NEWS | LIU PARTNERS WITH GMAIL, PG. 8
Volume LXXXVII
Issue 1
September 8, 2011
LIUFF KE! I R T
S N O The New Celebrity On Campus Malik Yoba: The Working Actor Page 4
The New BlackBird Field Page 6
Seawanhaka Staff CONTACT Seawanhaka Press 1 University Plaza #S-219 Brooklyn, NY 11201 MABELMARTINEZ Editor-In-Chief
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Name: Mabel Martinez Major: Journalism Class: Junior
he new Editor-in-Chief of the Seawanhaka is Mabel Martinez, journalism major beginning her junior year at Long Island UniversityBrooklyn Campus. She is an Alpha Lambda Delta inductee (the National Academic Honor Society for Freshman) who has maintained her honor roll status while contributing to the campus community, working a part-time job at a Law office and holding an internship. Mabel has been a staff writer for the Seawanhaka for the past year and is responsible for the inclusion and creation of a fashion column which she will continue to write this year. Mabel has always enjoyed writing and realized she could pursue her passion by working in the field of journalism. To gain hands-on experience she spent the Spring semester interning at the daily newspaper, El Diario La Prensa. On her first day Mabel was given an assignment on “No + Sangre” (No More Blood): Mexico’s March for Peace and she hit the ground running. They loved her article and published it in the newspaper the next day! Her internship experience has provided her with the foundation and knowledge necessary to successfully coordinate the publication of Seawanhaka. In addition to writing her column Mabel has a lot of ideas for the future of Seawanhaka. She believes the school newspaper should be the voice of the student body and plans on making it more campus-oriented. You will notice a new, more modern layout and some exciting new sections. The professionals at the University Health and Medical Center will provide a column addressing important student health issues. Additionally, an alumni section titled “Where Are They Now?” will provide inspiration for current students looking for career advice and direction by presenting the impressive accomplishments of LIU graduates. Mabel knows the role of Editor-in-Chief will be a big responsibility but is confident that she will make the paper address current student’s needs and interests. She hopes her contributions will make a lasting impact that will make us proud to call Seawanhaka the Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus’ school newspaper.
SeawanakaPress@gmail.com 718.488.1519
Editorial Policies ASHLEE MELLOWES Managing Editor
LINDSEYWALKER News Editor
SHARI STRAKER
Arts & Entertainment
Opinions expressed on these pages do not necessarily reflect those of the staff. Unsigned editorials are the consensus of the editorial staff members. Opinions expressed in articles with bylines are those of the writers. Letters to the editor must include the writer’s full name and contact information. Seawanhaka reserves the right to edit submissions for length and style. Seawanhaka is published by the students of Long Island University Brooklyn Campus.
Advertising Policies
Display and classified advertisements are available to the general public, Long Island University clubs and students. For rate and schedule information, call 718.488.1519. Advertising is free for all LIU organizations. Ads should be submitted to the Seawanhaka Press Room or Student Activities Office. Students, faculty and staff must submit a copy of their ID along with the proposed advertisement. Seawanhaka reserves the right to edit ads for length and style. We also reserve the right to refuse those we feel are unfit to print.
MICHAELGARCIA Sports Editor
CURTIS STEPHEN Faculty Advisor
Layout and Design Advisor Richard Nau
By: Marisa Lo Bianco, Career Services Counselor
Page 3- Letter to Students Page 4- SLLD Welcome New & Returning Students Page 5- Celebrity On Campus Page 6- LIU Fields Transformation Page 7- LIU Faculty On Strike Page 7- SGA Welcome Message Page 8- LIU Partners with Gmail
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Page 9- Career Services Page 10- Health Cholesterol Education Month Page 10- Game Room Page 11- Entertainment Weekly Page 12- Game Room Page 12- Fashion’s Night Out Page 13- Watch The Throne -Music Review
Page 17- WRAC Access to Freshmen Page 18- Women’s and Men’s Soccer
Page 19- Basketball Still Focused
Provost Gale Stevens Haynes
2011 Letter to Students
Dear Students:
THE BUZZ...
Long Island University and Aetna Student Health have partnered for the 2011-2012 academic year to provide a comprehensive program that couples the on campus resources of the Brooklyn Campus and the C.W. Post Home Campus (for onsite health and counseling services) with a health insurance benefit plan that provides a network of specialists and hospitals. The Plan provides coverage for illnesses and injuries that occur on or off campus, while at home and also provides worldwide coverage. Enrollment/Waiver begins August 15th, 2011 and ends October 15, 2011 visit: http://www. aetnastudenthealth.com/ stu_conn/ for more information.
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am delighted to welcome you to the start of a new academic year at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. For me, as for you, this is an exciting period, one that signifies anticipation and possibilities, learning and growth, fulfillment and wisdom. I also would like to extend a warm welcome to the new Editor-in-Chief, Mabel Martinez and staff of Seawanhaka, and to its adviser, Curtis Stephen, an outstanding alumnus of our journalism program. An impassioned student paper is essential to the health of any academic institution and I look forward to a fruitful association in informing our community about events and issues on and off Campus. As you know, there have been seismic changes taking place in our society, literally and figuratively, economically and politically. It is important, as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, to take stock of where we have come from and where we are headed. One lens in which to view our times is through the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose famous “I have a dream” speech stirred our nation 48 years ago on Aug. 28. His message of peace, justice, equality and freedom is even more relevant today. If you haven’t already done so, I would encourage you to read and reread his words and to dedicate yourselves to making his dream a reality through the empowering process of education. Here, at the Brooklyn Campus, we’ve had a banner year. Thanks to our participation in many humanitarian programs, we landed on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for a second year. We are ranked the third-safest campus in the nation and the safest in New York City by The Daily Beast news Web site. Our Blackbirds men’s basketball team advanced to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1997, and was adopted by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon as it favorite team. The numerous accomplishments of our 1,800 students who graduated in May made us proud. In our quest to provide you with excellence in education, we have upgraded our resources in several areas, including the latest technology, new programs, increased student financial support and safe and modern facilities. This year, we are continuing our successful Apple iPad distribution program so that incoming students can easily work on class assignments, access personal academic and financial records and conduct research online. We have also introduced several blended learning programs to enable students with busy schedules to combine classroom instruction with online learning. A beautiful new housing complex for graduate students is open at 490 Fulton.
SO NOW YOU KNOW
As you settle in, remember that the Campus offers an abundance of free resources that can help you excel here - from tutoring and computer assistance to financial supports and counseling. There are campus clubs to join and exciting activities to engage in, ranging from cultural offerings at the Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts to fitness fun at the Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center. I encourage you to participate fully in the life of the Campus. Together, we will have a wonderful year of exploration and growth. With best wishes, Gale Stevens Haynes Your Provost
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Student Life & Leadership Development Welcomes New and Returning Students Dear Incoming Student:
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n behalf of the entire professional and student staff of Student Life and Leadership Development, “Welcome to Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus”. We look forward to working with each of you very soon. The Office of Student Life and Leadership Development promotes individual student development, and opportunities for student organizations to be effective and grow through leadership training workshops, networking with similar organizations nationwide, connections with alumni, and facilitation of a variety of programs. We are student-centered, and our main focus is on student leadership development through mentorship and advice, educational seminars, advocacy, community building and civic engagement, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and through opportunities for students to plan and execute educational, social, cultural, spiritual and wellness programs and events. We oversee over 80 academic, social, cultural, honor, religious, and greek, student organizations, and I am confident that you would bring something new and exciting to any of the organizations that you decide to join. Take advantage of the wealth of education that is New York City; tap into our various on-campus resources; join a student organization, join Toastmasters; participate in our Student Leadership Academy, keep physically active in our Evening Intramural Program; write for our newspaper, take pictures for our yearbook, write, shoot, direct a produce a short film for our television station, become a sports reporter at our radio station, or promote school spirit and plan and execute programs as part of the council of the Student Government Association. Join us on FaceBook. Stop by our office in M-311 to learn more about what we offer, and to get involved. We are open Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and on Tuesdays and Wednesday from 9:00a.m. to 6:30p.m. See you soon! Sincerely, Karlene Thompson, BA, MA, MS Director of Student Life and Leadership Development 1 University Plaza, M-311 Brooklyn, New York 11201 www.liu.edu Office: (718)488-1216 | Fax: (718)780-4182
“Take of the wealth of that is ew ork ity” Page 4
Celebrity on Campus
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here’s a new addition to the Brooklyn Campus faculty and he’s none other than veteran Hollywood actor Malik Yoba. LIU students might as well call him Professor Yoba since he’ll be teaching a course titled “The Working Actor” on campus this fall. Yoba possesses a prodigious resume consisting of multiple film and television appearances. These include recent films “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I get Married” and “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too.” He’s earned three consecutive NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his role in the Fox television drama New York Undercover. And he’s currently starring as special agent Bill Harken in the SyFy series Alphas. Along with those accomplishments, he’s also a producer, writer, musician, director, and entrepreneur. Yoba’s exuberance filled the room during a meeting with Fatima Kafele, director of public relations at the Brooklyn Campus, Rodney Hurley, managing director at the Kumble Theater, and members of Seawanhaka. “I am a teacher by nature,” he explained while busily preparing for class as the start of the
semester approached. As a Brooklyn native concerned with nurturing local students, aspiring entertainers, and regular folks who simply want to advance their careers by improving their public speaking skills or audition performances, Yoba chose LIU as outlet to provide those opportunities. The12-hour course begins September 20 with three more sessions to follow between Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 in the Kumble Theater. The cost for the non-credit course is $595. At the end of the class, students will receive a certificate of completion. The Working Actor with Malik Yoba consists of four workshops titled The Life of a Professional Actor, Scene Study and Improvisation, Audition Techniques and Cold reads, and Public Speaking for the Actor. The course and workshops have no prerequisites, and is open to all students and anyone else who wishes to participate. It’s designed for individuals seeking to become better public speakers or readers, aspiring actors, experienced actors, or even those who are simply curious about the industry. According to Yoba, this class is for
anyone. “You don’t have to be an actor. Some people want to take it because they want to work on their public speaking, some are taking it because they want to work on self confidence,” he says. The soon-tobe professor believes that by taking the course, students will learn to pursue their dreams and overcome their own fears. Yoba believes that public speaking and improvisation exercises, cold reads, and working alongside guest actors will help them to hone their skills and talent. Having a celebrity professor on campus will definitely bring additional privileges for students enrolled in Yoba’s class. The students, for example, will be treated to working alongside professional actors during class sessions. The guest list includes Academy Award nominee David Strathairn, Yoba’s co-star on Alphas. Plans are also underway to videotape and broadcast the interview sections of the class for airing on television stations across the country. For students who are interested in becoming entertainers, this could be a major outlet for them to showcase their talent to the industry. Another treat for Yoba’s students is the chance to audition for a part in his first feature film, which will be shot
in Brooklyn. The film, titled “What’s on the Hearts of Men,” is a follow up to the same titled play that was a web series on BET.COM. The Malik Yoba National Theater Company (MYNTC), initially founded by the actor to promote his own shows, could serve as another outlet for students who aspire to careers in entertainment. He uses the company to produce shows that tour nationally, such as What’s on the Hearts of Men. Yoba has, and continues to produce shows, locally. Some were done in the Kumble Theate while others took place at the Brooklyn Arts Museum. According to the actor, “these shows are produced with hopes that their final destination will be on Broadway.” Each workshop session of The Working Actor will mirror what Yoba does when he’s on tour across the country with MYNTC – providing students with a firsthand feel for what working actors experience in the industry. You can also follow Mr. Yoba on Twitter @MalikYoba. By: Malik Ajala
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LIU Field Undergoes Serious Transformation
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IU athletes and sport fans returned from summer break to find their beloved LIU Field nearly unrecognizable. While the students were away enjoying vacation, the athletic department had been far from sedentary, busying themselves with various installments, improvements, and one controversial alteration: the replacement of the dirt field with a fuzzy brown turf. Due to lack of space (this is downtown Brooklyn, after all) the softball infield, previously an all-dirt infield, also serves as the baseball team’s right field area. Thus, the right fielder has long since played his position encircled in a completely different terrain than the rest of the team. Julian Castro, a senior outfielder on the baseball team explains, “There would always be bad hops on balls hit out there so I would end up having to try and block the ball instead of field it.” He said, “I wasn’t really a fan of the dirt in right field.” Softball players, however, appear to be less than eager about the new brown turf which has replaced the dirt they are so accustomed to playing on. Amanda Macintosh, one of last year’s senior players expressed her extreme disappointment in LIU’s latest renovation. She posted on Facebook, “What happened to the game of softball when the whole point was going all out and the fun of that was getting dirty in the clay? WHY IS EVERYONE GOING TURF!!! Taking away the game…” Only one other University in the Northeast Conference (Central Connecticut State) uses a turf field. Sarah Reynolds, a senior softball
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pitcher explains the disadvantage LIU will have because of this fact. She said, “…anytime we travel elsewhere to play, we will constantly be adjusting to every hop the ball takes, every dive we need to make, and filling in holes or trenches on the pitching mound.” One inarguable advantage to turf is the cost reduction of manual labor. A dirt field requires constant care in order to maintain a smooth surface, to prevent clumping or water damage, and to keep the dirt from straying into the green turf areas. The field needs to be dragged by a tractor before each game and practice, then a large tarp must be pulled over the field and secured with heavy sand bags and wooden planks afterward to prevent rain damage. The maintenance of a dirt field is a tedious and expensive task. Sarah Reynolds however, feels this extra work is worth while. She said, “I believe that turf has its benefits,
but it will take away from the game in all aspects.” Julian Castro reminds us of another added benefit to turf. He said, “The new turf should also allow us to not have any rained out home games because it will retain water a lot better than the old field did,” he adds, “I’m glad we got new field turf. I kind of wish it happened sooner.” Rain causes the dirt to become muddy and pools of water form around the bases rendering the field unusable. With the amount of rain New York receives, game cancellations are a common occurrence. A combined total of fifteen baseball and softball games were either cancelled or postponed just last season. In addition to the dirt replacement, the baseball and softball team received new dugouts, and the preexisting green turf on the soccer/lacrosse field has been replaced with new green turf.
Also, new stands will be installed to provide more seating during games. Derek Stupski, a senior infielder for LIU baseball said, “I was told that I would see field renovations in my playing time here at LIU and it’s nice to see it underway.” He explains, “The old turf was getting pretty worn down…but the new turf will be a nice addition and I am looking forward to playing on it.” The LIU Field makeover has been an excitement to some and a disappointment to others throughout the LIU community. Emily Kakuska, though critical of the dirt eradication, explains, “I’m just excited to play this upcoming season, so whether we play on dirt, turf, or concrete, we get to play and that’s all that matters.” By: Lindsey Walker
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Contract Talks Collapse, LIU FACULTY ON STRIKE
fter dodging the impact of both a rare hurricane and an earthquake in the city in recent weeks, LIU’s Brooklyn Campus has been rocked by something entirely different -- a faculty strike. While negotiations between the Brooklyn Campus faculty and university’s administration veered well into the Labor Day weekend, the LIU Faculty Federation (LIUFF) voted -- after an emotionally-charged meeting on Sept. 6 -- to reject the University’s terms for an updated contract. With the vote arriving merely one day before the start of classes, the entire Brooklyn Campus has been thrown into a state of suspense as students, administrators and faculty alike unsure of what will happen next. Moments after the meeting ended, LIUFF flyers were distributed
in support of their cause -which essentially accuses LIU’s administration of greed. The new contract, a number of faculty members interviewed by Seawanhaka after the crucial vote, argued that a vote that agreed to University terms would have prevented employee raises over the next three years at a time when the Brooklyn Campus has experienced record enrollment and the cost of living in New York has greatly increased. Another major issue of contention, LIUFF leadership contends, is the manner in which pay raises have been unjustly linked to increases in tuition. “The central tension in this strike is whether scarce resources should go to faculty in salaries and fringe benefits or be directed to scholarships and other student needs. The faculty want a guaranteed set of increases irrespective of those other realities,” Dr. Edward Donahue, a
chemistry professor and president of LIUFF, said in a statement. Seawanhaka did not receive reaction from university officials at press time. But shortly after the meeting concluded, Long Island University released a statement on the university website apologizing for any inconvenience this matter may cause students, many of which are still ignorant to the cancellation of a large number of classes set to start Sept. 7. The administration also accused LIU staff of ignoring the reality of today’s economy. “These are hard times, and our demands are modest,” responds Dr. Donahue of LIUFF, who also stated that the contract may hurt the university as a whole and recalled a time where faculty salary and benefits accounted for 25 percent of LIU’s budget -- which LIUFF argues has now dropped to 14 percent in the
recent years. Regardless of these numbers, many students are worried that the issue might continue for weeks resulting in missed classes. “I’m hoping the contract issue is resolved soon. I want classes to start,” said LIU senior Kathryn Ross “If this takes too long I want some sort of refund I’m paying for classes that aren’t going to take place.” This early into proceedings, it’s impossible to know when negotiations will begin anew and how long the strike will last. No statement, as of now, has been released by administration regarding tuition and other fees charged to students during the strike action. By: Shanel Gilbert & Lindsey Walker
Student Government Association Welcome Message
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elcome to another exciting year at the Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University. We hope you all had a great summer and are back and ready to continue pursuing your goals and aim towards receiving your degree to obtain the career you desire. This year the Student Government Association has many things in store for the student body from taking care of parking concerns, to providing more structural events and just simply being available to address concerns for the entire student body. We have initiatives to involve more student and faculty interactions. We also plan to make homecoming huge this year. Many ideas and motives but most of all we need your help to make this year one to remember at our campus. In closing, we will be collaborating with our partnering Campus CW Post on various events as well. We are thrilled and we know our fellow peers will be just as thrilled. If you have any concerns or questions please stop by the SGA office located in the main Building room M-208 right above Lutney Commons. Fellow peers, please strive for high test scores and GPAS and make this a great year. Sincerely, The Student Government Association Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University
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he beginning of a new semester can be overwhelming for many students. As a result, even the promise of an improved email account is being welcomed with open arms. And this October, students will have just that when a new and more efficient Gmail account is slated to launch at LIU. The partnership between the LIU Center for Student Information (CSI) and Google has led the conversion from the old system, which offered basic features, to a more technologically advanced email server. After numerous inquires and plenty
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of feedback from students themselves regarding their email account, CSI decided that it was not only time to improve the service, but to also advance the system in a way that will make it more user-friendly. Pia Haynes, director of CSI, said the program includes elements from the current Gmail service, such as Google Docs and Google Chat. “It’s better in many ways since you can chat, use Google Docs and all of the Gmail features that currently exist but are not present in MYLIU,” said Haynes. “Your MYLIU accounts will remain the same. The email address will exist; you will just have a Google tool bar.” Haynes believes that the new service is necessary to increase student usage
of LIU email accounts. The program will also electronically transfer any older emails and contacts so students won’t contend with the hassle of doing it manually. “This program does not change the way in which we use MYLIU email… your email address will remain the same, we are just providing added features… Chats, Goggle Docs, Google Pages. Each student will have all the features that exist within Google now,” Haynes added. Students will also be able to use prior Google apps for smart phones, such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Android, to easily and conveniently access the new feature.
The new feature is set to launch next month rather than the start of the semester. “We want to ensure that the move-over is seamless and that there are no issues with students’ login,” said Haynes.
By: Ashlee Mellowes
Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in LLC 124
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September
is National Cholesterol Education Month!
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t’s time to return back to school but it’s also National Cholesterol Education month! Now is a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it’s high. This month is a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that can help lower your cholesterol. Over 102 million American Adults over 20 years and older have total cholesterol levels at or above 200 mg/dL, which is above healthy levels. The Facts: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally, but too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms so many people don’t know that their cholesterol levels are too high. Our doctors at University Health and Medical Services can send you to the lab and order a simple blood test to check your cholesterol. It’s very important to check your cholesterol levels since high cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The National Cholesterol Education Program advises that adults aged 20 years or older have their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. All experts agree on the need to screen young adults who have other risk factors for coronary heart disease: obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a positive family history.
A basic blood test called a ‘Lipoprotein profile,’ can measure your cholesterol Desirable Cholesterol Levels Total cholesterol Less than 170 mg/dL Low LDL ("bad") cholesterol Less than 110 mg/dL High HDL ("good") cholesterol 35 mg/dL or higher Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dL
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of
getting heart disease. HDL, “good” cholesterol -- protects against heart disease by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood. Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the body, high levels are linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease. Your total cholesterol is a measure of LDL, HDL, and other lipid components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200. Medications can treat high cholesterol but you can also take steps to lower your cholesterol levels through various lifestyle changes: 1. Low-fat and high-fiber foods - more fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. 2. Eat less fatty and greasy foods, less egg yolks, less fast foods, remove skin from chicken, eat more salmon and less red meat, avoid butter, use olive oil, replace whole milks and cheeses with skim or 1% or 2% types. 3. For adults, getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. 4. Maintain a healthy weight and know your BMI, Body Mass Index. 5. Don’t smoke or quit if you smoke. Sources: www.webmd.com & www.cdc.gov By Adjoa B. Duker, M.D., M.P.H. University Health and Medical Services
Game Room
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ith the stresses of school around the corner, it’s important to have a place to get away and relax to. Luckily to find such a place, you don’t have to travel outside of school. Thanks to the new Game Room located next to the health science building towards the back, near the entrance on Flatbush Avenue. The Game Room is open to all LIU students, Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm and Tuesday through Thursdays from 11am to 7pm. “The idea to create a Game Room came from the Provost so that students could have additional lounge space, since the space outside the new integrated financial services was taken”, says Pia Haynes the Director for Student
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Continue on page 12
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his summer has been one of the most entertaining and surprising summers for celebrity news. For example the summer began with the engagement of Kim Kardashian and New Jersey Nets player Kris Humphries in May. After six months of dating Kris
Entertainment Weekly’s | Summer Round Up! became very apparent that she really wanted to feel like a bride, and she wanted to feel...like a princess, and by the end all of us were in agreement. The wedding dress she did wear down the aisle was meant to be something that was timeless, and very classic and very sort of Liz Taylor...Sophia Loren. We really wanted that kind of all-out glamour, that sort of ‘50s, voluptuous elegant Hollywood style.” The Newlyweds’ entire wedding will be an E! News special that will air on E! News in October. Another shocking and unexpected
popped the question with a 20.5 carat diamond ring. The proposal is featured as the finale in the reality series of Keeping Up With the Kardashians on E! Three months later on August 20, 2011 they tied the knot at the Sotto II Monte estate in Montecito, California. The celebrity guests included Ryan Seacrest, LaLa Vazquez-Anthony, Ciara, Mario Lopez, Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez and Lindsay Lohan to name a few. Guests were required to abide by strict rules such as choosing between the colors of only black and white to wear to the wedding. The bride wore a custom made Vera Wang dress, and actually had the designer make three dresses for her to choose from. Vera Wang spoke to E! News about Kim’s decision, “Up until the very end we weren’t even very sure...which dress she was going to wear down the aisle…It was Kim’s decision,” the N.Y.-based couturier continued, but I think it was at the last fitting it
moment this summer was the sudden death of singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse. Winehouse, 27 passed away on July 23, 2011. She was found in her London flat at 3:54 P.M. by her bodyguard. The singer was known for her overwhelmingly striking soulful voice and her sultry mix of R&B, soul and Jazz. She was also known for her addiction to drugs and alcohol. The singer had recently entered a rehab facility in May and was on the right track towards recovering, but family members have acknowledged that the singer was drinking but not taking drugs at the time of her death. Her mother Janice, who had lunch with her the day before she died says, “She seemed out of it.”
The cause of her death is still unknown with further toxicology results pending. According to TMZ. com The Winehouse family has released a statement regarding the toxicology results of their daughter, “Toxicology results returned to the Winehouse family by authorities have confirmed that there were no illegal substances in Amy’s system at the time of her death…Results indicate that alcohol was present but it cannot be determined as yet if it played a role in her death. The family would like to thank the police and coroner for their continuing thorough investigations and for keeping them informed throughout the process. They await the outcome of the inquest in October.” The death of Winehouse not only shocked her fans but also her fellow celebrities. Everyone took to their Twitter and Facebook pages to express their heartfelt sorrow for the loss of a one in a million singer. Fans worldwide can agree that there will never be another Amy Winehouse. The element of surprise seems to be
character throughout the entire night. MTV also paid tribute to Britney Spears with hundreds of adorable little girls recreating choreography and outfits from past Britney videos. Beyonce however stole the show when she performed her song, “Love on Top”, at the end of the performance she revealed her first pregnancy to the world by unbuttoning her jacket and rubbing her baby bump. The winners of the night included Katy Perry for “Video of the Year” for Firework and “Best Collaboration” with Kanye West for Extraterrestrial. Justin Beiber won for “Best Male Video” and Lady Gaga for “Best Female Video. By Shari Straker
Image sources: Kim Kardashian: http://reddogreport.com/2011/08/ sundays-news-55/kim-kardashiankris-humphries-wedding-kiss/ Amy Winehouse : ht t p : / / b u s y b e e ro o m . b l o g s p o t . c om / 2 0 1 1 / 0 7 / amy - w i nehous e remember-her-this-way.html Beyonce: http://soflydiva.com/video-beyonceshows-off-her-baby-bump-at-the2011-vmas/
the celebrity theme of the summer. The 2011 MTV VMA’s began with Lady Gaga dressed up as a man/ alter ego and she continued with the
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Game Room
Fashion’s Night Out
Continued from page 10
Information. Haynes, who is also in charge of the Game Room speaks about
Welcome back fashionistas! It is that time of the year again; back to school shopping, fall classes, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and of course Fashion’s Night Out!
Many students are already aware of The Avena Lounge where students can go to play video games with friends. However the Game Room is a huge upgrade from the small and often occupied Avena Lounge. Inside the Game Room are two rooms separated by a wall. Each room is set up with different game consoles like the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. In the main room, upon arrival you will see a pool table and behind that is an elevated area with seats facing a huge projection screen where movies and games will be played. The next room has several couches, 4 televisions, 2 Wii’s, an Xbox 360 and PS3 set up. The Game Room even pays homage to retro gaming with its Ms. Pac man and Galega arcade machine.
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is held on September 8, 2011 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, all over the country. It began in 2009 by Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the City of New York and NYC & Company. FNO is a day where celebrities, designers, editors, shoppers and models come together and celebrate fashion. Not only are they celebrating fashion but it is also a night to promote retail and raise the industry’s economy. There is also a FNO collection available at all participating retailers. The collection includes the FNO signature t-shirt for men and women in white and grey, a baseball cap, multi-colored fashion print shirt long sleeve and short sleeve and a tote bag. The FNO collection is fashionable and versatile; the best part about this is that forty percent of the proceeds will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund in the New York Community Trust.
finding a location and says,” finding a location for a new projects is always an issue because as a campus we do not have unlimited space.”
So whether you’ve got time to kill until a late class or just done for the day, you can go in and hang out with friends, play video games or just be a spectator. Mathew “Preach” Mc Rowell, an employee in the Game Room has also told us more details about the works of the Game Room, such as the list of games and possibility of future events. According to Mathew, the games in their library include all major sports games like basketball, football and soccer. To party, games like Dj Hero, Rock Band, Mario Party and Dance Rhythm games. In addition there are also popular versus games for students to compete each other with like Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Fight Night, Street Fighter and all of the Call of Duty tittles. With these major competitive games the Game Room will be host to student events and tournaments. Haynes says,” we will host tournaments in the fall semester and that information will be posted. We welcome student involvement in the creation of tournaments that they would like to host and be involved in provided we have time to plan accordingly.” Thanks to the Provost Haynes and Pia Haynes students now have a place where they can hang out and have fun. A place to be away from school within school, to play, sit and relax comfortably. With furniture, multiple televisions and gaming systems the Game Room is unlike any other lounge at LIU.
This is the third year of Fashion’s Night Out and it is not to be missed! Each year it gets bigger and better. Stop by Macy’s Herald Square and meet designers Tommy Hilfiger, Rachel Roy, Knicks basketball player, Amare Stoudemire and much more. Visit the fifth floor and meet runway coach extraordinaire Miss J. Alexander, who will be having a shoe seminar, modeling and foot massages. Meet singer, Kelly Rowland while sipping on refreshments and get some styling tips from celebrity stylist, Derek Warburton. Everyone knows the fastest way to get around the city is by walking, but FNO is going to be a long night. For those wearing 6-inch platform pumps that might not be the best option. Hop aboard the official FNO bus for free rides around the city the entire night! The buses will be stopping at select locations from 14th Street and 8th Avenue to 57th Street, Time Warner Circle. Want an express ride downtown? Instead of taking the bus, shoppers can go to 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue and catch a ride from “Volkswagen of America.” Volkswagen will be giving non-stop rides to Greene Street between Prince and Spring and from 50th between 5th and 6th Avenue. Maybelline New York Color Studio Hot Spot have a variety of events for the night in honor of Great Lash Mascara’s 40th birthday! Enjoy mini-makeovers, live music by DJ Chelsea Leyland and the first 300 guests will receive a Great Lash t-shirt designed by Patricia Field. Teen Vogue will be having a Fashion’s Night Out Block Party on Bleecker Street and West 11st Street. Fashionistas can enjoy Essie manicures, drink AriZona Iced Tea smoothies, take pictures in photo booths and see a performance by Sky Ferreira. These are only a few events that are happening around the city. To check out all the events happening on FNO and plan your itineraries for the night go to www.fashionsnightout.com. Like Fashion’s Night Out on Facebook to receive updates and follow FNO on Twitter @FNOnyc. Fashion’s Night Out is a night to remember; hope everyone partakes in the festivities! Have fun in the name of fashion!
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By: Rodrigo Carreno
By: Mabel Martinez
Watch The Throne
“Watch The Throne” is the most
anticipated Hip-Hop collaboration album of the year. In choosing to buy into the “hype” you find yourself with complete mediocrity. After hearing it you may even want to demand a refund. When Kanye West and Jay-Z decides to collaborate on an album it’s supposed to be epic. This album doesn’t come close to meeting its expectation. It’s really hard to fathom how two of the biggest and talented Stars in the Hip-Hop game could hear this and actually like the results. You cannot name an album “Watch the Throne” and not show effort throughout its entirety. Kanye West and Jay-Z were both coming off of two very respectable albums; Kanye with “Dark Twisted Fantasy” and Jay with “Blueprint 3”. Listening to both, you knew they had a lot to bring to the table. It should at least have been on the level of “Collision Course”, the 2004 collaboration between Jay-Z and Linkin Park. The album “Collision Course” was very good. What made that album so interesting was a group and a solo act performing two different genres of music—Hip-Hop and Rock. They both were able to synchronize and align their music and thoughts. So if Kanye and Jay
brought their talents together, it would be so easy for them to lift the rap game to new heights and create new standards. “Watch The Throne” didn’t accomplish this goal. They weren’t even close. One of the major aspects to the creation of a successful Hip-Hop/Rap album is flow which begins with your first song; in this case “No Church in the Wild”. This song set a lack luster tone of Kanye and Jay proclaiming how great they were. When part of the chorus is “what’s a King to a God” you’re setting a pretty high standard. The purpose of this song is to get you ready for the rest of the album by creating a sense of excitement, which this song failed to accomplish. What they should have done was what some tend to do; have an intro and talk a little to create some hype. “No Church in the Wild” should not have been the song of choice to start an album. The first song doesn’t have to be the best, but it should give a listener some hope into what the rest of the tracks will contain. If a fan chooses to stop listening after this first track it won’t be a bad decision. A common theme found throughout most of the songs is that Jay-Z and Kanye West were bragging about their lifestyles. Hearing about their money and fame on countless tracks becomes very annoying and redundant. It really takes away from the better verses that some of the songs contained. But sadly this is what the rap game has become, more effort into self promotion than the actual lyrics and verses. Being able to be sympathetic to the music you’re hearing adds meaning since it becomes more personal. When Kanye and Jay continuously talk about the high life it makes it difficult for listeners to make that connection. There were a couple of good songs that showed thought and substance. “Murder to Excellence” was a very
good song on this album because Kanye and Jay finally showed the balance a song needs between self promotion and lyrical substance. The song touched on many everyday topics such as violence, war and the success that some African Americans such as Jay and Kanye—are lucky enough to achieve through hard work and diligence. This track was a great change of pace from the other songs. In my opinion, one of the most powerful lines on the album, “ain’t nothing on the news but the blues”. A line such as this is what makes music enjoyable. It shows the artist has something to say that is relatable to what their fans deal with everyday. If more of the album contained songs such as this, “Watch the Throne” would have been better than it was. “Watch the Throne” should have been postponed because it seemed rushed. At times it felt as if Kanye West and Jay-Z were on different trains of thought and headed for a “collision course.” A collaboration of this caliber seems as if it’s worth the money. For fans that have purchased this album, the fourteen dollars that was spent could have been put to better use. By Justin Ellis
Billboard’s Top 10 Albums 1. The R.E.D Album - Game 2. Watch The Throne - Jay Z & Kanye West 3. 21 - Adele 4. What Matters Most - Barbara Streisand 5. Hell On Heels - Pistol Annies 6. Now 39 - Various Artists 7. Tailgates & Tanlines - Luke Bryan 8. Muppets: The Green Album - Various Artists 9. My Kinda Party - Jason Aldean 10. Chief - Eric Church
SO NOW YOU KNOW
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WRAC Welcomes Freshman
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elcome 2011-2012 freshman class of Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. If you walked around the campus so far then you’ve definitely heard of the WRAC. The Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center provides a state-of-the-art workout environment for the campus community and offers health and wellness services. The WRAC is the home of the Blackbirds and 2010-2011 Men’s Basketball Northeast Conference Champions and also supports the campus’ 18 Division 1 Athletic teams. Along with the 2,500 seat arena, the WRAC features an NCAA-regulation swimming pool and a recently renovated top-notch gym. The gym has state-of-the-art cardio and fitness equipment, free weights and a yoga studio. The swimming pool is New York City’s only hydrotherapy pool designed for sports injuries and cardiac conditions. The WRAC also provides training opportunities for more than 3,000 students in healthrelated majors. You can take private swimming lessons with the best instructors and even take swimming classes for credits. But wait there is more; the WRAC also features a rooftop track and tennis court. The WRAC has a variety of group exercises that you must try out for yourself including Belly dancing classes, Pilates, Hip Hop dance classes, Salsa, and Yoga classes. To check out the times for these amazing and helpful classes just hop on to the LIU website. The WRAC wouldn’t be what it is today if it wasn’t for the staff that is
The
RUNDOWN Atwistonprofessionalsports... Cam Newton... MG: Even though he’s hailed as the perfect hybrid at the quarterback position, I’m going to say bust. He’s a big body at the position but he’s got to realize this isn’t College Football. Preseason numbers rank him last in QB Rating and 12th in completion percentage and TD to interception ratio. History doesn’t favor Newton or the Panthers. Good Luck fantasy owners.
Photo Courtesy of LIU Athletics Archives ‘The’ WRAC: The Athletic Center stands tall over LIU Field
always there to assist you and cater to your needs. The gym is located on the first floor and the swimming pool is on the lower level of the WRAC along with Men’s and Women’s locker rooms for Varsity teams, Faculty, and Guests. The WRAC has everything everybody looks for in a gym; treadmills, elliptical, bikes, resistance weights, and free weights such as 4 flat-incline benches and 6 Olympic bars. So if you have nothing to do in those long gaps between classes just make your way to the gym for some exercise. Remember, the WRAC is not only for the gym and the pool, make sure to come by and support the LIU Blackbirds. Come support the Women’s Volleyball team and when November rolls around, the Men’s
and Women’s Basketball teams. For the entire freshman class, don’t hesitate to come and check out the WRAC. It is one easy step and you can use the facility whenever you like. The first time you go, you just have to fill out a sheet and make sure to bring your LIU I.D at all times. The Fitness Center and Pool operate Monday through Thursday from 7 A.M till 7 P.M, Friday from 7 A.M till 3 P.M. It is closed every Saturday and Sunday.
By John Tolis Staff Writer
JT: Yea I don’t know if Cam Newton is going to make an impact in the NFL. But this could be something big for the Panthers in the future. Newton has the potential to be a leader for this organization in the long run. I’m not really a big fan of the guy, but all quarterbacks deserve a chance right? Yankees - Red Sox... MG: I might get shot in the BK for saying this but go Sox. Starters: Boston, Relievers: NY, Lineup: Even, Intangibles: Boston. Two of the highest, if not the highest payrolls in MLB, both make the postseason but another empty run for the Bombers. Big Papi’s back! JT: I’m going the other way on this one. Go Yanks! New York Outfielder Curtis Granderson is no doubt an MVP this season, leading the American league in RBIs and Runs. The rest of the Bombers’ lineup is coming alive and the bullpen is stronger than ever. I see the Yanks knocking out Boston in the playoffs. ByMichaelGarcia&JohnTolis
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New Heights for Women/Men’s Soccer win it,” said Bartholomew. The Blackbirds welcome 12 new faces including 4 junior transfers in what looks to be a young but promising unit. At net, the Blackbirds continue the dual threat of Jennifer Bannon and Jessica Sexton who led the NCAA in goals against average last season. Under the helm of captains Ari Calderon, Christine DeLashmutt, Kayleigh Morgan, and Jeanette Dolmetsch, the Blackbirds set out for a 9th straight postseason appearance. At the hands of head coach TJ Kostecky, the men’s team seeks to continue their heralded success on and off the field. Photo Courtesy of LIU Athletics Archives Vengeance: Senior Ariana Calderon and teammates return for another shot at the Conference title.
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fter a demanding offseason and a much needed resurfacing of LIU Field, the women’s and men’s soccer team are set for their 2011 campaigns. A year ago, the women’s team was crowned Northeastern Conference (NEC) regular season champs, boasting a 15-3-3 record, 8-1-1 (NEC), two of the programs best. Along the way, the team set records for shutouts, consecutive shutouts, goals against average, and fewest goals allowed. As a result of such success, six athletes collected All-Conference honors including Jessica Sexton (1st Team) and Ariana Calderon (2nd Team) both of which have returned. The women return with the bitter taste of defeat in their mouths after being
ousted in the NEC Championship game by Saint Francis (Pa.) 1-0 by an early own goal.
to reach the postseason, a mark they failed to reach a season ago. The men finished 7-10-1, 4-5-1 (NEC) last season but welcome 11 new faces that look to contribute to improving. The team’s top two scorers, Steve Jakubowski and Jakeem Johnson received 1st and 2nd All-Conference team honors respectively and look to pace the team and their attack. Admirably, the men also seek the prestigious honor of a 4th consecutive NEC Team Academic Award. The men were ranked nationally in academic achievement, joining Columbia and South Carolina in the top 10. By Michael Garcia
Ranked 5th in the 2011 NEC preseason poll behind Monmouth, Farleigh Dickinson, Sacred Heart and Saint Francis (Pa.) respectively, the men fight an uphill battle in an effort
“We don't want to let another chance pass us by,” said Tracey Bartholomew, head coach and mastermind. “We will prepare for every NEC match as if it's the championship. We want another chance at the title in 2011.” The ladies will be tested often in what is an arduous and challenging schedule in and out of conference play. Early on, the ladies visit California to take on three of the top 50 teams in the nation, all to prepare for unpredictable conference play. “The parody in the conference is outstanding which means every game is an all out effort to finish in the top 4 and get to the NEC tournament and
Photo Courtesy of LIU Athletics Archives Versatility: Junior Jakeem Johnson looks to pace the Blackbird offense.
Despite Title, Basketball Still Focused
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laying one of its most successful seasons in over a decade, the Long Island University men’s basketball team accomplished a feat that had escaped it since 1997. The Blackbirds defeated Robert Morris for the NEC Championship title, securing an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament and adding the 13th win to the team’s streak. The Blackbirds finished the season 27-6 and 16-2 in its conference, the most wins in over 70-years. “What motivated me during the season was the chance to play in the NCAA tournament and win a conference championship.” said sophomore Jamal Olasewere, who alongside sophomore Julian Boyd exploded onto the court as Long Islands front runners. Olasewere earned MVP in the NEC tournament, putting up 31-points and 11-rebounds; helping LIU defeat Robert Morris, 85-82 in overtime. Boyd, who missed the 2009-10 season, ended tied for the NEC lead with 12 double-doubles. He also led LIU in scoring averaging 13 points per game (ppg) earning himself All-NEC First Team honors. “After winning the NEC Championship I thought about how everything we had worked so hard for was now ours.” said senior CJ Garner and “Work hard” they did although victory may have seemed to come to Long Island with ease. “No one thought we would win the conference, so we had the mind state that we had to prove them wrong.” Garner continued. But, like all team victories, drive and determination were the defining factors. With negativity and doubt
Photo Courtesy of LIU Athletics Archives Titletown: Coach Jim Ferry and the Blackbirds return as the defending Northeastern Conference (NEC) Champions. surrounding the team, many basketball fans, even LIU students were skeptical of Long Island’s ability to win the con ference title. Yet, the Blackbirds prevailed managing to turn non-believers into fans. The Blackbirds led the nation with a 13-win road record and averaged 82.6 ppg., placing as the fourth-highest in the nation and ready to give the Tar Heels a run for their money. However, despite its success during the regularseason, LIU fell to North Carolina 102-87 during the opening round of the NCAA tournament. “Even thought we lost, I feel we gained
a lot of experience and have a lot of motivation going into next year we want to get back to the tournament and have another successful season.” said Boyd. Head coach Jim Ferry achievement did not go unnoticed. He received three coaching awards for his efforts towards creating the team Long Island has the potential to become, including NEC Coach of the Year. Long Island also bid farewell to David Hicks and Kyle Johnson. Hicks capped his season with 123 career starts and Johnson finished with 1,433 points and 659 rebounds. Both players end their
careers at LIU after playing important roles in putting the Blackbirds back into the NCAA tournament. Now, with the fast approaching basketball season; Long Island is ready to match and surpass its previous record.
By Shanel Gilbert
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Photo By: Rodrigo Carreno
Field Fit for Winners Page 20