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Student Leaders Resign as SGA Controversy Unfolds 3.3.2011

A Publication by the Students for the Ramapo College Community

XLI No. 17

Organization Appoints Two New Members to Executive Board

By MEGAN ANDERLE Editor-in-Chief

Dissent among the upper ranks of the Student Government Association has led to the resignations of two members involved with a widely distributed flyer that labeled the club’s leaders “a pack of elitist tyrants.”

SGA Vice President Mitchell Gorbunoff and Secretary of Personnel Noelle Nocera resigned last Thursday, after telling SGA President Jason Krisza of their involvement, Krisza said.

Gorbunoff said he helped write and distribute the flyer and Nocera said she knew about the flyer as it was being developed, Krisza said.

The current student trustee and the alternate student trustee, Laura Hahn and Erin Kaplan-Burns, also said they were involved. Hahn said she helped write and distribute the letter, while Kaplan-Burns said she knew about it for weeks, Krisza said.

Nocera, Gorbunoff, Hahn and Kaplan-Burns acknowledged their involvement but declined to comment further.

“Mitch, Laura, Noelle and Erin all had knowledge of this prior to the posting,” Krisza said. “All four individuals, after the posting, played along without knowledge.

They outright lied to me.”

“They did not stop the conversation when others were accused,” he added. “No one was sorry until they got caught.”

In their place, Garrett Santoro, previously a senator to the Anisfield School of Business, has been appointed to VP, while Secretary of Financial Affairs Adam Panella has been appointed to secretary of personnel. Both will continue to fulfill the duties of their previous positions as well, but Santoro no longer has voting rights in the Senate. The Senate, comprised of 13 members with 12 who can vote, approved Santoro 90-0 and Panella 7-0-2.

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EEKEND

photo by Mike Jagendorf

Student Government Association members appointed new members to the executive board after two former members, involved with writing and distributing an unauthorized flyer, resigned.

“Initially, the flyer had to do with [the four involved] not being heard,” Santoro said, “but it goes deeper than that. It has more of a political swing.”

The flyers were distributed last Monday throughout the academic building, and were taken down by SGA members less than a day later. As the “Ramapo News” reported last week, the flyer questioned whether or not SGA is “the voice” of the student body.

A few SGA members have expressed lost confidence in Hahn and Kaplan-Burns, leading Panella to put a spending freeze on their $2,000 budget, Emily Davis, head of Student Activities Revenue

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Management, said.

“In light of both the trustee and alternate trustee being involved with the flyer, Jason and myself felt it was best to freeze their budget until everything is settled and the details in the matter are worked out,” Panella said.

The flyers were printed on SGAfunded paper from the office, Krisza said.

On Monday night, the Senate revoted on sending the student trustees to a Los Angeles conference that would have cost more $1,100 per person, Senate President Alexa Glynn said. In a vote of 10-4, the voting body approved only one member to

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attend, rather than both. In a vote of 8-6, the body decided that the alternate trustee-elect will attend, rather than Kaplan-Burns. The new alternate trustee will be elected next month.

Senate VP Caitlin O’Toole said that there was a “lengthy debate” on Monday night and that the close vote left Senate divided.

Lindsey Daly, a newly appointed Senator-at-Large, voted in favor of Kaplan-Burns attending the conference.

“I put myself in her position,” Daly said. “She didn’t write it herself; she just didn’t want to throw anyone under the bus, and was so much more apologetic, compared

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to the people who actually circulated it. I respect the Senate’s decision though.”

In contrast, Christina Pasquali, senator of the School of Social Sciences and Human Services, voted against sending KaplanBurns to the conference.

“We wanted to show them that we’re taking what this is very seriously, but we still wanted the benefit of sending someone,” Pasquali said. “This gives us the benefit while still giving Erin her punishment, or whatever you want to call it.”

see SGA on page 6

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Page 2 The Ramapo News

THE RAMAPO NEWS Robert A. Scott Student Center 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

(201) 684-7842 rcnjnews@ramapo.edu Megan Anderle Amy Fezza

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Nicole Alliegro Elyse Toribio News Editors

Diana Stanczak A & E Editor

Andrew Gould Sean Ritchie

Stefanie Mauro Sports Editors Photo Editor

Matt Giuliari Maria Sallustio

Creative Directors

Samantha Ullrich Web Editor

Adam Panella Dan Sforza

Business Manager Technical Advisor

Danielle Reed Keri Ann Flaccomio Contributors

INSIDE

Around the Arch Viewpoints Page 3

A&E Page 7

Sports Page 8

Page 13

POLICY

NJ State Workers Rally for Wisconsin Unions

Thursday, March 3, 2011

By MIKE JAGENDORF Staff Writer

Ramapo staff members went to Trenton to join hundreds of teachers and other union workers at a rally on Friday to express solidarity with the public sector workers of Wisconsin. The state’s Republican governor, Scott Walker, is trying to pass a budget bill that will restrict the right of state workers to engage in collective bargaining for their benefits in order to reduce spending. Opponents of the bill claim Walker is trying to take away from the middle class to benefit the rich, or the bill is a political ploy to weaken unions, who support the Democratic Party.

In order to stall a vote on the bill, all 14 Democrats in the state’s mostly Republican legislature have fled to Illinois so Wisconsin state troopers cannot compel them to return to session and vote. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Wisconsinites have been protesting the bill inside and outside the state Capitol building since it was proposed on February 15th.

Irene Kuchta, the access services librarian at Ramapo and the president of Ramapo’s chapter of the American Federation of Teachers union (AFT), said people in Wisconsin are afraid of the budget shutting down public employees’ right to negotiate.

“They will not concede on their right to negotiate their benefits,” she said. “We’re going to Trenton to support workers in Wisconsin and tell Christie that it’s not going to happen here.”

Kuchta said she fears New Jersey teachers may soon face salary and benefit cuts, and could lose their academic freedom if tenure is taken away.

Chris Christie has announced that he does not plan to take away collective bargaining rights in New Jersey, but he does support Walker’s plan.

“I like him and I trust him,” Christie said Sunday on “Face The Nation,” “and I think he believes he’s doing what’s in the best interests of Wisconsin the same way I’m doing what I think is best for New Jersey.”

The Republican governor also noted that collective bargaining rights are legislatively created, they’re not human rights or ones guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.

“They didn’t come down on tablets from the

top of a mountain. Political things change and go back and forth, every state will make its own determination on that,” he said.

A bus trip to the Trenton rally departed from William Patterson University on Friday morning with a dozen teachers and union representatives on board. From Ramapo were Irene Kuchta, manager of the local AFT chapter Jude Pernot, and Margie Pardo, who works for the federal education program Upward Bound.

Also on board was Arlene Schor, an adjunct professor at Keane so devoted to the union cause that she doesn’t have an EZ-Pass because they replace unionized toll collectors.

“Everyone who’s a public employee is in trouble,” she said. “Christie’s bullying attitude was there from day one.”

Seated at the back of the bus were three Willam Patterson students who were coming to protest too. They were members of their school’s 40-student strong Young Democratic Socialist organization. Their leader, Daniela Jorge, who wore a shirt that read ‘we will not

Whenever necessary, The Ramapo News will publish corrections or clarifications in the following issues. All corrections must be brought to the attention of the editor as soon as possible. The Ramapo News strives for accuracy. In keeping with journalistic standards, pre-publication review of any article, quote or editorial is not allowed. Viewpoints may be dropped off at SC-218 or e-mailed to rcnjnews@ramapo.edu. The Ramapo News reserves the right to edit viewpoints for content, style and space.

Anonymous viewpoints will not be accepted.

Paid advertisements are accepted at the sole discretion of The Ramapo News staff and are due no later than the Monday of that weekʼs issue.

Rates are available by contacting the editorial staff by phone or e-mail.

photo by Mike Jagendorf

NJ workers express solidarity with Wisconsin unions at a rally in Trenton on Fri.

photo by Mike Jagendorf

Tea Party supporters in favor of Gov. Christie attended the rally in counter-protest.

be silent’ in Arabic, said “It’s about making sure people are treated fairly at work. I’m surprised New Jersey hasn’t had a revolution yet.”

The group talked about Che Guevara, and later, Jorge passed around a sheet of paper to collect the email addresses of the teachers on the bus, using a Marx-Engels Reader as a clipboard.

“You are so inspiring,” Pernot told the young organizer. “I want to keep in touch.”

Pernot and Pardo crafted protest signs with posterboard and colorful markers while the bus went down the Turnpike. Pardo carefully laminated her sign with strips of clear tape to protect it from the rain. “It’s not my first rally,” she said.

As the bus emerged from a dark tunnel and Trenton came into view, Susanna Tardi, the president of the AFT chapter at William Patterson University, half-joked “I always feel a bit sick when heading this way because I think about the negotiating table.”

The rally, organized by the nationwide union AFL-CIO, drew hundreds of people from New Jersey and beyond. They braved pouring rain to hear labor leaders speak in front of the State House, where the New Jersey legislature convenes. A key component of organized labor action is that unions stand in solidarity with one another across the world. The American Federation of Teachers, which represents Ramapo staff, was at the rally along with members of the New Jersey Education Association, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO), United Auto Workers and Communication Workers of America. Many held handmade or mass produced signs expressing solidarity with Wisconsin workers or anger at Walker or Christie.

“All work has value,” said Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO and the keynote speaker. “We win when we fight for all working people. Work for it, stand for it, march together, fight together, win together. And don’t let anyone stand in our way.”

see TRENTON on page 6

Thursday, March 3, 2011

THURSDAY’S CHILD

Actress and Justin Timberlake beau, Jessica Biel celebrates a ʻheavenlyʼ 29 years today.

TODAY IN HISTORY

20 years ago today Rodney King was filmed being brutally beaten by L.A. police officers.

The officers were acquitted of assault despite the footage, sparking the Los Angeles riots.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Justice Roberts on a ruling that permits anit-gay protestors at military funerals: “The government cannot restrict speech “simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.”

Women’s Fraternity Well-Received by Ramapo Greeks

By KAITLIN McGUINNES S Staff Writer On Feb. 23, a colony of the nationwide fraternal social organization Alpha Omicron Pi was founded at Ramapo College of New Jersey in a ceremony in the Trustees Pavilion.

Before Alpha Omicron Pi was founded there were only four sororities on campus, compared to nine male fraternities. Carlin Keil, senior founding member of the AOII colony at Ramapo explained how beneficial a new organization can be for the school.

“People want to expand Greek life on campus as an entity,” Keil said. “People thought we needed a fifth [sorority] for that to happen.”

Last year Keil and seven other girls were met with enthusiasm when they approached the Ramapo College PanHellenic Council (CPH) with an interest in creating a new sorority.

“It was done a lot more by the four sororities on campus than any group of people,” Keil said.

Alpha Omicron Pi was the first sorority founded at an Ivy League school. Law students at Barnard College on the campus of Columbia University founded the organization in 1897, before the term sorority was commonly used, and so it is still known today as a fraternity for women.

Ten people were hired by the national organization to

advise the Ramapo students on a weekly basis, and the girls are also assisted by AOII alumni in the area.

“The support has been overwhelming,” Keil said. “When they leave us in May, they want us to be a competitive sorority in terms of number and financial state.”

The Alpha Omicron Pi colony has 80 members, the average for sororities at Ramapo, and must complete certain tasks before it is initiated as a chapter this April by AOII International President Barbara Zipperian, which Keil said will be “a huge privilege, a huge honor.”

Alpha Omicron Pi will celebrate its initiation and be presented with its charter at a Rose Banquet and starting next year it will be holding its own events and formals.

Starting in the fall Alpha Omicron Pi will have dues of $210 a semester, which is comparable to other sororities on campus.

In the meantime Alpha Omicron Pi is fulfilling the functions of a sorority and will be taking part in Greek events on campus, such as Greek Week in April.

“The only thing we do not have is voting privileges at the CPH,” said Keil. “I’d love to present our national president with the Greek Week trophy when she gets here,” Keil enthused.

Christina Crescimanno, freshman and new member of the sorority, is excited for AOII to become an official chapter.

“I thought it would provide sisterhood and a network of

girls who would support you,” Crescimanno said. She is also interested in community service and being involved on campus.

Keil emphasized that they are a new group that will be crafting new traditions.

“The point of a new member process,” Keil said “is to learn about your sisters, learn about your sorority and to learn about yourself.”

“There’s no point to [hazing],” Crescimanno added. New members of AOII at Ramapo will immediately be sisters, not pledges, and will automatically earn their letters by receiving their bids.

One of the things Crescimanno likes about being in the organization is the diversity of membership. “All of us are really different,” she said, “and we’re all coming together with different ideas and personalities and we’re all accepting of that.”

Crescimanno and Keil both added that going through the process of founding the sorority together has been a bonding process for all the girls. “One of our symbols is sheaves of wheat,” Keil said, “which represent all of us as individuals being bound together as one.”

kmcguinn@rampo.edu

Ramapo Explores Rebranding to Improve Student Activity

By GARRET IVINS Staff Writer

This semester Ramapo is trying harder than ever to shed its image of being a “suitcase school.” Through efforts by students, administrators and faculty, the school is well on its way to revamping its reputation and getting a new image.

Currently, the majority of students who live on campus head home on the weekends.

In an attempt to make this a habit of the past, school officials are organizing bigger events, in addition to other changes, that will generate more student interest and enrich student life on campus. Students seem skeptical of the proposed change, but if the school is successful they may soon have students singing their praises. Anna Farneski, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, explained that the school is collecting and analyzing data to get a better picture of what they want to do for students, as well as how the students view the school.

“What we are in the middle of is an ‘Integrated Marketing Communication Planning process,’” Farneski said. “First, we conducted market research, so that we can understand how we [are] perceived internally and externally. Then, we began the process of articulating who we are, what we stand for and what [we] have to offer students and other College constituents.”

Ramapo hired Stamats, an outside research and consulting firm, to conduct and analyze data for the school.

“The school has also enlisted the help of Statmats to give advertising and marketing

materials a visual overhaul,” Farneski explained.

“Next we will work with Stamats to develop the visual look or creatives that support the final decision. Those creatives will be used in all future advertising and print collaterals the office of Marketing and Communications produces, including the March 2012 Viewbook and a new recruitment DVD for next year.”

For students, this could mean a lot of positive changes down the road. This is something that school officials recognize, and encourage students to give feedback on.

Ramapo has sent out surveys to student email and will use these surveys in the process of creating the school’s new look.

Faculty members have stated that student input will be very important in their process.

Students can already see some of their criticisms in effect, beginning with the change in policy for ticket sales at Roadrunner Central.Previously, students could buy multiple tickets offered at the same price. Now, students may still purchase multiple tickets, however additional tickets come at an increased price, depending on the event.

Faculty members must now wait a week after tickets are available to students before they are eligible to make a purchase.

Regardless of the proposed changes, some students like sophomore Alexa DiScenza feel that there are other factors keeping students off campus.

“Between the changes with the guest policies and the problems with alcohol on campus, I feel like more students are finding it

photo by Garret Ivins

Student Activities is planning more events to keep students more active and involved on campus during the weekend.

easier to go off campus as opposed to dealing with some of the school policies,” DiScenza said.

Recent policy changes do seem to play a role in students decisions to leave campus, specifically on weekends. One dilemma the school now faces is determining how to keep students active and on campus. Mark Simon, a junior and recent transfer student, has a few ideas.

“Being a transfer student I’ve had the opportunity to experience dorm life on other campuses,” Simon said. “I feel like more activities that interest students would help keep students on campus, like having more concerts this spring, or bringing in a big

name like Dane Cook.”

A more active student population could mean more school unity and more interaction among students and faculty. The school has been promoting B.o.B., the headline act of the spring concert, for weeks, and more events will surely be announced throughout the semester. With the school expanding and working to improve life for students, Ramapo has a seemingly bright future.

Anne Farneski has a good outlook on the school’s plans.

“This is a very exciting time for the College.” givins@ramapo.edu

Students Hit the City to Show Support for Planned Parenthood Page 4 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 3, 2011

By S ARAH McCONKEY Contributing Writer Several members of Feminists United took a trip to Manhattan for Planned Parenthood’s Rally for Women’s Health on Saturday, Feb. 25. The rally took place in Foley Square, across from the courthouse, and featured performers and distinctive speakers from Congress and the New York state government. The rally was organized to spark enthusiasm to support Planned Parenthood, in reaction to recent legislation that passed in the House of Representatives cutting federal funding for the organization.

In mid-February, the House of Representatives passed an amendment that would cut off all federal funding to Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization established in the early 1900s to offer affordable reproductive healthcare and abortions to low-income women. Those who voted in favor of the amendment claimed that the organization offered abortions too recklessly. Those opposing claimed that the GOP was waging a “war on women” by taking away their affordable healthcare and contraceptives.

Jill Grimaldi, a junior and president of Feminists United, said that “everyone, regardless of their feelings about abortion, can embrace Planned Parenthood because the bulk of the work they do centers around preventing unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and cancer for men and women.”

Sophomore Antonio Regalado said, “I don't think political leanings should come into this.

Regardless of my stance on abortion, PP [Planned Parenthood] provides tons of services. I oppose the legislation because millions are affected in such a negative way. That’s not the point of law.”

The controversy surrounding this issue was tangible at the rally. Men and women from all parts of the country, some as far as California, arrived at Foley Square with banners and signs. Strangers came together over a common cause. A few women who have relied on Planned Parenthood for reproductive healthcare shared their stories on the platform to raise awareness about the influence the organization has on the lives of many low-income families.

Politicians who spoke at the rally affirmed their commitments to protecting women’s reproductive rights, and promised the crowd that they would use their influence as elected officials to support the organization and protect it from being defunded. Political musicians Nellie McKay, Toshi Reagon, Maddy Wyatt, and John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats set the tone between speakers. The Ramapo students who attended the rally with Feminists

photo by Jill Grimaldi

Crowds came out to support the Planned Parenthoodʼs Rally for Womenʼs Health on February 25 bearing signs and banners in protest.

United found that it was a positive experience. Sophomore Robin Netanel, an executive board member of Feminists United, said she felt enlightened by it.

“Before I went to the rally I knew that standing in solidarity for any just issue that benefits human/equal rights was important, but by going to the rally, I really got a first-hand listen at what women in our country are up against,” she said.

Grimaldi left the rally feeling “charged and excited to take this cause back to Ramapo, and get other students involved with supporting Planned Parenthood.”

NORML Sponsors Speaker to Advocate Legalization of Marijuana

By S TEPHANIE de RUITER Staff Writer A new club at Ramapo is creating awareness and grabbing attention on campus. The Ramapo Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, invited Ken Wolski, a registered nurse since 1976 and executive director and co-founder of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey Inc., to speak about the benefits of medical marijuana and the negative effects illegalization of the substance has had on society. Wolski came to Ramapo on Tuesday and nearly 40 students attended his presentation.

“In the early 90s I became aware that marijuana had therapeutic benefits and that patients were being brutalized by the federal government and by state governments who were basically following the advice of their doctors,” Wolski said.

“And so as a patient advocate I looked into this and I studied and I now support it.”

The cannabis sativa plant (otherwise known as marijuana, pot, weed, ganja, etc.) has been used for health purposes throughout history, but has also been in the center of an ongoing political debate. The use of marijuana to treat a wide range of ailments dates back more than 2,000 years. Until 1941 the plant was included in the United S tates Pharmacopoeia as a recognized medicinal substance. In 1970, the plant was declared a Schedule I substance by the Controlled Substances Act. The act states that Schedule I substances “have a high potential for abuse, have no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and that there is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.” Possession of cannabis under this act can bring up to one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine for a first offense.

Since the act was passed, many marijuana advocates have faced an uphill battle to legalize and decriminalize marijuana growth, usage and possession. Despite the report on Schedule I substances, the drug continues to receive avid support for medicinal uses among doctors, patients, and citizens throughout the United States.

In January 2005, The New Jersey Compassionate Use

smcconke@ramapo.edu

Medical Marijuana Act was introduced to the state legislature. It was signed into law five years later in January 2010, and finally took effect in October of that year. Through this act, the state of New Jersey recognizes marijuana as a form of medicine for a number of terminal illnesses. Despite many faults of the program, including lack of patient privacy and the arbitrary cannabinoid (THC) level and strain limits, supporters expect medical marijuana to reach patients this summer.

Despite the growing support, there are still those with apprehensions about the accepted use of cannabis.

“I cannot say for sure whether I agree or disagree with the legalization of medical marijuana,” Roya Amirniroumand, a junior, said. “I think it depends on a case-by-case basis.

photo by Stephanie deRuiter

Ken Wolski advocates for the legalization of marijuana because of its medical benefits.

Working with the substance abuse population I have seen the repercussions of addiction—physically, emotionally, mentally. Addiction and the physiological effects are something to be considered.”

Kyle Ulscht, the vice president of the NORML club, said he did not always support the legalization of marijuana.

“My personal choice has always been to abstain from smoking, drinking, and recreational drugs,” he said. “ So naturally, when I was younger, I took a very hard line stance on drug abuse. I felt drug users should be treated as criminals.”

After researching the issue, however, Ulscht began to recognize the hypocrisy of cannabis laws and since then has realized the libertarian value of legalizing and decriminalizing the drug.

NORML was approved by the Student Government Association in December and has been building a membership since then. Despite this, Ulscht recognizes the stigma surrounding marijuana.

“We [NORML founders] had to field some questions from SGA about how the school’s association with NORML would affect our school’s image,” he said. “We stood by our view that marijuana legalization is a political view and that it would be inappropriate for a state funded school to suppress political speech, and that being on the side of right was more important than maintaining an image (not to mention the fact that support is at a near 50-50 split).”

The use of marijuana, whether recreational or medical, is hotly debated in the country and throughout the world.

“While the purpose of NORML is to reform the laws regarding industrial and recreational use, it is also to change perception of marijuana from a ‘hard drug’ to a safer alternative to alcohol,” said Ulscht. “One of the reasons we invited Ken is because he’s an excellent example of someone involved in the movement who isn’t just fighting for a right to live his life as he wishes, but is rather standing up for the rights of those who are too sick to stand up for themselves.”

Ulscht hopes that society as a whole will benefit as students spread the word about current injustices that continue to take place throughout the country. sderuite@ramapo.edu

Page 5 The Ramapo News

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Thursday, March 3, 2011

SGA Reacts to Resignations, Offensive Flier

Page 6 The Ramapo News

continued from page 1

Reactions, Resignations, More New Appointments Senator-at-Large Adam Rinaldi said that this incident has made him seriously reconsider whether he wants to continue his involvement with SGA next year.

“When I first heard, I just wanted to break down and cry,” Rinaldi said. “It’s too much to deal with, I didn’t get involved in SGA for this drama.”

Rinaldi originally planned to run for alternate student trustee, but the current trustees’ participation with the letter has made him reconsider.

“These were the first four role models I had in the organization,” Rinaldi said. “You just don’t do that to an entire organization. The reputations of the four individuals are tarnished, and it will take a very long time for them to develop better reputations.”

Joseph Di Giacomo, a senator-atlarge, said he resigned this week following the resignations of Gorbunoff, his roommate, and Nocera, a close friend.

“I've known [Nocera] for my entire life and that was no way to treat her simply because she knew that the flyer was written,” Di Giacomo said in an e-mail. “I respect [Garbunoff’s] efforts in pointing out flaws in the system that needed to be addressed.

Although most of the organization thought the wording was too strong, I think that it needed to be put very bluntly in order for people

Thursday, March 3, 2011

to listen and truly want to fix these problems.”

Daly, the former senate secretary, was appointed to replace DiGiacomo. A new senate secretary will be appointed in the near future, Glynn said.

The College’s administration and SGA leaders are considering all options at this point, officials said.

“As far as I know, the Board of Trustees has been appraised of looking into this,” Associate VP of Student Affairs Patrick Chang said.

The chair of the Board of Trustees could not be reached prior to press time.

According to the SGA Constitution, the organization may impeach any elected member.

However, the document does not explicitly state whether the trustees are members of the organization.

Instead, the constitution states, “The student trustees shall act as a liaison between SGA and the Board of Trustees.”

“SGA is exploring all of its options,” Krisza said.

Panella said he feels the trustees should receive more serious consequences for their actions than a regular SGA member, as they are the student leaders who work closest with the administration.

“It’s disappointing because trustees are held to such a high standard,” Panella said. “It was extremely unethical and unprofessional. They lost a lot of credibility in writing that page.”

Members’ resignations in closed

session Last Thursday night, SGA had a closed session in which members Gorbunoff and Nocera resigned, and members were able to confront the issue. The meeting began at 9:15 p.m. and lasted for more than two hours.

“We all had a chance to speak to [those involved] directly,” Senator-at-Large Kevin Cottino said. “Everyone expressed disappointment and that this was inexcusable.”

Krisza said that the session was effective.

“I think we provided the closure that was needed,” Krisza said after the meeting. “Tomorrow’s all about laying out the blueprint for some of these changes.”

Krisza claims that there were no signs or indicators beforehand that the group was planning anything of this nature.

“Our organization does need improvement, like any organization,” Krisza said, “but there was no tipping point that made this at all warranted.”

“This could have been an attack on Jason Krisza,” he added,” “but really, it was an attack on the organization.”

Secretary of Student Affairs Amy Fezza, also managing editor of the “Ramapo News,” said that that the four responsible weren’t respected, and the letter allowed them to vent frustrations that they were unable to articulate.

“The four involved say they weren’t being heard, and they weren’t being taken seriously as

Union Supporters Head to Trenton

continued from page 2

Trumka accused Walker of “ginning up” Wisconsin’s budget crisis with tax breaks and giveaways to big business, then used the crisis to come after workers’ pay and benefits. “It’s not all about money. It’s about power. It’s about weakening workers and our unions to get us out of the way of CEO profits and bonuses,” he said as the crowd cheered.

At the State House annex next to the main rally, a small counter-protest was held by Americans for Prosperity and Tea Party groups. The crowd of about 50 expressed support for Walker and Christie.

Political activist Steve Lonegan praised Christie and said “The majority of politicians are not being frugal with our hard-earned money. It’s time we put our children’s interests and their future ahead of our own.”

Anna Little, the Republican mayor of Highlands who ran for Congress unsuccessfully last year, said, “We want constitutional government and fair labor negotiations. We will stand with our brothers and sisters until the spending cuts and reforms are in place.”

She concluded the conservative protest by leading the crowd in a recital of “God Bless America” while the much larger crowd down the block sang the union anthem “Solidarity Forever.”

On the other side of a line of police officers, an angry protestor with a CWA sign yelled at the Tea Party crowd, “You got a billionaire governor...taking it out on us!” The Tea Partiers responded by chanting “Get back to work, get back to work.”

The American Federation of Teachers represents the vast majority of Ramapo faculty, but there are some that want nothing to do with the unions. Finance professor Dr. Murray Sabrin is a Libertarian who once

ran for Congress and governor of New Jersey. He believes the government’s first responsibility is to balance the budget to be responsible to the taxpayers.

Union power is making that difficult, because unions exist to promote the interest of their members, which is as high of a salary and as much benefits as they can possibly get.

“If you have collective bargaining agreements which prevent the reduction of costs when you’re in an economic downturn,” Sabrin said, “there’s a gap between the expenses and the tax revenue.”

Sabrin said the main problem with public education in the United States is we’re paying a lot for underachievement. “The taxpayers are not getting a good return on their tax dollars,” he said. “The governor has to make sure expenses are kept in check because of the fiscal situation we’re in.”

He is also concerned about the entanglement of labor unions with politics. “Unions are basically an arm of the Democratic Party,” he said, “and they try to get people elected who are sympathetic to their goals.”

The AFL-CIO, which organized the Trenton rally, spent over $53 million to support Obama’s 2008 campaign. Trumka says he’s at the White House two or three times a week, and has conversations every day with people in the administration. Last week, Obama called the Wisconsin budget provision “an assault on unions.” mjagendo@ramapo.edu

leaders,” Fezza said.

Some members pointed to cliques within the SGA as a source of that frustration.

“I share the same frustration with the those who wrote the letter regarding the ‘clique’ within the organization,” Senator of the School of Theoretical and Applied Sciences Brittany Leyton said in an e-mail. “I find that your position within the clique tends to determine whether your concerns are heard or not. For me, the ‘clique-i-ness’ has made my experience as part of SGA disappointing.”

Santoro said this was inexcusable.

“I feel like everyone at some point feels like their voice isn’t being heard,” Santoro said. “They said [planning of this] was going on for weeks, which makes it seem like an attack and political ploy, because they had time to cool off.”

While members like Santoro believe that this was a political move, Secretary of Academic Affairs Jessica Roffee said she feels otherwise.

“The letter was not intended to be political at all,” she said. “The fact that it coincides with elections is merely coincidental. I know their characters; it’s not for political gain.”

“This is bigger than a communication problem; it’s about building relationships in the organization,” Roffee added.

The Future of SGA Krisza said the organization plans to visit Montclair State University

in the near future to gather ideas about how to better Ramapo’s SGA. “We want to take a few positives, see what they’re doing at other SGAs,” Krisza said. “It’s a process that’s going to take a lot longer than the two months I have left.”

SGA advisers Christopher Romano and Anthony Dovi said they are supporting SGA as best they can in their efforts to better the organization.

“We are supporting SGA through this tough time and are encouraging mature and productive communication and solutions to the issues at hand,” Dovi said. “Our priority is moving forward, and in the short term their elections will foster honest and open debate to issues that concern students.”

Rinaldi said he thinks the incident has hurt SGA’s reputation and agrees that it will take awhile before the organization redeems itself in the eyes of the administration and community.

“This will leave a dark cloud over the organization for the next two months and maybe even for years,” Rinaldi said. “As much as we’re trying to move past it, it’s in the back of everyone’s mind.”

Steve Wiltbank and Frank Levering, running mates for this year’s presidential election, agreed that they don’t think an incident like this will recur if they are elected next year.

“I can’t imagine this happening again,” Wiltbank said. “Next year everything will be on the table, out manderin the open.”

photos by Mike Jagendorf

Top: Wisconsin union supporters put “Cheesehead” hat on top of Gen. Patton memorial across from the State House.

Bottom: Anna Little, Rep. mayor of Highlands, Nj, speaks out against union bosses.

Thursday, March 3, 2011 Campus views are the sole opinion of their respective authors, submitted to The Ramapo News and in no way reflect the views of either The Ramapo News or Ramapo College of New Jersey.

VIEW POINTS

Madoff Digs Himself into a Deeper Hole in Interview

By MEGAN ANDERLE Editor-in-Chief

In an interview with “New York Magazine” about two weeks ago, Bernie Madoff made a lot of contradictions. Madoff claimed that the banks “had to know” about his elaborate Ponzi scheme.

Later in the interview, Madoff also said, “How could I have done this? I was making a lot of money. I didn’t need the money. [Am I] a flawed character?”

Madoff, why won’t you just lie in the grave you dug?

So now, I’ll ask an obvious question: if

Madoff didn’t need the money, why the hell did he go through with betraying and humiliating thousands of investors, bankrupting charities, like the Elie Wisesel Foundation for Humanity?

The only logical explanations for why he’d make statements like these are either he doesn’t care whether he embarrasses his family any more than he already has at this point or he is mentally ill. Or it could be a combination of the two.

Madoff has wreaked enough havoc in his loved ones’ lives. At this point, he’s kicking his family while they’re down, especially after the passing of his son.

Mark Madoff killed himself in December, on the two-year anniversary of his father’s arrest. On this day, the “New York Post” reported that Bernie Madoff said he was “upset” about his death.

If he was truly upset though, why would he make statements in an interview that basically make him look like even more of

Dear Editor, My name is Laura Hahn. I am the Student Trustee of Ramapo College. I sit on the college’s Board of Trustees and serve as the liaison to Student Government Association. As a Board of Trustee member, I have the opportunity to participate in Board committees and having a vote on decision items, such as tuition. While I bring a student perspective to the table, I make decisions based on the best interest of the college.

As reported in “The Ramapo News” last week, people may have seen or heard about a flier entitled “SGA: Are They Your Voice?” that was posted in the Academic Buildings. I was one of the authors. In the aftermath and based upon the article, I have come to realize that several people were hurt by the fliers. I’d like to express my sincerest apologies to the people that were hurt by my actions and to anyone who has been offended. That was not the intention of the flier. I did not think about how the words and actions would affect individuals, and for that, I am deeply sorry.

While I recognize it was not the best way to express my concerns, I felt at the time that I had exhausted all other avenues and rather wanted to create an impact. It is not how a person in my position should act or communicate, but if I’m going to extreme measures, when I usually have a sense of what is rational, then clearly I feel there is an issue.

My reason for writing the flier was to give a voice to the many students from different clubs and organizations that have been ignored, intimidated and offended by some members of the SGA. I have directed students with campus concerns to SGA countless times. Almost every time, the students’ responses are, “SGA doesn’t do anything.” For the first time in my few years of knowing SGA, I began to see where those students were coming from.

This year, I personally relayed concerns to specific members of the organization, including the complete lack of food services for international students during Thanksgiving break, and the 250 parking spaces occupied by snow that caused major problems for students, particularly commuters. Neither of these issues were addressed or rectified. These are issues that SGA should be fighting for on behalf of students. That’s what SGA is supposed to do.

Yes, there are some members in the organization that have a great work ethic, but I’ve been a student at Ramapo for four years, and this year’s SGA seems to have the least efficacy. The intent of the flier was to inspire people to speak up, and to hold SGA accountable for what it can and should be.

Sincerely, Laura Hahn

Dear Editor,

an unsorry crook than the public already thinks he is?

He committed the largest fraud in Wall Street history, as “the New York Times” reports, but he still claims that banks and hedge funds were “complicit” in his fraud.

He said, ““They had to know,” Mr. Madoff said. “But the attitude was sort of, ‘If you’re doing something wrong, we don’t want to know.’”

Is he crazy? What basis does he have for saying that the banks were willing to sit idly by knowing he was committing a crime this serious?

“The New York Times” reported that Madoff “appeared unchanged” at the time of the interview. I’m not surprised. In this interview, his words reflect that he couldn’t care less about whether he hurts his family or not; his attitudes has been the same since the day he got caught – what he did wouldn’t have been that big of a deal if he never got caught.

Madoff’s jail sentence is for 150 years. He has stolen money from New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenburg, who is one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, Yeshiva University, Mort Zuckerman’s charitable trust of $30 million, Bank Medici, an Austrian bank just to name a few.

He has not shown even slight remorse for the Ponzi scheme, remaining firm in blaming the banks for their “decisions” to allow his fraud to continue.

“I am saying that the banks and funds were complicit in one form or another,” Madoff again asserted to “The New York Times” in an email.

During one of the highlights in his interview with “New York Magazine,” Madoff told the reporter that he has asked his psychiatrist if he is a sociopath…. Does he even have to ask? manderle@ramapo.edu

The article “Freshman parking ban: the wrong choice” written by Megan Anderle speaks about her negative view of the freshman parking ban. One of her arguments is that freshman becoming ill will not be able to leave campus to seek medical attention resulting in an increase amount of students for health services. This argument is not accurate. Megan is making the situation seem as if Ramapo College is locking students into their dorm rooms and telling them to deal with it. Freshman would still be able to leave campus using other forms of transportation, of which I’m sure they will find. The basis of the ban on freshman parking is to alleviate the amount of cars in the already small commuter parking lot and to try and keep students on campus during the weekends. Ramapo College, being mainly a commuter school, has pretty dull weekends of which this parking ban will hopefully correct.

Sincerely, Melissa Johnson Dear Editor,

I have some suggestions and comments in regards to your article which appeared in The Ramapo News titled, “Freshman Parking Ban; The Wrong Choice” by Megan Anderle which was recently published. You claim here that the administration at Ramapo College is planning on keeping freshman here on campus by taking away their right to bring a vehicle and park on campus. I agree with you that this will hinder social behavior outside the campus, and also limit students to no means of transportation to a possible job. Not only will this ban on parking hinder students freedom but also deter other students who are applying to college to look away from Ramapo as they will not be allowed to bring a vehicle. Suggestions could be to have sponsored events on campus specifically designed to engage freshman in on-campus activitis to show them that campus-life can be fun. Activities could include ice-breakers for freshamn to meet each other or a friendly softball game outside when the weather is nice!

Sincerely, Michael Fama

HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? WE’RE HERE TO LISTEN

SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR: editor.rcnjnews@gmail.com

Oscar Recap

Charlie Sheen

Julianne Branda reviews Sundayʼs award show Page 9

Claire Chapel sums up Sheenʼs recent interviews Page 11

‘The Fever’ Fashion Show Raises AIDS Awareness 3. 3. 11

‘Temperature Rising’ Brings Students Together

BY AUDREY ZABOHONS KI Staff Writer Saturday night, a fashion show in conjunction with the (RED) campaign took place in the Bradley Center to raise funds for AIDS in Africa. Tickets were $10 and the show featured clothing and jewelry lines from young designers from around New Jersey, including Ka’ri, Sharpy and Donna.

Junior Tahir Register, coordinator of “The Fever: Temperature Rising,” was excited about the show.

“It has a big red theme for AIDS in Africa, and a really big scene at the end. There’s going to be a voiceover for some statistics about AIDS in Africa. There are great designers and make-up artists, it’s going to be a good time,” Register said before the show. When the doors opened at 6 p.m., the tone was set with booming music – some artists on the playlist included Drake, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna.

The show began with a dance routine – models wore combinations of black and red and danced around the stage before host D’atra Hicks introduced herself. If Hicks’ name sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Hicks is a well-known actress who has appeared in Tyler Perry’s “Madea Family Reunion” and “What’s Done in the Dark.”

The show continued when the models came out in cheeky, retro dresses heavy in blacks and reds. Unconventional, rhythmic background music accompanied the models’ runway walks, and Hicks kept the audience entertained by singing and joking with audience members. The second fashion line was strongly inspired by leopard prints, followed by a line made up of hot, bright pinks.

A ten-minute intermission followed the first few fashion lines and audience members eagerly awaited the rest of the show.

“The show is really good so far, and I’m excited to see Minneh’s line of earrings,” senior Quiona Beason shared during intermission.

Minneh Oyas, a senior, held the support of her many fans in the audience who excitedly awaited her line of earrings after the show.

photo by Sandy Stucki

Ramapo students model various fashion lines in order to raise money for AIDS awareness in Africa.

“It [the fashion show] was an interesting coming together of students in this school.”

-Magdaline Donacien, sophomore, on ‘The Fever: Temperature Rising”

The fashion started up again with a line of unique swimwear from designer Reggie. The line of swimwear was followed by Oyas’ line of earrings.

Models walked the runway in solely black attire wearing the large and dangly earrings, which were notably earthy, bold and bright.

“I like how my designs came out – I was a little stressed this week, but it was worth it. The turnout could have been a little better but I’m happy overall with the outcome,” Oyas said. Oyas’ line of earrings was tremendously popular among the audience.

Following the line of jewelry was a dance tribute for AIDS in Africa, called “Painted in Red.” Models danced to songs like “Waka, Waka” by Shakira while a voiceover read statistics about AIDS in Africa, explaining facts like 8 million African children have lost one or more parents to AIDS. The dance, combined with the emotional statistics, left a lasting impression among the audience.

Many audience members attended the afterparty following the show.

“The party was great, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. There was no food but there was a lot of dancing. It was an interesting coming together of students in this school,” sophomore Magdaline Donacien said.

“Temperature Rising” was a great Saturday night – it was incredibly interactive, left a profound impact on audience members and funds were donated to a significant and powerful cause. azabohon@ramapo.edu

photo by Sandy Stucki

Models strut down the runway at Saturdayʼs fashion show, which was followed by an afterparty.

‘King’s Speech’ Steals the Show at AcademyAwards Page 9 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 3, 2011

By JULIANNE BRANDA Staff Writer One of the most remarkable qualities of Sunday’s award show was the presentation. The speeches ran shorter than usual, the set was so remarkable that it could only be appreciated in HD (and probably real life), the montages were freshly executed and not too pretentious and the hosts brought some much needed pizzazz and vigor. While still appealing to younger audiences, the telecast also brought some of its past into the light, without being too heavyhanded about it. Despite the f-bombs and line flubs, this year’s Oscar awards show was finally one that didn’t make as many people turn off the television an hour early and head off to bed.

“The King’s Speech,” the story of the King of England’s struggle with stuttering, brought home four Academy Awards in the Acting, Directing, Screenplay and Best Picture categories, proving yet again that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are a bunch of Anglophiles.

Some Ramapo students felt that a different film should have won.

“I figured ‘The King’s Speech’ was probably going to win Best Picture –– it was a fantastic movie ––but I thought ‘The Social Network’ deserved to win because people are going to look back on this movie years from now and call it a greater film,” junior Jeremy Kelly remarked.

“Inception” was also a big winner in the technical categories, while “The Social Network,” “The King’s Speech’s” stiffest competition, snatched the Best Adapted Screenplay, Editing and Score awards.

The broadcast itself was devoid of any upsets; Natalie Portman won Best Actress for her turn as a disturbed ballerina, Colin Firth was named Best Actor, Christian Bale won Best Supporting Actor, and Melissa Leo dropped the fbomb during her Supporting Actress acceptance speech.

photos courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted this yearʼs Oscars.

However there were a few surprises, like Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor’s win for the score for “The Social Network.”

“I didn’t mind Franco or Hathaway as the hosts. I found them funny, but I thought Franco looked a little stiff and uncomfortable. Kirk Douglas probably stole the show when he announced the Best Supporting Actress; he was hilarious.”

-Jeremy Kelly, junior

Senior Ed Lippincott stated, “I was really happy to see Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross win for best original soundtrack. The Academy is slowly starting to recognize the more alternative in film that is becoming more main stream these days.”

While Leo’s lack of filtering skills were out of the ordinary for the Oscar’s telecast, the show was fresh and bear-

Apple Introduces iPad 2

By VINNY PARIS I Staff Writer At a recent invite-only event in San Francisco, Apple pulled back the curtain on the next-generation of their popular tablet, the iPad. The appropriately named iPad 2 will be a direct competitor with the Android tablets being released this year.

For those who thought the second-generation tablet would simply be a “1.5” model with only marginal improvements, Apple CEO Steve Jobs strongly proclaims this is not the case, and he has the redesigned specifications to prove it.

Cosmetically, the device is thinner than anything available on the market at an amazing 8.8 millimeters thin and weighs just 1.33 pounds.

The device also features a set of cameras, with a front-facing camera made for video chatting and a rear-facing camera capable of recording 720p HD video. Finally, it will be available in two colors at launch, basic black and white.

Internally, the power of the iPad 2 rivals

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

The iPad 2 will be released on March 11 and promises to be better then similar tablets on the market.

everything on the market. It features the new industry standard of dual-core processors with Apple’s custom-designed A5 chip. What’s most impressive is that this new chip boasts being twice as fast, yet still promises the same 10-hour battery life that made the original so great.

The iPad will also recognize when it is in motion and being rotated, which is useful for playing motion-sensitive games. It will also support an HDMI output option, so that the tablet can be plugged into another device and have the video mirrored onto another screen.

The price and model types were also announced, but nothing potentially more important than the revelation that Apple’s latest tablet would be carried by both AT&T and Verizon. As with the original, the iPad 2 will come in a Wi-Fi-only and a Wi-Fi + 3G model and will have three available memory capacity options.

The Wi-Fi-only version will be available as: 16GB for $499, 32GB for $599 and 64GB for $699. The Wi-Fi + 3G version which can access the wherever the specified carrier has coverage, will be available as: 16GB for $629, 32GB for $729 and 64GB for $829 for both carriers.

Most importantly, Jobs also announced when the device would be released: next week on March 11. The dawning of the tablet wars is about to begin. vparisi@ramapo.edu

able because of its hosts. Anne Hathaway and James Franco were a great pair who brought charisma and youth to the presentation.

“I didn’t mind Franco or Hathaway as the hosts. I found them funny, but I thought Franco looked a little stiff and uncomfortable. Kirk Douglas probably stole the show when he announced the Best Supporting Actress; he was hilarious,” commented Kelly.

The show began with a spoof of “Inception” where Hathaway and Franco searched through former host Alec Baldwin’s dreams to discover the secret to good Oscar hosting. Morgan Freeman also made an appearance as the narrator of the satirical introduction.

Later in the show, several films such as “Toy Story 3,” “Twilight,” and “The Social Network” were remixed in an Antoine Dodson-like way.

Surprisingly, Hathaway performed only one musical act where she jokingly criticized Hugh Jackman for not performing with her again this year. Nominee/host Franco did not participate in any musical performances; however, he showed his dedication to the job by dressing up as Marilyn Monroe- pink dress, blonde wig, red lips and all.

While Franco did not win the Best Actor award, he was a capable host despite appearing to be in a sleepy daze.

Hathaway brought her sharp charm to the show as well as with about ten costume changes, which included sparkly dresses from the likes of Oscar De La Renta, Valentino and Givenchy. She even self-deprecatingly improvised after she tripped on a line, joking that she “drank at home.”

Luckily for the viewers this year, they did not have to drink copious amounts of alcohol to actually enjoy the Academy Awards ceremony.

jbranda1@ramapo.edu

‘21’ Satisfies Fans and Leaves Them Wanting More Page 10 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Next up is the heartbreaking ballad and best song on the record, “Take It All.” The listener can practically hear Adele’s tears and heartbreak in this song. One listen to this song is sure to have even the hardest of hearts in tears.

Adele then picks up the pace in “I’ll Be Waiting.” This song has Adele singing about how she will be waiting for her ex. She thinks that this breakup will only give her time to become better for her love and that when he comes back to her, she’ll be perfect for him. This song is desperation and denial at its finest.

Adele brings out the piano and powerful vocals for “One and Only.” Her vocal performance exudes soul and grace.

On “21”, Adele also covers “Lovesong,” by The Cure.

She sings over an acoustic guitar, and her cover truly does the song justice.

Adele closes the record with her second single, “Someone Like You.” Her soulful vocals over the piano truly give the listener chills. The lyrics are about coming to terms with a breakup. She wishes him well and as much as it hurts her she wants him to be happy, but to always remember their love.

Adele provides the perfect soundtrack to a broken heart, and gives us one of the best albums so far of 2011. Here’s hoping that she keeps getting better with age.

BY TOM VAN HOWLING Staff Writer

British soul singer Adele released her sophomore album last week and it is best described in one word: feisty.

The singer dropped “21” a little over three years after her debut album “19,” which featured the hit single “Chasing Pavements.” Both albums were named after the age that Adele was when she wrote and recorded them.

It’s clear from the lyrics of this record that you don’t want to be the one to break up with Adele. In the opening track and lead single “Rolling in the Deep,” she verbally rips her ex to shreds.

It’s clear from the lyrics of this record that you don’t want to be the one to break up with Adele. In the opening track and lead single “Rolling in the Deep,” she verbally rips her ex to shreds.

“Throw your soul through every open door/ count your blessings to find what you look for/ turn my sorrow into treasured gold/ you’ll pay me back in kind and reap just what you’ve sown,” Adele warns him in the bridge of the song.

That sentiment continues in the second track, “Rumour Has It.” Adele sings mockingly to her ex-boyfriend that he has lost the affection of the woman he replaced her with.

Track three, “Turning Tables,” is about how Adele now realizes that she doesn’t need her former love. “I won’t let you close enough to hurt me,” she sings triumphantly.

The next song, “Don’t You Remember,” takes a more somber approach. Adele puts aside her strong façade and pleads to her ex to remember their love.

On “Set Fire to the Rain,” Adele remembers how good her and her ex’s relationship was, until he showed her his

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Adeleʼs sophomore album entitled “21” takes the listener on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of Adeleʼs relationships. true colors. The music is simply beautiful and haunting.

This song is the highlight of the record.

The next song, “He Won’t Go,” has Adele singing about how she’s sure that her lover will be there for her.

However, it seems that she is trying to convince herself that he won’t leave her although she seems to know he will.

RATING:

##### tvanhowl@ramapo.edu

Davidson Engages Community’s Creativity on Campus Readings at Ramapo Resumes for Spring Semester

BY DANIELLE REED Assistant A&E Editor

On Monday, Ramapo students and faculty listened to poet Chad Davidson give a poetry reading as part of the Readings at Ramapo series.

“The Readings at Ramapo is sustained by the Platinum Series,” James Hoch, Associate Professor of English, said during his introduction of the poet. “We would also like to thank you for attending these readings. This [reading] is part of a larger engagement of creative writing on campus.”

Hoch introduced Davidson, giving a little background information on his books and previously published works.

“Chad Davidson is the author of [the books] “Consolation Miracle” and “The Last Predicta,” Hoch said.

Davidson began with an introductory poem not published in one of his books that actually listed several descriptions of poems that he was going to read. He then read several poems from his book “The Last Predicta,” including the poems “Target,” “Gold’s Gym” and “’The Calling of St. Matthew:’ X-Ray Photograph.” “‘Target’ was my favorite poem. He was witty even in his poetic introduction,” junior Ashley Rockhill said.

Poems such as “Target” played off of contemporary themes, relevant to today’s world.

“I thought it was interesting that he played off of pop culture references,” sophomore Sarah Galo said. “It was very relevant to our society.”

Though he had copies of his books with him, he recited many of the poems from memory.

“I’ve been trying to memorize this poem [‘The Calling of St. Matthew:’ X-Ray Photograph’], but it’s a little long,” Davidson said.

“I thought it was interesting that he [Davidson] played off of pop culture references. It was very relevant to our society.”

-Sarah Galo, sophomore

During some of his poems, such as “Gold’s Gym,” Davidson broke off of to explain what different terms were.

“I enjoyed it [the poetry reading]. I thought he was very animated,” sophomore Francesca Baratta said. “I kind of liked how he explained his references in the poems, but I felt like it kind of broke up the poem.”

“I just wait for serendipitous and synchronization connections.”

-Chad Davidson, poet

Other students also agreed that the explanations may have been distracting.

“The only thing I was less than thrilled about was [that] he broke in the middle of poems a lot to explain things about context which got confusing,” Rockhill said. “All in all he

was wonderful and I would gladly go to another reading.”

He also read several poems from a collection that he is currently working on. As he introduced the poems, he also discussed advice he gave people who asked him how he compiled his poems into a collection.

“So I’m working on a new collection [and] I’m going to read two poems from this new book,” Davidson said. “I just wait for serendipitous and synchronization connections [between poems].”

The final poem that was read was from his first book “Consolation Miracle.”

“I’ll read a poem from my first book,” Davidson said as he introduced the poem. “It’s just called ‘A,’ like the letter A.” Many students came out for the poetry reading and it seemed to be an enjoyable event for attendees.

“I really liked his poetry because he combined everyday images with more serious themes. [Also] his poetry appealed to our generation,” sophomore Lauren Heatwole said. “My favorite [poem] was probably ‘A.’” Davidson is the first poet sponsored by the Readings at Ramapo Series this semester. For more information about future readings, visit the School of American and International Studies page on the Ramapo website. dreed1@ramapo.edu

Crime Mystery Thriller Comes to Console with ‘L.A. Noire’

Page 11 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 3, 2011

By VINNY PARIS I Staff Writer

Video game developer Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, is known for making groundbreaking franchises. The studio is generally associated with sandboxstyle games; meaning the environment is open-world and players can go wherever they choose without being tethered by story or access limitations. This rings true for their upcoming title as well, a crime drama titled “L.A. Noire.”

Co-developed by Team Bondi, “L.A. Noire” takes place in a photo-realistic re-created Los Angeles during 1947. The time may seem strange or random at first thought, but upon further review it is a choice that goes right along with Rockstar’s famous appetite for creating distinctively intriguing settings.

L.A. post-World War II was a town in turmoil; with soldiers coming home from the war effort to find that women were newly freed from the chores of housework and out doing the jobs previously done by men. The brewing social tension led to numerous violent murders of women going unsolved, thus making it the perfect place to craft a detective thriller.

The setting also lends itself to the game’s stylized aesthetics. In the film world, Noir is a genre unto itself; with such classics as “The Maltese Falcon” representing a model for others to follow. Film Noir typically encompasses such elements as low-key

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

“L.A. Noire” gives players the chance be detective Cole Phelps in a realistic mystery thriller game.

lighting, low camera angles looking upward, flashback montages and narration by the film’s protagonist. All of these attributes will play a part in “L.A. Noire” and, if all goes well, will help fully realize the immer-

‘Hall Pass’ Makes the Grade

By EILEEN Staff Writer

TRACY

Brother directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly have directed movies like “There’s Something About Mary,” “Stuck on You,” “Shallow Hal” and “Me, Myself & Irene.”

They can now add the movie “Hall Pass,” staring Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis to their list of comedic hits.

Rick (Wilson) and Fred (Sudeikis) are two middle-aged men who can’t help but look at every girl they see and seem upset with married life. While Rick loves his wife and kids, he feels that there is no time to be alone with his wife. Fred loves to think that he would have a shot at any women he wanted if it wasn’t for being married.

With the help of a friend the wives come up with the idea of giving their husbands a hall pass. This hall pass will grant them each one week off from marriage to do whatever they would like.

Their wives, Maggie (Jenna Fisher) and Grace (Christina Applegate), are sick and tired of their husbands constantly looking at other women; Grace loves to be in control and wishes she could control her husband and Maggie feels underappreciated.

With the help of a friend the wives come up with the idea of giving their husbands a “hall pass.” This hall pass will grant them

each one week off from marriage to do whatever they would like.

At first the girls think that this may be a bad idea and \are upset. They soon realize that if the men have a week off from marriage, why shouldn’t they? The girls soon start to enjoy their week off and they start to unwind and realize that this hall pass was not such a bad idea.

The husbands think they can have any girl they want but, little do they know how much work it takes to get a girl.

They try their best to go out and look but they soon come to realize that it is not that easy. Through ups and downs they start to become unsure if the hall pass was such a good idea.

The movie was full of jokes, vulgarity, and some nudity. The chemistry between all the characters made the movie very enjoyable. While the plot can be a little unpredictable,there are some scenes that are unexpected.

sive world the developers are attempting to render.

However, the main draw of the game is in a new technology being used that creates the most lifelike motion and facial expression

####$

vparisi@ramapo.edu

Charlie Sheen Comes Clean

By CLAIRE CHAPEL Staff Writer Witty and talented actor Charlie Sheen claimed that he is clean of drug use in an interview on “Good Morning America” on Monday. In this interview, he got personal and revealed how drugs used to make him feel good and how now, without them, his life is “perfect and exciting,” and insisted he is now more “focused” without them in his life.

Sheen has never been more candid about his past drug use and made absolutely no excuses for it. When asked the question, “When was the last time you took drugs?”

Sheen’s answer was, “I don’t know. I honestly don’t remember.”

However, he remembered that the last time he took drugs he, “Probably took more then anyone could really survive.” Sheen claimed he survived because: “I’m me. I have a different brain, I have a different heart, I have tiger blood, man.”

Many of his viewers have been claiming within the past few months that his actions make him appear to be “bi-polar.” Sheen’s response to this was, “Bi-polar? What does that even mean?” He went on to say, “If they mean I’m bi-winning then yeah I agree!

I win here. I win there.”

However, is Sheen really “bi-winning” etracy@ramapo.edu when his drug use is the main reason why the sitcom he stars in, “Two and a Half Men,” has been cancelled? In an article written on Feb. 25 about Sheen, reporter Mo Ryan stated, “CBS was forced to pull the

RATING:

capture ever used in a video game. Actors recorded lines while physically acting out the motions and gaving real character performances; this technology rendered their characters to match these movements and expressions exactly. This is not only interesting from a gamers perspective but for nongamers as well. The pacing of the game will hopefully make for an exhilarating thriller that is as fun to play as it is to experience while watching.

In the game, players take on the role of Cole Phelps; a detective who’s quickly rising through the ranks. The game will have an over-arcing storyline, but gamers have the freedom to choose which specific “desks” they will work from. Whether it be “Vice,” which deals with prostitution and drug trafficking or any of the other four, such as “Homicide” or “Traffic,” which deals with hit-and-runs, players will have to investigate crime scenes for clues, question witnesses and interrogate suspects. Interrogation is where the motion capture really comes into play, because as the detective it will be up to gamers to decide if people are lying by reading faces and body language.

“L.A. Noire” is currently set for release on May 17 and will be available on both the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 for $59.99. The game does not yet have an ESRB rating, but is likely to be T (teen) or M (mature).

plug on the show’s eighth season because, ‘He’s truly gone off the deep end. We can’t deal with it anymore.’”

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Sheenʼs claims of clean have not stopped CBS from canceling show.

Warner Brothers and Chuck Lorre, the show’s producer, had no other option but to cancel this season when Sheen spoke out on radio and publicly insulted Lorre.

This left other cast members stuck in a rut, and put CBS in a bind as well since “Two and a Half Men” was the most viewed sitcom on the station. And of course it left dedicated and adoring fans distraught.

Although he did appear to be under the influence of drugs in the interview, it has been announced that in a urine test that Sheen took on Monday his system was clean of drugs. On the same day he did take a more intensive blood test to be doubly sure, but the results of that test have not yet been revealed.

As hilarious as it is to watch and hear about, Sheen claims that he now plans to stay clean and focused.

cchapel@ramapo.edu

Page 12 The Ramapo News

LIFE & CULTURE

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Students Skimp on Sleep, Turn to Energy Drinks

BY KAITLIN BOLUKBAS Staff Writer Over the course of the last decade, energy drinks have truly taken over the worldwide beverage market, as their consumption and popularity amongst users increases on a daily basis. The caffeinated beverage industry generates billions of dollars each year in the United States alone, promoting drinks that promise quick “bursts” and “boosts” of energy to consumers of all kinds.

In 1997, the infamous Red Bull was introduced to the market, serving as one of the only energy drinks available for purchase at a local convenience store. Today, there are over 500 different brands of energy drinks sold nationwide.

In most energy drink cases, a strong combination of caffeine and sugar provide a majority of the “energy” described on the beverage label. Depending on the brand and the manufacturer, other variables such as taurine, ginseng, B-vitamins, guarana, and even ephedrine can be added to provide a more intense, noticeable increase in consumer energy.

The presence of these energy drinks has permeated throughout college campuses all over the country, and the result is a very targeted demographic of young adults.

Drink companies now package and promote their products in hopes of distributing into the hands of college students, who are

known to be in constant demand for extra, quick energy. With brand names like “Rockstar” and slogans that urge consumers to “unleash the beast,” drink companies discretely tap into the desires and drives of young adults with the sale of each highlycaffeinated beverage.

College students now utilize energy drinks as supplements to their daily lives, using the energy-packed beverages to help overcome insufficient amounts of sleep, study for exams, exert strenuous physical activity, and even enhance weekend drinking experiences.

College students now utilize energy drinks as supplements to their daily lives, using the energy-packed beverages to help overcome insufficient amounts of sleep...

However, scientists and professors across the globe argue that drink companies are not doing their part in informing the public of the detrimental effects that energy drinks have upon consumers.

Ingredients found in many of the energy drinks are stimulants that attack the nervous system when consumed, leading to side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, insomnia and gastrointestinal distress. The recent

Magenta’s Meals

BY LAUREN MAGENTA Staff Writer

Late night snacking is a common occurrence for many college students. After long days filled with studying, working and yes, partying, college students need healthier alternatives to manage their midnight munchies.

The late night carb crave can be curbed to avoid potential morning after guilt. This week’s suggestion is bringing toast to a whole new level. All of the ingredients this week can be purchased at the PayCaf for less than $2.

Start with two pieces of bread, a banana and one pack of peanut butter. If you’re a peanut butter lover, two packs may be necessary.

Multigrain or whole wheat bread is also a better choice than white. Simply cover the freshly toasted bread with peanut butter and then slices of banana.

A great and easy alternative to this meal would be to use a regular or low fat cream cheese instead of peanut butter on a cinnamon raisin toast. These snack ideas are great fillers to get you through until breakfast. The benefit to these snack suggestions is that you are sneaking in a serving of fruit to your diet.

Late at night snacking can actually benefit your body nutritionally.

Note: Always keep apples or bananas in

increase in energy drink abuse among young adults is yet another growing concern for many.

New research also suggests that college students who drink highly caffeinated drinks regularly are susceptible to becoming alcohol dependent.

In a recent study entitled “Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research,” Amelia M. Arria, director of the Young Adult Health Center at the University of Maryland, found that students who drink energy drinks regularly consume alcohol more frequently and in higher quantities than college students who avoid the caffeinated beverages.

“Energy drinks could make alcohol more reinforcing,” Arria explained, “so that you drink more, and then you have more problems, and then you have more craving for alcohol.”

While some countries have taken the initiative to prohibit energy drinks altogether, regulation of energy drinks in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration is a growing, controversial topic of debate.

Ramapo students are strongly encouraged to learn about the risks and factors that energy drinks pose before purchasing them. kbolukba@ramapo.edu

Ari es (March 21-Apri l 19) This week, you find yourself in an unusual space of surrender. Even though you like to be in charge, you will benefit from releasing your attachment to a certain outcome.

Life isn’t perfect even though perfection is something many strive for. This week you experience a step in a better feeling direction; life is about to feel perfect enough.

Horoscopes

Taurus (Apri l 20-May 20) You have been so fixed in your thinking about how things should be that you haven’t been able to get the breakthrough you want. Trust that you are traveling true to the course. photo courtesy of Flickrʼs Creative Commons

A peanut butter and banana sanwich is a healthy late night snack food.

your dorm room. Dipping them into peanut butter is a great source of protein while getting a serving of fruit in, not to mention the fact that together they are delicious!

These options are a much healthier choice then say pizza, chips or the easy mac that you may have be snacking on otherwise! lmagenta@ramapo.edu

photo courtesy of Flickrʼs Creative Commons

More and more college students are relying on energy drinks to get them through the day.

Gemi ni (May 21 - June 20) You are concerned that something you said or did may have sent things in an unintended direction. Everything happens for a reason; feel secure in the choices you are making

S corpi o (October 23-November 21) This week, you can take something beyond where you have been and into unforeseen territory. With things lining up as they are, you should go the distance.

S agi ttari us (November 22December 21) You have come to depend on your inner knowing to direct you on your way, but try letting go and trusting that clarity will come when the time is right.

Cancer (June 21-Jul y 22) You have the power to turn a dream into reality. The unthinkable can happen now, against all apparent odds.

Capri corn (December 22-January 19) This week, there is no reason why you won’t be able to experience the rush of success in your strategy. You are about to get a beautiful piece of freedom back.

Vi rgo (August 24-S eptember 22) “Everyone has too much of something.

What can you do without?” It starts with recognizing all that you have. Answer the call and the return will be infinite.

Pi sces (February 20-March 20) Often, we all find out why something had to be a certain way but it can be a struggle to wait to see a situation clearly. This week brings revelations and breakthroughs.

Leo (Jul y 23-August 23) You will start to feel the support of others and witness people being placed in your path to help facilitate your growth. Allow them in and life will immensely improve.

Li bra (S eptember 23-October 22)

Aquari us (January 20- February 19) You can expect to feel better about something and when you feel better, better things start happening. Wish well and a certain hurdle will be cleared.

Horoscopes courtesy of madalynaslan.com

SPORTS

Dance and Cheer Teams Adopt Child into Family 3 . 3 . 11

By KATIE BRUNO Staff Writer

The Ramapo College dance and cheerleading teams recently adopted 7-year-old Alyssa Hurwitz as an honorary member of their teams through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.

Friends of Jaclyn is a foundation that allows children with brain tumors to become part of an athletic team. The foundation also has a special program called “Safe on the Sidelines,” which enables the siblings of brain tumor victims to also have the support of a team.

Alyssa’s brother, Evan, was adopted by the men’s baseball team last January, and this year the dance and cheerleading teams decided to make Alyssa a part of their families.

“It shows the maturity of the student athletes, gives them additional responsibilities and it really just is a humbling experience.”

- Eugene Marshall, Athletic Director

“This is great because it keeps both of the kids in the Ramapo family, and now she feels special too,” Athletic Director Eugene Marshall said.

The adoption ceremony took place on Feb. 5 and was very emotional.

“I cried,” dance coach Michelle Fernandez said.

“It was very emotional. Jaclyn’s father spoke and then Jaclyn’s sister spoke, and it just brought so many emotions. It showed us how important it is to have a team on your side when your sibling is going through such a terrible experience.”

As a part of the teams, Alyssa tries to attend practices once a week.

“Practices are really good and fun,” dance captain Rachael Trover said. We just do some stretching and across the floors with her, and practice our ‘Party in the USA’ routine that we taught her. She always brightens our attitudes.”

“She’s really smart and adorable,” dance captain Nicole DeDilectis added. “She pays attention really well and we always have so much fun when she is here.”

Having Alyssa become part of both teams has been very special for her and the teammates.

“She is the cutest thing ever and I’m really happy we can do this for her and her family,” junior cheerleader Kayti Hubner said.

The Friends of Jaclyn foundation has become a big part of Ramapo Athletics, and Marshall is proud to have it here.

“It’s a great thing for Ramapo athletics. It shows the maturity of the student athletes, gives them additional responsibilities and it really just is a humbling experience,” Marshall said. “You can’t teach, can’t coach, can’t have this special gift that these student athletes have, and it is something that they will carry on through out the rest of their lives.”

As far as expanding the Friends of Jaclyn pro-

gram to other teams, Fernandez was very passionate about recommending it to other teams.

“Oh yeah, I would recommend it in a second.

I already told my sister who coaches a high school team to look into it,” Fernandez said.

“We’ve been benefiting from this just as much as she has, and were happy to be a part of such a great cause.”

- Brielle Marino, cheerleading captain

Marshall supported the idea, but had some other thoughts before recommending it to all of the Ramapo Athletic teams.

“Right now a lot of our teams are in heat of competition,” Marshall said. “If anything, I think it is a good idea for SAC to see if we can have the teams who have not adopted a child to help out with the other teams because it is a really big responsibility.”

Alyssa’s adoption has had a major effect on everyone involved in the process.

“We’ve been benefiting from this just as much as she has, and were happy to be a part of such a great cause,” cheerleading captain Brielle Marino said.

“It is not only a rewarding experience, but it boosts the teams morale, and makes you realize how much you have and not to take anything for granted,” Fernandez said. kbruno2@ramapo.edu

Men’s Basketball Earns NCAA Tournament Bid

By ANDREW GOULD Sports Editor

Ramapo’s men’s basketball team earned an atlarge bid to compete in the National College Athletic Association Division III Tournament.

The Roadrunners will host their first round game against Johnson & Wales University tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. to determine which team advances in the 61-team tournament. The Bradley Center will also host the matchup between Gwynedd-Mercy and Buffalo State tomorrow. The winners of each game will face off in the Bradley Center Saturday night.

Ramapo received a spot in the competition despite suffering a tough loss to Montclair State University in the second round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament on Feb. 22. The Roadrunners finished the season with an overall record of 20-6 and an 11-2 mark in conference play. The Roadrunners utilized their home court advantage throughout the year, winning all their homes games before falling to Montclair.

Ramapo has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since the 2006-2007 season, where they were eliminated by Stevens Institute of Technology after defeating York College in the first round.

Johnson & Wales finished 20-8 but are enter-

RAMAPO SPORTS THIS WEEK

Friday:

NCAA Division III Tournament: Men’s Basketball vs.

Johnson & Wales University at 7:30 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field ECAC Championships

Saturday:

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field ECAC Championships

Men’s Track and Field - IC4A Championships

Sunday:

Men’s Volleyball vs.

Washington Adventist University at Stevenson, MD at 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball at Stevenson University at 3:30 p.m.

Men’s Track and Field - IC4A Championships

Wednesday: photo courtesy of NCAA.com

Ramapo menʼs basketball team looks to advance deep through the bracket in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

ing the tournament on a five-game winning streak. The Wildcats earned an automatic bid after winning the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Tournament. They are led by junior Lamonte Thomas, who earned GNAC Player of the Year honors after leading the entire conference in scoring with 30.4 points per game.

If Ramapo can make it through the first two rounds, they will continue to pursue the title on Friday, March 11 at a site to be determined. agould1@ramapo.edu

Women’s Lacrosse vs.

SUNY New Paltz at 4 p.m.

Men’s Volleyball at Stevenson Institute of Technology at 3:30 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Track Finishes Strong in Meet

Page 14 The Ramapo News

Although the indoor track and field season

By REBECCA PENHAKER Staff Writer

may be coming to a close, the men’s and women’s teams are hitting their stride, picking up more momentum going into the end of the year championships and transitioning to outdoor competition.

“We have great athletes with great minds,” coach Mike Jackson said. “We’re just here to cultivate their talents.”

Jackson has done more than nurture his athletes’ abilities; he has developed the men’s and women’s teams into powerhouses.

At the Armory Collegiate Challenge over

“If I didn’t have good athletes, this wouldn’t happen.

It’s all about them.”

-Mike Jackson, coach

the weekend both teams experienced personal and team bests.

Isaaic Patterson set a new school record with a first place finish in the triple jump.

His jump of 14.15 meters was a personal best and set a National College Athletic Association provisional mark.

“This accomplishment was a confidence builder,” Patterson explained. “I needed it.

And my attitude going into this meet was to go out and have a little fun.”

Colin English placed 15th overall in the mile run with an ECAC qualifying time and personal best of 4:23.14.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Craig Van Leeuwen continued to dominate the pole vaulting scene, capturing first place by clearing 5.10 meters. His teammate, Adam Lazor, placed sixth in the event and matched his personal best with a mark of 4.55 meters.

Despite battling calf and hamstring injuries all season, Van Leeuwen shut down his competition and was named New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Indoor Track and Field AllConference Most Outstanding Field Athlete.

“It feels great,” Van Leeuwen said. “I’m just happy that I have been able to help my team score points each meet. As a pole vaulter, all of my training goes into vaulting and it makes it really difficult to compete in other events. I’m just proud to represent all the vaulters.”

Van Leeuwen’s fellow teammate, Sean Ellis, also received All-Conference honors when he was named Co-Rookie of the Year.

The women’s team also had no shortage of standout performances in the Armory Challenge meet.

The 4x400 meter relay team, made up of Sophia Davis, Amber Updike, Alexandra Jacob and Maura Burke, set a school record and had an NCAA provisional qualifying time with 3:57.79.

Taylor Furman placed seventh in the shot put with a mark of 11.52 meters while she placed 18th in the 60 meter hurdles. Her time of 9.43 is also an Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference qualifier. Davis placed 11th overall in the 400 meter dash with an ECAC qualifying time of 58.68 while Jacob placed 17th overall in 59.59, an ECAC qualifying time.

Michelle Favre set a school record and

NCAA provisional mark in the pole vault clearing 3.80 meters. She placed third overall and set a personal best.

“I was stuck jumping consistently around the same height for nearly three years,” Favre said. “So to finally jump a new personal record feels like I finally hit a huge break-through that I’ve been waiting for for so long.”

While Jackson’s team was breaking records in New York, he was on a plane to New Mexico with Anita Rogers, the AllConference Most Outstanding Female Athlete, so that she could compete in the USA Track and Field Indoor Championships.

“It’s always hard as a head coach when you can’t be there,” Jackson said. However, he made sure to stay connected for as long as possible, getting text message and email updates through Wi-Fi on the airplane.

Rogers set a new school record in the 60meter dash with a time of 7.72.

“I feel this is only the beginning,” Rogers said. “I am truly blessed to have had this chance to go to this USA Championship meet and compete against the fastest girls in the world who also compete in the Olympics.”

Jackson also feels this is just scratching the surface for Rogers’ capabilities.

“This is the biggest meet she’s experienced in her life,” Jackson said. “We’re encouraged to move forward. She can compete at that level. She just needs to be trained.”

Jackson’s ability to produce the best from his athletes has received top honors from the NJAC being named the Women’s Coach of the Year. This is the sixth time in his career

he has won the award.

“He puts many hours of hard work yearround into developing the team and trying to help each individual athlete achieve their highest potential,” Favre said. “He is a coach that deserves this award, and his accomplishment will also give more recog-

“We’re going to go out and do our thing. Ramapo College is really making a name for itself in the track and field world. And I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

-Mike Jackson, coach

nition to the college and its track program.”

However, Jackson was quick to deflect the attention, and instead credits his success to his athletes.

“I’m very small in this matter,” Jackson explained. “If I didn’t have good athletes, this wouldn’t happen. It’s all about them.”

Jackson and the Roadrunners are looking forward to the ECAC Championships this weekend where they have eight men and 11 women competing. From the ECACs they go to the NCAA Championships in Ohio, March 11-12.

“We’re excited to go out and make a major statement,” Jackson said. “We’re going to go out and do our thing. Ramapo College is really making a name for itself in the track and field world. And I’m just glad to be a part of it.” rpenhake@rampo.edu

Volleyballs Are In The Air as Springtime Approaches Intramurals Offer Spirited Competition and Fun for All Students

By JUSTINA SLACHTA Staff Writer

Ramapo College offers a variety of Intramural sports ranging from soccer to basketball to cardio classes that are free and open to all current students who want to play regardless of skill level.

With options including zumba, volleyball, soccer, basketball and ultimate frisbee, Ramapo offers something everyone can enjoy. Students have the flexibility to organize their own teams in friendly, yet competitive play. In addition, Intramurals also allow students to stay fit and have fun without the stressful demands of varsity teams.

Bethsaida Perez, Intramural Student Aid for two years now, sees many benefits that students can gain from participating in Intramurals.

“I think that Intramurals is very important for the students here at Ramapo,” Perez said. “It gives way for them to maintain an active healthy life with a twist and a competitive edge.”

While Intramurals provides non-varsity athletes with a league to compete in, they can also help former athletes stay active.

“Aside of a healthy active life, Intramurals offers team sports to athletes that were once in a varsity team,” Perez said. “This is very

photo by Mike Jagendorf

Indoor volleyball is one of many Intramurals at Ramapo.

important for intramural sports because it gives a competitive edge and gives service to students that have hunger to play in a varsity team but cannot for various reasons.”

Director Todd Lizzo hopes to witness a higher amount of interest in Intramurals among Ramapo students.

“The goal for the program is to continue to expand and increase the number of students

that participate in the activities offered,” Lizzo said.

Lizzo faces financial issues in keeping Intramurals alive at Ramapo, but the staff has worked hard to ensure they continue to run.

“Money is always an issue,” Lizzo said.

“Gym space is very tight, and it’s very difficult to run a program with limited space.”

While there are always people coming out to play, Perez noted that representation of female athletes in the intramural aspect is lacking.

“We also would like more girls to come out and represent the women of Ramapo College,” Perez said. “This will allow a unity among them and develop their leadership skills.”

While the teams usually compete against each other, there are some Intramural rivalries brewing between other schools. Three of Ramapo’s Intramural volleyball teams traveled to Montclair State University last year to compete against Montclair’s Intramural squads. Ramapo shut down Montclair in each game to earn the win.

Perez suggested that Ramapo may host this year’s volleyball championship game against Montclair.

Intramural activities provide a unique atmosphere that Perez considers beneficial for all students in ways that go beyond ath-

letics.

“We expect to teach the students good sportsmanship and to respect other players,” Perez said. “This allows the students to have self control that will hopefully carry out in their life outside of the college.”

photo by Mike Jagendorf

Students can pick their own co-ed teams.

jslachta@ramapo.edu

National Football League Nears Lockout Over Labor Issues Page 15 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Start of NFL Season in Jeopardy if New Agreement Is Not Reached This Week

By JEREMY KELLY Staff Writer

Although the 2010 National Football League season concluded with the mostwatched Super Bowl of all-time, the offseason is full of uncertainty as to whether that will be the last NFL game played in a while.

For the past few months, NFL owners have been in a stand-off with the NFL Players’ Association on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which regulates working conditions for players.

The issue is a proposal by team owners to extend the regular season from 16 games to 18 games, which would likely remove two preseason games.

For the past few months, NFL owners have been in a stand-off with the NFL Players’ Association on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

If no new CBA is established before it expires tomorrow there will probably be a lockout, which would withhold the players from talking to their respective teams.

Depending on how long it goes on for, the lockout could last into the 2011 season, which would mean a reduction in the number of games that are played.

The proposal to change the number of games first came up last summer. Players, however, have not been optimistic about the idea. Some expressed their desire to be financially compensated for the two extra games, and some have stated how additional games would be additionally brutal to them physically. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer mentioned how with 18 games, each game loses its significance.

Most fans seem to share the players’ fears over a longer season.

“I feel like the starters need the preseason games so they get a break before the regular season,” junior Olivia Evans said.

Junior Megan Sherlock spoke about how the four-preseason game schedule does benefit all players.

“I think it’s a good thing that the secondstringers play because they get the feel of the game in case a starter gets hurt,” Sherlock said.

The concept of a work stoppage in the NFL is not new. In 1982, a 57-day players’ strike based on a dispute of player revenues cut the regular season game total down from 16 to 9. In 1987, there was another strike, but only one week in the regular season was officially cancelled. For the next three weeks, NFL franchises put together teams of replacement players which consisted of players who had been cut prior to the season or had been out of football altogether. This turn of events inspired a

the road that no one wants to take.

When asked how she would react if the NFL had a lockout, Evans responded, “It would be awful. I would be very upset.

Think of all the restaurants that would lose revenue.”

Labor talks between owners and the NFL

“I feel like the starters need the preseason games so they get a break before the regular season.”

- Olivia Evans, junior

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

The NFL could face a lockout that threatens next season.

2000 film, “The Replacements,” which starred Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman.

Lockouts have also appeared in other professional sports. It’s happened several times in MLB, most notably in 1994 when the World Series was cancelled. The NBA had a lockout in 1999 that reduced the season from 82 games to 50 and the NHL had the entire season cancelled in 2004-05. This is

Commissioner Roger Goodell were scheduled the week after the Super Bowl, but meetings on Feb. 9 and 10 were cut short or cancelled. There has since been a week of meetings with a federal mediator.

The CBA officially expires at midnight. At this point, there’s no telling if either side can come to an agreement. A story on ABC News states that owners could lock the players out immediately, or the players’ union could decertify—which would lead the players to take their chances in court.

Ultimately, it will be up to the NFL to decide if the league will go on next season. jkelly7@ramapo.edu

New Look Teams Prepare for Start of Spring Training

By MICHAEL DRURY Staff Writer

March has finally arrived, which means baseball is back in business. After general managers shook things up in the winter months, look for some new teams to be heading the charge toward October.

It’s not often that heading into the season the Yankees are seen as underdogs. They missed their chance to sign ace Cliff Lee, and Andy Pettitte added to the Yankees’ starting rotation woes by announcing his retirement.

The Bombers are now looking to fill two roles in their starting rotation. They were able to retain Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera while adding Russell Martin at catcher and Rafael Soriano to their bullpen, which gives them the best one-two punch in the eighth and ninth innings.

New York’s main rival, the Boston Red Sox, are pushing for their eigth World Series title this year. Their rotation is healthy again, with Josh Beckett looking to return to his ace-form. With Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and John Lackey behind him, the Red Sox hold the best rotation in the American League East. They will also start the season with a healthy Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury their lineup, which will boost their offense and defense. Boston also made two key acquisitions this offseason, signing Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. Gonzalez is a huge left-handed power threat while Carl Crawford brings amazing defense and blinding speed on the base paths.

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

The Red Sox signed former Rays outfielder Carl Crawford in the offseason.

The buzz of the winter surrounded Lee’s stunning decision to turn down the Yankees’ offer to return to the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies now have four aces in their rotation in Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels, with Joe Blanton rounding out the rotation in the number five slot.

However, they did lose Jayson Werth, who signed a seven-year mega deal with the

Washington Nationals, but there is no reason why the Phillies can’t go far into the postseason with a stacked rotation.

Look for the Brewers to make a splash in the National League Central. General Manager Doug Melvin pulled off two key trades to make the Brewers a contender. He acquired Shaun Marcum from the Toronto Blue Jays and then pulled off one of the winter’s bigger blockbusters by trading for Zach Greinke, the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner, from the Kansas City Royals. They now have two front-end starting pitchers to complement their young ace, Yovani Gallardo.

The Brewers’ division rivals, the Chicago Cubs, did some upgrading of their own by adding Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays. After bolstering their rotation that includes Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster, they added Carlos Pena at first base to bring a power bat to the middle of their order. The Cubs are not the favorites to win the Central though, so look for the Reds and Brewers to compete for the top spot in the division.

The reigning World Champion, San Francisco Giants, enjoyed their off season to the fullest extent. They didn’t make any huge moves this winter, but why fix what works? Count on them being in the playoffs again as long as they can ward off the Rockies and Padres.

The Atlanta Braves were the N.L. Wild Card winner last year, so don’t be surprised to see them competing against the Rockies,

Padres, Giants, Brewers, and Reds for the fourth seed. And by the way, adding slugging second baseman, Dan Uggla also helps.

The A’s had the best pitching staff statistically last year. However, their offense numbers were lacking. GM Billy Beane hopes the acquisitions of David DeJesus, Josh Willingham and Hideki Matsui will fix that.

If their offense is able to click, don’t be surprised to see them on top of the A.L. West this year.

The Phillies now have four aces in their rotation in [Cliff] Lee, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.

The Tampa Bay Rays are going into the season with some question marks in their rotation and on the field. They’ve lost Matt Garza, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford and Jason Bartlett, who all played key roles in the Rays’ success over the past years. While their farm system is rich in talent, look for them to take a step back this season.

The St.Louis Cardinals are going into the season without ace Adam Wainwright. And with the drama lurking over Albert Pujols and his soon to be free agency, the Cardinals will probably take a back seat to the Brewers and Reds this season. mdrury1@ramapo.edu

SPORTS 10 . 7 . 10

3 . 310 . 11 . 7 . 10

Kill!

Indoor Volleyball is one of the many intramurals offered during the spring semester.

Page 14

photo by Mike Jagendorf

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