FIORELLO H. LaGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK Winter 1986 Need Monev? Are LaGuardia Students Party eadThi ' Poopers? by 1i!ronica Swicord The Accounting Dep artment might Well, here I am again. the Bridge re­ give an Accounting award for the high­ porter on another assignment. est academic average in Accounting. I went to go see Dr. Bob Durfev who "What maybe the college is address­ is a sponsor of the Phi Theta Kappa ing is that many students don't know Honor Societv and counselor to stu­ that these awards exist until they get an dents. While i tried to pronounce Phi invitation to come to the ceremonv to Theta Kappa (v,ith Dr. Durfey's help) I receive an award," savs Dr. DurfeY, in almost spit on myself. It's hard for me his office. (Somehow' I can't imagine to pronounce Greek words with braces opening a letter and finding out I've and two sets of rubber bands in my won an award I didn't know existed.) mouth. So, for people like me, the college is As I waited for him, I stared at a creating a brochure that will list the Business Week magazine on the table. different awards and the needed accre­ hoping that the interview wouldn't be ditation to get those awards. By giving too long. this information to students in their The telephones in the office can freshman year, students will then really drive you goofy. Every minute, know about these awards and work to­ the phone rang! The secretaries were ward winning them. talking among themselves. I really "They have never been written couldn't make out what they were say­ down before for students to know by Beverley Taffe ment says that there are clubs and ac­ tivities for LaGuardia students, yet ing because I was too busy looking over about them," Dr. Durfey says, I tried to Before I became a college student, I they (the students) don't seem moti­ my questions. I stared at the clock hop­ take a look at his diploma behind him was always under the impression that vated or interested in getting involved. ing that time would go quick and hop­ but his head was in my way. college was not only a place for learn­ Just why do the students lack moti­ ing that Dr. Durfey would show up. For three years,Dr. Durfey contin­ ing and exploring different things, but vation? Why are LaGuardia students Finally after twenty minutes of waiting ued, Long Island University has of­ also a great place for socializing. The such party poopers? What can be done he. showed up. While he was spelling fered two scholarships to LaGuardia impression I got was that college stu­ to get LaGuardia students more in­ out his name, the tape that was slowly graduates who plan to attend full time dents always got involved and were volved? What part does the existing turning almost fell to the floor. Even at the L. I. U. Brooklyn College constantly holding rallies, having par­ clubs have in all this? These were a few though I'm not Catholic, I did a couple Campus the following September. ties, contests and all sorts of various of the questions that need to be ans­ "Hail Mary's" the George Carlin way. I "To receive scholarship assistance," events. However, this does not seem to werd, so I decided to investigate. knew I should've smoked a cigarette he adds, "you must have a cumalative be the case at LaGuardia Community before coming to the interview. To play grade point average of 3.75 or higher, I stopped by the Student Govern­ College. ment offices, located in room· Ml60. it safe, I put the tape recorder on my and two letters of recommendation." I would like to be entertained more There I was greeted by the reception­ red du ftle bag. So if it did fall, my tape According to Dr. Durfey, "Because at the college. Don't get me wrong, my ist. "Hello," I said "I'm from the Bridge wouldn't have far to fall. I got myself most of the candidates have 3.75 cuma­ studies are very important to me, but together, I started off with a question, lative average, it is the letters of recom­ as an adult at the college I would like can I speak to Eugenie White regard­ "What are some of the scholarships?" I mendation that really help the stu­ for the students to have more in the ing the clubs and student activities? asked, hoping to get things rolling. dents win scholarships. Anything that way of enter tainment and to be more The receptionist told me to go on into With my notebook open, and my Bic makes the student outstanding. Extra­ informed as to what clubs are avail­ Eugenie's office. I had made an ap­ Bi ro black pen poised and ready to curricular activities in addition to aca­ able. I think that many of the students pointment previously with Eugenie, so take notes, I waited for my first answer. demic average will also help you." at LaGuardia would agree that they she was expecting me. Heart Attack City, U. S. A! Trying to overcome my nicotine fit, would like to see more events happen­ Eugenie White is Vice President of Dr. Durfey goes into the Belle Zeller ing at the college. Student Govern- cont. p. 7 Each year, Dr. Durfey explained, the ; week before the annual graduation in scholarship. September, there is an Honors night Belle Zeller is a $500 scholarship awarded yearly, he pointed out, which ceremony. Honors night is where each division within the school gives awards is sponsored by the CUNY Falculty The Big Sp,;ff: A and Staff Union. To get this award, the to students who have met the accredi­ tation for those awards. For example: cont. p. 5 New Drug Craze

My meeting with this predator oc­ by Tonya Light/oot curred nearly four years ago. Mari­ There are many stories written about juana smoking became my favorite drugs these days, and many people past time. I would get high at least have fallen prey to this merciless pred­ twice a day. I also smoked hashish and ator. Drugs devour your confidence in opium whenever the occ asion arose. I yourself. It lowers your self esteem; it briefly experimented with cocaine, distorts your reality(so it looks like smoking it in cigarettes, till I thought I some crazed beast from your worst could float on air. When "crack" ap­ nightmare) and it often strips you of peared on the scene, I started smoking your dignity. I have encountered this that too. I would either smoke it in a predator, but I managed to escape its "joint", or in a "White Owl" cigar. clutches and emerge victorious. cont.p.4 Dr. Durfey (far left) and Dr. Andritsi (4th from left) 1 The Figllf To ave Pay Care byVanessa Correa and getting media attention for your expecting a vision of Washington D. C. A fter Ms. Perone, we regrouped and There we were, on a "no frills bus" on cause. Lobbying is the right we.all have , crowds, grey suits, limos. and flags, took the elevator to Senator Martin its to Albany, an hour late. A group of but many lack knowledge of its exis­ always, there are many flags. But this is Knorr's office. There were about 10 in women and children, still sleepy from tence or its importance. ) .a real "hometown".·What made every the group ans as we approached the having awoken so early to be able to Now: Even though the bill to fund thing look even more somber, was the entrance to his office, the secretary in meet the bus at 7:30 in the morning on our center extends for another year, overcast Skies and the abundance of the outer office quickly stood up, and the side of Mad isoniSquare Garden. I work must begin now to make sure the concrete and marble. Here we were directed herself towards us. Quickly, I foreigners, in a foreign land. Who sensed an internal d~bate striving to monies are continued. If the proposal felt as if were intruding. I heard the make clear tharwhat we were about to of the legislation does not receive ap­ cares about us .... all the way up here? secretary say,"He isn't available at the do was well worth the effort. The bus proval by theAssembly and Senate, all Since time was short, we separated moment. Where did you say you were windows were grimy, metal edgings CUNY colleges will be without any into small groups; our objective being from?" .'- were protruding, there was no ventila­ State day care funds. to speak to as many legislators as pos­ Ms. Butler answered, "We represent tion, but our spirits as a group were not And if this does most (if not all) sible. the CUNY day care Council and deterred by these details. As we waited CUNY day care centers will cease to We had an excellent, well practiced would appreciate it if the Senator for the last person to arrive, M r. Love ( exist as ~e now kno~ them, including leadership. They instructed us in how could take a few minutes of his time to our bus driver), informed us that he the day care here at LaGuardia. With­ we should confront our political listen to our cause." "CUNY? What's a was ready to leave the city streets. As I out funds, for example, our day care leaders and what we should make a CUNY?"she asked again. sat, I looked around and I attempted to center will be unable to employ point of. They were very confident, di­ We left some literatu re with this sec­ decipher who besides myself, was trained personell;we won't have facili­ rect and outspoken as to what our li­ retary, explaining who we were. But I going to lobby to Albany for the first ties to handle the amount of children berties were. ·Ms. Geraldine Price, imagined that these were people who time. "What will be done and said," I didn't want to be bothered by a group wondered, "while in the capital city?" of women expressing a need. Lobbying. Approations. Bills. Sena­ They had their tweed Sear's suits, tors. Assemblymen. You wonder what blond 60's hair teased, and perfectly all this politicaljargon has to dQ with a unspoiled ruffled blouses! How could mother going to school. I'm a mother they associate any feelings with His­ and at first I thought that I would just panic and black women, who are be attending classes, and doing my struggling through the red tape to get best to graduate as quickly as possible. services the govenment should provide Going back to school is a step in the our children. They looked down and right direction for a better life for my right throrgh us. Ironic! A man whose child and myself. Being a single office is encased with "Right to Life" mother makes it more so. But quickly I posters has not educated hi mself or his realized how untrue this was. I found staff,I believe, to the simplistic idea myself getting involved in the college that if peolpe believe in protecting community, but especially in the La­ children in the womb, why don't they Guardia Learning Center, where my feel a need to protect them once they son is enrolled. Through parent meet­ are in this world? ings, personal discussions with the di­ Senator Knorr has been against the rector, and talks with other mothers, I funding of day care by state monies, , began to grasp the work and time that and he wages a strong battle against goes into having a day care within a abortion. college community. It infuriated me, The ladies in the office closed .,. that time had to be taken away from ranks, and they s.lowly, but inS istently the education of the children, and di­ told us that the Senator was not avail­ rected to politicizing, for more funds, able nor interested in seeing or hearing but it also made my sense of doing from any of us. "I know who I'm not voting for come next election," one of something, quite acute. Why should we now have, and thus our student though one of the leaders, was the the mother's said clearly enough for all day care personnel, mothers and mothers/fathers will be unable to at­ most outspoken of the group. "You to hear. They didn't flinch. · school officials continuously plea and tend classes. make sure that these legislators and From here, we went to see Senator beg to government officials, strug­ On the highway,passing idyllic coun­ assemblymen realize that child care is Kenneth Lavalle, who is totally sup­ gling to open their eyes to the I)ecessity try scenes, barren from winter's em­ important to you and to the system," portive of ou r cause. of day care within a college commu- brace, we continued discussing out di­ "You are the mothers," she added, nity? They shouldn't! . lemmas and possible solutions to "with the children in these day care When we arrived at Senator La­ Everyone concerned with a day care everyday problems. "Do you have centers, they want to hear from you." Velle's office, he was in meeting and program within the CUNY system much time to study, what with a man The co chairs of the CUNY CHILD was not able to attend to us, because should be dedicationg their energies and child to make care of?" "Yeah, its CARE COUNCIL, Charlotte Be­ our appointment with him had and capabilities to the children. One tough, but I do my best to organize lemy(Bronx Community College) and passed. We were quickly attended to reason is: that the children are being time." Geraldine Price(City College), are very by his assistant Ms. Molly Gibson. Im­ instructed in reading, writing, and The mothers talked on. Some didn't direct, outspoken women who know mediately this woman, slim, late 40's, arithmetic. The facility provides daily even notice the beautiful homes we exactly what has to be done. On the tweed suit, her hair done in a page boy, meals, personal care, and the peace of passed. I said, "Miriam, wouldn't it be Executive Committee were Todd Bore­ and a none ending smile directed us to mind to the parents of knowing where nice to live in a home like that one day, soff(Manhatten Community College), a meeting room which was very com­ their children are during school hours. with all that free space for the kids to Magali Perez(Hostos Community fortable. She recalled to mind memo­ Worrying and dealing continously run." "One"day," she said, "one day. .." CoIlege),and Ann Spray regen (New ries of Donna Reed. with budgets and government is taking As I faintly listened to the conversa­ York City Technical College), Renee "My name is Ms. Gibson, please sit away from the whole goal of this orga­ tions about me, the thought of a "grain Butler (LaGuardia Community Col­ down, make yourselves com fortable. I nization. of sand came into my head. I realized lege), and Dean Robert Jefferson am very anxious to speak with you, as That is why we find ourselves on a that as you bring together more and (Board of Education). All are seasoned always. Let's begin," bus heading for Albany. In Albany we more grains you are able to amass a directors with the interest of the chil­ She directed her gaze to Ms. Char­ plan to lobby for the extension of a bill great mountain of sand. This is how dren, parents, and stability of the child lotte Belemy, who quickly went into the passed two years ago from which state one develops and evolves a belief, a care program, at heart. details of our visit. "We want to make it money has been appropriated for child need; by joining many grains of sands OUf first visit was to the office of clear that we will not be able to main­ care for the senior colleges(4 year) of with the same needs. Assemblyman Angelo del Toro. Unfor­ tain ourselves, if the State fllnded the CUNY system. Though LaGuar­ The hours passed and finally, after a tunately, our having arrived late for out money is cut off next year. We would dia is a two year college, this particular quick roadside lunch, we were at our scheduled appointment, the assembly­ like to see an extension of that bill extension does affect us (though not destination. I remember, as a child, man had to leave for another appoint­ passed, but more idealy, what we urgently. ..yet!) visiting the United Nations, and the ment and his assistant Celeste Perone would like see happen is that we be­ (Before I continue I would like to sense of "too big and powerful" en­ was apologetic. Mr. Del Toro is Chair­ come .instit utionalized permantly explain what "lobbying" means. Web­ gulfed me as I entered there. The State man of the Social Services Commit­ within the CUNY system." ster's dictionary says, "to conduct ac­ buildings in Albany gave me the same tee, and very outspoken with regards The CUNY Dare Care Council tivities aimed at influencing public of­ feelings. to the need of child care within the finds that it would be feasible for ficials and especially members of a All the buildings focused on a park. system. Ms. Perone's actual words CUNY to incorporate us within their legislative body on legislation. To pro­ The building directily across from were that he has "a conscious of the budget, a permanent part of the Un mote or secure the passage oflegisla­ us,had many stairs leading up to its reality" of this need. Looking iversity. There are 38,000 stude.nts tion by influencing public officials. To columnar entrance. At the top of the around the office, I felt at least in touch within the CUNY system that are par­ sway toward a desired action." Since park, was a more traditional, Liberty with the reality of New York City. He ents. 92% of prospective CUNY stu­ legislators need votes to win, lobbying Square building, with its spire and red had posters on his walls like, "La Mar­ dent/parents need State child care to is a useful tool; they want your vote, brick walls. The building we entered keta," "the Piragua vendor," "Don enable them to attend college. . they will listen to you. Lobbying can was a black and white marble. I noticed Quixote," and "Bronx Street Festival." cont.p. 6 also be done by letters, petition drives, a considerable lack of crowds. I was At least the man had roots in the city.

2 sLight kin han facie? QUALAND SAMUEL: "I was by Ronald Rhames walking across the bridge one rainy He's too black!. ..Yellow niggers are afternoon and this light skinned guy stuck up!. .. She could never be my girl; asked me ifhe could get under my um­ she's Army boot black. White boy! I brella: so I said yes. As we were walk­ never liked you anyway. I like black ing, he tried to rap to me, mostly talk­ men, not half white creatures ... 1 ing about himself. He told me that he wonder what you would look like if never had a dark skinned girlfriend, so your eyes were green? What kind of I asked him why he was talking to me. hair does your mother and father have? The fact that he told me this com­ I don't want my baby to be too light ... pletely turned me off. I feel that Black She's so black, she's blue ... 1 don't want people should not descriminate my baby to be too dark ... Biscuit lips against each other. We are all one peo­ ... Darky... Spade ... High Yellow... Piss ple." Color Perfect.. . Redbone ...Tar baby... After the interviews, I thought-out­ Eclipse ... Light, Brown and Almost rageous!It shouldn't make a difference White ... Roasty Toasty... Half Breed ... what a person's skin color is. So how do If you are black, chances are you you explain this? As I was walking have heard these sort of things through the student lounge, I heard throughout your lifetime; and you someone say, "I don't want to deal with have accepted them as part of the any black guys that look one hundred norm-as a part of growing up. Yet percent black." many Black people, young and old, fail to realize that there is a serious prob­ According to Dr. Lawrence Rush­ lem among us-that there are actually ing, a psychologist at LaGuradia, Blacks who descriminate against their "Oppressed people, strangely enough, own kind on the basis of skin color. (anyone, its just that most of the stu­ light skinned girl, you're more or less tend to adopt the views of their op­ The problem is not a new one. In dents I interviewed made statements the king of the block." pressors." That is to say that blacks fact, it's origins go back to the slave that seemed to favor light skinned JONEE ELLIS: "If you would have measure their standard of beauty by plantations-when blacks were not Blacks. For example, I found, almost asked me that question when I was the same criteria as whites. even considered human. They were all of the guys prefered girls with light younger I would have told you I Still, it's not my intention to cause nothing more than property, or live­ skin and long straight hair. And almost couldn't stand being with a dark any dissension among blacks or to stock like cattle or sheep. And so, the all of the girls seemed to think light skinned guy. When I was younger, I alienate anyone by writing this article. problem of blacks descriminating skinned guys were more attractive. was around more light skinned people I just want to bring attention to a prob­ against blacks began as a result of the I asked one girl, Marceline, what her ... it seemed like the cute guys were lem that has prevaded us (blacks) for way the slaves were treated. ideal man would look like and she re­ light. They were more popular, or out­ too long. I feel that if we are progres­ Often the darker slaves were given plied: " .. .light skinned, handsome and going. As I got older, I found that the sive, we must recognize this problem the task of harvesting the sugar, rice, intelligent." "Why do you prefer light color of your skin doesn't make you a for what it is-prejudice! tobacco or cotton crops, while the skinned guys?" I asked. She replied, person." It is absolutely wrong to judge a per­ MULATTOS or QUADROONS were "Because I want my babies to come out DANIELLE PALMER: "To me, son without knowing him/her first. given the privilege of working as house good looking." (This girl is radical, I there is nothing wrong with being light What we (blacks) need to focus our en­ servants or drivers-the easier tasks. thought.) She sat there smiling, but I skinned. Some people feel that being ergies on are legitimate concerns, such (A MULATTO is the child ofone black could sense that she was beginning to light skinned makes youconceited. as unemployment, affirmative action, parent and one white. A QUADROON feel ill at ease. I asked her ifshe thought But it's the guys who make you feel that the struggle for equality, black on black is the child of a MULATTO and a it was possible for someone with a dark way! They always walk up to you, say­ crime, the mortality rate of black white. ) Morever.: .althouglr'the house complexion to give her a good looking ing, Hey, light skin. Damn, you look males, the incarceration of black servants were still considered prop­ Qaby. "Maybe," she said, "but most of good:' But in my opinion there is no youths, illiteracy, and affordable hous­ erty, they were classified as part the time you find that light skinned difference between brown or light ing-only to name a few problems human and thus they were given a people are more handsome than dark skinned girls. Both can be pretty. It blacks must fight against. higher status than the darker slaves. skinned people." doesn't matter what you look like on The Bridge welcomes your comments, In fact, the "lighter" slaves were Now, the following statements are the outside. It's what you have on the views and opinions on this subject. Jfe given tailored made clothes and shoes excerpts from interviews I did with inside that counts. This applies to men will try to print as many responses as -something that even many poor some LaGuardia students (and this is also. I am light skinned and I will go space allows in the next issue of The whites could not attain. And they (the only a random sample): out with anyone of any color. It's a mat­ Bridge (the Spring issue). The deadline mulattos and quadroons) often tried to JEROME SMITH: "I like tan girls. ter of personality and intelligence. But isMay 10th. emulate their masters by looking down But I will settle for a brown skin girl everyone has their own opinion. on the darker skinned slaves. This led because I can relate to them better. the darker people to have a feeling of Light skin women are cool, and some resentment toward the lighter ones. will look at you-like you the ape! l.aGuardia Student Union And though this is 1986; I believe, Sometimes, I'll see a woman who is During the winter registration period tion now, contact the following offices: many of these same feelings are still in much darker than me and I'll have a almost all of you filled out a form to Dean of Student Services Office S existence. negative reaction. It's not something indicate which facilities you would 152 (718) 626 5061 The majority of Black people, I be­ that I plan to do. It's just a reaction that most use in a Student Union. You indi­ Student Activities Department M lieve, still place a great deal of empha­ comes over me ... cated whether you would use the faci­ U5 (718) 626 5595 sis on skin tone. I have always been 'I\. light skinned cat," Jerome con­ lites Often, Sometimes, or Never. (The Student Government Office M 160 aware of this problem, but I never fully tinues, "can look just average. But girls results are printed. ) Your re­ (718) 626 5597 understood the magnitude of it. So I will still be attracted to him. But a sponses have enabled the Student discussed this issue of Blacks being dark skinned dude has to look above Union Task Force to recommend to prejudiced against Blacks on the basis average in order to get some attention the Student Government, Student Ac­ LAGUARDIA of skin tone with a Black faculty ... Sometimes, on the train, I'll see a tivities Committee, and to all students member here at LaGuardia. light ski ned girl, but I won't go after her that a referendum be held; that a peti­ STUDENT And he said. "When I was a small because I believe she wants a mate tion be drawn up proposing the con­ boy and growing up in the South, I closer to her own color. I now have a struction ofa Student Union Building. UNION used to think that lighter skinned light skinned girl. .. But I've been A Student Union would provide pro­ blacks had more money and were through some f-ed up s-t! I've expe­ grams and services which would make more intelligent-because, in many rienced situations where light skinned the college's social, cultural and edu­ cases, these people had been fathered people have teased me. They tried to cational environment a more reward­ by a white man. And though this white treat me like a second class citiczen. ing and exiciting one. New and 'ex­ would not legitimize his child by giv­ They'd call me names like PEPSI­ panded facilities such as cafeteria, i ng h is last name, he would often make COLA. lounges, game rooms, early childhood sure the child was being taken care of BUTCH M. McMICHAEL: "One of facility, and student organization of­ by giving money." the major reasons light skinned people fices could be created to the benefit of Unreal, I thought to myself. I are held up so high is because of the the entire student population. ' thanked him and asked in could quote egos of the dark skinnned people. In May, during the Student Govern­ what he told me for my article. "Yes," They have an obsession with getting a ment Election, you will be asked he said, "but don't use my name." light skinned mate; and this causes the ' whether you wish to have a Student Still, during the course of writing descrimination between blacks. More Union and whether you are willing to this article I began to feel uncomfort­ or less, light skinned individuals are see your student activity fee increase in able with much of what I discovered in used as trophies to sport around the the future to support a Student Union. my research, especially the responses block-just to show others that hey! I Students, and only students, will de­ of the people I interviewed. It's not that achieved a goal that you wish you can. cide his issue. During the next few I was getting hostile treatment from It's a sad stereotype that if you have a months more information will be Logo by The Communications Depart­ available. If you need more informa- ment, Bill Freeland, Director

3 The rug Craze? cont. from p. 1 movies that are out, the clothes they which allows the frigid air to seep its the "bust." Within ten minutes a cus­ After the tobacco was emptied out of are going to buy, the "fresh" girls in the way into the stuffy car. This helps re­ tomer arrives. It's a nursery school bus it, I would replace it with marijuana neighborhood, and those that are not lieve the nauseous feeling, a sign ofcar driver, who buys two capsules and and sprinkle the "crack" on it for the so "fresh". I especially notice Ron, who sickness, which I often suffer from. drives off. I now become the banker, finishing touch. This seemed to be the is originally from Jamaica,twenty Since this is not the first time I am left with added responsibility of hold­ ultimate high. One day I realized that years young. I notice his clean cut, tai­ taking this type of trip, I am quite re­ ing the money. Within an hour we have all of these drugs were messing up my lored trousers,just the right length to laxed, and can only think about reach­ sold eight capsules, and have made life physically, emotionally, and so­ meet his soft, brown, leather "Clarks" ing our destination because I know eighty dollars. cially. Extensive drug use often leads to shoes. You can see his argyle socks un­ that is the only real cure for car sick­ With "crack" use so widespread, its .. dep ression, frustration, and Ion Ii ness. derneath. His large burgundy knit hat ness. no wonder that people from all walks I didn't feel like I W(iS a part of the real covers his uncombed head of hair, We finally reach our destination oflife use it. world anymore, so I decided to stop which looks as if it's trying to escape and begin to walk down a long narrow A car is beeping its horn and Ron and join the world of the living again. the knit captor. He is extremely serious street. We are surrounded by over walks over to it, signals for me to come The drug world is as varied as the about what he does,someone who has filled garbage cans and decaying and we return to the apartment. He people who inhabit it. Over the years, an everlasting goal to "make it" in buildings. We enter an old apartment unlocks a large, black, metal case I've known this world and those who America, the only way he knows how. building, I twitch my nose in response which is home for his drugs, two small live in it. He is struggling against so many to the awful pissy smells inside. We pistols and a large .007 blade. There It's a cold day, and I'm on my way to odds. Faced with the responsibility of approach an apartment on the first are large amounts of cash and an in­ Ron's house, which is located in the supporting a wife and child, his eyes floor, where Ron knocks and waits for credible jewelry collection, which I am Bronx, to get the overall picture of this are filled with stars orwhat he could an answer. A thin, black youth an­ told has an estimated value of three drug world from the inside. As I walk, I someday be, wanting it all, the '~meri­ swers, allowing us to enter. thousand dollars. "I started out in pull my hat down over my ears which can Dream." When I ask him why he Inside the small dimly lit room, America with nothing, and now look" fell stiff and frozen. When I reach my chooses this way of life, he replies which offers no warmth or comfort, he exclaims proudly. Out of sheer curi­ destination, I walk to the back of the abrupdy." What else is there for some­ only stark reality of what is about to osity, I decide to play with one of the large one family Qome and knock on one like me? I don't have a green card take place, We wait. "What you want guns. Taking a stance, aiming at the the small, glass, basement window and no job that I could get is gonna pay man? What you need, I got it all, I got it wall, I point the .38 caliber pistol and and wait for someone to open the back me what I can make in one day on the good." He asks, almost as if he were yelled "Hold it right there! Don't move door. The small basement apartment street." doing a television commercial. "Forty or I'll blow you away!" Then coming is unexpectedly neat and clean, the liv­ "What the f-k is up, where's Er­ capsules." Ron replies. down to reality, I put it back, realizing ing room comfortable, with it's large nest"? Ron asks one of his associates, The youth leaves and soon returns how nervous Ron was. brown pillows, which serve as seats, "Don't he know time is money"? His with two small plastic bags, each filled The world of the drug dealer, on any strewn across the ccarpeted floor, in associate replies, shaking his head, but with the tiny, clear colored capsules step of tile ladder, is exciting, challeng­ an orderly type of fashion. This is giving no verbal response. containing "crack". Placing them on a ing, but very risky, and often short where most of the business procedures Ron started out selling nickel bags small nearby table, he waits for the lived. There are no guarantees, no take place. Noticing the small wooden of marijuana to oncoming cars at a money, which will finalize this trans­ "sure things." One minute you can be clock on the wall. I realize that it is neighborhood shopping plaza, known action. A roach is racing down the on top of the world, and the next min­ three o'clock p. m. Ron tells me that in for its high drug activity. He could wall, and over the shabby, tattered ute, you can be down in the gutter. It's a a little while they will go downtown to sometimes make seventy five dollars a chair in the corner. I wonder ifhe lives fast life, where you can make fast an undisclosed location in Harlem, to day, Eventually the demand for mari­ here? money, but at some point it must slow buy a large quantity ofdrugs. Since the juana decreased in the area and he During the drive back, I imagine down. There's constant change, as mainstream of drug activity is now in moved up to bigger drugs and bigger myself in a "Miami Vice" episode. with most things in like. You're always "crack" the money will be spent on money. For the next six months, he Back at the apartment, I sit on a large looking over your shoulder, and be­ this product. sold cocaine and soon became a heavy pillow on the floor, like everybody hind your back. Who can you trust? "Crack" is the name given to a user and abuser of the drug. On some else, and await the next order of activi­ You don't know. Who are your real heated mixture of cocaine~ater, and occassions, he would consume up to ties. There's loud music playing, reg­ friends? You don't know that either. If baking soda. You can buy it in cap­ fifty percent of his supply, sometimes gae music, rich sounding, blending.in you get robbed, who can you report it sules which cost ten or twenty dollars, within hours. Parties, drugs, and with the scenery, people and activities to? No one. You're all alone. depending on the amount you want. more drugs became a way of life. He taking place. The smell of "crack" Once policemen know you as a drug Ron plans to spend seven hundred on was slowly, but surely slipping, but soon engulfs the room. I notice that dealer, they make your life constant "crack" and he will make fourteen somehow managed to grip on long Ernest, who has become dependent on hell. A casual trip to the corner store hundred in return. Ron plans to spend enough to realize the seriousness of it, is smoking a "crack spliff" which is could end up as harassment by the po­ seven hundred dollars on "crack," and his problem. But now with "crack" in nothing more than a very large joint. lice, and even possible arrest. If you're he will make fourteen hundred in re­ such high demand, he's naturally The scent of "crack" is distinct, a arrested, many a night will be spent in turn. moved to where the money is. sweet, one of a kind scent that is hard a crowded cell, many a day will be It's three thirty now and "we" are Time seems to be racing by so fast to forget. "You want some?" he asks spent in a crowded courthouse. For ex­ waiting for one of his associates, who and we are finally ready to go pick up me, stretching out his hand to pass me ample, if you're arrested for posession will drive "us" downtown. I wait pa­ the "crack". The drive downtown is the spliff. of "crack," your facing felony charges, titmtly, but notice how impatient every­ quite short and despite the cold I hesitate at first, but think "what and at the very least, one year injail. If one else is. They talk about the new weather outside, I crack the window, the hell" as I reach out to take the you're lucky enough to get away with it, spliff. I smoked it intensely for a little you're placed on three to five years while, but soon pass it along to some­ probation. Each and every arrest is one else, realizing that I've had quite more nerve racking than the last. enough. I start to relax, my head light When the police aren't hassling you, and airy, like a marsh mellow. Every­ customers are. Some become depen­ thing looks magnified or just very The Bridge is the official student dent on your product, and ~ __ want a Assistant Editors clear if that makes sense. I'm aware of newspaper of LaGuardia Community "free ride." And they will stab you to Anastasia Tzortzatos everything, pictures, people, drugs, College. It is published by an indepen­ get it, if they don't have the money to Rosemarie Kessler sounds that I immerse myself in. I feel dent student staff and financed by Stu­ pay for it. Your life is always in danger as though I'm inside my own mind dent Activity Funds. Opinions ex­ and there are many setbacks. Sports Editor looking out. It's a good, peaceful feel­ pressed in the paper are not One arrest too many has left Ron Scott Engel ing but then it becomes somewhat dis­ necessarily those of the college ad­ with the decision of serving one year turbing, unnatural, unreal. I'm float­ ministration, faculty or the student Arts Editor in jailor leaving the country, So the ing in space, I want to be alone, to body. Editorial opinion expressed Karen Starr ultimate question is .... Why waste think, reflect on my life, past, present, herein is determined by a majority your life on a lifestyle that you know and the future ... vote of The Bridge. Not responsible for Consultant to Bridge will eventually crumble? I jumped because someone is unsolicited materials and all material Edward Hollins knocking on the window, a customer, subject to editing. Entire contents Advertising Dept. perhaps, calm, the police, worried, copyright 1986 by The Bridge. All Karen Starr maybe it's a set up, nervous, paranoid, rights reserved. No part of this paper Beverly Taffe excited, "Can they tell? Is it just me? It's may be reproduced without written alright, it's only Phil, a friend. permission. The Campus Communi­ Reporters: It's time to "unload" the "crack" cations Network is located in Rm. Miriam Abreu, Jessica Affissio, Mar­ now and Ron and I left the apart ment. M-112/M-114 at LaGuardia Commu­ lene Anais, Eric Anderson, Eric We end up at a familiar location, not nity College, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Betsch, Vanessa Correa, Maria Da­ far from the apartment and wait for Long Island City, New York 1ll0l. Tele­ vila, John Fenico, Susan Gizzi, Rich­ phone 718- 626-5462. the "custies" as they are frequently ard Hamilton, Tonya Lightfoot, Ivette called. I serve as "look out" and I also Marcano, James McMenamin, Pat hold the drugs just in case he is Editor Mohabir, Igantius Nwagbo, Noel "busted". I'm not that worried because Ortiz, Ravi Ramdass, Ronald it's unlikely that Itl get searched, un­ Veronica E. Swicord Rhames, Beverly Taffe, Dorothy less of course, a police woman makes Thorpe, Deborah Walker.

4 LaGuardia's Lover's Lane? by Ignatius Nwallbo And so I did. I had to write an article for my journalism class and I decided Coilege campuses can be a lot of fun; that I would interview the students in and LaGuardia is no exception. There the "Zone" to see what this area meant is one spot on campus that students tothetp. cherish. This is the "Red Carpet Area" First, I talked with Jesse and Linda, or as some call it, "The Free Zone." two of the many regualr couples at the That is the open lounge behind the "Zone." school theater. "Hi, folks," I said, "I'm sorry to dis­ A visit to this "Zone" should con­ turb you. My name is Ignatius and I am vince anyone that it is a popular stu­ a reporter for the school newspaper, dent hangout. This area has the most The Bridge. May I talk to you for a few comfortable sofas and chiars in the minutes about this lounge?" school. There is even a sun roof. And in Jesse is a tall, slim guy and Linda is fair weather, many students can be short with a big afro hair-do seen basking in the sun with their "Come on," shouted Jesse, "I am out loved ones. here for some peace and quiet and I I remember my first visit to the don't want to be bothered. You guys are "Free Zone." It happened almost by trying to be some big time reporters, accident. It was a Tuesday and I had to yeah! And you're into some big money, study for an exam. So first I went to the yeah! Well, what I don't need is you!" library, but I coudn't find a seat. And At this point, Linda cut in: "Man, what really got me angry was the fact we'll tell you our mind in a few min­ that many students in the library just utes and then you break loose, OK?" Better watch it:' left their coats and bags all over the "It won't take much time," I replied. One ofJesse 's friend's Joe, answered: As for the couples, I witnessed a girl empty seats. Frustrated, I headed for 'f\lright man," said Jesse. "Flip it "Oh, yeah. What the hell does he studying hard while her guy was busy the cafeteria. It was worse. It was loud. out. What the hell you wanna know?" want?" Joe's girlfriend, Cindy, added: fondling her bosom. I am quite sure It sounded like a war was going on in "What do you think or feel about "Yeah, we don't need all that s-t!" . that she was catching everything and there. One girl was trying to get her this area?" I asked. They all insisited, at this point, that expecting nothing less than an ''/\' friend's attention by shouting her lungs "I come here with Linda," Jesse I leave them alone. As I looked around, from whatever subject she was study­ out. said, "because I get tired of running I saw other couples and groups of ing. And she muet be a real genius, I At this point, I had no other choice into people or being watched." friends. Then I interviewed another thought, to be able to concentrate on but to look for another-a quieter spot. "Yeah," Linda added, "Here, any­ student, Eric. He had a high afro hair her book while in "limbo." And this is how I happened to stroll thing goes. You are free to smoke as cut which made him look like a young If you really want to experience this into the "Zone." First, it was the lovers much as you wish and eat your meals. Don King. He told me that a lot of place, take a look yourself. The policy that caught my eye. They were every­ And sometimes I just lay down on one beautiful girls hangout at the Free is open admission. It doesn't matter if where.Each couple held onto each of those sofa chairs to catch up on Zone. "Where the girls are," he added, you come alone. The possiblity of get­ other as if they couldn't afford to let go. sleep between classes." "is definitely where I belong." ting hooked-up with someone is not far I was glad that day to find a decent As we were talking, some of their Eric went on to say that you can see fetched . Best, bring your own man or place to study, and I vowed to return to friends arrived. Jesse called out "We the singles pretending to study when woman. Lovers, the ball is in your check it out. have a God-damn reporter with us. actually they were looking for adate. court. cant. from p. J' CAl.l.ING Al.l. CAMP Need Monev? COUNSEl.ORS!

If you ... student must have the accreditation of with Phi Theta Kappa members to en­ Need a Summer Job, A re At Least 18 J75 or higher, and must be a full time courage some of the students to con­ Years Old, Complete 1 year of College student. Full time means a minimum tinue their education at a four year col­ by June & Have Private or Organiza­ of seven credits. Students are invited to lege, and to apply for scholarship tional Camp Experience pickup the application, which is in the assistance being offered by some of Fall, when the application process these colleges. A number of these col­ For Information About GENERAL! takes place. Right now, Dr. Durfey and leges, especially private colleges, offer SPECIALTY COUNSELOR OPEN­ Dr. Pierrina Andritsi run a workshop scholarship assistance other than TAP INGS (Available throughout the with former LaGuardia Belle Zeller and PELL. For example: At Long Is­ winners, who assist students in filling Northeast) Call: Vi Anderson: 212-599- land University you can get halfofyou 7300 Camp Placement Unit NEW the application, and give suggestions tuition paid if your average is 3.20 or YORK STATE JOB SERVICE 16 E. in writing personal statements about higher. Adelphi offers similiar oppor 42erid St., NYC (NEVER A FEE) themselves. tunities. A student who doesn't have a According to Dr. Durfey, "Most of high average can still get scholarship the scholarships require an essay. And assistance in addition to their regular cont.from p. 10 sometimes the essay asks students to financial aid. If you want to find out outline their career goal and life ac­ more about scholarships and awards, complishments to date," he says; "It's another source you can check is the No Cheerleaders really the first time a student actually Career Transfer Resource Center. The sits down and thinks about himself." Career Transfer Resource Center, has He then explained that the The Phi a catolog listing scholarships provided call Jay Horowitz in the Mets public ended up in the garbage, unless they Theta Kappa Honor Society is a Na­ by organizations. Certain companies relation office. When we called Mr. have a file marked future cheerleaders, tional Honor Society of the commu­ such as The Plaza Hotel provide schol­ Horwitz the next day he sounded sym­ which I doubt. n ity colleges. LaGuard ia's chapter was arship assistance for children of their pathetic, but said, "I'm sorry but I On the night we were told to move, founded in 1983. The chapter recog­ employees. The Career Transfer Re­ can't sanction it." You block peoples we went around the stadium having nizes achievements of outstanding source Center is located in MB 65. view." We explained that the only view fans sign unofficial petition and got students with a grade point average of Also individual colleges list scholar­ we block is that of those people on the over 100 names. So the fans are behind 3.75 or higher in LaGuardia. Students ships in their college bulletins. For ex­ subway platform across the stadium, us, and they still wish us luck in getting are invited (at the end of twenty credits) ample: Hunter College has scholarship who weren't paying to see the game permission, and tell us not to give up. to become a member, and come to an assistance for transfer students who anyway. He replied by saying, "Well I There is nothing the front office can Induction ceremony. This year's In­ have a 3.20 or higher. can't do it." We asked him why and he do about us going to the games and duction took place on February 26th. This is based on academic, rather said, "Because 1can't." doing our cheers, because we pay for Some colleges offer scholarship assis­ than financial need. This is it folks! The thing that has my friend and me our tickets and obey the rules of the tance to students who have been For more information says Dr. Bob so mad is that no one gives us a straight stadium. Whether the front office members of the Phi Theta Kappa Durfey "You can get books and books answer. likes it or not we are gaining popular­ Honor Society. in the library and at the Career The first time we tried to get per­ ity. We've been on Diamond Vision Transfer Resource Center, "There is a mission we received a letter from Mr. three times and on public television Currently, two LaGuardia students Michale Aronin. He said, "We do not and cable once in the past season. have received full financial aid to at­ lot of money out there, but it requires research." have any plans to utilize formal cheer­ Every once in a while we'll here tend New York University because leaders. 1 will however, keep you letter someone say, "I didn't know the Mets they were members of Phi Theta ADIOS AMIGOS! on file and if we should decide to pur­ had cheerleaders." And we say to Kappa. sue this matter, will be in touch with them, "Neither do they," and we turn Dr. Durfey and Dr. Andritsi work you." As far as we know our letter around and smile.

5 Yanlcee Stadium: Home 01 the Drug Marlcet by Miriam Abreu IS nUl lIle head, but only an assistant. Shorty The Bronx is not really a borough, is a short Puerto Rican guy but who wears a town in itself. It has many a brown sheepskin coat. He different is respected neighborhoods. But the focus and feared by many of the of this "workers." story is the area around Yankee Shorty is a loud mouth. He Sta­ gives commands dium-home of the Yankees. It's an and expects them to ex­ be carried out. citing, crowded area in the summer, Last fall, I witnessed a baseball season. Middle dispute regarding Shorty and a class baseball worker. fans fill l61st Street, guzzling beer Shorty had bought at Manny's on I57th. Beer fired this 6' 1" black guy is because the cheaper there than at the Stadium. man had supposedly left his post while on duty. The Many of these young fans parade the arguement went more or less like th streets like maniacs after they get is: drunk on their "Becks Black man to a worker: "Nah, na, .... They act as if this they own my neighborhood, fucking Shorty fired me for noth­ crowding ing. I was the sidewalks, double just getting my friend's car parking and started buying up all our . I only left my post for 2 sec­ beer. (And God, we onds." do need beer on those hot summer days!) Worker: "Yeah, Shorty could be messed up sometimes. The neighborhood is also filled with Man he fired me on Friday. I should throw Yankee memoribilia. The bus stop on him in a fucking garbage can." 161st Street and River Ave. is named The Black man then after Babe Ruth; and there are por­ went to con­ front Shorty. After giving traits of the Yankee players at the Shorty ex­ McDonald's. planations with lots of profanity, Shorty rehired the When the games are played black guy. , I can There is supposedly hear the organ. And the light of i:\ lot of money the to be made in the Market. Stadium glares right through my A source win­ The young mothers smoke pot and code word tor The cops are coming!" tells me that they can dow, which is a nuisance especially bring in $80, 000 cocaine is used primarily on the week­ The guy who usually calls out these a week .. Why so much when the games go onto wei rd hours money? The of ends, by most. Dope (heroin) is also dreaded words is the "spot watcher." source says it's because the night. But for baseball fans, "We're orga­ Yan­ used, but it is not viewed ascommon. As the line waits to go into the bu i Id­ nized," kee Stadium is a place to enjoy the roar Note: these drugs are used openly ing the line keeper informs the cus­ But where of the crowd-popcorn, peanuts are the police throughout and around the children, as if the children tomers when the buying begins all this? Cracker Jacks. But to by I wonder. They come around, another breed of don 't know what :s happening. using another code word-"Serving." thrill seekers, the area but they don't make arrests (as far as I around the Sta­ It's also sad that these unfortunate It means just that. They dium (mainly Gerard are serving, can see). What is being done? I put this Ave. ) is known children have to watch their mothers the dope. The guys who run as "The Drug Market." this opera­ question to the 44th Precint. I asked "shoot up" in the park or in a building. tion usually live in the buildings. Sgt. This Market became I call . Perterson, "Do you know what's popular 2 In fact, baby strollers are a common one guy Muscle Man because going years ago. It began slowly of his on at I57th StreetT' He replied, with "weed," site in the buildings known for dealing enormous size. ( I have become a variety of Jamaican, fami­ "You mean between Gerard and Wal­ ' tye, cese, etc. dope. . lar with these guys from my window ton And the weed was so AveJlue?" "'Exactl~" I said. "What pushed by local An important person at the Drug I feel comfortable giving them are black and street kids names. ) you doing about all this drug deal- , trying to make Market is the "door monitor." He Everyday, he wears the same ing?" some money after school. outfit: a His voice seemed strained, They also watches the front of the buiding being dungaree jacket, matching jeans "We supplemented their incomes and a ' re making arrests, but it's so · by rob­ used to distribute dope: From my blue hood. This guy is all macho. common·... bing apartments. (This " reporter was faithful window overlooking the Mar­ Once I saw Muscle Man beat Recently, one of their victims.) up a there was a shooting"at the ket I can hear what's being said. guy with a baseball bat. The guy was Market. A cop supposedly The block is now mainly inhabited shot one of The monitor: "Yo, yo, no more man. almost half dead but he still managed the dealers. There was by Puerto Ricans. Most of the a commotion families Na, na no more after that guy in the to stab Muscle Man with a knife. Then all day Sunday. There are low income. and the avergae were cops on the 22- blue jacket. Na, man, keep it back, he ran away. What awed me was the roof of my building taking year-old woman already has a 6-year­ pictures. keep it back." fact that Muscle Man just stood there Since this incident, the Market old child. In the mornings, many of has The monitor is speaking to the "line with his jacket open, bleeding! He grown quiet. But for how long these young mothers send their chil­ ? I think keeper." He's the guy who contorls the didn't get medical help. He decided to it's time for the tenants in these dren off to school and then after their build­ flow of the line leading into the build­ look tough in front of his friends. He ings wh~re drugs are afternoon ritual of soap operas, dealed to take ing. He usually pushes along the crowd stood there sipping a beer. fi rmer action-to stop they're left with too much free time; the pushers. pretty fast, fearing those dreaded The Drug Market is supposedly run And for those poor drug and so many of them turn to drugs. addicts, if the words: "Bajando, bajando." That's the by this guy named Shorty. I am sure he d rugs were not so avai lable, they might condromp 2 not be compelled to buy them. the mothers to voice an opinion. I different words, "I need a chance, asked a on a high note. It fave us cause to be­ to speak and immediately all at­ break to prove myself," "It gets harder tention was set on me. lieve that there was a hope for the fu­ DavCare and harder for me to make ends meet, ture. That "Besides all the numbers being dis­ people do really listen. We I don't want to leave school, but my were already cussed, I would like to say what I came planning our next trip to little girl is in a day care that is mile Albany which Dean Jefferson reiterates here to say." from will take place in late the impor­ where I go to school at Hostos March. As we tance of these figures. Everyone said,"Yeah, speak out, go and ran down to the snack "These num­ I walk everyday in order to save barto pack upsomejunk bers are a substantial force ahead." food , I knew in demon­ bus fare" that this would strating the need "I am an example of what you are not be a struggle. It had for day care. And let's . We wanted to be continued not overlook the discussing. I am the mother who wants her to see that we were until potential these stu­ this country's dents are to themselves a better chance at life for her child. I do assets and its resources. what was needed , this city/State Let us be was and this country. not live off anything given to me, given the chance to cultivate obtained, It is our duty as edu­ I however cators and public work very hard for it. My grades prove it. long emissaries to make it Ms. Gibson's the battle attractive and as it and my presence here does also. mild mannered voice . practical for them to All rose, "Everything receive an education of us here, do not expect you here in discussed here ." today will The conversation Albany to ignore your other projects, be questioned and an­ goes on for about a swered. Your half an hour. The but we are here to make you under­ being here and speaking peace of mind that out is the comes from stand that your elforts are not in vain. correct approach in chang­ knowing that you child is I ing laws in a day care find us all to be excellent results and bills. Believe me, all pub­ center on the premises of to lic officials my school is reassuring your efforts, ones that will benefit ev­ want to hear from the con­ to me. I also stituents. And Senator know that childrenwho have eryone. We as humans have a right to a Lavelle is an pre kin­ avid and strong believer dergarten schooling, do new beginning. We do not want our in you. He is better in realistic about votes school, than children who sons and daughters to struggle as we and elections, and do not. And his job as a public I want to know why monies are now doing. And isn't the best way servant is to serve as not used best he can. Because within a fiscal year are to avoid that, is your helping us to help if we don't hear taken back(or from you we away from day care)? them. " woun't be able to help Ms. Gibson said you." that she herself My gut tightened, but I wanted des­ would look into the I came issue. "So," she perately for everyone, especially away with a feeling of accom­ says,"the Senator can Ms. plishment. have an overall picture Gibson to see the truth and the pride Something I was unsure of the prob­ about when lems." in my words. Then as if on cue all the we started out on this trip. I was enthusiastic. My fellow After listening to all these issues mothers wanted to make their voices bus riders felt the same. It was good we being discussed, I felt it was time for heard. Repeating what I had said in left there

6 SOU H BRONX '86 by Maria Davila This took place in braod daylight. I One early morning I got up from bed was upset because I wanted to get in and started thinking about the story and defend that poor man. But my girl­ that was due for my journalism class. r friend said, 'i\re you crazy? You know began pacing back and forth thinking you can't get in. They'll just hit you about what I was going to write. I with the gun and you're out." opened my window and then I heard That same da)\ a shootout broke out three gun shots. I began to worry be­ with the Cypress Boys and the BLS cause my brother had gone to play bas­ . Crew. During the rumble, two young ketball. I got dressed and ran down­ guys got shot. One was shot in the leg stairs. and the other in the back. That was As I was walking to the basketball Eddie. He's now paralyzed from the court, I spotted my brother playing waist down. He won't be able to walk basketball with some friends. When I again for the rest of his life. got to the court, I asked my brother if On January 3, 1986, there was a he heard the shots. He said, "I heard it. party. Everyone in the neighborhood lWo guys ran down the block to get was invited. I went with my grilfriend some other guys." His friend Louie Alicia and a guy named Mr. Pete. The said, "I think there's going to be a rum­ party was jumping. At about 2a. m., a ble tonight." fight broke out between a guy and a I started thinking about what the girl. The host of the party stopped the guys had said. 'i\-ha, I got it ," I said. music and told them to take it some­ Then I asked my brother's friends where else. The girl went downstairs "What do you think about life in the and the guy followed. My girlfriend South Bronx?" They a ll replied , and I followed them. We were very expect'!d a tip. Now you could go shop­ my husband and he turned all crazy. nosy! \\e wanted to see if the guy woud "~hat?" I told them I was going to WrIte a story about the South Bronx. ping, you could be crawling on your He loved every minute of it." I feel the . beat the shit out of the girl. My fiend My brother said, "Girl, you better go hands and knees, begging for some to majority of us Spanish women are all Mr. Pete showed up also. He never home and get some more sleep ." help you with your bags, and people alike-gossipers. liked men hitting women. Louie said, "Yo, man, Ed. I think you would pass you by. You'll be lucky if But now, the South Bronx has When we all got'on Beekman Ave­ bette r take your siste r home." Fat you don't get mugged! changed for the worse. On 141st Street nue, the guy started beating on the girl. Danny said, "What do you think you But back in the late 70's, the South ~nd Cypress, there are many gangs, The girl kept screaming, "You fuckin' are, a writer for the press?" All the Bronx was peaceful and quiet. In the lIke The Cypress Boys, The BLS Crew, son of a bitch, I'm going to kill you. fellas started laughing. summer, you could see everyone hang­ The Fun City Crew, and the Savage You're going to pay for this." Then the "You'll see." I said. "When the paper ing outside. The men would wear tee­ Skulls. On every street corner, you can guy got all hyper and he began hitting comes out, I'll bring you a copy." I went shirts and the women put on shorts, find people selling drugs- cocaine, the girl harder and harder and he kept home and started jotting down notes, skimpy shirts without a bra and sone crack, dope and marijuana. That kicking her. My friend Mr. Pete told the quoting what the guys had said. As I sandals on their feet with their feet all corner is now know as the "drug store." guy to stop. The guy said, "1 suggest was writi ng my story my brother came black froQl the dirt. These people People from all over the Bronx, Brook­ you mind your business before you get woud hangout "24-7." My mother home. He said, "You was just kidding lyn and Manhattan come to Cypress hurt." would say. "Don't these people ever eat to buy drugs. Mr. Pete said, "Why don't you just about the story. right?" I told him that I or cook?" wasn't and I kept on writing. One day, I remeber hanging out with leave the girl alone and go home." The After 22 years ofiiving in the South The men on the corner would sit my daughter and my girlfriend in front guy kept on hitting the girl. Finally, Mr. Bronx who would ever think I would and play congas or guitar and they'd of my building on 141st-St. I saw two Pete pushed the guy and told him to want to leave and go somewhere else? sing songs like "EL ultimo trago;' the young Puerto Ricans ~lk by. They stop. So the guy pulled a gun and shot Well , I think it's about time. The South last drink. They were always drunk on were saying, "We need some get high." Mr. Pete. Mr. Pete fell to the floor. I Bronx was once a good place to live. Barcardi and Miller. The women Then a blatk man walked by and sud­ screamed and ran to him. The guy that The people were helpful and trust­ would sit on milk crates in front of denly these boys jumped the man­ shot him ran away. worthy. For example, when I used to go their building, smoking a joint and they hit him and put a gun to his head. Mr. Pete lasted three days at Lincoln shopping at FEDCO Supermarket. H:l dirnking ~er. They would talk about The black man was crying, yelling: Hospital and then he died. Now 1 feel have to carry two or three shopping their husbands, family and lovers. "Help me, please, someone call the po­ there are many cruel people in the bags. But when the boys from Cypress That's all they knew how to do-gos­ lice." But then the two guys hit the man South.Bronx. I feel it wasn't necessary Avenue used to see me. they used to sip! One day I overheard a woman, with the gun and ran away after they for the guy to pull that gun and shoot help me with the bags and they rarely Frances, saying "I did this and that to stole his money. Mr. Pete. But Mr. Pete died a hero. There are very few decent people in the South Bronx. cont.from p. 1 between the Student Activities De­ and the upcoming events. Student Since then, there are more police­ partment and the students. Madeline men stationed around Beekman Ave­ Government is also pushing for a Stu­ Evans, a student told me "once in a dent Union Building. This building nue. A car patrols every half hour. But while you will see a small notice on the that isn't enough. There are stilI too Parfv would be for the exclusive use of the board. That at a glimpse you would many shootouts, rapes and drug students to do anything they desired. miss it ." In order to get this building students dealers on the streets around Cypress. I went into the student cafeteria, the But I hope that one day the South the Student Government. She is petite, would have to agree to an increase in college hangout spot to speak to two and attractive. She greeted me with a student fees." Bronx can become respectable and students. Marcia Smith, who is into safe again, like it was in the 70s. smile. I said, "There doesn't seem to Talking about fees , "what happens her second quarter here at LaGuardia. be much happening in the way of stu­ to our student feesT I asked. The com­ When asked how she felt about student dent activities. "Why do you think this mittee is allocated 35,000 dollars a activities available at LaGuardia, she is so?" Eugenie sighed. "Because of the year, Eugenie explained. The money is thought for a second then she said "La­ .Club leaders, let the students know lack of time. The students have work, always there for the students and clubs Guardia is boring." I then asked an­ what your club has to offer them. Do family and other interests outside of to use. There are 19 clubs on campus. . other student, who was seated at the you offer a way of communicating and school. This will always be a problem, Their main purpose is to enrich the table with Marcia. Her name is Caro­ identifying with one's own culture. In­ because the students have to work to students' college experience. If stu­ lyne Jack. "There's not enough facili­ forming students of happenings in support themselves. They don't want dents don't unite there's not much Stu­ ties and activities, they don't have what their respective countries concerning to hang around the college." "Isn't this dent Government or clubs can do. A the students want. It's boring." "What culture, politics, religion and social a bother to you?" I asked. "Yes" said few people cannot do that much. do the students want?" I then asked, awareness is a sense of a home away Eugenie, "because much more would from home. Even though Eugenie has a full work "don't you think the students should let be accomplished ifthe students would the administrators know?" She gave To the students I say: Voice your load with a family and school work, participate. The Student Government no reply. opinions! Get in touch with the Stu­ would know what the students needs she still finds the time to be involved, dent Activities Department, room and to be concerned. Eugine believes Carl, a tall athletic student, said he were if they (students) would express would like to see more events planned MlIS and Student Government, room them." that school work alone does not give Ml60. You pay your student fees, you one's personality a total balance. at the college. "Maybe we should get a "What efforts are Student Govern­ P. A. system around the college, so that should use them. Join existing clubs, ment making to get more student "Being exposed to activities and get­ or start a new club if there is none that ting involved, enriches ones educa­ upcoming events can be announced awareness of what is available to over the air." interests you. Remember, college ac­ them?" I asked. tion," Eugenie concluded. tivities enrich your educational experi­ The students claim that the they are There clearly seems to be a lack of "One way we try to get students promotion and advertising of clubs ence. Independent and creative think­ more aware is by holding forums," re­ ill informed when it comes to what's ing fostered by these activities and happening at the clubs. They would and events. The so called lounges are plied Eugenie. "Recently, the Student not the students idea of a place where participation helps develope maturity, Government held an information .Iike the clubs to publicize more. There initiative, responsibility, leadership: seems to be a lack of communication they can sit and be intimate, relax, or forum for the clubs here, student rights study. We need more facilities. and loyalty to the college.

7 that I am frigid and that I am going to friend, but I want more. Signed, In be an old maid. They don't understand Love With A China Girl that I want to keep my virginity until I am either married or until I meet Dear In Love With ... someone I really love. I don't think any Tell her just what you told me, but less of these girls because they"lost it," make sure you stress that you do want but it isn't right for me. What do I do to be friends if it is what she wants. If DearWebz: about my boyfriend and my friends' things work out like you want them to, I have a problem. I am 19 and my attitude? Signed, Wanting to keep it do forget to invite me to the wedding. stupid step brother is 22. Lately, he has been giving me looks that are not Dear Wanting: brotherly love looks. I do not want that A girl's virginity is a very personal kind of relationship, but it is hard to and individual thing. Every girl has to stay away from him because we are decide for herself when the time is DROP YOUR both home a lot and my parents are right for her. It is not up to boyfriends seperated and my mom goes out al­ and peer pressure. If you don't want to most every night. What do I do? have sex, it doesn't mean your frigid. If Signed, Sister Christian your boyfriend doesn't care enough about you to wait till you are ready Dear Sister Christian: then he isn't worth it. If your girl­ Confront your step brother and tell friends can't understand that you want him that nothing is going to happen ot keep it until you are married then and that if he does not stop, you will they aren't real friends. Keep your tell your mother. Try not to stay home ideals together. Don't let anyone pres­ too much and do not get into situations sure you into doing something you where you are alone with him. If it are not into kinky sex and that if does don't want to There are a lot of other does not work tell your mother and get not want to have a normal sexual rela­ men and women who feel the same out of the house. Move. tionship, you are not going to go out about sex as you do. It may take time, but you will find them. P. S. If you do DearWebz: with him. Or you could try some of his decide to have sex before you are mar­ IN THE YELLO I am a little worried about my boy­ plans maybe you will like it. If not give ried, please remember birth control. friend. We are both 18 and been going, me a call. P. S. Get some birth control it Write me from time to time and let me together for 6 months we have a good will help stop heartache later. know how you are doing. BOX OUTSIDE sex life and I have been LUCKY enough not to get pregnant. I really DearWebz: like him, but he wants to start doing I am embarrassed to tell you this. I DearWebz: BJY1.11S (SAC) weird stuff when we make love and am 20 years old, female and a virgin. I I am a 22 year old black male:"! am Webz they are so weird that I do not have been running away from sex for in love with a 20 year old Chinese girl. think I can mention them. What do I years, but it harder as you get older. The problem is we know each other as do? Signed, Scared Normality Right now my boyfriend is pressuring only friends. She is a very war~, c~r­ me into having sex with him. I don't ing and loving person. My questIOn IS, Dear Normality: really love so I'm not going to give it up. do I tell her about my feelings or do I You have to put a stop to this now The problerr is when I tell my girl­ keep on living without opening my before you get hurt. Tell him that you friends that I '1 still a virgin, they me mouth. I don't want to lose her as a

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8 Murphv's Romance

by Eartha Green pharmacist with a "take-life-as-it-is" Getting a man is not difficult. But it is attitude. And so the "chunk'" of the di.fficult to choose the right one­ movie deals with Emma's struggle to wIthout getting a migraine. But in form a healthy relationship with her Sally Field's latest film "Murphy's Ro­ new found man. mance" (Columbia Pictures), she sure The acting was acceptable, nothing makes the right choice! superb or memorable. The characters Set in the small western town of were convicing, especially Emma's ex­ Florence, Arizona, Sally Field plays hus?and Bobby Jack (Brian Kerwin). Emma Moriarty who has a twelve­ He IS a prototype of a special kind of ye~r-old so~, Jake (played by Corey man who repels women. He's a blood­ H,aIm) .. Jake, It seems, is missing out on sucking lecher. hIS chIldhood because his mother makes him do household chores. In Ultimately, Emma reveals the diffi­ order to survive, Emma needs all the cult saga of a single parent-a conflict­ help she can get. But then she meets ing, emotional journey. And good Murphy Jones (played by James news ... there is no blood and guts, no Garner from the "Rockford Files"). cheap sex scenes and no Clint East­ Jones is a middle-aged, pot-bellied wood or Charles Bronson-no guns!

The .ron Eag'e by Eartha Green Chappy undertake their rescue mis­ If I were to describe "Iron Eagle" in sion. The screenplay deals with the politi­ two words. I would use riveting and compelling. The screenplay com­ cal aspects of how the White House is reluctant to get inovolved in the Mid­ me~ces with fantastic, breath taking aenal scenes and continues with lively dle East, though they are eager to take rock music from groups such as credit when someone else does the res­ Twisted Sister, James Brown and cue. This movie is a must-not because of Queen. Iron Eagle (Tri-Star) stars the infa­ the edge-of-the-seat action but be­ cause it portrays a bond between a mous Lou Gossett Jr. (Chappy) who Starlines man with guts (Chappy) and a boy won an Oscar for best supporting (Doug) who is ready to face danger to actor in '1\ n Officer and a Gentle­ save his father. However, there was one by Karen Starr man;" and recently he starred in major flaw; and that was the role of Welcome to another edition of "The Billy Idol's album should be out in the "Enemy Mine" as an alien. Again he women. Doug's mother (played by New Dating Game." Our first contes­ beginning of the summer.. Yoko Ono appears in uniform. portraying a Caroline Lagerfelt) and his girlfriend tant is the very gorgeous Don Johnson will be doing her concerts in Yugosla­ strong. demanding father figure and (Melora Hardin) have no impact .on of Miami Vice ... Hey, chicks! Wait! via, Belgium, Germany, Japan, Russia hero for Doug Masters (played by the men; in fact, the women are por­ Back, back you beasts! the second con­ and the United States .. .If Harry Bele­ Jason Gedrick). Chapp): a retired A(r fonte runs for Governor and wins, he'll trayed as mere "emotional" and de­ testant is George Michael of Wham! force Colonel. tries to help Doug res­ have New York State dancing in the pendent beings. Consequently, I saw Ok Girls. GO FOR IT. Next! Prince's cue his father. who is held prisoner and streets! Spekaing ofploitics, California them as extra baggage. "Under the Cherry Moon" is due for sentenced to die in the Middle East. release soon along with the album ... may soon be our first crime free state. Doug. who flies F-16 jets to scream­ Still the acting was superb and I felt as as ifI were in a cockpit fighting. And After a great tour with Roger Daltrey, How you ask? Clint "Dirty harry" ing rock music from a walkman Eastwood is also thinking about going I could feel all the rage and vengance Big Country is back in the studio with strapped to his leg. portrays a young Sade's producer, Robin Miller... U-2 is into politics. I coud just picture his man-brave. talented and struggling that Doug felt toward evil enemies and the the White House that didn't care also putting together a new album. campaign slogan: Go ahead CA, make to prove he can take care ofhis destiny. Rumor has it that they might play a my day." (KA-BOOM!) Minnie Mouse And the real test comes when he and about Doug's dilemma. In my book. this movie rates three benefit concert here in April (H011) is going to become Madonna Mouse! Yes, she is changing her image to gain stars. ...The Bangles have finally arrived with their first hit "Manic Monday" popularity.. Wasp, Anthrox, and Black while the Norwegian hunks, HA-HA, Sabbath are at the Meadowlands on second single "The Sun Always Shines 3/24. We all know, and want to know, On TV" just reached the top ten. Rob Lowe. Well, he finally decided to DURAINE. ALERT-Nick Rhodes move from tinsel town to the REAL and wife Julian are expecting their HOLLYWOOD (New York). Some first child in August while newly weds other dah-lings who moved back to Simon LeBon and Yasmin Parveneh this mah-velous city are Ralph Mac­ are expecting in late October... Happy chio (Karate Kid), Tom Cruise (Risky Birthday to Andy Taylor (1/4 century Business) and Matt Dillon (Flamingo old!) ... Julian Lennon's second album Kid). I wonder who else from the is due for release soon along with a new "breat pack" will wisen up? "Chow" video ... Speaking of New releases, for now!

9 Women in Sports by Rosemarie Kessler to see is a cute guy. Well, that baloney. A plain, worn out door with a big My friend and 1 were talking about square window which has two thin, baseball when her father, 6 feet tall wooden bars. From the outside it looks with brown hair and blue eys in his 40's SPClCiS like a cage at the zoo, and the people walked in and said, "The extent of inside are the animals. Inside there are your baseball vocabulary is, He has a three windows which open only six cute butt." Debbie let out an infuriated inches, so no one can jump out. Six "Oooooo!" And I screamed, "It does rows of broken down, worn out desks not and you know it!!" "I was just kid­ are nailed to the floor, resembling an ding." he said. Kidding or not, he nor unvarnished gym floor. I walk in and anyone else has the right to presume take my seat at the end of the first row. those kinds of things just because There is no one directly in front of me, we're girls. and there are two boys on my left: one I couldn't even escape it in books. is white and the other is black. The The authors felt that women are only teacher, Mrs. Moore, a short, thin, interested in reporting sports so they woman with a kind face and wild light can sleep with an athletes. For in­ brown hair walks in. "Everyone must stance, "The Seventh Game" by Roger give a speech on a person they admire, Kahn. The one female reporter, Pris­ next week," she says. She goes around cilla Coe goes into the trainers' room the class asking everyone who they for an interview and says "Naked plan to use for their speech. My turn. bodies mean as much to me as to a "Okay Rosemarie, who did you pick?" nurse on duty." They tell her to strip if All eyes on me. I feel my face turn red. she wants an interview and she does it. I was never one to be in the spot light While in "You Gotta Believe" by David until recently. "Jackie Robinson." I E. Hubler, again the only femaJe re­ whisper. "Who?" she asks. "Jackie porter, Jerri Macke is in the locker Robinson," I say again. room with naked football players and The follQwing week I give my is trying to do an interview with Jor­ good laugh for himself. When 1 heard go undefeSpring training. On her first day the later?" "No we'll finish it now." and she sports. He once made an announce­ football and they tl talk to me as long as Mets management asked her not to go just ignored McGraw. In my opinion ment, ':..\.ll girls who want to major in they could tell me what was what, but in to the locker room until the next day. she had the perfect attitude, she Physical Education, see one of the as soon as 1 showed them I knew some­ The player rep., John Stearns, was sup­ wouldn't let some chauvanistic jock in­ teachers in the Phys. Ed. office." When thing about sports they felt threatened posed to tell the rest of the team she timidate her. he said it he said it with a chauvinistic and stopped talking to me; ot they was coming, so they wouldn't be This kind of discrimination doesn't laugh and wished them a harty good wouldn't talk at all because I was a girl standing around the clubhouse naked. exist only in professional sports and luck, like it was impossible for girls to and "didn't know anything." Not many She agreed and came back the next journalism, it's in schools too. My major in Physical Education. girls would talk to me because I was day. When she walked in everyone was friend Debbie, a pretty girl with light Once, Debbie got fed up with his "weird." dressed. John Stearns walked up to brown hair and brown eyes, in Larch­ chauvinistic attitude and told him Some people believe girls are only her and said, "Wanna watch me get mont, wrote the sports for the school that, "Someday you're going to meet interested in sports because it's mostly undressed?" She started crying and news program, MHS Info. She asked up with the producer of a sports show men who play them and all they want walked out. I'm sure Mr. Stearns had a Pete the producer, who the last team to and it's going to be a woman and she's not going to put up with any of your 'men are better' attitude, and you'll be out on your ass so fast!" But he just patted her head like she didn't know No Cheerleaders what she was talking about. "Don:t pa­ bullpen and watch the game and do the stadium has a right to know the tronize me, Pete. I'm serious!" "Calm by Rosemarie Kessler down, Deb, I know what I'm doing." Why doesn't baseball have cheer­ the appropriate cheers; when a pitcher management. 1 refused to move until like Doug Sisk, would warn up wetl do he answered my question, so he go On the same day he challenged any leaders? My friend and I have tried to and all girls to the sport of their choice find out the answer to this question, a cheer for him called "Say Who" someone else to try and make me 1st person: Say who? leave. 1 asked him why we had to move and promised to beat them. On Jan­ but at Shea Stadium no one will give us uary 17, he played J7 year old Traci a straight answer. Every time we in­ 2nd person: Say Doug! 1st person: Say and 1 was told that we could stay if the What? management said it was okay. So again Brown, a pretty black girl with black quire we get a big run around. hair and brown eyes and a medium Two and a half years ago my friend 2nd person: Say Sisk! I asked, "Who is the management?" Together: Doug Sisk, Doug Sisk Get And he said, ':..\.nyone downstairs." build, in basketball. Everyone, girls and ] started going to Met games as and boys included, were rooting for cheerleaders. We wore blue and orange up, get up and do your thing; woooo! Which could have been anyone of 100 And do your thing; woooo! people. 1 asked what the man's name Traci. Well, his plan to prove male skirts and white blouses. Since then domination in sports failed. Traci in our uniforms have improved. We now When we were first told to move we was, and he gave me a description of assumed it was because they thought who I was to ask. No name, just a de- sweats and a white nylon jacket gave. it have white body suits with Mets on the her all and beat Pete, who wore tight front and Mets embroidered on the we bothered the pitchers, because a lot scription. So 1 went downstairs and of people called down to them, but we found a Met security person who said black shorts and orange tee shirt that right arm in blue and orange sequines said, "Mr. Wonderful." hand sewn by my friend. We have didn't and we don't. We just want a it was okay for us to stand at the bull- place to do our cheers. pen. Then 1 went back upstairs and Pete made a public apology for ot: twelve cheers and a dance routine. One fending anyone and now maybe the of the cheers is "The Mets Are Mighty Still, a policeman once told us that told the cop it was okay and he said, the management didn't want anyone "Have him come up here and tell me." next time he has any thoughts about Tough," which goes like this: how well girls and sports go he'll re­ The Mets are might tough! standing by the bullpen. When I asked He did. He came up and told this cop it him who the "management" was, he was okay with him if it was okay with member Traci and change his mind, The (Cubs, Pirates, ~s, etc. ) ain't got said, "You don't know who the man- another cop. Which brought us right but I doubt it. It takes a lot more than the stuff! losing a basketball game to change a So let's hear the call! agement is?" I said "No" and asked back to the place we started. who it was. He said', "I can't tell' you After that attempt failed, we we.nt to person like that. Let's hear the cheer "Cause we're going As for me, way to go, Traci, show all the way this year! that. It's priveleged information." In the executive office to inquirf : about my opinion, everyone that goes into getting permission. We wer 'le d to that bum and others like him that We would stand over by the Mets' sports is a coed field. 10 -(:0" ; p 5 and Ed Lynch, who can also ' relieve. dolph, who batted a hefty .276 last year, The acquisition of lefthander Bob specializes in being a table setter, get­ 1986 Mels: Ojeda from the Boston Red Sox ting walks and stealing bases. should only strengthen the already ex­ At shortstop we s~e switchhitting cellent staff. Bobby Meacham. Meacham, an aver­ Except for young sinkerballer Roger age fielder, is backed. up by Andre Rob­ Rise To The Top McDowell, the bullpen has become ertson. Robertson who has come back the team's Achilles heel. Jesse Orosco from a terrible car accident in 1983, by Scott Engel team needs more consistency if they and Doug Sisk have declined in the last posseses a good righthanded bat and are to take it all. Ray Knight is defin­ two seasons and the rest provided little an excellent glove. 1969. The year that the "amazin'" Mets etly not the answer. This year at thrid base, Mike Pag­ shook the baseball world by taking all orno help. When the Mets are rolling, the out­ As y()u can see, after years of suffer­ liarulo will take command. With good the marbles. Since those glory days field is their well of power. In left field, fielding and a strong homerun bat, some seventeen years ago, the Mets ing the Mets finally have the team that George Foster's days are numbered as Pagliarulo should be a main stay with have finally come back to wnere they can take it. If the bullpen is adequate, he is losing his speed and eye. Ever; so and the infield's bats improve, the Mets the Yankees for years to come. He will belong. After years at the bottom of often he shows his former all star form, will be on top come October. be backed by former manager Yogi the barrel and being laughed at, the but it has become too little, too late. It's Berra's'son Dale who fields well, but "boys from flushing will have the last time for hard hitting Danny Heep to has no bat. laugh. get the starting spot he deserves. In In left field there is Dan Pasqua. Pas­ 1986 will go down in history as the centerfield, the Mets have a platoon of Yankee' qua's line drive swing and good field­ year Doctor K and his ctew rock the two whippet quick players. Mookie ing could make him the next Mat­ baseball world with a stunning array Wilson has seemingly recovered from tingly. He is most likely to share the of skill on the diamond. In the past few his shoulder problems and is ready to position with veteran Ken Griffey. years the Mets have built a foundation reclaim the basepaths. But if injury Preview Centerfield offers speed demon of strength that will stand for years to does strike, Len Dykstra proved he can Rickey Henderson, who hit. 314 and come. Mostly via their tremendously burn up the bases as well. In right field by John Fenico stole 80 bases. He should once again talented Tidewater farm system did stands one ofthe most potentially awe­ It is Febuary and less than a month be the catalyst for the Yankee attack. In they acquire the most potent group to some players to ever play the game. unit! spring training begins. The ques­ rightfield there is Dave Winfield. Win­ occupy Shea Stadium since the days of Darryl Strawberry finally began to tions on the minds of Yankee fans are, field, the Yankee's other big gun is ex­ Tom Seaver. live up to his tremendous promise. what are the Yankee's chances of pull­ pected to continue to produce the way The infield has become one of base­ While missing seven weeks last season ing off a world championship this he has the last few years. ball's most consistent units, supplying he still managed to hit 29 homeruns year? What can expect from the The position of designated hitter .dutch fielding and hitting. They are and drive in 79 runs. Don't be sur­ "Bronx Bombers" this season? Who will once again involve a platoon sys­ anchored by one ofthe best all around prised if he hits 40 homers and hits are the starters? tem with Don Baylor and Ken Griffey. first basemen to ever play the game, .300 this season. The lineup for this year's Yankee Pitching will the key to Yankee pen­ Keith Hernandez. On the field, he has Behind the plate, after years of team will be basically the same as last nant hopes. Thei r sttrti ng group is ex­ proved himself over and over again, year's, but with a few exceptions. perienced, but their bullpen is stilI making impossible plays look routine. searching, the Mets finally have the catcher any team would love to have. The starting catching spot will be a suspect. Last year he had another banner year. toss up and a dog fight between Butch Ron Guidry will once again be the He led the team with a .311 batting Gary Carter is blessed with all the tal­ ents of the prototype catcher. Carter Wyneager and the recently returned ace of the staff. Though his power average, set a Major League record for Ron Hassey. Wyneager had a bad sea­ pitching game has faded , he stilI con­ game winning runs batted in and col­ can drive the ball with a simple flick of the bat as last year's 32 homeruns can son, due in part to being hit with a foul tinues to be a consistent winner. The lected his ninth consecutive gold glove. ball while waiting in the on deck circle, Niekro brothers, Phil and Joe provide At second, Wally Backman is con­ attest. His experience is perfect for the young pitchers and he can still throw but he has recuperated and intends to the good righthanded pitching the sistent and hard working. Hecan make fight hard for his spot. Hassey, on the Yankees need. Their experience on the the tough play at the plate or on the out runners with the best of them. When the Mets won the series back other hand was traded to the White mound will be invaluable during the field. He will be challenged by the Sox and then, a few weeks later traded stretch drive of late August and Sep­ Mets' newest acquisition, Tim Tuefel, in 1969, the pitching staff was the core of the team. And this year's dub is no back for pitcher Neil Allen and catcher tember. The addition of lefthander who the Mets acquired to give them Scott Bradley. . . Britt Burns from the Chicago White strength against right handed pitchers. exception. In two short years, Dwight Gooden has become a living legend. Don Mattingly will once again pa­ Sox can only help the Yankee cause. Look for them to platoon with one an­ trol first base. Mattingly, American In the bullpen, Dave Righetti will other. If Tuefel can do for the team He has accomplished things most fire­ baIlers only dream of. And he still has League Most Valuable Player came off once again be the fireman. He will be what Kelvin Chapman did in 1984, a great season. He batted a team lead­ joined by young fireballer Brian that can only help. At shortstop, Rafael at least 13 years to go. The rest of the staff does not com­ ing .324 and drove in a league leading . Fisher, who should compliment Righ­ Santana has locked up his spot with 145 runs. His display of talent made etti's talent. Lefties Al Holland and slick fielding. If he can bring his bat­ pare, but they are stars in their own right. Ron Darling is one of the most him a force to reckoned with. Rod Scurry round out the rest of the ting average up, Ron Gardenhire will At second base will be veteran Wil­ Yankee relief corps. soon be paying to get in. Third base, underrated pitchers in baseball and though stronger is still questionable. would the ace of any other staff. Sid lie Randolph. This is Randolph'S tenth I Fernandez has fantastic potential, but year with the Yankees, but he is still Howard Johnson almost singlehand­ considered one of the best defensive edly decimated St. Louis last year by must gain control. Other starters in­ se~ond basemen in the game. Ran- showing flashes of brilliance. But the clude Rick Aquilera, Bruce Berenyi cont.from p. 12 Underrated Bannister: NBA. got to function as one, like a machine. I feel very comfortable. It seems like Bridge: If one person goes sour, like a machine every year, my role will cjange. Last Who are your favorite people to play a nut will break, the whole thing will year I couldn't afford to get in foul against? break down. So, everybody has got to trouble, which comes with the learning Bannister: stick together and cheer each other up. abilities of the game. Plus when you Artis Gilmore, Moses Malone, Rick Bridge: come into the NBA , you have to set a Mahorn. They're all good, they're all How did it feel to come in as a rookie basic background of what type of big and they're all physical. and get thrust into a starting role? Bannister: player you're going to be. When Moses Bannister: It would have to be one game against Bridge: Malone came into the league he was an It felt good. I know I have a couple of . Milwaukee. I had seventeen rebounds Do you like to play physical? · agressive rebounder. Charles Barkley starting spots coming up, and I feel I and sixteen points. Every game is best takes the ball coast to coast. Bannister: will get into the starting line up before for me when I hit the boards hard. I Bridge: DefinetIy the season ends. When the opportu­ consider those my best games because Your'e a great dunker(Bannister Bridge: nity comes, I'll just be ready for it. the Knicks need someone for scoring laughs) Have you thought about enter­ What is your favorite team to play Bridge: and rebounding. Like I was saying about certain teams needing certain ing the slam dunk contest? against? How do see your future with the Bannister: Bannister: people, some teams need people to Knicks? score, others need them to rebound. In No, I don't get nothing of slamming by L. A. (Lakers), because they run the Bannister: myself, just to show off. You have ex­ floor. Mostly basically, they have the this situation, they just want me to re­ It all depends on how they need me. bound. perts in the slam dunk contest, doing top talent as does Philadelphia and Certain teams, have to certain people things for the crowd. I feel I'm an ex­ Boston. The people that have the most Bridge: to go with certain coaching style. Can you tell us about yourself person­ pert of slamming on people. That's talent on their teams now, if you look it Some people tell me I might be better ally? where you have two different types of up, are number I and 2 in every con­ off with another team, that they might dunkers. ference. ., be better off in another surrounding. Bannister: Bridge: Bridge: lake Kareem for a change, he went to 'I live in New Jersey, born in Baltimore. What do you feel is strongest part of How do you get along with coach Milwuakee and look what happened I didn't start playing ball until 7 or 8 your game? Hubie Brown and the Knick players? to him. . years ago. I played a year and a half of Bannister: Bannister: Bridge: high school ball and played football the other years, then played junior var­ My desire. Without desire and heart, I get along well with everybody. You got What's the game you'll never forget? there's no way you can play in the to in order to survive. Everybody has sity and then I moved on to college.

11 want it bad enough you can get it. Whatever you want in life is there, all you have to do is step through the door '~-'~'" L.aGuardia and get it. Bridge: How does it feel to play in New York? Basketball Bannister: Oh, I love it, I love the fans, they kno,:" by Scott Engel the court as the team used their supe­ all about the game. Most fans don t Lee Grant pushing the ball up the rior speed to burn by the Sureshots. know anything about the sport, but floor. Dwight Clark slamming on an The team has a well structured New York does. They cheer you when opposing center. Al Smith ripping re­ frontcourt, led by the all around tal­ you're up and when they know that you bounds off the offensive board. No, it's ents of center/forward Dwight Clark. give your aIL not the Los Angeles Lakers, it's La­ He is averaging 14 pts. per game, which Bridge: Guardia's newest collection of hoop­ tops the squad. Clark also applies de­ Do they put you down when you're sters, The LaGuardia Basketball fensive pressure by clogging the lane. down? team. The dirty work is handled by center Al Bannister: This year's squad features scrappy Smith, who leads the team with eight Definitely (laughs). rebounders and intimidating big men. rebounds per game. He is also the Bridge: Evervone contributes well and the teams leading shotblocker and key in­ team- is quickly rising in the Long Is­ Do YOU feel any pressure playing with. timidator. two hig stars such as Patrick Ewi ng and land YMCA:s American Division. I The main outside scoring threat is spoke to coach Jeff Hiss and assistants Berm'.rd King? small forward Troy Harrison. Coach Bann'ister: Steven {)'Bryant and Eric Hall. They O'Brvant empha'sized Harrison's No, I don't feel no pressure because I expressed optimism and hope that the jump'shooting and his ability to drive have to be a role modeL My time will team could put on a strong showing to the basket. The rest of the front­ come to be a star. I'm a star now, but this year. court is rounded out by rebounder KEN BANNISTER I'm just doing a role, playing ajob. I do O;Brvant had no reservations about Victor Riveria and Joseph Hutchins, all the things they (the stars) do, which showing his enthusiasm towards the who coach Hall describes as "a streak is the little things. team. He commented: ':<\lthough the shooter." team doesn't practice, they are very The backcourt has had its problems, Underrated Bridge: hard working and energetic." The at times lacksidasical and out of con­ You have had some trouble in the past team seemed to show those qualities in trol. Lee Grant is the point guard who with your foul shooting 46 percent last their first five games. The lack of prac­ controls the flow of the game. He is a Stars year, 51 percent this year, and 71 per­ tice seemed to reflect upon the players good passer (six assists per game), but cent in the preseason. What have you as they dropped three of those con­ has problems with his outside shoot­ done to improve? tests. But the team bounced back with ing. He teams with Vincent Council, by Scott Engel Bannister: a 69 to 62 triumph over the WBLS Sur­ who can hit the jumper, but has free We've had several shooting coaches eshots in their sixth game. The team As a new feature in The Bridge, throw problems. They are backed by come in to help us work on our shots: seemed to exhibit a flair for energy every so often we will run interviews Ben Crenshaw, who provides offense Gerald Wilkins, Bob Thornton, and I and quickness and ran the break well. and profiles of players in all sports off the bench, and William Jones who need more self confidence in our "Much of their enthusiasm comes who do not get the attention they de­ can penetrate to the basket. serve. This issue we feature Ken Ban­ shots. Just go up there, relax, and fol­ from Coach Hiss," added O'Bryant, The LaGuardia basketball team is low through. "and it reflects on the teams perfor­ nister of the New York Knicks, who now in a position to challenge for a Bridge: mance." This energy carries over onto sacrifices his body for the good of the playoff spot, and you can cheer them team, and is a valuable bench reserve How did the transition from St. Au­ on. See the coach for game schedules. for the young Knicks. gustine's to the pros affect you? Bridge: Bannister: Where did you get the nickname ':<\ni­ Well, reall~ it's no big change. I just mal?" stopped running plays until I got here Bannister: with the Knicks. I learned more and Well, playing very aggressive for more about the game, day in and day teams. I feel (The Knicks) needed out. It's hard, but only as hard as you someone very aggressive, they needed make it on yourself. someone to go strong to the boards, Bridge: and start with the aggressive move, With the string of irtiuries striking the and get the fouls and rebounds when Knicks, how do you manage to avoid they needed it. I just got a little physi­ injury? cal, threw a little elbows, and they Bannister: liked my game. Last year I was 6' 10", Well, I try to stay in shape, because you 240 pounds, and I was pretty fast for don't know when Hubie will call you my height and weight, and they liked off the bench to play ball. I just try to that. keep my mind in the game. Bridge: Bridge: Who gave you the nickname? Does it pressure you to come off the Bannister: bench? My New York fans (laughs). Everybody Bannister: from New York. Richie Abudato's I like to come off the bench, because in (Knick's assistant coach) son was out the playoffs and against good teams recruiting and he told his son, don't you have to have a good bench. Several come back with anybody who's not players have to come off the bench and physical. Richie's son said, 'Dad, you do a good job. I feel without a doubt, have to come and see this gvy, he plays what we have here now we have a seri­ like an animal. ' His son played center ous bench. We have a lot of power and against me in the NCAA Division II scoring. We're weak in some places , championship, and we beat them. but we go in there and play hard every Bridge: game. "'You were a seventh round draft pick Bridge: out of St. Augustine's and 146th over­ Doyou feel comfortable in your role all, the lowest pick ever to make ~he with the Knicks? Knicks. How do you feel about beatmg tremendous odds to make the team? Bannister: cont.p.ll Opportunity's always there, if you

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