Relations concentration and a dream that will soon become reality. Suero’s career decision was to become a history teacher, but Suero soon realized that he saw the system as corrupt and did not want to be part of a system that could not be change, he said. After years of having to sneak into his house boxes of sneakers so that his mother would not notice, Suero will soon launch his own shoe brand call “Inspire the Brand”. “I always had a passion for shoes and fashion in general”, Suero said. While interning in the city in 2011 for a trade show, Suero met the sales director of the shoe brand Creative Recreations, who introduced him to the Public Relation manager of the company where he ended up interning. “That’s what started it all, while I interned at this companies the thought of having my own shoe brand began to

take deep route in my head” said Suero. “One day I was home just thinking about it, so I called my best friend Karen, who was driving to work at the time; I was so

They have known each other since seventh grade and went to Passaic High School together. During many month of intense re-

Photo: Courtesy Inspire the Brand

A sketch of a pair of shoes in Manny Suero’s new shoe line, Inspire The Brand.

inspired and excited, but all she said was ‘oh that a great idea’, but I was determine and so I just told her ‘lets do it Karen’, but she had to get to work. Three hours later I got a text saying ‘I’m in!’ that how everything started.” Karen Osorio is Suero’s business partner, who graduated with a degree in International business from TCNJ.

search, planning and organizing, Suero and Osorio spotted an FIT professor who specialist in giving advised to individuals who where entering the world of fashion, they wanted his advice on how to proceed with their idea. “At first we where going to name the brand after me “Manuel Antonio” but this professor asked us what’s the story

behind the name? Karen and I where thrown off by the question,” Suero said. Suero and Karen come to the conclusion that no matter what they did in life they wanted to inspired people to dream and rich their dreams while living in a diverse society, “and so the name ‘Inspired the Brand’ was born”, said Suero because the trajectory they had taken since they started has been all abut inspiration. “Our main goal is to inspire people reach their fullest potential and by doing so we will push ourselves to rich the best we can be because a leader should lead by example,”Suero said. “It has taken a lot of hard work, keeping up with school and organizing ourselves, if we had to go to bed at 4 in the morning we had to do what we had to do to get things done”. Once they had their ideas in place and ready to take off, the time to start the manufacturing had come. The manufacturing company is in Barcelona. Once the designed shoe is put together it will be shipped back to Suero and Osorio for them to take the first look at the shoe and give the final approval to the massive production of the product. Their first collection is going to be launched in the fall of 2012, the collection will be called Inspiration and it will be inspired by New York City. Five to six years from now Suero hope to have opened many stores for his collection in the United States and ready to open stores over seas.

Weekly Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich workshop donates to charity By Dasia Brown Both hearts and jars open every Tuesday night in Hennings Hall, as a group of more than 20 Kean University students gather at tables to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless. The students work with Be The Change,

ber of the organization, as she spoke about the homeless that she helps to feed every Tuesday at Newark Penn Station. The students who take part relate with those they help, and many students involved, also come from some of the same communities they help, and many of them have experienced being on the side

to the homeless. Olga Griminger, a longtime community activist for the homeless, said to “always remember how fortunate you are and never complain about the little things.” Besides peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Be the Change has went on to help other communities. They have also helped the victims of Hurricane Katrina through rebuilding homes in New Orleans, and have donated toys to the families of the fishermen and women affected by the oil spill in Mississippi. One of their other major services is to

the East Orange Isaiah House, which is a transition home for homeless families in the process of finding homes of their own. There, the students mentor and helped to remodel the house, and many of the children they help through the Isaiah House go on to become members of Be the Change alongside Kean students. Donations for the community service group can be forwarded to Be the Change, located inside the Hennings building, in room 405 and all students are encourage to help.

Follow us on Twitter @keantower

Photo: Dasia Brown

Student volunteers holding a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that they’re making for the homeless.

an organization that devotes its time and energy to a community service, whose mission is to, “Be the change you wish to see in the world;” a quote taken from Mahatma Gandhi. While most students are preparing to relax after a long day of class and work, the students that are involved in the peanut butter and jelly movement are not only giving back to their communities, but are also learning the importance of being grateful for everything they have. “Don’t judge a book by the cover, imagine yourself in their shoes,” said Edyta Drobniews, a senior and longtime mem-

that needed help at one point in time. Be the Change, is a national nonprofit that creates national issue-based charity efforts to help local areas. The chapter at Kean helps homeless people in the area, including Newark. “The home is where the heart is,” said Cynthia Sousa, a longtime member of the organization. After making the sandwiches, students pack them in brown paper bags designed with inspiring saying and pictures by a local Girl Scout chapter. The bags, along with other necessities, are taken to Newark Penn Station and distributed

EA8: (Continued from page 1) was 4-6. “They have dissolved into the team first mentality and have put their individual ego’s aside for the best interest of the team,” Garrett said. “This team has tremendous heart and the best team chemistry that I have ever been around. “The two things that are most under appreciated in sports today - the two things that make success happen - are chemistry and great leadership. They put themselves in position to reach all of our pre season goals - Win the NJAC and be

the first team to make it to the NCAA playoffs.“ Garrett said, “the goal does not change - our focus will not change - our preparation will not change. Our work is not finished yet, we will get what our works deserve.” Kean will host Christopher Newport November 19 at noon. Christopher Newport went 8-2 this year and won the USA South title. This is CNU’s eighth playoff berth in their 11-year history of the program.

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

7

“Spring Awakening:” Maturity in both content and performance By Francesca Figalo There is only one word that can describe the cast’s performance of “Spring Awakening”—breathtaking. The musical’s somewhat provocative and intense scenes kept the audience at the edge of their seats, waiting to see what would happen next. The energy and the emotions that were transmitted through the Rock ‘n’ Roll themed songs, such as “The Bitch of Living” and “Totally F*****,” almost made you want to get on stage and sing and dance with the cast. The creativity incorporated within the musical was displayed through the choreography, such as the use of chairs in “The Bitch of Living;” through the use of fog effects and flashlights in other songs; and through the abstract artwork in the background, which displayed the date when a scene changed. “Spring Awakening,” based on the once-banned play by German playwright, Frank Wedekind, and directed by Kean Theatre professor, Holly Logue, takes place in Germany during the late 19th century. The musical focuses on the lives of teenage boys and girls who live in a close-minded society. These adolescents are growing up to become adults, but their strict parents refuse to teach them about sex and its consequences, which leads the adolescents to explore their sexuality on their own. Some of the characters in the musical go through unpleasant experiences and have to cope with sexual desires, abuse, abortion, suicide and homosexuality.

They express themselves by telling their own story through the songs they sing. Wendla Bergman (Lauren Sodono) is an adolescent who wishes to know where babies come from. Her mother, Frau Bergman (Katelyn Morgan), simply

time with Melchior Gabor (Brandon Elia), another adolescent, she is unaware of the consequences of her actions. She becomes pregnant, but does not understand how she can possibly have a child if she is not married and in love.

The cast of “Spring Awakening” singing “The Song of Purple Summer.”

Photo: Francesca Figalo

“Some of the characters... have to cope with sexual desires, abuse, abortion, suicide and homosexuality.” told Wendla that women have children when they are married and in love with their husbands. When Wendla makes love for the first

Wendla is forced to have an abortion, which leads to her death. Melchior, on the other hand, has some knowledge about sex and tries to help his

friend, Moritz (Greg Scalera), to overcome sexual impulses by writing him an explicit essay with seductive drawings. Later, Moritz is told that he did not pass his final exam and his father becomes ashamed of his son’s failure. Moritz, incapable of handling either failure or his sexual desires, commits suicide. After Headmaster Knochenbruch (Anthony Mowatt) discovers Melchior’s essay to Moritz, Melchior is blamed for his friend’s death and is expelled from school. Melchior’s parents decide to send their son away to reform school after learning that he also impregnated Wendla. In the meantime, other adolescents, such as Martha (Samantha Mellina), Hanschen (Jason Gillis) and Ernst (Kyle Bergslien), struggle with abuse and sexuality. Martha is sexually abused by her father. He also beats her with the buckle of a belt when she does not listen to him. Her mother does not try to stop the abuse. Hanschen and Ernst become aware of their sexuality and realize that they are homosexuals. They express the love they have for each other with a kiss. The musical ends with some of the cast members walking among the audience and onto the stage to join the rest of the cast in singing and dancing to “The Song of Purple Summer.” Having them walking among the audience made you feel more connected to them, like you were part of the cast as well.

Ambiance carries Ursino as entrees fall short By Nicole La Capria Located on the ground floor of Kean University’s impressive Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) building, Ursino is a brand new gourmet dining experience serving hip and trendy dishes prepared with locally grown and organic products. While the food at Ursino definitely has potential to fall under this category, expectations were not met after the first

the drink order, the dinner menu is presented. Produce and herbs used in Ursino’s kitchen come from a four-acre garden at Liberty Hall, and much of the meat, fish and dairy products used in the preparation of their lavish dishes come from local farms. The menu, while small, features selections such as Long Island Crescent Duck Breast; served with molasses, pumperknickel spaetzle and pickled pear;

quisitely mild and creamy complement to the others. The appetizer, a plate of local cheese and cured meats, was served with toasted bread, sweet and flavorful caramelized onions, grain mustard and pickled hari-

Along with a roasted chicken dish, the polenta is one of the two featured plates labeled organic on the menu. Perfectly creamy, the polenta was served with a fall vegetable confit - diced rutabagas, parsnips, turnips and pumpkin, and

“While the food at Ursino definitely has potential to fall under the category of fivestar dining, expectations were not met after the first course.” course. The bread and appetizers were delicious, but the entrees left something to be desired. Although they would be considered superb by some standards, Ursino’s lavish environment and exquisite menu seem to promise more than is actually delivered. The beautiful space is two stories, with a quartz bar and lounge area upstairs. Take the elevator or the spiral staircase to the lower level dining room, with rounded booths in striped jewel-tones and lowhanging drum lights that create a dim and subdued ambiance. A blueprint of Liberty Hall adorns one wall, while large glass windows line another. Once seated, a waiter is immediately prepared to greet you with a wine list and an offer of bottled or sparkling water for the table. Immediately following

Jail Island Salmon, served with haricot vert (french string beans), eggplant and tomato-fennel broth; or the Duality of Lamb—a dish featuring both the braised shoulder and roasted loin of lamb, with a white bean cassoulet, Tuscan kale, and barolo sauce. Salad, seafood, and other unique morsels are offered as beginnings —raw and roasted oysters, beet salad, squash soup, braised pork belly or handmade cavatelli with sugar pumpkin and short rib. An assortment of artisan bread is served to start, including sourdough and raisin-walnut bread, with accompaniments of butter with sea salt and a delicious bean puree with olive oil and paprika. The sweetness of the raisin-walnut is paired perfectly with the saltiness of the butter, and the bean puree is an ex-

Ursino’s extravagant dining room.

cot vert which was fresh and perfectly crisp. It included three types of cheese - Netheson, a wonderfully nutty Goudalike selection; Callifon, a mild choice with a Cheddar flavor; and Tewksbury, a wildly unique and buttery cheese with just a hint of nettles to bite your tongue. For dinner, the pan-seared Barnegat Sea Scallops were perfectly cooked sweet, tender, and succulent - but just a tad bit salty. They were served on a bed of sauteed frisse, baby pickled radishes far too pungent to complement the sweetness of the scallops, and a carrot nage.

Photo: keanxchange

topped with sauteed leeks. However, the polenta’s flavor fell a little flat and was a bit bland. Served with an assortment of other mild vegetables, nothing about the dish leaped off the plate to excite the palate. The leeks were whole and stalky harshly draped over the delicate polenta. The service was impeccable at Ursino attentive, friendly, professional and helpful. Along with the lovely atmosphere, they created the illusion of a five-star dining experience.

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Six years after their month long adventure, Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) have moved away from each other into new lives with new friends and ordeals. For Harold, it is making his wife’s father (Danny Trejo) like him as a son-in-law, and for Kumar, it is trying to get his priorities in order to help his pregnant girlfriend Vanessa (Danneel Harris). Yet when a mysterious package brings Kumar to Harold’s doorstep, and Kumar accidentally burns a family Christmas tree, it’s up to Harold, Kumar, and to a smaller extent Neil Patrick HarPhoto: Courtesy of movieposter.com ris, to make Christmas jolly once again. Due to the popularity of “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” and its sequel, “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” on home video, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. have green-lighted a follow-up with series veteran writer/directors, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, and a new director, Todd Strauss Schulson to helm the project. In one shot, this new entry demonstrates the writers’ abilities to not only craft a proper finale, but also find manners in which to spoof the series in general. The cast as a whole is excellent, with all of the actors contributing not only to the screenplay, but also to their individual characters. As the two leads, Cho and Penn demonstrate the same chemistry and tone from previous entries, with Cho being the serious one to Penn’s inappropriate, over the top nature. This largely carries them throughout, as the audience understands the struggles both characters are dealing with, and our interest in watching them succeed. In his usual cameo, Harris is superb, demonstrating his inappropriate tone in regards to seducing women, while at the same time spoofing his own image recently portrayed by the media. Trejo, in his brief role as Harold’s father-in-law, is entertaining in regards to his overall nature towards his son-in-law, due to his own fatherly grievances. Production-wise, Schulson is superb in his direction, adding a light touch to a film, which content-wise doesn’t need that touch. His camera-work, while not as manic as previous series directors Danny Leiner, Jon Hurwitz or Hayden Schlossberg, do manage to capture the on-screen insanity, while working within the film’s moderate budget of $19 million. However, underneath the film’s many successes, lie a series of faults in the movie. The largest fault is the tone which has been changing slowly throughout the three films. In the first film, the concept was nothing more than a “stoner comedy,” yet with the second and third entries, the popularity of the films has begun to affect the direction of the series, as it now has been reduced at times to spoof itself in order to accommodate a larger audience. Overall, “A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas,” while undeniably faulted is an entertaining comedy which, despite its nature and tone, still has a fun Christmas spirit within. With its fun cast, entertaining writing, and superb direction, it’s a fun film to start off the Christmas season. Final Rating: 8/10.

In November’s publication of The Tower last year, I had written an article about the two newest motion peripherals hitting the market. It’s been almost a year since their release and we’ve had some time to settle down with them. Have we gotten anywhere with them since then? Perhaps. Let’s start with the XBOX 360’s Kinect. Advertised by Microsoft as the “birth of a new experience for gamers”, I don’t quite believe that it’s lived up to the hype they panned it out to be. While they’ve released a slew of interesting games such as “Dance Central,” “The Gunstringer” and even the popular phone game, “Fruit Ninja Kinect,” it hasn’t been enough for the system for the peripheral to catch on. Starting at $149.99 at GameStop, the peripheral has only dropped $20 in price. However, to help push more devices off the shelf, it’s bundled with “Kinect Adventures” as well as the well-received sensory music experience game, “Child of Eden.” Microsoft hopes to have Kinect implemented in more games as an assistant more than the main controller. “Mass Effect 3” has voice commands enabled with the device to assist in battles, and “Ghost Recon: Future Soldier” allows players to interact with their customization via Kinect as well. After owning the device myself for a year now, I haven’t had much of a reason to use it since there weren’t a whole lot of games out there making me run out and get them. While they’re nice, it’s kind of boring to use alone. As odd as it may sound, the device is a great party-starter, so popping in “Kinect Adventures” or “Dance Central” can really liven up any situation with friends.

“With the late implementation of the motion peripherals to the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3, it’s become a struggle for both Microsoft and Sony to push their devices forward. As for the Playstation 3’s Move, it hasn’t progressed much further either. Over the course of the year, it has gained some strong titles like “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” and “Child of Eden” as well, but like the Kinect, it doesn’t have a huge library that screams, “Buy me now” either. While the Kinect is a one device item (aside from the power adapter needed for the older XBOX 360 models), to fully get the Playstation Move experience, individually, the controller itself will set you back $50, the Navigation controller is another $30, and the Playstation Eye camera needed to read all the Move’s actions is another $40. In total, it’s $120 to experience everything. To compensate, Sony has put out bundles with some of their bigger Move titles that include the game for a far cheaper price. With the late implementation of the motion peripherals to the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3, it’s become a struggle for both Microsoft and Sony to push their devices forward. The Wii still has some life left in it. With “The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” hitting the market soon, the Wii Motion Plus controller will attempt to show off what it’s made of and that you don’t need an expensive device for a fully immersive experience with a game. Standing at significantly cheaper $40 for a Wii Motion Plus controller, Nintendo stays safe for now in the Motion market. With the announcement of the Wii U, their latest home console, the future of motion gaming is still left hanging in the balance with no one being sure where it’s going from here.

For more A & E, see: Page 7, Theater Page 13, Music

Photo: Courtesy of gamingbolt.com

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well-liked than men who aren’t as slick. The popular men’s website TheArtofManliness.com cites a few men who take a little extra time when they put themselves together in the morning. Those men are Dwayne Wade, Winston Churchill, Sean Combs, and Ronald Rea-

(34 percent), or they feel more accomplished at work (25 percent). Close to a quarter, 23 percent feel smarter when they’re wearing one. The Well Dressed Man Survey uncovered tons of information on dressing well and its effects on a man; well

Photo: Courtesy of GQ

“Naked people have little to no influence on society.� dressed men are better off! You have to work with what you got as far as looks go but a man who looks polished can exude an air confidence anytime. As Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man, naked people have little or no influence on society.�

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For all you gentlemen who have ever been mocked for caring too much about the way you looked there is good news, you are reaping the personal, social and professional benefits and advantages of being a well-dressed man. This year, Men’s Warehouse conducted a survey to better understand the minds of men and women and the effects of a man taking pride in the way he dresses. This survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of men, 72 percent, feel underdressed most of the time, 69 percent categorize themselves as the “everyday Joe.� A lot can be deduced from the way a man dresses. Sixty-eight percent of Americans think that being well dressed is an important part of life. The “everyday Joes� are well aware and even attracted to the perks of sharpening up; more successful relationships, increased success at work, higher pay, and a boost in self confidence. The clothing really does make the man, when men were asked how they express themselves, 50 percent said that the clothing they wear conveys the type of person they are. An overwhelming majority of Americans, 91 percent, think that dressing well can help a man look more attractive than he really is. Maybe this month you should put that gym fee towards a new suit? Speaking of money, 85 percent of women think that a well-dressed man is sexier than a man with lots of money. Nearly three out of ten women wouldn’t even give you a chance at a second date if you showed up on your first one and didn’t look your best.

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Photo: https://www.pzijeans.com

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Photo: Ayana Gibbs

Photo: explore.levi.com/news/levis-curve-id/

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10

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

EDITOR’S NOTE G<EE JK8K< J:8E;8C I<M<8CJ JB<N<; GI@FI@KP @E 8CC LE@M<IJ@K@<J Last week, a scandal unfolded at Penn State University that rocked the university and the entire collegiate system to the core. A grand jury found that the defensive coordinator at Penn State, Jerry Sandusky, molested at least eight boys over a 15-year period. Though it was reported to higher-ups in the school, it was not reported to police. The details of the scandal are as stomach turning as they are accessible after essentially every news outlet covered it in great detail, so I will not divulge here. But the scandal hits eerily close to home, as Kean University is in the midst of dealing with their own athletic department disgrace. In this case, it’s about alleged changed grades and fabricating courses – not sexual abuse. The two situations have completely different actions, but fundamentally, they are identical. In both cases, administrators - and more importantly, adults – have acted immorally and irresponsibly for the sake of athletics, while completely disregarding what is best for the students. The sad thing is this is not uncommon. At the heart of the Penn State scandal is an abuse of power by those who run an athletic program with disregard for the ramifications of their actions for the school, the athletes and themselves. The same greed is found at the root of every athletic scandal where an administrator wanted to hide something for the sake of the program. At the heart of the Kean allegations are administrators who were willing to compromise the academic integrity of the university for the sake of two basketball players and their athletic eligibility in the NCAA. And for what? For starters, money. The Penn State football team brought in more than $7 million a year. Secondly: fame. Joe Paterno was widely regarded as the best college football coach in the country and one can assume he wanted to uphold that label. Many are hoping that the Penn State scandal will trigger a morality switch within collegiate athletics. Coaches will look to support students first before appeasing donors, teams will spend as much time training as they do giving back to the community, and administrators will switch their focus to academics as the foundation for a university. I doubt it will happen. But the entire academic system would benefit if it did. Stephanie Musat Editor in Chief The Tower @keantower

EDITORIAL LIJ@EF ?8J K?< GFK<EK@8C =FI JL::<JJ @= JKL;<EK :FEJ@;<I8K@FEJ 8I< 8;;<; By The Tower Editorial Board Ursino, Kean University’s new upscale restaurant, is a luxury that could benefit the university in both status and finances. Despite the benefits the restaurant could provide, it gravely ignores a huge group on campus: the students. The restaurant has the possibility to raise the profile of the university by adding a hot spot right on campus. There aren’t many upscale restaurants in the area, and by creating an haute cuisine location, it can attract a significant crowd who could fall for Kean’s charm that normally wouldn’t stop in. It’s a good place on campus to impress potential donors by providing an alternative eating establishment to the University Center dining hall. It also gives a good place for social events for campus groups that want something fancier than a room in the UC.

THE TOWER Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0460; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.keantower.com

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s 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.

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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 thetower@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.

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“Developments and new projects on campus should ultimately benefit students, and it is hard to see how a new upscale restaurant will benefit the student body.” But the foundation of the university—what the administration should be catering to—was not considered in the planning process of the university. A dinner at Ursino does not fit in a student’s budget. Perhaps they could come up with a student-friendly menu and they would get more business from the student demographic who have several hour-long breaks during the day. Developments and new projects on campus should ultimately benefit students, and it is hard to see how a new upscale restaurant will benefit the student body The locovore aspect of the restaurant is admirable, and encouraging local fare can only benefit the area. It also guarantees that the meal will be fresh, which is certainly not the case for any other dining establishment on campus. Ursino is run by Gourmet Dining, the same company that operates the other dining on campus. Sustainability and the farm-to-table model is the name of the game in the restaurant industry these days, and the more support for local food, the better. “We strive to source ingredients from local and regional markets, and cooperatives to minimize the carbon footprint and patronize businesses that adopt best practices that respect the environment,” according to the restaurant’s website. Overall, the restaurant has the potential to raise the value of the university – both as an academic institution and as a hot spot in Union County. But consideration for a student-friendly budget could make the place a popular stop for current students as well as big-money donors.

SPRING 2012: Feb. 9, Mar. 1, Mar. 29, Apr. 19

JDFB@E> (Continued from page 11) the emotion of disgust says to us, “It’s bad (or harmful). Don’t touch it. Don’t get close to it,” writes Dr. Vijai P. Sharma, of Mind Publications in an article titled— Disgust and Fear are Closely Related. Yet thanks to brand new legislation passed by Congress, the FDA has announced that as of September 12, 2012, every cigarette sold in the United

States will depict one of nine graphic images once again making use of the dynamic-duo: fear and disgust. I guess the ad industry didn’t read the studies. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling the sale of cigarettes will continue to rise, followed by more disappointing numbers regarding the end of American smoking.

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

11

ADVICE 8E LEKFL:?89C< 9FLE;8IP1 B<<G PFLI ?8E;J KF PFLIJ<C= By Dasia Brown “The other night I went out and I got super mad at my boyfriend and I punched him really hard in his face. He was so mad he walked away from me and left. Am I wrong for hitting him or should he just man up and take the hit?”-Mrs. Hand Problem The old saying “Keep your hands to yourself” is still pertinent today, despite growing statistics citing violence between partners. Violence between students in relationships has become an especially big problem, with domestic violence cases evolving a tradition of men hitting women to also include a growing number of cases of women hitting men. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime, 32 percent of college students reported experiencing dating violence with their partner. A group of male and female students gathered for a focus group recently to explain and talk about the issue of men hitting women and women hitting men. The students in the group who will not be mentioned by name, had a common belief that no one actually wants to get hit. The male students explained that it takes a lot of restraint for them to not hit females back after they are being hit sometimes on a constant basis by their female partner. Some of the males in the group explained that they need to remind themselves that a girl is involved, and that they were taught not to hit females. All agreed that women should “keep their hands to themselves.” One of the men in the group said he used to have a girlfriend who would constantly

hit him in the head, face, chest and other areas of his body each time she got mad about anything. He said that he had to break up with her because had he not done so, he saw himself hitting her back, and that he would end up in jail. The female students in the group said they didn’t think about the fact that boys don’t like to get hit. Some looked at it as “men are stronger, so our hits don’t really hurt them.” Other females in the group said they felt the hitting didn’t hurt, but it did provoke. One woman said she would get mad at her ex-boyfriend when he would do things that she didn’t like, and she would hit him constantly. Once, when she got mad, she hit him so hard his nose started to bleed. Then her ex, the same guy that never hit her back before, hit her until her face was scratched up and bleeding. So, to the question of “Am I wrong for hitting him or should he just man up and take the hit?” the answer is that you’re wrong. No one deserves to be physically abused. Male or female. Respect one another. Think of how you would feel if the situation was turned around and he was beating on you. It’s a serious situation and it’s not acceptable. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, male or female, there is help for you. The school counseling center offers free services and it’s located in Downs Hall room 127. If you have any questions or concerns about anything that you would like advice about, please send an email to thetower@kean.edu. I will advise you the best way I know how, with truth. Remember it’s strictly anonymous!

FG@E@FE1 KI8EJG8I<E:P E<<;<; @E >FLID<K ;@E@E> :FEKI8:K 9<=FI< 8GGIFM8C By Melissa Heron Here at Kean University, the food prices have not decreased however, our food portions have been downsized considerably. Yet Gourmet Dining, our food vendor, is about to be issued a new contract for up to 15 years. Without a transparent review of dining option choices, I say no to a new contract for Gourmet Dining. Those who don’t eat in the cafeteria may think that this doesn’t affect them, don’t be fooled, it affects us all. Gourmet Dining is responsible for all the dining locations on campus including the University Center, Cougar’s Den, Starbucks, Ursino the Residence Dining Hall and catering. Unless you buy absolutely no food and or drinks on campus you have and will continue to contribute to the profitability of Gourmet Dining. On May 23, 2011 the Kean University board of trustees negotiated a contract of up to 15 years with Gourmet Dining. This contract will waive the university’s right to put out a public bid to seek competitively priced food and will put Gourmet Dining in the driver’s seat for another 15 years. Some students don’t like the food on campus, but will remain silent because they think they don’t have a choice, but you do. Fortunately, there may still be time for us to act before this new contract is finalized. The next meeting of the food service committee will take place on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. The room where this meeting is to be held has yet to be announced. This gives us the opportunity to tell the Board of Trustees that we deserve a choice in this matter. If you like the food and you’re wondering why you should care let’s take a look at the facts, since last semester the sandwich buns have gotten smaller, the chicken cutlets have shrunk, even the pasta portions have been cut in half, one student said,

“last semester they would serve us two scoops of pasta, now they only give us half of that which they measure out in a soup cup, and it’s the same price.” When we eat in the cafeteria we pay more for lunch and a drink than what some of the workers get paid per hour. If you are a light eater a typical lunch of tuna salad and a drink costs $8.80 or you can opt for a turkey sub and a drink which costs $9.05. Yet the typical Gourmet Dining worker gets paid the minimum hourly wage of $7.25. So do you want more reasonably priced food? I believe Gourmet Dining can and should do better. I think students should have a say in deciding who they pay to provide them with food. Students should be involved in decision making processes that affect them on a daily basis. Do you have a favorite cashier or food server in the cafeteria? If he or she has seniority and insurance benefits they may just be let go. Since early September, 2011, Ian Mikusko, a union worker has been actively campaigning here at Kean University to prevent a repeat of the disenfranchisement of workers by Gourmet Dining. When asked why he chose to come to Kean University he said, “This past summer 80 percent of the workers at Manhattan College were downsized by Gourmet Dining. The workers that they let go were the ones who had insurance benefits and received higher wages, while the 20 percent that were allowed to keep their jobs were the workers who were ineligible to receive benefits and were being paid the minimum wage. With this new contract being negotiated at Kean is for up to 15 years, students deserve a choice. This is an issue of democracy. This violates the spirit of the law.” Does Gourmet Dining make the Kean University grade? No they don’t. We need to let them know that at Kean University, we require a world class dining experience. Let’s tell the Board of Trustees that we expect our campus dollars to go businesses that take care of their customers and treat their workers fairly.

FG@E@FE1 JDFB@E> 8;M<IK@J@E> K8:K@:J1 KF :C@:B FI KF HL@K6 By Andrea Edwards For more than the past 20 years, the air waves have been bombarding us with a slew of anti-tobacco ads geared at persuading smokers to stop indulging in their unhealthy addiction. While some appeal to a smoker’s need to be informed, by providing viewers with information on the benefits of quitting, others aim at deep emotions conjured up by using fearful images. Looking at some of the images, it is a wonder that smoking still exists in the United States, but smoking is still as prevalent today as it was prior to America’s fight against tobacco. While many have managed to “quit the habit,” given the frequency and often times shocking images of diseased lungs, clogged arteries, limb amputations or a guy with a hole in his throat, the ads appear to have no significant effect on the quit-rate. Worst yet, millions of dollars are spent on such advertisements, which doesn’t seem justifiable without a wide scale evaluation of the current scare tactics being used in ads across America. As someone who has smoked for years,

I’m always put-off by such troubling imagery appearing on my television screen, like the woman who lost all of her toes and most of her fingers, or the guy with the hole in his throat. Nine times out of 10, once I’m fully aware of where the advertisement is taking me, my first instinct is to find the remote and change the channel—if only temporarily. This is not because I dislike the efforts of the ad campaign, but rather, I find the imagery so disturbing that I feel compelled to flee and therefore completely block the message aimed at persuading me to quit smoking. I truly believe that smoking really is a bad habit, and I’ve wanted to quit for some time now, but I, like so many other smokers, know I will never heed any warning that employs such grotesque imagery. Rather, I will almost always opt to flee as my human instinct beckons me to do when fear and disgust are the preferred tools of persuasion. And I’m not alone. In a study about the effectiveness of such ads, “When a fear appeal isn’t a fear appeal: The effects of graphic anti-tobacco messages,” researcher Glenn Leshner, and Paul Bolls, co- directors of the Psychological Research on

Information and Media Effects PRIME Lab (Psychological Research on Information and Media Effects), published a study suggesting that when fear and disgust are used in anti-tobacco advertisements, the

ceived as revolting or impure.” In the general study of psychology, many experts recognize defensive avoidance associated with fear and disgust, and have labeled it a basic emotion.

“Disgust, is an emotion characterized by a defensive response to stimuli perceived as revolting or impure.” result is a significant negative impact on the brain’s ability to process and remember the information. When exploring the failure of antitobacco advertisements to achieve hoped for objectives, the study found a major problem is that these campaigns lack a basic understanding of how their intended audience mentally and emotionally processes such images. Disgust, they say, citing psychology researchers Sheila Woody and Bethany Teachman, who together have performed a number of extensive researches on fear and disgust, is “an emotion characterized by a defensive response to stimuli per-

There are five basic emotions that we as humans exhibit cross-culturally, which psychologists say are there for our safety and survival. Anger moves us to fight or attack. Happiness or joy, including love, moves us to approach, seek, or get closer to a person or an object. The emotion of sadness or sorrow says to us something like, “Do nothing. Lie down, give up and submit.” The emotion of disgust or fear is aroused when we perceive a threat from an object but each emotion leads us to a different course of action. Fear says, “Run. Run as fast as you can.” However, continued on page 10

12

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

Have chapped lips this fall? Fear no more with new Baby Lips! By Brittany Irvine It’s finally that time of the year again, and we’re going to have to start wearing our gloves and scarves again. The best thing about gloves and scarves? They’re cute and fashionable, too bad that’s the only good thing. But let’s not skate away from the truth: our lips are going to be chapped. Some girls here at Kean said what they thought about one of Maybelline’s new “Baby Lips” varieties: Peach Kiss. The first thing they noticed about the packaging was the colors. They seemingly loved the bright purple tube and orange lettering. They liked the smell and said it gave off a fruity aroma.

Photo:realbeauty.com

Maybelline’s new “Baby Lips.”

The Kean girls loved Maybelline’s new, “Baby Lips” and said that they would definitely give it a shot! Perhaps this is what’s so exciting about Maybelline’s new product. To be honest, it’s been a long time waiting for a drug-

store brand to put out such a cute, “luxeish” looking chap-stick. It’s a given, that drugstores would carry medicated lip balms like Blistex and Carmex. They also carry organic brands like Burt’s Bees, and even novelty flavored ones like Vitamin Water. But what’s fun about that? Nothing. Maybeline Baby Lips comes in six flavors: Quenched, Peppermint, Cherry Me, Grape Vine, Pink Punch and Peach Kiss. The chap-sticks go on very smooth and after the application it looks like a lip gloss without the stickiness! I don’t know about you, I love lip gloss but hate that stickiness. With the application straight out of the twist-tube, it tints the lips just a bit. The

Grape Vine variety and cute little purplered lip tint work wonders for winter. The Peach Kiss shades the lips with a more nude, almost clear look. The taste of the gloss and the effect that it has on your lips is most definitely rewarding. According to the website, this “no more basic lip balm will: visibly renew lips and have 8-hr hydration, protects and moisturizes lips.” Not only this but the website claims an SPF of 20 and newly reformed lips after four weeks. Check out the products on Maybelline’s website. Also, see them available in drugstores near you.

The controversy of the HPV Vaccine By Dr. Josh Palgi According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), HPV infects approximately 20 million people. 50% of all sexually active men and women will get it at some point in their lives Genital Human Papillomavirus, (HPV) and pronounced pap-ah-lo-mah-vye-rus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are more than 30 strains of HPV

developed a vaccine called Gardisil. The CDC is currently recommending it for both boys and girls. Despite their recommendation, the rates of vaccination remain low. Now there is talk of mandatory immunization for all boys and girls aged 11 to 26. Social conservatives are opposing this, claiming that having a vaccine would encourage sexual promiscuity among teenagers, and further, that it is an invasion

“The controversy swirls as more and more people are questioning the safety and necessity of not only the HPV vaccine, but all vaccines...” that can infect the genital areas of males and females. Most of the strains do not produce any symptoms and disappear on their own, but some may result in cervical cancer. There is no way to know who will go on to develop cancer or other health problems. To prevent HPV, Merck Laboratories

by the state into the personal health decision of the parents. Jamie Murphy, author of “What every Parent Should know about Childhood Immunization”, attributes society’s acceptance of vaccination, largely to state laws that dictate that children must be vaccinated to attend school. State officials often rely on the recommendations of the

CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAID) The controversy swirls as more and more people are questioning the safety and necessity of not only the HPV vaccine, but all vaccines, as more and more information based on real science becomes available to the general public. Dr. Diane Harper, worked as a consultant to Merck and was responsible for overseeing trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Gardasil. In a study published in the Journal of American Medicine 2007, the authors concluded that the injection of Gardasil frequently increased the strains of HPV found in women. The National Cancer Institute stated that the vast majority of high risk HPV infections go away on their own and do not cause cancer. In fact 90% of all cases of HPV disappear within 2 years. Further, cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable when detected early. According to data from the CDC, there were no deaths from cervical cancer in females below age 21 from 2003 to 2007 and deaths from cervical cancer declined 74% between between 1955 and 1992 and continue to decline at the rate of 4% per year( cancer.org/cancer/cervical cancer/

detailed guide). Now let’s compare this to a study of the FDA’s Vaccine records which as of June 2011 reported 18,727 adverse events from the vaccine, of which 346 were boys. These adverse effects include paralysis, seizures, neurological damage, warts all over face and body, and 68 deaths. (‘Examining the FDA’s HPV Vaccine Records” Judicial Watch special report, June 30, 2008) On October 18 2011,” Judicial Watch” released additional FDA documents under the Freedom Of Information act which included an additional 26 deaths between September 1, 2010 and September 15, 2011, as well as new incidents of seizures, paralysis, blindness pancreatitis, speech problems, short term memory loss and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. (“Judicial Watch Uncovers FDA Gardasil Records detailing 26 New Reported Deaths” judicialwatch.org, October 19, 2011) Whether you are a parent with young children or a college student and would like to educate yourself further, visit www.vaccineinitiative.org and www.cdc. gov/vaccines. Dr. Palgi is a Professor in the Physical Education, Recreation, and Health Department.

Human Rights Institute exhibit showcases more than B & W Photos By Avani Kapur Black and white photographs, clear glass windows and hard wood floors are not typical attention grabbers but the “Claiming Citizenship: African Americans and New Deal Photography” exhibition at the Human Rights Institute at Kean University has a lot more to offer than its simplicity might suggest. The exhibition, curated by social historian Rickie Solinger, showcases a number of photographs taken during the New Deal Era of 1933-1936. The images from the archives of the Smithsonian museum and the Library of Congress include hospitals, schools, new housing and socioeconomic and political components of the time. Each image illustrates an aspect of the progression, which Roosevelt’s New Deal began. The photographs are intended to connect the rights gained during the New Deal to the Civil Rights Movement. “You can look at a picture and see what aspect of Human Rights it’s showing,” said Hank Kaplowitz, Psychology professor and Special Assistant to the President for the Human Rights Institute. The WPA (Works Progress Association),

NYA (National Youth Administration) and CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) relief programs of the New Deal had funds specifically for African-Americans that were used to create better healthcare, education and economic benefits. However, these programs did not provide African-Americans with the same benefits as Caucasians and did nothing to end segregation. Janine Rivera, Graduate Assistant of the Human Rights Institute, founder and former President of the Human Rights Club, described the programs as a double-edged sword. She added that the chance for more African-Americans to become literate and receive higher education brought about the Civil Rights Movement. “They were the pioneers of Civil Rights because they were given so many opportunities,” Rivera said. Rivera also said that classes in various subjects have come to visit the exhibit and professors ask students to attend on their own. “Everyone finds a niche to connect to their course.” In addition to Kean students, the gallery receives a number of outside groups

including classes from elementary and high schools. Rivera and her colleague Melissa Heron, Chief Docent for the HR Gallery and President of the HR Club, agreed that the New Deal Exhibition has not had the same amount of visitors as past exhibitions and that outside groups seem to be taking more advantage of the exhibit. Both contributed this to a lack of publicity and the simple presentation of the black and white photographs, saying that other galleries on campus such as the Karl and Helen Burger Gallery, which is currently housing the colorful works of Fabio Mazzieri, have been getting more attention. “It looks empty, so it’s a 50-50 whether students continue to look,” Rivera said. Last semester the Reza Deghati exhibition produced by National Geographic showcased the Iranian-French photojournalist’s work through three decades of international travels. Rivera and Heron said that this exhibit grabbed more attention from passing students because of its visual layout. But “Claiming Citizenship: African Americans and New Deal Photography” still makes a strong connection to the

Civil Rights Movement and diversity. Heron and Rivera did note that the high diversity at Kean is a great advantage and something that not everyone experiences. The exhibition shows the importance of the New Deal and the Civil Rights Movement to the development of desegregation and diversity. Just like they believe the exhibition should be recognized, they think that students need to recognize and appreciate the diversity they have around them. “It’s common place to us and there is a point where we need to recognize it; when we leave Kean we need to transition and bring this to others,” Heron said. Rivera added that over the summer she dropped her cousin off at a university in Tennessee and found herself to be one of the few Latina girls. “Claiming Citizenship: African Americans and New Deal Photography” opened on Sept. 1 and will remain in the gallery until Dec. 16. Kaplowitz said the Human Rights Institute plans to house an exhibit on human trafficking for six weeks in the Spring and an exhibit on the Holocaust for the remainder of the semester.

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

13

How to write a cover letter By Paul Blocklyn

and an end. And as with writing a resume, writing a cover letter is a step-bystep process. All you have to do is follow the steps. How long should a cover letter be? You can do it in one page. In fact, you can do it in three paragraphs. Just remember that each paragraph has a specific purpose. Introduction. The first paragraph answers two questions: First, what is the title of the job for which you’re applying? Second, how did you find out about it? From a newspaper ad? The Internet? Word of mouth? The answer to this question helps the employer know what method of advertising the job works best. And when you help the employer, you help yourself. Body. The second paragraph is the “meat and potatoes” part of your letter. You’ve told the employer that you’re applying for the job; now you want to prove you’re worthy of getting it. Tell the employer about your education and experience. If you’re a traditional college student, you probably have more of the former than you do of the latter. If so, list your education first. If you’re a returning student who’s been out in the working world for a while, list your expe-

If you’re a college student, you’ll be looking for a job before you know it. And when you do, you’ll need two important tools to get an interview: a resume and a cover letter. Nearly everyone knows what a resume is. But what exactly is a cover letter? And do you really need one? A cover letter is exactly what it says: a letter introducing, “or “covering,” your resume. Rather than foist your resume onto an unsuspecting employer out of the blue, your cover letter is a polite but insistent way of introducing yourself. A cover letter is a sales letter--and the product it’s selling is you. In the age of the Internet and e-mail, when resumes can be forwarded instantaneously, do you still need a cover letter? The answer is a resounding yes. An overwhelming number of human resources professionals state that a cover letter should accompany your resume. A cover letter is not “optional”; it’s mandatory. Content and length. What’s in a cover letter? Like any piece of writing, a cover letter has a beginning, a middle,

rience first. Whatever the case, lead with your strengths. For your education, list the degree or degrees you received (or expect to receive.) and the relevant courses you took. If you’re applying for an accounting job, you don’t have to list that course you took in basket weaving. For your experience, list not only realworld experience that‘s relevant to your field, but also any kind of work experience that shows enterprise and initiative. If you were a manager at McDonald’s, it means you know how to work with different kinds of people. Also, don’t hesitate to include unpaid internships and volunteer work. Conclusion. If the potential employer likes your education and experience, they’ll want to contact you. Here’s where your closing paragraph comes in. First, tell the employer you have job references from former employers, professors, or other people in positions of authority who will vouch for you. It’s enough to say simply, “I can provide excellent references on request.” Don’t give the employer the names and addresses of your references at this point. Wait till the

interviewer asks for them. Second, tell the potential employer you’re available for an interview. That’s stating the obvious, of course, but it’s pro forma for your final paragraph. Third—and this is most important— tell the employer how to contact you. Give them your home and cell phone numbers and—all important in the 21st century—your e-mail address. If the employer wants to interview you, they’ll probably call you, but I have had employers contact me by e-mail. Proofread. Once you’ve written the letter, be sure to proofread it to pick up any misspellings or grammatical mistakes. If the letter contains any careless mistakes, the reader might conclude that you’d be a careless employee. Last but not least, the Career Development and Advancement Center here at Kean is available to help you with your letter. The Center is located in Room 123 of the Maxine and Jack Lane Center for Academic Success. Further information can be obtained by calling (908) 7370320. Paul Blocklyn is an adjunct professor in the Department of English at Kean University.

Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto pales in comparison to previous albums By Darian Maduruh

poor man’s Radiohead. Or a source for jokes, as anyone who’s seen “40 Year Old Virgin” can attest to. Except for “X&Y,” I’ve enjoyed Coldplay’s past efforts, but here I couldn’t help thinking that Coldplay’s detractors were right. With this album, Coldplay played up all the aspects that people like to nitpick and ridicule. The album starts off well enough, with its 40-second intro and the track “Hurts like Heaven.” But then, the album has Songs like “Up in Flames,” which sounds like the type of band that ripped off Cold-

In an era where rock and roll has (unfortunately) taken a backseat to hip-hop and pop, Coldplay has been one of the few rock bands to break through this past decade. After debuting with the album “Parachutes” in 2000, Coldplay survived with hit songs like “Yellow,” “In My Place,” “The Scientist,” and “Clocks.” In 2008, they had another smash hit with their album “Viva La Vida and Death to all His Friends,” which produced their single “Viva La Vida,” their most popular song yet. On October 24, they released their follow up album “Mylo Xyloto.” After reaching new heights with their last album, how does “Mylo” compare? After hearing this album, only one thought popped up: “It’s aight.” (Or “It’s alright” for those not versed in “Ebonics.”) That thought didn’t change after a second listen. Coldplay, for all their popularity, has always had its share of detractors. Some people consider them pop garbage—a

F

Photo:David A Carter/EMI

“Mylo Xyloto” seems like Coldplay’s attempt at proving their haters right” play (And you know who you are) instead of being Coldplay themselves. “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,” their first single, still feels as underwhelming as it did when it was first released. It’s

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supposed to be that feel good song that makes you jump up and dance, but I just found myself unmoved. One notable track on the album is “Princess of China,” featuring pop su-

perstar Rihanna. At first, this collaboration might feel like a cynical attempt at making money, but surprisingly, Rihanna and Coldplay mesh well together, and the track was one of the few to listen to again. Their second single, “Paradise,” is another enjoyable track that should have been used as their lead single instead of “Every Teardrop.” Their last track “Up with the Birds” is a song that goes from being a melancholic piano ballad, to a dreamlike lullaby with strings, and ending with an upbeat, hopeful tone with a bouncy acoustic rhythm guitar and prominent bass playing. If you are a die-hard Coldplay fan, you might not find fault with this album. If you’re a music fan looking to get into Coldplay, I’d suggest looking at “Viva La Vida” or “A Rush of Blood to the Head” instead of this one. If you hate Coldplay with a passion, then you may have found the album to fuel your hatred.

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THE TOWER

November | December 2011

INTERVIEW: Kicking it with Men’s Head Soccer Coach Tony Ochrimenko

Photo: Kean Athletics

By Justin West Tony Ochrimenko, or “Tony O,” as some people like to call him, has been

around the sport of soccer for his entire life. Hard work and dedication are two things that he has taught his athletes. Tony Ochrimenko is the current head soccer coach at Kean University. Being born in Germany and growing up in Brazil, he has come a long way in his life. “It takes a team to makes things work, the team wins together. The word is together everyone achieves more. If everyone works together than everyone will get a lot more out of it.” That sums up what Ochrimenko wants out of all of his players. He was born just after World War II. When he was about 3 years old his family moved from Germany to the soccer-heavy country of Brazil. Here, Ochrimenko would find his true love for soccer. Since he watched the greatest soccer player ever in Pele, it was hard not to fall in love with soccer. “Every aspiration of a kid in Brazil was to become a professional soccer player like Pele; I would see him on the TV

Field hockey ends season on high note By Ryan Gaydos

against him at Rutgers Newark, Augie Freitas is now on his side as an assistant coach at Kean University. Freitas says. “Tony is like a father figure and a teacher. He’s a great coach and knows the game. I’ve learned so much from him, It’s like what haven’t I learned from Tony?” “He’s such a great person to talk to and get experience on soccer and life.” Ochrimenko has been coaching at Kean for more than 35 years and has helped them win nine conference championships, their first ever in 1973 as a player and eight later as a coach. He is the seven time NJAC coach of the year. Tony is 15th all-time in Division III coaching wins and 6th among all active coaches. This season Kean ended the year with a 10-6-1 record.

RAVE: Hot Yoga Revolution sweats out stress By Justine Clini

The Kean Cougars field hockey squad finished the season on a higher note with the many accolades that some of the players have received after finishing 10-6 on the year and 3-3 in the NJAC. Senior midfielder Olivia Trianao won the 2011 NJAC Midfielder-of-the-Year Award while three other Cougars were named to the NJAC All-Star team. Triano joined Stephanie Soares on Photos: Laura Urban the first team and Kelly Bachovchin and Korri Thompson were named to the second team. Triano has remained dominant throughout her field hockey career with Kean and ends it on a great note. Triano’s Midfielder of the Year Award is her second straight award and has been named to the first-team of the NJAC All-Stars for the third straight year. She is one of three seniors that will be graduating this year while the Cougars

Photo: Kean Athletics

Senior midfielder Olivia Trianao.

will definitely be loaded with experience in 2012 and looking to make a major run in the NJAC.

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screen when he was 16 years old,” Ochrimenko said. Ochrimenko had ambitions of playing professional soccer and could have but American soccer at that time wasn’t what it is today. Even though Tony didn’t play professionally, he is very proud of the players in the game today. “These days’ the United States are drawing players from all over Europe like Thierry Henry and David Beckham,” he said. Ochrimenko is very proud of the imprint he made at Kean University. When he arrived as a student it was currently called Newark State College. He later became the Junior Varsity coach. When head coach Wayne Cunningham left to take another job, Ochrimenko jumped at the opportunity to become the next soccer head coach at Kean. Even with the job only being part-time, Ochrimenko gave all his effort to build the program from the ground up One of his opponents who played

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Located about 15 minutes away from Kean University, in Garwood, N.J., Hot Yoga Revolution is a yoga studio that offers a variety of classes from beginners to expert levels. According to Hot Yoga Revolution, they instruct a particular style of yoga, Hot Power Vinyasa, which links one pose to another in a flow and is popular for building strength and flexibility. The room they use to practice this specific type of yoga is kept at a sweltering 95 degrees and 40 percent humidity level. Also, the instructors use the word “power” in class to describe how they use positive reinforcement to organize certain poses into a sturdy physical practice that is meant to help burn calories, build endurance and build core strength as well as calm the mind and stimulate personal power. During these classes, it is estimated by health professionals that burning 5001000 calories in one course is definite. Working muscles to their limit and also building physical stamina is a major factor in completing a total yoga workout. As for us students, taking an hour out of our crazy, hectic schedules to practice hot yoga is usually impossible. Between the endless hours of course work, studying all day and night and focusing on classes without slacking, where would we find the time. Chelsea Ronsen, a 21-year-old science major said that she would consider taking a break form her studying to take a class, “I’ve been meaning to get back into working out for a while now, and it isn’t so far from school,” she added. As for 24-year-old Jessica Kaden, she said she wouldn’t know where to find the time and added that she literally eats, sleeps and breathes work and school. In addition, the studio also incorporates other classes such as one called “Hip-Hop, Reggae and Groove Hot Power Flow,” which includes urban vibes and tunes from music legends Bob Marley, Sade, Biggie and Lenny Kravitz, where all levels of student are welcome. Classes also include “Hot Power Pilates,” which involves stretching and

Photo: Hotyogarevolution.com

breathing techniques and another class of one full hour of hot yoga boot camp that specializes in ‘sets and reps’ instead of fluid motions, for targeting abs, legs and arms. Though hot yoga has its benefits, it may be dangerous for your health as well; so be aware. Dehydration plays a part just due to the fact of practicing this workout in a 95 degree heated room can cause excessive sweating and can lead to heat exhaustion; along with increasing your risk of developing heat-related illnesses if you already suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease. Another risk of hot yoga is injuring your joints and muscles. The heat generated from the high temperature of the room and your body’s own metabolic rate may test you to stretch your joints and muscles a little farther than you normally would. Keep in mind that these are health risks that can help you prevent hurting your body and make sure that there is no discomfort in the long run. Working at your own skill level and avoiding competition with the instructor or other students in the class is ideal when entering this workout for the first time. Have fun but be cautious of the effects of your surroundings. Taking time out of your busy schedule to work out and practice some hot yoga may seem far-fetched, but the benefits can be rewarding. Keep in mind, winter break is right around the corner and who knows, maybe you can put in an hour or two at the studio to get started on your New Year’s resolutions.

THE TOWER

November | December 2011

15

Paterno, Penn State legacy tarnished with scandal By Ryan Gaydos The legacy of Joe Paterno and the Penn State football program will forever be tarnished with the poison of scandal. The past 20-years of Nittany Lion football has been rocked by a sexual molesting scandal that was allegedly committed by a former coach. Former Penn State football defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is being accused of sexually molesting and raping young boys in the shower of a Penn State locker room. It is not only one boy, but as many and eight boys that have said to be victims of Sandusky. Authorities have handed down 40 counts, 21 of them felonies that Sandusky abused these boys in a period of 15 years starting in 1994. Sandusky met these young boys through The Second Mile Foundation that he established in 1977. In the grand jury incident report that was released, former graduate assistant coach Mike McQueary caught Sandusky anally raping a young boy in the shower

Photo: inquisitr.com

Joe Paterno.

and reporting it to head football coach Joe Paterno. McQueary reportedly told his father first then was advised to seek out Paterno.

Paterno would tell the grand jury that McQueary he saw Sandusky fondling or performing a sexual act of some kind to the boy. Paterno claimed the assistant

to be distraught and did not tell him the specific nature of Sandusky’s actions. The confusion in all of this is why either Paterno or McQueary nor McQueary’s father John McQueary did not go to any kind of law enforcement during this time. Why were the cops not informed in this situation and why Paterno did not do anything further when Athletic Director Tim Curley or Senior Vice President Gary Schultz refused to go above and beyond to get Sandusky out of the program? Both Schultz and Curley are now facing one count of perjury charges. Penn State responded to all the allegations with the resigning of current President Graham Spanier and the board of trustees dismissing Joe Paterno of his head coaching duties. Joe Paterno was widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all-time. His 409 wins in Division I football speaks for itself. His 46-year career as the head coach and possibly Hall of Fame career will all be overshadowed by these terrible events. Paterno has yet to be implicated by a grand jury.

Kean Women’s Volleyball closes the season with an 11-21 record By Quashon Davis The Kean Women’s Volleyball Teams season has come to a close asNCAA sanctions left the Lady Cougars ineligible to participate in the playoffs. While they ended the season with a disappointing 11-21 record, the Lady Cougars were 5-3 in their conference. Despite the disappointing end record, there were highlights in the season, in-

rently ranks eighth in the NJAC in kills. While we look forward to seeing what Espinal will accomplish as a sophomore, we also say goodbye to super senior Tara Richey, who earned New Jersey Athletic Conference second team all star honors. This was the second straight year Richey earned NJAC acclaim, she received honorable mention last year. In the conference, she was fifth in hitting percentage, and second in blocks.

Photo: Kean Athletics

Kean Women’s Volleyball closes the season with an 11-21 record.

cluding the three game sweep over rival William Patterson back on October 25th, or the convincing sweep of New Jersey City University on October 11th. They also managed a four game winning streak at the end of September. Freshman Jennifer Espinal was named The New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week twice. During the 3-0 sweep of rival William Paterson, Espinal produced an amazing 17 kills,. She cur-

As a team, the cougars led the conference with 53 total blocks. In addition to Richey, Kean will also bid farewell to three other seniors: Heather Aliotta, Danica Meade and Lindsay Gordon. Although these four seniors will be gone, the future looks bright for next season. The Lady Cougars finished the season with 1,098 kills, 996 assists, 1,670 digs and 93 total blocks.

November 18 Men’s Basketball vs. Oneonta State (in Lancaster, PA) 19 Men’s Basketball vs. TBA (in Lancaster, PA) 19 Women’s Basketball vs. Sailsbury State 20 Women’s Basketball vs. TBA 22 Women’s Basketball vs. FDU-Florham 22 Men’s Basketball @ St. Mary’s (MD) 27 Women’s Basketball vs. Steven’s 30 Men’s Basketball vs. Rutgers-Camden 30 Women’s Basketball vs. Rutgers-Camden

December 3 Women’s Basketball @ Ramapo 3 Men’s Basketball @ Ramapo 7 Women’s Basketball @ DeSales 7 Men’s Basketball @ Scranton 10 Women’s Basketball vs. Messiah 10 Men’s Basketball @ Stevens 14 Women’s Basketball vs. Baruch 17 Men’s Basketball vs. Elms

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THE TOWER

November | December 2011

JGFIKJ Kean alum made waves in pro wrestling as Crowbar

Kean Women’s soccer ends with best season record

By Ryan Gaydos Those who watched wrestling in the 90s probably know about the great TV war between the then World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and the old World Championship Wrestling (WCW). WCW and WWF battled for television ratings throughout the 90s and the WCW was winning the war for the longest time until many different changes in writers, storylines and wrestlers paved the way for the demise of the company. Some writers and wrestlers jumped ship to perform on WWF’s Monday night show RAW instead of performing on WCW’s Monday night show Nitro or their Thursday night show Thunder. WCW did not recover and by 2001 they were eventually bought out by the chairman of WWF Vince McMahon, which resulted major monopoly within the wrestling industry. However, for those who watched you may remember some of the talent that wasn’t part of the main storylines in WCW. Think back to the days where Ric Flair’s son David Flair feuded with Chris Ford. You may know him better as Crowbar. Little did anyone know that Crowbar is from Rutherford, N.J. and he graduated at Kean University. Crowbar’s gimmick was that he was a crazy man hell-bent on creating havoc inside and outside the ring. He would carry some kind of weapon around with him and he did not speak much on the microphone. The valet known as Daffney escorted him to the ring. But before he tore up the ring, he graduated from Kean with a physical therapy degree in 1999. He took classes for six years and moonlighted as a professional wrestler at night. Over his days in WCW he won

By Christine Valdez

Photo: nj.com

Chris Ford, aka “Crowbar.”

the Tag-Team titles with David Flair and he had won the WCW Cruiserweight title and the WCW Hardcore title. By March 2001, he was released from WCW and had many tryout matches with the WWF. He failed to make any big splash in the company even though he did face Scott Steiner and Sean O’Haire in two separate taped matches. “I resented that,” Ford told The Sun Sentinel in 2001. “I put my body on the line and put myself at risk of getting my pay cut if I would have gotten hurt.” Crowbar, now 36, continued on the independent circuit and went by his old ring name as Devon Storm. His last recorded match was in the National Wrestling Alliance’s Pro East territory. He defeated Jody Young in Lodi, NJ.

Crowbar has been a physical therapist for the past 14 years, going back to his roots from Kean. “I entered this crazy adventure into the pro wrestling world equipped with the tools to survive and succeed in life no matter what happened in wrestling,” he said. “A professional wrestler’s career is very limited time wise. We are all human and our bodies cannot wrestle forever. The truth is that unless you’re a John Cena, Randy Orton, HHH or someone that high up on the card, when you are finished with your run and ‘wished well on your future endeavors’ you are going to have to find another means to support yourself and family.”

The Kean Women’s soccer team closed its 2011 season with a 3-1 win against William Patterson University October 26. The Lady Cougars ended the season with a 10-4-3 record. For Coach Brian Doherty the season ended on a great note and its best season record yet. “The season ended on a great note a 3-1 win against William Paterson,” said Doherty. “We finished with our best record in the conference in my 13 seasons as head coach.” Despite the team’s elimination from post-season in Kean’s response to the NCAA allegations made earlier in the semester, the team managed to end the season on a high note. Before the announcement of no post season action, the soccer team had won seven of their first 10 games. In a previous interview, Coach Doherty mentioned that the team was moving forward in the season and that the team’s se-

ber 1. Other highlights include a 4-0 victory against RutgersNewark. The women’s soccer team even held the top spot in their division, the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). Several players received honors and recognitions at the season’s end. Seniors Danielle Esposito and Lauren Small, along with junior Carly Seidel, were named to the second-team NJAC all-stars. This was Esposito’s third honor for her time on the team. Freshman Kaitlin King was named NJAC Rookie of the Year, the second cougar to do so after Carly Seidel won it two years ago. Other recognitions included Seidel earning post-season honors for a third straight season. Seidel was ranked within the top six of most NJAC statistics with six goals and three assists. Doherty said the goal heading toward the end of the season was to improve and play the best that the team could do. They wanted to end the season by sending their senior athletes

Women’s Soccer Team

nior leaders were always bringing the team mentality up. “Very positive about moving forward, have just responded great especially our senior leaders,” Doherty said. “Our leadership committee on the team has really helped the team move on. Some of the highlights of the season include a 6-1 victory over Ramapo College back on Octo-

Photo: Kean Athletics

off with a good memory. Now heading off into the off season the goal remains the same to improve on and off the field everyday. “We also wanted to send our senior class off the right way, “ said Doherty. “With a win against William Patterson and a great conference record.”

Kean Men’s soccer team ends season against tough opponents By Darien Evans-Raines The men’s soccer season has come to an end on a low note as the season ended in a loss to William Paterson University, who went on to lose in the NJAC Semi-finals to #25 Montclair State. Kean men’s soccer got off to a good start the first month of the season with a 6-2-1 start. They had wins over John Jay College, The College at Brockport, Hunter College, Rutgers-Newark and New Jersey City University.

The second half of the schedule wasn’t as kind. Kean faced three of the NJAC top three teams in Rutgers-Camden, William Paterson and Montclair State. Those top-tier teams in the second half of their season led to a 4-4-1 record to end the season. After making the NJAC Championship last season Coach Tony Ochrimenko would have failed to lead his team there for a second consecutive season if their postseason was not cancelled. Kean men’s soccer even made

Photo: Kean Athletics

Freshman Erickson, Junior Abner, and Sheldon were all named NJAC All-Conference.

it to the NCAA Tournament last season only to lose in the first round against Merchant Marine 2-0.

The bright side of Kean men’s 2011 soccer season was that three Kean student-athletes made the NJAC All-Conference

team. Both Juniors Abner Denis and Sheldon Palmer got AllConference second team honors. Rookie Freshman Erickson Simeon was an honorable mention for the All-Conference teams. Abner, Sheldon and Erickson will have another year of experience under their belt. With these young stars, Kean men’s soccer could be back to post season play next season.

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