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(02/15/06 12:00pm)
The mainstream media in Iraq is fooling itself into believing that it is doing the public good. The reports from rooftops and hotel rooms in Baghdad do not portray the real Iraq, nor do they report the truth. The reporters are so far removed from the conflict that what they report is little more than what they can piece together or steal from military personnel and independent field journalists.
Perhaps it is my own personal ties to the Iraq war, or my recent cynicism toward the news media, that lead me to believe that the news media is a self-interested machine committed to providing sensational news coverage.
I found the extensive coverage of ABC "World News Tonight" co-anchor Bob Woodruff and cameraman Doug Vogt's injuries in Iraq to be distasteful.
I am not suggesting that what happened to Woodruff and Vogt was acceptable. I just don't understand why it took almost three years, more than 2,000 American military casualties and more than 20,000 injuries before the mainstream news media explained to the American public how dangerous an improvised explosive device (IED) is.
The media have not lived up to their obligation to provide the public with information. A member of the news media had to be hurt for the term IED to raise eyebrows and make people fully realize the danger our troops have faced for almost three years.
The real news coming out of Iraq is not from the mainstream news journalists that barely travel out of Baghdad and the Green Zone. The accurate news is coming from the front lines - from the men and women living through the war and racing back to computers to blog what is really happening.
Michael Yon, 41, an independent journalist from Florida, has just finished his second tour in Iraq. He was embedded with the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team in Mosul, a volatile city in Northern Iraq. The information on his blogs is more comprehensive than any mainstream news coverage.
In one of his recent blogs, Yon said, "Often I am asked to withhold information due to the immediate sensitivity. And so, I never release the slightest hint. But then somebody in Baghdad - three steps removed from the action here in Mosul - releases it to CNN and the rest of the world. What is seen on television and in the papers is practically always inaccurate, or is at least poorly framed."
The public has a right to know what is happening in Iraq and I just hope that people do not rely solely on the mainstream media for information.
Information from - abcnews.com, cnn.com, strykernews.com, michaelyon.blogspot.com
(04/13/05 12:00pm)
The Student Finance Board (SFB) returned the $9,857 allocated to Uni?n Latina (UL) on March 16 for the Nina Sky performance back into the SFB account at its meeting last week.
UL had been granted the money for Nina Sky to perform at the College's "Night at Kendall" variety program April 8. Now, according to Craig Gross, SFB chairperson, UL wants to have the program on a reading day before finals and find an alternative artist.
Gross asked the board whether it was willing to suspend the rules and allow UL to keep the money. The members agreed that the best way to deal with the situation was to take the money back.
The Leadership Development Program (LDP) received $3,819 for the fall leadership retreat at the Pocono Environmental Education Center and Happiness is Camping.
Gross cast the deciding vote in favor of funding to break a tie, leaving the vote 6-5.
The board members who voted the motion down questioned whether the event would be worthwhile to the entire campus community.
Ravi Kaneriya, Student Government Association (SGA) liaison, said that most of them would not be from LDP, but that he did not think the turnout would be as good if students were asked to contribute $10 or $15.
Jon Borst, sophomore representative, said in the past the program has been rewarding and because it would be at the beginning of the fall semester, it would be worthwhile. Gross added that it is better for freshman and sophomores than it is for upperclassmen.
Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), the business honor society, was allocated $800 for a National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Orlando.
Nicole Ryan, president of PBL, said the conference would allow students to win scholarships and attend workshops and seminars about leadership. The students would meet people from all over the country and learn to be more well-rounded leaders.
"Many people need to go because they are officers and they are very active in fund-raising," Ryan said. "If they participated in the state conference than they have to attend the national conference to take the test for scholarships." Sixteen members are expected to attend the trip.
Pratt asked if the School of Business would contribute any money. Ryan said the school does not have any spare money.
The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) was allocated $750 by a vote of 8-3 to attend "Baileia," a leadership retreat in Saranc Lake, N.Y. The retreat will include 30 members who will train for new positions in the fall.
Tori Barrett, IVCF president, said the conference is student-oriented and the group will learn how to resolve problems within an organization.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (AMSE) received $700 to attend a "solar splash" conference in Buffalo.
The group, according to AMSE president Nick Ginga, has $2,000 in its account but would like to leave money in the account for the students next year.
Seventeen students are attending the event because, Ginga said, "They each have a specialty and they need to get the boat in the water, there is no boat ramp."
Borst said the students elected to do the project. They weren't forced to do it, he said, and they should have anticipated the costs before they agreed to the project.
Gross said that SFB had an agreement with Provost Stephen Briggs and George Facas, dean of the school of engineering, to help fund the trip.
Gross said that once a senior helps with the boat then he or she must go. The expectation to do this is pretty substantial.
Gross said it's important for SFB to work with the College for the students.
In a vote of 9-2-1, ink was allocated $476 to help with its student talent showcase, "the Goods." Kristofer Disharoon, senior representative, abstained because he would be the sound technician for the event. The money was given to pay for a sound technician, decorations and supplies, rental of a student center bulletin board to display artwork and payment of Rathskellar employees, because the Rat would be open three hours later than usual.
The Polish Club, a new club on campus, was given $226 for a Polish buffet, ads in The Signal and copies. The measure passed with a vote of 8-2-1.
Katozzaro Baines, president of the Polish Club, said the buffet would add diversity to the campus and would allow for co-sponsorship.
The Siren, the College's literary and art magazine, was allocated $154 for 200 copies and two half-page ads in The Signal to advertise its online issue in a vote of 11-1.
Jessica Gill, treasurer for The Siren, said the online version should be available before classes end. Gill also said The Siren has a Webmaster as well as someone that can help with graphics.
The Society of Honors Students (SHS) was allocated $90, with a vote of 12-0, to co-sponsor with Sigma Tau Delta (STD), the premier of a student-made film. The money allocated will be used for catering by Sodexho at the film viewing on April 14 on the first floor of the physics building.
At SFB's March 28 meeting, which was in closed session, the board held elections and dealt with appeals. Pratt was elected chairperson, Kyle Brownlie was elected assistant chairperson, Borst was elected director of communications and Kobi Wilmot was elected director of external relations.
The History Club was allocated $400 during the appeals session with a vote of 13-2.
(03/30/05 12:00pm)
Dismal statistics on the number of women in politics took center stage last week as the women's and gender studies department invited three prominent women in politics to discuss politics in New Jersey and encourage students to become involved.
The speakers were alumnus Kelly Baden of Planned Parenthood Association of Bucks County, Sarah Brewer of Women & Politics Institute and Susan Markham of EMILY's List, both of Washington, D.C.
Ann Marie Nicolosi, professor of women's and gender studies, said this year was the start of a new program for Women's History Month, the alumnus spotlight. Baden was one of the first graduates of the women's and gender studies program in 2001.
Baden disclosed that there are 14 women in the U.S. Senate and 66 women in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are no women in Congress from New Jersey. She also said that New Jersey has never sent a woman to the Senate.
There are six women in the New Jersey Senate and 13 in the state Assembly. New Jersey ranks 41st, for the amount of women in the state legislature.
"To see how we rank in comparison to other countries, especially compared to Iraq, a nation we are in the process of helping to rebuild, is just in one word upsetting," Rachel Donohue, junior political science and women's and gender studies major, said.
To improve the situation, the panel discussed the "pipeline" theory of women in government. The idea is to get more women in lower levels of government to run for office and eventually move up the ladder. These women would then encourage other women to take their place in the lower ranks.
Baden said that the pipeline theory has not worked out as well as people hoped it would. The country has a greater focus on security and women are not viewed as strong, she said.
Brewer said that the numbers are sobering and that there needs to be more networking.
"Political parties need to do a better job at seeking out new women candidates," she said. She also said that a lot of women have not been replaced by other women.
"I'm not as discouraged about the 'pipeline' theory as some of the panelists were," Daryl Fair, professor of political science, said. "Maybe the results have not been as good as we might like, as of yet, but if there are no candidates in the pipeline, then it is difficult, if not impossible, to elect more women to office."
"Having candidates in the pipeline is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for getting more women elected. We need to identify the other conditions that must be present as well, and then work to bring them about," he added.
Baden said that the United States ranks 52nd globally with regards to female representation. "There are more women represented in places where the U.S. has made democracy," Baden said. "There is 35 percent female representation in Iraq after the election," Baden said.
(03/23/05 12:00pm)
The College is now one of two New Jersey colleges and universities that the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA) recognized for its education curriculum in strength and conditioning through the Educational Recognition Program (ERP).
ERP is a program designed to recognize higher education institutions. The recognition is good for three years and is granted to schools in the United States, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom.
William Paterson University is the other school recognized in New Jersey.
To be eligible, an educational program must at least offer a bachelor's degree. The program has to be a "formalized area of study," but not necessarily a major, minor or concentration.
The College has many NCSA-approved courses in sport and exercise science, anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, exercise technique and nutrition.
The College can use the accreditation on publications, recruiting materials and forms and will receive more exposure through Web sites and publications. In addition, the College will receive aid from NCSA to help market the educational program.
Jay Hoffman, associate professor of health and exercise science and vice president of NCSA, said that the award will help to promote the department's accomplishments.
Hoffman pointed out the prolific faculty in the department. "There are over 200 publications between four health and exercise professors," he said. "The faculty is outstanding."
Susan Crum, freshman health and exercise science major, said that it will help students learn more while getting the program and school recognized.
Crum plans to work as a physical therapist but said the training would be helpful.
"With the educational program, students can be high school strength and conditioning teachers, college trainers, professional trainers, strength and conditioning teachers as well as many other careers," Hoffman said. The program is not just about working with athletes-it's about enhancing an individual's health in daily or stressful situations, Hoffman said.
Hoffman said that he hoped the recognition would boost out-of-state attendance and, more importantly, allow the department to apply for more research grants.
"Over 250 students focus on physical education here and do go on to get certified, many transfer to allied health and physical therapy and the department offers all electives for pre-med. The focus is on human physiology," Hoffman said of the health and science department at the College. In addition, the College has Avery Faigenbaum, who is a board member of NCSA and associate professor of health and exercise science at the College.
According to NCSA's Web site, Faigenbaum has sat on many state, regional and national NCSA committees.
NCSA offers grants to students, professors and colleges that want to pursue careers and research in conditioning and strength. NSCA, a non-profit organization that has nearly 30,000 members in 52 countries, was founded in 1978 and is located in Colorado Springs, Colo.
(01/26/05 12:00pm)
Adding color and an artsy visual with a culinary theme to the Brower Student Center Food Court, Kim Lettorale, a 2004 graduate of the College, was honored on Jan. 18 with the dedication of the fa?ade she designed for the Food Court.
The project was completed as a component of assistant professor of art Fanky Chak's graphic design practicum, given as a four-week assignment to the senior class.
According to Karen Roth, director of Auxiliary Services, Lettorale's fa?ade was chosen for two reasons: "The first is Kim's use of color and the way she integrated this element into a culinary theme," she said. "Secondly, her artwork is three-dimensional and her strong passion for color clearly makes the artwork pop when you are viewing it."
"It was important to all of us involved with this project to avoid setting limits on the creative process associated with a project of this magnitude," Roth said. "Every student in the class presented their vision of the fa?ade to a selected group of administrators, faculty and students."
"I believe the screening committee liked the fun parts of her design, it gives a very relaxed and enjoyable feel, but I don't know for sure since I wasn't the one made the decision," Chak said.
Lettorale said she was happy to leave her mark at the College. "I feel proud, excited and honored. I had a really positive experience when I was at TCNJ so I am glad that I was able to give something back," she said.
I saw this as an opportunity to design something in my style that would be able to be shared by everyone that goes into the Food Court."
"I also wanted to capture the feeling of fun and cheerfulness that I felt when I was at TCNJ through my color and style," Lettorale said.
The process for picking the winner took almost a year, starting with the presentation of ideas by the entire practicum class to a group of people from different organizations in the school in Fall 2003. Later the group was narrowed down to four, then three, then two.
"When it got to be two of us, they asked for different versions of our original idea," Lettorale said. "After we did that, I got a phone call and got the good news that they were going with my idea."
Lettorale received an award and unveiled a plate with her name on it during the ceremony. Her parents and friends were present, as well as Chak, students and other faculty members.
Some students, however, like Kimberly Reynolds, junior history and secondary education major, don't see the need for the fa?ade.
"I think the artwork is a good idea in theory, but is it really necessary? I think the College has other areas that can better use the money and effort put into this project," Reynolds said.
Chak said the project started when Roth and Toni Pusak, assistant director of Auxiliary Services, asked him if he could find great students to help out with both the ideas and the layout for the Food Court.
"All 15 students from the class came up with amazing solutions," he said.
Pusak and Roth chose three solutions to be the finalists: Kim Lettorale, Tara Gangi and Karen Hagen. These three students had another month to redevelop their ideas and layout.
(12/01/04 12:00pm)
The College recently appointed Wanda Anderson and Ivonne Cruz as new members to the expanding Academic Services office, which will include the Center for Academic Success (CAS).
The new office will be comprised of CAS, the Equal Opportunity Fund program (EOF) and the Academic and Career Enhancement program (ACE).
Ivonne Cruz, who previously worked for EOF as a program specialist for the schools of Culture and Society and Art, Media, and Music, will be coordinate the student mentoring and leadership program as well as provide supplemental academic advising. She will also facilitate the CAS developmental workshops and seminars and will report to Anderson.
"The CAS will be available for all students who want to increase their academic success," Cruz said. "There will be a campus-wide e-mail sent out with a survey attached to get a better sense of what the campus needs are so we (Anderson and Cruz) can address what the student population feels is needed, not just what we assume is needed."
"We also hope to advertise our services and new location in The Signal next semester," Cruz said. "We are also discussing the creation of a Student Board of Advisors for the Center to maintain a constant reflection of student feedback."
A 1994 graduate of the College, she has also been an admissions counselor and an assistant director in human resources at the College in addition to her more recent position as an EOF program specialist.
"The new Center will provide services targeted to design and enhance leadership. It will also advise students that are not connected with EOF and ACE and allow them to seek academic advisement," James Boatwright, director of the EOF program said.
The CAS program will be an extenuation of the ACE program. Cruz said that the program is still being changed to accommodate new ideas.
"We have a general vision of the Center for Academic Success (CAS), but we clearly understand that student input is needed to fully assess what the (the College's) students feel their needs and wants are and therefore tailor the Center to satisfy those needs," she said.
Glendale Barrios, junior nursing major, said the academic services office needs to focus more on tutoring. "Students don't know that if they are having a hard time there is a place for them to get help," she said. "It doesn't appeal to students and they are not comfortable asking for help. The office needs more publicity so people know that these programs are there to help them."
Cruz said her new job is an extension of her work with the EOF program. "There are many similarities between the two jobs. In EOF, I serve as a supplemental academic advisor to EOF students as well as provide academic, career, emotional and financial aid counseling," she said. "My EOF cohort will continue to get those services from the new EOF Program Specialist that will be hired to replace me, but I will now offer those same services to those who come to the Center for Academic Success."
"Part of my new duties will also now include the coordination of the Student Mentoring & Leadership (SML) Program. The SML Program is a new, expanded version of the program formally known as the Minority Mentoring Program. Again, this is another work in progress," Cruz added.
Cruz said that the program is intended to help students achieve academic success. "We would hope that CAS would positively influence students to purposefully and actively seek out a plan toward academic success. We hope to serve as a resource toward that goal. We do not intend to duplicate the services of other offices on campus, but to partner with them to address the needs of the students," she said.
"This is a very exciting endeavor and I hope that all the students of TCNJ take advantage of the opportunities that CAS will be making available to them," Cruz added.
(09/15/04 12:00pm)
College students marked the three-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks Friday morning at 8:30 a.m., gathering in front of Paul Loser Hall to hear tributes to those who lost their lives and to observe a moment of silence at the time the first plane slammed into the World Trade Center.
"On this day, we reflect back to where we were and how we felt on Sept. 11, 2001," Lisa Bowers, junior nursing major and a member of ROTC, said during her speech. Bowers read short memoirs from ROTC students describing their initial responses to first hearing of the attacks.
"With all that was happening, people asked me if I would still join the military. Of course, I said. I suddenly felt tall and strong again, as my career choice was given new meaning. My courage was renewed," Bowers read. "One year later, on Sept. 11, 2002, I signed a contract with the Army ROTC program here at TCNJ."
Bowers also read a poem in honor of those who died.
Amy Swaiteki-McCabe, senior biology major and ROTC company commander was here at the College on Sept. 11. "On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, my roommate and I were getting ready for class," she said. "All morning, my eyes were glued to the television. By mid-afternoon, Travers Four floor members pulled together into one cohesive unit forming a support group for each other. We found something in common, and helped each other through this tragic time."
"When the first plane had hit the World Trade Center, I was in a high school technology class and my teacher immediately turned all the TVs on," Bill Yang, sophomore law and justice major and ROTC member, recalled. "A moment later we caught glimpse of the second plane crash and silence overtook the classroom. The whole experience seemed very surreal."
College President R. Barbara Gitenstein started her speech by comparing the beautiful weather Friday to that on Sept. 11, 2001. "Today is a beautiful eerily similar day," she said. Gitenstein described the attacks as a stunning stop in time. "At 8:46 a.m. there would be a moment of silence, and whoever is speaking will stop and the bells will toll," Gitenstein said.
The moment of silence forced Pedro Khoury, executive president of the Student Government Association, to stop in the middle of his speech.
His speech touched on the sacrifices of the firemen and rescue workers and the unified state of the nation after the attack.
Congressman Rush Holt (D) said, "This time should be used to gain perspective on the world." He also added that people should examine what it is to be an American and build perspective in reflection and memory.
"We are the land of the free because of the brave," Brian Mulvihill, executive vice president of SGA, said, to begin his speech. He also recalled the speech given by President George Bush days after the attack.
College student Kiera Casper sang the National Anthem after the speeches.
Lastly, Father Joseph Hlubik from Catholic Campus Ministries recited a reading from the Prophet Isiah. "This is not a war against religion, this is a war against violence," Hlubik said.
Many students attended the remembrance. Some knew people who died that day, while others came out of respect.
"Even though I don't know anyone who died on 9/11, I still feel that it is important to remember that day because of the profound impact that it has had on our country," Eric Pasternack, junior political science major, said.
Kaitlin Wooster junior nursing major and Erin Mitschke sophomore elementary education major, although they didn't know anyone who died that day, came out of respect.
(02/11/04 12:00pm)
On Monday, Feb. 9, at 12:30 p.m. the College kicked off its countdown to the sesquicentennial celebration by unveiling the official clock that will count the seconds until Sept. 8, the official start of the sesquicentennial year.
The clock is located outside the Brower Student Center in the trophy case facing Packer Hall and the interior of campus. There is also a countdown clock that appeared today on the College's homepage.
According to Sue Long, public information officer for the office of college and community relations, the clock was purchased by funds raised by the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee (SQC).
Staff members and students who attended the short ceremony, which lasted about 15 minutes, sent streams of confetti through the air just after the clock was unveiled.
"The College is celebrating 149 years of history and beauty on its campus by littering it with confetti," Ryan Zeek, junior history major, said.
Robert Gladstone, Board of Trustees member and chair of the SQC, began the ceremony saying, "This is the beginning of the beginning."
On Feb. 9, 1885, 149 years ago, the College began as the New Jersey State Normal School, and since then it has gone through three name changes.
College President R. Barbara Gitenstein said, "We are very excited to begin our celebration, honoring the successes of our past and rejoicing in the promise of our future."
Jean Nelson, financial aid secretary, was pleased with the ceremony. "I think it's a great honor to be a part of a school with such a great history," he said.
Laureen Biruk, junior graphic design major, is a member of the SQC. Although she was unable to attend the unveiling, she was pleased to hear that people are becoming more involved.
Biruk and the group have been working on this event for over a year.
Gladstone added said that Monday began the first day of the "Name the Lion Contest." The contest is the first of many contests that will be held throughout the year. "The lion is a part of the history of the school, and his name will be a part of the future," Gladstone said.
Students, staff, alumni and members of the community will be invited to choose from a list of 10 names related to the history of the school. The names are listed and a short explanation of the origin of the name is available by clicking on it.
To vote on the lion's name visit the sesquicentennial Web site at http://150years.tcnj.edu. The contest will end at 6:55 p.m. on May 7. The winning name will be announced on Sept. 8 at the official kickoff of the sesquicentennial year.
Participants are invited to vote as many times as they would like.