The Tower - March 30, 2011 by The Tower

The Dream That Never Died P. 4

They Heart Juice P. 3

Former “Tower” Editor Wins Award P. 13

The Tower Kean University’s student newspaper

www.keantower.com

Volume 11 • Issue 6 Mar. 03, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

A Slice of P.I.E. Helps ESL Students By Nicole Marie Padinha

Snow and Ice: Has Kean Had Enough? By Francesca Figalo

It can be exciting to watch the first snowflakes of the season falling from the sky. But can too much snow take the excitement away? So far this winter, New Jersey has experienced several snow and ice warnings between Dec. and Jan. Many towns across the state received more than a foot of snow each storm. According to a report by the state’s climatologist published on nj.com, January has been the snowiest month in New Jersey in 62 years. Listening down the halls, students and teachers are reacting to the snow. “It’s the most brutal winter in my

memory. I don’t remember this much snow,” Donald Lokuta, professor of Fine Arts, said.

“It’s the most brutal winter in my memory. I don’t remember this much snow.” Among students, the excessive snow has brought both positive and negative responses. “It’s inconvenient, but it’s something we have to live with. It makes driving and walking to school more challenging because you have (Continued on page 11)

Photo: Agnes Markowitz

Photo: www.oceancountygov.com

Ocean County Freeholders joined with the Ocean County College and Kean University communities to celebrate the beginning of construction of the Gateway Building. (See page 6 for more.)

Yangyang Cai, like the many English as a Second Language (ESL) students at Kean University, struggles with speech every day. To her, English is not her native language, and the process of integrating in a primarily English speaking school was quite difficult. “I think I am not a good speaker,” said Cai, a junior majoring in Business. “Sometimes, I wanted to talk, but I can’t understand what people say, so most time I Agnes Markowitz just keep quite.” Many students struggle in class to understand what their professors are saying. They miss critical parts of lectures trying to translate certain words. Although they are bright beyond compare, they are left in the dark because of a language barrier. Founded last October, Partners in English (P.I.E) is a program that will help shed some light for many ESL students. It is a product of Dr. Ruth P. Griffith, ESL Program Director, and graduate student Agnes Markowitz’s idea for a ‘conversation partnership program’ between native English speakers and non native English speakers who were education majors. “It is not enough for teachers to be knowledgeable about the subject matter they are teaching, they also need to be comfortable with casual and informal conversations with their students,” said Markowitz. Native speaking students will gain vital experience interacting with students who

have different linguistic and cultural backgrounds than theirs, whereas ESL students will have an opportunity to practice their conversational English skills; which will be key for them when they get into teaching positions. However, P.I.E. has helped both groups in more ways than one. Although, the

“The hour goes by so fast that they can’t wait until they meet again.” original purpose of the program was to encourage both native speaking and nonnative speaking education majors to participate and better prepare them for their teaching careers, it has opened its doors to all students. The program gives the ESL students an opportunity to speak English in a very relaxed setting where they can pick up on the subtleties of spoken language such as humor, slang and idioms. Native speakers such as Shawn Albanese, an active member of P.I.E, experience a different sort of benefit. “It’s a great idea to have pairs converse, it helps not only with language, but as an outlet to make friends,” said Albanese, a junior English Education major. “It’s supposed to be fun, not stressful.” But it doesn’t stop there. One ESL member of P.I.E. attributes his successful job interviews with the self-confidence he gained from attending the meeting with P.I.E. Overall, participants really enjoy their sessions and actually have fun. “The most common remark I’ve heard is that the hour goes by (Continued on page 11)

DILLON’S PUBLICK HOUSE IS ALL THE RAVE! FIND OUT WHY ON PAGE 5

Kean Becomes 3rd NJ Public School to Offer Asian Studies as a Major By Arkor Kolubah

When Steven Zheng graduates this spring, he will be the first student to graduate from Kean University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Studies. “The mission of Asian Studies is to provide students with an educational experience and an environment that promotes understanding of Asian culture, world view, history, economics, and politics,” reported the program’s mission statement. Kean is the third state public university in New Jersey to offer a major in Asian Studies as of Feb. 2011. Rutgers and William Paterson are the only other NJ public schools that offer the degree. And only six NJ universities in total offer an Asian Studies program.

“The program was about two years in the making,” said Dr. Mark Lender, Vice

Photo: Arkor Kolubah

Dr. Lily Chen-Haftek of the Music Department sings Chinese folk music with her two daughters at the Asian Studies launch party.

President of Academic Affairs. “It became an interest to the department because suddenly we realized a vast number of pro-

fessors were interested in Asian culture. Furthermore, there are already 50 At the same time we have a vast num- courses at Kean that focus on Asia, taught by Kean professors. Therefore, hiring of new faculty is not needed. This interdisciplinary program, which aims to prepare students for various fields such as teaching, government work, and business, was designed by Kean faculty ranging in fields such as history, film, English, political science, business, and many more. In order for this program to be approved, it went through the University Curriculum Committee, the appropriate ber of students of Asian descent who are Dean, the Vice President of Academic Afinterested. When you have faculty with fairs and the Board of Trustees. It also had those interests and students with those to be approved by all NJ Universities, go interests, you design a course that meets through the Academic Issues Committee these interests.” and then finally (Continued on page 6)

“When you have faculty with those interests and students with those interests, you design a course that meets these interests.”

How Much Skin is Enough?

Carribean Culture at Kean

RecycleMania 2011

Arts & Entertainment

A Tast of Ireland

Achieving Good Health in 2011

6 8-9 11

Cannabis in a Bottle

The Cougars Adopt

The NFL: Will There be Another Season? 16

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 |

The Tower

Is MTV Showing Too Much Skin? By Jaclyn Tuman

“The MTV show Skins title derives from the rolling papers that are used to make the blunts that go with the vodka that washes down the pills that accompany the hookups,” David Carr of the New York Times reported. Originally started in the UK, Skins has been causing controversy before its debut and even more as each new episode unveils. It is creating chaos among many because of its questionable, dangerous, crazy and possibly inappropriate situations. But some are wondering if the points in the show are exemplifying more than just casual sex, drugs and alcohol. “I didn’t like that the characters glamorized using drugs and having sex in the first episode, but I thought the third episode showed a more negative side to drug use. I liked this because hopefully it won’t give teens the impression that it is the only way to go,” said junior, Laura Sutlic. But others see a positive side to the show. “Skins may be the most realistic show on television,” according to senior writer of Newsweek, Jessica Bennett. “Skins portrays teens as experimental and sex-obsessed, lying to their parents and sneaking out at night. In other words, it shows them as they really are.” Mixed feelings do not begin to describe the gritty show that portrays its characters with all their flaws laid out on the table. The demographic set a new first record for MTV with audience age ranges from 1234 years old, and 3.3 million tuned in to watch its premiere. However many people

are trying to decide whether the show should continue to air. “I don’t watch the show on a regular basis but I caught one episode. I don’t think it’s anything short of what teens are doing, so why should there be a problem with it being on T.V.?” said senior, Kara Kendall. Bryan Elsley, Co-Creator and Executive

show. Thirty high school students are employed by the US show, to come up with the show’s content and help with everything in detail, even music choices, Newsweek reported. The start of the show was the major shock to some of the public, alarming The Parents Television Council before it

at Viacom’s MTV for their series of public service announcements illustrating the dangers of illegal drugs, excessive drinking and casual sex,” said editorial writer and columnist for The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus. Cadie, who plays an anorexic, highly depressed teen in the show, displays

“I don’t think it’s anything short of what teens are doing so why should there be a problem with it being on T.V.”

Photo: MTV

Lead characters in the MTV show Skins.

Producer of the show, started Skins with his 19 year old son, and stands behind everything the show has to offer. He believes it is a show that simply tells the truth, which can be hard for adults and parents to hear. “In the UK, viewers and commentators very quickly realized that although there are some sensational aspects to the show, Skins is actually a very serious attempt to get to the roots of young people’s lives,” Elsley said to The Huffington Post. Elsley makes sure that there are always teens helping out in the creation of the

even aired, because “it was the most dangerous show for children that they had ever seen,” reported Soraya Roberts of the Daily News. But parents were not the only ones who wanted nothing to do with this. Major companies pulled their advertisements from the show; starting with Taco Bell and moving onto GM, Schick, and Wrigley to name a few. However, not all parents are actually against the show. “American parents owe a debt of gratitude to the upstanding corporate citizens

thoughts of anxiety and visits several therapists in episode 4 who give different advice; most resorting to administering her prescription drugs. However, the last therapist just gives her advice that Marcus stated was a great message for a teen to take away from the show, including her own 16 year old, whom she wishes would watch the show more after she watched this episode. “Everyone’s going to disappoint you, Cadie,” her one competent psychiatrist says. They won’t mean to, but they will. Drugs won’t change this,” Marcus restated. MTV is not backing down and also stands behind the show; no matter how many advertisers back out. “Young adults 15-17 are excited consumers and extremely impressionable,” MTV told advertisers. “Now is the time to influence their choices.”

One World, One Tribe By Laura Urban

“For all people and all nations.” These are the words that are placed above the doorway leading into the Kean University Gallery located in the Human Rights Institute.

Feb. 16 through April 29. “The message of One World, One Tribe is we all have the same blood all over the world,” said Reza, as stated in a press release by Kean. “We may have different colors, different languages, but the essence of humanity is the same for everybody.”

feature the singular stories of women, children and men as they experience conflicts, torments and dreams that gather or divide them,” stated the press release. The photographs each depict a conflict and/or a resolution of peace that has affected an area of the world.

“When people suffer in Africa, without knowing it, we suffer in the United States, too.”

Photos: Laura Urban

Two of Reza’s portraits as displayed in the Human Rights Institute at Kean.

The traveling exhibition, One World, One Tribe, which according to a press release by Kean, is produced by National Geographic, features 40 portraits by Reza Deghati that brings visitors face to face with men and women caught in the whirlwind of history. It will be on display in the gallery from

The portraits detail the struggles of people in numerous countries as they strive for peace and the fulfilling of their dreams. “From Rwanda to Afghanistan, Cambodia to China, Mongolia and Pakistan, and passing through Cairo, the photographs

In Turkish Kurdistan, as one of the portraits shown in the gallery had captioned, New Year’s Day, celebrated on March 21, or the first day of spring, turns into a riot every year. “The children’s happy carelessness during the festivities yields to a hidden rebellion against injustice,” captioned the photograph. Reza’s exhibition encourages people who view it to think about their engagements and about world citizenship, according to the press release.

“When people suffer in Africa, without knowing it, we suffer in the United States, too,” said Reza, as cited on The Digital Journalist website. “But we don’t know why we are suffering. Why we are having this distress. Why we have to use Prozac or Valium all day long or to sleep.” Reza is not only an award-winning photojournalist, but he is also a humanitarian, who is committed to educating future generations, stated the National Geographic Web site. “He spends much of his time as lecturer, trainer, and visiting professor, giving presentations and running workshops on global issues, his humanitarian work, and photojournalism,” stated the National Geographic website. The Human Rights Institute, as stated in a press release by Kean, aims to raise awareness of human rights violations worldwide and to inspire action among students, teachers and the general public. The gallery hours are Mondays, noon to 7 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m., and Fridays, noon to 4 p.m.

“Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president...”—Nelson Mandela

The Tower | Feb. 10, 2011 - Mar. 2, 2011

Cheers to a Healthier Heart By Rachel Rothspan

When childhood friends John Vitug, a Kean graduate student, Ray Li, and Warren Chen, a Kean undergraduate and graduate alum, all found themselves working at Newark Airport, they did more than just reconnect—they started a business to make the world healthier, one drink at a time. Their creation, a 10 oz. drink called “Heart Juice,” is a 100% natural drink that combines already known ingredients that help prevent heart disease. “We found it troublesome to know that a beverage directly targeting a serious issue, such as heart disease, had yet to be established,” said Vitug. “We are going to cease this opportunity with Heart Juice and raise the awareness of the seriousness of heart disease. “ When a professor of Li’s started to talk about eating healthy, after a member of the science faculty had a heart attack, the brainstorming began and he knew he had to do something. Li told the story to Vitug and Chen, and it hit close to home for both of their personal lives. Curious, the three did a Google search to see if they could find a drink to promote heart healthiness. However, what they found was an opportunity to create a brand new product. Heart Juice is a blend of popular heart strengthening items, including the Vitamin B set, green tea, and pomegranate. The first product, which will be berry flavored, is due to be released in late spring, and will be sold initially to health food stores.

Though the partners are looking for funding, all the investments so far have been out of their own pockets. Still, they haven’t spared any expenses to make their item top notch. “You don’t have to sacrifice profits in

be both healthy and tasty. “We’re not chemists,” explained Vitug. They also aren’t health majors. Li, a Rutgers’s B.A. candidate, Chen, and Vitug are all Economics, Business, and Psychology majors.

of death in the United States. It is estimated that one in every three deaths is related to heart disease. “Heart Disease is a preventable disease,” said Vitug. “You can lessen your risk with exercise and a healthier diet.” Part of that diet, the partners hope, will be Heart Juice. Eventually, they hope the company will be able to team up with the American Heart Association. Currently, they are finalists in the Rutgers Business School Business Plan Competition, and are hoping to qualify for Rice University’s Business Plan Competition.

“We all feel our company has a higher calling than just making a heart healthy beverage.” Photos: John Vitug

Left: A bottle of the first flavor of juice to be released; right: Vitug (left) and Li (Right) showing off their product.

order to be socially responsible, you just have to know your values,” added Li. “Our company was founded on those values. “ And right along side with their values is the goal of making a high-quality product. The associates sent their ideas to a flavor house in Kentucky, who sent them back over 200 different samples to try. The researched each sample thoroughly in order to get the best blend of ingredients and a high quality taste; so that heart juice could

They’ve recently added a fourth member to their team, Shaun Bratton, a Rutgers MBA candidate, to help with their finances. “We all feel our company has a higher calling than just making a heart healthy beverage,” said Vitug. ”We feel that we have a social responsibility to bring awareness to the seriousness of heart disease.” According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause

They trust that these contests will help get the product the publicity it needs to become a success. But for now, they see a bright future ahead of them—one that is related to their desire to get the word about heart disease out there. “We hope our drink will bring awareness to this disease, and more importantly encourage those at risk that there are things you can do to reduce those risks,” said Vitug. For more information, visit http://www. heartjuice.com. The website also links to the company’s Facebook and twitter accounts.

BE SEEN AND HEARD! Email us at thetower@kean.edu

For more information and to register for the Open House, please visit the following link http://www.kean.edu/~keangrad/openhouse/openhouse.asp Application fee will be waived for all attendees.

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

RecycleMania 2011: Kean is at it Again By Melissa Jewels

Kean University is competing against 630 US schools in RecycleMania 2011. RecycleMania is a friendly contest from Feb. 6 to April 2 among schools, which promotes reducing, reusing and recycling on college campuses. Over 10 weeks, schools from around the nation will report their recycling rate and trash amount per week. David Fernandez, Associate Director of Environmental Health and Safety, and Kean’s FOCUS group and recycling committee decided last year that Kean would participate in RecycleMania. According to Fernandez, Kean’s overall goal is to raise awareness and to “have people consider the choices they make” to reduce their overall waste rate. “It’s a good opportunity to promote recycling,” Fernandez said. Recycling reduces the amount of waste in the environment and saves money. From an economical standpoint, recycling is cheaper. Spending money on bottled water costs at least $1 a day, but using a reusable container to hold filtered water could save $365 a year. It’s easy to find filtered water on

collected for each week. Fernandez notes there are recycling containers throughout the campus, but many of the recyclables end up in the trash.

“It’s a good opportunity to promote recycling.”

Photo: Kean-University-RecycleMania

Hydration Station at D’Angola Gym.

campus. Since D’Angola Gym installed the “hydration station,” students are able to fill reusable containers with filtered water at no cost. Similar to a water fountain, the hydration station works by sliding the container under the spout to be filled with filtered water. In order to calculate the collected trash, the recycling containers are evaluated to determine the pounds per day that were

From Rags to Riches: The Homeless Millionaire By Andrew Czirjak

“Life is a roller coaster ride; it has its ups and downs too,” Dr. Stephen E. Bacque, motivational speaker and self-made millionaire, told an audience in the Maxine and Jack Lane building for the Center for Academic Success on Feb. 17. “Does anyone know what it means to become a communicator?” asked Bacque. “In order to be a great communicator you have to change lives. You have to make the message Photo: Prosperity Postures.com you’re telling relat- Dr. Stephen E. Bacque. able to everyone. And to [change lives] it takes steps.” Taking steps seems to sum up Bacque’s life. In fact, it was by taking steps toward an ultimate goal that has made him so successful in his field. “First, you have to figure out how to get started,” said Bacque. “Then you have to create a story about something you overcame in your life and how you can relate that story to any audience.” Interestingly, Bacque’s stories can be “tweaked” to fit just about any occasion. “I use one general story, but I keep three topics or ideas on hand when I speak. I change them here and there depending on who I’m talking to,” said Bacque. Bacque uses his own personal experiences that he has overcome in his past as his inspiration to help others, and his stories seem to have had an impact on the many people that listen to him. This self proclaimed “self help guru” has made several appearances on Oprah, CNN, and 60 Minutes teaching people how to bring fulfillment into their lives. And his advice isn’t cheap. Dr. Bacque is one of the countries top motivational speakers; making a living by sharing his positive outlook on life with millions of people. “I make anywhere between $10,000 to

$15,000 a month, and I only work about eight to ten hours; just giving speeches,” said Bacque. Interestingly, Bacque’s life has not always been so rosy. He knows all too well about the “twist and turns” of life. Before he hit on his success he was homeless and living in a shelter in Houston, Texas. To make matters worse, at age 27, Bacque found out that he had undiagnosed learning disabilities.

“In order to be a great communicator you have to change [people’s] lives.” “I wanted to get an education but I didn’t know how to do it. So I began to dream, and those dreams became my goals,” said Bacque. Bacque enrolled part-time in to Cook College at Rutgers University. And it was there that he was diagnosed with dyslexia. Still, he did not let his handicap derail his dreams. Instead, he revamped his college schedule. He only took three credits per semester. By understanding his limitations Bacque was able to excel in his classes. Through determination and self-reliance, he began to develop a strategy that would change his life forever. “I knew it was going to be hard for me to finish [college], but I didn’t give up. I was on the 15 year plan,” said Bacque. In fact, with each small achievement, Bacque grew in confidence. And although it took a long time for him to graduate from college he got through it. Eventually, Bacque would go on to receive his PostDoctoral Degree in Entrepreneurship. “Life is about steps. And it’s a step by step process,” said Bacque. “You can’t move to point B without figuring out point A.” Today, life is good for Dr. Bacque and he has no regrets. “I am so lucky I get to do something I love for a living,” said Bacque. “And it’s unfortunate that not everyone can say that.”

“We need to pull as much [recyclables] as we can from the waste stream to make [the competition] fair,” said Fernandez. Fernandez is looking for volunteers to participate in “trash sorting,” which will occur once a week. The volunteers will separate recyclables from trash to increase Kean’s rate of recycling and lessen the amount of trash. Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact Fernandez at dfernand@kean.edu. Kean also has the Food Waste Composting program, which collects waste from the dining halls and the Cougar’s Den and breaks it up into compost. Dr. Nick SmithSebasto, Co-Executive Director of the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at Kean introduced the composter, which breaks down food residue into “soil” used

for fertilizer. The composter lessens the amount of food collected in landfills, and creates more reusable material. Once the weather reaches a warmer temperature, the compost program will resume on campus. Last spring, Kean participated in RecycleMania for the first time in the 10th annual, competition. In the “Grand Champion” competition Kean ranked 72 out of 267 schools in overall recycled waste. In the “Per Capita Classic” competition, which is ranked by the total pounds of recyclables collected per person, Kean ranked 157 out of 346 schools. In the “Targeted Material—Food Service Organics” competition, a division which surveys the largest amount of food service organics per person, Kean ranked 97 out of 127 schools. For the upcoming weeks, students and faculty are urged to educate themselves and spread awareness about the positive effects of recycling. For more information, visit Kean’s RecycleMania page on Facebook or visit www.recyclemania.org.

Student PROFILE: The dream that never died By ANDREA EDWARDS

Maureen Peterson, 58, is finally attaining her lifelong dream. Peterson is set to graduate with honors this spring, earning a BA in English Writing. She is also the recipient of the 2009 Estelle Ritchie Scholarship in English, and the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Women. It’s been a long time coming for Peterson, who had to combat years of selfdoubt. Growing up in the Bronx, Peterson recalls the devastating blow she received as an eighth grade student, back in 1966. “It was a parent teacher conference with my mom and my eighth grade Nun,” said Peterson. “I said that I wanted to become a journalist; however they both decided that I absolutely was not college material. Together, both decided that I should be a secretary.” As a young girl, Peterson knew that protesting was not an option. In that time, children simply did what they were told. “At least in our culture we now have the awareness that it’s best not to do that to children,” said Peterson, reflecting on the meeting, now as an adult. Peterson always wanted to attend college, but was unsure if she would ever get the chance. After graduating high school, it was clear that pursuing higher education was not an option. “I was to get a job as a typist or secretary and bring home the money; which I did,” Peterson said at the Scholarship Recognition Ceremony held on Nov. 14, 2010 at Kean. After graduating high school, she was hired as a secretary for Bell Laboratories. Peterson enjoyed the academic environment within the company, but her desire to write made her despise typing other’s written work. Within three years at Bell Labs, Peterson managed to save up enough money to enroll into college—without the support of her family. When things didn’t work out as planned, she made another attempt at college at the age of 25. Financially unable to continue her pursuit, Peterson went on

to earn a living as a legal secretary. As the years passed by, it seemed unlikely that Peterson would ever achieve her lifelong dream of earning a college degree. However, inspiration struck once again when she began helping her nephew with his college application process. In the midst of her impending graduation, Peterson is currently writing two books. The first deals with the validity of reemerging repressed memories. The

Photo: Andrea Edwards

Maureen Peterson, a senior at Kean.

“I said that I wanted to become a journalist; however they both decided that I absolutely was not college material” second is a memoir about a man who survived abuse during his adolescence by a priest, who was also a family friend. If anyone has the intelligence, humility, strength and the wisdom to give justice to these important stories—it’s Maureen Peterson. With her degree just an arm’s length away, Peterson is now following her passion that she recognized at age 9 when she declared, “I love to write!”

The Tower | Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

Kean Gets a Taste of Ireland at Local Irish Pub By Ana Ferrer

If you’re looking for traditional Irish fare or something new to do on a Friday night, your search will end just a few miles away from Kean University, at Dillon’s Publick House. Located at 899 Mountain Avenue in Mountainside, Dillon’s has all the appeal of a NYC restaurant without the NYC price tag. Dillon’s serves traditional Irish dishes such as shepherd’s pie and Guinness braised corned beef, alongside Angus burgers, steaks and coastal favorites such as scallops and salmon. On weekends this cozy little gastro pub fills up quickly, so get there early to avoid the wait. If you do end up waiting, head to the back of the restaurant, near the fireplace, and sip on some cocktails. Also, take the opportunity to try some of their appetizers, such as the Guinness braised baby back ribs, spicy tuna pizza or buffalo wings. Owner Dominick Glynn, who named this culinary gem after his 2-year-old son, worked closely with Chef Brad Rodriguez, a 12-year kitchen veteran, to ensure authentic Irish dishes.

“I worked with Brad for a while to make sure that we had that [shepherd’s pie] down perfectly,” said Glynn. “I’ve been to

“The best raw ingredients will make the best finished result, so we only get the best and offer it at a great price.”

Photos: Ana Ferrer

Top: Above the entry; bottom lounge area.

a few places where they don’t make it the right way.” Glynn also said that he has another Irish pub in the works for next year that will be located in Roselle Park. He’s naming it after the town Limerick, in Ireland, where his parents are from.

Motor ways: 2012 HONDA CIVIC SET TO HIT DEALERSHIPS By charley falkenburg

The Honda Civic is like a pet peeve; everybody has one. Ever since Honda came out with its 2005 model, everyone seems eager to own a Civic; especially college students. And why shouldn’t they? It’s compact, sleek, great on gas and easy on the wallet. It just can’t get any better, or so you may think, but Honda will unleash its ninth generation of Civics this spring. Honda will continue the legacy of their beloved model by creating the new and

Photo: www.vcar7.com

Eighth generation fans will be happy to know that the new Civic design is pretty much the same. It’s still compact, but it has a sleeker, more aggressive look. The roof is lower and the hood stretches out farther, which gives the car a smooth aerodynamic quality. Honda also gives the new Civic some extra space inside, which makes the car roomier than its predecessor. Honda doesn’t just stop at the base model. The company will be releasing the performance oriented Civic SI, the Civic

“The Civic is known for providing a balance of just right packaging, fun-todrive character, and outstanding fuel economy…”

The 2012 Honda Civic.

improved 2012 Civic. This updated model promises the same lovable qualities as the older Civics, but with a few tweaks that will guarantee the car a second look. “The Civic is known for providing a balance of just right packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy. The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda in a press release. Honda took the classic “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach when building the 2012 Civic. It has the same basic four cylinder i-VTECH engine and a standard fivespeed automatic. However, the new Civic features an Eco-Assist system. This upgrade will automatically alert the driver to how his or her driving style is affecting the fuel efficiency, coaching the driver to use less gas, according to Autotropolis.com, a car buying guide.

Dillon’s has a little something for everyone. With 13 beers on tap, an extensive wine list and a menu that has a dish for every palate, the restaurant stays busy Wednesday through Saturday nights. The staff greets you right at the door, guiding you into a dimly lit, intimate set-

hybrid, and the Civic NGV, which runs on natural gas. Instead of waiting months for these options to be on the market, Honda will be putting them on the dealership lots within weeks of the base model Civic in April. This auto giant isn’t messing around. Honda has yet to release an exact price, but Newfuturecars.com, a company that gathers information about upcoming vehicles, reports that the new Civic will be around $16,000. It’s a reasonable price for a classy car that will keep on going like the energizer bunny. Honda stated that they sold over 1.5 million eighth generation models since 2005. The old model also won both Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year” and the North American Car of the Year awards. Although it looks like the 2012 Civic has some big shoes to fill, there’s a good chance the new ninth generation will be dominating the streets soon.

ting where each table has its own candle. You’ll never be more than arm’s length away from that special someone, whether you’re sharing dessert or holding hands. Rodriguez adds little hints of his Spanish and Cuban origin into the dishes; whether it is little pieces of chorizo with your Scottish salmon, or chimichurri sauce on your steak. His most important kitchen rules are consistency and cleanliness. “Cook like you’re cooking for your mom,” Rodriguez

said. “I’ve had people come up to me after my day off on Sunday and tell me that the food tasted exactly the same as when I make it, which is what I train them for.” Rodriguez also helped Glynn design Dillon’s kitchen. They utilize a “scratch kitchen,” which means everything on the menu is prepared from scratch. From the barbecue sauce on the wings to the chocolate sauce on desserts, it’s all made in the kitchen. “The best raw ingredients will make the best finished result so we only get the best and offer it at a great price,” Rodriguez said. “Some restaurants use the same vendors we do and their dishes are several dollars more.” Dillon’s Publick House offers a small and well executed menu for a reasonable price. If you’re looking for something different than your average sports bar on a Friday night, check out Dillon’s Publick House where you will not be disappointed. And for any first-timers out there, Rodriguez recommends the spicy tuna pizza. For more information, visit www.dillonspubhouse.com or call (908) 233-2355.

beauty marked: beauty bag basics By cellestE valeanu

Glamour is simple and takes only five fundamental beauty bag basics to let your inner glamazon shine. A little bit goes a long way, so technique and knowledge are the tools that allow you to put your best face forward. It all begins with the perfect size bag, one that’s functional and practical for your pocket and handbag. Less is more so try searching for makeup bags at department stores like Target, Harmon discount beauty, and even the dollar store for trendy prints, and with more moolah to spend on your products. Here are a few must-haves for every beauty bag. Magic eraser - Concealing all our problem areas such as under eye, skin discoloration, and blemishes; the first and most vital step in creating a fresh face. Try a lightweight cover-up such as MAC Cosmetics Moisturecover Concealer ($16.50). Apply this product to the areas you would like to conceal by bouncing a dense fluffy brush to the area, then using circular motions to blend out. This will achieve an even skin tone throughout your face without burying it in product. Make sure you are using the proper color for your skin tone by making a simple trip to the makeup counter of your choice to help match you up. Bronze Goddess - As we spring into warmer weather, we have bronzer on the brain. The key to applying this product is strategically placing a powder that is a shade or two deeper than your natural skin tone to emphasize cheekbones. It adds a touch of sun kiss to the face when dusted through the hairline, cheeks, and jaw line. Linear Liner - To add a little character to the eyes, I highly recommend eyeliners in several colors; plums, greens, blues, and even brown. By lining the top lid of your eye, focusing on the outer corners and smudging the colored liner outward, it will

brighten and polish your look. Lush Lash - Find mascara you adore and pump up the volume and length to your lashes to add that extra oomph to your over-all look. Mascara creates a wider appearance to the eye along with depth.

“As we spring into warmer weather, we have bronzer on the brain.”

Photo: Celleste Valeanu

Beauty bag basics.

Getting Lippy - To finish off the look, you want the perfect nude color gloss or lipstick that slightly enhances your natural lip color. Try CoverGirl Natureluxe gloss balm ($6.49) found in most drugstores. Okay my glamazons, it’s time for embarrassing makeup confessions! “It was freshman year, I committed the crime that many of us commit of over plucking! I took a chunk of my brow out by mistake. I was so embarrassed, but luckily not too long after I found my new favorite love of the brow pencil and from then on left it to a professional for a trim,” says Caryn Golanka, senior B.F.A and concentration Photography . Up next month: Color me Spring, color trends coming up and Springtime cleaning: the shelf life in your makeup collection, what to keep and when to toss the monster in your mascara!

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

OCC Welcomes the “Gateway” By David Museliani

The ceremony proved to be an emotional moment for those in attendance. Dr. Dawood Farahi, President of Kean University, and Dr. Jon Larson, President of Ocean County College, as well as many others present, could not hide their enthusiasm and pride during the opening speeches. It was a day to remember- the beginnings of the newest addition to the Ocean County Campus. “We thank everyone who put their thoughts, finances and work in order for this to become a reality,” said Larson. The Gateway building will employ new faculty and allow students from Ocean County to reduce their commute and get a Bachelor or Masters Degree in their home county, according to Farahi’s speech during the ceremony.

The building is expected to be five stories high and an approximate total of 74,000 sq. ft. The Gateway building will host a 225-seat lecture hall, a 50-seat ob-

Photo: Jerilee Jeremiah

The West Indian Culture Club (WICC), the first all Caribbean club at Kean University, was started by club president Jerilee Jeremiah. This a non-funded organization started when Jeremiah, who has a Trinidadian background, was looking to join a culturally significant group on campus.

Club president, Jerilee Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was dissatisfied with Kean’s club selections and wanted to make a change. She created WICC, which seeks to aid any student who is eager to learn about West Indian culture or wants to join an organization on campus. “It’s our diversity that makes us unified as one people,” said Jeremiah. In hopes of gaining recognition, potential members, funds and respect in

ASIAN STUDIES

Drawing courtesy of: Ocean County College

Initial artist rendering of the proposed 74,000 sq. ft. Kean-Ocean Gateway building.

servation/meeting room and numerous classrooms, computer labs and administrative offices. In addition to the existing parking spac-

order to establish themselves and leave a legacy for future West Indian students at Kean, WICC has many events planned for the semester. On March 23, WICC will host “Pass the Plate,” an event that will allow those in attendance to learn about West Indian food. The event will have West Indian snacks, lunch and other dishes to teach students about the culture’s history.

“WICC represents the West Indian style because we are culturally inclined, and are forever working to keep the Caribbean spirit alive.” “WICC represents the West Indian style because we are culturally inclined and are forever working to keep the Caribbean spirit alive,” said Darren Appleton, the event coordinator of WICC. For more information contact Jerilee Jeremiah at www.facebook.com/keanwicc or attend one of their meetings, which are open to the public, in CAS 236 every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

(Continued from page 1)

the council of presidents, which is a formality, said Lender. Dr. Sue-Ellen Gronewold, chairperson of the history department who teaches courses on Asia, said that the program was strongly supported “because of the role of Asia in the world today. Most countries in Asia are hotspots.” “We want people to know what is happening now,” she said. “We are not talking about educating people about a world that might be, we are teaching people about a world that is. We need to educate so that America can be the kind of world leader that it has been.” Zheng, who understood this idea, enrolled in Kean when the university had just begun to offer Chinese language courses, and ended up studying the Chinese language at Beijing Language and Culture University, a prestigious

to work,” a friendly competition to see who could work the fastest, which Farahi led in. The event wrapped up with a small reception, where people celebrated this

“We thank everyone who put their thoughts, finances and work in order for this to become a reality.”

Club Offers a Little West Indian Flavor to Kean Campus By Ernst R. Constant

es in the area of the building, there will be a 1500-space parking garage that will rise to the same level as the Gateway building. Following the speeches was a tour of

university in China. Now, he speaks Mandarin Chinese. Learning an Asian language is just one of the many skills that the Asian Studies program hopes to teach, considering that Chinese (Mandarin) is the most spoken language in the world today, and most of the fastest growing economies in the world are located in Asia. Dr. Xurong Kong, professor of Classical Chinese Literature and one of the organizers of the program, said that “as a university that purports to offer a world-class education, it is important that Kean offers this program.” “In the future, I want the program to grow faster and become an independent unit outside of history with more students involved, and with one or two language instructors teaching languages like Chinese, Hindi, and Arabic,” Kong said.

the construction site, where Farahi and Larson, along with other members of the Ocean County Trustee board, grabbed shovels, put on safety helmets and “got

new creation that will soon be heavily under way. Once built, this facility will be at the highest point of all Ocean County and will begin a skyline from miles away.

The Tower | Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

Hungry Planet Features Eating Habits in Different Countries By Stephanie Musat

Rosemary Revis stood in her North Carolina home, posing for photographer Peter Menzel’s profile about what families eat in different countries. Revis, along with her husband and two kids, smiled next to a table piled with chips, Burger King and packaged foods. Her sons each held a pizza on their lap. Revis admitted to Menzel that her family is plagued by a fast food diet because she doesn’t have time to make a home cooked meal. Nine hundred miles away, Roman Costa’s diet is dictated by the Cuban government through ration cards. Costa gets one to two pounds of protein a month; coffee, chicken, sugar, bread or oil a month to feed himself and his wife and two kids. Most of the time it’s not enough to feed everyone so he has to go to expensive markets to provide for his family, he told Menzel. Menzel doesn’t make judgments about what lifestyle is better. Cuba isn’t better than the US and Mongolia isn’t better than Japan—it’s just different. These differences are the subject of Menzel’s exhibit “Hungry Planet, What the World Eats,” which is on display until Mar. 10 in the Karl and Helen Burger Art Gallery. Menzel profiled 13 families in 12 countries to see how families translate the

Asian Studies Kick-off Bash

“common language of food,” within the context of their traditions and customs, Menzel said. “It’s cool to see how everyone eats,” said Rachel Van Zueden, a senior Speech-Language-Hearing Science major. “It’s different than what I’m used to and I wonder if I could live how they eat.”

Photos: Stephanie Musat

Photographer Peter Menzel’s work on display at the Hungry Planet exhibition.

The exhibit features the US, Cuba, Greenland, Italy, Japan, Mali, Bhutan, Turkey, Boznia, Herzegovina, Mongolia and Ecuador. Menzel took pictures of families, with their week of groceries, to show the impact of poverty, conflict and globalization on a family’s eating habits. Marjory Arboleda, a senior International Business major, said there are differences in eating habits between the US

“It took us ten years, but we did it.” The audience enjoyed folkloric songs at the party, interpreted by Dr. Lily ChenHaftek of the Music Department and her daughters, Claire and Lucy Chen-Haftek, who were dressed in traditional Asian outfits. They sang the Chinese New Year song in honor of the Chinese New Year celebration. Tables surrounding the University Center welcomed students with earrings, key chains and other keepsakes they could purchase for $3. The event closed with attendees enjoying traditional Asian food such as sushi, eggrolls, fried rice, dumplings, and much more. For more information on the new Asian Studies program, see page 1.

with piles of cabbages and bananas meant to feed nine people. Potato soup with cabbage is usually what’s on the menu. According to the exhibit, the Ayme family spends $31.55 per week on groceries, compared to the Revis family from NC, which doles out $341.98 a week. Revis told Menzel that she wished she could focus on nutrition, but her kids love french fries and time constraints

make families resort to what Menzel calls, “good, bad and the ugly eating habits.” The exhibit stems from Menzel’s recent book, which focuses on 24 countries. His work has been featured on NPR, CNN and TIME magazine. “People have been very receptive to the exhibit,” said Diana Palermo, a gradu-

“There’s something bizarre about it. There’s a cow in a trash can—or the one with the bananas and the woman in full makeup. Every time I look at it, I see something different.” ate student in Fine Arts who works at the gallery. Palermo said she spent a lot of time looking at the photos, but the selection from Mongolia stands out most. “There’s something bizarre about it. There’s the cow in a trash can—or the one with the bananas and the woman in full makeup. Every time I look at it, I see something different,” said Palermo.

Unplugged: One Mic, One Stage, All Talent By celleste valeanu

By Ivana Garcia

A crowd of spectators attended the kickoff celebration on Feb. 10 in the University Center Atrium; an event that officially introduced the Asian Studies program as a new major for Kean University students. The event began with a few words from President Dawood Farahi and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Lender. It proceeded with brief introductions from the event coordinator, Dr. Maria Zamora, and remarks from the Asian Studies program faculty. “It took us ten years,” said Dr. Sue Gronewold, Director of the history department. “But we did it.” She spoke on the university’s dedication on developing “an Asian Studies degree program better than Seton Hall’s.” “Kean University is offering us this program so we could be part of the future,” said Matthew Molina, a student majoring in international business.

and her native Ecuador, which focuses on fresh food. “In Ecuador there is a focus on family and fresh food. The mother usually prepares it. Here in the US, everything is frozen,” said Arboleda. The Ayme family from Ecuador sat around four sacks of potatoes and rice

*Tap tap* “Ahem is this mic on?” As I arrived in the Cougar’s Den Café located in the University Center the dimmed lighting and bustle of preparation set the stage for the evening’s open mic performances. The café’s first ever Unplugged Open Mic Night, founded by Campus Life Ac-

den, who commanded the spotlight as she performed Me by Tamia. Next up, the jack of all trades Katie Pagan, co hostess of the open mic and seasoned poet, engaged the

tured off to various genres and made each song unique. An encore filled the air as they began playing another ditty, as if it were expected of the talent powerhouses.

“Unplugged seems to exude more of a coffee house ambiance.” tivities for Student Success (CLASS) and sponsored by the UC, made its debut on the evening of Feb.23. The open stage allowed students throughout campus to showcase and express their talents ranging from singing, instrumental, poetry and comedy. “In our previous open mic nights, usually held in the Little Theatre, students are familiar with a club atmosphere that offered upbeat dance music from the inhouse DJ, but Unplugged seems to exude more of a coffee house ambiance,” said Sandra Collins, who is part of the staff in charge of evening and weekend operation events for the UC. The night began with laughs as the first comedy act, Brandon Chen, made his way to the stage, followed by an exceptional acapella performance by Mamie McFad-

Photos: Celleste Valeanu

The band 216 performing during open mic night in the Cougar’s Den Café.

audience with her wise words about life. “Our style is all over the place, we do it all,” said Josh Weitz, bass player of the band 216, when he described the genre of the group of five roommates at Kean. The group performed live for the first time together that night and serenaded the audience with tunes by Alicia Keys, Portugal the Man, and Oasis. 216 ven-

If you dig the sweet strum of a guitar or hunger to perform in front of a live audience, then make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next Unplugged experience next semester, or regular Open Mic Night in April in the Little Theatre located in the UC.

“A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of life, by him who interests his heart in everything.” —Laurence Sterne

music

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A&E

American fiddlin’ comes to kean

By matthew marchesano

Violin maestro, Mark O’Connor, dazzled Kean’s Enlow Recital Hall on Sunday, Feb. 20. With some help from three enchanting female string players, his quartet performed their unique blend of classical ‘fusion’ music. O’Connor continues to be one of the world’s most in-demand violinists, having shared the stage and recorded albums of his own composition with modern cello virtuoso, Yo-Yo Ma, ‘Nashville sound’ guitarist, Chet Atkins, all-around banjo pundit, Bela Fleck, and modern jazz-trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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drama

attend the tale of sweeney todd By Casey murphy

What’s black and white and red all over? If you guessed the Department of Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd you guessed right. Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street opened on Feb. 25 in the Zella Fry Theater. This theater is known as a black box theater, because it is smaller than the regular proscenium theater, such as Wilkins. A show such as Sweeney Todd wouldn’t normally be performed in such a small space, but availability in Wilkins was scarce; therefore, Holly Logue, the Director of the production, didn’t have much choice. But if you asked any of the actors they would say that while the black box does have its disadvantages, overall the intimate space is ideal. “This show is so in your face; what better way than to perform in such an intimate location where there’s blood and gore and killing and screaming and yelling and crying and anger that I think the audience is in for a really great treat,” said Elio Lleo, who plays Judge Turpin in the production.

Photo: Patrick Getty

Sweeney Todd (Joey Morales) and Mrs. Lovett (Robyn Lee) plotting revenge.

Set designer, Nadine Charlsen, and costume designer, Karen Hart, use the artistic styles of Edward Gorey, an artist of macabre illustrations, to enhance the visual aspects of the production. Almost the entire set is a mixture of white and other pale colors with black lines; except, of course, for the red blood stains. Sweeney Todd was originally featured in Penny Dreadful, a British fiction publication, under the title The String of Pearls: A Romance. In 1973, Christopher Bond turned the stories into a play called Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and in 1979 the play became a musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. “Well I think it’s a great story,” said Tony Mowatt, who plays Pirelli in the production. “It’s funny and it’s sad and it’s gory and it’s got action. It’s not like one of those old time musicals where people sometimes go through snoresville. It’ll keep your attention; it’s different.” The production tells the story of Sweeney Todd’s revenge against Judge Turpin, who exiled Todd because he coveted Todd’s wife, Lucy. On returning to London and the street of his old home, he finds out that Lucy is dead and his daughter, Johanna, is being cared for by Judge Turpin. With help from his old neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, Todd will do anything to save his daughter, even if it means killing the people of London. “People go to see shows and movies to escape reality, and I think that if anything this is definitely one of the best ways to escape reality that there is,” said Michelle Prudente, the stage manager of Sweeney Todd. “Unless you’re always surrounded by death and barbers cutting people’s throats, but I don’t think most people are exposed to that every day.” The final performances of Sweeney Todd at Kean, on March 4 March 5 are sold out.

Photo: Markoconnor.com

Left to right: Mark O’Connor, Gillian Gallagher, Kelly Hall-Tompkins, and Patrice Jackson.

“A sense of rustic tradition traveled along through each piece, as if aided by a gentle breeze—a forward motion supplied by cooperative crescendos and hokey violin sweeps.” O’Connor’s discography is an eclectic one. This is mirrored in his unique playing style and his multi-faceted musical works, in which no other Grammy award-winning fiddler could substitute. This two-part jazz concert was colored with shades of bluegrass, chamber music, Americana folk and jazz. “They are a wonderful group; so vibrant and spontaneous,” described Paul McNamara, of Scotch Plains. O’Connor began by inviting his guest musicians on stage with him, one by one, to perform a duet piece. First, he called upon Patrice Jackson, a dynamic cello player who mainly utilized her bow, but intermittently used her fingertips to pluck notes and create a ‘walking’ bass line. They played “a classic hoedown” rendition, one that could be found on his Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer collaborative album, Appalachian Journey. Next, the viola player of the evening, Gillian Gallagher, was welcomed to the stage. Their piece was an excerpt of O’Connor’s interpretation of an Appalachian fiddle classic F.C.’s Jig. An up-beat number, this song had a natural quality, conjuring thoughts of sitting atop a foggy mountain range. The final introductory piece, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins was a violin duet. The two took turns carrying the melody, engaging a tandem musical relay race. When one led, the other supported with syncopated rhythms until the roles would switch again. Composed in 2005, these were Mark O’Connor’s re-interpretations of his earlier interpretations of American root music, such as his Poets and Prophets project with Roseanne Cash, a collaboration on Johnny Cash inspired tunes. Each piece the quartet performed was “each with a different folk-music vocabulary.” “The selected music was great and not one moment was boring,” said Rosena Julien, a Kean freshman and Biology major. Julien was interested in seeing O’Connor’s performance as a flutist, and her private music teacher had advised her to go. The second half, entitled ‘Old-Time,’ opened with a “right-on-the-spot,” improvisational solo by O’Connor. He then re-introduced his partners to the stage for a four-part finale. Fully-engaged in sight-reading from their music stands, the musicians occasionally made eye contact and shared a quick smile. “They were very clever in combining each instrument,” said Malcolm Hill, a Kean sophomore studying Psychology. The O’Connor quartet caters to not just classical music fans but to anyone who listens to American music. As he explained, many aspects of this ‘classical-bluegrass’ music paved the way for newer genres like blues, rock and roll, and even rap music! His entire body of work is definitely worth checking out and is a real treat to see live. For more information on all of O’Connor’s musical endeavors, log on to www.markoconnor.com.

BLACK AND WHITE: THE BEGINNING OR THE END FOR POKéMON? It’s only been a short year since I wrote about the latest Pokémon game available, but Nintendo is at it again with Pokémon Black and White, hitting the American market on March 6. With the grand total of Pokémon games now reaching 649, are we ready for another game or have we finally had enough? For me, I’m definitely ready for more. This fifth generation brings us to the Unova Region. While the previous regions (Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, Hoenn) were modeled after actual places in Japan, Unova brings us to a different area of the globe: New York City. There are several bits of inspiration from the Big Apple, but much of the region is based on Lower Manhattan.

By Eric albuen

mon exclusive to this feature. Unlike the other features previous games have had, this one takes it off the DS and on to your computer, as you’re able to interact with your Pokémon online through a website provided by Nintendo. Aside from new features added into Black and White, some graphical changes

Art: Nintendo

“With the grand total of Pokémon games now reaching 649, are we ready for another game or have we finally had enough?” Along with a new region to visit, the game introduces another 150 completely original Pokémon. There are no pre-evolutions or evolutions for existing Pokémon introduced in this game. So when players begin, they’ll be introduced to a whole new set of characters to catch and experience the game as if they were playing Pokémon Red and Blue for the first time back in 1998. Although the gameplay over the years has been tweaked, this game brings a new element to the battles this series is well known for. Players now have the option to partake in triple battles, which sends three of your six Pokémon into battle. This feature brings a more advanced level of strategy to the game, from positioning your team to who you send to fight, and plays a big role in the heat of battle. Another new feature of this game is its connectivity to Wi-Fi and ability to go into the Dream World. Every 24 hours, you can send one Pokémon from your team into the Dream World to collect various items in-game and capture different Poké-

Boxart for Pokémon Black and White.

have happened as well. Keeping the charming sprite look the game has held onto for years, they changed the 2D-plane and shifted into the next dimension giving the game a 3D-perspective it has never had before. Along with the over world changes the game presents, the Pokémon sprites themselves have become more dynamic; adding shadows and giving the Pokémon some life by always putting their sprites in motion during battles. While they’re small aesthetic changes, a simple change can make a world of difference. Come March 6, I could easily say I’m ready for another Pokémon game to hit the shelves. While they haven’t strayed too far from the core formula for years, the little additions they’ve made over have evolved into a simple RPG with deep aspects for the hardcore player.

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GAMES

FASHION a lA CARTE: CARROT JEANS, TROUSERS, & WEDGERS Fashion may change depending on the area you are in. I’m currently studying abroad in Europe, and so far it has proven to be a country full of stylish innovators. Whether walking through the halls of school, sightseeing around the

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fashion By ayana gibbs, reporting from ENGLAND

clude: carrot jeans, trousers, & wedges. The law of attraction has forced me on a hunt to find these pieces and share them with you. Carrot jeans are one of the biggest trends since the 80’s takeover. These

“Being a carbon copy of what you see in fashion magazines is never in style; let it influence you but be the originator.”

Photos: TopMan

Above, left to right: Carrot Top Jeans are adored by all in the UK; Trousers are versatile and can be dressed up or down; Like Cargo pants? Try them “Carrot Top” Style. Right: Ayana rocks printed trousers and Wedge heels.

city, or hitting up the club, most people seem to “dress to kill.” Image is everything. In only a few weeks time I’ve noticed cutting edge trends sported by the locals that in-

pants take blue jeans to another level, with an added “scrunchy” embellishment on the bottom. They can be worn with practically anything and add a hipster feel. There’s no gender discrimina-

Photo: Ayana Gibbs

tion; so, they are made for ladies as well as gents. Wear them with canvas style slip-on shoes; you’ll be relaxed as well as stylish. They don’t have to be skin-tight either, so give yourself room and, for a

lack of better words, “Let it hang.” Next, we have the trouser pants. These faithful steeds, which have always been fashionable, have revamped over time. They give you a taste of classiness; unless you prefer to wear them with sneakers. In that case, may the fashion fairy guide you on the right path. To get the European look, think tailored fit. For ladies, whether you’re in a skinny, harem, or wide leg cut, make sure the pants fit properly, and are not too snug on the hips. I do advise you to find a fit that accentuates your physique. Wear them with platform heels; skinny stilettos’ don’t do them justice. Always adored and praised for its comfort is the wedge heel. I love them because they give you height as well as that added -umph. Go wild and try them in different prints, colors, and textures. They seem to be a hit with the local scene, especially on cobble stoned streets. With any trend you decide to try, always add your personal flair and make it “yours.” Being a carbon copy of what you see in fashion magazines is never in style; let it influence you but be the originator.

CHECK OUT http://www.thevonimanaffair.com/ for more fashion looks, tips, and trend forecasting.

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

EDITORIAL GUNS ON CAMPUS: YAY OR NAY University of Texas in 1966. Columbine High School in 1999. Red Lake Senior High School in 2005. Amish school in 2006. Virginia Teach in 2007. Northern Illinois in 2008. These are only 6 of the 107 school shootings since 1966. I recently read an article published in The Huffington Post that Texas will soon be allowing students on college campuses to carry guns. They feel as though allowing students to carry weapons will eliminate school massacres, since students will now have the ability to fight back. With more than 500,000 students attending 38 public universities in Texas, the government feels as though the state is prime battleground for the issue and soon will be the second state to be given permission. Currently, Utah has passed a similar law and Colorado gives colleges the option. I’ve been toying with the idea for days now, following the story through major news outlets and weighing both sides of the spectrum. Should students be allowed to carry guns freely on college campuses? I’ll admit it, I get a little spooked when I hear a car backfire in the parking lot, or a loud boom when a machine drops something around campus; and surely I’m not the only one. Yes, maybe carrying a gun will help prevent a massacre from happening on campus. Students may feel more secure, knowing that at any moment, they can defend themselves against such a tragedy. With 10 or more students in one class room battling one gunman does sound like better odds, but, I can’t help but think about the other side of the argument. You can’t deny that some students will let that power go to their head, allowing them to use that gun at times when it’s not needed. Personally, I’d be afraid to get into an argument with any one, knowing that they have a firearm in their back pocket, pocketbook, or even strapped to their leg; who knows what a temper can do to a person. We aren’t allowed to have a cell phone in our class rooms, so what makes it ok to carry a gun? Rather than allowing more students to carry firearms on campuses, maybe the government should focus on how to eliminating them from campuses all together. The day a law is passed in New Jersey, in which a firearm becomes an accessory that you don’t leave the house without instead of a watch, will be the day that I stop my education. It’s not safe, it’s not smart, and it’s definitely not the solution.

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

The Tower Department of Communication Kean University Center for Academic Success 1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Telephone: (908) 737-0468; Fax: (908) 737-0465 Email: thetower@kean.edu; www.keantower.com

The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s print journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tower is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content. Editor-in-Chief Megan Muller Deputy & News Editor Rachel Rothspan Copy Editors Andrew Czirjak Laura Urban Sports Editor Matt Chin Arts and Entertainment Editor Casey Murphy Features Editor Charley Falkenburg Online Editor Stephanie Musat Faculty Adviser Pat Winters Lauro Business Manager Eileen Ruf Designer Stephanie Skirvin

What do you think? Post your own comment online at www.keantower.com

OP-ED PHANTOM PREGNANCY: I THINK I’M LOSING IT By MEGAN MULLER

I have diagnosed myself with a hysterical disorder. Are you ready for this? I am suffering; well I’m not sure if it’s suffering because it’s really not all that bad yet, from Couvade Syndrome. Yes, there is a technical term for this disorder. It’s better known as Sympathy Pregnancy. You know, this is when a guy gets his lady knocked up, and she makes him feel like scum until he feels how she feels. One of my best friends, whose name I will keep anonymous, is pregnant and due very soon. Her baby’s father is in and out of the picture. Therefore, she and I spend just about every day together. When she eats, I eat. When she has gas, I have gas. When she wants to sleep, my eyes get heavy. When she shops for bigger clothes, I do too (well because I eat when she eats and pregnant people eat a lot!).

I find myself having trouble sucking in my stomach. I weigh myself every morning, which I know is not good to do, but I do what I want, and the scale stays the same; but I feel like I’m blowing up.

“I eat when she eats and pregnant people eat a lot.” I know; it’s crazy. Maybe I feel like I need to stand in for the missing half of her parental pair, but if I start having contractions when she does, I’m going to need everyone’s assistance in finding a therapist. For real! One good thing about experiencing this crazy disorder is that at the end of her pregnancy (and my phantom pregnancy), I will not be the one who has to deal with sleepless nights, screaming babies and dirty diapers.

Staff Eric Albuen Ernst Constant Daniel Dolocheck Andrea Edwards Samantha Fellers Ana Ferrer Francesca Figalo Ayana Gibbs DJ Jean Arkor Kolubah Brian Konchalski Matt Marchesano Gabrielle Matarazzo Pamela Mata Danielle McFadden Tom McWatters Nicole Marie Padinha David Museliani Darien Evans-Raines Jaclyn Tuman Christine Valdez Celleste Valeanu

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.

Display and classified advertising Deadline for space reservations for display advertising is two weeks before the publication date. Ads submitted after that may be used on a space-available basis. All ads are run-of-the-paper unless an extra fee is collected for a paid position. Deadline for art work and copy is one week before the publication date. Classified advertising can be submitted up to the Thursday before publication as long as the payment is made at the same time. Call (908) 737-0461 or email thetower@kean.edu for a rate card.

Tower publication schedule SPRING 2011: Feb. 10, March 3, March 31, April 28.

Enjoy Spring Break!

“The central task of education is to implant a will and facility for learning; it should produce not learned but learning people. The truly human society is a learning society, where grandparents, parents, and children are students together.”—Eric Hoffer

The Tower | Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

Comic’s Corner: Jim Gaffigan Makes Comedy Relatable By Thomas McWatters

You may be wondering where you can get a good laugh without all that nasty cursing. Jim Gaffigan is one of today’s smartest comedians. Underneath his neon white exterior lays a humorous perspective on pop culture, marriage and everyday life. Gaffigan’s standup consists of mainly sarcasm, observational comedy and satire. This guy works clean, so don’t worry, your sensitive ears are safe. “Cake is truly a symbol of gluttony,” said Gaffigan in his 2006 standup special, Beyond the Pale. “If you eat a whole pizza, people are like, ‘Boy, you were hungry.’ You eat a whole cake people are like, ‘You got a problem.’” Gaffigan has a pretty respectable resumé. Like most stand ups, he is also an accomplished actor. He has had guest spots

Show” and “Law & Order.” He was also in a few hit comedy films like “Away We Go” and “17 Again.” Gaffigan is getting his face out there, which is the best thing for a comedian.

“He’s a lot like Jerry Seinfeld, if you dipped him in WHite-Out.”

Photo: Jim Gaffigan

Comedian Jim Gaffigan.

in several TV shows, such as “That 70’s

This guy, however, really shines in his standup comedy. If you’re into comics that keep it real and to the point, Gaffigan is the way to go. Most comics rip on how we are all different, but Gaffigan’s material is relatable. He’s a lot like Jerry Seinfeld, if you dipped him in Wite-Out. In Gaffigan’s comedy special Beyond the Pale, he talks a lot about food—an easily

relatable topic. Food itself isn’t funny, but he makes it incredibly entertaining. His standup comedy special King Baby in 2009 does not disappoint either. He talked about how the camping experience is not for “happy campers.” Gaffigan also jokes about laziness. He almost makes you want to jump off a treadmill and into a beanbag chair. And there’s always room for seconds since Gaffigan’s comedy bits on food are just as appetizing. I recommend checking him out first on YouTube or other websites in order to get a sense of his humor. Gaffigan also has a website you can visit at www.jimgaffigan. com; it has all you would want to know about him and more. Comic’s Corner gives Jim Gaffigan a 9 out of 10.

HEALTH & FITNESS EXERCISE, FITNESS AND HEALTH MYTHS By DR. JOSH PALGI

Many people, young and old, are either sedentary or minimally active. Often confusion and lack of information may keep many from getting back on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Many people get frustrated and give up before they reach their goals. Why? Because there are a lot of myths about fitness, exercise, and workouts. One reason myths get started is that we all react to exercise and diet a little differently. So what is true for one person may not be true for another. To help put everybody on the path to a healthier, safer, and more enjoyable workout, here are some of the fitness myths or misconceptions: MYTH: Exercise must be vigorous to achieve weight loss. FACT: Any exercise, regardless of how vigorous it is, can increase your daily caloric expenditure. Combined with a sensible eating plan, even moderate exercise like walking may help weight loss or weight control, if done on a consistent basis. MYTH: If you exercise, you can eat all you want and still lose weight. FACT: This is not necessarily true. If you are consistently taking in more calories than you expend, you will not lose weight. Individual metabolic rate, activity level, heredity, and type of diet can all be important variables in the matter of weight control. MYTH: Abdominal exercises like trunk

SNOW

curls and sit-ups will trim the fat off your stomach FACT: Spot reduction, or burning fat off just select body parts, is not possible. Fat cannot be burned off in a specific area. These exercises serve only to work the muscles that are underneath the fat. Fat is burned off from the entire body at the same rate. MYTH: A woman will get muscles as big as a guy if she lifts heavier weights FACT: A woman has approximately one third of the testosterone of a man. Unless she is on anabolic steroids, growth hormone or other enhancing drugs, a woman will never achieve the muscular size of a man. However, she can get a degree of muscularity that makes her lean, toned and tight.

“Regular exercise and sound nutritional habits go handin-hand.”

MYTH: If you exercise daily, you don’t have to watch what you eat. FACT: Even if you exercise regularly, you should still keep track of how much and what types of foods you’re eating. Regular exercise and sound nutritional habits go hand-in-hand. Without one, the other has a limited effect. MYTH: You’ll lose weight if you don’t eat after 8p.m. FACT: Weight gain is dependent on caloric intake and caloric expenditure it is not about when you eat but what and how much. Eating after a certain time at night won’t make you gain weight if you haven’t met your caloric intake for the day. However if you eat more calories than you expend in the day, then it could lead to weight gain – regardless of whether the calories come from breakfast, lunch or a late night snack. MYTH: Home workouts are fine, but going to the gym is the best way to get fit. FACT: Research has shown that some people find it easier to stick to a homebased fitness programs. In spite of all the hype on exercise programs and facilities, the “best” program for you is the one that you will participate in consistently.

MYTH: Running on the treadmill is less stressful on your knees than pavement. FACT: Running is a great way to exercise, but it can impact your knees no MYTH: The more you exercise the more matter what kind of surface you run on. If you’re worried about causing stress to protein you need for energy. FACT: Of the three major nutrients: your knees, vary your workout. Mix it up by testing the elliptical machine, riding a protein, carbohydrates and fat, protein is the least efficient energy source. Carbike, or going for a swim.

MYTH: Pasta and bread are fattening. FACT: Anything is fattening! Bread and pasta are actually great sources of complex carbohydrates! The key is how much you eat and when you eat it. And the myth we all know very well, “No Pain, No Gain.” Yes, the fact is that exercise should never hurt. Soreness is not unusual when you start an exercise program, but your body acclimates quickly and soreness should be less of a problem as your muscles adapt. Warming up and stretching before and after exercising should help. There is a difference between soreness and pain. Pain is a sign that you are doing something wrong. If you are experiencing pain, you are either exercising at too great of an intensity or using improper form. Don’t ignore it—find out what you’re doing that’s causing the pain and give the body a chance to recover. • • • •

www.healthfinder.gov www.healthypeople.gov www.wonder.cdc.gov/data2010 www.odphp.osophs.dhhs.gov

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

P.I.E.

(Continued from page 1)

to allow yourself more time to reach campus,” said Diana Marchese, a senior majoring in English. But for Nicholas Fragale, a junior majoring in Communication, snow is beautiful and when it falls, it makes the world look pure. “I love the snow. I grew up skiing, so every winter season I wait for the first snow fall,” said Fragale. Snow may be beautiful, but too much of it can lead to problems. At Kean, parking has been more difficult due to heavy snow accumulation. Students were told through e-mail messages to either carpool or use NJ Transit, due to the lack of park-

bohydrates are the best source of muscle energy followed by fat. The body tries to spare protein for tissue maintenance and repair functions.

ing spots. “Kean already has parking issues, and the snow made it worse. I think that was a good thing to do. It’s either that or cancel classes,” said Lokuta. Seth Docherty, a senior majoring in Meteorology, sees the message as an alternative to the parking problem. “I think it’s a smart idea to give students options. Students should use their best judgments in coming to school in weather like this,” said Docherty. But not everyone reacted to the message in the same way. “I feel that’s masking the problem because college students have busy lives and they rely on their normal

means of transportation,” said Fragale. The snow made life on campus more difficult, but Kean did not cease to maintain the campus a safe environment for students and faculty members. “They are doing the best they can do. They are keeping the sidewalks clean,” said Docherty. Winter is almost over, and spring is breaking free from its grasp, leaving the ground cleaner and greener. But it’s good to know that the snow that came will not be soon forgotten, and that Kean will do its part to help make the campus safer in the event of more.

(Continued from page 1)

so fast that they can’t wait until they meet again,” said Markowitz. If you are interested, the next Partners in English meeting will take place on March 4, at 11:30AM in the Library. Students who participate receive co-curricular credit.

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

From “Blackout in a Can” to Cannabis in a Bottle By D.J. Jean

A drink that may soon face as much controversy as “Four Loko” once did is a line of soft drinks called “Canna Cola.” The beverage is a pot smoker’s dream made reality, “marijuana in a bottle.” The Mary-Jane infused beverages do not necessarily contain marijuana, but an active ingredient within cannabis known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a substance that provides the “high” circumscribed to the organic plant. The drinks contain 35 to 65 milligrams of THC, reportedly less than other “soda pot” that’s in the market, according to Scott Riddell, founder of Diavolo Brands, in a press release. The brainchild behind “Canna Cola” is Soquel, California based commercial artist, Clay Butler. Butler has teamed up with Diavolo Brands in marketing “Canna Cola.” Even though the soda is not the first of its kind, Butler believes it will be distinguished from its predecessors, due to its variety of uniquely named flavors

and branding. “You look at all the marijuana products out there, and they are so mom-and-pop, hippie-dippy and rinky-dink,” Butler said in the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Each of these psychoactive elixirs is meant to mimic classic flavors of soda. “Doc Weed” is said to be inspired by Dr. Pepper® and “Canna Cola” is similar to

“You look at all the marijuana products out there, and they are so mom-and-pop, hippie-dippy and rinky-dink.” Photo: cannacola

“Canna Cola” comes in a 12-ounce bottle, retailing from $10-15 with consumers being able to choose from “Doc Weed,” “Sour Diesel,” “Grape Ape,” “Orange Kush,” and “Canna Cola,” sharing the namesake of the soda pot line. The soda bottles are imbued with a signature carbonated marijuana leaf and illustrations idiosyncratic to each flavor.

Canna Cola line of drinks.

Coke®, which once contained cocaine derived from coca leaf. Here’s the kicker, the product is strictly for medical marijuana users and for the moment, being distributed at medical dispensaries in Colorado. The makers hope to introduce it to California dispensaries by spring 2011.

As far as what the future may hold for “Canna Cola”, according to www.aolnews. com, Butler says if all 50 states allow medical marijuana, he aspires for the brand to attract giant conglomerates like Coca-Cola® or Pepsi®. Currently, medical marijuana is legal in Washington, D.C. and 15 states. New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal use and one of the few that reside on the East Coast. Former Governor Jon S. Corzine signed the measure into law before his departure of office a year ago. The irony of all this, is Butler has not even lit up a cigarette. “I don’t do drugs,” said Butler in the Sentinel. “Never have. I never drank, never smoked. I’m a clean-living guy. I’ve had two beers in my whole life, and I remember them both too. No marijuana, I’ve never smoked a cigarette. I take an aspirin when I get a headache. That’s it.” Check out “Canna Cola” at www.drinkcannacola.com.

KEAN STAGES: 3/3 5:00 pm 8:00 pm 3/4 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 3/5 2:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 3/6 3:00 pm

Sweeney Todd, Zella Fry Theatre VE 118 Duos for Violin & Cello, Kean Hall New Shanghai Circus, Wilkins Theatre Sweeney Todd, Zella Fry Theatre VE 118 Sweeney Todd, Zella Fry Theatre VE 118 China Traditional Orchestra Anhui, Enlow Recital Hall Sweeney Todd, Zella Fry Theatre VE 118 Pedro Javier Gonzalez Presented in Association with Teatro Si, Enlow Recital Hall

3/10 3/19

8:00 pm 7:30 pm

3/24 8:00 pm 3/30 12:00 pm 8:00pm

The Jazz Club, Little Theatre Moscow Festival Ballets: Sleeping Beauty, Wilkins Theatre Rigoletto, Enlow Recital Hall A Midsummer Nights Dream, Little Theatre A Midsummer Nights Dream, Little Theatre

ACADEMIC CALENDAR: 3/3 3/4

GPSC Elections, UC 340 4:00 pm Student Org. Council Meeting, UC 228 6:30 pm Graduate & Part Time Student Council Meeting, UC 337 3/5 9:00 am Cartoons & Breakfast, UC Atrium 11:00 am Community Foodbank of New Jersey 3/6 11:00 am Bodies The Exhibition 3/7 3:30 pm Greek Senate Meeting, Greek Lounge 3/8 1:00 pm Operation Smile Bake Sale, Hennings Hall Lobby 3:30 pm ADHD Awareness, Little Theatre 3:30 pm Choose A Major Day, CAS Lobby 3:30 pm Taylor Financial Corporation hosted by Accounting Club, Hutchinson 139 5:45 pm Cheshire Home in Florham, NJ Hosted by Circle K international 3/9 10:00 am The Cougar Fair, UC Atrium 3/12 10:00 am St. Patrick’s Day Craft Workshop, Liberty Hall Museum 3/16 10:00 am The Cougar Fair 3/18 10:00 am Garden State GreenFest 2011, Harwood Arena

3/19 10:00 am 3/20 10:00 am 3/21 3:30 pm 3/22 3:30 pm 3/23 10:00 am 3/24 3:00 pm

Garden State GreenFest 2011, Harwood Arena Garden State GreenFest 2011, Harwood Arena Greek Senate Meeting, Greek Lounge Accounting Club Meeting, Hutchinson 139 The Cougar Fair Student Government Grab and Go: Snacks & Information, Vaughn-Eames Lobby 6:00 pm Unity Week Concert, Wilkins Theatre 3/25 4:00 pm Student Org. Student Council Meeting, UC 228 3/28 8:00 pm Cougar Café, Cougars Den 3/29 1:00-2:00pm Blood Drive, UC 228 3:30 pm Circle K International, CAS 238 3:30 pm Psychology Club Meeting, UC 337B 5:45 pm Cheshire Home Florham, NJ Hosted by Circle K International 3/30 10:00 am The Cougar Fair, UC Atrium

SPORTS CALENDAR: 3/3 2:30 pm 3/4 3:00 pm 3/5 1:00 pm 3/6 1:00 pm 3/9 7:30 pm 3/11 4:00 pm 3/12 1:00 pm 3/16 7:00 pm 3/19 1:00 pm

Men’s Baseball vs. DeSales University Men’s Baseball vs. Franklin & Marshall College Men’s Lacrosse vs. Vassar College Men’s Baseball vs. The College at Brockport Men’s Volleyball vs. New Jersey Institute of Technology Women’s Lacrosse vs. The College of New Jersey Men’s Lacrosse vs. Western Connecticut St. University Men’s Lacrosse vs. Immaculata University Men’s Lacrosse vs. The College at Brockport

3/20 1:00 pm 3/22 3:00 pm 3/24 3:00 pm 3/26 1:00 pm 4:00 pm 3/29 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 3/30 3:30 pm

Men’s Baseball vs. Keystone College Men’s Baseball vs. SUNY College at Old Westbury Softball vs. Moravian College Women’s Lacrosse vs. Mt. St. Mary College (NY) Men’s Lacrosse vs. College of Mt. St. Vincent Men’s Baseball vs. FDU-Florham Women’s Lacrosse vs. Montclair State University Men’s Baseball vs. Alvernia University

The Tower | Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

SPORTS Former sports editor first woman to win sports writing award By Danielle McFadden

The New Jersey Sports Writing Association awards a scholarship to residents of NJ that major in journalism each year. This year, Nicole Von Gonten, sports writer and former sports Editor for The Tower, became the first woman to win the award. Born in Sayreville, New Jersey, Von Gonten has big dreams for her career in sports writing. Awarded $1,000 from NJSWA, Von Gonten had a lot of inspiration right on her home court at Kean University. “I heard about the scholarship from Jerry Carino, who is an adjunct professor at Kean; he teaches the sports writing class,” said Von Gonten. “When he is not teaching at Kean his full time job is with the Home News Tribune where he covers a variety of high school sports and Rutgers football and men’s basketball. He is the Vice President of the Association and he said he thought it would be good if I put in for it.” Each year, the NJSWA inducts athletes, coaches and sports celebrities from NJ into its Hall of Fame. They also present them with awards. Von Gonten filled out her application associated with the scholarship, wrote an essay and submitted three samples of work.

“Taking all of the journalism classes at Kean has definitely helped me along the way and so have the professors. Learning

journalist. Being on The Tower for three and a half years taught me many things about being out in the world.”

career with her. She anticipates graduation in May 2011, and has already applied to graduate school. However, if graduate school does not prove to be in her near future, she hopes to find a job where she can continue sports writing. “To me there is nothing greater than a sports story because on any given night

“This scholarship makes me appreciate sports and journalism more so because it has given me extra confidence to become a sports journalist”

Photo: Nicole Von Gonten

Nicole with Ike Davis at Citi Field.

the skills in the classroom is always good,” said Von Gonten. “The Tower also played a big role in helping me become a better

Von Gonten continues to progress as a writer and a reporter, taking the skills she’s learned throughout her academic

there will always be a winner and a loser. My appreciation for journalism has grown from the time I was in high school until now,” said Von Gonten. “I have realized how hard it actually is to be a journalist and just how much work goes into each and every story you do. This scholarship makes me appreciate sports and journalism more so because it has given me extra confidence to become a sports journalist.”

The Mets and Yankees Season Preview By Darien Evans-Raines

It’s that time of year again. Baseball is back in season. With the pitchers and catchers ready, it’s time to preview the Mets and Yankees. New York Mets 2011 Season Preview Coming into last season the “Amazings,” looked like Wild Card contenders with the acquisition of Jason Bay and Rod Barajas. They just needed Jose Reyes to stay healthy and come back to his 2008 form. But things did not go their way as the Mets suffered a second consecutive losing season. There were a few bright spots that occurred which will give the Mets something to look forward for upcoming season and the future. Starting Rotation: Speaking of bright spots most of them came from the starting rotation. With Mike Pelfrey aka “Big Pelf” emerging as a clear cut number two, a rebirth of R.A. Dickey’s career, and impressive pitching by a young Jon Niese, the Mets have some good pieces in the rotation. Going into the 2011 season they will be without Johan Santana for most of the season because of a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder. The rotation will need to come together until at least June or July when Johan is expected back. Bullpen: Bullpen is one of the most unpredictable units on a baseball team. You never know who will perform or have their career season. But there are a few bullpen pitchers who are consistent and the Mets have lost one of them. Pedro Feliciano was taken away by the Yankees in free agency. That is a huge blow. Oliver Perez should never have another chance at any position on the Mets, but they still don’t want to cut bait with him. The good news is that this spring training is his last chance to prove himself. Bobby Parnell, and Pat Misch need to step up as righty and lefty pitching relief. The Mets bullpen will be a

huge unknown of who will step up to get to K-Rod. Infield: For the Mets, this position and the next is the key to their success. A huge problem last season was injuries and underperformance. Jose Reyes needs to stay healthy, Ike Davis needs to continue to grow, Luis Castillo must perform in spring training or he’s gone. David Wright needs a repeat performance of last season. Those are a lot of needs for the infield. Luis Castillo was abysmal and quickly gave the chance to Reuben Tejada at Second Base. Daniel Murphy is the second basemen who will most likely take over since he is finally healthy. His bat will be much needed in the back end of the lineup. Outfield: If the outfield was graded by name recognition the Mets would be formidable with Carlos Beltran, Jason Bay and fan favorite Angel Pagan. But Beltran and Bay disappointed last season. Beltran should come back strong if he stays healthy since he is playing for a new contract. If Beltran performs he will get a new contract or be used as key trade bait. Prediction: Of course the Mets have to make acquisitions and they most likely will in the pitching area. With all that is going on outside of the baseball diamond the Mets will need to come together for a bounce back season with a lot of questions that need to be answered. I see them withstanding the storm without Johan and making the Wild Card at 89-73. New York Yankees 2011 Season Preview Going into the off-season everyone thought getting Cliff Lee was guaranteed because in all seriousness it’s the Yankees. There was no way he was going to say no to all the money the Yankees were going to throw at him. But he followed his heart and chose the Phillies, which shocked all the Yankee faithful. Without an all-star starting rotation free agency pickup the Yankees settled with Rafael Soriano, for-

mer Met left-handed reliever Pedro Feliciano, and Russel Martin. Starting Rotation: Looking at their rotation right now it does not look great. The most reliable pitchers are C.C. Sabathia and Phil Hughes. Once you get to the rest of the rotation it is very unpredictable especially starting with A.J. Burnett. Who

dominant bullpen. Infield: It’s the same cast and characters for their infield. Robinson Cano will have another MVP caliber campaign and won’t be robbed this time. With Jeter another year older hopefully his high fielding percentage stays the same at 98.6 percent and only six errors.

The Bronx Bombers and the Amazings are ready to start the season.

had 10 wins 15 losses and a 5.26 era. To finish the rotation as the fourth starter is Ivan Nova. Sergio Mitre is the fifth. Both of them are unproven as starting pitchers. But don’t worry, this won’t be the starting five rotation for long. This gives Joba another chance as a starter and there have been talks about the Yanks acquiring Francisco Liriano from the Minnesota Twins. So as usual, the Yankees will pay to improve their team. Bullpen: This is where they improved a lot with an 8th inning guy in Rafael Soriano and Pedro Feliciano, the lefty specialist. The bullpen will save and pick up the slack of their starters if they need to. But going by the Yankees explosive offense it’s the perfect compliment their rotation and

Outfield: Curtis Granderson never got comfortable for a long stretch of time during last season as a Yankee. Even though he hit 24 Hr’s, Curtis only averaged .247. Their fielding in the outfield is very good with the only weak link being Nick Swisher, but he improved and has been a perfect fit for the Yankees. Prediction: With a much improved rival in Boston the Yankees have some obstacles to get by with their young back of the rotation starting pitching. It won’t be Yankees at the top of the American League East all season. Once the Yankees make their key acquisitions which they will, I see them squeaking by Boston and winning the AL East crown with a 99-63 record.

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

CAMPUS SPORTS Sports profile: rising star, emily cristaldi By Daniel dolocheck

Emily Cristaldi, a freshman at Kean, was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week on Feb. 7, after averaging 12.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, in which her team went 1-1 during a week of conference play. This is the third time that Cristaldi has been named the NJAC Rookie of the Week. Cristaldi currently leads all league freshmen in scoring and ranks 15th in the NJAC with an average of 11.4 points per game. This isn’t the first time Cristaldi has been honored for her spectacular play on the court. Cristaldi grew up in Summit and played basketball at Summit High School. There, she scored over 1000 points, played in the North/South NJ all-star game and earned all-county, all-conference and all-state honors. Cristaldi admitted that she didn’t think about playing college ball until her sophomore year in high school. Cristaldi’s skills on the floor can be attributed to a strong work ethic from a young age. “I pretty much taught myself; obviously

Amateur Athletic Union coaches, Anucha Sanders and John Griff. “They really made me see the sport as more than just basketball,” said Cristaldi. Cristaldi described her game on the court as “fast paced,” which meshes well

“It’s not easy to be a freshman on a veteran team and find a niche.”

Photo: Kean Athletics

Freshman Emily Cristaldi.

my middle school and high school coaches helped, but I pretty much took an interest in it from a young age,” said Cristaldi. Her greatest influences were her early

Kean Sports Marketing Class Teams up with Lakewood BlueClaws for Good Cause.

GO COUGARS!

The sports marketing class at Kean University has teamed up with the Lakewood BlueClaws, the Single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, to create Kean University Day on April 30, 2011.

INSTANT

s y a d n o i s i dec NEW JERS

IT Y S R E V I N U Y EY CIT

with the Kean woman’s basketball team because that is the style that they play. As for the game itself, Cristaldi loves the physicality that you don’t find in many other sports, but admits that it’s the part of her game that needs the most work. “The physical aspect, like rebounding and defense, because the girls in college are much bigger than those in high school,” said Cristaldi, when describing the part of her game she needs to work on. “Especially at my height, I need to work to get a little tougher.”

Head coach, Michele Sharp, praised her young star by saying that Cristaldi is a team player and has done a tremendous job as a freshman on her squad. “It’s not easy to be a freshman on a veteran team and find a niche,” said Sharp. “She’s a good kid who does the right things. She is respectful, has goals and the aspirations to achieve them.” Coach Sharp added that it’s Cristaldi’s defense that has improved the most since working with her. Cristaldi has been greatly influenced off the court by attending the Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp and helping others who are less fortunate because it really made her understand how she lucky she is. Emily is currently studying business marketing and hopes to keep excelling in the classroom and on the court. In the future, Emily’s goals include having a successful career and eventually starting a family.

ave

efore you le b r e w s n a ith an r yourself w e n fee! w o p m e applicatio 0 5 $ r u o Attend and y ive d we’ll wa campus an

The two have teamed up to sponsor this day at First Energy Field in Lakewood and also, to create a fundraiser for Camp Happy Times. Camp Happy Times is a one week camp for children ages 5-21 who have or had cancer. Tickets are available for the game and vary in prices from $10-$20. Proceeds from the tickets will be going towards Camp Happy Time. For additional information, purchase tickets, or contact us please email us at: KU4ValFund@gmail.com

TRANSFER TUESDAYS March 22, April 5 & 26 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Transfer students must bring to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (Hepburn Hall, Room 207): Official transcripts from all colleges attended, completed application and an essay. All transfer students must have earned a minimum of 12 college credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

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The Tower | Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011

CAMPUS SPORTS

Cougars’ Family Keeps Growing By Christine Valdez

The Kean Cougars’ family continues to grow every day. Not only is the university population increasing, but so are the athletics with its latest additions. Recently, the newest trend in the athletics department has been the adoption of young children through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ), a group that matches children with pediatric brain tumors with high school and college sports teams. The first team to participate in this foundation was the football team; the team adopted Tommy Frankel last spring. The Cougars softball team has also adopted a child from the Safe On the Sidelines Program, the sibling program to the Friends of Jaclyn. This past December, the women’s soccer team joined in on the tradition and adopted a girl from FOJ, Ashley Torbic. Torbic, a seven-year-old girl, became the newest addition to Kean’s women’s soccer team through the FOJ program. Torbic was introduced to the team in December, in a ceremony where she was presented with her very own Kean jersey. According to Women’s soccer Coach Brian Doherty, the adoption idea came from the ladies themselves. “The team asked me if we could do it and I said yes,” said Doherty. “It started with the football team first. We saw it and went

to the adoption, and the girls loved it.” According to Doherty, the program is a good way to keep the morale up for all the families in the FOJ program. He believes that it is a good way for the students and all team members to learn more about other people’s struggles in life.

to learn how to appreciate life a lot more. It’s also an opportunity to make a child’s life better. “The first time I met the family, the mom told me she hasn’t seen him that happy in years,” said Garret. “The only time they’ve seen him that happy and out

program is a great way to learn how to appreciate things in life. “I think it’s a great program for everybody,” said Doherty. “Our team gets a lot out of it because they see the struggles other people go through, and it makes you very thankful for what you have.”

“The only time they’ve seen him that happy and out of his shell was when they took him to Disney world. the mom actually compared us to Disney.”

Photo: Kean Athletics

Soccer team poses with their adoptee Ashley Torbic.

According to football coach, Dan Garrett, it was an honor to be the first team at Kean to start this new tradition within the department. When the football team adopted Tommy Frankel last spring, they did it for the child; so the team could inspire him and for Tommy to inspire the team. Garrett believes that it’s an opportunity

of his shell was when they took him to Disney world. The mom actually compared us to Disney.” Coach Garrett says that it is amazing to see a group of guys, between the ages of 18 and 21, dedicate their time and surround a child with so much love. Meanwhile, Doherty believes that the

So far two of Kean’s athletic teams have adopted from the Friends of Jaclyn program. Both teams and their siblings participate in activities, such as attend sporting events, pumpkin painting, and playing video games such as Wii. These activities allow the children to interact with other children and learn more about the sports teams. “We are going to start more of our activities with the soccer team,” said Garrett. “In the fall we had activities with the softball team since they adopted Tommy’s sister, we are trying to do more activities all together.”

A Foundation for a Head Coach and a Team’s Success By Matt Chin

Family is an essential part of life. They may not always be pleasant, but they are there to teach the hardest lessons in life. They teach the hardest lessons to their children, like a lion teaching their cub how to hunt, because no one else will take the time to do it. Kean University baseball coach Neil Ioviero had a family like that. Neil’s father coached him in baseball as a kid. He demanded that Neil work harder than everyone else on the team. He didn’t take it easy on his son. “The people I’ve been around my whole life have been very disciplined from my grandfather, to my father, to my coaches in high school and college,” said Ioviero. That discipline, instilled in him by his father, is part of the reason Neil succeeded as a head coach at Kean. Like his father, Neil worked with his team to instill in them that very same discipline he learned from his father. As a kid growing up, pitching in baseball happened to be the sport he was best at. But he enjoyed playing basketball the most. He played one on one against his younger brother, Jamie, who is the infield coach for Kean, quite often. And because Neil is five years Jamie’s senior, Neil dominated Jamie as kids. “He was always older, bigger, and stron-

ger, but I was always more athletic. I was faster and able to jump higher,” said Jamie. Eventually Jamie grew, and he was finally able to match his size to his athletic ability. One of his goals was to finally beat his older brother in basketball. Similarly, one of Neil’s goals was to beat his father in basketball, said Jamie. Since Neil’s father coached him, and he played basketball against his father and brother, Neil gained a better sense of family. And perhaps it was that familial spirit that also lent itself to Neil being a successful head coach. “The biggest thing we strive for here, for the players, is the family type atmosphere. It’s a big deal when Kean plays for the Ioviero family. We try to bring that over to the team and make it a family type atmosphere,” said Jamie. Like each member of the Ioviero family playing games of basketball together and enjoying the competitive spirit, Neil brought that same philosophy to the baseball team. Since 1970, seven different head coaches led the baseball team at Kean University. Of those seven different managers, Neil is currently second on the career wins list. He recently eclipsed 400 career wins with a win over the College of Mt. St. Vincent. His unique philosophy regarding practice could be a reason why.

“When you come to practice, come to practice like you’re the worst player on earth. You’re coming to practice humble, you’re coming to practice hungry, you’re

“That discipline, instilled in him by his father, is part of the reason Neil succeeded as a head coach at Kean.” coming to practice feeling that you have to get better,” said Ioviero. “And then when we play, no matter who we play, no matter the odds, we want to play like we’re the best.” Ioviero learned to practice and prepare this way from not only his father, but during a few summers spent at a baseball camp run by former New York Mets player Ron Hunt. “He was one of the toughest human beings I’ve ever known,” said Ioviero. It also may be part of why Neil recently received the Ralph DiLullo Memorial Award. The award, given to him by the New York Professional Baseball Hot Stove League, commemorates service to baseball at the collegiate level. Neil always expected to win. As a kid and a coach, he put a lot of time in to winning games. When Neil’s teams lost, it shocked him, said Neil.

Photo: Matt Chin

Ioviero at a baseball practice .

However in 2007, it all came together when Neil and Jamie, two brothers coaching a baseball team, won the Division III World Series. “We try to bring that over to the team and make it a family type atmosphere,” said Jamie. Because at the end of the day you’re always going to be there for your family, go to bat for them and do anything to try to help them. And that’s what we try to provide and a big reason for our success.”

“Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations. All this is put in your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children.”—Albert Einstein

Mar. 3, 2011 - Mar. 30, 2011 | The Tower

SPORTS

Will There be NFL Football Next Season?

TEAM DOLOCHECK

TEAM CHIN

Daniel Dolocheck

Gordon Gekko of the film, Wall Street once said, “Greed is good.” I think NFL players really took that line to heart because the millions of dollars they are currently earning to play a game just don’t seem good enough. The NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is set to end in March and if a deal isn’t struck, then we may be looking at the grim realization that football may not be played in 2011. The issues: Owner Perspective: How to split up the revenue? The NFL currently earns approximately $8.5 billion in revenue from advertising, ticket sales, TV networks etc. It all boils down to millionaires and billionaires fighting over the all-powerful green stuff. Cash, loot, paper; whatever you call it, the players and owners just can’t seem to be able to divide it all up. The players currently control a little over 52 percent of the revenue. But can two percent really hold everyone up? Yes it can. When people are dealing with billions of dollars, two percent is a heck of a lot of money. Ideally, the owners want this number to swing in their favor. But a 50-50 split seems to be the fairest of all the solutions. 18 game season The proposed plan is to eliminate two preseason games and add two more to the end of the season. The owners think this is a grand idea also. Two extra games mean more money in their pockets. The players aren’t as happy about this. An extra two games means more wear and tear on their bodies, not to mention the fact that two more games means the format of divisions and conferences races will be altered. NFL players are supposed to be tough! What’s another two games? Rookie salary cap The standard practice of business seems a bit backwards in the NFL these days. The younger, greener employees who start out are supposed to make less than their grizzled senior coworkers. It’s backwards in the NFL. In the NFL guaranteed salaries for top five rookie draft picks have been increasing year after year. The only people who enjoy this practice are the blue chip prospects getting drafted and their agents who make an enormous amount of money off them. There needs to be a salary cap for rookie players because the current system is out of hand and unfair to every other player in the NFL. Health insurance after the CBA expires Essentially, the issue of healthcare links to the 18 game season argument. The players feel that if they are expected to play two additional games per season, then they should have additional healthcare benefits. The NFL currently covers players for five years after a player leaves the league. The players want this extended because they believe two more games increases the chance for injuries. The issue is more complicated than that though. In order to earn those five years of care, a player needs to play for three seasons. This does not sound like too much, but the average NFL career is 3.6 years, which would leave many players without healthcare.

By Matt Chin

The National Football League’s dark season just started. There won’t be any football played until September. With that said, the biggest football story is the current Collective Bargaining Agreement talks. The owners opted out of the current CBA and a new one is in talks to replace it. Right now, it’s a struggle for which side gets more money, the players or the owners. It’s millionaires versus billionaires. And it’s the battle for monetary supremacy. The current CBA expires on March 3rd. The owners and players need to come to an agreement. Otherwise, there may be static going out over the airwaves come next September when football is cancelled. Let us break it down into the key points that the two sides will be fighting over: The 18 Game Regular Season The current season is four preseason games and 16 regular season games. The league and owners want to reduce the number of preseason games to two games, and increase the regular season to 18 games. This would mean more meaningful football games to watch. However, this would be a terrible idea. There are already a lot of injuries in football. Teams have a hard enough time making it through the regular season healthy. Adding two more games only increases the players’ risk. The owners don’t care because it is not their long-term health on the line. If the owners and league insist on it, they must expand team rosters and give retirement health benefits to players for a longer period. Money, Money, Money The NFL is about a $9 billion dollar organization. That’s a lot money. The reason the owners opted out of the current CBA is that the players were getting more money than the owners were. That’s how it should be. Look, the owners are all already billionaires, some more than others. Therefore, they’re clearly set for life. The players, on the other hand, aren’t rich when they enter the league. What the owners don’t take in account is the players may incur large bills related to their health when they leave the league. With the new knowledge of concussions and the long-term problems they cause, players need more money to pay off their already existing medical bills. They need the money to survive. Let the Rook’s Keep Their Money As my esteemed colleague, Dan, has mentioned, the average NFL career lasts 3.6 years. That’s three and a half years for players to make as much money as they possibly can. They may be injured and may never have a chance at making it big. If they do make it in the league and their career lasts longer than the average, then they will be due for a much larger contract than the one they received as a rookie. The rookie has worked hard in their college careers to boost their draft stock as high as they possibly can. Some of them may not get college degrees because they declare early for the draft. A big paycheck would be a nice reward for a player electing to enter the league before graduating.

YANKEES VS METS: THE BATTLE FOR NEW YORK CONTINUES - PAGE 13

Dave Rhodes Freshman, Secondary Education specializing in History

The Beatles – “A Day in the Life.”

Camille Catalla Junior, Medical Technology

Jimmy Eat World – “The Middle.”

By Brian konchalski

Rabia Kaleem Junior, Elementary Education

Natasha Bedingfield – “Unwritten.”

Ben Santoro Freshman, Marketing

Blink 182 – “Reckless Abandon.”

Photos: Brian Konchalski

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: What is your theme song?