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(09/08/10 5:49pm)
In Week Two of Around the Dorm, Kevin Lee is “The Ref.” The players, Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier, Managing Editor Caroline Russomanno, and Sports Editor Hilarey Wojtowicz, are asked whether they agree with the way teams are limiting the rookie pitchers’ playing time, which NBA team will be able to challenge the Miami Heat for the championship this season and which NFL veteran will have the largest impact on his new team.
1. Joba Chamberlain is one pitcher who has really suffered from the “Joba Rules,” whereas a pitcher like Tim Lincecum has been able to flourish in the role he has been given since day one. Do you agree with the way teams have handled their young pitchers nowadays? In other words, do you agree with limiting a rookie pitcher’s workload and starting them as a reliever or do you disagree and think that teams are babying them too much?
BO: I have written about and discussed this topic at length in the past, always in opposition to the “Joba Rules” and any other pitching restrictions, but this whole Stephen Strasburg thing has changed my mind. Young pitchers are in a constant state of adaptation, getting used to new stadiums, big contracts and millions of fans watching their every move. They are so pumped up just to be in the majors, they are fueled by adrenaline, and do not always have the best feeling for when they should rest, or be taken out of games. I disagree with starting future starters as relievers, due to the completely different mindset that goes with the roles, but limiting pitch counts is not a terrible idea. It isn’t babying as much as protecting a player and an investment. A million-dollar arm should be monitored in the beginning, as to avoid Tommy John surgeries or a steep decline in confidence.
CR: It’s true that Joba Chamberlain was ruined by the “Joba Rules,” no matter what he and Joe Girardi say. But then you look at a guy like Tim Lincecum and he’s had nothing but success with the Giants. But there’s a difference between the two that stems not so much from the babying as it does with the mentality of the game. Lincecum was a starting pitcher who got to start. Joba was a starting pitcher who was converted to a reliever. But at the start of the 2009 season, Joba was converted back into a starter. And he wasn’t that great. This season, he’s a reliever again — and he isn’t that great. I think, when it comes down to it, starting guys off in the bullpen seems like a great idea from a managerial standpoint, because you can protect the young guys’ arms and monitor their progress. But from a mental standpoint for the actual pitcher, their big league career is yo-yoing back and forth and they don’t ever know where they stand. And they might start to doubt their own ability because they’ve been given so many different roles. But a guy like Lincecum, who was given the role he was familiar with, and kept there, has more confidence because of that. Joba didn’t have that luxury, and because of that, his game has been affected. So, keep your pitch and inning counts, but try to keep the guys in the roles you want them for in the long run.
HW: First off, different teams have different strategies. A strong team like the Yankees can afford to set guidelines and limits with Chamberlain. He’s young and there’s no need to increase his innings by too much each season. However, he should find a team who will know how to use him considering his performance in high leverage situations. Lincecum, on the other hand, has gotten a lot of leeway from the Giants, but obviously it hasn’t been doing anything for him or the team lately. He lost five consecutive starts in August. Maybe the Giants should consider limiting his innings and starts, or putting him as a reliever if this keeps up.
KL: I award Bobby and Caroline two points for saying that innings/pitch counts are a good thing because one has to consider a young pitcher’s long term future. However, I disagree when they both said that starting a pitcher in the bullpen is a bad thing because he can pitch in low-leverage roles and then be eased into the starting rotation. Hilarey gets one point because although it depends where the team is in the standings and the team’s needs, a team cannot let a pitcher pitch until his arm falls off. Just ask Mark Prior.
2. The Miami Heat have assembled one of the greatest trios in all of NBA history and have a legitimate chance to the break record for most wins in a single season (72) by a team, which is currently held by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls. Is there one team in the upcoming NBA season that can challenge the Heat for the NBA championship?
BO: On paper, yes, the Miami Heat have arguably the most talented starting five ever assembled, but it still remains to be seen how Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James will compliment each other
on the court. During the season, I do believe Miami should win 65-plus games and be the No. 1 seed heading into the playoffs. But, when push comes to shove, I do think the Heat can be beaten in a series, especially with its relatively shallow bench. I refuse to count out the Celtics repeating as conference champions, even if the team only grabs a No. 3 or 4 seed. Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen seem to find another gear come April, and with Glen Davis and the addition of Shaquille O’Neal in the paint, I can see Boston man-handling James, which he really seems to hate, and giving Bosh trouble on the inside. If the Heat make it past the Celtics, it’s hard to bet against a back-to-back NBA champion in the L.A. Lakers.
CR: I am so sick of hearing about LeBron James. The fact that basketball has become more about individual players and which team they’ll choose to grace with their presence than the whole team disgusts me. In no other sport is it quite like this. Yes, in baseball we have huge free agent signings like Alex Rodriquez, Roy Halladay and Matt Holliday and in football we have the obsession whether Brett Favre is going to retire or sign another season. But one player does not a team make. A team needs to mesh and work well together and not just rely on their big stars. So, the Heat’s trio of King James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade could break the record — if the players, who have only played together once, in the 2008 Summer Olympics — mesh well as a team. Despite rumors that they’re planned this move to the Heat for years, I’m not willing to say they can break the Bulls’ historic record. I think a team like the Boston Celtics, if they can stay healthy, has a shot to challenge them. The Celts beat both the Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers (with LeBron) in the 2010 NBA playoffs. I think with Shaq (who is down but not out) and guys like Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo (who was on fire last season) their proven teamwork can take down the Heat. The Celtics are back, baby.
HW: The reigning champs, the L.A. Lakers will definitely give Miami a run for the title this year. They would have taken it hands down if LeBron James had not gone to the Heat and created the “Big Three” with Wade and Bosh. The Heat do still have to deal with the Celtics and the Magic too, considering they were the Eastern Conference champs for the past three seasons. The “Big Three” make some bold statements about winning championships, but let’s see if they can get out of the Eastern Conference first.
KL: I agree that both the Lakers and Celtics have great chances to thwart the Heat’s chances of winning a championship. Bobby gets three points for pointing out more flaws with the Heat’s roster and Caroline gets two points for discussing team nucleus. The Heat might have the most regular season wins next year in the NBA, but in the playoffs it comes down to experience. The Lakers and Celtics have both been there and done that. Hilarey gets one for not discussing any flaws the Heat have. The Heat are still trying to develop team chemistry and have an inexperienced coach in Erik Spoelstra.
3. Which NFL veteran playing on a new team this season has the chance to make the biggest impact for his new team?
BO: Donovan McNabb is the clear choice for veteran impacting a team this season, simply because the quarterback position requires the largest opportunity for such leadership. If McNabb can stimulate a previously anemic Washington offense, he will be the most important addition to the nation’s capital since Michael Jordan joined the Wizards almost 10 years ago. McNabb has a boatload of playoff experience, can run an offense with efficiency, and with Mike Shanahan’s offensive mind and a system that has yet to fail with talented players, Philadelphia’s punching bag can prosper. I cannot remember a truly contending Redskins team since I have been watching football, and McNabb has the ability to make Washington relevant in a highly competitive NFC East division. I cannot wait for his first touchdown pass at Lincoln Financial Field, and the boos that will rain down.
CR: I think Donovan McNabb is going to make a big impact for the Washington Redskins this season. The Redskins haven’t made it into the playoffs since 2007 and last season bore a shoddy 4-12 record. But with the replacement of Jim Zorn with Mike Shanahan, the volatile relationship that once existed between Zorn and former Redskins QB Jason Campbell (who has been shuttled off to the Raiders, rest his soul), is no longer an issue. McNabb is a good quarterback. Heck, McNabb is a great quarterback. He brought the Eagles four NFC East division championships, five NFC Championship games and Super Bowl XXXIX, where they lost to the Patriots (the only team it’s still honorable to lose to). But his time with the Eagles was running out. He was getting complacent. Even though he had a good 2008 season, the injury ramifications were still haunting him. He needed a clean slate like Brett Favre. McNabb is no Favre, but I predict he’ll have the kind of season with the young Redskins that Favre had with the young Vikings last year.
HW: Antonio Cromartie will shine as cornerback for the Jets this season. Cromartie will be playing opposite Darrelle Revis and with Dwight Lowery, Donald Strickland and Drew Coleman at that position, too, the Jets look to have one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL this season. Although the Jets did rank first last season in the NFL in pass defense, they lost Lito Sheppard. But, with Cromartie there, it looks like New York will be able to easily get the top spot for pass defense this season again.
KL: Bobby gets three points for discussing how McNabb makes the Redskins better on the field and how the addition of McNabb has immediately made the Redskins a potential playoff team. Caroline gets two for hitting on McNabb, but for not discussing how he will fit with his new team. Hilarey gets two points for saying Cromartie. Cromartie doesn’t make the same kind of impact McNabb makes with the Redskins.
Bobby wins this week’s AtD, 8 - 6 - 4
(09/08/10 5:03pm)
(09/08/10 4:11pm)
This Week In Sports
Men’s Soccer
Sept. 10
@ Elmhurst College, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 11
@ Washington and Lee University, 5:30 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
Sept. 11
vs. Husson College, 11 a.m.
Sept. 12
vs. Eastern University, 1:30 p.m.
Men’s Tennis
Sept. 11
@ Stevens Tournament, 11 a.m.
Women’s Tennis
Sept. 8
@ William Paterson University, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11
vs. Richard Stockton College, 11:30 a.m.
Sept. 11
vs. Kean University, 3 p.m.
Field Hockey
Sept. 11
@ FDU-Florham, 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 14
@ Eastern University, 4 p.m.
(09/01/10 6:29pm)
Here are some survival tips from your friendly neighborhood Signal staff:
Don’t be that guy. In three years of college, I have learned that there is nothing worse than being pigeonholed, and only being known for that one thing by everyone. I know of “always wears camouflage” guy, “shorts in the dead of winter” guy, “Phillies” guy, and for a while, I was probably con- sidered “blue hat” guy. Be your own person, but don’t get sucked into the monotony of college life. Try everything, don’t be known for just one.
-Bobby Olivier
Pay attention to your program tracker forms. Start to have a mapped-out plan of your four years so you’re not worrying last minute about classes that still need to be taken or liberal learning requirements you may have forgotten about. A good start in organization will pay off in the long run.
-Jeffrey Roman
This is my third year at the College, and if you’ll accept it, I’d like to humbly pass on my baton of wisdom:
1. Green Mountain coffee will make you crazy, but Pumpkin Spice is practically crack, so you’ll drink it.
2. Dunkin Donuts is within walking distance, but prepare to get honked at by the mobile upper classmen.
3. Avoid the Library Cafe at 11:30 a.m. at all costs.
4. Don’t end up in Cop Shop.
5. Yes, we have balls. And yes, that joke has been made.
6. If there is a good show playing at the college, chances are everyone wants to go. Go early to buy tickets. I’m talking sleeping bags in the Stud.
7. Don’t leave your clothes in the washer or dryer for a prolonged period of time, unless you are prepared to have your socks fondled by your floormates/random passerby
8. Write for me.
-Katie Brenzel
As a freshman living on a floor of about 60 other new people, it always seems that one thing is inevitable: floorcest. Just because you are now living with new people of both the same and opposite sex, that does not mean that to act on the feelings you have developed for one of them. Remember, there is no escaping this person. You will see them for the rest of the year, and most likely it will be when you’re in your towel on the way to the showers.
-Hilarey Wojtowicz
It’s true: Never be afraid to be who you are. But if you don’t like some- thing about who you are right now, all is not lost! Imagine how the person you want to be would act and try to act like that on a daily basis. You’ll be awesome-er before you know it. Also, take your time eating at Eickhoff when you can. Relax on Friday nights. Work hard, but remember that even during midterms you can always afford to take a short break. The second you find yourself saying “can’t...take...break...”, staring blankly at a comput- er screen, you know what to do. College only comes once and life is now!
-Laura Herzog
To off-campus freshmen — it may not seem like it just yet, but you’re as much a part of this college as anyone else. You may not have a floor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bond with one — my FSP class adopted me as one of their own. And there are enough clubs on this campus (The Signal, for one) to keep you engaged day and night. Just because you don’t live at the College doesn’t mean there isn’t a home for you here.
-Matt Huston
My best advice is to be yourself. I know that’s really cliché, but the worst decision you can make is to pretend to be the person you think your floor wants you to be. You won’t be able to maintain it forever and it’ll drive you crazy. If your new friends are true friends, they’ll like you for who you are.
-Caroline Russomanno
(09/01/10 6:00pm)
Football
Sept. 3
vs. William Paterson University, 7 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
Sept. 1
vs. Drew University, 4 p.m.
Sept. 4
@ University of Mary Washington, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 5
@ Lynchburg College, 1 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
Sept. 1
@ Drew University, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4
@ Bridgewater College, 4 p.m.
Sept. 5
@ University of La Verne, 2 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
Sept. 1
@ Rutgers University - Newark, 4 p.m.
Field Hockey
Sept. 1
vs. Stevens Institute of Technology, 7:30p.m.
Sept. 4
@ King’s College, Noon
Sept. 5
@ Juniata College, Noon
Sept. 7
@ Manhattanville College, 4 p.m.
Cross Country
Sept. 4
Blue/Gold Classic, 10:30 a.m.
(09/01/10 5:31pm)
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
(09/01/10 5:02pm)
Three student bands played at the Brower Student Center patio Sunday night at the College Union Board’s Cafe Under the Stars. Green Paper (above), Mile 0 and Jade greeted the crowd with a mix of originals and covers.
(09/01/10 3:56pm)
‘Toy Story 3’ captures magic of predecessors
I’m a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic, but that isn’t why I loved “Toy Story 3” – not the whole reason, anyway. The third installment of the classic childhood Pixar series is simply and irrevocably perfect.
The film begins many years after we last left the toys of Andy’s room in “Toy Story 2.” This time, Andy’s off to college and all the toys are worried about their fate, except faithful Woody, who is sure Andy would never throw them away.
The majority of the toys are mistakenly transported to a day care instead of the attic, where Andy originally intended to store them, and Woody, who Andy decided to take to college, decides to rescue them — but after meeting the day care’s leader, Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, the misplaced toys decide they should stay with children who will reciprocate their love. However, the day care kids turn out to be nothing short of abusive, and the toys have to band together and escape back home before Andy leaves for college.
“Toy Story 3” is funny, exciting and well-written. If the ending, which is one of the most moving and bittersweet in all of cinematic history, doesn’t leave you bawling, you probably go around kicking puppies.
-Caroline Russomanno
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‘St. Cloud’ stars dreamy cast
“Charlie St. Cloud” is a romantic film tailored for the stereotypical Zac Efron audience. Efron’s chiseled features and brooding, dreamy demeanor are enough to satisfy smitten moviegoers, however, the
picturesque scenery and twisting plot make “Charlie St. Cloud” more than an average love story.
The film adaptation of Ben Sherwood’s novel “The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud,” captures the verdant imagery of scenic Massachusetts as Charlie (Efron), a former high school superstar sailor, dwells in the aftermath of the tragic death of his brother, Sam. Putting his Stanford-bound future on hold, Charlie promises to remain loyal to his younger, deceased brother. In the process, Charlie ponders the meaning of his survival.
High school classmate and newfound love interest Tess Carroll catalyzes Charlie’s epiphany and frees him from his tormented state of mind. Tess, a sailor herself, is in need of dire help, and Charlie, caught between Sam’s world and reality, is the only one who can help her.
Although it possesses a classic ending, the falling action twists and turns just enough to make “Charlie St. Cloud” more than your ordinary teen romance.
-Ivy Hollander
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Cult comic creates ‘endearing’ combo
Rock’n’ roll meets Nintendo in a coming-of-age love story? From a Gen-Y standpoint, you can’t really go wrong.
“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World,” the film adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” graphic novels, is a sprawling but spunky cart-ride through a tie-dyed and wonderfully distorted fantasy version of Montreal. The plot is so simple — Scott (Michael Cera), a man-boy bassist, falls in love with indie-queen Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and to win her over, bumbles his way into mortal combat with her seven evil exes.
Cera is characteristically pale, for better or worse. Luckily, he’s buttressed by the quick-witted filmmaking force of director Edgar Wright (“Shaun of the Dead”).
Wright surrounds the title character with a top-notch circle — Kieran Culkin as Pilgrim’s gay best-friend and droll mentor, Ellen Wong as a love-struck schoolgirl and the comic cadre of his diggable everyband, Sex Bob-omb.
Throw in a killer soundtrack from the likes of Beck and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, crank it up to 10, and you’ve got the most instantly endearing movie of the summer.
-Matt Huston
(05/07/10 5:28pm)
Eickhoff Hall phase II renovations for the dining area are scheduled for completion in August according to the College’s construction website. Above, a student looks at plans for the future of the dining area that were posted near the tray drop-off area last week. According to the plans, renovations will introduce new areas for new and standard Eickhoff favorites. The new areas include: Bliss Bakery with a selection of baked goods and an opportunity to “watch bakers in action,” Quimby’s kitchen for traditional meals such as turkey cutlet, Ceva Pizza and Pasta with made-to-order vegetarian selections, C-street Grill for hamburgers and fries, My Zone with a selection for students with specific allergies, 91.3 Wok with fresh vegetables and Roscoe’s Tacos for “Mexican-themed” meals such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
(04/27/10 6:42pm)
There was once a prophecy made by an aging old oracle about a young, dashingly handsome, incredibly intelligent and all around-amazing journalist who would join the ranks of The Signal and lead it to never-before-seen heights. In my junior year, the prophecy came true when former Arts and Entertainment Editor Joseph Hannan hoodwinked me into wasting away every Monday for the rest of my college career in the worst basement room in the history of basement rooms.
In my senior year I become Sports Editor, and spent an ungodly amount of hours in the window-less abyss of the Brower Student Center basement. Some Monday nights I would be up until 5 a.m. throwing together articles and pages at last minute. Other nights I would be bashing my head against a wall, wondering how I could possibly finish all my work when I was spending nearly 16 hours laying out a sports section most of the student body would probably never read. And the funny thing is I haven’t regretted one single minute of it.
As much as I may bitch and complain about the stress or amount of hours I’ve put in to this silly newspaper of ours, my only regret is that I didn’t get involved sooner. As someone who never joined clubs in high school, I found my time in The Signal to be some of the most challenging, enriching and rewarding ways to spend my Monday and Sunday nights.
Every person I’ve interviewed, written for, wrote about and worked with has left a lasting impression on me that I will never forget. I will most certainly not miss laying out sports pages until the early morn next year, but I will miss everything else about this awful basement. To everyone whose contributed to my Signal experience, thank you for being part of one of the best decisions of my live and for helping to shape me in to the person, journalist and editor I am today. I wish everyone the best of luck in the future, and think of me from time to time.
— Garrett Rasko-Martinis
Sports Editor
...
I’m Tim Lee. You may know me as that guy that shows up at your events, takes your picture, and leaves. For the past two years, I’ve been the eyes of The Signal. I’ve had a whopping 587 pictures published as of last issue. I’ve gone to more concerts, comedy shows, plays, politics forums, meetings, art exhibitions, lectures and sports matches than anyone else on campus. Chances are, if it was newsworthy, I was there at least once in the past four semesters.
I’ve gotten to do some pretty exciting shit on the job. I’ve crept the Towers looking for models for Let’s Talk About Sex (*knock knock* “HEY CLIMB ON TOP OF HER AND LET ME GET A PICTURE”). I’ve stepped over assed-out students at Homecoming and waded through the sloppy half of the student population, repeatedly being asked drunkenly to take their picture (“C’mon...man. I’ll give...you a beer if you put me on the front page”). I watched the campus unite (for some really passionate and dramatic images) when we were told that “God hates fags” and to “repent or perish.”
Before I joined The Signal, campus bored me. Aside from the big-name concerts and comedy shows, I never took advantage of campus-sanctioned events and activities. I rarely attended concerts in the Rat, watched fellow students perform on stage or cheered on our sports teams. Then I joined The Signal. What better way to appreciate what this campus has to offer than by going to everything at once?
It’s been fun, and it’s time for me to step down. I know I’ll only benefit with my newfound appreciation of campus life and activity. Next time you’re bored on campus, remember that there’s plenty going on. Just look.
— Tim Lee
Photo Editor
(04/27/10 6:32pm)
In this semester’s AtD championship, previous champion, Correspondent Drew Conn, will act as “The Ref.” Sports Editor Garrett Rasko-Martinis, Staff Writer Chris Rotolo and Correspondent Jason Cantor will discuss whether they think LeBron James will continue to play with the Cavaliers, how the publicity of mixed martial arts will affect those who promote it and which major sports city — New York, Boston or Philadelphia — is truly the best.
1. With the Cavaliers poised to make a deep run in the NBA playoffs, what gives Cleveland a better chance to retain LeBron James in the offseason – winning the championship this year or not winning it?
GRM: This is something I keep changing my mind about, but now I’m committed to the belief that if the Cavaliers win it all then James is going to stay in Cleveland. Probably the only thing holding back James from re-signing with his hometown team is the lack of hardware, and if the Cavaliers can change that this postseason, James will want to stay. People keep saying James may want to go to New York and, “start a dynasty there.” But Cleveland has put the best team around James to date, and if they can win it in the finals, James may not have to travel to create that dynasty. If the Cavaliers win it all, that won’t be in the back of James’s mind and he will stay with the team and the fans he’s grown to love and relish in finally delivering them the title.
CR: I don’t believe James will leave Cleveland regardless. The mutual love fest is too strong between Cavs fans and King James. However, James will be more likely to leave if Cleveland closes its season without a title. I believe these rumors of James leaving all started a few years ago when James openly criticized Cleveland’s front office for not providing their star with enough surrounding support. Since then, Danny Ferry brought in Mo Williams and a broken down Shaq, neither one can be considered a viable NBA star. So, in terms of this question, it would take a ring for James to forget his frustrations and stick around in Cleveland. But he won’t go anywhere.
JC: I think it all depends how Cleveland loses. If they are knocked out early and ugly, odds are that James will go find a supporting cast that is worthy of his greatness. If they win, James will return in search of a dynasty. Recent reports indicate that if James does resign with the Cavs, that it would be a three year deal. This three year deal would force the Cavaliers to remain competitive to hold on to James for the rest of his career. Even though James wants to be the second billionaire athlete (Tiger Woods was the first), he knows he is at the point that if he doesn’t win a ring soon, he will get the reputation of a player that can’t win the big games. Most of the teams that have the cap space to sign James aren’t very good, which makes me think he’ll stay with the Cavs unless they somehow get embarrassed.
DC: Jason gets 3 for acknowledging James’s near-obsession with becoming the first billionaire basketball player and for his extensive knowledge on the matter. I do not think James has the strong attachment to Ohio like Chris and Garrett assume because he chose Duke over Ohio State before declaring for the draft. But I give Garrett 2 for mentioning that the Cavs get better talent each year, and that this year’s group is the best yet. Chris gets 1 point for having the most confusing answer.
2. Recently, there has been much controversy surrounding mixed martial arts (MMA) after the pay-per-view antics of Anderson Silva and the street brawl after Strikeforce’s debut on national TV. How should promoters of this sport handle situations like these? Are these antics good or bad for the sport?
GRM: Both the brawl and Silva’s antics take away from what I consider to be one of MMA’s strongest features — the camaraderie and competitive spirit of fighting. I’m not saying that all MMA
fighters aren’t influenced by economics, but I legitimately feel from watching these fights — and keep in mind I am not a huge MMA fan by any means — that a lot of these guys fight to enjoy the thrill of competition. Unfortunately events like this undermine these aspects of MMA and just make it seem like it’s a sport where arrogant muscleheads just brawl without brains or conscious.
CR: I hadn’t thought about MMA fighting in months prior to this question, so I suppose anything that gets people interested and puts the organizations name in the limelight is good. The cliché “there is no such thing as bad publicity” applies here. MMA, as we have come to know it, is a fad, much like poker. And like that poker phase, MMA will soon fade. The fact that Anderson Silva’s actions made national headlines rather than the results of his match proves that he, the organization he fights for, and all nationally televised MMA fighting leagues are in the early stages of irrelevancy. What should promoters do? Nothing . Let the rabid pit bulls off their leashes to brawl in the streets. Will the reputation and credibility of MMA fighting take a hit? Yes. But it was already dragged through the mud when Kimbo Slice was employed and promoters decided to fix fights.
JC: In a sport that is already considered by many to be a brute, disgusting and distasteful sport this only confirms disbeliever’s predispositions. The Strikeforce card was aired on CBS, and was probably the first time a lot of people watched MMA. This was a terrible first impression for those fans. The promoters of the sports should hit fighters where it hurts, their wallets. The CEO of UFC (Dana White) apparently agrees. He has threatened to kick Silva out of UFC if he acts foolishly again. This is a step in the right direction, but a specific conduct policy full of penalties and fines should be laid out so these fighters do not embarrass themselves and the sport.
DC: Chris gets 1 point for claiming that MMA is a “fad” and “irrelevant” when it consistently draws more attention and interest from people our age than boxing … oh yeah, your argument was pretty weak as well. MMA fighters do not make a lot of money relative to boxers and other athletes, so fines or suspensions would likely have a strong effect on these fighters. But I give Garrett the 2 and Jason the 3, mainly because Jason mentioned White’s threat against Silva and that the UFC needs a legit conduct policy.
3. From a sports perspective, considering fanbase, prestige of the teams, sports complexes, etc. which of the following is the best sports city — Boston, New York or Philadelphia?
GRM: It has to be New York, even with my bias aside. In baseball, the Yankees have had more success than any other team in sports history, and they have the beautiful park and good fan base to put them far ahead of any other team in the baseball discussion. New York also wins it in football because of the Giants success throughout their history, and the Jets fan base that has endured heart break after heart break and only have one Super Bowl to show for it. Even though I will say the Knicks fans have stuck with awful teams in recent memory, and Madison Square Garden is a great place to play, Boston wins in basketball. In hockey, the combined success of the Rangers and Islanders, the loyal fan base that leads to continuous sell outs at Madison Square Garden gives New York the win in hockey.
CR: When I think of Boston and Philadelphia the image that resonates in my head is of their baseball fans. And often, when you come across a Phillies or Red Sox fan, you get to discussing who their favorite teams are, and, for some reason it is never quite clear. The line often uttered is “I love the [enter Phillies or Red Sox] and whoever is playing the Yankees.” At least Red Sox fans have somewhat of an excuse for rooting against the Yankees, both teams in the AL East and all. And as for fanbase — Nobody is more passionate than New York Sports Fans. Complexes — Yankee Stadium and The World’s Greatest Arena. And do I have to touch upon prestige?
JC: As a diehard New York fan it pains me to say it, but Boston is the best sports city. Even though every major sport is run out of NYC and despite it being the largest of the three cities with a very rich winning history, knowledgeable fans and brand new beautiful stadiums, New York City is not nearly as united as the other cities. If you’re from Philly, and especially if you’re from Boston, it is rare to find someone that doesn’t root for the unified hometown team. This brings people together. In addition, every major team in Boston has a history of being good, especially recently. The Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics have all won championships in the last five years. Fenway Park is probably the most iconic stadium of any sport in the USA. Every franchise in Boston is run the right way. I cannot say the same for New York and certainly not Philadelphia.
DC: Garrett gets 3 for stating how New York fans always stick by their teams, win or lose, which is something that cannot be said about the “what have you done for me lately” attitudes of Philly and Boston fans. Jason and Chris say opposite things about Boston fans, but I have to give the benefit of the doubt to Jason because he makes a good point about Boston only having 1 team for each sport (and logically should have unity amongst the fans) but I can’t give you 3 because I am not sure I agree Fenway is more iconic than Yankee Stadium. And also Jason mentioned that Boston has been much more successful than NYC in recent times, which Chris may have blocked from his memory.
Jason wins this semester’s championship, 8 - 7 - 3
(04/27/10 5:20pm)
Two born-again Christian demonstrators, chronicled in The Signal in September 2009, returned to the space outside Brower Student Center on April 22. The two men, who identified themselves only as Greg and Robert last semester, decried homosexuality and the supposed behaviors of College students. A number of students gathered in counter-demonstration.
(04/27/10 2:52pm)
Baseball
April 28
vs. Elizabethtown College, 3:30 p.m.
April 30
vs. Rutgers University-Camden, 3:30 p.m.
May 1
vs.Montclair State University (DH), 11:30 a.m.
Softball
May 1
vs. New Jersey City University (DH), 1 p.m.
Track & Field
May 1
@ Princeton Elite, TBA
Men’s Tennis
April 28
vs. Stevens Institute of Technology, 3:30 p.m.
Women’s Lacrosse
April 29
@ Stevens Institute of Technology, 7 p.m.
May 2
@ SUNY-Cortland, 1 p.m.
(04/21/10 12:06am)
With two contestants already winning in the AtD Playoffs there is only one more spot up for grabs in the AtD Finals. No. 3-seeded Correspondent Mike McLoughlin will try to stop Staff Writer Chris Rotolo and Correspondent Dan Neyman from pulling an upset. Editor-in-Chief Bobby Olivier will ask the contestants if Eddie Jordan deserved to be dismissed, will David Ortiz turn this season around and which NFL trade will have a bigger impact.
1. The Philadelphia 76ers fired head coach Eddie Jordan after one “unacceptable” season. Was this firing well-deserved or should Jordan have been given another shot?
CR: I feel like the face of the 76ers franchise is still Allen Iverson, as if the organization never really recovered from his departure, and even tried to relive those golden days this season. What moves have the front office made since Iverson left? The acquisition of an aging Elton Brand? Sometimes a head coach can be victimized by a front office that does not provide that coach with a talented enough player personnel to win games. Andre Igoudala is the star of the 76ers and that just is not good enough. I’m not saying Eddie Jordan was the right man for the job, but let’s be real, Pat Riley could not make a winner out of this collection of sub-par players. The firing was undeserved, especially after only one season, which leads me to believe the Jordan hiring was never meant to be a long-term marriage.
DN: It’s hard to put all of the blame on Eddie Jordan for this past year. The 76ers, simply put, were a bad team this year. While I don’t think that Jordan’s firing was completely justified, I also have no arguments against it. As a coach, regardless of the situation, you are expected to perform. The 76ers had made the playoffs the past two years, so Jordan should have been able to take this team to the playoffs. The 76ers will find a new coach to hopefully shake things up, and it appears likely that Jordan will be the next head coach at Rutgers. Jordan should want no part of the 76ers because while they might be playoff worthy, they are years from competing for an NBA title.
MM: While New York is the toughest place for a team that is underperforming, Philadelphia’s Eddie Jordan was fired prematurely and should have been given another shot. It is not as if the 76ers were one of the best teams in the East. Did they have a bad year? Yes. But the same way Mike D’Antoni should not be fired for the Knicks’ struggles, neither should Jordan have been.
BO: Chris gets the 3 here for mentioning the front office – the real problem with this franchise. Dan gets the 2 for mentioning the 76ers making the playoffs the last two years. Mike gets 1 for not giving enough support for his answer.
2. David Ortiz has fallen under a bunch of criticism that he is finished, and he continues to lash out at the media, claiming he just needs some time. Will Big Papi make a comeback or is he washed up?
CR: Ortiz is on the wrong side of 35 years old, and, with the implementation of stricter steroid policy, he is without the aid of pharmaceuticals. Nobody will say or write it, but, it’s no surprise his numbers have dramatically decreased since the MLB has cracked down on steroids use. Ortiz is out of shape, at an unathletic 230 pounds, and adds very little to an aging Boston lineup that can’t be provided by the likes of a Jack Cust, who is currently with Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento and available for cheap, or Carlos Lee, who will be up for trade sooner rather than
later as the Astros will continue to slip further into the depths of the NL Central. Ortiz’s sack of diminishing skills sits directly in the middle of Boston’s lineup and, at 4th place in the AL East, the Sox will continue to be dragged down if they do not part ways with Big Papi, or at least reduce his role. If Boston could better Jason Varitek, the team’s captain, with Victor Martinez, then the organization should not feel any guilt over cutting ties with Big Papi.
DN: Big Papi will never be what he once was. He is too old, fat and slow to put up those kind of numbers. That being said, he still has enough left in him to put up around 25 homers and 80 RBI’s. He started off terribly last year and had a relatively strong second half. His bat has slowed, but he still has the power to take the ball deep, especially over the course of a full season. He is a full-time DH, so the likelihood of injury is lower, even though he’ll probably hurt himself somehow. Ortiz is a shell of his former self, but if the Red Sox are simply using him for the home run or bust approach, a la Matt Stairs, then he should suffice. If anyone is expecting him to come within smelling distance of his former numbers, you’re out of your mind. If you lower your expectations, then you’ll realize that Ortiz is still a useful commodity.
MM: Last year Big Papi got off to a horrific start, but still managed to have a respectable season. I do not think he will ever return to his 50-home run 120 RBI levels from a few years ago. He is getting older and his beer belly physique does not appear to be aging well. Still, he came back from wrist problems last year and was OK, and this year he appears healthier at the start of the year. I expect a prolonged slump for the Sox slugger, but he’s in a good hitter’s ballpark with a good hitting team around him. He will see his pitches, and he will eventually get his hits.
BO: Chris gets the 3 for making the Jason Varitek comparison, which I completely agree with. Dan gets 2 for comparing Ortiz to Matt Stairs, and Mike gets 1 for telling me nothing I did not already know.
3. Which was the better signing? The Jets snagging Santonio Holmes or the Dolphins grabbing Brandon Marshall? Why?
CR: The Dolphins nearly made the playoffs last season and the acquisition of Brandon Marshall should push them into at least a wild card slot. Marshall’s presence in Miami will help all facets of the Dolphin’s offense. With Marshall and Ted Ginn Jr. spreading the field, an already potent
rushing attack led by Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams should only benefit, placing Williams’ career on a permanent pedestal with Michael Phelps’ as a pair of the worst anti-drug campaigns in the history of America’s War On Drugs. In all seriousness, Chad Henne emerged as a very adequate NFL quarterback last season, and did so without anything remotely resembling a receiving corp. With Marshall, Henne now has that big go to receiver every quarterback covets, like a warm security blanket waiting on the wings as the pocket collapses. Also, look for Ted Ginn Jr. to finally emerge as the receiving threat Miami expected when they drafted the speedster in the first round of the 2007 draft.
DN: While both signings were surprising and huge for both teams, Santonio Holmes will prove to be the better of the trades. Even though he is suspended for the first four games of the year, Marshall isn’t exactly a boyscout and will probably be suspended at some point in the season. Also, Holmes only cost the Jets a fifth-round pick, whereas Marshall cost the Dolphins two second-round picks. Even though he was won the Super Bowl, Holmes is clearly an inferior WR in comparison to Marshall. That being said, the addition of Holmes gives the Jets a nice receiving duo of Holmes and Edwards, whereas Marshall will be the only threat the Dolphins have in the air. Simply put, Marshall makes the Dolphins a wild-card contender, but Holmes (along with other key additions) makes the Jets Super Bowl favorites.
MM: Both of these signings are excellent, and the AFC East is becoming a very intriguing division. However, I believe the Brandon Marshall signing is better for several reasons. First, Holmes is going to be suspended for the first 4 games, which costs him dearly in a head to head comparison with Marshall. While both receivers are great talents, I also think that Marshall at his best is the superior receiver. He has an unbelievable knack for catching hard to reach passes and getting open. Lastly, Marshall helps the Dolphins receiving core more than Holmes helps the Jets. The Jets were already set up on offense, Holmes is the cherry on top. Marshall, especially with the departure of Ginn, will prove to be more integral for his team.
BO: Dan gets the 3 for calling the Jets a Super Bowl contender, which makes my heart warm. Chris gets 2 for talking about the Dolphins spreading the field. Mike gets 1 for less facts than the other two.
Chris takes the last seat in the finals, 8 - 7 - 3
(04/20/10 11:21pm)
The cubes in the Brower Student Center atrium were removed April 16 to accommodate the Senior Gala on May 13, which will house over 600 attendees, according to Tim Asher, director of student activities. After the gala, potential plans for new carpeting and furniture may be put in place. Funds have yet to be approved and will require student input. The removed furniture is being stored off campus, and may make a reappearance.
(04/20/10 11:05pm)
A mural hand-painted in spring 2008 by Kasey Tararuj, a fine arts major who graduated that spring, has gone missing from one of the outside walls of Holman Hall. Plans had been made to move the mural to the new Art & Interactive Multimedia building, but when officials went to move the mural, they discovered it was missing, according to Ruane Miller, professor of fine and digital arts. Closer inspection revealed the mural had been unbolted from the wall.
Anyone who may have information should contact Richard Mylowe at mylowe@tcnj.edu or Ruane Miller at ruane@tcnj.edu or Campus Police.
(04/20/10 2:12pm)
Baseball
April 22
vs. Kean University, 3:30 p.m.
April 23
@ Richard Stockton College, 3:30 p.m.
April 24
@ Rutgers University-Newark (DH), 11:30 a.m.
April 27
vs. Stevens Institute of Technology, 3:30 p.m.
Softball
April 24
vs. Ramapo College (DH), 1 p.m.
April 27
@ Rowan University (DH), 3 p.m.
Track & Field
April 22-24
@ Penn Relays, TBA
April 23-24
Lions’ Invitational, TBA
Men’s Tennis
April 21
vs. Bates College, 4 p.m.
April 27
vs. Haverford College, 3:30 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
April 21
vs. Bates College, 1:30 p.m.
April 24
vs. Wellesley College, 10 a.m.
Women’s Lacrosse
April 23
vs. Franklin & Marshall College, 6 p.m.
April 25
vs. Kean University, 6 p.m.
(04/20/10 2:08pm)
(04/20/10 1:22pm)
By Laura Herzog
Nation and World Editor
Never in my life have I felt so afraid to write something. Yet, I feel so conflicted I suppose I need to write something. I’m writing in regards to the recent controversy with The Perspective and Mike Huckabee. It’s one of those instances that has unequivocally proven that we live in a very different world today, where no words go un-scrutinized and no individual’s reporting is less valid than another’s. As the Huffington Post said, commenting on the situation, “the (journalism) world is flat.” Yet I suppose the irony, in regards the omnipresence of the media today (in every shape and form), is that in some respects, rather than encouraging responsible public figures and transparent behavior, it has often produced the opposite effect.
Public figures are becoming phonier, less open and less sincere, so great is their fear that something they say will kill their reputations. (As Huckabee so ironically quipped before giving his talk at the College: “You’ll ask your questions and I’ll do my best not to say anything that might be a career-ender. It’s called Q&A: Questions and Avoidance.”) However, the degree to which this merciless media glare is merited is debatable—and it has been debated, extensively. Perhaps for the average man, who doesn’t set policy and have a stake in creating political barriers to gay marriage, this kind of reporting over a stupid comment, indicative of his generational and religious views, would be unfair. But perhaps Mike Huckabee does deserve to be called out, even if the controversy was undeniably courted.
And I know that it was, because—in part two of my revelation, and the cause for my fear in writing this and my personal shame — I was present at that interview, as the reporter for The Signal (a publication of a decidedly more quote-on-quote “neutral” personality). And, what’s more, I knew that Mike Tracey would ask those questions, so I purposefully avoided the controversy, instead asking questions that I felt would be more appropriately geared toward the nature of Huckabee’s coming to our campus.
To be honest, at first I felt slightly indignant when I heard about what Mike had done. I thought: “he got what he came for.” Furthermore, he possibly destroyed the reputation and political career of a man who –I will go ahead and admit — I liked. I honestly believe that Mike Huckabee is a good man, and this is despite the fact that I do believe he has some undeniably bigoted views. He said many good things during the course of his talk as well — which were ignored in The Perspective’s article — and I decided to forgive him for the bad. Why? Simply put, I guess that for better or for worse, I have a respect for authority and experience that I suppose a lot of kids my age don’t. I will think “what can this man teach me?” As opposed to: “where does his ignorance lie?”
However, I now find myself at a crossroads: On one hand, I feel ashamed, of course. I wonder if I too am symptomatic of my institutions and what has long been one of the greatest shortcomings of the mainstream media: I called myself a supporter of gay rights and yet I ignored an opportunity to call-out a public figure for his homophobic views. I cried in my dorm room when I considered the gay-rights ramifications of so many people like me committing the same “innocent” inaction.
Nonetheless, on the other hand, I still cannot condemn myself entirely — I still see the rationality behind my mindset in that press conference.
For one thing, I knew that anyone who did their research could know Huckabee’s views on gay rights—views which are symptomatic of both his Biblical Evangelical Christian upbringing and his generation. I wanted to ask him about less political issues that the mainstream media had not already hit him on a hundred times. With this in mind, interview or not, I would not have voted for Huckabee because I am a supporter of gay rights — his responses in the interview only corroborated what I already knew.
However, there is a broader social context here that the mainstream media discourse has largely ignored. No mainstream politician has supported gay marriage unequivocally — they have just not said something as offensive as Huckabee and/or been exposed for it. To me, this lack of open political support for gay rights is an issue that roots from two main things: the many interest groups that guide our so-called “democracy” and an ignorance that is pervasive. In my mind, there is no justification for being against gay marriage that any politician could give that would not, like Huckabee’s now-infamous words, be offensive and based in ignorance. Thus, getting rid of one man from the political circuit does not change these things.
I have always felt that these kinds of individual-focused discourses hurt all parties involved by creating a conflict that distracts from more constructive social action. To me, a journalist who is a supporter of gay rights would better spend his or her time covering the gay community in its own terms. It has been proven that increasing exposure and awareness decreases bigotry. Thus, I would rather hear the voices of gay individuals and their supporters explain why homophobia is ridiculous than read an endless array of articles declaring Mike Huckabee a homophobe.
To be fair, the blogs have definitely generated some constructive dialogue. But it is dubious whether politicians see these condemnations as representative of a voter base and not just the “liberal left minority.” If these condemnations change their policy, The Perspective has, in part, done a truly commendable thing. But—will NOT supporting gay rights soon become the new “political suicide”? One can hope, but only time will tell how this kind of pro-gay rights discourse, which is recurrent in the media, is interpreted in the political sphere. As Huckabee himself stated, “politicians don’t care about people, they care about voters.”
To that end, all of this discourse and controversy generated by The Perspective’s story will be for naught if we, as gay rights supporters, do not get out there and vote our opinion. This is my belief and the reason why I would rather act constructively than reproach destructively any day. In some people’s minds this might make me an ironic coward; in my mind, this makes me the antithesis of a cutthroat reporter and I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, necessarily. To each his own, I suppose. We all need to be true to who we are.
If this event illustrates anything it is that words are more dangerous now than ever. In fact, I shudder to think how these words will be (mis?)interpreted in this climate. Yet, as a person who has always felt actions speak louder than words, I now am vaguely disgusted not only with myself, but also with the entire cutthroat culture of modern journalism.
If not as a reporter per se, I plan on spending my life building bridges and educating people — and forgiving them for ignorance until they are educated. Ignorance is a cultural affliction. As Mike Huckabee stated, cultural afflictions take “time” and “spreading awareness and creating incentives” (“not dictating behavior or penalizing it”) to eradicate. Homophobia, like any cultural affliction, will not be eradicated by taking down one perpetrator. And it is not fair to mercilessly vilify a person who is ignorant in one facet of his life, even if it is a glaring one and an important issue that has the potential to become the claim-to-fame of our generation in particular, just as civil rights was our parents’.
Still, we are all guilty of ignorance. To that end, I believe Mike Huckabee was fair at the very least in stating that “the burden of proof is with those who wish to change the definition.” Mike Huckabee himself challenged us to take action to support gay rights and we should. But the way to support gay rights is not by pinpointing and criminalizing ignorance, but by eradicating it through education.
(04/20/10 1:21pm)
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