L A N D S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y S I N C E 1 9 by Steve Thomas

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VOL. 105, NO. 2

SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

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The Look For Even Less BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING - THRIFT STORE STYLE

News

Student Reactions to Bookstores

Culture

PSYKICK MUSIC SCENCE

Sports

The 2007 Cleveland Browns Season Preview

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For the Students...By the Students Editorial Staff: Francis X. Bova III, Editor-In-Chief Andrea Mitchell, Managing Editor Jessica Erkins, Advertising Rep. Ebony Cash, News Editor Ilona Westfall, Arts Editor Nick Camino, Sports Writer Steve Thomas, Layout Designer Jeff Stoskus, Distribution Manager Anne Werner, Business Manager Michael Quintero, Cartoonist Staff Writers: Amanda Richards, Ashley Sager, David Imburgia, Mark Jablonski, Faith Hampton, Jamie DuBois, Laura Dynda Contributing Writers: Dave Orzechowski, Sabrina Peacock, Scott Arko, Christopher Enoch, Reid May, Dan Turner, Andrea Cervenak Cleveland State University 2121 Euclid Avenue UC 10 Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (216) 687-2270 / (216) 687-5155 www.csucauldron.com www.myspace.com/csucauldron The Melting Pot The Cauldron reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All entries must include your name, year-in-school, and daytime phone number for verification purposes. All entries must be submitted by Friday at 5 p.m.

CONTENTS 4

NEWS

To submit editorials, articles, etc. please e-mail The Cauldron at: cauldroneditors@hotmail.com Campus Life Releases 100 words or less: Organization name and phone number must be included. Releases are for student organizations only and should include the event date, time, and location.

THE LOOK FOR EVEN LESS

Letters to the Editor 800 words or less: Letters must be in response to a written article or campus issue.

CULTURE

Student Columns 600-800 words: Columns can be submitted by students regarding campus issues, positive or negative, and will be sent directly to President Schwartz in order to bring more student awareness. Advertising Policy For advertising inquiries e-mail cauldron advertisements@hotmail.com or call (216) 687.2270 for rate sheet and more information.

SPORTS

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The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

THE MELTING POT Andrea’s Anecdotes

The Constuction Blues Can Bring Any Student Down By Andrea Mitchell The Cauldron Managing Editor So here we are again, or so it may seem. Although technically this is still Cleveland State University, it is difficult to tell. Does “CSU” stand for Cleveland State University or Construction State University? This year the endless maze of orange barrels and caution tape takes us for another stroll through the labyrinth we call campus. Now I will say this — campus will be beautiful (or as beautiful as Cleveland can be) when it is done. However, until the incoming freshmen class of 2014 arrives, the rest of us have to deal with this construction sight.

When I was younger my teachers used to tell me to wear my thinking cap to class. At Cleveland State the more appropriate attire would be a hard-hat. All in all, my car is sometimes going the wrong way up Euclid, I take four different stairwells in the Main Classroom to end up by the Library, I refuse to go into several parking garages for fear of concrete coming down on my head and I still I have no idea what the Euclid Corridor Project is or what it is supposed to do. I have also taken to hating the color orange this past year, mostly because of the barrels. I can’t tell you how to navigate campus anymore because with all the construction it is a good bet that I will get you lost. But I can tell you that for future Vikings this place will be better. However, I do plan on complaining about this construction that impedes my everyday life until then. CARTOON BY MICHAEL QUINTERO

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

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NEWS Dining Services Changes Providers Chartwells Replaces AVI Foodsystems, Inc. By Andrea Mitchell The Cauldron Managing Editor Cleveland State’s Dining Services has changed its food provider company to Chartwells. The new vender offers a variety of foods that were previously unavailable on campus. Last year, Dining Services used AVI Foodsystems, Inc. The new brands that will be featured around campus include: Caribou Coffee, Au Bon Pain, Wheat Street Deli, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Outtakes, Pazzelli’s and Double Treat Bakery. Subway has also returned to the University Center until it closes in December. “We brought in different concepts that Chartwells offers. [For example] in the food court we have the pizza concept with

Pazzelli’s,” said Jim Razzante, director of Dining Services. With the closure of the UC scheduled for the end of fall semester, Dining Services decided last minute to keep the food court on level 2 open until the building is officially off limits. However, the decision to open the food court in the UC was determined so late in the summer, The Shire (located on the ground floor of UC) could not be reopened. Dining Services opened the Fenn Shop this year with a selection of foods. “We actually have a deli, especially [offering] sandwiches,” Razzante said. The Food Court in the UC will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this semester. The Viking Hall Dining Room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and will accept Viking cash, meal plans, cash and credit cards. This year Dining Services is recommending

commuter plans to students living off campus for both convenience and value. A few have already been sold this year and it is expected for them to be more popular as the semester proceeds. The new supplier company, Chartwells, offers the nutrition information for all their foods, menus and a personal food journal online. “It’s a nice tool to keep track of what students are eating,” Razzante said. Chartwells’ emphasizes nutrition and freshness to their meal plans. “They are a lot of fresh foods for students,” said Darlene Kelly of Dining Services in UC. As for the food court for the new student center, negotiations are currently taking place and decisions will be made soon. Subway may be returning in the new student, but it has not been decided.

Construction Destruction; The Euclid Corridor Project By Scott Arko The Cauldron Contributing Writer Neighboring the University Center in every angle is the Euclid Corridor Project. Caution signs and orange barrels have held Euclid Avenue in suspended traffic and detours for two years now. The project began in 2005 and fell behind schedule. Will the project be completed by its deadline of 2008? Project officials from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) silver line believe that the 2008 completion date is attainable. The purpose of project is to improve transit service and provide shorter travel time and better access to work or school for the community of Greater Cleveland. The goal is to have 61 new bus stations placed every 1,500 feet for the ability to board in every direction. Safety is also a priority. The new bus stations will include security cameras and improved lighting.

Twenty-one new Rapid Transit Vehicles (RTV) will run the entire silver line on Euclid Avenue.

Exciting as these ideas sound, how long can one take of the Euclid Construction? Senior Michael Verbeke says the project does not have an affect on him at all. “People know to take different routes to work now, so the Euclid traffic is actually more clear now.” Rascal House Founder and CEO, Michael Frangos has opposite affects. He says his busi-

ness really began to suffer last October when the construction began at his doorstep. “It affects our delivery drivers because it’s getting harder to navigate the streets.” Since January, the Rascal House has suffered an approximate 40 percent financial loss thanks to the Euclid Corridor Project. Frangos looks on the bright side. He remembers when Cleveland was focused on busing 50 years ago and likes the fact that he sees more pedestrians instead of cars and traffic outside his office window. “Seeing the bodies is beautiful,” Fragos said. “The roads will still be just concrete. The trees may be prettier, but downtown has to become more unified. The street will not make the street come alive, it’s the people.” For more information, visit euclidtransit.org or riderta.com. Ebony Cash contributed to this story.

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The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

CSU Child Development Center Open By Sabrina Peacock The Cauldron Contributing Writer The start of fall semester can be difficult for students; confirming financial aid, purchasing books and meeting new professors are all part of the back-to-school process. Finding reliable child care is also a contributing factor for most Cleveland State students, especially those who double as parents. Well, not anymore! Cleveland State, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, has created a child care program that will help relieve the stress of students that have small children. The CSU Child Development Center, located in the Recreation Center, is a way for students to secure child care while they attend class. The Child Development Center opened to the student population on August 27. The center provides child care to Cleveland State students and employees, and the program accommodates children six months to five years old. As of Fall 2008, the program will expand to accommodate children ranging from five to six years old, as well as incorporate a summer program for children six to eight years old. Directed by Dawn Clough, the main goal of the Child Development Center is the children. She says, “The goal of the center is not to just provide child care, but also to develop the child.” More than Child Care Geared with the working student in mind, the Child Development Center has hours that best fit the needs of students. Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the center provides students with ample time to drop their

children off as well as a grace period to pick them up after class. The facility offers an on-site kitchen with full pantry, working cooking facilities to prepare breakfast, as well as laundry facilities. Safety is also a key priority to the Child Development Center. In order to gain access, parents are provided with a Personal Identification Number and must also scan their fingerprints. The center also conducts monthly fire and tornado drills. In compliance with the licensing requirements of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the teacher to student ratio meets and exceeds the minimum requirements for the different age levels of service provided. Each age group has Lead teachers as well as trained assistants. Child Development and Assistance The Child Development Center prides itself on being able to develop the children. Clough says, “each of the rooms has a curriculum that is followed based on the age levels of the children. There is a structured lesson plan that is created and taught by the Lead Teachers, whom have completed undergraduate work and obtained work experience with children.” The YMCA manages the registration and acceptance process for the Development Center. There is financial assistance available to those who qualify, and county vouchers are accepted. All information for the Child Development Center can be found at www.csuohio.edu/childcare. For a tour call (216) 803-3330.

OUTSIDE

INSIDE

Greek Life Presenting “Under the Big Top” on Sept. 6 By Andrea Mitchell The Cauldron Managing Editor Greek Life will present “Under the Big Top,” Sept. 6 on the Urban Building Lawn from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All students are invited to join Cleveland State’s Greek Life for a day of carnival and circus-themed events, food and fun. “We’re hoping to let, especially the new students, know that there are activities on campus,” said Bill Russell, Greek Coordinator of Student Life. “We’re having games that have new occurred on campus,” Russell said.

The event is campus-wide, so non-Greeks are encouraged to attend and participate. Greek Life will be passing out free t-shirts to all interested students, along with free food and games to all who attend. “There is going to be fun food, fun games and a lot of entertainment! This is something that the Greek community is putting on to show you that we care,” said Danielle Winters, vice president of Greek Council. The event is the largest that Greek Life will be sponsoring this year. They also have Greek Week in October. The event is a part of WOW 2007’s Weeks of Welcome.

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

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Book Business in the Balance By Christopher Enoch The Cauldron Contributing Writer Is it really a good idea to have two bookstores competing for Cleveland State student’s hard earned cash? Are two stores really better than just one? We may not find out for some time, but with the opening of the new Barnes and Noble Bookstore, we will all find out soon enough. Appearance and Reflection At first glance the Cleveland State Bookstore would appear to have a firm grip on student’s pockets. Name recognition, location, and a long history with the school all contribute to a strong advantage the store may have; therefore, it would be a stretch to say it is going to lose out com-

pletely. However, as the latest “it” bookstore in the area, Barnes and Noble may have some advantages of their own, and perhaps some lower prices, that most likely will give CSU Bookstore a run for its money. Arrival, Existence and Competition Opinions on the new store were fairly diverse. Many students aren’t currently aware of the new store’s existence. Freshman Samone White affirmed, “I’ve never been there before, but I wouldn’t mind shopping there.” The typical student reaction didn’t stray far from this sort of sentiment. When I found Mike Herdmann, who had been to the new store, the sophomore viewed the store’s arrival as a positive. “It’s a good thing because it gives

the Cleveland State Bookstore some competition.” Some students didn’t necessarily enjoy the Cleveland State Bookstore prices, but they certainly weren’t running to the competition either. “(At the Cleveland State Bookstore) some of my books were $50-$60 more (than a regular price) but I probably wouldn’t go to Barnes & Noble, I’d probably continue to buy online,” remarked Sabrina Kamman, a junior here at Cleveland State. Student’s Reviews With an identical mix of positive and negative reviews, a few students felt fairly skeptical about the new business, including, Jef McDonough. McDonough, a sophomore, was dubious of Barnes and Noble’s value due to his own recollection of a simi-

lar scenario. “When Barnes and Noble went into Oberlin they did the same thing pretty much. In Oberlin they had a co-op bookstore, which isn’t there any more. That bookstore did make some questionable business decisions, but the store still would have been there if Barnes and Noble didn’t move in. If the Cleveland State store goes under, there would be nothing to stop Barnes and Noble from raising prices,” McDonough stated. In any scenario, the possibilities for the book business on Euclid Avenue are still up in the air. Will Cleveland State students benefit from “healthy” competition? Will the status quo remain? While these questioned may go unanswered for the time being, one thing is for sure: the door have certainly been opened.

Women’s Health Month Kicks Off By Reid May The Cauldron Contributing Writer This month, Cleveland State’s Health and Wellness Center will be sponsoring Women’s Health Month. The month of September will be aimed at providing low cost health examinations, along with free health information and consultations to the campus female population. Women’s Health Month officially kicks off on September 1, but will focus around events taking place on September 11. The Health and Wellness Center will host a Health and Fitness Screening and information fair at the University Center (UC). The Health and Fitness Screening will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the third floor of the UC, and will include blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass, and blood pressure screenings.

The information area will be located on the floor of “the cage.” Eileen Guttman, supervisor of Health and Wellness Services says, “literature from different organizations as well as Health and Wellness Services will be provided.” Some of the organizations attending are Planned Parenthood, The American Cancer Society, and the Rape Crisis Center. While certainly important, the events will not include all of the opportunities available to women on campus. Guttman says, “breast and pelvic examinations will be available by appointment at the Health and Wellness Center only.” She adds, “there is no cost for the breast exam alone, but the pelvic exam includes a small fee for the lab test.” The breast and pelvic exam are available all year, and Guttman reassures that if you have difficulty

finding time in September, you can make an appointment anytime throughout the year. The services during the month of September are provided through volunteer work, as well as a portion of the Health and Wellness Center’s budget. Volunteer nursing students will administer the blood pressure checks given at the Health and Fitness Screening. Additionally, the organizations attending the Health Fair do so at no cost to the Health and Wellness Center. The only costs that must be absorbed by the center are those for some minor test equipment, like blood test strips. Guttman assures that the services provided have been very beneficial in the past. She affirms, “on several occasions we have examined women who were not aware of their high blood pressure, or high cholesterol [problems.]”

If such a patient does not have a family provider, the Health and Wellness Center provides followup care for low to no cost. The early discovery of a problem such as high blood pressure is crucial to effective care. Guttman would also like males on campus to come to the Health Fair.” She says, “most of the women’s health—aside from the female exams—corresponds to men’s health, and most men have women in their lives.” Gentlemen can also take note; the Health and Wellness Center will host a Men’s Health Month sometime during the school year. Inquiries about examinations, or woman seeking appointments can contact the Health and Wellness Center at (216) 6873649, or the last four digits from any campus phone. The Health and Wellness Center is located within the Science and Research Center, Room 153.

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The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

Jablonski’s Political Notebook By Mark Jablonski The Cauldron Staff Writer Gay Republicans: Coming to a Men's Room Near You Last year it was Florida Congressman Mark Foley talking dirty to young male pages, and undercutting the staunchly heterosexual image of the GOP; this time was Senator Larry Craig of Idaho. An undercover officer in an airport bathroom in Minneapolis arrested Craig last June for engaging in "lewd conduct." According to the police report, Craig gave the officer in the next stall the universal signals that he wanted some quick and discreet action. Craig pleaded guilty weeks later, but now denies he did anything wrong. Several GOP lawmakers have called on Craig to resign, and The Washington Post reports that he has been stripped of all his committee assignments by republican leadership. Since it would provide his democratic challenger next year with far too much ammunition, Craig will probably resign in the very near future. Ken Rudin, NPR's 'Political Junkie', speculates that Idaho Lt. Governor Jim Risch will run for the seat in Craig's place. Dodd Nabs IAFF Endorsement Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) caught a break last week when the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) endorsed him for president. In a message on the union's website, IAFF President Harold A. Schaitberger writes that "no candidate has more experience, and no candidate offers leadership on issues important to firefighters and the quality of life for their families than Chris Dodd." The IAFF is renowned for

aggressively campaigning on behalf of their candidates, with John Kerry being the most recent example. The IAFF was the only union to endorse Kerry in 2004, and some analysts say that their support was instrumental to Kerry's eventual primary victory. Gonzo's Gone: Now What? Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned his post last week after a long, drawn out battle with Congress over his role in the firings of eight U.S. Attorneys. Gonzales, often criticized for politicizing the Department of Justice, is now being investigated by Inspector General Glenn Fine for his apparently misleading testimony made to Congress. According to Bloomberg News, possible replacements for Gonzales include George Terwilliger, former deputy Attorney General; Theodore Olson, a former Solicitor General; Federal Appeals Court Judge Laurence Silberman; Michael Mukasey, a former federal judge in New York, and Solicitor General Paul Clement. Clement will fill in for Gonzales until President Bush nominates a replacement in September. For your viewing pleasure, check out the 'Top 10 moments of Alberto Gonzales ridiculousness' at talkingpointsmemo.com/ archives/051804. php.

being America's poorest city to being it's fourth poorest city, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Cleveland is statistically tied with Cincinnati for 3rd place with 27 percent of citizens living in poverty (Cincinnati, 27.8 percent), while Detroit takes the number one spot with 32.5 percent of its citizens impoverished. Plano City, Texas was the least impoverished American city with only 5.1 percent of its citizens living below the poverty level. The U.S. average is 12.3 percent.

GAO: 'Iraq Not Meeting Benchmarks' A new report on Iraq done by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and leaked to the Associated Press paints a rather dismal picture regarding progress in the war-torn country. Iraq has failed to meet 15 of the 18 security and political goals set by the U.S. Congress, according to the report. The three

goals that have been met include establishing security stations in Baghdad, protecting the rights of minority parties in the legislature and establishing supporting political, media, economic and services committees in support of the Baghdad Security Plan. Soe of the unmet benchmarks include enacting legislation on reducing sectarian violence while ending militia control of security forces and ensuring that the Iraqi Security Forces are impartially enforcing the law. “The forthcoming GAO report offers a clear assessment that a new direction in Iraq must begin immediately, before more American lives are lost and more taxpayer dollars wasted," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (DNV) told the AP. Commenting on the report, The White House complained that Congress did not allow the GAO the flexibility to appropriately measure the progress in Iraq. The report will be made public on September 15 at www.gao.gov.

We're Movin' on Up! Cleveland has gone from

Cleveland is now longer dirt poor. We’re getting richer, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

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Second Chances ...

Cleveland State Hosts Forum on Expunging Criminal Records

By Dan Turner The Cauldron Contributing Writer Where would you find a room full of state legislators, judges, ex-felons, and Cleveland State students? Closer than you may think. This week, Cleveland State hosted a public forum concerning State Senate Bill 197, which is being proposed to allow for ex-criminals to expunge nonviolent crimes from the records after five years of good behavior. Pros and Cons A panel consisting of local judges, spokesmen for business associations and state legislators discussed the pros and cons of the bill in front of an audience of about 700 people at the Cole Center. The majority of the audience showed support for the bill; at times interrupting proponents of the bill with an uproar of applause and opponents with raucous disapproval. Supporters of the bill argued that only nonviolent offenders with multiple misdemeanors and/or felonies who have remained lawful for at least five years after being released from prison would be eligible under the new proposition. Approval Not Guaranteed However, expungement would not be granted immediately or in all cases. The ex-

offender would have to submit an application, subject to the prosecutor's approval and even if approved, the sentencing judge would still have to review the case and decide whether or not to grant the expungement. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Joan Synenberg, in support of the bill, asked the public to trust in their elected judges to have the prudence to determine whether an offender should have their record expunged. Furthermore, she claimed that only reformed, law-abiding citizens would benefit from the bill's passage. "The career criminal who poses a direct threat to you and me can't stay free of crime for a period of five years," she said in response to one panelist's concern. Touted as a "jobs bill," State Senator and sponsor of the bill Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) made the case that employers are unwilling to hire convicted felons (a point even the detractors conceded) and that this bill would allow for reformed ex-criminals to get their lives on track and avoid the pervasive problem involving prisons: the revolving door. Gainful employment, she argued, would prevent excriminals from returning to a life of crime. Opponent’s Reservations Towards Bill Opponents of the bill had several reservations. First, they made the point that Ohio already has a law to expunge criminal records - but only for reformed offenders with one convic-

tion. Kyle Jackson, on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business, suggested that the current law was good and that the proposed bill "isn't about second chances. This bill is about third and fourth and fifth and sixth chances." Another criticism of the bill was in regard to the high fees for those who release or disseminate sealed information (a fourth degree misdemeanor) on a criminal's prior conviction, which can range from two hundred and fifty thousand to one million dollars. Finally, the detractors argued that employers and citizens had a right to know if they were hiring ex-offenders. Were the bill to pass, an ex-offender's past criminal record would no longer be available to employers or residents. Furthermore, they argued that potential employers had a "right to know" who they were employing. Ultimately, this issue rests upon the question posed by one panelist: "can and do people change?" For those interested in learning more about the issue and discussing it with State Senator Shirley Smith, a public meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4 at 6 p.m. at 1717 E. 36th Street.

Page 10 | Feature

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

The Look For Even Less

By Ilona Westfall The Cauldron Culture Editor For many kids the most exciting part of a new school year was the back-to-school shopping. New jeans, a jacket, some shirts and new kicks were usually in store. That was, however, back when mommy and daddy still bought our clothes and price was of no concern to us. Now, most of us are poor, debt-riddled, rameneating college students, some with children of our own to clothe. With so many new styles and trends seducing us everywhere we look, it can be tempting to charge a cool new wardrobe to good old Mr. Visa to indulge in that back-to-school shopping urge. But wait! There is an alternative. Once thought to be no more than a destination for Halloween costume shopping, thrift stores can be a virtual godsend to a student craving some new clothes. Most people associate thrift stores with outdated trends, with rack after rack of scary, acidwashed jeans and not a bastion of style. They assume that only poor people shop there due to a lack of options. They argue that wearing other people’s castoffs is gross. As a trip to the Salvation Army thrift store in Strongsville proves, these assumptions are incorrect. The store, located in a suburb with

a median household income of $68,660, attracts what you would hardly think as the type to shop at a thrift store. Even with Southpark mall only a few miles away, the store is packed with soccer-mom types and fashionable women with Coach purses casually slung over their shoulders, all in search of a good bargain. The store is clean and wellorganized by size and color, with sections like “women’s small dresses” and “long coats”, clearly marked. There is even a row of fitting rooms along one wall. Most importantly, mixed in with the aforementioned acid-washed jeans are many of the same styles and brands that populate malls and the pages of fashion magazines, many with the original tags still dangling from them. Thankfully, with fashion being the cyclical entity that it is, the same trends are resurrected time and again, resulting in many of them being readily available at thrift stores. This fall is no exception with menswear for women back and the eighties look still going strong. A thrift store is the best place to shop for the menswear look with tons of houndstooth, tweed, red plaid, vests, button-down shirts and blazers available. The eighties look can easily and authentically be had by looking for leggings,

bright-colored jeans and patent leather. Suddenly those acidwashed jeans aren’t looking so bad. Still not convinced that it’s fashionable to shop secondhand? Lots of other people are. According to estimates by the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops 16-18 percent of Americans shop at thrift stores each year. Though that figure doesn’t seem too high, only 21.3 percent shop at major department stores each year. So, almost as many people are shopping at Goodwill as at Macy’s. Thrift stores don’t appear to be slowing down either, with a growth of about 5 percent each year. Even retail stores seem to be catching on to this rising trend. Stores like Forever twenty-one and H&M carry trendy, retro-inspired clothes that look like thrift store garb. Urban Outfitters capitalizes on this the best with clothing designs and store displays intentionally mimicking thrift stores, but at hugely inflated prices. Particularly ironic is when one finds clothing from these stores at real thrift stores for a fraction of their original prices. And I do find them, as well as, Gap, Express, The Limited, Guess, Banana Republic and others, quite often. Take that recent trip to the Salvation Army for example. A pair of grey wool American Eagle

Outfitters pants, two button down shirts, a vintage shirt, a brand-new dress from The Limited with its original $69 price tag still hanging from it, a pair of Limited brand capris, a purse and three books, were purchased, all for only $33.86. As for those who think wearing other people’s clothes is gross-take a cue from thrift store shoppers Mandy Moore, Ashlee Simpson and Gwen Stefani. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. And just think of how much more ramen you can eat with all the money you’ll save. Check out the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops at www.narts.org for more information or simply go to a thrift store your self. Here are some of my favorites to get started. The Salvation Army 8623 Pearl Rd. Strongsville, OH 44136 Unique Thrift 3333 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113 Value World 6858 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44130

The Cauldron | August 27, 2007

Feature | Page 11

Tips for Thrift Shopping 1. Don’t buy socks, underwear or bathing suits. That’s just gross. 2. Some stores don’t have fitting rooms. Wear a skirt, leggings and a tight fitting shirt (guys, you’re on your own) so you can try things on in the aisles. Modesty has no place here. 3. Venture beyond your section. Check out men’s and children’s clothing. You never know what might fit or have been placed in the wrong section. 4. Closely inspect everything for rips, missing buttons or questionable stains. There is a good reason some things find their way to a thrift store.

T h e M e n w e a r L o o k Fo r L e s s Shirt From The Gap $39.50

Boys Shirt From The Salvation Army $3.99

Vest From Urban Outfitters $58.00

Vest From Value World $6.99

Pants From Ann Taylor $128.00

Pants From The Salvation Army $5.99

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

Page 12 | Culture

CULTURE The Cauldron Flashback: Fenn Players By Francis X. Bova III The Cauldron Editor-in-Chief Long before the Dramatic Arts Program was a fixture on campus a determined graduate of Southern California University and Fenn College professor organized the very first Dramatic Club in fall of 1933. Mrs. R. Holzer, as she is referred to in the 1934 Fenn College yearbook The Fanfare, shouldn’t be remembered with grainy pictures but for the legacy she helped create. Cleveland State’s theater program has over 70 years of production, theater and innovation to its credit. The Fenn Dramatic Club only had the resources for 25 active members, but the club’s modest goal at it’s incarnation was to present two one-act plays at a combined social program featuring musical organizations. After the first taste of theater around campus, the students wanted more. The club was so successful it was asked to perform a play for the second semester student’s first assembly, according to The Fanfare. What become of Holzer’s initial vision was the Fenn Players. The theater company comprised of students is first noted in 1937’s The Fanfare. Let’s take a trip down Fenn College lane and examine the player’s storied past. 1936 The Fenn Players very first production was the comedy “The Beggar’s Opera.” Held on March 12 and 14 at Severance Hall, the play directed by Dr. Rudolf Wittenberg went off without a

chartered to the show on the Cleveland Transit Bus. Apparently, the show was a drive worth taking. “This is an experiment to see whether Fenn students are interested in drama presented in a natural setting,” Director George W. Srail told The Cauldron. “The Greeks liked it 2,000 years ago. Is the idea still a good one?” Roughly 150 people attended the outdoor theater’s first production. And it stuck around to at least 1957. 1965

“He Ain’t Done Right by Nell” production from 1947. Bottom right: Dick Brady as the villian.

hitch. The Cauldron, version 2007, decided to go to the refutable Internet Movie Database (imdb. com) and Internet Theatre Database (theatredb.com) and search for all the actors and actresses from the very first production. While the search came up empty, with names like Denver Roth and Eleanore Burt, we can only assume they continued to perform. 1938 “The Beggar’s Opera” became a mainstay and at 50 cents for tickets easy on the pocketbooks. According to The Cauldron, circa 1938, getting a ticket was an event in iteself. The process for buying tickets back then was, well, old school: Contact a ticket salesman for seats in a section of preference. He will consult a seating chart and if the seats are still available will take the

order by marking the chart. The salesman will then attempt to get the seats as close as possible to the ones desired. This is all provided purchasers order the tickets soon enough. And Ticketmaster feels like a pain today. 1941 The Fenn Players historical scrapbook features a newspaper clipping of comedic legend and Cleveland native Bob Hope trying to trade his Fenn Fine Arts Association subscription with sophomore Fenn Player Charles “Chuck” Day for a tube of toothpaste. 1947 Outdoor theater was introduced with “He Ain’t Done Right by Nell” at Orange Township High School. The players were

The end of the Fenn era resulted in the creation of the CSU Players. The Fenn Players last curtain call was Aug. 26, 1965 with the presentation of the melodrama “Lost a High ‘C.’” Written by graduating senior Carol A. Blaha the final performance took place at Cain Park’s Alma Theatre. A program for the production encouraged audience members to participate by intelligently booing or hissing the villain and by applauding the hero and heroine. The Cauldron would like to thank CSU Archives.

The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

Culture | Page 13

PSYKICK MUSIC SCENE By David Imburgia The Cauldron Staff Writer Greetings, aural enthusiasts! I just wanted to flash you a quick introduction here before I go babbling on about things. Psykick Music Scene is going to be a once-a-month column dedicated to the observance of studious, creative and occasionally warped underground musical luminaries that record and perform their art in and around Cleveland. Much attention will be given to local and Ohioan artists, but extensions farther into the Midwest will also be in order as concert dates and presence dictates. Info on CDs, shows, web links etc. will be given as necessary, of course. I realize that the majority of responses to these artists will be along the lines of “I’ve never heard of these people in my life!!!!”, which sort of unravels the reasons why I’ve decided to do a column like this in the first place, as few people are likely to hear about them unless they are written about in this fashion. So, whether you’re a music freak who wants to know about some rad artists that have been through/are coming through town to play a show, or you’re just wondering if there is any semblance of a music scene in Cleveland at all outside of Mushroomhead and whatever tribute band is playing the Jigsaw Saloon, hopefully you’ll find this column somewhat informative, if not completely obnoxious. Thanks for reading. Midnite Snake With NE Ohio lacking a rock band fueled with enough octane to send jets of fried acid blowout tensions through Michael Stanley’s head, these three beardos from over in Pittsburgh are a godsend, specializing in mystic, hazy psychedelic power-trio rock assaults. Like High Rise’s scorching chord churns funneled through an Eddie Hazel voodoo

vibe, their criminally under attended show at the Beachland Ballroom a couple weeks ago nearly soaked my face off with cobra venom. With amps turned up all the way, their epic guitar manifestos soaked the room with enough 70s-style soaring garage jams to peel the paint off the walls. Similar snake-charming Zepplicks weave spiraling hypno-garage rock on their 2 CDs on Birdman records, and one apocalyptofolk tune on a tour only CD-R points to future experimentations. They’ve got tunes on their page too, at myspace.com/ midnitesnake.

Bee Mask Even by standards of the national scene, the staid static raygun of “Chris Plus Plus” (as he is usually credited on releases) summons the demigods of psychnoise like few others. CPP has attached his wicked-sounding moniker to a lengthy, uber-limited hand-made discography which showcases a variety of sounds, from solo electric guitar pieces to pure pedal-fiddling. Although mediums shift, there’s a common sound he always touches that bounces along the same maroon clouds of some alien heaven. Paired with the usual brain-jarring that a live Bee Mask gig entails, light-sensitive apparatuses are sometimes incorporated, which sometimes leads to a total sense attack that will leave people reeling on the floor like they just witnessed a giant wet eggplant take a trip

to the electric chair. The double 14-minute cassette release Docked Orbs was just released in an edition of 50 on the new Mistake By the Lake cassette label, which probably means by the time this piece goes to print they’ll be almost out, but there are always sound clips available online on that one site myspace.com/beemask. Ryan Jewell It wouldn’t be surprising if there were some noise lore suggesting that this Columbus-bred percussion-surgeon only toured in cities with high percentages of scrap metal in the city dumpsters.

His tribal tromps over already beaten-to-heck drum kits slowly melt into clanging anything. He’ll empty out your metal trash cans for you as part of his piece. Some may dismiss him as a random ruckus maker, but there’s usually some magnificent sculpture buried in his stuttery sheets of ringing metal and dragging contact mics across the floor. His avantgarde, free-jazz inspired drumwork has enjoyed a wide palette of collaborators from C. Spencer Yeh’s noise project Burning Star Core

to the one guy from Rascal Flatts. Weird. Also, this kid somehow got a gig in Paris according to his myspace page, myspace.com/ ryanxing. (the) Giants of Gender These three younguns from Youngstown have been playing out in the Cleveland area this past summer so often, they’ve probably been squatting in the steelyard commons. Andy Meyer (reeds), Kyle Farrell (vibraphone), and Jenna Barvitski’s (violin) classical/ jazz/avant-garde improvisations have been skittering out of small venues and coffee shops all around Ohio since the band formed in 2006. All acoustic instruments suggest intimate shows, where there are shrieking highs and grassy lows, sounding like crystals hitting a pillow and claws against chalkboard at. Their self-released Hello CD has an ebb and flow that ducks, swirls and stutters it’s way to a surrealist classical world all its own. They have some tunes over at thei thegiantsofgender.com, and they always have their nifty little box of CD-Rs and tapes and what not when they play gigs, one of which will be at Pat’s in the Flats on September 13.

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

Page 14 | Culture

CD REVIEWS

Blaqk Audio Cex Cells Interscope Records 4 out of 5

will not be displeased. Havok shows his brilliant vocal range all throughout this album. Cex Cells will surely be the album to beat for anyone in the electronic world of music. It is an album that embodies so much emotion and different sounds. This album is a great example of what mainstream music should be. It’s edgy, different, and very uplifting. It is definitely an album to give a listen to.

By Laura Dynda The Cauldron Staff Writer

Davey Havok and Jade Puget created Blaqk Audio to serve as an electronic project for them. The duo came to fame with the well-known band AFI. What came out of the duo’s collaborations was the new album Cex Cells. With Havok as vocalist and lyricist of the band, Blaqk Audio is able to transcend from just an electronic sound, to music of the senses. Puget writes all of the music and programs the synthesizers for this eclectic album. Cex Cells is an album that at first listen, the audience will fall in love with the different sounds. The beats for the entire album are very uplifting. It is a great dance album. The first track, “Stiff Kittens” is a very nice start. The music has a nice beat and the song transitions very well from beginning to end. ”Snuff on Digital,” is a very good song to dance to, the beat is absolutely captivating to the listener. The song starts out with only synthesized music for the first 45 seconds or so, then Havok’s wonderful voice fills the airwaves with its deep lyrics. None of the tracks sound the same whatsoever. Whether all the songs are fast or slower paced, there is just so much originality and feeling behind each of them. Havok who was the lead vocalist for AFI, really shines on this album. Fans of the acclaimed singer

Darren Hayes * This Delicate Thing We’ve Made Powdered Sugar Productions 5 out of 5 By Jamie DuBois The Cauldron Staff Writer

Former Savage Garden (I Want You, Truly Madly Deeply, I Knew I Loved You) vocalist Darren Hayes has independently released his third solo CD, a double album, the follow-up to the brooding The Tension and the Spark. Standouts on *This Delicate Thing We’ve Made include the radio-friendly On the Verge of Something Wonderful, the dance-club friendly Step Into the Light, the straightforward Who Would Have Thought?, the heartfelt Casey and the vocally stunning I Just Want You to Love Me (which rivals Truly Madly Deeply as one of the best love songs he has penned.) Listeners who identify with the themes from Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town will appreciate the creative How to Build a Time Machine, while those who enjoy Cher’s Song for the Lonely will appreciate Listen All You

People. Fans of Top 40 radio who agree with the political themes of Waiting on the World to Change and Where Is the Love? will appreciate The Great Big Disconnect, a pleasant surprise that breaks free of the adult contemporary, unabashedly pop, and electronica genres of Hayes’ music catalogue. The aforementioned standout songs utilize what Hayes does best-catchy, memorable songs embellished with his falsetto, while some of the other 25 songs lack this-Hayes tends to over-use his falsetto and tries to be too “artistic” with the lyrics and/or music sometimes; it’s not to say that the songs are sub par, but some of them could have been omitted to make the album more coherent, especially if it was a single disc release. Check out www.darrenhayes.com and www. myspace.com/darrenhayes. Jamie DuBois can be reached at jamiedubois17@yahoo.com.

Talib Kweli Eardrum Warner Bros. 2.5 out of 5 By Faith Hampton The Cauldron Staff Writer

Talib Kweli made me feel like I was listening to two different albums every other song. In one song he would come in with a meaningful message and then in the next one he would delve back into using foul language. It almost seemed like I was listening to two totally different artists. Kweli was born in Brooklyn, New York. His third solo album, Eardrum, was released on his own record label called Blacksmith Records. When you first listen to Eardrum, you obviously notice that it is a rap album. But the first couple of songs almost make it seem like a rap album being overtaken by a modern pop tune. Then, it switches over to a rap song that has a jazzy, old time melody. And then, you just get some straightforward rap songs. Aside from the beats and rhythms, the messages that Kweli sends out may be more satisfying…or not. Kweli makes interesting observations in some of his songs, such as these lyrics to the song Hostile Gospel: “To black kids wishin’ they white kids when they close they eyelids/Like I bet they neighborhood ain’t like this/ White kids wishin’ they black kids/ and wanna talk like rappers/It’s all backwards, it’s identity crisis”. But just when you think he has something to say, he spits out rhymes using offensive language. Come again? It’s the same as every other rap song out there; same song with a slightly different beat. I’m sure his fan base is huge. Note the sarcasm. Comment about CD reviews online at csucauldron.com. We want to hear your opinions!

Get published! Submit local or national CD reviews about 225 words or less to cauldroneditors@hotmail.com. Albums must have been released in the last year. Include your name, album cover, record company (if none please note) and a ranking.

The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

CSU Chic By Andrea Cervenak The Cauldron Contributing Writer Name: Zeina Muhieddine Age: 18 Major: Communications What She’s Wearing: Dots White Cardigan, $13. Pearl Necklace, about $200. Wet Seal Silky Tunic, about $10. H&M Red and Black Checkered Wristband, about $3. Telly Weijl Skinny Jeans, about $30. Charles & Scott Black and Silver Wedges, about $30. Red Nail Polish. Style Inspirations: “My mom. She helps me match.” Decade of Choice: “The 80’s. I like the skinny jeans look with over-sized shirts.” Prints For Purpose: She wears her wristband to support “The Red Brigade”. Overseas Style: Zeina spent the summer with her family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where she picked up her skinny jeans and necklace at Abu Dhabi Mall, and her pair of wedges in Dubai. Get Her Look: Xhilaration Denim Skinny Jeans Dyed Indigo Wash, $19.99.Target.com, Kelsey Wedge shoes in Black/Pewter, $22.99. Payless.com. Checkered Wristband in Red, £1.99. Glitz4Girlz.com. retro print H&M Silk Tunic/Dress, $24.90. Wet Seal Pearls & Gems Necklace, $8. Wetseal.com. Cream Cropped Cardigan, $14.80. Forever21.com.

Sports | Page 15

Page 16 | Sports

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

SPORTS Young Bunch Ready for Challenges Ahead Women’s Cross Country Preview By Nick Camino The Cauldron Sports Editor The women’s cross country season has already begun for the Cleveland State Vikings, but this season is radically different than years past, at least third year head coach Joe Jaketic believes it is. Heading into this Friday’s Crusader Open at Valparaiso, Indiana, Jaketic claims this team is already ahead of where they were last season. Not only do the Vikings boast one of the youngest squads in the entire Horizon League, the team is already running better times than last season, Jaketic explained. “At this point we have really received great leadership from captains Julie and Audrey Piotrowski,” he said. “Sophomore Colleen Conway is making a push to be the number one runner on the team this season. She was the number two runner last season.” Jaketic, who is also in his 36th year as equipment manager at CSU, and the rest of the Viking runners got a pleasant surprise when freshman Allison Craine showed up to practice. Craine, who graduated from Normandy High School in Parma is already competing for the No. 1 spot on the team. Her arrival is a huge addition for the Lady Vikes due to the fact that last season’s number one runner Caitlan Ebner is out for the season for “personal reasons”. This 2007 team is handling everything that is being thrown at them in practice, Jaketic explained. “Last season I had the girls run a 10-mile run and the entire team

struggled with it,” he said. “However, this season they have already completed three of those 10-mile runs.” The women’s cross country team looks to be in good shape not only physically but also have a favorable schedule as well. This Friday the Vikings will get their first look at the Valparaiso course at the Crusader Open. They will return to the same course for the Horizon League Championship which will be run on Oct. 27. “It will be nice for the team to get a first-hand look at where the conference championship will be at the end of the season,” Jaketic said. Other key runners for this young and exciting team are freshman Jordan Hoile, sophomore Alison Ohliger, and juniors Melisa Mazanec and Amy Salzman. The team has set a number of goals for themselves to accomplish as individuals and as a team, Jaketic explained. Firstly the team wants to achieve a better GPA than last season’s team average of 3.56,” he said. “Also, each week the team wants to improve their times to consistently get better individually and in the Horizon League.” Sounds like a solid approach from such a young team. Coach Jaketic definitely has a special group of eight dedicated runners who are willing to do whatever it takes to make themselves better student-athletes. That makes them champions in their own right.

2007 Schedule

Runners

Date/Event/Location/Time

Name/Year/Hometown

9/7 at Crusader Open Valparaiso, Ind. 5 p.m. CT

10/05 at All-Ohio Championship Deleware, Ohio 11 a.m.

Collen Conway/SO/North Olmsted Allison Craine/FR/Austintown, Ohio Jordan Hoile/FR/Lakewood Melisa Mazanec/JR/Parma Alison Ohliger/SO/Amherst Audrey Piotrowski/JR/Parma Julie Piotrowski/SO/Parma Amy Salzman/JR/Broadview Heights

10/13 at Falcon Invitational Bowling Green 10:45 a.m.

Coaches

10/27 at Horizon League Championship Valparaiso, Ind. TBA

Joe Jaketic Head Coach Shannon Graves Assistant Coach

9/15 at Mel Brodt Invitational Bowling Green, Ohio 10:45 a.m. 9/22 at Ohio University Invitational Athens, Ohio TBA 9/29 at Earlham Invitational Richmond, Ind. 11 a.m.

11/10 at Great Lakes Regional Bloomington, Ind. 11 a.m. CT

2007 Cleveland Browns Preview | Page 17

The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

The 2007 Browns Season Preview By Christopher Enoch The Cauldron Contributing Writer

Coming off their (4-12) 2006 season which left much to be expected, the Cleveland Browns look to improve their lot in the AFC North and in the NFL as a whole in 2007. As the next Browns coach in the hot seat, coach Romeo Crennel seeks to demonstrate his club’s progress and get some much needed W’s to keep his position intact. Phil Savage looks to prove his own merits as General Manager and show Cleveland fans that all of his moves, risky and otherwise, will soon pay dividends in the regular season. Hopefully for the city, both will meet their separate objectives.. This year’s off-season left many Browns fans with a feeling that this year could be the beginning of a new era in Cleveland Browns football. With a potential franchise quarterback in Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn working under veteran Charlie Frye, an improved offensive line anchored by number 3 pick Joe Thomas and former Bengal Eric Steinbach, and the arrival of a new offensive system under OC Rod Chudzinski, the Browns may be on their way to some much needed offensive glory. With the QB situation seemingly solved, the O-line appearing stronger than ever, and a healthy and able Browns receiver core, Cleveland’s offense is certainly in the position hypothetically to operate on all cylinders. Heck, Cleveland is even showing for-

mer Raven RB Jamal Lewis a warm welcome. Who would have thought? Offensive production for the team would certainly benefit a strong, yet overworked Browns defense which too saw too much time on the field last season, but also saw improvement in the draft and off-season in the form of UNLV cornerback Eric Wright, linebacker Antoine Peek, and former Bengal defensive tackle Shaun Smith to name but a few players. The Cleveland Browns are in a better position than they were at the season opener of 2006, but who knows what the regular season will be like? Well, here at the CSU Cauldron, we do. The expectations may never have been higher on the Browns in Cleveland’s recent memory, but what can you actually expect coming Sept 9th and beyond? Well, take a look and see for yourself.

Match-up

Week 2: Cincinnati Bengals In the second straight division game, the Browns want to succeed the same way all good teams do: by winning the games in their own division. After an (8-8) season and an off-season full of departures on both sides of the ball, the Bengals generally don’t look to hot judging by their less than spectacular preseason. Eric Steinbach and Shaun Smith meet their old team for the first time. Match-up Similar to last season. Can the Browns cornerbacks led by Leigh Bodden, Daven Holly, and rookie Eric Wright stop the always dominant WR Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco these days) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh?

Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers Browns seek to avenge 2006’s last minute defeat at home. With the Steelers first and second 2007 draft picks DE Lawrence Timmons and LB Lamarr Woodley making strong cases in the preseason, the loss of LB Joey Porter looks much less consequential. This game marks the first regular season game for new Steelers’ coach Mike Tomlin. Charlie Frye needs to establish himself early here, or the way will be paved for Brady Quinn to earn a start later on Match-up Look for a Browns O-Line in mint condition to meet their first real test. The game will be won or lost based on whether or not it holds.

Week 3 @ Oakland Raiders Last year Oakland had all kinds of problems. Offensive, defensive, special teams: you name it. New coach Lane Kiffin from USC already seems to be on thin ice here. With No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell still holding out, a healthy Daunte Culpepper will more than likely be under center, with little protection, and no Randy Moss to throw to. The Raiders still have big problems.

With a defensive line that includes DL Warren Sapp and former Browns first round pick DE Gerard Warren, watch and see if the Browns O-Line can hold.

Week 4: Baltimore Ravens Steve McNair enters his second season with the Ravens after taking them to a division title and into the play-offs in 2006. Former Bills RB Willis McGahee should have plenty of room to run behind the Ravens first round pick, OL Ben Grubbs, who will start. Browns, as usual, are looking for some needed payback. Jamal Lewis plays against his old team on his old stomping grounds: Browns Stadium. Hopefully he can return the favor on his old defense. Match-up Although the Browns defense will have its hands full here as well, watch to see if the Browns offense can establish the run against a strong Ravens defense, as well as make plays against lauded cornerbacks Chris McAllister and Ed Reed.

Week 5 @ New England Patriots The Browns play a loaded New England coming off their usual division title and AFC Championship appearance and looking to win the Big Dance again. Only this time, New

Page 18 | 2007 Cleveland Browns Preview England recruited the likes of WR Randy Moss, WR Dante Stallworth, LB Adalius Thomas, and many other new weapons to come along for the ride. A win here would be a hard task for the Browns. If Charlie Frye is 1-3 before this game, expect the QB controversy to ensue. Match-up Any type of on-field match-up is downplayed by Browns Coach Crennel playing his mentor Coach Belichick in this game of teacher versus learner. Belichick will look to see what exactly his old defensive coordinator was doing here the last three years.

Week 6: Miami Dolphins Miami has a new coach in Cam Cameron, a new QB in Trent Green, and a new receiver in former Buckeye and first round draft pick Ten Ginn. The Browns will get to see former Steelers trash-talker and part-time LB Joey Porter in a Dolphins Jersey. Look for QB Brady Quinn to be starting here if the Browns haven’t met expectations. Match-up If Brady Quinn starts, this game’s focal point will be Quinn vs. the team that should have taken him but passed. Also, Kellen Winslow would definitely enjoy stiff-arming Joey Porter again.

September 4, 2007 | The Cauldron

The first game after the bye week. An improving Rams team that many view as a playoff darkhorse in the NFC will give the Browns a go. Watch for QB Marc Bulger to not just go vertical but to hand off to skilled RB Steven Jackson. The Rams have maintained their veteran receiver core, which will as usual be a challenge to cover, even for a strong secondary like the Browns.

Match-up Can the Browns maintain a strong run defense while still putting pressure on QB Marc Bulger? They better, Bulger’s 64.4 completion percentage ranks 3rd of alltime in quarterbacks with 1,500 passing attempts.

Season Predictions —Christopher Enoch— Final Record: 8-8 Quinn will start: 2nd half of the 1st game against Pittsburgh or Browns vs. Patriots Yards for Jamal Lewis: 1,500 Team MVP: Kamerion Wimbley ROY: Brady Quinn Winslow Plays: 14 games Crennel Coaches: All season, doesn’t get fired Final Say: Browns as AFC North Wild Card, and will lose to a more developed team. Browns go 1-1 against all division opponents. Early in the season, Charlie Frye won’t be productive. Crennel’s future then becomes linked to Quinn, he throws him in the fire, Quinn does well. —Nick Camino— Final Record: 6-10 Quinn will start: This season it ain’t happening Yards for Jamal Lewis: 1,200 Team MVP: Kellen Winslow Jr. ROY: Eric Wright Winslow plays: 15 games Crennel coaches: All season, forced to resign at end of the season Final Say: Throwing Brady Quinn in too early may bring about the second coming of another Tim Couch. Quinn needs to sit a year to learn the NFL. Unfortunately he does not have much in front of him. Frye will lead the Brownies to a mediocre six-win season, but the defense will hold this squad together the entire year. —Francis X. Bova III—

Final Record: 6-10 Quinn will start: After the bye Yards for Jamal Lewis: 857 Team MVP: Andra Davis ROY: Eric Wright Winslow plays: 12 games Crennel coaches: Entire season

Week 8: @ St. Louis Rams

Final Say: LeCharles Bentley and Gary Baxter will not play. Orpheus Roye and Willie McGinest will barely contribute. The lack of veteran presence and no depth at wide receiver lead to another playoff-less season on the lake.

Week 7: Bye Week

Week 9: Seattle Seahawks Seattle had a few moments of brilliance in 2006, but saw a serious absence of QB Matt Hasselbeck and star RB Shaun Alexander. Both will be healthy this year and Seattle looks to reap the benefits and silence any doubters believing San Francisco or St. Louis to be abler teams to win the NFC West. This may not be an unlikely stance considering Seattle’s departures on offense. Match-up Can the Browns contain Shaun Alexander? As usual Alexander runs behind a stellar cast of lineman, and if he runs like he did in 2005, Cleveland’s run defense better ante up.

Week 10 @ Steelers If anyone remembers last year’s game at Heinz Field, they’d probably like to forget. Given that Brady Quinn is the starter by now, this would be his first battle with the Browns’ archrival. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will be expected to win games with his arm this season, so the Browns should take heed. Match-up Like all Browns-Steelers games, this game will be won or lost in the trenches. Both Browns and Steelers quarterbacks will need protection from their O-Line. Chances are whichever one happens to get more will be the winning team.

2007 Cleveland Browns Preview | Page 19

The Cauldron | September 4, 2007

Week 11 @ Ravens Provided that the Ravens are on a dominant streak at this point and the Browns have won their fair share of games up to this point, this game could be pivotal. Brown’s RB Jamal Lewis will play at his old stadium and against his old team. This game could be the difference between going 7-9, 8-8, or making a play-off run as a wild card. Match-up If Jamal Lewis gets even 100 yards on his old team, many Clevelanders will sleep soundly. Ravens secondary again should be the focus of the Browns offense.

Week 12: Houston Texans The Texans underwent serious changes in the off-season this year, and the Browns should prepare accordingly. Although the Texans changed their QB, RB, WR, and LB situations, they aren’t necessarily better off for it. This is a rebuilding year for the Texans, and there will be growing pains. Expect the Browns defense to get pressure on new Texans QB Matt Schaub early and often due to lack of a strong O-line for Houston. Match-up If there is one particular area where the Texans did see some limited growth, it is their defense. How the Browns offense responds to the few upstart players the Texans brought in such as former Philadelphia Eagle LB Shawn

Barber, former New Orleans Saint LB Danny Clark, and first round draft pick DT Amobi Okoye could reveal much about the outcome of this game.

Week 13 @ Arizona Cardinals The Cards have plenty to look forward to this season. With a new Head Coach in Ken Whisenhunt, a stronger O-Line, their franchise QB in place, and with plenty of offensive weapons, the Cardinals of 2007 could make a run for a wildcard berth in their NFC West. Match-up If Brady Quinn starts here he may get his revenge at Matt Leinart for USC’s extremely close victory over Notre Dame during Quinn’s junior year. The Browns defense must stop Cards RB Edgerrin James, as well as effectively cover and route WR Larry Fitzgerald amd WR Anquan Boldin. The Cards run defense is their weakest point, and the Browns will look to exploit this.

Week 14 @ New York Jets As an AFC East wildcard who lost out to New England in 2006, the Jets have improved more for 2007, at least on paper. Drafting CB Darrelle Revis solves problems the Jets had in their secondary, and acquiring Thomas Jones from Chicago would seemingly enhance the Jets running game. Jets QB Chad Pennington hopes for another solid season and he and the Jets should have one- provided that Pennington stays healthy.

Match-up: The Jets have a shot at revenge after last year’s nail-biter against Cleveland. With a solid O-line in place which underscored the Jets 2006 playoff berth, the Browns main focus this game should be stopping the run and pressuring the QB. Pennington is an excellent pocket passer when he’s comfortable, which is something the Browns cannot allow.

Week 15: Buffalo Bills Having lost key members on both offense and defense, the Bills will be hard pressed to succeed in the same division as the Jets and the Patriots, or even bother the Browns. The Bill’s plight isn’t aided by what could become a QB controversy by this point between struggling QB J.P. Losman and the Bills’ third round draft pick out of Stanford QB Trent Edwards. Match-up Overlooking Cleveland’s schedule, this is what one may be inclined to call a “safe” game. Provided Cleveland can stop the running of new Bills RB Marshawn Lynch, and cover a fairly tame receiver core, “safe” may be just the right word for Week 16.

Week 16 @ Bengals The Bengals always play tough at home against the Browns and this game won’t deviate much from that norm. Expect a vigorous running game from Rudi Johnson and Bengals’ second round pick

out of Auburn Kenny Irons. Cincinnati’s offense should still be productive despite departures on the O-Line and in their receiver core. Cleveland would be smart to adjust and cover accordingly. Match-up An AFC North division game in December? Conditions dictate this game will be won or lost almost solely on a productive running game. Whichever team establishes theirs earlier and further can look for a win here. On paper the Browns have a better chance of doing this due to departures on the Bengals’ D-Line.

vs Week 17: San Francisco 49ers

The Niners look to capitalize this season after a dynamic offseason full of signings in the free agency and a solid draft day. QB Alex Smith seems to have panned out for Frisco and he will have plenty of weapons to work withincluding but not limited to elite RB Frank Gore, former Seahawks WR Darrell Jackson, and 2006 first round draft pick Vernon Davis. With the addition of first round draft pick LB Patrick Willis out of Ole Miss and having signed CB Nate Clements from Buffalo, even the Niners defense looks good. Cleveland will have to shape up or ship out here. Expect a hard fought game to the last minute. Match-up San Francisco may have all the tools to win games but one has to wonder whether these warm weather players will be up to playing in snowy Cleveland in January. If they are, the Browns better be ready to go toe-to-toe with a strong Niners’ offense led by QB Alex Smith utilizing his new found weapons and handing off to Frank “Inconvenient Truth” Gore.

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