Ramapo-News-04-21-11

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THE

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Sotomayor Set to Speak at Commencement Ceremony 4.21.2011

By KAITLIN McGUINNESS Staff Writer

This year’s commencement speaker will be Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Publication was delayed because of security regulations, but the news was informally announced to seniors at the Graduation Fair and a more formal press release will be published next week. President Peter Mercer expressed his enthusiasm for the school’s esteemed guest.

“I am very pleased to announce that Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court

A Publication by the Students for the Ramapo College Community

of the United States will serve as Ramapo College’s 2011 Commencement speaker,” Mercer said. “Justice Sotomayor has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to social justice and integrity and her personal and professional accomplishments clearly make her someone who will be an inspiration to our graduates as they set out to succeed as engaged global citizens.”

Justice Sotomayor was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2009, when most of this year’s graduating class were sophomores. She is the third woman to ever serve on

the Supreme Court since its establishment in 1789 and the first Hispanic justice. She was born in the Bronx, NY and her parents are from Puerto Rico.

Michael Unger, assistant professor of political science, teaches a class on the Supreme Court and feels that having the commencement address delivered by such a prominent individual as a Supreme Court justice can raise the profile of Ramapo College.

“It’s always great when you have someone of Justice Sotomayor’s caliber on campus,” he said. “In the last few years we’ve had Cory Booker when he was a rising star,

Senator Menendez, and now Sonia Sotomayor,” Unger said.

John Vanderwall, a graduating senior, agrees that Justice Sotomayor is a good choice for commencement speaker.

“I think she is a newsworthy figure, and not newsworthy in a bad way.”

Brittany Williams-Goldstein, special assistant to President Mercer, commented that there is unlimited seating on the Bandshell Lawn on graduation day, but parking on campus will be limited to graduates and their guests with parking passes, and as such, other students are encouraged to park elsewhere.

Ramapo Honors Influential Community Members

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There have been problems in past years with graduates and their families leaving the ceremony immediately after receiving their diploma, such as when New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez delivered the keynote speech last year.

To prevent that from happening again, William-Goldstein said, the committee planning the ceremony has made efforts to change the programming of the ceremony and setup of the Bandshell.

Justice Sotomayor has said she is deeply influenced by her Puerto Rican roots and underprivileged

see SPEAKER page 6

New SGA Administration Prepares for Next Semester

By GARRET IVINS Staff Wrtier

photo by Stef Mauro

Yesterday, Ramapoʼs Board of Trustees, along with President Peter Mercer, honored the passing of seven members of the college community who have significantly contributed to the institution in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. A memorial plaque with the names those commemorated this year was placed at the site of a newly planted tree at Memorial Grove.

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The Student Government Association presidential race has come to a close, and the results show Steve Wiltbank and Frank Levering are the new president and vice-president, respectively. A total of 456 students voted in the election; Wiltbank and Levering won by 50 votes.

“There will be a better understanding for the students of SGA’s role on campus and that we are here to represent the student body,” Wiltbank said. “Students do not seem to currently take advantage of what we have to offer, and I will make sure that next year every student takes advantage of SGA and our responsibilities as representatives.”

When asked what his first feeling was after finding out he had won, Wiltbank said, “I just ultimately could not believe that I won and the election was finally over. It

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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

‘Mr. Cupcake’ Helps Plan Sweet Event for Seniors

Thursday, April 21, 2011

By KAITLIN McGUINNES S Staff Writer

Today the Annual Fund Senior Legacy Drive will be hosting a Ramapo College Cupcake Challenge in the Trustees Pavilion from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. featuring local celebrity “Johnny Cupcake,” (Johnny Manganiotis) owner of local bakery chain Mr. Cupcakes, and a contestant on “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network.

Johnny Manganiotis owns three local Mr. Cupcakes shops in Clifton, Hackensack and Oradell. The baked treats were voted the best cupcakes in New Jersey by NJ Monthly Magazine and were voted #1 in The Bergen Record Top 5. In March, Manganiotis was featured on the Food Network reality competition show “Cupcake Wars,” on which four of the country’s top cupcake bakers compete every week in elimination challenges for $10,000. Each episode has a theme that the decorators must adhere to; Mr. Cupcake was featured on the “Film Festival FaceOff” episode.

Teams of two to five people can enter the Ramapo College Cupcake Challenge for an entrance fee of $10, and will be judged by Mr. Cupcake and President Mercer. Tickets to the event are $4 at Roadrunner Central or $5 at the door for students, and everyone who comes will receive a cupcake as well as be entered in a raffle for prizes. All proceeds are going to benefit the senior class.

Each team will be given 12 plain cupcakes baked by Mr. Cupcake, six chocolate and six vanilla, and there will be one 20-minute round of competition to decorate them. Contestants will have to decorate their cupcakes according to a theme that will be announced at the event and most likely has to do with the senior class, and the finished results will

be judged based on creativity, appeal and attractiveness, adherence to the theme and teamwork. In the event of a tie, there will be a lightning round such as an Ice-Off. The Senior Legacy Drive is co-coordinated by the Foundation's student governors and the Annual Giving office. Joyce Schader organized the Cupcake Challenge and reached out to Mr. Cupcake.

“We wanted to be true to the campus commitment to de-emphasize alcohol at campus events for students and plan for alternatives to wine and beer tasting,” Schader said. “Our fall ‘Make Your Own Sundae at a Roadrunner Game’ senior event was not well-attended, so, since I run the Phonathon - which employs students to reach out to graduates and parents to support the Annual Fund - I asked my student callers to come up with alternative ideas that would appeal to students.”

Seniors Alyson Angstreich and Michelle Fried came up with the idea for a cupcake challenge and senior Michael Chananie suggested local cupcake bakeries. Angstreich and Schrader visited a few bakeries and pitched the idea before writing an appeal to “Mr. Cupcake” on the store's website.

“Johnny [Cupcake] called me back immediately and offered to do anything we needed to make the event successful,” Schader said.

“Johnny has been wonderfully supportive of Ramapo and patient with my inexperience at hosting a cupcake challenge,” she added. “We truly appreciate his participation and his leadership in this fun evening. I hope Ramapo students recognize the good will he is generating and will shop at his stores in Oradell, Clifton and Hackensack.” kmcguinn@ramapo.edu

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Danielle Reed Keri Ann Flaccomio Contributors

INSIDE

Around the Arch Viewpoints Page 3

A&E Page 7

Sports Page 8

CORRECTIONS Page 13

The B.o.B concert, on page 8 last week, had more than 1200 attendants, not 700 as was reported.

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.

photos by Stef Mauro

Senior Project in Media Cinema Studies hosted an Open Mic night last night, called “Save the Arts” to promote awareness about Governor Chris Christieʼs cuts for art, music and creative writing programs in public schools across the nation.

Seniors in the class organized the event as a way to wrap up their semester-long project of going to Paterson public schools to assist students with their writing. They showcased the Paterson studentsʼ work, provided food and music for Laurel Hall.

“We wanted to do something that we cared about,” Senior Lindsey Struble said. “We all went to High Point High School and took classes like these together, so we wanted to do this so it makes people more aware of what is going on with these cuts and what they mean for education.”

Want to submit your photos to our Facebook page? Email them to us! photo.rcnjnews@gmail.com

Thursday, April 21, 2011

THURSDAY’S CHILD

Jane Eyre author Charlotte Brontë was born in 1816, before her other sisters Emily and Anne. Together the three wrote the book on sibling rivary.

TODAY IN HISTORY

100,000 students marched on Tiananmen Square in 1989 to join a demonstration that would continue until military force was used to clear the square in June.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Ray LaHood responding to the series of incidents of unresponsive air traffic controllers: “On my watch, controllers will not be paid to take naps.”

Popular Sites Connect Students, Prevent Personal Interaction

By ELYS E TORIBIO News Editor

“When you sat next to me the first day of class, I just thought you were gorgeous. Now I know that you’re both gorgeous and incredibly smart. I just wanted to tell you that I think you’re awesome, and I’m glad that you’re in my class.”

“You are sitting across the room in a red hoodie and jeans.

You have the most beautiful smile I have ever seen. A glance over to me would make my day.”

These mushy messages aren’t notes tucked into the lockers of a high school crush. It’s not a message whispered into the ear of that one cute guy in class. Heck, it’s not even an anonymous text from a secret admirer.

This is a modern day anonymous coquetry device known as LikeALittle, and it’s making waves on college campuses across the country. Visitors to the site, launched last fall, are encouraged by creator and Stanford University graduate Evan Reas to take full advantage of the “Flirting Facilitator Platform (FFP)” to gush about and potentially make a connection with someone they’ve been eyeing from afar.

To post, all users have to do is pick their campus from a drop-down menu and get right to crushing by inputing basic information like hair, eye color and location of the “sighting.”

While this may be helpful for students at a big school like Rutgers, Emily Moore, freshman believes that the site isn’t fitting for a campus as small as Ramapo.

“I feel like if you miss one opportunity to see them at the Atrium and talk to them, you’ll see them again,” Moore said.

Despite the encouragement to make a connection with a

would-be romantic interest, the site doesn’t allow users to post last names or any identifying information. Michael Paintner, a junior, has no interest these types of sites for this very reason.

“I don’t really see the point of it if people can’t leave their information,” Paintner said. “How am I supposed to know if a girl was talking about me if she leaves vague clues about what I was wearing a week ago, you know?”

Though the site is not a personal preference, Paintner can understand its appeal.

“I guess it’s interesting to go on and read these posts, and thinking maybe one of them is about you,” Paintner said. “It just seems like a confidence booster, so I could see how people might be into it.”

“Students are having a harder time saying things face-to-face, and that’s my main concern.”

-Pat Chang, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs

People are into it—thousands of them. LikeALittle and similar anonymous flirting sites are modeled after the popular “Missed Connections” bulletin board on Craigslist.com.

Created in 2000, Missed Connections has spread to major cities nationwide, some of which according to the “New York Times” reach an incredible 7,000 to 8,000 posts every month. Now, with Reas’ creation, the hype has gone from metropolitan areas to college campuses.

As more college students become connected through social media sites, Internet start-ups are focusing more and more on the profitable demographic of people aged 18 to 24. And it

doesn’t end with pseudo-dating sites like LikeALittle— sites like Rate My Professor and the now-defunct Juicy Campus have become widely popular among students at colleges and universities across the U.S. But what happens when these sites overshadow the chance for students to connect, and begin to cause emotional harm or taint the reputation of a college campus? Even more potentially alarming is the effect that these sites might have on the “real-life” communication between students.

According to Pat Chang, associate vice president of Student Affairs, this was most apparent at the recent housing mixer for residents looking for a new roommate.

“They had no idea how to do it,” Chang said. “People did not know how to talk to each other. Students are having a harder time saying things face-to-face, and that’s my main concern.”

This lack of personal confrontation can lead to another problem altogether: cyberbullying.

Bob Sproul, assistant professor of social science and strong advocate against bullying, can see the harm in using some of these websites.

“For each new advance in technology that advances our lives there seems to be at least an equivalent potential for its misuse,” Sproul said. “There seems to be a trend to regard insult and threat as appropriate social intercourse. Those who, for whatever reason, don’t have the courage to look others in the eye when they have issues with them, now have limitless access to sites in which they can safely do terrible and permanent damage.”

Symposium Discusses Effect of BP Spill in Gulf a Year Later

By AUDREY ZABOHONS KI Staff Writer

This week, nearly a year after the world witnessed what has been said by many to be the largest oil spill disaster in history, the School of Social Science and Human Services and the Sustainability Studies Program at Ramapo College hosted a symposium exploring the mid-term and long-term impacts of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The symposium, entitled “Spill Effects: Teaching About BP In the Gulf, New Jersey, and Beyond,” was held Monday and Tuesday. The two-day event featured speakers from other universities and colleges, religious organizations, and environmental agencies from around the country.

Last April, British Petroleum made headlines when their Deepwater Horizon platform, located directly outside of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, leaked five million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The leaking oil well continued affecting the area until it was successfully capped on September 19.

During Monday’s “Panel on Ecological Impacts,” John H. Paul, professor from the University of South Florida, lectured and reviewed a presentation on the mutagenicity and toxicity of Gulf waters as a result of the oil spill. After making several trips to the Gulf with his undergraduate and graduate students to research the genetics of fish and other reef life post-oil spill, Paul’s findings revealed that many species are mutating.

“Most people will forget about the BP Deepwater Horizon spill within a year… it will be a few years until we’ll really know what will happen,” Paul said.

Harry Allen from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spoke on the problems that have resulted from the Oil

Pollution Act and its lack of any specificity in regards to human recovery.

Allen highlighed that, because the EPA’s Oil Pollution Act is not terribly specific, it is “difficult to assess the total damages.”

After attending this panel, Gregory Mihalik, senior, said that he came away questioning what the government and other agencies can really do to aid in the damages to the

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

The BP Gulf Oil Spill is still a relevant topic for discussion and debate, even one year later, as the two-day symposium on the subject revealed.

etoribio@ramapo.edu

Gulf.

“I was thinking, how are the country, the government, and other agencies as a whole learning from this? Are they researching into that field [toxicity]?” he asked.

Mihalik also commented on how he felt about the presentations at the symposium.

“The biggest thing I’m taking away is how the media and the country responded to the environmental impact but didn’t look at socioeconomic and human impacts,” he said.

The next group of speakers, on the “Panel on Social Impacts,” began with Thomas Costanza from Catholic Charities, a New Orleans faith-based organization that deals with all aspects of post-Katrina destruction. Catholic Charities is now also taking on the problems facing the area after the oil spill, most significantly the mental health of the fishing community and their families.

“Fishermen are depleting their savings and are highly leveraged with boat loans. There are only a few months until they hit a complete financial crisis,” he said. “We’re working now on financial planning with these individuals and running a mental health program that takes on depression, stress and alcoholism.”

On Tuesday, after attending the “Panel on Historical Perspectives,” Chervene Aminian, sophomore, came away feeling educated.

“The panelists know much more [about the oil spill] than what is said on the news…it’s expanding my knowledge on the actual consequences of the spill. I didn’t even know that 11 people died after the spill until today.” azabohon@ramapo.edu

Ramapo Through the Years: How the College Has Changed Page 4 The Ramapo News

By MEGAN ANDERLE and ELYSE TORIBIO Editor-in-Chief & News Editor

In the beginning, Ramapo College was just a library and the A-wing. There was only one residence hall. No fraternities or sororities. And Ramapo College was a hotbed of politically-charged, activist adults.

“Ramapo was cast as an off-beat place by the local media,” Mitchell Kahn, a social work professor who has been working at Ramapo since it opened, said. “It was something faculty did not aspire to.”

Other professionals, according to Pat Chang, associate vice president of student affairs, were attracted to Ramapo for this very reason.

“The college was founded to be a non-traditional answer to traditional higher education,” Chang said. “It attracted some of the best and brightest minds from around the country. They were attracted to the idea of coming to this college in northern New Jersey that was going to be like no other.”

Originally, the college intended to operate with two schools: Contemporary Arts and Theoretical and Applied Science. Later, in 1971, the decision was made to add International Studies, American Studies and Human Environment as separate schools.

When Ramapo finally opened, these five schools were established.

“Ramapo was oriented toward interdisciplinary studies then,” Kahn said. “Each school had an interdisciplinary major, such as American Studies or Environmental Studies.”

This interdisciplinary major is similar to the contract major that exists today. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, however, these majors were more popular than they are now. Throughout the years, majors became more specialized and less wide-ranging than they once were, as students saw interdisciplinary majors as more experimental.

“I think the college became more conservative as American society became more conservative,” Kahn said. “Students began thinking, ‘is a major like this going to get me a job when I graduate?’”

Scheckner said he thinks that the way majors are currently configured is a better arrangement than it was, because students have become more adept at their specific interests.

Political Activism Defines Ramapo’s Early Years

Edward Shannon, a literature professor, attended Ramapo as an undergraduate from ‘81 to ‘85, and said that his class was apathetic about politics and social issues as

Thursday, April 21, 2011

compared to the classes that came before his, in the ‘70s.

“I came in right after the golden age of activism,” Shannon said. “My sense is that the early ‘80s is when people began turning away from that kind of thing.”

Kahn agrees with that this activism died down over the years.

“The first cohort of students and faculty were heavily influenced by social activism,” Kahn said. “There was a much greater commitment for social and political change then than exists today.”

Kahn said that they closed down the college for sit-ins and protests on a few occasions.

“Today, most students don’t remember what happened before yesterday,” Kahn said. “They’re barely concerned with what’s going to happen a couple of weeks from now. Not all students are like this, but most think, ‘how do I get through whats going on here and now?’”

Kahn again attributes this shift in thinking to America’s shift towards conservatism. In the end, he says, it is detrimental that students are not as well-informed as students of the ‘70s were.

“Students are at a loss because there are fundamental changes that are taking place in American society, and they should be aware of these changes as working people,” Kahn said.

Peter Scheckner, a literature professor who has worked at the College since 1972, there has been a major ideological shift.

“It’s not like students were intrinsically different now from what they were then,” Scheckner said. “The only difference is there was a sense that, ‘I can make a difference.’ There is a political fatigue here.”

Despite Scheckner’s disenchantment with recent generations’ lack of activism, there have been remnants of students voicing their opinions throughout the years. Pat Chang shared an interesting ritual that the Student Government Association held every week in the early ’90s. “[Ramapo Alum and current Board of Trustees Member] A.J. Sabbath would do this thing with Student Government called ‘Speak Your Mind,’” Chang said. “Every Wednesday on the first floor of the Student Center, they paid a dollar for you to come on stage and speak your mind. They would just have a wad of bills and a microphone. It got people up and talking.”

Even today, there is an aura of activism, Chang said, citing the recent protests following the new guest and alcohol policy.

Scheckner said he is hopeful that there will be a turn around, however, and that society hasn’t reached its tipping point yet.

Entertainment Booms in the ‘90s

While activism may have embodied the era of Ramapo during the ‘70s, the evolving music culture defined student involvement on campus in the early ‘90s.

Chang explained how the school’s proximity to the city played a huge role in spreading the word about the different up and coming acts that performed at Ramapo.

“Hip-Hop was just starting to kick in and New Jersey played a huge role in that, along with New York City and the tri-state area,” Chang said. “Everyone wanted to be a part of it and back then, everyone felt they could be a part of it.”

Ramapo College worked with other schools in the area to get package deals for performers through a professional organization called the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA).

“We worked cooperatively to bring the price of an artist down,” Chang said. “We would try to do block bookings for Montclair, William Paterson, all the colleges around here.”

Since the Bradley Center had not yet been built, performances took place in SC-219, and consisted of little known acts that today are famous worldwide---Jay-Z, Dave Chapelle, Fat Joe, Margaret Cho and Carrot Top, to name a few.

A popular cable music television show called “Fat Tuesday” was taped on campus in SC-219, and garnered a massive audience weekly. The room quickly got packed with 300 people, and a line of 1500 others waiting to get in reached the Arch.

Ramapo Becomes More Community-Oriented as Commuters Become Residents

The identity of Ramapo has also been shaped throughout the years by the sense of community between students and faculty.

Over time, this eclipsed the institution’s initial intention to be a commuter school. In fact, according to Chang, housing was not meant for a typical student.

“The original intent was that it was never going to be a residential college,” Chang said. “People living here was nontraditional, that’s why the Phase I and Phase II [in the CPAs] were designed for married students.”

A large number of returning adult students and commuter students made up the population in the ‘70s and ‘80s, though it was always administration’s goal to have a 5,000-student body, with traditional students. It wasn’t until around 2000 that the campus reached this goal, Kahn said.

“It made for an interesting mix,” Kahn

- In 1981, a first-time alcohol violation was $100, and stayed the same until last year.

The fine increased to $200 at the end of last semester.

- Tuition was $227 per semester in 1972.

- In 1972, Ramapo’s football team was #2 nationally, at the Division III level.

- Since Ramapo had a large commuter population when it first opened, classes were typically held between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and it was not unusual for students to attend happy hour on Fridays after class with faculty.

- The first residence hall to open was the College Park Apartments.

- With the help of a few custodians, two women’s studies professors single-handedly established the Women’s Center. In the middle of the night, the small group two tore down partitions to create the center in Gwing.

- There was an in-ground swimming pool behind Birch Mansion that students and faculty used to frequent. Over time, the pool became too costly, so it was buried.

- In the 1970s, some faculty and students brought their dogs to class. Though it was against Ramapo’s policies, some of the veteran faculty members recall that pet owners did so anyway. said. “The number of older students had a positive impact on the campus, because they were more serious about their work. They were there to get a degree.”

Even more significant is the fact that the presence of such a population contributed to the camaraderie between faculty and students.

“When Ramapo first started, real estate was relatively inexpensive, and all faculty lived in Mahwah,” Chang said. “This gave students and faculty the chance to interact with one another after class, and began the longstanding tradition of generally non-formal relationship between the two group that still exists today.” manderle@ramapo.edu

Ramapo Remembers: Faculty Shares Significant Memories

“I remember going to the ‘Pub’ with Peter [Scheckner] where you could order beer. I also remember going with his kids to the ‘outdoor’ pool that Ramapo had in the flat area right behind the mansion.”

-Patricia Keeton, CA professor

“On campus, the radio station was my nirvana. It was my outlet where I could connect with people.”

-Ed Shannon, AIS professor

“EOF students took over a building in the late ‘70s, after their demands weren’t met. George Potter, president at the time, was in London and had to fly back.

They had to bring someone in from Washington to mediate it.”

-Peter Scheckner, AIS

“The lowest grade you could get was a C. Students continued to take the classes over and over again back then.”

-Pat Chang, VP of Student Affairs

Page 5 The Ramapo News

Thursday, April 21, 2011

photos courtesy of Ramapo College

Ramapo College has changed in various ways throughout the years; students and faculty led an era of activism in the 1970s (left); the campus rooted for its short-lived football team (right), and the initial plan for the school didnʼt anticipate a focus on residence life (below).

Inconsistent Experiential Requirements Leave Students Confused

By KAITLIN McGUINNES S Staff Writer

Towards the end of the academic year many students scramble to fulfill the Course Enhancement Component, formally known as the experiential learning component, of their classes. When the Middle States Commission on Higher Education released its evaluation of Ramapo College last year, it called for reform in the experiential learning component.

The report stated that, “Because of loose oversight and vague definitions, the experiential learning requirements created as part of the recently enacted Curriculum Enhancement Plan may lay the College open to questions of integrity in the curriculum. The College could be left in the position either of appearing to misrepresent a key element of its curriculum or appearing to condone inequitable or inconsistent treatment of students.”

Such inconsistencies exist for a variety of reasons. Each professor at Ramapo has slightly different requirements for the Course Enhancement Component. Some are very strict

and some give more leeway on how to spend the five hours of learning outside the classroom, while others require pages of written reports on how each hour was spent. Others only need a short email or a verbal explanation during office hours or after class of how students spent their time. Sometimes experiential learning counts as a percentage of a participation grade or as its own individual assignment.

The ambiguity of the component requirements has confused students like Lory Placencia, freshman, to the point where they still have not completed the assignment.

“I don’t even know what I have to do for most of my classes,” Placencia said.

Others, like George Brudermann, freshman, are choosing not to do it at all.

“I don’t have time, I just don’t get the credit,” Brudermann said.

Films, lectures and exhibitions on campus can often satisfy the requirements for unmonitored learning, but many students leave it to the last minute, which can interfere with exam preparation and final papers. This tendency to procrastinate can also pose an issue for students who are required to

attend a museum exhibit in New York City, or another such site off campus. Students with additional commitments have an even harder time fulfilling the requirement. Anthony Pasciolla, an athelete and freshman, had difficulty finding time in his busy schedule to do the assignment for his classes.

“I play a sport, so it’s tough to find even more time,” Pasciolla said.

Students need 50 hours of teaching to earn four credits, but union contracts prevent professors from teaching more than 45 hours per class. The Middle States report notes that the Course Enhancement Component was established to correct this discrepancy. While they maintain that it is a good idea, the commission maintains that since the practice is not strictly regulated, the component must be closely evaluated further. kmcguinn@ramapo.edu

Ramapo Eager to Host Sotomayor at Commencement Page 6 The Ramapo News

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Upon her appointment in 2009, Sonia Sotomayor became the thrid woman and first Hispanic justice of the Supreme Court.

she was raised in a tenement and later a working-class housing project in the South Bronx. Her parents placed an emphasis on education and she graduated as valedictorian of her grammar school and high school and received a full scholarship to Princeton University at a time when very few women and only 20 Latinos attended the institution.

After graduating summa cum laude from Princeton, Sotomayor received a full scholarship to Yale Law School. She was admitted to the New York Bar in 1980 and embarked on an impressive legal career that eventually led to her

appointment to the Supreme Court.

When she was appointed in 2009, Sotomayor joined Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg as the only other female justice currently serving on the Supreme Court, but in 2010 Justice Elena Kagan became the fourth female justice. The first woman justice was Sandra Day O’Connor, appointed in 1981.

Kat McGee, coordinator of the Women’s Center, feels it is a great honor to have Justice Sotomayor come to Ramapo College.

“Not only is she a Supreme Court Justice, which is really excellent for the school,” said McGee, “She is someone that the whole student body can look up to and that represents the school pil-

lars of equality and diversity.”

Unger also pointed out that many Americans are not familiar with individual Supreme Court justices because it is an office of lower salience.

“For a lot of students, like a lot of the population,” Unger said, “It’s attention-grabbing that a Supreme Court justice is speaking, even if they don’t know who she is.”

Having Justice Sotomayor speak on campus may elevate her name recognition among Ramapo students.

“Going forward, [Ramapo students] might have a better idea of who she is,” Unger said.

can come through in increasing student satisfaction on campus, it could mean a lot of positive changes for the school.”

During his campaign, Wiltbank, with the United Student Leaders party, had said he saw a lack of student satisfaction on campus, and that he wants to see a more vocal student body.

“It seems like Steve really wants

to help students, and more student involvement will lead to a more united college,” Maeve Gray, junior, said.

Wiltbank said that all of the new administration is “eager to take on our new responsibilities, and we have a lot of ideas in store.”

Wiltbank is coming into office with experience in school government, as he was elected freshman

class speaker. During his campaign, Wiltbank and his party stressed three main goals: increase school spirit, build student and administration respect, and be more conservative with school spending.

Come next fall, Wiltbank and Levering will begin putting their policies into action.

During the campaign debates, Wiltbank had said he wanted to

build the student and SGA relationship.

“I think if he can really pull through with helping students have their needs on campus addressed to the administration and help better allocate funds, then next fall at Ramapo could see some positive changes,” Anthony Minutillo, junior, said. givins@ramapo.edu

continued from page 1

photo courtesy of whitehouse.gov

SGA’s Recently Elected President, VP Plan for Fall Semester continued from page 1

“was a mixture of many feelings.”

Students also seem glad that the race has concluded and are eager to see what the newly elected students have in store for Ramapo.

“My hope is that the winner will truly be able to come through with their campaign ideas,” Mark Simon, junior, said. “I think if he

NORML Co-Sponsors Event to Promote Marijuana Awareness

By MEGAN ANDERLE Editor-in-Chief

NORML, a club that promotes the legalization of marijuana, hosted a day-long “Green Fest” with 1STEP and the Yoga Club devoted to hiking, yoga, music and a bakesale in honor of the counter-culture 420 holiday.

“The idea behind the day was to promote better laws and smarter lifestyles,” Loretta Turner, vice president of NORML said. “We wanted to work with 1STEP to make this a big event and promote the planet. The whole day is about the earth and promoting awareness about marijuana.”

NORML distributed surveys throughout the day in an effort to determine how widespread the use of marijuana is at Ramapo.

“The idea behind the day was to promote better laws and smarter lifestyles. We wanted to work with 1Step to make this a big event and promote the planet.”

-Loretta Turner, NORML vice president

“We wanted to see what the pot culture is like here at Ramapo,” Turner said. “A lot of people were afraid to give their names, even after we told them it was strictly anony-

mous.”

Turner said that the results indicated that the majority of those surveyed had smoked marijuana yesterday and that they supported better marijuana laws.

NORML was founded this year, and club members want to host as many events during the semester as possible to get their name out.

“Come out to be sustainable and support the marijuana movement, and make sure you wear GREEN,” the event on Facebook for Green Fest said.

Festim Mahmudi, a junior, attended the concert that NORML helped to co-sponsor in Laurel Hall.

“Today was very successful,” Mahmudi said. “An event like this should be done more often at Ramapo because it incorporates student development and life.”

kmcguinn@ramapo.edu

Summer

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VIEW POINTS

Thursday, April 21, 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.

A Senior’s Perspective: Wasted Complaints, Wasted Time

By TOM BABCOCK Staff Writer

I’ve heard every reason why Ramapo is terrible: “There’s nothing to do.” “Public Safety breaks up every party.” “We need a football team.”

Yet, is it really that atrocious or are people just inherently pessimistic about everything?

I will be the first to concede Ramapo is far from perfect.

But, I also think the majority of complaining is from people who just like to complain.

I did research to see if other schools have these problems.

Here are some quotes from studentreviews.com (a Website allowing current students and alumni to rate and comment on their college experience, from education quality to social life to surrounding city.)

Try and spot the ones directed towards Ramapo: “… great example of a suitcase school, with, as I’d estimate it, 60-75 percent of the campus population heading home on weekends because “there is nothing to do.” The school caters to this population by having absolutely no activities going on during the weekend.”

“There is nothing to do in this area. Seriously, the highlight is like a trip to this tiny mall nearby. Parties are terrible” “My main issue with this college is that there is NOTHING to do in your spare time. Sports are a joke here and no one even goes to games. Also, don’t expect a good party scene because there isn’t one. I spend 99% of my time in my dorm sitting on the computer.”

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“…parties are frequently broken up and tickets are distributed. My advice is go to Rutgers, any other university.

Everyone goes home on the weekends because it is 10,000 percent better to drink and not get a ticket.”

All of these sentiments have been beaten to death throughout my first two semesters here. So which of those were about Ramapo? None.

People are so quick to take one look around and wave the white flag rather than fight to change something.

The first quote: Stockton. Second: Rowan. Third: The College of New Jersey. The last: Monmouth. That’s right, other schools have the same issues. Schools you considered going to and I could’ve listed more.

So, am I supposed to believe that all colleges are terrible?

People are so quick to take one look around and wave the white flag rather than fight to change something. But, it’s not going to change until we do something about it.

It has been said Ramapo lacks school spirit. I agreed. Then, I attended the men’s basketball NCAA tournament game here last March. Despite a season in which our Roadrunners were nationally ranked and hosting the tournament, an entire portion of bleachers remained virtually empty — even with a section dedicated to the opposing team. Then, Grammynominated artist B.o.B. came to the Bradley Center. He put on a great show and barely filled the gym.

The problem isn’t Ramapo. It’s you.

It’s not going to take one person or a dozen people or a sarcastic Facebook page, it will take the entire college to erase the stigma of “suitcase school.” Other schools have the same issues.

Ramapo does need to change its closed-door dorm room policy. It’s suffocating to socialize in the first few weeks at school. It needs to ease off the strict alcohol policies. Maybe even look into off-campus-housing where Public Safety can’t hover over our every move.

But, until then, we need to make due with what we have or at least try and change it. If not, please stop complaining or just transfer. You chose to come here.

Those things have not stopped students from having a good time here. It’s ridiculously cliché and undoubtedly true: Life — and college — is what you make of it.

In the timeline that is your life, you’re in college for an instant. Why spend it complaining about how terrible it is?

Why waste it going home on the weekends, throwing out money spent to live in top-rated dorms? Why miss out on making potential lifelong friends? The girlfriend at home can go a weekend without seeing you. Join a club. Hop on the bus and spend the day with your friends in New York City, the greatest city on the planet — it’s only an hour southeast of here. Knock on your neighbor’s door and introduce yourself. Speak up in class. Play intramural sports.

Again, this college isn’t perfect. But, please, look at yourselves before you blame the school for your lousy experience. tbabcock@ramapo.edu

www.stockton.edu/summer

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Convenient class times and online distance learning courses available

Stockton is an equal opportunity institution encouraging a diverse pool of applicants. See www.stockton.edu/affirmative_action.

StandStill

Scream Prevails

Kristine Donovan follows a local bandʼs search for fame Page 10

Jeremy Kelly reviews the latest Scream movie Page 11

Sustainability Remains a Top Concern at Ramapo 4. 21. 11

Commitment to Environment Began With Collegeʼs Founding

BY COURTNEY LEIVA Staff Writer

Many Ramapo students might be wondering, how green is our college?

“At Ramapo College there are three levels of sustainability; facility, level of operation and education. We are currently working at all three levels to keep Ramapo green,” Ashwani Vasishth, Director of Master of Arts in Sustainability Education Program, said.

Ramapo College began its commitment to sustainability in the year 1969, when it was founded. Although Ramapo has continued to grow both in size and student population, the college has not failed in honoring its sustainable promise as new eco-friendly dorms now appear on campus.

In 2010, the college launched sustainable living facilities, which decrease energy costs and allow students to engage in the college’s sustainability mission. Also, the Sharp Sustainability Center, one of Ramapo’s greenest accomplishments, was completed in 2009.

According to the college website, the center makes use of natural daylight and recycled and environmentally friendly materials. The center also provides heating and cooling through an environmentally friendly geothermal system.

Each classroom on campus must be equipped with two bins for trash. A blue container is meant for paper products. All other trash is to be placed into another container, usually

gray, black or brown.

Not only has college administration tried to make Ramapo College more sustainable. Student led organizations such as 1Step have worked to take green matters into their own hands.

“In November of 2007, President Mercer signed the American Colleges and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). This is a commitment that over 600 other colleges and universities have signed on in order to go green,” Noah Luogameno, 1STEP president, said.

“With the signing, the president also created the Climate Commitment Task Force, which is faculty and administra-

tors tasked with getting Ramapo to ‘Carbon Neutrality.’

Carbon neutral means that the college will be mitigating or offsetting more carbon dioxide than it produces through energy savings and other green initiatives.”

Once the Climate Commitment Task Force was initiated, soon came the creation of Ramapo’s own 1STEP organization.

“Along with the Climate Commitment Task Force, 1STEP (Students Together for Environmental Progress) was created to act as the student working group of the sustainability initiative,” Luogameno said.

Over the years the student led organization has accomplished many green initiatives. In 2008, the organization sponsored monthly late night dining which introduced the use of all biodegradable materials including utensils such as cups and plates in the campus dining hall.

More recently the club has been taking new actions like composting and getting involved with local environmental organizations.

“It is 1Step’s vision to see Ramapo as the leader in sustainability education and practice among New Jersey higher education,” Luogameno said. cleiva@ramapo.edu

Join the Race to Conserve Resources This Earth Month

BY EILEEN TRACY Staff Writer

April is our Earth month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by making an effort to go green. This is the final part of a three-week series about simple ways you can do your part to help save the earth. Last week’s article discussed ways to erase your carbon footprint in the kitchen, and this week’s topic is all about how to conserve resources through your car usage.

In celebration of Earth month, we should all strive to make small changes to our daily routines that will benefit the Earth. One of the most simple and effective places to do this is in your car.

As the temperature starts getting warmer, you may be tempted to crank up the air conditioner, but try rolling down the windows instead. According to edmunds.com, “When you turn on the air conditioner in your car, you are burning extra gasoline just to make yourself feel cooler.”

In a time where gasoline is so expensive, shutting off the

air conditioner is better for both the earth and your wallet.

Another area where you can easily conserve resources and money is the car wash. When washing your car in the driveway, give your car a quick rinse, just enough so that the car gets wet. Be sure to not use more water than necessary.

With the warmer weather comes travel, and that often means driving. A simple way to go green and still travel is to carpool with friends. Carpooling is easy to do and can cut down on pollution.

Using a car may be a convenient way to get around, but think about how much gas a car requires and how it harms the environment. One of the best ways to save money is to walk or bike if possible. These activities will work off some unwanted calories and keep some money in your pocket. etracy@ramapo.edu

Flickr Creative Commons

Ready, Set, Summer!

Page 9 The Ramapo News

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Look Your Best by Choosing the Right Bathing Suit for Your Body Type

By DIANA S TANCZAK A&E Editor

With less than a month until the semester ends, summer is the one thing on almost everyone’s minds. Whether your vacation plans consist of interning at your dream job or babysitting your siblings, one thing’s for certain: you’ll need a cute bathing suit to wear while you soak up the rays during your free time!

There are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing a bathing suit, like color and pattern, but the most important thing is to know your own body type and find the right fit for your shape.

Triangle

This shape is heavier on the bottom and slimmer on the top with narrow shoulders and a slender neck.

You should avoid boy short bottoms, since they cut you off at the widest part of your body. Instead, aim for a higher-cut bottom, which will accentuate your legs and slim waist. Delicate ruffles and bows on both the top and bottom can dress up a plain suit and create balance.

Oval

This shape has broader shoulders, a fuller waist, narrow hips and shapely legs.

Look for v-necked one-pieces with ruching that separates the chest area from the tummy. Empire-waist styles are also a good choice, as they visually draw the eye away

from the fuller areas, slimming down your midsection. Tiered and ruffled tankinis are also a safe bet for ovals.

Rectangle

The rectangle’s bust and hips are about the same size, with an undefined waist and boxy torso.

Fitnessmagazine.com suggests that “more is more,” and advises ladies with athletic builds to show some skin in a string bikini.

Padding and fun patterns help create curves.

If you’re feeling extra playful, a cut-out one piece can also enhance your figure and create a shapely silhouette.

Inverted Triangle

This shape has shoulders that are broader than the waist and hips.

Choosing a solid-colored top with a high cut neckline will help minimize your upper torso, while a bottom with a fun printed pattern will emphasize your bottom and create proportion.

Hourglass

This shape is very proportional, with balanced hips and shoulders.

Hourglasses are lucky because they can wear whatever style suit they’d like! Try a halter or string bikini, or experiment with a playful monokini.

photos courtesy of victoriasecret.com

The key to choosing a flattering bathing suit is simply knowing your body shape.

Duane Michals Shares Artistic Insight With Students

dstancza@ramapo.edu

By DANIELLE REED Assistant A&E Editor

On Tuesday, Ramapo students and staff listened to internationally known artist Duane Michals discuss his art in ASB135 at 2 p.m.

Michals is well known for his work in photography and his combination of text and images. Born in 1932 and originally from Pennsylvania, Michals had no formal training before taking his first pictures in the USSR in 1958. His art has been displayed across the United States and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Most of his early work involved photographs of people and places, such as buildings in New York. His photograph “Private Acts” displays the incorporation of text with images that he has become well known for, as his narratives and themes became more complex. During his career, he became frustrated of the constraints of single scene photographs and he began creating photographic essays and books including “The Wonders of Egypt,” “The Nature of Desire” and “Eros & Thantos.” During the 1980s, Michals further worked to combine photos and text, as well as merging drawings and photographs of similar subjects.

At the age of 79, Michals continues to produce a variety of works and combine photography with other forms of art and poetry.

“Photographers are interested in facts.

[Today] photography is all about business. Artists are just looking to make money.”

-Duane Michals

During his speech, Michals displayed many of his photographs in a PowerPoint presentation. Each photograph was accompanied with a handwritten narrative that helped to add

Photo by Stefanie Mauro

During his presnetation, audience members saw how Duane Michals combines text and photography. insight into the image. The narrative also helped to further years later and the current environment today. explain the photographs.

In his closing, Michals explained that imagination is para“Photographers are interested in facts,” Michals said during mount and must be placed before anything else. Throughout his presentation. “[Today] photography is all about busi- his career and in his work today, Michals continues to chalness.

Artists are just looking to make money.” lenge the way people think about art.

Duane engaged audience members with his sense of humor and stories. Throughout the presentation, he shared comical dreed1@ramapo.edu stories about the photos, keeping audiences interested in the presentation. He showed a series of photos depicting his childhood in Pittsburgh. He used three panels to show three different elements of Pittsburgh; his childhood, Pittsburgh

Ramapo Students Break into the Music Industry

Page 10 The Ramapo News

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Fifteen Fleeting Not Soon to be Forgotten

By AMY FEZZA Managing Editor

Fifteen Fleeting, a new and upcoming alternative rock band, are looking to expand their harmonious wings to anyone willing to listen. Bergen County natives Vinny Belcastro, Dan Rodriguez, Scott Petzinger and Justin Fernandez are a band with introspective lyrics just fighting for a chance to be on your iPod.

“People who can appreciate an album and aren’t just strictly looking for that 12second-long catchy hook.”

-Vinny Belcastro, Fifteen Fleeting

Releasing their most recent self-recorded album, “:Presents:” this past January is just one of the many accomplishments this band has made over such a short period of time.

Since winning the Break Contest in 2008 sponsored by Linc Star Records, Fifteen Fleeting has gone on to play three Bamboozle festivals, two of which took place at the Meadowlands, and opening for Grammy-nominated rock band My Chemical Romance.

Starting out in late 2006, Fifteen Fleeting accredits Ramapo College of New Jersey for being their stepping stone, considering that three of the members, Belcastro, Rodriguez and Fernandez, are alumni. While enrolled at Ramapo, Belcastro took notice of drummer Scott Petzinger after seeing him play in a mutual friends’ band. Shortly after the pair found each other, they ventured out to find more members. Belcastro later found Rodriguez in a songwriting class that the two had been taking, and sparks instantly flew.

After two failing bassists, Fernandez followed soon after in the summer of 2010.

Depicted as having more of an evolving genre of music, with a combination of ambient sounds, electronic blends and invigorating percussion, there’s not a note to be

missed when listening to Fifteen Fleeting.

However, all four band members find it hard to put their finger on exactly what they sound like, but admit that if they could compare their music to a recipe, they feel as though it would go a little something like this: “(2 parts passion fruit + 2 oz Jack Daniels + 48 ox porterhouse medium rare steak) x great expectations=Fifteen Fleeting,” lead singer and guitarist Belcastro said.

Some of their songs from their current album, “:Presents:” include “Brace,” “Traceless,” “Away From the Sun” and “Borderline.” Each song holds its own unique identity, but is able to mix an atmospheric ambiance, as well as relatable lyrics that are sure to keep any listener in tune.

Rather than appealing to a limited demographic and audience, Fifteen Fleeting looks to draw a wider-range audience due to their eclectic sound, which has attracted various types of audiences.

“People who can appreciate an album and aren’t just strictly looking for that 12-secondlong catchy hook,” Belcastro said. “It’s hard to say who exactly you want to appeal to when all you’re really trying to do is write something that fulfills that musical hole within yourself.”

Like most bands, Fifteen Fleeting understands that they have a similar dream like 99.9 percent of other aspiring musicians, but are continuing to look ahead.

“We’ve had a taste of greatness, but for short glimpses,” Belcastro said. “The accomplishments we’ve had, we literally felt on top of the word and they’re things we’ll never let go of. We are constantly striving for more.”

Fifteen Fleeting has two albums, “Signals in an Empty Room” and “:Presents:,” currently on sale on iTunes and are now on tour. For more information, go to the band’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/FifteenFleeting.

Band Gains Recognition After Bamboozle Competition

By KRISTINE DONOVAN Staff Writer

This year’s Bamboozle Music Festival, held in East Rutherford, NJ on April 29-May 1, has given these local bands a chance of a lifetime: to play on the same stage as famous artists like Taking Back Sunday and Lil’ Wayne. One of the hundreds of local bands that got the chance to battle for this epic prize was one of Ramapo’s own; Dennis DePrimo, from the local band StandStill.

Consisting of four members, John Dickinson (lead vocals), Brandon Alberg (guitar), Jesse Rinaldi (drums) and Dennis DePrimo (bass), StandStill started their journey for The Break Contest at The School of Rock, located in Hackensack, NJ. This upand-coming band from Waldwick, NJ earned a spot in the finals, which were held at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ two Sundays ago.

“This was our third time playing in The Break Contest. The experience was still thrilling, and a chance to play at The Stone Pony is an accomplishment in and of itself.”

-Dennis DePrimo

Sharing the stage with several other finalists, StandStill gave it their all. Playing some of their fan favorites, such as “Tessellations” and a brand new song, “Ultra Violence,” the band rocked out, getting incredible reviews from the contest’s judges afterward.

Unfortunately, StandStill did not advance to play in the contest’s final five at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City, which is being held on April 23, but it has not stopped the band from recording, writing afezza@ramapo.edu and booking shows.

Photo courtesy of Vinny Belcastro

“This was our third time playing in The Break Contest. The experience was still thrilling, and a chance to play at The Stone Pony is an accomplishment in and of itself,” DePrimo said.

DePrimo along with his other bandmates, have no downtime. Their latest EP, “All Is Relative,” is available on iTunes and has taken the band by storm with its rapid growing fan base. The band has a consistent amount of shows lined up for the near future.

There is no question to whether or not if this band is in it for real.

With help from the band’s producer, Brett Romnes, from the famous band, I Am the Avalanche, StandStill has a busy summer ahead of them. Upcoming shows at The School of Rock and The Jersey ShowsBattle of the Bands competition has Standstill working harder than ever.

“When I see fans singing along to our songs it is the best feeling in the world. We see that other people enjoy what we created,” DePrimo said.

There is no question about whether or not if this band is in it for real. Standstill’s talent and hard work shows through their performances and studio recordings. To find out more information about StandStill’s upcoming show dates and venue locations you can visit the band’s Facebook website at http://www.facebook.com/StandStillNJ kdonavan2@ramapo.edu

Photo by Brendan Byrne

Bergen County band, Fifteen Fleeting, work to create music that will entertain Local band StandStill recently released their newest EP, “All is Relative” and continue to work hard on their music after almost making it to the finals of a variety of people. this yearʼs Bamboozle Music Festival.

Must-See Summer Flicks Scream Series Stays Successful

Page 11 The Ramapo News

By CLAIRE CHAPEL Staff Writer

It’s almost time to ring in summer 2011. For those of you who are not headed to the shore or on another special getaway this summer, don’t fret; there are plenty of great movies coming out this summer for you to see. And of course for those days when the weather is not cooperative with your plans to get your tan on, what better activity to do then go see a movie?

Whether you enjoy dramas, romantic comedies or thrillers, there is something coming out this summer in theaters that will appeal to you.

Most Anticipated Movie of Summer 2011

The winner of this title is “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” the fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, scheduled to open in theaters May 20. Join you’re favorite pirate, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) on his journey on the open seas to find the Fountain of Youth. Joining him on this journey is Captain Hector Barbosa (Geoffery Rush). Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane also appear in the film.

Like the other “Pirates” movies, the film looks extremely suspenseful and full of thrills. The special effects look incredibly amazing and realistic and fans cannot wait to get more laughs from the brilliant Johnny Depp.

The Must-See Comedy

The winner of this title is, of course, “The Hangover Part 2.”

That’s right comedy lovers, the “three best friends that anyone could have” are back again, this time causing chaos in Bangkok for Stu’s impending wedding vows. Scheduled to appear in theaters May 26, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Stu (Ed Helms) are ready to bring on roaring laughs once again. Trailers for the film show that there will be a good amount of cameos by actors sure to make everyone crack a smile or laugh.

For the Comic Book Lovers

Coming to theaters May 6, is “Thor,” starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins.

This is the most highly-anticipated comic book-based movie. This thriller looks packed with action, special effects and even some humor. Many have read that the plot has stuck to the comic book for the most part as well.

Two other comic book classics, due to appear in theaters in June, are “X-Men: First Class,” and “Green Lantern.” For those of you who loved reading about these characters in the comic books you will be sure to love watching them on the big screen just as much. With all the struggles, triumphs and thrills, these films are bound to leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

For the Younger Crowd

If you’re stuck babysitting on a rainy day this summer, there are two films coming out that will keep kids occupied.

Coming out in May is “Kung Fu Panda

Thursday, April 21, 2011

2.” Po the lovable panda bear and the Furious Five try to stop a villain that will use a secret weapon to both conquer China and stop kung fu.

For those kids who absolutely loved Disney’s “Cars,” this is their lucky summer! Scheduled to come out June 24, “Cars 2” races to the big screens.

A Movie for the Guys

Coming out July 1 is the possibly final installment in the Transformers series, “Transformers: Dark of the Moon.” Unfortunately guys, Megan Fox and all her hotness will not be in this one, but Victoria’s Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whitely will be making her acting debut in the film. Don’t worry ladies, Shia Lebeouf is still starring as Sam Witwicky. Like all the other Transformer films this one is sure to have plenty of special effects, action and battles. It’s sure to entertain everyone.

A Bittersweet Ending

Unfortunately on July 15 we bid farewell to our beloved cast of Harry Potter as the final movie of the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” hits the screens. This film is expected to be absolutely amazing. This film is expected to have it all, suspense, mystery, romance, and humor. It is sure to go out with a bang. cchapel@ramapo.edu

By JEREMY KELLY Staff Writer

In a time where the horror movie genre has been polluted with remakes and reboots, it’s refreshing to see a pure sequel, even if it is 11 years in the making. Directed by horror maestro Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, “Scream 4” was released in theaters on Friday and is certainly a step up from many other horror movies that we’ve seen in recent years. Apart from an idiotic and outright atrocious ending, viewers will most likely have plenty of fun with the film.

It’s been 15 years to the date since the Woodsboro murders in the first “Scream” movie.

Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) returns to her hometown on the last stop of her book tour for her self-help novel, “Out of Darkness.”

Writer Gale Weathers, now known as Gale Weathers Riley (Courteney Cox) has not been as fortunate with her writing.

Now married to Dewey Riley (David Arquette), she has been suffering from writers’ block since there haven’t been any Ghostface killings for a while.

As Sidney returns, so does Ghostface and his sinister phone calls and Gale immediately gets back on the job as everyone starts pointing fingers in search of the suspect.

“Scream 4” blends different generations of horror. While the old veterans from the first three films are back, we are introduced to a new cast that now goes to Woodsboro High School, and who of course know all the horror clichés. We meet Sidney’s cousin Jill (Emma Roberts) and her friends Kirby (Hayden Panettiere) and Olivia (Marielle Jaffe), along with the customary film buffs Robbie (Erik Knudsen) and Charlie (Rory Culkin). As cyn-

ical as this may sound, the first thought that most likely will enter your head when you see these characters will be, “Who’s going to die first?”

A staple of the “Scream” movies is that the characters know why they shouldn’t do certain things that will most likely lead to their downfall, though most of them meet their downfall anyway. The movie also references itself; within the film, there have been multiple sequels of the “Stab” movies, based on Weathers’ original book. This makes for a very fun opening sequence with numerous cameos.

Despite considerable hype, “Scream 4” was soundly beaten out at the box office by the animated film “Rio” in its opening weekend. It grossed $19.3 million, less than half of what “Rio” grossed. jkelly7@ramapo.edu

RATING:

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A Classic Novel Comes to the Big Screen

By MIKE JAGENDORF Staff Writer

The long-awaited film adaptation of Ayn Rand’s 1957 epic “Atlas Shrugged” is slavishly devoted to the novel. The movie is everything fans of Rand and her “objectivist” libertarian philosophy can hope for, a loyal retelling. But most viewers who have not read her 1300-plus page masterpiece will be disappointed.

Since the novel is so long, the film had to be produced in three parts. “Atlas Shrugged: Part I” simply feels incomplete. The plot progresses and the intrigue grows – and then just stops suddenly with no satisfying conclusion except a black screen reading “End of Part I.” The film takes place in the near future in a dystopian world where an energy crisis drives the price of gas up to $40 per gallon and has countries all around the world devolving into socialist “peoples states,” dragging America into an economic depression where trains are the sole remaining affordable means of transportation.

Taylor Schilling plays Dagny Taggart, the strong and determined vice president of the last major railroad company in America.

Taggart tries desperately to save her grandfather’s company from total collapse by building a rail line to Colorado, the last center of economic prosperity in the country. She teams up with Henry Rearden (Grant Bowler), a steel executive who invents the miraculous new Rearden Metal, and orders the rail line to

be built out of it. She must defy those in power who slander the miracle metal as unsafe because they resent Rearden’s success in a time of poverty, including her incompetent brother James (Matthew Mardsen) who is the president of Taggart Transcontinental.

The attitude of the government and the elites in Rand’s future America is that success is something ugly and selfish to be resented rather than admired. Washington keeps passing anti-competitive laws with names like the “Anti Dog-Eat-Dog Bill” that weaken the few remaining industries and redistribute their riches to the masses in the name of social welfare. They attempt to enforce equality by handicapping the creative and productive

members of society while making deals with corrupt businessmen who profit from the removal of their competition. The few productive and honest businesspeople that remain are disappearing one by one in the dead of night by their own choice without explaining why, after being visited by a mysterious shadowy figure.

“Atlas Shrugged” is essentially a work of philosophy and the film’s entertainment value suffers from that. Aside from some beautiful sweeping vistas of the Colorado wilderness, most scenes in Part I consist of people in a boardroom or an office talking about business and politics or steel and railroads. However, it boldly raises important questions just as relevant today as they were when the novel was written 50 years ago. Are we letting government grow too powerful?

What happens to the people when businesses are taxed and regulated to death?

Rand, who fled to the United States from the horrors of Soviet Russian communism in 1926, has clear black-and-white answers in her pro-capitalist works.

“Atlas Shrugged: Part I” was a low budget film ($10 million) with a limited release to theaters. mjagendo@ramapo.edu

RATING:

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Page 12 The Ramapo News

LIFE & CULTURE

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Workout Tips to Keep In Shape This Summer

BY NICOLE MAZEWS KI Staff Writer

Keeping up with that beach body will be a continuous task all summer long. Don’t fret about being off-campus and being away from the gyms though. There are other ways to get and stay in shape. Staying out of the gym has several benefits as well. The sun is a great source of vitamin D and being outside provides you with a time to be socially active.

Hi ki ng This is a fun outdoor activity that can be done pretty much anywhere. The Ramapo Reservation is a great place to hike while staying on-campus, but you can find some great hiking trails all over the tri-state area.

For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, this burns approximately 400 calories per hour. This of course depends on your terrain and speed as well; you will exert more energy travelling uphill than downhill and will burn more calories if you walk at a brisker pace.

Bi ki ng Biking is another great way to keep toned and see some scenic areas. All you need to do is find a path that allows bicyclists. For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, this vigorous activity will burn almost 600 calories an hour. You can pedal along with friends and travel along different types of terrain ranging from the mountain to the board-

walk along the beach.

Vari ous Outdoors S ports l i ke Vol l eybal l , Fri sbee, S oftbal l , Gol f or Tenni s Outdoor sports are the perfect opportunity to be social while you work out. Most of the time during these activities, you don’t even notice how hard you’re working. These pick-up games work out a variety of muscle groups. A recreational volleyball game can burn up 200 calories an hour for an average person weighing 150 pounds.

Kayaki ng or Canoei ng If you live or are planning to vacation near a river, ocean or lake, canoeing and kayaking are great ways to get a workout in. For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, this burns about 300 calories every hour. The motion of paddling works your arms, shoulders and core. While out on the water, you may also be inspired to take a quick swim, which burns even more calories.

Water S ports l i ke S wi mmi ng or S urfi ng Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength and endurance simultaneously. If you belong to a pool or have one of your own, be sure to make use of it this summer. Moderate swimming can burn up to 400 calories an hour for an average person weighing about 150 pounds, while a more vigorous swim can burn almost 700 calories. You can also swim in most rivers, lakes

Magenta’s Meals

BY LAUREN MAGENTA Staff Writer

Even though next semester may seem like light-years away it is good to be prepared.

For next semester, here are a few appliances for your dorm room to keep you eating healthy with simple recipes.

As stated before, your parents were right, eating breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does starting your day with breakfast help to kick start your metabolism, but it gives you energy and is linked to many health benefits.

With a blender, smoothies are a quick meal to make. The GE Rocket Blender can be purchased at Walmart for less than $20. It comes with a lid so it can truly be make to go and comes with extra cups. Smoothies are the ideal recipes because it is so flexible and you can use whatever ingredients you have. There is not one perfect recipe for a smoothie. The few basic ingredients you need to make a smoothie are 1.Yogurt 2. Fruit 3. Milk 4. Granola (optional) 5. Honey (optional) 6. Ice (optional)

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Jogging outside is just one of the many ways you can workout over the summer without going to a gym.

and reservoirs as well, just be sure to check if there are any posted warnings first. If you plan on spending a lot of time down the shore this summer, give surfing a try. For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, it burns about 200 calories per hour. This is a great way to tone your core and find your balance.

Joggi ng or Wal ki ng During the summer months, people often forgo running for a brisk walk because of the heat. Both forms of exercise are still great

for working out major muscle groups like the core and leg muscles. For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, jogging burns approximately 475 calories, while walking burns about 300 calories an hour.

Touring and traveling also burns calories!

For an average person, weighing 150 pounds, this burns approximately 150 calories an hour.

Ari es (March 21-Apri l 19) Recently, life has been more difficult than usual. This week still requires personal patience but there is some light in sight.

is right. Give it a little more time before you make any final decisions.

Horoscopes

Taurus (Apri l 20-May 20) Everywhere you look, people appear to be at odds in their beliefs. This week, as much as you may not want to step in, your presence is part of the equation.

Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

By purchasing different appliances for your dorm room, you can make a variety of healthy foods including grilled cheese.

Another great appliance for the college kitchen is the grill. This grill helps to speed up cooking lunch or dinner when you are in a hurry and have no time for an oven or stove. These grills work well to make Paninis and no butter, no oil grilled cheese, in addition to grilling meats.

During your summer breaks take a moment and look up easy appliances like a blender and or grill for your college kitchens to keep you eating healthy. lmagenta@ramapo.edu

Gemi ni (May 21-June 20) This week you will validate that the energy invested in a certain area is making a huge difference. When push comes to shove this week, you will be in the door.

Cancer (June 21-Jul y 22) Your mind has had to work extra hard to keep your emotions from taking a wild ride.

This week is about finding a way to smile through whatever is weighing you down.

Leo (Jul y 23-August 23) Lately you have been questioning plenty of choices. This week, you will gain the insight and understanding you deeply need to know how true to course you are.

Vi rgo (August 24-S eptember 22) Sometimes, less is required to get the very same result. This week, you can give yourself a break by allowing others to support a certain process.

Li bra (S eptember 23-October 22) The way to gain the upper hand this week is to find the wisdom to wait until something

nmazewsk@ramapo.edu

S corpi o (October 23-November 21) You have come to question so many things recently and have doubt in areas where you felt confident. Try this week to alter the way you have been thinking about your circumstances.

S agi ttari us (November 22December 21) This week, whatever is getting in your way of a good time will inevitably be leaving the scene. Better trends are brewing and hope fills the horizon.

Capri corn (December 22-January 19) This week, you will get a feeling that something is on its way to you. You may have no other piece of evidence, but a certain message will confirm this feeling.

Aquari us (January 20- February 19) Recently, you have been battling but have also rising to the occasion. This week, a great idea that can turn around an old tired plan makes all the difference in the world.

Pi sces (February 20-March 20) This week, you may be more focused on how to pay for what you need or want versus what is going on in around you. Pay attention there and you will be amazed how fast an earthly treasure will land at your feet.

Horoscopes courtesy of madalynaslan.com

SPORTS

Lacrosse Locks No. 2 Seed in Skyline Tournament 4 . 21 . 11

Baretta Scores 100th Career Goal in Roadrunners’ Win over Kean

By TOM BABCOCK Staff Writer

After locking up the No. 2 seed in the Skyline Conference Tournament with an 18-8 victory Monday over Kean University there’s only one obstacle left for the Roadrunners: dethrone Montclair State University.

Champions four out of the last five seasons, Montclair will more than likely be the team Ramapo will have to go through to turnaround from 1-10 in 2008 to Skyline Champions in 2011.

With the best active winning streak in the conference at five, the Roadrunners are peaking at the right time. The win over Kean is crucial going into the tournament.

“This win was huge for us,” said midfielder Adrianna Tepedino who had four goals and four assists, leading the team with eight points.

“Now we have a bye in the first round and don’t drop down to the fourth seed.”

If Ramapo had lost, they would have dropped into a three way tie and fallen to the fourth seed due to tiebreaking rules. This would’ve meant facing tougher competition sooner and playing on the road.

Standout Amanda Barretta had yet another big game for the Roadrunners, producing five goals.

The second goal was the 100th goal of her career.

Ramapo is 9-4 this season and 7-1in conference play after winning their fifth consecutive game.

THIS WEEK

Today:

Softball vs. NJ City University at 3 p.m.

Baseball at Rutgers -Newark at 4 p.m.

Friday: photo by Mike Jagendorf

The Roadrunners fought past Kean University in an 18-8 victory to clinch the No. 2 seed in the Skyline Conference Tournament.

“It’s amazing,” coach Concetta Valerio said.

“She’s scored 100 goals and she’s only been playing two years.”

“Amanda brings a lot to the table, not only her skills — she is very fast — but she has the ability to make the teammates around her better.”

With the lacrosse program still in its infancy, this being its fifth official season, Barretta is already the school’s leading career scorer with 103 goals in only two seasons. She leads the team with 42 this season.

Valerio also credited Barretta’s teammates, “A lot of it is a testament to her. But, as much as it’s been something she did, her teammates have been so supportive. They made it a goal for them as well to make sure Amanda got to 100.”

Part of that supporting cast Monday was junior Colleen Steel, who led the team with six goals. She admitted to being a little more fired up than usual against rival Kean, especially after a big win over conference foe Farmingdale St. a week earlier.

“We had a lot of heart yesterday,” Steel said.

“We really wanted to go out there and win.

Amanda Ferry shut down their best player and our goalie [Diana Silva] made some great saves.”

“It’s amazing. [Baretta has] scored 100 goals and she’s only been playing two years.”

- Concetta Valerio, coach

photo by Mike Jagendorf

RAMAPO SPORTS

Ferry and Silva were key parts of why Ramapo jumped out to a 9-2 lead and never looked back.

“Our defense stepped up a lot,” Barretta said.

“We wanted to get ahead early so they wouldn’t get any energy going. We wanted to get ahead to take them out of the game.”

Bragging rights were also on the line for Valerio, who attended Kean and played both field hockey and lacrosse at the school.

Valerio has turned the lacrosse program around, improving the team’s record each of the past three seasons. This season Ramapo is 9-4 and 7-1 against Skyline competition. Despite the success, Valerio has remained humble.

“We had a lot of heart yesterday. We really wanted to go out there and win.”

-Colleen Steel, junior

“I would love to take credit for turning the program around, but I can’t say that it has been me,” Valerio said. “My kids have had to fight through many different things.”

“It’s been all about my kids being a team on the field and off. I don’t want to take credit for it because it has been so much of them.”

Rutgers-Camden this Saturday at home will be Senior Day and the final regular season match up. Then, their attempt to shock the Skyline Conference and take down Montclair begins.

“If we go in with the attitude we can dethrone them and beat them and play smart then it’ll be a close game,” Valerio said. “But, Montclair is a very strong group of girls. Physically, they are very tall and athletic” Barretta knows it is going to take their team best effort to defeat a powerhouse that is 47-5 all-time versus Skyline opponents.

“A lot of heart and discipline is going to be needed,” Valerio said. “We need to step up and play our own game. We can’t let Montclair dictate how we play.”

If it comes down to it, Valerio is confident her team will be ready.

“It’s going to be a completely different game, we’re a completely different team now.” tbabcock@ramapo.edu

Men’s Tennis at Hunter Collge at 1:30 p.m.

Softball vs. Kean University at 3 p.m.

Baseball vs. Rutgers-Newark at 3:30 p.m.

Men’s and Women’s Track an Field -Roadrunner Express

Saturday:

Baseball at TCNJ at 11:30 a.m

Women’s Lacrosse vs.

Rutgers--Camden at 1 p.m.

Men’s Tennis at Farmingdale State College at 3 p.m.

Monday:

Baseball vs. SUNY College at Old Westbury at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday:

Softball vs. Montclair State University at 3 p.m.

Baseball vs. Lehman College at 3:30 p.m.

Women’s Lacrosse vs.

Kean University at 4 p.m.

Softball Poised for Title Run in Buehler, Giordano’s Final Games Page 14 The Ramapo News

By TOM BABCOCK Staff Writer

As the New Jersey Athletic Conference softball season comes down the homestretch, it’s still anyone’s race. With 14 games remaining, Ramapo looks to win its first regular season championship since 2004.

The Roadrunners are currently 20-6 and 64 in the NJAC, three games behind first place Montclair State University.

After a 13-1 start to the year, including a win over nationally ranked #22 Illinois Wesleyan, they’re just 7-5 since. Coach Ben Allen thinks the frequent rain outs have hampered his team’s ability to gain momentum.

“These rainouts have been killing us,” Allen said. “We get a few days off without seeing live pitching and it just kills our hitting.”

“It seems like every time we go on a winning streak and then have a break, we come back and play sloppy. You can’t do that.”

“When they’re on the mound, we know, all we need to do is produce and we’re going to win.”

-Ben Allen, Coach

Allen also believes the program’s history of success has put a target on their backs.

“This team is always competing for championships and because of that every time we play we face their number one pitcher.

Sometimes we’ll face a number one pitcher twice in both games of a doubleheader.”

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Ramapo has boasted two number one pitchers on their staff for the past four seasons. It is impossible to talk about this softball team without mentioning what aces Lyndsay Buehler and Deanna Giordano bring to the table.

“We’re never going to get blown out, if we do, that means we didn’t play good defense. [Giordano and Buehler] always keep us in ball games.”

-Ben Allen

Buehler was NJAC First Team AllConference last season, recording the second best strikeout season in school history (146.) This season she owns 1.91 ERA with a 9-2 record.

Giordano was NJAC Second Team AllConference last season and first team the season before. She holds an 8-4 record while her 1.42 ERA is a team best.

Allen understands the value this duo brings.

“We’re never going to get blown out, if we do, that means we didn’t play good defense.

They always keep us in ball games.”

The lineup for the Roadunners is no easy out either.

Center fielder Tiffany Fischer has proven to be a nightmare for NJAC pitching this year.

She’s batting .441 against conference opponents with a staggering .735 slugging percentage and .513 on-base percentage.

“Since we moved her to the two-hole she’s been killing the ball,” Allen said. “She’s doing a great job for us.”

That might be an understatement. Despite missing time early with an injury, Fischer has four home runs, two four-hit games and is 4-5 with the bases loaded.

Two-time first team all-conference player, Danielle Rothenberger, patrols right field, leading the team in hits, RBIs and touched bases while batting .379. She produced the third best RBI season in school history last year with 40 -- a number she could easily top by season’s end.

“Danielle is a player you have to respect at all times. She’s just a dangerous player,” admitted Allen. “You make one mistake she can change the game for you, whether it’s a home run, single, double or triple.”

Speaking of home runs, sophomore Janet Brown has erupted onto the scene blasting seven home runs. Making her coach draw comparisons to a former Major League Baseball player.

“I kid with her that she reminds me of Dave Kingman,” Allen laughed.

Kingman is legendary for his all or nothing home run swings. And, like Kingman, Brown also strikes out the most, currently leading the team.

With the schedule coming down to crunch time the question will be can the Roadrunners, with their two senior pitchers, but otherwise young team, step up to the challenge.

“We’ve got a young minded team,” Allen said. “But, this is one of the better teams I’ve had with chemistry. I think we can get the job done. We just have to continue to play.”

Ramapo will play first place Montclair,

The College of New Jersey (fifth place) and the two last place teams New Jersey City University and Rutgers-Newark in the upcoming weeks. The opportunity to gain ground and get easy conference victories is there for the taking.

“It’s going to be important to come out to a good start.”

Allen knows his team well. Ramapo is 141 when scoring first this season and 8-1 when scoring in the first inning.

“This team is always competing for championships and because of that every time we play we face their number one pitcher. Sometimes we’ll face a number one pitcher twice in both games of a doubleheader.”

-Ben Allen

More than likely, their young bats will more than likely decide Ramapo’s season.

“We have senior leadership with Giordano and Buehler.”

“When they’re on the mound, we know, all we need to do is produce and we’re going to win.”

tbabcock@ramapo.edu

First Round of NHL Playoffs Off to Intriguing Beginning Rangers One Loss Away from Elimination after Blowing 3-0 Lead in Game 4

By ANDREW GOULD Sports Editor

While underdogs such as the Philadelphia Flyers often pull off upsets in National League playoffs, the favorites have taken charge in the early games in the first round.

The New York Rangers are attempting to follow the Flyer’s lead and represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup, but they have a difficult task ahead in facing the Washington Capitals, led by star left winger Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals took a 20 series lead as the Rangers looked incapable of matching Washington’s offensive firepower without right wing Ryan Callahan.

Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau then woke up the Rangers by claiming that Madison Square Garden, the Rangers’ home arena, is one of the league’s quieter stadiums. The Rangers represented The World’s Most Famous Arena by winning Game 3, but they let a 3-0 lead in Game 4 go to waste.

Washington stormed back to win 4-3 in double overtime, expanding their series lead to 3-1 and placing the Rangers on the brink of elimination. They will fight to stay alive in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday.

Last year’s Stanley Cup participants are in danger of suffering early exits in the playoffs. After winning the Eastern Conference as the No. 7 seed last season, the Flyers are now the favorite being tested by the under-

dog. The No. 7 Buffalo Sabres tied the series 2-2 behind a shootout from goalie Ryan Miler in Game 4.

Reigning champion Chicago Blackhawks are a loss away from being eliminated by top seed Vancouver Canucks. Down 3-0, the Blackhawks rallied in Game 4, keeping their playoff hopes alive in a 7-2 route. The Canucks are looking to avoid a collapse a

year after the Boston Bruins squandered a 30 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are one win away from advancing to the second round despite the absence of star Sidney Crosby, who has not played since January 5 due to concussions. In a tight Game 4, the Penguins passed the Tampa Bay Lightning in a double

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Strong play from goalie Henrik Lundqvist has often carried the New York Rangers, but he was not able to stop Washington from scoring three goals in the third period in a comeback win for the Capitals.

overtime win closed by a goal by left wing James Neal. Leading the series 3-1, Pittsburgh can end the series on Saturday.

The Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators also are involved in another close first round series. Down 2-1, the Ducks powered past the Predators in a 6-3 victory to even the series.

[The Rangers] will fight to stay alive in Game 5 of the best-of-seven series on Saturday.

In the only sweep of the first round, the Detroit Red Wings downed the Phoenix Coyotes in four games. Detroit’s explosive offense recorded 18 goals in the four games, with six of them coming in their Game 4 win to clinch the series.

The Bruins are falling short in an effort for redemption after last year’s debacle, losing 21 in their first round series against the Montreal Canadians, the league’s most storied franchise with 24 championships. The Bruins can tie the series tonight in a road game, and they know from experience that no lead is insurmountable. agould1@ramapo.edu

Outdoor Track and Field Runs Strong at Two Seperate Meets Page 15 The Ramapo News

By REBECCA PENHAKER Staff Writer

Despite the unpredictable weather over the weekend, the track and field team continued to show their dominance in the NY Metropolitan Championships and the Kent Taylor-Joe Hilton UNC Invitational.

The Roadrunners competed in the NY Metropolitan Championships at Rutgers on Saturday. The men took 12th place and the women snagged 15th.

Coach Mike Jackson was unable to attendt the meet because he and eight of his athletes traveled to North Carolina to compete in the Kent Taylor-Joe Hilton UNC Invitational.

“I would love to be at both,” Jackson said.

“But that’s the beauty of having a strong staff — they do what they need to do as coaches and I trust them.”

“[Brown] can run faster than most human beings even when he’s hurt. He’s capable of doing anything.”

-Mike Jackson, coach

With winds reaching up to 30 mph and terrible rain storms, Jackson was proud of his team’s effort and his coaches’ decisions in his absence.

A plane ride away, however, Jackson and his Roadrunners were not able to escape the treacherous conditions. There was about a four hour delay because of the severe weather in the afternoon.

The meet featured several top teams, including Columbia, Duke, ECU, Elon, Lake Erie, NC State, Oklahoma, Radford, Saint Augustine’s, Stony Brook, Syracuse, West Virginia and William & Mary.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

In spite of the delays, the Roadrunners came to compete, making statements like they have done throughout the entire season.

Sophia Davis set a new school record in the 400-meter dash with the time of 57.18.

Davis’ time beats former Ramapo AllAmerican Christina Gray’s record of 57.35 set during the 2005 season. Davis’ time was also an NCAA provisional mark and personal best. She was second in heat two, and placed eighth overall.

“I was very nervous going in to the meet because I did not know what to expect at all,” Davis said. Especially because I got my ankle slammed in the door accidentally the night before we left.”

Alexandra Jacob finished 17th overall and sixth in heat two in the 400-meter dash, clocking in at 58.72, an ECAC qualifying time. And teammate Katie Walsh placed 19th with a time of 60.99.

Because of the harsh conditions, the pole vaulting competition took place in the school’s indoor facilities. Vaulters Lauren Riley and Michelle Favre tied for fourth place, clearing 3.50-meters.

Maura Burke placed fifth overall in the 100meter hurdles with a time of 15.23. In her trial run, she ran 15.02, a school record and .03 off ofan NCAA provisional qualifying time.

“The meet was delayed right before I was supposed to race so warming up about two or three times for one race was definitely frustrating,” Burke said. “I felt I ran well in the trials, after being delayed a lot it was a relief to run well, however to be .03 off of the NCAA provisional mark was frustrating.”

The 4x400-meter relay team made up of

Davis, Walsh, Jacob and Burke placed second with a time of 4:02.13, an ECAC qualifying time.

Craig Van Leeuwen placed second overall in the pole vault, clearing 5.10-meters. Dillon Rodgers was unable to compete in the javelin throw because the event was cancelled due to the poor weather conditions.

“He should’ve been able to compete,”

“This is just the beginning [of the outdoor season].

People are gaining confidence, believing in themselves. You’re going to see a lot in the next three to four weeks.”

-Mike Jackson

Jackson said. “We’re not happy about it. You invest the time, money and travel all that way and you can’t compete, it’s frustrating.”

The Roadrunners are ready to put their weather woes behind them for they host their second home meet this Friday. The Roadrunner Express meet is geared for less schools but higher level athletes in hopes of preparing for the championship season.

Many look at the end of April and the beginning of May as the year winding down, but for Jackson, things are just picking up.

“This is just the beginning [of the outdoor season],” Jackson said. “People are gaining confidence, believing in themselves. You’re going to see a lot in the next three to four weeks.”

People are also going to be able to see the return of a standout athlete, Shaquan Brown, who had quad surgery over the summer, mak-

ing this a season of easing into competition.

Brown earned NCAA All-American honors as a member of the 2007-2008 4x100 team when they placed fifth overall in the 2008 NCAA Championships. “[Brown] blessed to be able to run really fast,” Jackson said. “He can run faster than most human beings even when he’s hurt.

He’s capable of doing anything.”

The return of Anita Rogers is also highly awaited, but she is still on a day-to-day basis nursing back her leg injury she sustained earlier this season.

“Anita at 75, 80 percent, she’s still better than most,” Jackson said. “But the beauty of this team is how people step up.”

With the NJAC Championships hosted at Ramapo May 7, these athletes are more than ready to take on their rivals and make a definitive statement for the 2011 season.

“I think it’s awesome that NJACs are at home this year. This is only the second year that Ramapo has had home meets and to host the conference championships here is really cool,” Van Leeuwen said. “I think we all want to have the best meet we can and hopefully win our first conference title. To do that at home would just be amazing.”

Jackson has no doubt his team will be able deliver, since they have been doing it all season long.

“It’s been on their calendar since last year when they found out it was happening here,” Jackson said. “They don’t need any extra motivation. They just need to know where to be and what times things start. It’s our time and hopefully we’ll be right on time.”

Kobe Bryant Fined $100,000 for Yelling Gay Slur on Court

of hateful outburst is simply inexcusable no matter what the context.”

This is not the first time Bryant has drawn major criticism though in his career. In 2003, he was arrested and accused of sexual assault of a hotel employee in a Colorado hotel. The case was later dropped, but not after several of his endorsement deals had been dropped. He has since recovered and boasts deals with major companies such as Nike and Sprite.

By DAVE JONES Staff Writer

The National Basketball Association fined Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant $100,000 last week for using a derogatory term out of frustration over a referee’s call.

The incident occurred during the Lakers’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs last Tuesday. After receiving a technical foul in the second half, Bryant directed the remark towards official Bennie Adams. Bryant walked towards the bench, sat down and threw his towel on the ground in apparent frustration before the outburst. The incident was captured by TNT’s cameras during the network’s national broadcast of the game.

In response to the incident, NBA Commissioner David Stern delivered a swift disciplinary ruling to fine the Los Angeles superstar.

“What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period.”

-Kobe Bryant

“Kobe Bryant’s comment during last night’s game was offensive and inexcusable,” Stern said. “While I’m fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated..

rpenhake@ramapo.edu

photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for screaming a gay slur towards referee Bennie Adams after being called for a technical foul. The Lakersʼ superstar was on camera in a nationally televised game as he said the remark.

Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society.”

Among growing criticism, Bryant issued a statement regarding the situation.

“What I said last night should not be taken literally,” Bryant said. “My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do not reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were not meant to offend

anyone.”

The commissioner’s decision drew praise from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

“We applaud Commissioner Stern and the NBA for not only fining Bryant but for recognizing that slurs and derogatory comments have no place on the basketball court or in society at large,” Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said. “We hope such swift and decisive action will send a strong and universal message that this kind

“Kobe Bryant’s comment during last night’s game was offensive and inexcusable.”

-David Stern, commissioner

Over his career, Bryant has been one of the most popular players in the NBA. Before being eclipsed by Miami’s Lebron James this season, his No .24 jersey was the bestselling jersey in the league. Bryant is a former league MVP, the leading scorer in Lakers history and sixth on the NBA’s alltime leading scorers list.

Despite the heavy fine, Bryant was not suspended. If Stern decided to suspend the superstar, he would have missed playoff actions.

The Lakers were shocked in Game 1, losing to No. 7 seed New Orleans Hornets. djones@ramapo.edu

SPORTS 10 . 7 . 10

Winning!

4 . 21 10. .11 7 . 10

photo by Mike Jagendorf

Ramapo lacrosse looks to go deep in Skyline Tournament.

Story on Page 13

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