Ramapo College of New Jersey Student Newspaper

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RAMAPO NEWS

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A Publication by the Students for the Ramapo College Community

3.10.2011

SPORTS

XLI No. 18

Female Contestants Compete in Greek Goddess Pageant New Training Will Promote Responsible Drinking

By AMY FEZZA Managing Editor

photo by Sandy Stucki

Members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity pose with the winner of Greek Goddess, Jenna DiLolle, held last Thursday. Admission collected from the event was donated to The Fisher House Foundation. See more pictures on page 4.

Professionals Promote Liberal Arts Education Colloquium Highlights Benefits To Well-Rounded Degree

By MIKE JAGENDORF Staff Writer

A panel of three highly successful professionals who were once liberal arts majors discussed the value of well-rounded educations Wednesday in Friends Hall. The colloquium, organized by the School of American and International Studies, provided students with examples of individuals who were perplexed about their career paths but found their way in the working world with their liberal arts college experiences.

“The value added dimension of the liberal arts is not an archaic belief in learning for its own sake,” said Michael Fluhr, an associate professor of politics and social process, who was one of the coordinators of the colloquium. “It positions young people to succeed professionally and personally.”

“It is our duty to help students develop competence and be able to

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EEKEND

photo by Sandy Stucki

Three professionals, Dolores Morris, Adam Tosh, and James Weinstein, spoke to students about how their liberal arts education set them up for sucess in their careers.

synthesize knowledge from different disciplines.”

A liberal arts curriculum is one that develops general knowledge and intellectual capacities with a balanced approach to the humanities, pure sciences, and social sci-

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ences, as opposed to a vocational, technical or professional education.

The first speaker was Dolores Morris, who worked as a producer at Walt Disney and developed the HBO Family channel. She began her higher education at Hunter

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College as a pre-med major, but she desperately went to her advisor for guidance and switched to a major in anthropology.

see SPEAKERS, page 6

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Ramapo plans to begin training sessions this fall for both residents of “wet-housing” residences where alcohol is allowed as well as for incoming freshman to reinforce responsible drinking on campus.

Training for Intervention Procedures, also known as TIPS training, will be mandatory for all students looking to apply for housing in wet-areas of Laurel Hall and the Village. Newly incoming freshman will also be required to take an alcohol.edu course online over the summer break before beginning classes at Ramapo.

“TIPS prepares students with the skills and confidence that handle those situations and will then be able to intervene effectively to prevent peers from harming themselves or others,” Vice President of Student Affairs Miki Cammarata said. “It develops students’ people skills and provides specific information in detecting when a friend or classmate has had too much to drink.”

The juniors and seniors who reside in Laurel Hall and the Village are now expected to fulfill another mandatory requirement.

Laurel Hall, which is a 432-bed suite-style residence and houses 1,728 residents and the Village has 22 three-story buildings and 520 students, both have wet-housing status. Other requirements are a certain number of credits, personal record, class status, and age.

Judy Greene of Health Services and Miki Cammarata of Student Affairs have been in communication for a way to help alleviate drinking problems on campus and

see TIPS 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

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.

Discount Program Underused by Students

Thursday, March 10, 2011

By GARRET IVINS Staff Writer The Roadrunner Advantage Program at Ramapo offers students a substantial discount atmany local businesses and restaurants ranging from pizzerias and Chinese food to tanning and nail salons. The program offers discounts from five to 20 percent off a purchase to buy-one-get-one free offers. Some delivery services are also covered under the discount program, and businesses like Domino’s Pizzeria offer free food and drinks with a larger minimum purchase. The program even offers discounts to a local dental office.

Despite these various money-saving opportunities, many students on campus like Mark Simon, junior, don’t take advantage of the program.

“I wasn’t aware of the program before now, but after looking on the website at all the different discounts I’ll definitely have to remember to use it next time,” Simon said. “I think it’s good that our school works to give students more ways to save money.”

Adam Panella, secretary of financial affairs for SGA, explained how the program works.

“The program began in 2006 and has been operating for a few years,” Panella said. “The SGA has all the businesses up on the Ramapo website, and also posts flyers around the school to advertise the program.”

The program comes at no cost to students, the school or the SGA. The businesses receive the free advertising as compensation.

“I wasn’t aware of the program before now, but after looking on the website at all the different discounts I’ll definitely have to remember to use it next time.”

delivery services.

Though participation in the program is low, most students on campus express interest in it.

Maeve Gray, sophomore, plans to be more conscious of the Roadrunner Advantage program.

“I wasn’t aware of the discount program, but I think it’s definitely worth while to look into,” Gray said. “Any way our school can save its students money is a great way to help students with managing their money while in school.”

“[The program] is definitely worth while to look into.”

-Maeve Gray, sophomore

The program will continue to be offered until otherwise noted by the SGA. All students need to do to use the program is ask for the discount, and present their school ID. Students can even recommend that new businesses and restaurants be added to the program by following the links on the program’s page on the Ramapo website.

For a full list of businesses participating in the Student Discount Program, visit http://ww2.ramapo.edu/students/ acitvities/sga/discounts.aspx givins@ramapo.edu

-Mark Simon, junior

Currently the program is advertised on the SGA website. SGA also has posted flyers in the past and plans to do so again. The participating businesses also have stickers on their store windows to make students aware that they honor the program. All students need to do to make use of the discounts is present their student ID to business owners and ask for the discount at participating stores, or ask for the discount from participating

Students Battle System as Housing Selection Nears

By AMY FEZZA Managing Editor

As housing-selection time at Ramapo College approaches, students can expect to pay a deposit to secure a spot.

Residence Life has recently required students to pay a deposit of $500 for the housing-selection process as early as the beginning of February.

Even though the overall process is completed via the Internet, students must secure their spots in the housing pool by meeting this fee.

“The $500 deposit is required in order to help minimize those that select housing with no intention to return,” Stephanie Barlow, associate director of Residence Life said. “This also helps us have a sense of whether we will be able to accommodate those on the housing waitlist.”

But this particular requirement has angered some students due to the lack of financial support.

“I pay for most of my college tuition and it’s hard for me to scramble up $500 in such a short amount of time,” junior Melanie Orinski said.

“It’s also unsettling to know that if anything were to happen with my housing situation throughout the process, I’m unable to get that money back.”

If students are unable to pay the $500 deposit by the deadline, they will be out of the running for a spot in housing.

Housing-Selection a Click Away

Housing-selection is an online system designed to grants preference to four-person groups looking to live together, and allows four

photo courtesy of ramapo.edu

Ramapo students express frustrations about the seemingly difficult housing selection process for residences, such as the Overlook.

person groups with the most seniority (most credits earned within their class) to have the greatest choice of housing accommodations.

“Three years ago, the college purchased a user friendly housing software that would enable a student to participate in an online housing process,” Barlow said. “This system has been well received as it caters to the busy lives of our resident students, their classes and their busy work schedules.”

Barlow finds this process imperative for any students looking to obtain housing for the following semester due to the large student population.

“Our process is a fair process and the majori-

ty of the students are happy,” Barlow said.

“Unfortunately with a population of approximately 3,000 students we are unable to please everyone.”

All of the residence halls on campus including: Mackin Hall, Bischoff Hall, the Overlook, Linden Hall, Pine Hall, Laurel Hall, College Park Apartments and the Village tend to fill up rather quickly and sometimes require waiting lists, especially for newly admitted transfers.

“My friend had transferred here our spring semester of freshmen year,” junior Michael Cristiantiello said. “She didn’t find out if she

see HOUSING on page 6

Thursday, March 10, 2011

THURSDAY’S CHILD

Chuck Norris turns 71. Then again, Chuck Norris doesnʼt have birthdays, birthdays have Chuck Norris.

TODAY IN HISTORY

Alexander Graham Bell, one of Americaʼs greatest inventors, made the first telephone call in 1876. He was the first to recieve a patent for the electric telephone.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Charlie Sheen, on his recent firing from “Two and a Half Men“ “The winds are howlong tonight. The Gods are hungry. The beast is alive.

And awake. And deadly.”

Ramapo Cares’ to Create Scholarship for Haitian Students in Need Committee Interviews Prospective Students and Plans Events to Raise Funds

By GARRET IVINS Staff Writer

Ramapo Cares, an on-campus charity for victims of the earthquake in Haiti, is working to bring two students from Haiti to Ramapo College. A committee was formed to raise money to bring the students from Haiti to the school and to interview candidates in order to find the students who can make the most of the scholarship and are the most needy.

Berrie Center Operations Manager Edouard Eloi is helping to head this effort. With the committee’s help, he has interviewed prospective students, now narrowed down to four individuals, and raised money for them to take the SATs. “We want to teach them how to fish instead of giving them a fish,” Eloi said, meaning that he wants to give the Haitian students knowledge they can use to help rebuild their communities, rather than simply donating to organizations that would do the work for them.

A stipulation of the scholarship requires that the students must live in Haiti upon graduation for at least five years before they may consider leaving. The committee hopes this will encourage the students to take an active role in the reconstruction of their country.

The four finalists are going to be registered for the SATs on May 7, and will be attending school in time for the fall 2011 semester. Ramapo Cares hopes to bring two students to Ramapo, but if sufficient funds cannot be raised, the organization still wants to offer one student the scholarship.

When the students arrive on campus, they will have already met each other, but the committee would like to assign the students “buddies” to help them adapt to campus life.

The committee includes students Megan McHugh, Kevin Cottino and Tara Belits, who are representing the student body. The three have also begun the process of planning a “tent-athon” fundraising event, in which students will sleep in tents in the Laurel Courts and receive pledges and donation for each hour they remain in the event. The event will take place from April 7 to April 9.

“We are planning to possibly have prize giveaways, and also games and sports offered for students,” said McHugh.

While she could not confirm any details, she did say that the event is in the process of being approved and the committee is exploring the possibility of having registration done at

photo courtesy of ramapo.edu

After the devestating earhquake in Haiti, Ramapo is reaching out to offer services to helpless students.

Roadrunner Central.

Faculty members have also been asked to make direct donations out of their paychecks. As of now, less than 25 faculty members are participating, but the committee is hoping for 100 percent participation. Students as well as faculty can also make direct donations to Ramapo Cares by going to ramapo.edu/haitirelief. givins@ramapo.edu

Ramapo Libertarians Attempt to Resuscitate College Political Scene

By KAITLIN McGUINESS Staff Writer

College students are known for being politically motivated, but Ramapo College has found it difficult to sustain political clubs on campus. If political activity slumps for a year among students, so do the political clubs, and it can be a frustrating process to revitalize them. Ramapo students are currently trying to reconvene the currently defunct College Democrats and nonpartisan Political Forum, and Ramapo College is also getting a new infusion of political ideology with the introduction of a chapter of the national Libertarian organization, Young Americans for Liberty.

At the end of every semester each club must send an assessment report to Student Activities, and if it has lapsed it could be deemed inactive. Frank Nitti, senior, is trying to revitalize the Political Forum club to provide a vehicle for “healthy debate on political issues.”

According to Nitti, the club has been inactive for three semesters, most likely due to the lack of underclassmen in the organization.

“If the executive board of a club is predominantly seniors, when they graduate the club starts to lack in membership until it is just an E-board and a few other members,” Nitti said. “You don’t have the capacity to instate new E-board

members and a club becomes inactive.”

Nitti has had to go through the entire process of starting a new club all over again, including drafting a new constitution, creating an executive board and recruiting members.

The club is waiting to appear before the Student Government Association for official confirmation, which has been pushed back until after spring break due to recent

“[The club will] provide an open forum for people to discuss issues and bring things up that bother them and bring things up that they think the government should or shouldn’t be regulating.”

-Stephanie de Ruiter, president of YAL

upheaval in the organization.

If Political Forum is officially confirmed as a club, Nitti said they would like to collaborate with the College Republicans, College Democrats and the new Young Americans for Liberty.

Young Americans for Liberty President Stephanie de Ruiter says the Libertarian group is for “active students

interested in politics and interested in changing things.”

“The club will cater to those who are not fully represented by the Republican or Democratic parties and believe that the government should be less involved in people’s lives.”

Nathan Adams, senior, who is trying to reform the College Democrats, feels that the introduction of a Libertarian club is a positive thing for Ramapo and it will add to “the diversity of political awareness on campus.”

The College Democrats have only been inactive since this year, noted Adams.

“There was no real leadership left and it kind of dissolved,” Adams said of the club’s president graduating last year.

“The College Democrats, one of the major groups on campus, having to start from scratch is absolutely ridiculous.”

Adams is currently is in the process of writing a new constitution, finding a new advisor and recruiting ten members.

It’s easy to get ten people to sign up, he said, but he is looking for ten motivated students who will sustain the club after he has graduated.

“I don’t you think you should make pre-existing clubs go through the entire process again,” Adams said.

Nitti agrees that there should be an easier way for pre-

see LIBERTARIAN on page 6

‘Greek Goddesses’ Pageant: a Hit for Kappa Sigma Fraternity Page 4 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 10, 2011

photos by Sandy Stucki

Kappa Sigma hosted a pageant-style event called “Greek Goddesses” on March 3 in Friends Hall. Both Greek and non-Greek female contestants competed in three rounds of performances that included dancing and hula-hooping. The event was held to benefit the Fallen House Foundation for U.S. soldiers.

Page 5 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Attention Student Leaders Applications are now being accepted for the Student Awards Program.

Applications are available on the Student Affairs Office webpage listed below.

THE DEADLINE IS Wednesday, MARCH 23rd, 2011.

Eligibility For Student Awards – Specific requirements for each award are listed on our webpage. Minimum requirements for consideration include enrollment in the Spring 2011 or graduation in January 2011. Any student with a G.P.A. less than 2.00 will not be considered.

Students on college disciplinary probation in the Spring 2011 term are not eligible for consideration. Disciplinary histories will be reviewed by the Awards Committee and may affect award decisions. (Students selected for awards who have disciplinary cases pending will not receive the award until the final adjudication is reviewed by the Awards Committee.)

In making award decisions, activities for which students were compensated, e.g., R.A., Program Asst., Tutor, etc., generally carry less weight than volunteer activities. In such cases, awards may be given if there is significant volunteer work related to the paid position in addition to the compensated work.

In the event the number of students deemed eligible exceeds the number of awards available, consideration may be given to students with the higher number of earned credits.

Applications must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs in C-212 before 4:00 pm on March 23rd, 2011. The judgment of the Awards Committee is final.

For further information and an application go to: http://ww2.ramapo.edu/administration/provostoffice/studentaffairs.aspx ●Look under Important Documents Contact Rachel J. Marko (rjaffe@) at ext. 7456 for more information.

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TIPS Training Required for Next Year’s Housing Page 6 The Ramapo News

continued from page 1

to better a student’s welfare overall. Dating back to the open forum hosted by the Student Government on campus in regards to the various drinking incidents last semester, Greene took into consideration what students had to say.

“Back in September, issues with Four Loko and feedback from the forum allowed me to see that students really didn’t know how to identify someone who had been drinking too much and may be medically compromised,” Greene said.

Like Greene, Cammarata hopes that this program will teach students not to assume when in alcoholic situations.

“Hopefully people will learn about alcohol and how to serve it,” Cammarata said. “We shouldn’t assume that every senior knows what to do.”

TIPS training will require Ramapo students to register for the training session during the add/drop period in the near future. The training aims to prepare students on the precautions of drinking. More than 50 faculty members and other certified students will teach the class.

“We’re looking to have this as a class about prevention and education and not doing a triage and hospitalization,” Cammarata said.

The course will include three sections of development skills: curriculum, skills training, and a practice session. If students fail to register or complete this program, they will then be unable to participate in the wethousing selection.

“I hope students don’t find this to be anoth-

continued from page 2

got housing until two days before move-in.

It’s really hard to get housing, especially in the spring semester.”

Current students, however, also feel the uncertainty each spring semester, regardless of their seniority.

“Luckily, one of my roommates has a lot of credits, which puts us at the top of the list, but I see what my friends go through each semester,” Ken Rodenheiser, junior, said. “They’re all really nervous and stressed because at any point and time, something could go wrong and they lose out on a nice dorm and/or money.”

Selection Process Leads to Stress

With students’ concerns over the selection month each spring, Residence Life has taken into consideration how residents on campus feel and try to stress that much information may be found online or at mandatory info sessions.

“There is detailed housing selection material posted on the Web,” Barlow said. “[They] often come to our office or send emails asking questions that are clearly outlined within the housing selection material.

Students sometimes become frustrated when they miss deadlines due to not reading the materials posted.”

Nicole Mazewski, a senator-at-large of the Student Government Association on campus, has been working with Residence

er hurdle to drinking and I’m sure there will be some that will,” Cammarata said.

However, some students approaching their senior year feel as though they shouldn’t have to do anymore than they have over the course of three years.

“As seniors, being here for three years, we shouldn’t have to go through another requirement in the housing selection,” junior Colleen Steel said. “We have to make certain deadlines, live in other dorms, fill out surveys, it’s one thing after the other.”

Like current members at Ramapo moving up in the housing selection, incoming freshman will be required to go through an online program known as alcohol.edu in order to give the college a sense of the majority class’s drinking patterns are.

Samantha Ullrich, a junior at Ramapo, bartends part-time, but doesn’t know if this training will be as effective as the officials think it will be.

“As a bartender it’s my job to know when people are too intoxicated and when to serve them,” she said. “As an upcoming senior living in the Village, I feel like it is important that hosts knows when it’s too much.

However, I don’t think a host of a party is going to stop and see that each and everyone of their guests is okay and babysit them.”

Overall, faculty and students are looking beyond a typical college curriculum and putting students’ health first in efforts to reduce negative outcomes from alcohol on campus. afezza@ramapo.edu

Life for some time and believes that they try to make the process as manageable and accessible as possible for students.

“They really try to make it as fair as possible,” Mazewski, said. “They’re trying to make this process much more transparent, especially with the info sessions, which are great for freshmen and transfers especially.”

However, when asked if there’s a significant student turnout for the information sessions provided by Residence Life, Barlow stressed that the attendance for these sessions are usually very low.

“We are also able to ascertain questions and answers during our mandatory Question and Answer Sessions,” Barlow said. “Unfortunately these sessions are often unattended.”

The $500 complicates the timetable for students who have to wait to raise that deposit.

“Being that I take out loans each semester, I can’t get an automatic loan just for a deposit such as this in the beginning of February,” Orinski said. “Therefore, I have to take money from my paycheck, as well as ask my mom for another check.” afezza@ramapo.edu

continued from page 3

existing clubs to reform. Political Forum is one of the oldest clubs on campus, and Nitti feels he should not have to go through the entire process as if it was a new club.

Professor Teigen, faculty advisor for the currently active College Republicans, commented on restrictions students face when attempting to start an organization.

“Students have shared with me various instances about red tape barriers making it difficult to start new clubs or resurrect temporarily defunct ones in need of a reboot.”

Political Forum will not be reformed until after spring break at the earliest, which Nitti notes “does not give us a lot of time to do any events.” He doesn’t know what will happen to the club, he says, if they don’t have substantial activities report on their assessment form.

Nitti encourages attendance from the community at future Political Forum events.

“Not only attendance from the political partisan groups on campus, but students from the college as a whole,” Nitti said.

“There are a wide range of ideologies out there and we would hope to provoke a good dialogue.”

Adams is hoping for the College Democrats to bring speakers to campus.

“Last year the College Republicans brought Ann Coulter to campus and it was a big success,” he said. “I’d like to do that for the Democrats.”

Stephanie de Ruiter, the president of the Young Americans for Liberty hopes the new club will open up a discussion about politics

Thursday, March 10, 2011

on campus. “[The club will] provide an open forum for people to discuss issues and bring things up that bother them and bring things up that they think the government should or shouldn’t be regulating,” de Ruiter said.

The current club has about 18 official members, and de Ruiter encourages students to come to the club’s meetings to discuss questions like, “When do we give up liberty for security? and “What should the government provide and what should people get for ourselves?” such as Social Security, health care, education, and government assistance.

“There are two different kinds of people in the world,” de Ruiter said, “makers and takers.”

At the founding of this nation, she said, America was a maker society, but since the twentieth century it has become a taker society.

“Makers want to go out there and provide for their families and find a job that they love,” de Ruiter said, “and you have the takers who are comfortable living on welfare or unemployment.”

She continued, “It’s really not that hard to find a job, and if you get comfortable, if people get comfortable, they don’t want to do anything,” de Ruiter said.

To enact change in these areas, de Ruiter feels people need to get involved, such as with Young Americans for Liberty on campus. “We’re young adults, we’re young enough to change things and make things different,” she said. kmcguinn@ramapo.edu

Speakers Praise the Liberal Arts continued from page 1

She was passionate about writing and producing for television but didn’t see it as a serious career path early on. “I thought it was not something I would ever get paid for,” she said. “I thought it was a hobby I would have to put aside.”

Morris became a high school teacher and then moved to San Francisco, where she produced plays with elementary school kids, and then she was offered the opportunity to develop a children’s science show.

Her successful career took her from working at Walt Disney to being recruited to develop the HBO Family Channel, and she retired from there and now works at a local TV station.

“I credit the beginnings of the liberal arts education and doing what I loved, that has brought me through this journey.”

Next up was Adam Tosh, a consultant at the global investment solutions firm Rogerscasey. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, politics and government, and worked for the Treasury Department and a series of public and private investment firms around the country before joining his current company.

Although Tosh works in the high-paying world of finance, he encouraged students to do something where they’ll get the most experience instead of focusing on salary, and move around until they find a job they’re the happiest in.

“Don’t work for the money or the title, because when you get the experience, the rest comes along,” he said. “I have friends

who worked on Wall Street. They got really good at one thing, and then they got bored.”

Tosh likened his varied work experience to getting a free education.

“I was gaining experience on someone else’s dime,” he said. Confident that a wide range of experience is the key to success, Tosh advised students to use liberal arts to suck in as much as they can.

The final speaker was James Weinstein, the executive director of New Jersey Transit, who Fluhr introduced as the man who makes the trains run on time.

Like many liberal arts majors, Weinstein did not have a fixed idea of a career path.

“I didn’t have a life plan, I believe life is a journey without a destination,” he said.

Weinstein went to college at Seton Hall University, where he started as a business major before switching to philosophy, and then studied Latin and Ancient Greek society. After graduation he worked as a journalist, then started his own business and worked in the private sector for years until he became the commissioner of transportation for New Jersey, and later, the executive director of NJ Transit.

“New Jersey’s diversity is its greatest strength,” he said.

He believes diversity in education is also vital to make people creative in the workplace. “The fact that I have [the philosophy] degree has enabled me to think about things in a different way,” he said.

“What I liked is how you can get a broader understanding of people and the world through liberal arts,” Joshua Wagner, a senior majoring in political science, said. mjagendo@ramapo.edu

VIEW POINTS

Thursday, March 10, 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.

Active Minds Posts ‘Sunshine’ Notes

By DAN GAGLIARDI Staff Writer

If you’ve walked through the academic buildings during the last couple weeks (as I would imagine you have), there’s no doubt that you have come across the current bane of my existence posted on the walls: brightly-colored sticky notes that have “inspirational” phrases like “You’re important!” and “Follow your dreams!” scrawled in generic, girly handwriting. If you haven’t done so already, let me explain before you pigeonhole me as an allloathing curmudgeon. (Also, pardon me for all the paraphrasing I’m doing.)

We have grown up in an internet culture of bipolar reaction—where our responses to every stimuli is either “love” or “hate,” “epic” or “fail.” And I’m no saint; I’m as quick as anyone else to dish overzealous compliments. With that said, nothing ruins my day quite as much as walking past one of these hand-decorated assaults on my dignity. I realize that this just sounds like an extreme expression of the an emotional pole, but I’ve put a lot of thought into this and that I’ve determined my opinion is rational, if anything a little strong.

These sentimental sticky notes, put forth by an on-campus group called Active Minds, put forth all the sincerity of a Hallmark card (and that’s not saying much.) Their mentality, which is that offering affirmations to the general pub

photo by Nicole Mazewski

Post-it notes like these were written and posted by Active Minds lic is impossible, is in fact kind of patronizing.

I’m not saying that people don’t deserve to be complimented. People sometimes deserve to be praised every once in awhile. I just find it insulting that a piece of paper that says something like “You smell like rainbows” (note: this one is not real) is expected to brighten someone’s day.

One of these sheets of hand-decorated notes states, “You are unique.” If I acknowledge this as truth, shouldn’t I be angry about every other note fluttering that leaks out of the organization’s heads as they offer open-mouthed smiles

in the gumdrop-trees-and-rivers-of-smiles nonsense? You’re giving out compliments that are already latitudinal when offered by one individual to another; once you take the individuality out of it, you’re doing something that’s so insipid that it becomes condescending to the reader.

You know who else uses this technique of audience engagement? “Dora the Explorer.”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with “Dora the Explorer,” it’s a quasi-educational children’s show on Nickelodeon in which the characters “interact” with the viewers by asking questions, and then congratulating them for doing such a good job. But in “Dora,” this kind of complimenting So has its place.

Again, none of this is meant to suggest that people don’t deserve to feel good about themselves, but talking to college students as if they’re toddlers probably isn’t the way to go about praising them, nor is it genuine. In reading these sticky notes, we all become the same X variable in the empty compliment formula.

“Of course you’re special. Now here, have a sucker and head to your existentialism class.” dgagliar@ramapo.edu

YAL Asks Citizens to Reclaim Government

By STEPHANIE de RUITER Staff Writer

You may have seen the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) flyers last year. Revolution was the principle message of the flyers (except the evol part, which spells “love” backwards.) As president of YAL, I don’t want the group to be labeled “extreme,” but I will say that a revolution is something I would like the group to be a part of. A revolution will disintegrate the apathy our generation seems to have with government and politics today.

Young Americans for Liberty is a national organization in which members recognize “that freedom deserves responsibility, and therefore we hold ourselves to a high moral character and conduct. Integrity emphasizes our stance towards action.” We wish to raise awareness about changing the practices and habits, which have led the country down the path of a $14-trillion-dollar debt, an astronomical amount due to unprecedented governmental spending and continually expecting the

government to provide for those who produce nothing.

What do I hope to do with YAL? I hope to spark a fire here on campus, to wake students and our generation up. I hope this club will allow students to think and discuss the big issues on what we, as the future of America, are going to do about them, not alone but together, as a country. The first three words of the constitution are “We the people.” We the people are the government; we fund it, but have lost control of it.

I understand there is a need for government, but the more we expect from government, the more freedoms government officials will continue to take. Today, almost everything is regulated, and there is a violation of individual freedoms every day as new laws are passed.

The American government has become too powerful, so powerful that it is able to financially exploit its citizens to pay off what we supposedly owe to ourselves. What exactly do we get from the hundreds of thousands of tax dollars we put into the system? Most of us

can’t respond because we just don’t know. We give the power to 535 people in congress by voting them in and they in turn create laws that supposedly benefit us. How do they benefit us though?

Political author James Bovard said, “To blindly trust government is to automatically vest it with excessive power.” We’ve stopped trusting each other and are becoming more and more comfortable with the system; a system which eventually will fail.

Think of the future you could have by relying on yourself instead of government entitlements that may not exist in the near future, because we won’t have the funds to support it.

I wish to bring to Ramapo the idea that we the people do not need to rely on the government but should use it to reclaim the prospect of self-rule. To raise awareness on both what it means to do just that and the responsibility of “we the people.” YAL meets every Thursday 1-2 p.m. in ASB-221.

sderuite@ramapo.edu

To the Editor,

As a member and chapter founder of a culturally-based Sorority at Ramapo, I would like to clarify an incorrect claim made in the "Women's Fraternity WellReceived by Ramapo Greeks" article by Kaitlin McGuinness. It is a common misconception that there are "only four" (now five) sororities recognized by Ramapo.

While it is true that the five largest sororities on campus belong to the Ramapo College Pan-Hellenic Council (CPH), Ramapo recognizes 13 sororities and 15 fraternities in total (as opposed to five sororities and nine fraternities, as the article states).

The organizations not mentioned in the article are based on Multicultural, Latino, or African American foundations. These organizations fall under the United Cultural Greek Council or the National Pan-Hellenic Council (not CPH.) I felt it was necessary to point this out because there are many Ramapo students who may be looking to join a sorority or fraternity, but feel that they have "only five" or nine options, respectively.

The article also insinuates that anyone who takes part in a new member process (also known as an intake process or pledge process) and is not given their letters on "Bid Day" is automatically going to be hazed. While I cannot speak for every organization, most people do not believe that it is necessary to haze or disrespect prospective members in any way. The purpose of a new member process is educational; it is to learn about your sisters/brothers, your organization and yourself (which the article states). However, the fact that many prospective members do not receive their letters until after they have completed the process does not necessarily mean that hazing is involved. Ramapo takes many steps to prevent hazing, including mandatory anti-hazing workshops.

Students can learn about ALL of the sororities and fraternities recognized at Ramapo by visiting http://www.ramapo.edu/students/g reek/profiles.html.

Sincerely, Katie Branagan

Dancing with the Stars

Christina Aguilera

Tom Van Howling discusses pop starʼs recent behavior Page 11

Nicole Mazewski previews upcoming season Page 9

Fefu Befriends Audience in “Fefu and Her Friends” 3. 10. 11

BY JEREMY KELLY Staff Writer The Ramapo College theater program added another play to its edition of strange and unusual productions with “Fefu and Her Friends,” a show that took place in the Berrie Center’s Adler Theater from March 2 to March 9.

“Fefu and her Friends” is a tribute to feminism and is written by playwright Maria Irene Fornes. It’s a statement about women and their place in the world and how they are viewed by others and themselves.

The show stars junior Caitlin Montenero as Fefu and follows her and seven of her closest friends as they meet one day to rehearse a show for a fundraiser. Although they seem like average women, each have their own personal baggage that the audience gets to explore in great detail.

“We had to learn a lot about these women from this period and learn how to get inside their minds to portray them properly.”

-Caitlin Montenero, junior

From the moment we first see Fefu, she appears to be certifiably insane. She keeps a shotgun propped up against a wall and regularly fires blanks at her unseen husband Phillip out in the garden and makes casual remarks that she may one day replace the

photo by Sandy Stucki

“Fefu and her Friends” bring audiences a different type of play as they traveled to scenes set up around the Berrie Center.

blanks with real bullets.

“This character was unlike any character I have ever played,” Montenero said. “There was no mask to hide behind, no set list of qualities to really explain her. She is not someone who is outwardly crazy. She is crazy but deals with it. She hides it with her jokes, playfulness and deep thought. It was quite an experience to understand how to portray her.”

After a standard first act with half-normal conversations, the show takes a turn outside

the box. Four guides enter the theater and walk to each section of the audience holding signs and lead each section to different portions of the Berrie Center to watch four separate scenes one at a time.

Director Shoshona Currier knows how to make things creative with “Fefu and her Friends.” During Act Two, the audience travels to the Green Room, the Photo Lounge, the Shooting Studio and the window at the front of the Berrie Center where they listen through headphones to a conversation

between Fefu and Emma (Ashley Scales) out on the lawn. There is also a creepy scene involving the paraplegic Julia (Molly Rodino) in a bed with white walls.

After that comes intermission, and then the action goes back into the theater where the set has been completely scrapped; the furniture, the chandelier and the four archways are all gone, but surprisingly the characters act as if they’re all still there. At this point, the story gets somewhat sidetracked and comes back into focus only sporadically.

“The play itself was extremely hard for us all to understand at first,” Montenero said, “but when we broke it down and put in hours of rehearsal time it really came together for us all. We had to learn a lot about these women from this period and learn how to get inside their minds to portray them properly.”

“Fefu and her Friends” is entertaining and has plenty of intelligent conversations, even if it has a confusing narrative. The actresses do a fine job in all of these different roles; freshman Lexi Lapp plays Christina with a convincing nervousness and freshman Gahlia Greene-Kaufman is memorable as Cecilia in the small amount of dialogue she has.

Montenero is also enjoyable as Fefu; she has a number of different emotions to play and she’s spot-on overall.

Ramapo’s next theatrical production will be “The Birds,” written by Aristophanes and directed by Greg Steinbruner. It will take place in the Sharp Theater starting April 8.

Students Come Together to Celebrate Irish Poetry

BY JULIANNE BRANDA Staff Writer Sigma Tau Delta, Ramapo’s Literature Honor Society, held a night of poetry dedicated to Irish poets last Monday.

Poetry enthusiasts gathered in J. Lee’s to recite some of their favorite verses imported from Ireland. With Irish pride t-shirts draping the furniture and students donning green in honor of Ireland, the mood was set for St. Patrick’s Day next Thursday.

“It’s great that anyone can attend the event, read their own work, and get some comments and feedback.”

-Sigma Tau Delta Secretary Caitlin Casey

The event offered an alternative to typical St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

“It was a calm way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without being rowdy,” Sigma Tau Delta secretary Caitlin Casey said.

Several books of Irish poetry were distributed to the crowd, who pulled out their favorite poems to read in front of the audience. Some of the popular Irish poets of choice included William Butler Yates, Seamus Heaney and Eavan Boland.

While it was a great night of Irish pride and literature, members of the audience could not help but notice the depressing subject matter of many of the poems. With titles like “Dream of Death” and “Valley of Black Death,” it soon became obvious that the themes of Irish poetry were generally not very uplifting. Some students even resolved to write some “happy” Irish poetry to keep the mood upbeat.

Later in the night, students were invited onstage to share their own poetry with the audience. The theme of the night came full

photo by Stefanie Mauro

Sigma Tau Delta President Brendan Flanagan was just one of the students who read at Mondayʼs Night with Irish Poets.

circle when students shared the work of Irish master poets and then their own, as it showed the progression one makes towards admiring someone else’s poetry and then cre-

jkelly7@ramapo.edu

ating their own.

“It’s great that anyone can attend the event, read their own work, and get some comments and feedback,” continued Casey.

Others felt similarly.

“It was an awesome night. It was exciting to see people learn more about Irish poets and to share their own poetry,” junior Danielle Reed said.

“I’m glad that people came out to celebrate the Irish literary tradition. As an Irish American, I’m proud that people can see more value in Irish culture other than commercialism,” Sigma Tau Delta President, Brendan Flanagan stated. jbranda1@ramapo.edu

Abrams Brothers Give Bluegrass Music Contemporary Feel Page 9 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 10, 2011

By DANIELLE REED Assistant A&E Editor This past Saturday, community members and Ramapo students listened to a performance by the Abrams Brothers at 8 p.m. in the Berrie Center’s Sharp Theater. The Abrams Brothers give bluegrass music a modern feel, while entertaining many with old favorites. “[We] never heard of them before,” audience member Michael Katz said. “We were extremely impressed [and] thrilled we came.”

Bluegrass musicians Mark Nichols and Bob Harris opened Saturday’s performance with traditional sounding bluegrass songs including “I’ll Never Get Out of this World Alive” and “Pocono Joe.” Then they introduced the group.

“I heard them perform traditional bluegrass years ago and I said, ‘You have to watch those guys,’” Harris said during his introduction.

Brothers John and James and cousin Elijah are the members of the Abrams Brothers. They are originally from Ontario, Canada and are the youngest performers to play at the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running live radio program.

They have released three CDs and are currently working on a fourth album, due out in May. “We’ve never been to New Jersey before; you guys are our first crowd,” John Abrams said at the beginning of the performance.

Throughout the evening, the members of the band discussed the importance of their roots and the idea that bluegrass can encompass so many kinds of music.

“We grew up playing bluegrass,” John Abrams said during the performance. “We were the fourth generation singing with our family [and] learned how to sing harmony in the church. We started to take center stage and realized it was really our passion.”

During their performance, they played a variety of songs including “While You Sleep,” “Lady Be Good,” Little Mermaid Town” and “I Won’t Make You.” Songs like “Gospel Plow,” originally performed by Bob Dylan, showed their bluegrass roots, while their cover of Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” demonstrated a more contemporary sound.

“This next song [‘While You Sleep’] really paints a picture of driving on back roads whether you’re in New Jersey or Northern Ontario,” John Abrams said.

They also played several songs off of their upcoming album, “Northern Redemption” including “Window” and

The Abrams Brothers. a bluegrass band, performed Brothers first visit to New Jersey.

“17.”

These songs displayed the group’s combination of traditional bluegrass and contemporary music.

“We’re excited to make this album [“Northern Redemption”],” John Abrams said. “We actually recorded it in a cabin on an island.”

Many people enjoyed the performance and admired the great musicianship of The Abrams Brothers.

“The energy was great,” audience member Megan Baggatt said. “They have such a mature sound already [and it] shows they were surrounded by it [music] when they were growing up.”

Some members also expressed views that it was sad more people did not attend the performance.

“It was a great experience [and they] are incredibly talented,” audience member Heidi Katz said. “[It is] too bad [that] there were conflicting events because students would have enjoyed it [the performance because] The Abrams Brothers

Photo by Sandy Stucki

at the Berrie Center on Saturday. This was the

are young.”

The Abrams Brothers ended their performance thanking the audience and discussing their support for the arts, before playing their final song.

“You folks have been a fantastic audience; a great first time in New Jersey,” John Abrams sad. “It’s an amazing thing, music really, [and] what’s going on here at the Berrie Center.

We’ve never met [you] before and really many of you may have never met before, but we’re here enjoying this together.”

For more information about The Abrams Brothers and their music, check out their website at www.theabramsbrothers.com.

Celebrities Waltz into New Season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’

By CLAIRE CHAPEL Staff Writer Attention “Dancing With the Stars” fans: the premiere of the new season is a little less than two weeks away! Season 12 of “DWTS” will premiere on Monday, March 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC. This season’s line-up is as follows: Kendra Wilkinson and Louis Van Amstel; Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas; Wendy Williams and Tony Dovolani; Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy; Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin; Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke; Romeo and Chelsie Hightower; Mike Catherwood and Lacey Schwimmer; Sugar Ray Leonard and Anna Trebunskaya; Hines Ward and Kym Johnson; and last but certainly not least, Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff.

The pressure is on for these stars. With only 12 days left to prepare for the premiere, their partners are really getting their bodies in gear for what is going to be a hard season.

The stars are in rehearsals lasting anywhere from four to eight or nine hours a day of dancing.

Alley, 60, said that she is feeling a lot of pressure. At Monday’s press conference she said, “My partner [Maksim Chmerkovskiy]

photos courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Mike Catherwood and Lacey Schwimmer, and Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin are two of the celebrity couples that will be on season 12 of “Dancing with the Stars.” is calling me ‘G’ for Grandma, he says I’m challenges they are facing given her contract too slow.” Alley, of course, had a quick with with “The Wendy Williams Show,” filmed in a comeback for him: “I call him ‘M’ for New York City, and her full time job of mean,” she told the press laughingly. being a 46 year-old mother living in New Professional dancer Tony Dovolani talked Jersey. He said that she recently had a week to “The National Ledger” about his new part- off from filming her show which made it ner for season 12, talk-show host Wendy easy for them to have five hour rehearsals Williams. He talked a little bit about the every day in a dance studio near her home.

dreed1@ramapo.edu

However, now that she is filming more episodes, it is getting harder.

Dovolani was very positive about his new partner though. He said, “I’m so glad she decided to take on this challenge. I’m very excited to help her achieve something she never thought she would: to be able to do these dances and be graceful and beautiful doing them.”

Not only are the stars and professional dancers excited about this 12th season, but Ramapo students are anticipating the premiere as well.

“I cannot wait for ‘Dancing With the Stars’!

The dancing amazes me every season and I feel the costumes get hotter every season too. The dancers make it all look so easy,” junior Amber-Nicole Wiseburn said.

Students also have opinions on which star they want to see win this season, “I really hope Kendra wins. She is so funny! She was always hilarious to watch on ‘Girls Next Door,’ I can’t imagine some of the things she’s gonna say on [‘DWTS’],” RCNJ junior Taylor Strickland said.

So there you have it- be sure to tune into the season premiere, and don’t forget to vote! cchapel@ramapo.edu

Looking for Mom’s Home Cooking? Country Café Serves Up Page 10 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 10, 2011

By MEGAN ANDERLE Editor-in-Chief

At lunchtime on any given day at the Country Café in Franklin Lakes, the western-influenced, mom-and-pop restaurant is bustling. The family-owned business is your place for an afternoon pick-me-up cup of coffee, for your family to grab breakfast on a Sunday morning or to meet up with an old friend.

The Country Café has it all – omelets, turkey sandwiches and chili are popular items – along with fresh-made apple pies and homefries. Anyone who isn’t familiar with Franklin Lakes might easily pass it up on Pulis Avenue, as the café is tucked away and lacks the loud adornment of most restaurants.

If you do pass it up, you’re missing out.

“We’ve had the same customers for years and years,” owner Gail Corbo said, who has worked at the café for 16 years and owned it for the last 6.

So what is it about this small place, with its countryside appeal and old-fashioned allure that keeps customers coming back?

Aside from the individualized service from Corbo and her small staff, the prices are very fair, with most items less than $10, and the restaurant, in and of itself, is quaint with its antique 50’s-inspired signs and decorations that scatter the walls of the room.

One of the better answers to this question, however, is the simple fact that there aren’t many restaurants in town, or in Bergen

Photo by Megan Anderle

Country Café, located in Franklin Lakes, is a mom-and-pop restaurant offering homestyle cooking in an old-world atmoshpere.

County for that matter, that have the same old-world charm as this place. Everything is homemade. Though you can find many of the menu items at a diner, the restaurant’s personalized-feel – the staff and owners will remember your name; you’re sure to see a friend from the area – is what makes sets it apart from all the rest. When you come for breakfast or lunch, you feel like you’re a

kid again, about to enjoy your mother’s cooking.

The chili certainly has a kick, which makes it perfect for a cold winter day. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who doesn’t like spicy foods. It’s also hearty.

Ingredients include a few different types of meat: chop meat, roast beef and steak; as well as beans, sauce and spices. The chili is

filling and has enough flavors to satisfy your taste buds.

The triple-decker chicken salad sandwich is equally as satisfying. Made with tomato, lettuce, bacon, this sandwich is a lunchtime staple. The bread is toasted, and everything tastes fresh. There is nothing excessive about it; the chicken salad is made with the right amount of mayonnaise, and everything else is spot-on.

The homemade apple pie certainly looks like a homemade creation. The dessert didn’t have a good crust – it was thin and falling apart rather than held-together. Instead, an abundance of oats sat atop warm gooey apples. The dish was messy, but not necessarily bad. If it had a better crust, the pie would have received 10 out of 10. Also, our waitress informed me it was the last piece, which is why it probably wasn’t the best.

This is the kind of place you should take your relatives to if they’re in the area. The welcoming and friendly atmosphere makes it a town favorite. Open even during the few snow storms we’ve had this season, the Country Café puts the customer first and serves with a smile.

RATING:

###$$

manderle@ramapo.edu

Even After Getting Arrested, Aguilera is ‘Here to Stay’

Page 11 The Ramapo News

By TOM VAN HOWLING Staff Writer

Lindsay Lohan, Courtney Love and Amy Winehouse are all singers that have been taken in by the long arm of the law. Now, after last week, Christina Aguilera can be added to that list of stars causing drunken mayhem.

This is just one of the final nails in the coffin for the pop star’s troubled career. After her latest album flopped and her world tour got canceled; after she filed for divorce and her film debut got horrible reviews; after she forgot the words to the national anthem during her Super Bowl performance and fell during her recent Grammy performance, Aguilera got taken into police custody for being too intoxicated. The past 12 months have not been good at all for Aguilera.

The trouble really began when her marriage fell apart and the album “Bionic,” which she had slaved on for about four years, went nowhere.

“I’m shocked,” junior Connor Binko said.

However, charges for her intoxication were not pressed. Her boy toy of the moment, rocker/production assistant, Matthew Rutler,

Thursday, March 10, 2011

was arrested for driving drunk. Aguilera was taken into custody as she was “too drunk to take care of herself,” according to police.

“...I think they’re blowing everything out of proportion.”

-Connor Binko, junior

The media is having a field day with this story; Ramapo students, however, are coming to Aguilera’s defense.

“I thought it was weird, especially the falling at the Grammys, but I think they’re blowing everything out of proportion.”

Binko said. “Especially with forgetting the national anthem because it was such a huge event, but she’s still cool in my book.”

Between beefs with other pop stars, including Kelly Osbourne, Lady Gaga and Pink; wearing crotchless pants and blatantly imitating other stars’ musical styles, Aguilera has always been the cause of some trouble.

“She’s not a hot mess,” junior Ivy Cruz said. “Lady Gaga is, and Britney.”

Stars like Pink have taken to Twitter to share their opinions about Aguilera’s recent

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Christina Aguileraʼs career seems to be falling into a downward spiral, m recently seen in her arrest for poor behavior.

troubles.

“Out of Myself, Britney, and Christina didn’t everyone think I was gonna be the troublemaker?” Pink tweeted. “LOOK MA!!!

No CUFFS!!!”

To make matters even worse, Aguilera and her label, Sony Music, are now being sued over a sample used in Aguilera’s Grammywinning 2006 single “Ain’t No Other Man.” The song sampled the 1967 soul song, “Hippy Skippy Moon Strut.” This is just another blow to the singer and her troubled life and career.

However, there is hope for the singer. After years of using drugs, Courtney Love is now back with her band Hole who released their new album last year. Even after all she went through a few years ago, Britney Spears has released two hit albums and will release her seventh album this month. Mariah Carey has had a slew of hit albums after her very public meltdown ten years ago.

The world loves a good comeback story and if Aguilera can get her act together and make a good, hit album then all will be forgiven and forgotten…until her next drunken slipup. tvanhowl@ramapo.edu

Gamers Get Ready to ‘Catch ‘em All’ Once Again

By VINNY PARIS I Staff Writer

The year was 1996. Japan had just gotten their first taste of a new game called “Pokemon” and, for some reason, the game came in two different cartridges: A “Pokemon Red Version” and a “Pokemon Green Version.”

Fast forward to 1998, when the U.S. finally got the chance to see what all the commotion was about with the release of “Pokemon Blue Version” (an enhanced version of “Green”) in addition to the red version.

But why release the game as two separate titles? The answer was ingenious: So that players could trade with one another and only fully appreciate the experience when playing with friends.

“It adds more to the game while keeping the integrity of the originals.”

-Matt Frain, sophomore

This idea spread like wildfire and made “Pokemon” less of a game and more of a revolution. Now, almost a decade and a half later, Nintendo just released the fifth generation of the franchise with “Pokemon Black Version” and “Pokemon White Version.”

In order to keep the games exciting, these latest titles offer a variety of new features.

Most noticeable are the new graphics, as the game now provides 3-D visuals when exploring the all new region of Unova and features an engaging battle screen with more animations during brawls.

According to Matt Frain, a sophomore at Ramapo, this boils down to an experience that feels fresh and still manages to remain

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

“Pokemon Black Version” and “Pokemon White Version” for Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi combine old and new features for gamers.

faithful to the traditions of previous entries in the series.

“It adds more to the game while keeping the integrity of the originals,” he said.

That statement could not be more true.

Some of the other new features include the addition of 3-on-3 battles and “Rotation Battles,” in which players can switch between the three chosen Pokemon without paying the cost of a turn as normal circumstances dictate. Certain Pokemon can now also use “Combinations Moves,” a fusion of attacks created to add an extra layer of depth and strategy to the frequent confrontations players will run into. Of course, the game includes a new storyline which focuses on the villainous gang named “Team Plasma,” which can be enjoyed more than previous

titles thanks to more cutscenes (in-game, non-interactive movies) and speech bubbles replacing the old style of box text enabling multiple characters to speak at once.

The last of the new features includes the “C-Gear,” a new menu navigation system that allows players to seamlessly switch between different applications allowing for video chat, online battling/trading, checking the statuses of any current Pokemon traveling with the player, and accessing the “Pokemon Dream World” that follows a similar method to last generations implementation of the “Pokewalker.”

Customary to the franchise is the ability to choose between three “Starter Pokemon” allowing for newcomers to better understand the mechanics of the game. Players can

choose between a fire-type, named Snivy, a water-type, Oshawott, and a grass-type, Tepig, who function as the blue prints for understanding the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” ideology behind combat.

For example, water-types have an advantage over fire-types, fire-types are strong against grass-types and grass-types can more easily defeat water-types.

When asked which one he chose, Frain responded, “The water starter [Oshawott].”

“Pokemon Black Version” and “Pokemon White Version” are available now for the Nintendo DS, with extra features available to those who own a Nintendo DSi, and currently retail for $34.99 each. vparisi@ramapo.edu

Page 12 The Ramapo News

LIFE & CULTURE

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Practice Safe Sunbathing this Spring Break

BY NICOLE MAZEWS KI Staff Writer

Heading somewhere sunny for spring break? Although you may be sick of the gloomy pale skin you’ve been sporting all winter and are looking forward to that deep golden tan, be sure to be safe in the sun.

The American Cancer Society has four key rules for protecting yourself from the sun and its UV radiation: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect both your eyes and the sensitive skin around them.

While covering up doesn’t block all of the sun’s harmful UV rays, it does help greatly. Some companies make clothing that has a protective covering of UV protection; look for labels that say so. Products like laundry detergent are also available to use to improve the preexisting UV protection in your clothes. Wearing a hat can also help protect your eyes, forehead, nose and scalp from the sun. Baseball caps and straw hats aren’t the most ideal because the rays can penetrate the straw, while baseball caps don’t cover the back of the neck.

As a cardinal rule, always use sunscreen when you go outside. Whether it’s cold, hot, cloudy or sunny, you should never be without it. Despite common misconceptions, no sunscreen can protect you completely. It’s true that the higher the SPF, the more UV rays are filtered out, but even at SPF 100, only 99 percent of UV-B rays are filtered. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that an SPF 30 sunscreen be used at the least.

When applying your sunscreen, more is better. A palmful of sunblock should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Many people enjoy tanning, but it is important to remember to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

face of an adult. Reapplication is crucial, especially after you go in the water or break a sweat. It’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, even if you are not being active.

Remember to pack your best pair of shades too. Check

Magenta’s Meals

BY LAUREN MAGENTA Staff Writer

Chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel bites - the name alone can make your mouth water.

This week’s recipe is by no means a healthy alternative to anything, but it is truly delicious. This easy quick no-bake snack is dorm friendly. During the final days of classes before spring break with all the stress from exams, presentations and projects, take 15 minutes to make this dessert and enjoy a break from studying.

Ingredi ents 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 tbsp softened butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar (maybe more) 3/4 cup brown sugar (maybe more) Pretzels (any shape) 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or Hershey’s Syrup Start by mixing together the peanut butter, the softened butter and both sugars. If the mixture is too sticky to roll, add more of each sugar until it’s manageable. Place 1/2 inch peanut butter rolls between two pretzels.

After, place the bits in the freezer for an hour, remove and dip into either melted chocolate chips or Hershey syrup. Then return bites into freeze for another 30 minutes.

This recipe takes no more than 15 minutes to make and zero minutes to bake.

Convenient and, of course, delicious. lmagenta@ramapo.edu

photo by Lauren Magenta

Chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel bites can be a delicious distraction from midterm stress.

pairs of sunglasses for labels indicating UV protection.

Ideally, the best pair will protect 100% UV-A and UV-B (broad spectrum) rays. American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, labels some glasses with their approval requirements.

As for how much time you should stay outside in the sun, less is better. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some windows don’t actually protect from UV rays, so remember to be careful in the car on your way to your destination.

If you are staying home this break, don’t fall into temptation and head to the tanning salon. Tanning beds use harmful UV rays that can lead to skin damage and cancer. As an alternative, try spray tanning. Stars of “Jersey Shore” are trying this option and avoiding the typical booth style as well.

“I’ve never tried fake tanning, but part of me wants to try it because I hate being so pale in the winter,” sophomore Brittany Rodstrom said.

Outside factors may cause some to be more prone to sun damage. For instance those who have a history of skin cancer, freckles, fair skin, blonde or red hair face increased sun damage. In addition, those who spend a lot of time outside, especially in a tropical or high altitude area, or take birth control, antibiotics, certain antidepressants, or some other medications are at a higher risk.

Stay safe in the sun this break, and remember: Slip, slop, slap and wrap!

Horoscopes

Ari es (March 21-Apri l 19) You are not flailing in the experience that you are going through, you are getting warmer and closer to a miracle cure. Let the unexpected make your day.

Taurus (Apri l 20-May 20) You have a clear advantage to go beyond the apparent while tuning into the actual reality of a certain situation. Pay attention for things are more than they seem.

Gemi ni (May 21 - June 20) No one is perfect and everyone has a story.

Re-design this next stage of your story and the universe will grant you the props.

Cancer (June 21-Jul y 22) You may be feeling like you are shouldering a great deal of responsibility, but you will begin to see things in a new way.

Recognize that you have a great deal of power to influence the situation.

Leo (Jul y 23-August 23) This week your communications with others may feel taxing. Let go of any preconceived notions or expectations of others.

Vi rgo (August 24-S eptember 22) At the end of the day, what is most important is that you feel and know you have done your best. Don’t let anyone challenge you on your pursuits.

Li bra (S eptember 23-October 22) A little risk mixed with some patience pays when you face a few fears. Be creative with

nmazewsk@ramapo.edu

what you have been given and avoid letting emotions of doubt affect you.

S corpi o (October 23-November 21) Recently, you have lost track of the bigger picture. There may be a temporary wrench in some of your plans but you are getting stronger by the day.

S agi ttari us (November 22December 21) You have come a long way but there will always be more to learn. You may be tested this week, but you will see you have developed a new approach to an old challenge.

Capri corn (December 22-January 19) There is an inner pressure to push past those obstacles that have gotten between you and a breakthrough. When you let your guard down you will learn about all that you have not been able to realize.

Aquari us (January 20- February 19) Sudden events may be making it challenging to relax or sleep. You have earned some loving feedback and it will be just what you need to restore your faith in better day.

Pi sces (February 20-March 20) Something that was recently initiated may feel like an eternal setback but it does not mean that your investments were for nothing. Find a way to refuel your spirits and visualize all that you hope to manifest.

Horoscopes courtesy of madalynaslan.com

SPORTS

Roadrunners Stunned in Overtime Heartbreaker 3 . 10 . 11

Men’s Basketball Falls to Johnson & Wales in NCAA Tournament Game

By TOM BABCOCK Staff Writer

After battling back from a 12-point deficit at halftime and leading with 10 seconds remaining, Ramapo men’s basketball team lost a 114-106 heartbreaker in overtime to Johnson & Wales. The Friday night contest, held in the Bradley Center, was the opening round of the National College Athletic Association Division III Tournament.

“The first couple of days afterwards were crushing,” coach Chuck McBreen said. “This was the second most heartbreaking loss I’ve had as a coach. It still hurts.”

That’s no easy task for someone who has coached over 300 games with 200 plus victories and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances with the Roadrunners.

From the opening whistle to the final horn, the game was fast paced. Both teams were lead by dangerous scoring threats. Johnson & Wales’ Lamonte Thomas and Ramapo’s Ahmad Hassan dominated on offense throughout the game, each leading their team in scoring.

Thomas turned in his third 40-plus game this season with 43 points and Hassan led the Roadrunners with 33, tying his season high.

“Thomas was phenomenal,” Hassan, who was covering the junior guard throughout the game, said. “He had a very quick step and very quick release. He’s a great player.”

Johnson & Wales high-pressure defense troubled Ramapo’s offense, especially when it came to getting the ball up the court.

Ramapo turned the ball over 35 times.

“When you lose focus and you lack discipline those things happen,” McBreen said.

“You need those things when you’re on the big stage.”

Johnson & Wales took advantage of the turnovers and caught fire early. Thomas scored 17 points in the first 6:04 of the game. The spurt gave the Wildcats a commanding 25-13 lead, taking the home crowd out of the game.

“They put a lot of pressure on the ball and forced us into bad mistakes,” Hassan said.

The Wildcats maintained a comfortable lead throughout the first half. At one point, the Wildcats led by as many as 15 points.

By the time the halftime horn sounded Johnson & Wales had 19 points off turnovers and a 58-46 lead.

“We went into halftime upset with the score and looked at how we played,” McBreen said.

“We had no transition defense and we weren’t getting the ball inside enough.”

“We focused on those things in the second half and turned the game around.”

The Roadrunners were a different team in the second half. Coming out on an 11-0 run, Ramapo closed the lead to 58-57. McBreen credited the new found momentum to switching to a smaller lineup.

“We went smaller in the second half because we couldn’t keep up with their quickness,” McBreen said.

Ramapo opted to have three guards on the floor. Backup point guard Travis Conyers along with Hassan and point guard Anthony LoRusso helped keep up with the quickness of Thomas and the Wildcat roster.

The adjustment paid dividends for the Roadrunners. Hassan heated up, scoring 21 in the second half.

“I came out just trying to be more aggressive, trying to get my teammates involved and find my zone,” Hassan said.

With the home crowd back into the game, Ramapo started to take control. Junior forward LaQuan Peterkin was a force down the stretch.

He scored eight points and had one crowd fueling block to cap off a 13-0 run that gave the Roadrunners a 97-89 lead with 1:47 to go.

“I was getting the ball inside and I had the size advantage over my man,” Peterkin said.

“So when I got the ball I would just make sure I finished.”

Peterkin finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.

However, with the game seemingly in hand,

photo by Sandy Stucki

Ramapo students packed the stands on Friday night to support the Roadrunners.

RAMAPO SPORTS THIS WEEK

Friday:

Men’s Baseball vs.

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg at Winter Haven, FL at 7:30 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field -NCAA Championships

photo by Mike Jagendorf

LaQuan Peterkin used his size advantage to score 19 points and grab 7 rebounds for Ramapo in a tough loss.

Thomas stepped up to be the difference maker.

In a frenzy of turnovers Ramapo lost its composure for just a moment. Within a span of 12 seconds Thomas hit two 3-pointers, one off his own steal, and cut the lead back to 97-95.

“We choked,” Hassan said. “There were a lot of turnovers made but the ones we made late is the reason why we lost.”

Despite Thomas’s frantic comeback, Ramapo still led 98-96 with under 20 seconds to go.

Attempting to run out the clock, Hassan was called for a carry. This call turned out to be one of the more crucial rulings of the game.

With the clock winding down, the Wildcats sent the game into overtime after Calvin Jones drained a bucket to tie the game at 98-98 with 6.7 seconds remaining.

Jones scored 18 points and had 7 steals and 4 assists on the day.

In overtime, Ramapo missed four early free throws and never recovered. Johnson & Wales would go up 108-100 and eventually hold on for a 114-106 victory. The win was the first NCAA tournament victory in any sport for the school.

After winning the regular season New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship and being ranked in the top 25 in Division III during the season, the Roadrunners lost two straight to end the year. They were knocked out of the NJAC Tournament against Montclair St. on Feb. 22nd. They finish the season with a record of 20-7.

Elgin Brown who contributed with a doubledouble of 12 points and 17 rebounds feels just as sick as his coach.

“It’s a tough loss,” Brown said. “We really wanted to go out there and redeem ourselves after the Montclair loss.”

tbabcock@ramapo.edu

Saturday:

Women’s Lacrosse vs.

Wells College at 11 a.m.

Baseball vs. Mount Union College at 1 p.m Men’s and Women’s Track and Field -NCAA Championships

Sunday:

Women’s Softball vs.

University of Wisconsin River Falls at 9 a.m., Springfield College at Kissimmee, FL at 11 a.m.

Baseball vs. Becker College at 4:30 p.m.

Monday:

Softball vs. Nazareth College at 3 p.m., Carthage College at 5 p.m.

Baseball vs. Spalding University at 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday:

Men’s Volleyball vs.

Kean University at 7 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse at College of St. Elizabeth at 3 p.m.

Indoor Track Has Strong Showing at ECAC Championships Page 14 The Ramapo News

By REBECCA PENHAKER Staff Writer

In the words of Tony D’Amato, “Life is a game of inches…the margin for error is so small, one half step too late or too early, you don’t quite make it.”

For the men’s and women’s indoor track team, this motto is all too true.

Every event, every race depends on those inches, those few and precious seconds that determine first from second, second from third and third to no hardware.

Over the weekend, the men and women competed in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Championships, and although both squads made valiant efforts, those inches fell just out of reach.

“In some areas, we just lacked execution,” coach Mike Jackson said. “It’s exciting we had some success, but disappointing to get fourth and no hardware.”

The women’s team placed fourth overall in the meet, just ten points out of first place.

Michelle Favre set a new school record and personal best in the pole vault when she cleared 3.82 meters for a third place finish and a NCAA Provisional mark. Lauren Riley finished tied for fourth place in the same event with a NCAA Provisional mark of 3.67-meters.

Taylor Furman qualified for the 55-meter hurdle finals with a time of 8.58, a new school record and personal best. She finished in eighth place with a time of 8.70.

The 4x200-meter relay team comprised of Anita Rogers, Sophia Davis, Amber Updike and Alexandra Jacob finished in second place, crossing the line in 1:43.58. Davis finished

Thursday, March 10, 2011

seventh in the 400-meter dash in 58.57 while Jacob placed eighth overall in 58.72.

Anita Rogers captured first place in the triple jump with a mark of 11.92-meters, which is a new school record and an NCAA Automatic mark. She qualified for the 55meter dash in the preliminaries with a time of 7.17, breaking another school record.

However, in the finals of the 55-meter dash, Rogers suffered a meet ending injury.

“My hamstring failed on me. I felt it tightening up, but I thought I would be able to manage because it has done this previously.

However, this time it was totally different,” Rogers explained. “Toward the end of the race, my hamstring just couldn’t handle the pressure anymore and gave out on me. It was very painful and I had to be carried off the track.”

“We had a great season. We got exactly what we thought.

The guys improved every step.”

-Mike Jackson, coach

Rogers finished the race in fourth place with a time of 7.35. She was unable to compete in her other qualified events, such as the long jump and 200-meter dash.

Rogers is currently seeing a sports doctor to nurse her injured leg back to 100 percent, taking one day at a time so that she is able to compete in the NCAA Championships in Ohio this weekend. Fellow teammates Favre, Riley and Van Leeuwen will be joining her for the meet.

Although the women’s side was not able to stand in the winner’s circle at the end of the ECAC Championship, they knew they had a

lot to be proud of for all that they accomplished this season.

The men’s side battled to end, as well, finishing 23rd overall.

Isaac Patterson placed seventh in the triple jump with a mark of 14.05-meters while Sean Ellis finished in 16th place in the 400meter dash in 50.64. Colin English placed 28th in the mile, clocking in at 4:26.08, and Brandon Melchoir finished 13th in the weight throw with a mark of 16.15 meters.

Craig Van Leeuwen placed second in the pole vault with a NCAA Automatic mark of 5.16-meters. Van Leeuwen cleared the same height as the winner; however, he did not clear it on his first attempt.

“It’s always tough when you don’t win even though you cleared the same height as the winner; and in a big meet like ECACs, it’s even worse,” Van Leeuwen explained. “ Luckily though, this weekend is more important than ECACs so now it’s time to focus on that.”

The men’s team is excited to go into outdoor season, believing the indoor was just a stepping stone for all that they are going to be able to accomplish.

“I think this season is a good building block for the men for the outdoor season,” Van Leeuwen said. “We’ll be getting some people back from injuries, as well as, the addition of a few events such as steeplechase, javelin, and discus that will give us even more ways to score. I’m really looking forward to our home meets this outdoor season.

It’s going to be nice to compete and host a few meets, NJAC championships in particular, at our home track.”

Jackson feels his team has gone above and

beyond indoors and has met every goal and expectation he had for them.

“We had a great season,” Jackson said. “We got exactly what we thought. The women’s team made noise. The guys improved every step.”

“Toward the end of the race, my hamstring just couldn’t handle the pressure anymore and gave up on me.”

-Anita Rogers

But Jackson is also excited for more things to come.

“We want to shock the world this outdoor season. We’re very good at getting close, but we haven’t gotten to the point of being champions yet,” Jackson said. “We’re looking to closing the book on people and not give them the opportunity to come back.”

For right now, though, Jackson is focusing on Indoors for one more week so his four athletes can compete at the NCAA Championships. He plans on keeping his coaching style the same.

“I’ll be the same guy pacing, chewing my gum fast,” Jackson said. “I’ll be in a reflective mode thinking about where we are. Where we’ve been. Where we’re going.”

The Roadrunners return to action in their first home meet April 2, where they will be fighting for every inch.

Baseball Team Looks to Strike Out Competition This Year

rpenhake@ramapo.edu

Roadrunners Begin Season Tomorrow in Winter Haven, Florida

By S EAN RITCHIE Sports Editor

With spring upon us it means that baseball is in the air and Ramapo’s baseball team is prime for a strong season.

The Roadrunners look to improve on their mediocre 20-18 record, with 7-11 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, last year and set their sights on finishing at the top of the NJAC. The Roadrunners were picked to finish eighth, out of a total of ten teams, in the NJAC, but the team along with coach Rich Martin, feels that they have the talent to make a deep postseason run.

“Us being in the being in the back of the pack takes some pressure off of us. I think our team is more in the middle of the pack,” Martin said. “We have a lot of talent on this team.

I think that we can win the whole thing or even come close to winning it.”

The team is evenly balanced this year with 16 seniors and juniors and 15 freshmen and sophomores. Martin sees this combination of older and younger players translating nicely on the field.

“The pitching and the defense are going to be more important than ever this year because of the new bats that were implemented this year.”

-Rich Martin, coach

“We have a nice mixture of veterans and new guys.

Everyone has been working real hard as a unit to put us in a nice position to win.”

photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics

The baseball team hopes to improve on their 2018 record from last season.

Junior outfielder Joseph Somma also feels that the team chemistry is very important to the on field play.

“So far our team chemistry is our strongest part. Everyone is more together as a team and that definitely translates to how we play on the field,” Somma stated.

The NCAA has administered new bats that almost mimic wooden bats; this change has put a new emphasis on pitching and especially defense.

“The pitching and the defense are going to be more important than ever this year, because of the new bats that were implemented this year,” Martin said.

The Roadrunners look to especially improve upon their team’s 5.76 ERA they posted last year.

“Our pitching needs to be a little more consistent,” Somma said.

Martin, however, sees the pitching staff as being one of the strongest parts to this year’s team. He feels that the veteran pitching will complement the young studs nicely.

“The pitching is superior this year,” Martin said. “We have a real nice staff.”

The team is taking off on a 10-day road trip today to Winter Haven, Florida to play nine games against some of the strongest teams in the nation. Their play down there is crucial to the team’s season, as it is about one-third of their games. A good start down there will also add to their overall resume once NCAA postseason selection starts.

“It’s our whole season right there, if we get a good record in Florida its going to jump start our season and help us in the NJAC and getting selected in the NCAA tournament,” Somma stated.

Team’s spirits are high and expectations are even higher.

This season is shaping up to be very promising for the Roadrunners.

The season kicks off against the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg tomorrow. Their first home game will be March 24 against rival Drew University. Be sure to follow the action on the Ramapo Athletics website, where several of the games will have live stats. sritchi@ramapo.edu

Former Giants Running Back Announces Return to NFL Page 15 The Ramapo News

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Tiki Barber Plans Comeback After Retiring in his Prime After 2006 season

By DAVE JONES Staff Writer

The agent of former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber confirmed on Tuesday that his client filed the necessary paperwork with the league to come out of retirement and restart his career. Barber, who has not played since the 2006 season, will turn 36 in April.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of seeing if I can get back to the level where I was.”

-Tiki Barber, running back

Mark Lepselter, Barber’s agent, confirmed, “there are interested parties” while also adding that he was “optimistic there will be opportunities for him.”

Since retiring after playing 10 season with the Giants, Barber has spent time working in broadcast. Most recently, he had been a correspondent for “The Today Show” as well as “Sunday Night Football.” However, NBC chose not to renew his contract.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of seeing if I can get back to the level of where I was,” Barber said in a statement to FOXSports.com. “I started working out again recently. It kind of shocked myself. I still had a lot of the strength I had before.

I’m really looking forward to making a return.”

Barber cannot sign with a team until the current labor dispute between the owners and players association is settled.

In his final season with New York, Barber rushed for 1,662 yard and five touchdowns.

Although Barber retired with 10,449 career rushing yards to his credit, a mark that ranks him first all-time in Giants history, he will not be making his comeback as a member of Big Blue.

“We wish Tiki nothing but the best, and when we are able to make the transaction, we will release him from our reserve/retired list,” team spokesman Pat Hanlon said in a statement released by the organization.

The Giants are deep at running back with

“I don’t see this guy as a leader or somebody that can help you out. And that’s my problem with him.”

-Antonio Pierce, ESPN analyst

Brandon Jacobs and DJ Ware already under contract. The team also plans on re-signing Ahmad Bradshaw once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.

Former Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce, a two-year teammate of Barber, had his doubts when news broke of the decision.

“I didn’t get a chance to know who Tiki Barber was the person,” Pierce said recently on ESPN. “I know him as a player and the guy was great and we always congratulate each other, the way we played.”

“But what he did in that locker room my two years with him, he didn’t do anything but deteriorate that team,” Piece added. “And he didn’t help us out. I don’t see this guy as a leader or somebody that can help you out.

And that’s my problem with him. That is why I believe they [the Giants] will release him because he is going to cause nothing but problems for that team.”

Barber has been openly critical of Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning since retiring, citing Coughlin’s coaching style as one of the main reasons for his original decision.

In light of some comments he made about those individuals, Barber was booed when he was inducted into the Giants Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony last season.

Manning would later say that the situation was “unfortunate because he was a great player for the Giants.”

Five seasons and one Super Bowl victory later, however, Coughlin remains at the helm in New York with Manning firmly planted in the driver’s seat as the franchise quarterback he was acquired to be. djones@ramapo.edi

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Tiki Barber plans to make a comeback in the National Football League after retiring at the end of the 2006 season.

Red Bulls Gear Up for First Kick as MLS Season Begins

By DAVE JONES Staff Writer

With last season’s disappointing playoff loss fresh in their minds, the New York Red Bulls will look to rebound in 2011 with a run to the MLS Cup behind stars Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez.

Henry and Marquez, international superstars and former teammates at Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, will enter their first full season with New York after joining the team after last summer’s World Cup. Despite leading the team to a regular season Eastern Conference crown in 2010, the duo should benefit tremendously from a full pre-season with their teammates.

Henry, who scored two goals last season, had been criticized by some for not being in full game shape when reporting to New York. However, when asked, Henry did make note of his improved condition after a lengthy off-season.

“As an organization, we decided to go a different direction with out coaching staff.”

-Eric Soler, General Manager and Sporting Director

“Way better,” Henry recently told newyorkredbulls.com. “As you can imagine, I’m still not there, but I can feel my body better.”

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Thierry Henry looks to lead the New York Red Bulls to a strong 2011 season in his first season with the team.

While Henry works his way into match fitness, his former Barcelona teammate, Rafa Marquez is also making adjustments ahead of his first full season in the Big Apple.

Marquez, the former captain of the Mexican National Team, will transition this season from the midfield into center defense, a position he has experienced while playing at some of the top clubs around the world.

Marquez was excited for the change.

“For me, it’s better,” Márquez said last week on the team’s website. “It’s a position I’ve played my whole career. It’s more natural.”

Partnering Marquez in the center of the defense will be second-year standout Tim Ream. Ream, a native of St. Louis, made his debut with the U.S. National team in a friendly against South Africa in November and is one of the top prospects in Major League Soccer. He should be in contention for a spot on the U.S. Gold Cup roster this summer. While the spot is an honor to be proud of, it is also a potential issue for New York’s regular season aspirations.

While New York expects to contend for the title, the task will not come easily as the club will have to replace several key individ-

uals.

Juan Pablo Angel, the leading goal scorer in franchise history and in each of the past four seasons, has left the club to join Landon Donovan and David Beckham in Los Angeles. Angel leaves the club after scoring 58 goals in 102 appearances and becoming a fan favorite.

Also gone are longtime assistant coaches Richie Williams and Des McAleenan. The duo was recently relieved of their coaching duties by the organization for undisclosed reasons.

“As an organization, we decided to go a different direction with our coaching staff,” Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler said in a press release. “We want to thank Richie and Des for their contributions to our franchise and wish them good luck in their future endeavors.”

While Angel’s move was not much of a surprise to hardcore supporters, the removal of Williams and McAleen so close to the season was seen as a shock by most.

Replacing these individuals will not come easy, but with additions such as Jan Gunnar Soli, Teemu Tainio, Luke Rodgers, and John Rooney (brother of Manchester United star Wayne Rooney) on the roster, the Red Bulls could certainly make a push to win their first trophy in 2011. djones@ramapo.edu

SPORTS 10 . 7 . 10

3 . 1010. 11 . 7 . 10

M A D NE S S

Page 13

Men’s Basketball lost to Johnson & Wales in overtime in the NCAA photo by Sandy Stucki Tournament

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