The Mosaic A publication of the Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ July 27, 2007 Classroom How moved are we? laptops re-examined by Sharon Kim Staff Writer In the fall of 2006, school districts, such as Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, installed laptops in classrooms to facilitate learning and to motivate students. At first, this seemed like a brilliant idea to school administrations: paperless classrooms, instant information and the convenience of cut-and-paste. Brian Kwee, a senior at Bergen County Academies, said, “I think that laptops are useful tools in our school. With these laptops, students can save time with their research.” Because of these advantages, the Pascack Valley High School District launched “1:1 Laptop eLearning Initiative,” a program that gave faculty and students wireless laptops. This four-year project was implemented Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer in 2004 to change the way teachers teach A handkerchief is draped over a concert goer’s head at the Live Earth concenrt held at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 7. and students learn. The administration believed that with access to any information any time, students were better prepared for their education. Concert inspires environmental change According to a presentation by Paul Cohen, assistant superintendent at the by Marta Paczkowska namely by making everyday eco-friendly asked if he signed the pledge after seeing Pascack Valley Regional High School, Staff Writer choices and signing a seven-point pledge, the concert at Giants Stadium, Jeff Laux, to the school’s Board of Education in devised by Gore to support “green” a freshman at the College of New Jersey, February 2004, studies showed technology S.O.S. This time our ship is not sinking, lifestyles, politicians, and businesses. said that he mentally signed it. had a positive effect of technology on but our planet. Al Gore’s three-year global A ticker on the Giant’s Stadium stage Kristen Hariton, a freshman at student performance. climate change campaign tells us we need read at one point during the show, “A Montclair State University, said she didn’t Mr. Cohen said, “In Henrico County, the to Save Our Selves. Concert for Change—A Movement for “officially” sign the pledge. district points to 100 percent of its schools Gore’s call was delivered to fans at the Change,” but how moved were people? There was also a lot of criticism being certified by the state of Virginia. Live Earth concert extravaganza on July Although there were a significant concerning the amount of pollution This figure is up from 78 percent with high 7 in nine locations around the world, on number of people clad in green at Giants and garbage generated by the 24-hour, school students scoring the highest of all all seven continents. Fans were urged to Stadium, there were no guarantees of who [See EARTH, Page 4] the schools in the neighboring districts.” “answer the call” to tackle global warming, would comply with Gore’s request. When [See LAPTOPS, Page 2] Small organization helps ease federal immigration issue by Jonathan Guerra American culture. the United States’ status as a accountable. have also felt the burden of Staff Writer The FCDC believes it is an “melting pot” is acting as both an In Fairview, many of the having to determine immigration The Franciscan Community organization that operates from asset and a hindrance. immigrants are from Latin regulations on a local level. Development Center in Fairview, the heart of the individual rather She also stated that responsibility America. However, they are not They also do their best to N.J., may be a small obscure than a company or corporation is a major part of the situation and the only immigrants. incorporate immigrants into organization, but the scope of the that would seek profit. how it is handled. Stigmas and stereotypes have society in a way that is humane. group’s vision is not. The government is yet to release Part of the legal liability involved plagued the Latin American “The mission is to put the The FCDC is just one of many a comprehensive set of guidelines in some groups of immigrants community and this is a direct ‘community’ back into all organizations that deals with the as far as immigration reform involves the American contractors impact on how the issue of Community Development Centers issue of immigration on a local and enforcement are concerned. who hire undocumented labor. In immigration is treated. and to encourage a sense of level in response to the lack of Therefore, the burden of such terms of supply and demand, if Nevertheless, the FCDC brotherhood amongst all people, federal initiative. decisions has recently been the American contractors were not also serves all members of the especially the poor, the forgotten, At the core of the FCDC’s responsibility of individual towns demanding this labor, the problem community; including non- and the oppressed,” Calaccurcio message is education. It believes and municipalities. would not persist. immigrants who need the basic said. the key to effectively dealing with When asked about the issue of In many cases, the vulnerability services they provide. In essence, organizations like the issue of immigration is through immigration on a national scale, of some immigrants is exploited A center like the FCDC faces the FCDC strive to promote education and that through this Susan Calaccurcio, the director through unfair wages. This is the challenge of immense fellowship amongst all people education a new productive group of the FCDC said that it was a why both the immigrants and responsibility. regardless of their economic, of citizens will be assimilated into “double-edged sword”, and that the contractors must be held Other communities like Passaic social, or legal status.

MOSAICSPORTS MOSAICVIEW MOSAICRETRO NY Liberty’s Kraayeveld A perspective on the The Mosaic looks back at a leads valiant effort Colombian drug trade ’67 year of intense rioting Page 19 Page 16 Page 10 Page 2 N e w s July 27, 2007 New iPhone makes mobile web easier By Michaelle Bond Staff Writer

When Stephen Chiger, co-director of the Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop at Monmouth University, wants to get his students to do something, all he has to do is say the word “iPhone.” Suddenly, all of the teenagers in the room, who weren’t interested a moment before, are all for whatever Steve wants them to do - Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer whether it’s answering a question or memorizing the iPods revolutionize education entire newspaper to ace the daily By Taylor Cook and Melissa Reyes bookwork. to architecture with the option news quiz, just Staff Writers The features include tutorials to listen to a guest speaker on for the sliver of a Songs and movies aren’t the with test-taking tips, practice campus. chance to win the only things you can get on quizzes of close to 1,000 “With the advancement of MP3 gadget dubbed the iTunes these days. In attempts questions, and the capability to go technologies, it seemed even more “Jesus phone.” to broaden their horizons, Apple over your answers with question possible to get course content to With a nickname now provides lectures and study analysis and the breakdown of students anytime, anywhere,” like that and all of guides. your performance with statistics. NJIT Humanities professor the hype about its Several universities and Kaplan Schaffer said that he thinks the Norbert Elliot, whose lectures are advent, the iPhone Test Prep, a company that offers programs are “just another way to on iTunes U, said. has a lot to live up courses and study materials in reinforce what students know.” Elliot explained that he would to. After all, some preparation for standardized “Nothing will take the place of have his students listen to the people camped out tests like the SAT, are providing taking a course or doing practice lecture before going to class. in front of Apple content offered by Apple and were exams on a regular basis, “ he On the day of class students stores waiting for released the week of June 13. said. would conduct discussions, give the June 29 release Intended for high school Pol Chelmis, a junior at and answer questions about the of the device like students preparing for college, Asheville High School in North lecture. they were on Kaplan Test Prep has created a Carolina, had mixed feelings Most content on iTunes U is free line for tickets to collection of interactive study about the product. but there is some material that is see their favorite games formatted specifically for “I think it’s a cool [application], just for registered students. bands. Apple’s Video iPod that will quiz and a cool idea to have it on your “Our podcasts are designed to be As for the students for the SAT while they’re iPod.” more than just a recording of the people who don’t on the go. He believed that it would help lecture,” James Moore, Distance already own an “Learning is reinforced through hard workers achieve greater Learning and DePaul University iPhone, the device multiple kinds of studying,” success, because they are more of College of Commerce has many features Russell Schaffer of Kaplan Media likely to use it in their spare time. professor, said. that will have them Courtesy of Apple.com relations said. “Not all students He did have some reservations, “Face-to-face classes are more “accidentally” losing their current cell phone and running for the learn the same.” though. “It is relatively simple than just a lecture – there is nearest Apple retail store. Kaplan’s founder, Stanley to use…but the GUI (graphic interaction taking place that cannot The iPhone allows users to surf the Internet, check email, take Kaplan, said once in an interview user interface) is mediocre. It is be captured in a recording.” pictures and access YouTube, and the list goes on. that they are “always looking to a typical educational company’s NJIT digital poetry professor David Serrato from Apple Customer Relations said that other breach new kinds of technology.” design.” Chris Funkhouser only has clips companies have combined multiple features in their devices, but “the The Kaplan website said that so He remarked that the graphics of sound and video art. He said he good thing about Apple is that it’s integrated with the iPod.” far, the programs offered are in and colors were “cheesy” and that may consider providing lectures Puneet Seth is the owner of one of these coveted iPhones. He was the areas of mathematics, writing, it featured “strange 3-D images.” in the near feature and doesn’t lucky enough to get his as a gift from his brother about a week after and critical reading. Chelmis also added his disdain mind having other people listen its release. The games cost $4.99 for product placement within the in on his material. “It’s the next generation of phone,” Seth said. “The Internet is really individually ($14.97 for all three), program, like the “subliminal College lectures on iTunes U good and it has amazing sound. The camera is like a real camera, not which is especially interesting picture of an Apple computer in are allowed to appear once the a phone camera.” considering that Kaplan’s 12 the background.” professor gives their approval of His wife, Shailja Seth, agrees that the iPhone is remarkable, but session, professionally taught Aimed at iTunes users the lecture being posted. thinks that Apple lost costumers because the device only uses the courses go for around $750. interested in college, selected While Elliot knew that his AT&T service. This is one of the reasons her husband, who had a The programs were designed colleges provide audio recordings lectures were on iTunes U, Verizon phone, said that he would not have bought the iPhone on as a supplement to the courses and video of college lectures Stanford’s Mark Zoback, had no his own. Kaplan already offers, along with and campus events. Subjects of idea but was “glad to know [they Another reason is the price. At $499 for the 4GB model and $599 practice SAT tests and traditional lectures range from mathematics were there].” for the 8GB model, the cost is certainly a deterrent for some people. However, the price is only one of the complaints Apple customers a senior from Bergen County of many schools that abandoned have about the iPhone. Academes in Hackensack, was computers in the classroom. “It can be cumbersome,” said Puneet Seth. “My fingers are big Laptops also miffed by the lack of authority The school knew that the and it has a very sensitive screen.” He explained that sometimes he Continued from Page 1 teachers have in the classrooms. students misused the technology, tries to hit one button, but he ends up hitting several. “And there’s no “Laptops should be allowed but they had another reason stylus to fix the problem.” to be used during free time, but for removing the program: the He also said he can’t send group emails or text messages. But there was a drawback to they should not be allowed in administration’s inability to Serrato said most customers’ main problems have to do with this innovation: distraction. class,” Longue said. “I’ve seen change their curriculum. Often activation taking too long. While the teacher talked in more than enough people playing times, teachers did not how to So, is the iPhone a phone with a lot of features, or a device with all front, most students pretended to ‘Counterstrike’ during class. incorporate these new devices into of the features that happens to have a phone? pay attention and instead checked Students should live with a pen their class lectures and activities. The answer to this question might depend on who is asked. their e-mail or instant messaged. and paper.” Mark Lawson, board president Puneet Seth said he was impressed with all of the features, but a It’s not only the teachers who Liverpool High School in New at Liverpool High School, said little disappointed with the phone function. He said he thought it are complaining about this new York even decided to remove that there had been no “impact on seemed like the phone was an afterthought. laptop program. Michael Longue, laptops from the curriculum—one student achievement—none.” July 27, 2007 N e w s Page 3 Internet and tech resources draw music fans to bands Nayantara Choudhary Staff Writer Exit. also started to post their entire tickets sold, and the bands, the very specific mass messages The band has developed a albums online. Mike Montalto, demographics, and even the to Myspace users in the area in In today’s world, technology revolutionary way of advertising the drummer for another local crime rate in the area, stated which they will be performing, has become essential. This is themselves online and NJ band, Status Green, said that Statton. instead of mass messaging particularly true for the music differentiating themselves from it is “essential” to have an album Statton referred to the program everyone in their database every industry. everyone else. on iTunes, because “that’s where as an ‘extension’ of his brain. time they play a show, like most Every day, there are new bands Evan Statton, 23, the lead most of our audience is getting He said the main purpose of the other bands do. who add their profiles to websites vocalist for Pick An Exit, said, their music from.” program is to record and store Once more bands start to use like Myspace and Facebook, in “The band would literally not Recently, Statton came up with anything that he could possibly these kinds of specified emails to the hope of attracting new fans. exist without technology.” Like a computer program, nicknamed have to remember, in a searchable access their fans, the “power in Because of the plethora of most other bands today, they ‘Doug,’ which he designed database. the music industry will move out bands who are coming up every have a Myspace profile, which using PHP, a computer scripting This database is also compatible of the hands of the producers,” day, it has become difficult for contains a link to their main Web language. The band uses the with the Myspace programs, said Montalto of Status Green. any one band to make themselves site page. database to store many types of which has further enabled the “And once this happens, the stand out in the crowd, agreed Many bands who are trying information. band’s ability to use the program. power of music will finally be in members of the band Pick An to gain popularity today have They store the number of It also allows the band to send the hands of the actual bands.” A possible way to cure global warming discovered

abhishék seth Staff Writer Life as we know it is under threat. Our planet is heating up faster than ever before. These are powerful statements that start off the Australian American Broadcasting Company’s video, “Pipe Dreams.” Carbon dioxide is one of the main greenhouse gas culprits for global warming. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes solar heat to get trapped. As a consequence, the earth’s temperature augments, defrosting the world’s stash of ice, which raises the sea level, according to the World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Because of increased carbon dioxide, as stated by World Resources Institute, many companies—such as AIG Corporate, American Electric Power, BP and General Electric—have endorsed a “radical” method: carbon capture and storage. Carbon capture and storage (also known as geosequesteration) seems to be an unprecedented process to assist the reduction of carbon dioxide for the climate shift, said John Venezia, a former Project Manager for ICF Consulting Group, Inc. and a current associate for World Resources Institute’s Carbon Capture and Sequestration Project. However, “[oil companies] have been [sequestering carbon dioxide] for 30 years,” Venezia said. Essentially, carbon sequestration begins before the Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer coal power plants and industrial factories’ smokestacks. Here, chemical plants seize, and sometimes compress, the approximately 90 percent of the carbon dioxide that could have been emitted. Then, the carbon dioxide (either gas or liquid) is transported through pipes to aquifers that are usually depleted oil and natural gas reserves or coal seams—“porous spaces of rock,” Venezia said. Venezia said he believes carbon capture and storage is a continued process. He said he imagines that 60 to 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050 will “avoid the dangerous impacts of climate change.” Although he works in this field, he said people still need to do something about the climate shift. “[Carbon sequestration] should not be the only” method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. People “need to use renewable and energy efficiency,” he said. Despite the urgency to minimize carbon dioxide, none of the companies has pumped carbon dioxide into the ground on a large scale, said Matthew Banks, a World Wildlife Fund Senior Program Officer. Furthermore, Venezia said over email, “One reason companies are not doing [carbon sequestration] is that there is no financial incentive to do this. It costs a lot.” No one knows if carbon sequestration actually works, partly because the test is not complete, Bank said. “There haven’t been enough [tests].” Venezia said environmentalists are concerned about the safety and health issues that may come with the sequestration. The aquifers are a mile deep under ground and a cap rock—a layer of impermeable rock— traps the carbon dioxide, Venezia said. Banks said there is still skepticism if the carbon dioxide can come to the surface or stay down there for a given period of time, adding that there is even a worry that dirty carbon dioxide could end up in the ground water. Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer Page 4 N e w s July 27, 2007

The Rise of the WNBA The past, present and future of women’s professional basketball

By N ichole Bray Staff Writer

They may not be as well known as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, or LeBron James, but they are WNBA star players who are dominating the court. Cynthia Cooper, Lisa Leslie, and Tina Thompson are all known for their desire for the game of basketball. While the WNBA is still in its infancy compared to other professional sports, the number of viewers has increased to over fifty million since 1997 according to theWNBA website. On July 15 the WNBA released news regarding a television deal with ESPN/ABC. This contract ensures broadcasting of WNBA games on the web. WNBA fan Brandi Johnson of New Jersey stated, “Women’s professional basketball is finally getting the recognition it deserves with this new deal. It’s comforting to know that the great moments of the WNBA can now be viewed via the Internet.” Of course, all sports have their great moments and the WNBA is no exception. Here is a timeline of some of the greatest moments in WNBA’s 11-year history – with some help from the WNBA website.

Milestones

Graphic by Melissa Reyes 1997: The first WNBA game took place in Los Angeles, California. New York Liberty defeated the Sparks by ten points among 14,284 fans. 1999: A shot from Teresa Weatherspoon of New York Liberty cut through the air during Game 2 of the WNBA finals in Houston. The shot occurred from half-court. Web logs help 2001: The WNBA drafted twin sisters for the first time in history: Coco and Kelly Miller. Coco played for the Washington Mystics, and the Charlotte Stings recruited Kelly. 2002: Edna Campbell—who settled with breast cancer—returned to the Sacramento Monarchs spread lost story on August 13. 2004: Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to make 4,000 points. By Taylor Cook Washington Blade reported on it. 2006: Vonage, a company involved in the broadband phone industry, presented the WNBA Staff Writer National newspapers that missed it were The New York *AllStar game for the first time in history to mark the tenth anniversary of theWNBA. A man named Aaron Hall was Times, The Washington Post, and beaten and left for dead on April USA Today. 12 in Crothersville, Ind. The biggest newspaper in Four papers in Indiana Indiana, the Indianapolis Star, covered it, but it wasn’t until the did not cover the murder initially, blogosphere picked up on it that although courts reporter Jon the story really spread. Murray is currently at work on a Nichole Bray /Staff Photographer The biggest example of the story about it. influence of the blogosphere is The reason that the Indy Star the entry that was made about the didn’t report on the murder sooner user Bookshop posted an entry reporter, was not surprised by the murder first on April 25th, when murder on LiveJournal, a Web was because it was, according to in her journal about the April Internet’s impact. only the first few details were site with more than 2,000,000 Murray, “so far out of our area of 12th murder of Aaron Hall, a “There’s more analysis with available, followed up the next registered users. The post had, as coverage.” He did use the blogs Crothersville resident that was Internet articles,” he said. “It week on May 2nd when more of July 22, 667 replies. to track the progression of the beaten for twelve hours by three forces [people] to pay more information had been released, Digg, an Internet resource case, though. men, one of whom, reports say, he attention.” and once more on June 20th. for current events, received a “Newspaper reporters read approached sexually. Sreenivasan continued to The Crothersville Times does submission about the crime a few plenty of blogs.” As reported by police, the say that online bloggers break not have a blog, hours after the LiveJournal post. “One of the advantages that murder was covered up at first, stories frequently in the same “[Blogs are] more opinions and Several other Web sites caught blogs and online sources have is but it was discovered ten days manner as this, with sites such rants. They’re more community on to the story and reported about that they can cover a story more later when Hall’s body was found as buzzmachine.com’s Jeff Jarvis gossip,” he said. it after those initial two. piecemeal,” he said. in one of his attackers’ garages. reporting on all breaking news However, he did believe blogs Hall’s story is an example of “They have unlimited publishing The story took a full month to straight from the Web. could reach more people than how the blogosphere is changing space.” reach the blogosphere. When it Kurt Covener, editor and print newspapers, especially with the way news is discovered. The Indianapolis Star does have did, it caused a chain-reaction publisher of the Crothersville regards to the Times. Only four local papers officially several online blogs run by its that led to it popping up on sites Times, said that his paper is “A good number of my covered the case: The Jackson reporters and readers. all over the Web. designed for a small town, as subscribers…don’t go on the County Banner, the Crothersville “The paper is making an effort,” Sreenath Sreenivasan, Dean Crothersville’s population is only Internet,” he said. “The younger Times, the Seymour Tribune, and Murray said about its attempts to of Students and professor at 1,500 people. folks probably rely more on the Bloomington Alternative. be Internet friendly. Columbia University, and also “Murder is big news,” Covener blogs…they may risk being A month after the murder, The On June 19, the LiveJournal WNBC-TV technological said. The paper covered Hall’s misinformed.”

the sacrifices. You have to waste at Giants Stadium in East “I would only organize Live million to help end starvation in energy to get people together.” Rutherford, N.J. to announce Earth if I could go on stage and Africa, while The Concert for EARTH Both Laux and Hariton indicated his pledge and the magnitude of announce concrete environmental New York City raised $35 million Continued from Page 1 that they have been taking steps the climate crisis in an effort to measures from the American for 9/11 victims’ families. to become “greener” since the increase awareness, which was presidential candidates, Congress Proceeds from Live Earth are worldwide event, and although concert, like turning off the lights the main goal of the concert. or major corporations,” Geldof going to the Alliance for Climate the exact number of attendees and running water in unoccupied This goal has been criticized for told Dutch newspaper De Protection, a group of non-profits was not calculated, an estimated 2 rooms, but there is no way of being elusive and immeasurable, Volkskrant in an interview. who work to inform the public billion people watched the show tracking how many people are especially by Bob Geldof, Although Live Earth was the about the climate crisis and through various media. taking such measures, and what organizer of Live Aid and Live 8, world’s biggest show to date, petition lawmakers to adopt eco- Laux countered the criticism: they really thought of the concert similar events that raised money when compared to past benefit friendly legislation. “Obviously concerts aren’t going itself either. to relieve famine and debt in concerts, it did not have as clear [See EARTH, Page 5] to be pollution-free, but those are Gore appeared in person Africa. of a goal—Live Aid raised $245 July 27, 2007 N e w s Page 5 Kurds living in Dallas stay connected to home country

By sharon kim force, many Kurds intend to return Kurdish parents put the health was originally prevalent during experienced great hardships due Staff Writer to their native communities now of their children, consequently, the initiations of resettlement, to Saddam Hussein. The al-Anfal Campaign of that Saddam has been defeated. first, and are eager to comply with because there has been a great However, the Kurds are still the late 1980’s, led by Saddam Their persistence to remain immunization requirements. increase of cases caused by hopeful that they will be able to Hussein, sparked an influx of connected with their neighbors Once the children have been diabetes and hypertension. live in an independent state of Kurds to Turkey and ultimately to in their homeland is one element cared for, frequently the initial Through constant investigations Kurdistan. Dallas, Texas, in the early 1990s. that makes these Kurds in Dallas inclination has been to ask and research, scientists have They believed that justice would When Wendy Hundley of the unique among refugees. for prescription drugs needed learned that the thyroid conditions be served when Mr. Hussein Dallas Morning News interviewed They earn enough money to by family members still in were not caused by gas or had to face his accusers in the Texas resident Adil Abdullah, visit their family and friends in Kurdistan. chemical exposure. courtroom. he responded, “Saddam killed Turkish Kurdistan from time to Although there have been no However, they did discover that Nuri Ahmed said to Reporter 184,000 Kurds, [and] none of the time, and even fly elderly Kurds formal investigations, it is likely these health cases were evident Wendy, “We hope this judgment Muslim countries came to our back to Kurdistan to be buried. that some of the medications even before the gas attacks, since will be in Halabja, where he aid.” It is no surprise that the Kurds in prescribed for patients in Dallas citizens of Dallas did not complain killed 5,000 people with chemical Currently there are 1,000 Dallas have kept to their Kurdish find their way back to Kurdistan. about any direct exposure to weapons.” Kurdish refugees who are in cultural ideals; among them the Hopping from doctor to doctor is warfare agents. Samantha Wronski, a freshman Dallas. idea of honoring children as the very common, as the Kurds learn to The Kurds may have not attending SUNY Canton, helped Although they are well future peshmerga, or freedom manipulate the system to get what suffered greatly from this Sharon Kim with this article. integrated into the American work fighters. they want. Communicable disease chemical technology, but they Medical experts debate truth of video game addiction

By melissa reyes his wife and daughters, Tommy people – out of the 90 percentage Yahoo article said. USATODAY.com article. Staff Writer recalls how he became addicted of gamers who may be addicted, Yet despite arguments claiming In a press release, the AMA ‘Tommy Former Addict of EQ’ to playing EverQuest to other an American Medical Association there to be no such thing as a requested to conduct more had everything. He had the job, OLGA members. council’s report stated. video game addiction, it may be research on the long-term effects house and family. But “now I’ve “I could have avoided this if Aiming to raise awareness and listed as a psychiatric disorder in of video game and internet use. lost everything,” Tommy said I hadn’t played so much,” he ensure the ‘addicted’ to claim a widely used AMA manual for Clinics can be found already in in a post on On-Line Gamers wrote. insurance coverage for treatment, mental illnesses. Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Anonymous. However, Tommy is one of a leading council of the nation’s “There’s no science to support China with specialized programs Not showering for weeks to the millions that make up the 15 largest doctor’s group prepared a it,” Dr. Stuart Gitlow, an addiction for gaming addiction. cutting of communication from percent – more than five million report for the AMA, a June online medicine specialist, said in a Educators use blogs as teaching tools in classrooms By Sharon kim Staff Writer Professor of the University of Edward Silverman, a veteran teachers have more time to answer Blogs offer many advantages, Houston Clear Lake in Houston, journalist for The Star-Ledger their students’ questions. but users should be aware there is Blogs—also known as Texas said, “The tool is dependent and creator of a medical blog Teachers can also utilize no single authority that controls weblogs—have become the next upon the quality of subject matter called Pharmalot.com, said, different technologies, such as these blogs. sensation for future generations. [and] innovative nature of the “[This technology] could provide audio downloads and video clips, Students and faculty must They are an integral part of participants.” another useful way to hold a to illustrate their points. carefully consider the content of education because they enable This technology enables students discussion, articulate a point Edward Calimag, a tutor at a their posts and be skeptical of the students to learn a particular to self-publish text and other of view, and add to the group’s Korean SAT school called Elite information that they read. topic from varied perspectives. works for the audience to read knowledge base by circulating Academy in Englewood Cliffs, According to Sullivan, “Too However, there are risks that they and leave constructive comments. additional information.” said, “It saves all parties a lot of many blogs are simply used to must consider. Blogs create a community of They are also easy to use, time. Also, students and teachers express opinions.” Therefore, The blog discussions’ quality is members who can interact with requiring minimum knowledge have more tools for research at blogs are “not necessarily user-driven. Caroline Crawford, one another for suggestions and in technology and Web design. their fingertips, being already authoritative or a substitute for the Instructional Technology advice. Because of this accessibility, online.” offering new information.” EARTH Continued from Page 4

Kristina Dahl, the research program coordinator for Climate and Environmental Change Initiative at Rutgers University, said the effect of the fund-raising will depend on which non- profits the proceeds go to. “Some non-profits sponsor independent research, for example the Union of Concerned Scientists,” Dahl said. “That’s very different from funneling your profits to lobbyists.” Although it is too early to tell where the funds will make their mark, there have already been societal effects in New Jersey. “One big effect is that Governor Jon Corzine decided to sign the Global Warming Response Act either the day before the concerts or the day of, but he basically used the concerts as a venue for signing into law a very important piece of legislation—already that is going to have a huge effect on the state,” said Dahl. The full impact of Live Earth is yet to be revealed, or as MTV’s news anchor John Norris put it, “It’s way too early to see the long-term effects…I guess we’re going to see over the next few years.” Assistant Director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions Kerry Miller is more certain that the global event will be a catalyst for change. “I don’t think the concert is going to change the world, it’s a combination of all the little efforts, whether [the people making an effort] are changing their own behaviors or educating others—all the pieces of the puzzle are important.” Others like comedian Chris Rock have their doubts. “I pray that this event ends global warming the same way that Live Aid ended world hunger,” Rock said in an MSNBC. Marta Paczkowka/Staff Photographer com interview. Page 6 OPINION July 27, 2007

The Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop Chiger Williams Foundation, Inc., held at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey Executive Board Yaffa Fredrick, Editor-in-Chief Marta Paczkowska, Managing Editor

News Yulin Kuang, News Editor

Features Imani Folkes, Features Editor Jonathan Guerra, Assistant Features Editor

Opinion-Editorial Nayantara Choudhary, Op-Ed Editor

Sports Michael Peña, Sports Editor

Copy Desk Michaelle Bond, Copy Editor Michelle Conway, Copy Editor Taylor Cook, Copy Editor Sharon Kim, Copy Editor Photography Darfur: the Virtual Reality Nichole Bray, Photography Editor Sienna Scott, Assistant Photography Editor Elham, an orphaned 14-year-old girl, sneaks out of her refugee camp in Abhishék Seth, Assistant Photography Editor Michael Peña, Assistant Photography Editor search of water for her eight-person family. She heads in the direction of the well,

Production only to be greeted by a Janjaweed militia vehicle. Unable to escape her captors, Anthony May, Production Editor Melissa Reyes, Graphics Editor Elham submits to their will and is quickly raped. Her dignity lost, she is faced with two options: Live her life as a sex object or starve herself to death. She chooses SPONSORS the latter. The Associated Press Burlington County Times Game over. The Courier-News Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Welcome to the minds of the executives of mtvU, creators of the viral video FirstEnergy Foundation Gannett New Jersey Partners game “Darfur is Dying.” The game, which places players in refugee camps where Glenwood Communications Corp. The Herald News they continuously face the threat of attack from the Janjaweed militias, attempts to Monmouth University educate the masses on the genocidal reality faced by nearly two million Sudanese The New Jersey Newspaper Foundation North Jersey Media Group, Inc. people. Packet Publications The Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News Despite the bleakness of the game’s description, I played the game, attempting The Press of Atlantic City The Record to beat the Janjeweed militia, receive proper medical supplies and secure a stable The Star-Ledger The Times of Trenton supply of water for Elham’s family. Inevitably, I lost. William Boyd Then what? Was I supposed to walk away from the virtual reality I had WRITING COACHES & SPEAKERS entered and storm the halls of Congress demanding immediate action be taken Phil Avila, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund against the ruling perpetrators of an African country in which the United States has David Bergeland, Herald News Alesha Williams Boyd, The Asbury Park Press vested little interest. According to Ben Sawyer, co-director of the Serious Games Diane Cohen, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Karyn Collins, The Asbury Park Press Initiative and co-founder of the software development firm Digitalmill, I most Sherlon Christie, The Asbury Park Press Doug Crouse, The Record certainly should. Michael Feeney, The Record Jess Gaitan, The Montclair Times I hate to admit it, but I am too much of a cynic. I worked on Capitol Hill for two Mike Hiestand, Student Press Law Center years and I know how the bureaucracy works. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced Alison Herget, The Asbury Park Press Lucinda Holt, Answer/Rutgers University a bill into Congress in March 2007 calling for the “states and local governments Kevin Howell, The Star-Ledger Chanta Jackson, The Star-Ledger to prohibit the investment of state assets in any company that has a qualifying Jerry Luciani, The Record Marcel Pacette, Medill School of Journalism business relationship with Sudan.” The goal of the bill was to economically starve Dunstan Prial, The Record Betsy Querna, The Herald News the Sudanese government into compliance with basic human rights principles. Eric Reisher, Monmouth University Megan Scott, The Associated Press As of July 2007, the bill has not progressed beyond the Banking, Housing and Karen Schwartz, Merger Market Urban Affairs Committee, nor does it look like it will within the coming weeks. Linda Waller Shockley, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Joy Visconti, The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition If that is the political reality, what could “Darfur is Dying” really inspire me THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING to do? According to the Web site, if I was not willing to give in to my inner idealist ORGANIZATIONS: and attempt to take political action, many Darfur organizations would happily Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia Daily News accept my monetary donations. National Constitution Center The Star-Ledger Still, I was unsatisfied. As a teenager with a minimum wage job, I am not Pick an Exit equipped to donate the necessary funds to make a significant contribution to any The New York Liberty Black Enterprise Darfur charity. And while even a small contribution may make a difference, it will Trenton Thunder Music Television Network only alleviate some of the financial threats that face the Sudanese people; it will Nasdaq Garden State Scholastic Press Association not prosecute or jail the human rights violators in office. The Student Press Law Center Monmouth University Only education can combat baseless hatred, inspiring young people to take

STAFF action against blatant human rights violations. By promoting ideas of peace and civic awareness, “Darfur is Dying” and video games like it are assuming the role Stephen Chiger, Co-Workshop Director Robert E. Williams III, Co-Workshop Director of core educators. Attracting teens through their interactive, internet-friendly Kathleen Fieffe, Assistant Director Bryan Hackett, Resident Director features, these games are imparting knowledge of conflict, culture and resolution to Lorin Buechler, Resident Assistant Bernadette Scott, Resident Assistant a generation that is more than twice as likely to improve the world than preceding

Staff writer portraits by Sienna Scott generations. —Yaffa Fredrick July 27, 2007 OPINION Page 7 Wellstone’s ‘no’ vote on war became legacy In his Profiles of Courage, unpatriotic by Republicans. John F. Kennedy wrote, “We can It is important to note that compromise our political positions, Wellstone was the only Democrat but not ourselves.” The conflict incumbent facing close re-elections between principles and politics to vote against the issue. Moreover, is often evident in the decisions his re-election campaign was the made by politicians. Many of most important today’s leaders, who are supposed Senate race for the to represent the voice of the people, Democratic Party compromise their principles to as it determined satisfy their political or personal D e m o c r a t i c ambitions. In a society that promotes control in both self-serving interests, it is hard to Sharon the House and find men of conviction. However, Kim Senate. Before the controversy surrounding the Iraq election day, War has brought forth a couragous the Republicans had a six-seat person: Paul Wellstone. advantage in the House and a On Oct. 3, 2002, Sen. Wellstone one-seat advantage in the Senate. cast his irreversible vote on military Wellstone knew that his vote on intervention in Iraq. the Iraq issue would probably cost He said no. Sadly, he died in a him the re-election race against plane crash 22 days later. Coleman who had already portrayed Michael Peña/Staff Photographer Rather than the United States Wellstone as being weak with taking charge, Wellstone believed national defense. Moreover, his that the international community re-election depended on the swing Drug war hurts more than users must resolve the problem by voters—individuals who were not creating a new resolution. During in favor of deeply-rooted liberals— Americans love their drugs. spray glyphosate over suspected Of the 42 million Colombians, that speech, he emphasized that and his supporters—who may not Colombia knows that, since it cocaine crops. The problem nearly half live off of 225,000 Senators had two responsibilities: vote for him due to the controversy supplies the United States with 90 with this method is it kills legal Colombian pesos ($94) a month, enable Americans to decide on surrounding his Iraq vote. percent of our country’s cocaine, crops and many GAO estimates. Why then are present issues and listen to the One might ask: Why would according to a 2006 United States C o l o m b i a n s people surprised that cocaine opinions of constituents. Wellstone sacrifice his political State Department report. claim it is harmful continues to be made despite all His vote provoked criticism from career over a vote that would have The United States has taken great to them. that Colombia has done? political leaders as well as from the no effect on the outcome? After all, measures to help Colombia in the With few The income made off of cocaine Senator’s supporters in Minnesota. Wellstone knew that the majority of war on cocaine. “Plan Colombia,” other resources exceeds that of coffee and oil Members of the Republican Party the Senate was in favor of military an idea aimed at stopping drug Michael available to live combined. Colombia’s President accused Wellstone of not caring intervention in Iraq. The reason production and armed groups, has Peña off of, most have Alvaro Uribe has not aided in about the security of the American went to the heart of Wellstone cost the United States billions of countered the coca dealing with the lack of capital in people. His opponents argued that as a person. When Senator Dick dollars. eradication programs by producing the country. Under Uribe, social a responsible figure would not put Durbin warned Wellstone that the Jess T. Ford, Director of more cocaine. According to the spending has been cut, utilities the well-being of his constituents in vote might cost him his reelection, International Affairs and Trade United States Office of National industries privatized and free danger. After the controversial vote, Wellstone replied, “It is OK if it for the United States General Drug Control Policy 2006, coca trade agreements with the U.S. President Bush visited Minnesota does because that is what I believe Accounting Office (GAO), noted estimates, Colombia has a 27 established. four times to endorse Norm and that is who I am.” that during 1996-2000, the United percent increase in cocaine now The drug business in Colombia Coleman, Wellstone’s opponent. Wellstone was the epitome of States gave $765 million in than before Plan Colombia was is dangerous, and many die in Even many Democrats did not a responsible politician. He had countering drug production. Most implemented. Clearly the war on the war on drugs at the hands of defend Wellstone because they the conviction to fight for his of the coca cultivation is done by drugs is failing miserably. paramilitaries, guerillas and the believed his decision was a mistake. beliefs, the forbearance to stand poor farmers in a country where With fumigation not working, army. Many of them voted for the use of up to criticisms, and the dignity to 49.2 percent of the people live the army has recently begun doing The United States and Colombia force in Iraq to avoid being called champion the spirit of democracy. in poverty, according to the CIA forced manual eradication. It is too have failed to properly handle the World Factbook. early to see how effective this is in problem, attacking the farmers Colombia has spent a large stopping cocaine production. This instead of the causes. Colombia Lack of diversity amount in military rather than has been more dangerous, though, needs to provide incentives and social development. In 2006, as armed groups defend these coca opportunities to Colombians the United States Congressional fields. who cannot find work, and when creates discomfort Budget called for 82.23 percent Regardless of what the armed they do, they cannot live off of I walk into a room and was the only black person when I of the money to be spent on the forces do in stopping cocaine, it. Cutting social spending and immediately look around. I count- got to the regional competition of military. as long as Colombians are not giving American businesses unfair one, two. There are only two. Am more than 15 different schools. One method of eradication given viable alternatives, they will advantages will solve neither the I counting the number of windows I guess I’ve pretty much learned was through aerial fumigation. continue to unwillingly contribute drug nor the poverty problems of in the room? Am I counting the to deal with this. I sometimes think Airplanes fly over coca fields and to the drug problem. Colombia. number of light fixtures? that if I don’t No. I am counting the number of make a big deal black people. about it and just Future generations benefit The word “minority” is perfect ignore the facts, for my situation. I am frequently the it won’t matter. I person who stands out at functions don’t know how if bad environmental habits end Michaelle I attend. When I was 13, I went to much this works. Don’t you just love those a long time.” the spiral ones, eat only organic Bond people who leave the stove on to Yeah, right. Fifty years. That is, food and convince others to do my friend’s bat mitzvah. I wasn’t I sometimes make tea while they are upstairs, as stated by EarthSave.org, 2,600 the same and, in turn, mitigate expecting much in the diversity still feel self- idle their cars for 20 minutes to weeks or 600 months are left until the ozone’s depletion. department, so I wasn’t surprised conscious and like everyone is “wake it up,” wipe spills with the climate shift That’s feasible to do in 10 when I learned that I was the only staring at me and thinking, “What paper-towels instead of a piece is completely years, since humans can change one of my color there. are you doing here?” of cloth, refuse to recycle their “shifted.” their habits in a snap. No biggie, It is the same situation at my high For those of you who don’t junk-mail, leave the TV on Half a century, right? school in Burlington County. There understand what this feels like, while sleeping, leave lights on in if you really And even if we do not do is only a handful of black students imagine this: You are the only rooms no one is in or keep their think about it. anything, it isn’t impacting us in the school to begin with, so the human in a room full of green, computers on for days on end? Abhishék That’s a long anyway. So what if a million diversity is almost nonexistent slimy, 10-foot tall extra-terrestrials. These are just bad habits. But Seth time. plants and animals become in my classes. I was one of two Awkward, isn’t it? they all contribute to global We can start extinct and about 7,500,000 in my French class, and the only It’s human nature to be warming by releasing carbon 40 years from now if you would people die in the next 50 years, other black person was my brother. comfortable with people who are emissions, according to United like. We barely have anything to according to National Geographic I was the only one in my Honors like you. That’s how we make States Environmental Protection do. We just have to plant a billion and CATO Institute respectively. Calculus class and the only one in friends. Agency. And when everybody trees for the rate at which we are WHO CARES? my Honors Physics class. It never feels good to be the does it, it adds up. going, recycle every piece of Only our little brothers and Earlier this year, I went to a math odd man out, but if diversity isn’t The climate crisis is an paper in the world, make every sisters, sons and daughters, will competition with a team of eight made a more important issue in the important issue. Yet no one car hybrid, close down all the be affected. Not us. students from my school. I was the media, and so in the minds of the seems to care. “It isn’t affecting eco-enemy factories, replace all Then why not let them deal only black person who attended. “majority,” this will always be the me,” everybody says. “We have the incandescent light bulbs with with it, right? More surprising to me was that I case for me. Page 8 OPINION July 27, 2007 Rwanda needs free, balanced news Rwanda, 1993. coverage. provided by media, such as in a 1991 UNESCO General stations such as the Radio Milles Most of the Rwandans listened The media can only be free if it the Radio Milles Collines, can Conference resolution that free Collines had instead churned to the radio because, by then, promotes understanding on both negatively influence public news media is an “essential hatred to inflame the majority radio had become the voice of sides. opinion and prevent individuals component of any democratic against the minority, contrary to God, dictating to His people. In the words of United Nations from thinking for themselves. society.” all principles of decency that free The voices of Nahimana, Ngeze Deputy Secretary-General Louise At the 2005 World Press Free news media news media stands and Barayagwiza on Radio Frechette: “A free Freedom Seminar, Ghida informs citizens of the for. Milles Collines—“gods” of the and independent Fakhry, New York Bureau Chief, affairs of governments Without free news Without free news Rwandan airwaves—prodded press [is] described media as “products of and leaders. It provides media, a stable media, a stable Hutus to mercilessly kill Tutsis, the lifeblood the history and political systems a system of checks nation cannot exist— nation cannot exist— who were a minority. of strong, in which [they] operated.” and balances in that especially in a world Their bigoted remarks led to f u n c t i o n i n g But neither history nor it promotes diversity especially in a world of diversification. Lies, Sharon the massacre of hundreds of Kim societies, and geography should be an excuse of opinion and has of diversification. falsity and personal thousands of innocent people. a lifeline to for irresponsibility. the ability to expose and ideological This was not free news media. progress itself.” Unarguably, without free news the most miniscule of agendas could mislead It was news media spiraling It is essential for people to media—media that respects political controversy. people into dangerous paths of out of control. receive accurate and relevant human rights and promotes In effect, free news media hatred and anger. In fact, though there seemed information because they need understanding—the underlying focuses on working for the There exist many Rwandas to be an atmosphere of this knowledge to make well- principles of democracy cannot people—similar to how where media is unilateral instead freedom surrounding the radio informed choices. be fully established. democracy exists for the of being truly free, for diversity commentators, it was more Misinformation—stereotypes, Being fully aware of this, the governed. and its acceptance are crucial to anarchy than responsible media prejudice and discrimination— international community asserted It is unfortunate that media media and its freedom. Do MySpace, Facebook divide communities, create stereotypes instead of uniting? Anna sat at her computer, Facebook need to more closely scrolling through some of the manage the groups that are thousands of groups that were created on their sites and who available on MySpace. She creates them. considered picking the ‘Cool At what point does a group Group’, described as a ‘cool cross the line? Who decides if group for cool people,’ but she a Nazi-supporting group or a quickly decided against it when Communist group is offensive? she saw the description. She Many times, these groups create continued scrolling, coming online cliques that exclude across groups whose topics people who are a different race, ranged from Native American religion, or medicine to ‘MySpace Pirates.’ ethnicity than There were 8,623 groups on what the group MySpace as of July 19, with represents. the largest group consisting of These groups about 46,700 members, and the Nayantara need to be smallest group consisting of just more closely This is what happens when we don’t understand each other. For more explanation on shomar negea, refer to the story on page 13. Choudhary one person. On any given day, monitored so there can be up to 20 groups that we don’t create unnecessary Right or wrong, Bush added to the already vast list. negative stereotypes about In its ‘About’ section on people. MySpace, it says that the Anna finally decided she would site allows you to “View the join a group about Lacrosse, one is not only one to blame connections you create between about Irish people and one about President George W. Bush, returns to the responsibility of advisers? your friend and their friends.” people who live in New Jersey. despite all the accusations of a free nation to elect effective I don’t like to drop names, but But what kind of connections “There’s just so many options,” his oversimplified views, is an leaders. Unfortunately, in recent former FEMA director Michael are these groups creating? Are she said, “and whichever one I enigma. He is the scapegoat for years it seems like elections Brown is the first one I think these groups forming common pick will determine how others every problem or discomfort that have focused more on squabbles of. This is because the failure to bonds among groups of people will look at me.” the American people experience. b e t w e e n address the turmoil that ensued who otherwise would not have Unfortunately, Facebook Is he a good president? No. Has political parties during Hurricane Katrina reflects any kind of relationship? Or has absolved itself from any he done his job? No. Should he than any actual upon a government’s inability to are they creating unnecessary responsibility about group be blamed for everything? No. plans to correct address the growing concerns of c o m p e t i t i o n names. If America is really as things like the its people. and stereotypes ... These groups need to be The policy says, democratic as we think it is, then war in Iraq, At the head of this is Bush, among people “Although we Jonathan it is our fault. We elected this environmental a president whose role is very Guerra who otherwise more closely monitored so that provide rules for man. We made him the leader c o n c e r n s , uncertain at best. Harry S. would have no user conduct and of the free world. Perhaps it was undocumented Truman said, “The buck stops problem with we don’t create unnecessary postings, we do not our finest hour. immigration, here,” but each other? not control and are negative stereotypes about It seems like you cannot turn etc. Bush is The idea not responsible If I had to pinpoint Bush’s main on CNN without being inundated If I had an enigma of MySpace people. for what users with congressmen standing on to pinpoint because we and Facebook post, transmit soapboxes criticizing the Bush Bush’s main problem, it would be surrounding himself have no idea is to create or share on the administration. Political agendas problem, it where the communities. Unfortunately, the site and are not responsible for aside, I have yet to see anyone would be buck stops. with an incompetent staff. Therein lies the opposite is also true. Oftentimes, any offensive, inappropriate, come up with any better ideas. s u r r o u n d i n g People like the titles alone are exclusionary: obscene, unlawful or otherwise How many times do we need himself with to describe “The Irish Mafia,” “EyeC@ndy objectionable content you to hear Hilary Clinton telling us an incompetent mystery that shrouds the president. Bush as Latinoz & the Men” and “Asian may encounter on the site or what she “would” have done? staff. Therein ineffectual, Crew.” in connection with any user Unless she has a time machine lies the mystery but someone Are these groups going a step content…” funded by our tax dollars, the that shrouds the president. Can who has impacted the world too far? I think they are. Often These Web sites need to start likelihood that her hindsight we directly blame someone for (albeit negatively) as much times, racial, gender, or religious taking more responsibility for will come in handy in the White something when they are being as Bush can hardly be called pride becomes offensive to the groups that they host before House is pretty low. This again supported by an inept group of ineffectual. others. Both MySpace and they offend the wrong people. July 27, 2007 OPINION Page 9 Flaws plague cell phones Recent cellular phones have Evolution (EDGE) is one of the been noted for their look; however, notable features not available the poor quality of the devices on the T-Mobile Sidekick iD. makes owning these phones both This provides easy access to the costly and frustrating. Internet. According to German, “Sleek design” and “ultimate the handheld device noted for texting device for a reasonable its interchangeable colors for price” are a couple of slogans customization also lacks a phone companies utilize to lure camera. buyers. The UpStage But popular devices, including is Sprint’s most the LG Chocolate VX8500, lack recent phone. quality. Co-producer Verizon Wireless launched this of All Things phone, which closely resembles Nichole Digital, Walter an actual chocolate bar. More Bray S. Mossberg, than one million Chocolate said “the phone phones were sold. This new is a flawed device.” The phone is technology has been known for miniature in size, and the battery Writers hone skills on Web its innovative appearance. Yet life is short. the control keys pose a serious The UpStage can be purchased Fan fiction is, at its barest bones, their mettle by writing fan fiction, Salem State in Massachusetts, problem. for $149, and it requires the borrowing a book’s, movie’s, or since it gives them an opportunity has been writing fan fiction on The end/power key is located owner to purchase a $40 memory video game’s characters, settings to flex their skills without getting LiveJournal for the television on the spine of the phone, which card because it is only capable of and plotlines and crafting them bogged down in the technical show Queer as Folk since it ended has been noted as “a unintuitive holding approximately 20 songs. into a story written by a person aspects of their own characters in 2005. location” by C-NET editor Kent The screen side of the phone completely unaffiliated with the and storylines. On why she enjoys writing, German. is very sensitive to touch. Also, owner. It is also a good way for them to Courtney said, “It is a good way The touch screen is extremely it is a challenge to continue Fan fiction has had its share of see how they can improve, as there to get the creative juices flowing sensitive and the feature that alternating between the two sides controversy—its legality being is no shortage of for when I write original stories.” locks the phone must consistently of the phone. The UpStage has the most common debate—but readers that can In addition, she reads a lot of it be in use because a misdial can a unique appearance, but many somehow it still comes out on give authors the because “it’s easy, and it’s free.” occur by the slightest touch of the complications. top. Young and old amateur advice they need Some authors, like Anne Rice and screen. The callers were described The most recent cell phones are authors alike pursue it, and, with to fix up their Terry Goodkind, are so offended by as being robotic sounding and extremely attractive devices that the convenience of the Internet, grammar or style. the thought of fan fiction that they are now able to post their work Taylor Additionally, have sent out personal requests to “the quality of the video was not differ in color, size and shape, Cook sharp,” said German. but the quality is on a downward online. it provides a Web sites not to host stories based The Chocolate sells for $149, spiral. Simple features such as Sites such as www.fanfiction.net community to on their work. But fan fiction and to activate the media player cameras are not clear or available and www.mediaminer.org make people with similar interests. On isn’t an attempt to sneakily steal within the phone, it’s an extra at all. There are issues with it simple and easy for authors to sites like LiveJournal, stories are someone else’s work. It’s written $30. The unique appearance of the battery life and overall quality. upload their stories to the Web. posted in communities tailored by novice authors simply trying to phone makes it appealing but the Ewing High School student Having anything online to specific fandoms, so finding a make friends and polish up their flaws put it at a disadvantage. Kayla Robison said, “The generally means that it will earn group of people that all enjoy the prose, not unimaginative people Another sleek phone is the T- new cell phones are like show attention. There are tales of fan same thing is easy. Simple feedback attempting to score some quick Mobile Sidekick iD, but the limited pieces—you just show them off fiction authors becoming hooked often turns into conversations that praise. features included are masked by because using them has become on positive feedback, and getting lead to friendships, many of which In the end, fan fiction is an its savvy look and vibrant colors. almost impossible and too time constructive criticism has never carry over outside of the online effective way to improve as a Enhanced Data Rates for Global consuming.” been faster. world. writer and have a little fun in the Many aspiring writers like to test Courtney Smith, a junior at process, no harm done. Is it ‘good’ to learn about sex? Generally speaking, I’m a nice between romantic involvement Kaiser Foundation, 47 percent girl. To quote the definitive “good and so-called “sluttery.” Certain of high school students have had girl,” Sandra Dee, “I don’t drink or questions highlight the quandary sex. That statistic alone seems swear, or rat my hair, and I’d get of the day. Does purity require to disprove the theory that if we ill from one cigarette.” Still, I am virginity? What is virginity? How close our eyes and wish really a girl. Having never quite picked high of a value should we place on hard, teenage sex will cease to up the tomboy fad that permeated it? exist. Meanwhile, a study done by the 90’s, I happen to enjoy wearing I do hope someone smarter than the non-partisan research group pretty pink, A-line skirts and pearls me knows the answers, because I Mathematica Policy Research with my cardigans. I indulge in the can’t answer Inc. has reported that students in Youth learn from past romantic ideals of Jane Austen’s any of them abstinence-only sex education While the 1967 rebellions have a lot like the gangs in Newark novels and, from time to time, satisfactorily programs are just as likely to contributed to Newark’s turbulent today. If Newark students do not soak in a scented bubble bath for enough. Are engage in intercourse as students past, the city also has a future of learn their history, then they are no particular reason at all. So, as a there right enrolled in comprehensive sex great potential. destined to continuously repeat nice girl, I must take a moment to answers to these programs. When coupled with the Why is it that when I asked it. Yulin ask—why are we such sluts? questions? Some fact that abstinence-only programs teenagers in Newark about their I am thankful that people such as Kuang A loaded question, my apologies. people think so. are prohibited from supporting views on the rebellions, many of Rutgers-Newark But to be fair, it seems the word— But if that really usage of contraceptives and can them had no idea that they even history professor along with its less print-friendly is the case, it has to be said - when discuss only their failures, it leads occurred? That is unacceptable. Clement Price equivalents—has been tossed I ask for the answer to two plus two to the rather scary reality that many When you get down to it, and poet Amiri around quite a lot lately, directed at and receive 12 different responses, teenagers are acting without full everything goes back to the Baraka take women from—surprisingly—other I start to question the quality of the knowledge of the facts. school system. Is it just me, time to educate women. While some claim they math teacher. Sex confuses me. I’m or do students have as much Sienna people and are “taking back” the word from What are high school students uncomfortable discussing it. entitlement to knowing about Scott are passionate its negative roots, I can’t quite of today learning about sex? Well, Brought up to be the nice, good girl Newark’s rebellion as they do about Newark’s imagine being proud of the day under the Bush administration, that I am, showing any curiosity about the Whiskey Rebellion. progression. Soon the city will when my own daughter is called they aren’t. More precisely, they’re past the mechanics of “insert tab Newark’s history is America’s not belong to these people; across the kindergarten playground learning about abstinence, the A into slot B” would be to corrupt history. Newark will be in the hands of with a friendly, “Hey, slut!” absence of sex, because, as the logic my goodness with the sluttery I’ve The rebellions happened today’s adolescents. But I digress. A good deal of the goes, if we don’t teach teenagers tried so hard to avoid. But when because black people in Newark Yes, Newark has a past, but if “slut-talk” seems based in high about sex, it won’t happen. staying pure becomes staying were tired of being oppressed, the immense potential of that city school, that eternal cocktail of A quick study in numbers, sheltered and uninformed, perhaps and they felt that the only way is ever going to come into being, confusion and hormones. Young however, points to the contrary. we should re-examine what it to gain some respect was to rebel it is crucial that it starts with this women today walk a fine line According to a 2006 study by the means to be a “good girl.” against authority. That sounds generation. EXCERPTS FROM THE KERNER COMMISSION REPORT

“What white Americans have never fully understood-but what 1967: The year that changed America the Negro can never forget-is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain, and Newark Jews white society condones it.”

“This is our basic conclusion: Our nation is moving towards caught in two societies, one black, one white-separate and unequal.” crossfire By Yaffa Fredrick

n the evening of July 16, 1967, for the fourth night in a row, black rioters, protesting social Oinequality, stormed the streets of downtown Newark. One block away, Abel Bram spray-painted the The Kerner windows of his doctor’s office with the words “Soul Brother.” A black neighbor had informed him that such Commission an action would protect his business from looting. The next morning, Bram returned to his office and discovered Legacy that his storefront windows had been shattered, his office walls riddled by bullets. The culprit was a white state trooper. By Jonathan Guerra This attack was just one part of the lesser-known “Soul Brother riots,” in which state troopers shot hundreds of windows which contained the words “Soul Brother, ” ollowing the civil disorder of the a slogan indicating a strong loyalty towards the black the Star-Ledger File Photo Newark riot and other subsequent community. Though black businesses were the main Racial tension escalates in downtown Newark. riots, many Americans were focus of the violence, any individual who showed this greatly disturbed by the social sign of allegiance with the black cause was also at risk. exchange after the riots had died down. “One of the white unwarranted. “The black rioters were completely out of F troopers who looted my store came back a few days later control. They were no longer fighting for their rights; turmoil. In response to this growing concern Jews were no exception. At their peak in the early President Lyndon B. Johnson assembled the 1960s, 57,000 Jewish people, who consisted of 14.25 and said, ‘I took the wrong shoe size. Can I exchange they were fighting for the fight.” National Advisory Commission on Civil percent of the population, resided in the Weequahic and it?’ My response was ‘Moses, are all men with guns this This fight has surfaced four decades later asa Disorders to assess the conflict in July 1967. Clinton Hill sections of Newark, according to Rutgers incompetent?’” multi-faceted one, in which blacks and whites share Otto Kerner Jr. (Governor of Illinois from University’s Center for Urban Policy. Their businesses Bernstein’s response elicited a chuckle from his black responsibility for the $10 million dollars worth of 1961-1968) was head of the commission. lined the streets of downtown Newark, the epicenter of employee and close friend. damages and 26 innocent lives lost. As a result, the report and the commission the Newark riots. Bernstein was not the only Jew to hire or to develop a The Governor’s Commission, a state commission are usually referred to as the “Kerner During the “second wave” of violence, a white wave meaningful relationship with the blacks in Newark. created to investigate the causes of the Newark riots, Commission” or the “Kerner Commission of violence that followed the first three days of black- Rabbi Meyer Korbman, then a teacher in Newark’s also acknowledged that the white state troopers had a Report.” The report was released on incited violence, these Jewish businesses were placed in Barringer High School, remembers coming home from hand in the July madness. It characterized the troopers’ February 29, 1968. harm’s way. Like Bram, many of these Jewish business school and noticing two black teenagers, who were his actions as completely unjustifiable and unacceptable. The Kerner Commission owners added the words “Soul Brother” to their storefront former students, sitting on his front steps. Despite the commission’s report, no trooper ever comprehensively surveyed the damage windows. Like Bram, many Jewish business owners “They took one look at me and said, ‘We came to protect officially apologized for the rampage that devastated done during the rampant rioting that returned to their stores the morning of July 17 to discover you from them.’” The “you” referred to Korbman, his the downtown streets of Newark. Bram, however, is not occurred earlier in 1967, especially in that their businesses were no longer in business. family and his car. The “them” referred to the group of dissuaded. “We are finally coming to terms with the truth, the case of Newark. It came to the basic Aaron Bernstein, then a shoe salesman, recalls an white Newark policemen congregating on his corner. and that is the first step towards making peace with the conclusion that contrary to what the Korbman said that the police presence was not past and making progress in the future,” he said. media had been reporting, the blame for the riots rested squarely upon the white community. The report went on to state Revolution ‘67: that social abuses and discriminations had Newark riots remembered aggravated blacks to the point where riot “If there is one thing I have learned from this whole and aggression were understandable if By Yaffa Fredrick investigative experience, it’s that social change takes a not justified. The report specifically cited Documentary in long, long, long time and it often does not occur in the police actions, lack of job availability, poor orty years have passed since the ’67 Newark time span people would like. There is no magic bullet, education and recreational facilities and riots, but one writer at The Star Ledger is not but a concerted effort will pay off in the long run,” said inadequate housing, among other irritants Review about to let his readers forget about those five Parks. as provocation for the riots. F steamy summer days. Using the Internet as his forum, And Parks thinks an Internet series is his best effort. Unfortunately, the advice of the Kerner By Jonathan Guerra Brad Parks, covered the anniversary of the riots. “In this news culture, newspapers have a three-day life, Commission report was not strictly In Crossroads, the four-part series he designed to while Web pages can live on for years. This Web site followed. Subsequently, in a time that t 90 minutes, Marylou Tibaldo-Bongiorno’s discuss the history of the riots, Parks addressed the is creating an on-going forum where people can easily should have been designated for healing, “Revolution ‘67” is a documentary of great causes and effects of the July madness. He stated he access historical information and ask the tough questions, racial tension worsened. However, the power relevant in today’s society. It is filmed A wrote a comprehensive history to educate “all those hopefully dispelling some of their preconceived notions legacy of the Kerner Commission is one with a stylistic edge all its own; though occasionally people who grew up hearing about the riots without fully about racism and race riots.” of optimism and positive progression the animated graphics take away from the gritty realism understanding what had transpired.” Though it is impossible to predict the public’s response, because, though no immediate solution otherwise maintained. Parks’ goals were rather simple: Foster a continuous Parks expects the Web site to create an online cross- was reached, reflection upon the report’s This film balances archive footage with commentary conversation about the controversial events that cultural community where Jews, Italians and African- main points has allowed us as a nation from its many great sources including, author Amiri transpired nearly a half century ago and serve as a reliable Americans can freely discuss the past and determine the to attempt a movement towards racial Baraka, social activist Carol Glassman, social and political resource for history teachers broaching the subject in best methods with which to face the future. equality and opportunity. activist Tom Hayden and state senator and former Newark their classrooms. “If these upcoming conversations do not bring about History Matters, a U.S. Survey Course mayor Sharpe James, who all drew personal connections However, Parks said he recognized the impact of his extreme change, that is normal and to be expected. We just on the Web provides in a summary of the to the riots throughout the film. series would not be immediate. cannot be persuaded to give up the struggle,” Parks adds. report that another cause of the riot was the The only weak point in the film is its lack of consistent inaccurate coverage of the riots. The report chronology. Causes of the riot and elements of Newark’s reached the conclusion that the media early history are delivered to the audience interspersed was partly to blame for the civil disorders amongst the actual descriptions of the riot. However, Wasted by ‘Nam: Polarizing nightmares in that both sides of the conflict were not though this negatively impacts the progression of the film, In 1967, things were bad (i.e. Newark, Detroit, Plainfield). heard in both television and newspapers. at no point does the viewer become confused or lost. By Jonathan Guerra In 1968, things were worse. Both Martin Luther King Jr. Exaggerations on the part of the media also Often times, the contributions of white activists to the he late 1960’s was a time period where a vast and the Kennedys were dead and many believed that the fueled misunderstandings and increased civil rights movement go unnoticed, but in this film they group of teenagers flocked to California to bathe hopes of pacifism and progressive politics died with them. amounts of violence. are given a large voice that helps to cancel out the unfair their psyches in mind-altering chemicals. If you Unfortunately, they were right. The 1968 Democratic In response to this, a movement was stereotype that the Civil Rights movement received no T weren’t listening to the sonic fuzz emanating from Laurel National Convention gave new meaning to political mud started to diversify journalism and as a support from progressive whites. The coverage of the Canyon, you might be on the other side of the Pacific slinging and Norman Mailer once again had fodder for result avoid the mistakes the media made presidential administration of Franklin Roosevelt, in battling the “red menace.” It was a time of chaos and from another book, but it didn’t stop there. in its riot coverage. Thus, the Urban terms of how some of his social programs inadvertently the remains of this dead horse we persisted in beating, came As a symbolic gesture to both the decade and themselves, Journalism Workshop was created at created ghettoes, was also very enlightening. modern life, as we know it. America underwent a baptism the Beatles played a final concert on January 30th atop American University. The students there The film is further complimented by its chilling of fire. Divisions between liberals and conservatives were the roof of their very own Apple recording studio. And published a newspaper called “The New conclusion as footage of a modern protest in Newark never bigger. It seemed like you were either in Congress or everyone knows what happened at Bethel, New York: Voice.” This title accurately reflected the is shown and the threat of another uprising is posed as at the Haight-Ashbury. three days of peace, love, music and phony sentiments of shift to better integrity in the news industry. possible if changes are not made to the quality of life Conservatives and politicians saw LSD and marijuana love that were answered by the distant pitter-patter of M1’s Today the program has gone from one there. as acidic and eating away at the fibers of our society. The in the ‘Nam. program with 21 students to 26 programs Overall, Tobaldo-Bongiorno provides the viewer youth counterculture felt the same way about the Vietnam So now, forty years later, we look back at a decade that with 450 students. with a fascinating retrospective on a turbulent period in War. Thousands of teens watched a veritable massacre gave us so much both good and bad. That was the decade American history. Along the way, she does a very good in Asia and then wondered if it was really the joint they that effectively killed the “Leave It To Beaver” mentality job of ensuring that as few voices as possible are stifled smoked yesterday that was ruining the country. Essentially, that we were all happy. I think for the first time, the United and that the Newark riots are presented as both a chapter we were all disillusioned. And at the end of the day, free States of America looked in the mirror and didn’t like what of history and a cautionary tale. love wasn’t so free. it saw. Information from Rolling Stone Magazine

Oct. 1, 1962 Aug. 6, 1965 President Johnson signs the Voting Rights A federal court orders that James Meredith must be Sept. 15, 1963 Road to July 2, 1964 Act of 1965, ensuring that blacks have allowed to attend the University of Mississippi amidst The Ku Klux Klan firebombs the 16th Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Civil the right to vote and overruling many of violent white protest and Governor Ross Barnett’s initial St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, Revolution Rights Act of 1964, protecting blacks the discriminatory acts and regulations opposition. Alabama killing four young girls. from discrimination in public places. Sit-ins and other forms of nonviolent imposed by the south. protest are adopted by students throughout the south. They endured various forms of abuse during their 1960 1967 campaign of protest that led up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The SNCC Aug. 28, 1963 Nov. 22, 1963 Feb. 21, 1965 (Student Non-Violent Coordinating The March on Washington: 250,000 blacks and President John F. Kennedy is assassinated Malcolm X is assassinated Committee) is formed. whites gather at Washington D.C. to petition by Lee Harvey Oswald as his motorcade by three gunmen in New President John F. Kennedy for equality. At the processed through Dallas, Texas. His vice York City. Lincoln Memorial, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. president, Lyndon B. Johnson is sworn in delivers his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. aboard Air Force One. Graphics by Melissa Reyes MOSAICULTURE The Mosaic Review of Culture Harry Potter and the Internet Muggles As the seventh book arrives, fans flock to the Web to share in the phenomenon

By yulin kuang of questions, some centering on the then- STAFF WRITER recently-released sixth book, others sent in July 21, 2007. A date emblazoned in the months before by visitors of the fansite. minds of millions of children, teenagers, A short while later, MuggleNet launched and adults alike. It is, after all, the end of its newest innovation - a then new an era. With the release of J.K. Rowling’s technology called “podcasting”. Originally, seventh and final installment of the Harry iTune’s podcasts were created for average Potter series, there is an unavoidable feeling users to produce their own radio shows; that something fantastically magical has however, Spartz and his colleagues used the now finished and closed. program to create weekly, downloadable, We’re all still muggles. Harry Potter book discussions, referred to To examine the “Potter Phenomenon” as MuggleCasts. is to examine a generation of readers and The MuggleCast episodes soon gained fans devoted to the adventures of a boy popularity, topping the charts of iTune’s wizard with a lightning bolt scar. There most popular podcasts. was a friendship struck up with Harry Looking back at the site he created Potter when the world met him, a likeable eight years ago at age twelve, Spartz ordinary boy thrust into an extraordinary acknowledged the role of developing world. It was a world where eleven-year- technology in the Harry Potter fan base. olds waited eagerly for owls to tap at “It got a lot bigger - back then, it was a their windows with Hogwarts acceptance fraction of the size it is now,” Spartz said of letters, a world where creatures like the early days, when he was the sole staffer. hippogriffs and flobberworms could exist. Today, the site employs 120 “muggles” to But while magic dazzled readers, it was the work on the various branches of the site. “I incredible ordinariness of Harry Potter that think the Internet has gotten people to take made them stay. Harry Potter much more seriously now. “Everybody can relate to Harry in some The analysis that goes on for book seven way,” said Emerson Spartz, creator of is much deeper than any analysis we did of the widely popular Harry Potter fansite, books five and six.” MuggleNet. “He’s just so universally And certainly, the Internet community human.” of Potter fans has fed the hype for the Of course, Spartz is greatly indebted to seventh book. Plans for midnight release Harry Potter, as the Potter-centric site has parties were made over online forums, gained him a degree of celebrity within while Deathly Hallows Madness (a riff on fan circles. Two years ago in May, J.K. March Madness) allowed fans to make on- Rowling contacted Spartz at his Indiana the-record predictions of the series’ end in home, inviting him and another Potter a competition for Potter-related prizes. fansite’s webmaster to an exclusive “Harry Potter will… a) live b) die c) interview following sixth book’s release. something else,” the site prompted. “I was thrilled,” Spartz said. “She let Thousands of fans submitted their the fans interview her, so we wouldn’t different theories in the weeks before the ask awful questions like ‘Will Harry and seventh book’s release. Still, while the Hermione get together?’ but [rather] the close of the series was widely anticipated hardball questions, the little nitpicky by fans, many admitted to a certain degree details.” of sadness when met with the end. Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer The 46-page interview was posted to “There was magic in not knowing,” one Hugh N. Boyd Journalism Diversity Workshop student Sharon Kim engrosses herself in the latest Harry Potter book, MuggleNet and answered a wide range fan wrote on her blog. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” College freshmen connect through Facebook.com

By imani folkes technology, incoming college the many students who joined STAFF WRITER students are using Facebook.com their college’s Facebook group to build a social network before after being accepted into the You’re excited. You don’t sleep. they actually get to their school. school. The “Groups” application You worry about all the things “Facebook is a great tool for on Facebook allows people to join that could happen on the first day meeting your future classmates,” because of a common interest. of school. says Jackie Piccolo, an incoming This is the way students start their Jackie Fitzgerald, who freshman at Syracuse University. journey to meeting other college graduated from Lafayette College In the “Syracuse ‘11” college Leah Rocketto, an incoming “It’s really pumped me up for classmates. in 2005, had all these sentiments group, students who have freshman at Syracuse University Syracuse because I’ve talked to a Once part of a specific college as she recalled the jitters she Facebooks filled out surveys that said: “Yes I have, even though bunch of people through Facebook group, students are able to post felt the night before she left for asked questions such as, “What some people tried to tell me that that seem really awesome. ” comments on the discussion wall school. are your study habits?”, “Do you was stupid. Whatever to them. Danielle Waugh, also an and participate in discussion The first week of college can be like to party?” and “What are I’d rather get put with someone incoming freshman at Syracuse topics. a nerve-wracking experience, just your hobbies?” I have stuff in common with and University, agrees with Piccolo. After Christine Fauske, an as Fitzgerald shared. There are a After filling out these surveys, like than be stuck with someone “[Facebook] is the least incoming freshman at Goucher lot of adjustments that students go students were able to see their I hate.” intimidating way to approach College, joined her college group, through: Living away from home, peers that had similar interests. Vanessa N. Baawauh, an college freshman that you’ve never she was able to talk to students in managing time between school Some people then took it a incoming freshman at Rider met and strike up a conversation. the Orientation, Roommates and work and fun, and adjusting to step further and picked out University, agrees: “[Facebook] I hope to show up at my campus Early Arrivals discussion topics. a new academic environment. who they thought would be a gives a better perspective of the and in the least creepy way, be “Roommates” is among one Perhaps the most difficult of good roommate, and began to school your attending and you able to say to someone ‘Hey! I of the many popular discussion these adjustments is making new communicate with that person. make a few friends before you know you from Facebook! ’’’ topics in Facebook college friends. When asked if she met her future get there. And if you’re lucky, Waugh and Piccolo are two of groups. But with the help of recent roommate from a college group, you find a roommate!” MOSAICKNOWLEDGE The Mosaic Review of Learning Shomar Negea: Touching is for marriage By NICHOLE BRAY For Orthodox Jewish teens, in Hebrew. She explained that most teens do not meet the person blind decisions result in regret. STAFF WRITER purity is a way of life. Yaffa the policies of her school were they will marry. This explains Yaffa said, “The wedding night Sex is promoted among Fredrick, 2007 graduate of founded in Jewish tradition. the “spy network” in Fredrick’s becomes pointless because the society, and a multitude of teens Bruriah High School For Girls Fredrick defines purity as former high school, which couple has already been inside of have embraced the idea of sex. in Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an “maintaining innocence by consisted of Orthodox Jewish each other and the experience will According to the Kaiser Family 18-year-old Orthodox Jew who abstaining from all forms of teen girls preventing their peers not be new.” Foundation, seventy percent of embraces a life without sex until physical contact which involves from giving into their hormones, According to Fredrick, being teens have engaged in sex by the marriage. Fredrick is a devout emotions until [her] bashert according to Fredrick. without sex is liberating because age of 19. The Word Definition follower of Shomar Negea, which arrives.” The Yiddish meaning of Fredrick believes that it is it allows her to follow her own website defines the word “purity” roughly translates to “don’t bashert is soul mate. not wise to blindly rush into beliefs instead of what society as “abstaining from sex.” touch me until we’re married” However, during high school, random relationships. Often, dictates. Center celebrates ‘We the People’ By yulin kuang exhibits. Outside the second Cook, a journalism student, STAFF WRITER floor presentation room, the wrote. The immediate interior of the grounds are rife with interactive On the wall, a response reading National Constitution Center is displays. In one corner, a touch “When there is a real threat to strongly reminiscent of an airport screen computer brings up the national security,” was placed terminal: the floors unnaturally biographies of civil rights activists opposite another answering, clean while the slight hum of through the centuries. In another, a “Nothing that comes out of our moving escalators hangs in the green screen camera allows people president’s head” background. Even the giant to take the Presidential Oath of Echoing the general theme of cutout of the ten-dollar bill (minus Office. Small voting booths in the reverence for the US Constitution, Hamilton’s head, carnival style) center invite those passing to cast one post-it note in the center has a distinctly ‘last-hurrah-of- a ballot in the All-Time Favorite quoted the preamble, “… to the-tourist-bound-for-home’ feel Presidents election. Teenagers on provide for the common defense, to it. Still, after the initial bag summer vacation take pictures in promote the general welfare…” check, the sterilized atmosphere comical poses with bronze statues The sea of yellow post-it notes on the first floor gives way to the of the Constitution’s framers. represents the responses of those star spangled patriotism of the And on the side of the wall, small on both ends of the political second. placards pose questions regarding spectrum - the voices of the “We the people,” the Center’s lofty subjects of patriotism and people - we, the people. presentation on the United States national defense, while post-it Perhaps the plethora of Constitution started. “Who are note responses paper the wall interactive exhibits populating the we? What makes us a people?” space beneath them. National Constitution Center is Certainly, a “we the people” “What justifies going to war?” meant to reflect those first three Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer one placard asked. words of the preamble: “We, the Life-size statues of the signers of the Declaration of Independence are displayed at the National theme appears to permeate Constitution Center in Philadelphia. the Constitution Center’s “Make love, not war,” Taylor people.” Black Enterprise magazine caters to all races By michaelle bond source of news and information STAFF WRITER for and about African-American business markets and leaders.” Its Some people may think that magazine includes information the words “Black Enterprise” are on financial management, racially exclusive. However, that entrepreneurship, careers and is a misconception. wealth building. Black Enterprise, a New York- Edmond pointed out these issues based corporation that owns a magazine, television show and other ventures, caters to black business professionals and others interested in wealth building. However, like the magazine’s readership, its staff is diverse. Editor-in-chief Alfred A. Edmond Jr., said he doesn’t choose his staff solely with the purpose of diversifying it. He chooses who he considers to be the best for the job. “My first mission is to find people who care about black people,” Edmond said. Media Relations Director Andrew Wadium, who has worked Nichole Bray/Staff Photographer with the company since 2001 and Students from the journlism workshop interview corporate communications/research assistant Alana Wyche during a tour of Black is white, said he wanted to work Enterprise magazine. for Black Enterprise because he We measure ourselves against Americans don’t have the luxury article I read in the magazine. are not necessarily black issues. liked the environment. other business publications,” of having financial education Then, I purchased a mutual fund That explains why the monthly “I admire the publisher, Earl Edmond said. at home. Things mainstream and over time, it doubled my magazine, which also has non- G. Graves,” Wadium said. “He The magazine focuses mainly magazines assume you know, money,” Lespinasse said. black subscribers, provides has been a mentor to me both on its content, which is why Black Enterprise gives you more “As our audience becomes information to 3.9 million readers. personally and professionally.” Ghislaine Lespinasse has been a information about.” wealthier, we benefit,” said Edmond said that although the Graves, who founded Black subscriber for the past ten years. The goal of the magazine is to Edmond. magazine cares about all of the Enterprise in 1970, is recognized “It gives you good insight increase the net worth of African “We don’t want you to read issues of black people, its main all over the country as an expert into your finances and the way Americans and to educate and Black Enterprise because it says focus is business. on black business development. to invest,” said Lespinasse, inspire them to action. ‘black’ on it. We want you to read “We don’t measure ourselves Black Enterprise is described on who is black. “Many African- “I got a stock tip from an it because it has benefited you.” its website as being a “definitive against other black publications. MOSAICLIVING The Mosaic Review of different lifestyles Tips to become more Snack food environmentally friendly sweetener

By Abhishék Seth the atmospheric carbon. STAFF WRITER Fill it up—A car that drives bittersweet Many of our daily activities 20 mile per gallon emits contribute to the carbon output in approximately 50 tons of carbon on health our atmosphere. The more carbon dioxide during its life. dioxide in the air, the more heat Therefore, park your car and By sienna scott STAFF WRITER incarcerated within the earth’s walk, use mass transit, cycle or atmosphere. This imprisonment, even, carpool, according to the Few Americans are aware of in turn, increases the earth’s National Resources Defense the life-threatening effects of temperature, melts the world’s Council. high fructose corn syrup. The glaciers, and raises the water Lights, Camera, Action—Swap sweetener is buried in everything levels to be able to kill millions in all the incandescent light bulbs from Starbucks’ frappuccinos to the next 50 years. with the spiral, fluorescent ones. Heinz tomato ketchup to Nabisco Although global warming has These energy-savers last ten Oreos. not taken full form, National times longer than Edison’s bulbs, According to the American Geographic and the Cato Institute lower energy bills by about $15 Medical Association, the anticipate a million plants a year and keep 1,000 pounds increased use of the syrup mirrors and animalsto become extinct of carbon dioxide out of the air, the swell of obesity, type-two and approximately 7,500,000 said National Resources Defense diabetes, and many other illnesses people to die in five decades, Council. in America. respectively. Quid Pro Quo — Coal is a Abhishék Seth/Staff Photographer “High fructose corn syrup is not safe,” explained New Jersey As morbid as this all sounds, thing of the past. Solar and wind Save 795 pounds of carbon StopGlobalWarming.com. it can be alleviated. Just a slight power are in. dietitian Kimberly Manzo. She dioxide annually by laundering A local apple a day, keeps the said that the syrup metabolizes change in our everyday habits can These green machines supply half loads in cold water and then carbon away— Endorse local “glacially” help global warming. energy to us and have zero differently in the body than sugar air-drying it. farmers. Their produce need not be from beets or sugar cane does. To apply Aesop’s quote, “United air emissions, according to Rubber Ducky—Taking an transported from far away to reach we stand; divided we fall,” here General Electric Energy and Manzo said when a person eats 8-minute shower emits 1,368 local homes; therefore, avoiding sugar, insulin is released into the are suggestions to reduce our HarvestCleanEnergy.org. pounds of carbon annually. long-distance transportation carbon output: To find out about green- bloodstream so that it can go to the Stand 2 minutes less, save 342 emissions, as stated by Northwest muscles. High fructose corn syrup Recycle— Recycle paper, providing energy companies state- pounds of carbon, according to Earth Institute. plastic and glass. This saves, per by-state, check out http://www. blocks that release of insulin and TheGreenGuide.com. Weather-stripping — Stop forces the liver to push more fat year, 1,000 pounds of carbon eere.energy.gov/greenpower/ Good Gifts Come in Small carbon from escaping homes. dioxide. Rinse and Repeat—Washing into the bloodstream. “The liver Packages—Buy things with less Sealing gaps of doors and is a filtration system, and when Be a Johnny Appleseed — Plant machines utilize 90 percent of the packaging. Not only can this windows, which prevents carbon as many plants as possible. Plants electricity to heat up the water, things like high fructose corn reduce trash by ten percent, but dioxide leakage, reduces 1,700 syrup overwork it, sometimes it and trees, during photosynthesis, according to TheGreenGuide. can save 1,200 pounds of carbon pounds per year, according to convert carbon to oxygen, reducing com. just shuts down,” Manzo said. dioxide yearly, according to America Online. According to a study on the Weston A. Price Foundation Web site, rats on a fructose diet had Riding the wave of the future: Electric bikes gain popularity livers that resembled those of By michelle conway mainstream.” that claim to be on the cutting riding a long distance and don’t alcoholics: clogged with fat and STAFF WRITER The small niche market edge of electric bike technology. want to get there all sweaty, people with loss of functioning cells. A new kind of bicycle may be may become a larger one at The Schwinn bikes each weigh that have a physical handicap but “It’s a scary thing. High fructose gaining speed in America. NYCeWheels, but some electric only about ten pounds, can take still like riding, people that like corn syrup can cause so many bad With the help of a battery- bike sellers have not seen the same a rider about 60 miles in a single riding but only use assistance things to happen to your body,” powered motor, electric bicycles increased interest. Eric Sundim of charge and recharge fully in less when they come up on that one Manzo said. “Because of it, there allow cyclists to ride more easily Electric Vehicles Northwest in than four hours. big hill by their house.” has been a devastating increase and more often. Seattle explains that increases in Allen cites a reason for the While the idea of having a in Metabolic Syndrome,” she While a conventional bicycle sales at his store have not been increased interest: a decrease in battery-powered bicycle may added. is a simple way to cover short noteworthy: “We sold less than the weight of new electric bikes seem foreign to most Americans, Metabolic Syndrome is distances, an electric bicycle uses 1,000 [electric] bikes per year sold at NYCeWheels. Battery- China is no stranger to the an incurable disease that is its electric power to give its riders five years ago. We are selling less powered bikes tend to be heavier concept. In a May article, The a compilation of high blood a boost that can flatten steep hills than 1,000 [electric] bikes per than conventional ones, something Houston Chronicle reported that pressure, high cholesterol, high and make a daily commute less year now,” he said. that used to be a major drawback. Chinese purchased 10 million belly fat and heart disease. tiring and less sweaty. Sundim emphasized that, at With the average price of most electric bikes in 2005, which grew High fructose corn syrup started In places like New York City, Electric Vehicles Northwest, electric bikes around $1,500, to about 16 to 18 million in 2006 popping up more and more on where Bicycling magazine electric bikes continue to be riders are not often simply lovers and is expected to swell as high as American supermarket shelves estimates 110,000 people take to popular among “independent- of expensive toys. “People that 30 million bikes this year. in the early 1980’s, about the the streets on two wheels every thinking” individuals. The buy the electric bikes from here In San Diego, Richard Schwartz same time that obesity started to day, momentum for electric mainstream American population [NYCeWheels] have a pretty and his wife went electric a few skyrocket in America. bicycles may be increasing. The may not be embracing the bikes particular situation,” said Allen. weeks ago. Schwartz purchased “There is definitely a magazine notes there are more any time soon. “Usually people another product that is making correlation between the two,” cyclists in the Big Apple now than Nevertheless, major American that get them are electric biking more accessible: said New Jersey nutritionist Dr. at any time in the last 25 years, bicycle brand people that want the electric converter kit. The Joanne Florio. “It’s subsidized leaving room for electric bikes to Schwinn put to ride to work original wheel is replaced with by the government, so it’s cheap. slowly branch out of the relatively out their line or are a wheel containing the battery- That’s why such a large number underground culture they have of electric powered motor found in electric of manufacturers use it in their remained a part of in the past. bicycles in late bikes, making almost any products,” she explained. “It’s still it’s own thing right 2006 with three models conventional bicycle electric. Most health professionals agree now; it’s not part of mainstream “They’re expensive,” said that the best way for people to biking, but it’s becoming Schwartz of his BionX keep healthy is to read all of a lot more popular in converter kit, which the labels on their foods and America,” said Charlie retails for about to be aware of what they are Allen, a salesman at $1,000, “but eating. “There is starting to be NYCeWheels on the when you think some changes in foods. More Upper East Side of about it, in about companies are beginning to use Manhattan, a store a year it will pay more natural ingredients in their that opened in 2001 for itself with the products,” said Florio. “Shop and specializes in the gas money we’ll at places like Whole Foods and sale of electric bikes. save.” Trader Joe’s, where they sweeten “I would say within the their products with cane juice and next year, maybe two years, other natural ingredients.” it’s going to be a lot more MOSAICWIRE The Mosaic Review of Technology & Arts Journalists find new ways to use technology to reach audiences By imani folkes for information and sources. The Asbury Park Press, said, “When STAFF WRITER After asking Journalism Diversity I first started at the paper in 2005, the Journalists, put down the pen and Workshop students if they have website was just a reprint of that days paper and pick up a laptop. In today’s Facebooks, Michael Feeney, a Cop paper. Since then they’ve been training world, journalism and technology go Reporter for the Bergen Record, said, us to write web updates after a reporter hand in hand. It’s hard to find a reporter “I have a Facebook, too.” writes a story.” who not only writes well, but can Feeney explained how he was A “web update” is a way for the also use a digital camera, navigate the covering a story about a high school reader to get more information on the Internet and record audio. boy who died in a car crash. Through story before the next day’s paper. “Basic technology: Internet. Email. Facebook, he was able to search for the Technology has also given journalists These are things we’re doing today boy’s name, find a friend of his, and use the advantage of doing more than just [to get information] that ten years ago him as a source. writing a story. someone had to physically get up and Advancements in technology are “So many stories are multi-media get,” said Alesha Williams, a staff also changing how people receive their stories,” said Joy Visconti, a Teacher reporter at the Asbury Park Press, who news. Instead of waiting for the next Guide Editor at The Wall Street Journal started her journalism career in 1997. day’s paper to arrive, readers can now Classroom Edition. “Today reporters

“Now, we have it right at our finger go to the Internet at any time to be are learning to report the story, put it Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer tips.” updated on recent reports. on the web, shoot their own photos and A Philadelphia Inquirer reporter uses the internet to research and Journalists are now using the Internet Alison Herget, a Metro Reporter for their own video.” enchance his story.

Technology hinders courteous communication By SIENNA SCOTT STAFF WRITER As Americans increasingly use technology to communicate, some people fear that manners are fading into the horizon. “The emotional connection with people is being lost, and people are making friendships with the computer,” said Debra Gitto, executive director of the NJ-based Northeastern School of Etiquette and Protocol. “People are definitely ruder than they used to be. When you are on the computer, it is all about you. But etiquette is about other people.” Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer According to an Associated Press- Reporters Anthony May and Yulin Kuang talk to producer and writer Thomas Hart after the screening of James Brown: The Man, The Music, and The Message. Ipsos poll, 69 percent of Americans believe that people are ruder today than they were 20 or 30 years ago. James Brown documentary educates, inspires Cornell University student By Nayantara choudhary Civil Rights. entertaining, it was the energetic audience Shivon Scott, for example, finds the and michaelle bond He helped the poor and used his fame to who made the show a success. technology too appealing to turn away STAFF WRITERS galvanize the black community and youth. Before the show, some of Brown’s greatest from. For example, on April 4, 1968, the day of hits could be heard bellowing from the “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud,” “A lot of the time, I don’t feel like Martin Luther King’s assassination, Brown speakers. A fan got up to dance in the aisle sang James Brown in his famous song of the having a full conversation with people. was scheduled to perform in Boston. Some and was followed by a woman he didn’t even same title. It is much more convenient to write people told him not to go on stage because of know. Soon there were people standing up On July 18, the Newark Symphony Hall a note on someone’s Facebook page the rioting that was occurring in retaliation. and dancing all over the room. held a tribute to celebrate James Brown than to go out and meet with them,” In spite of the warnings, he felt that his This energy carried through the rest of the using a documentary called James Brown: said Scott. performance was what people needed at the evening. Applause, laughter and shouts of The Man, The Music, and The Message. The computer is not the only device time. approval could be heard constantly during This was followed by a panel discussion. playing a part in America’s increasing People interviewed for the documentary the film. Afterward, the line to question the The documentary was an interesting, rudeness. According to the poll, 55 included Little Richard, Dick Clark, Flavor panelists stretched beyond the rows of seats. informative and inspirational production. percent of people frequently encounter Flav and Brown, “The Godfather of Soul” There were so many people in line that some Stanley “Skip” Kelly and Thomas Hart, the others using cell phones in a loud or himself. The film had been greatly anticipated fans had to be turned away. writers and producers of the film, used clips rude manner. since Brown’s death less than one year ago The documentary was a success and of Brown’s life to illustrate how dedicated “Sometimes, when I am in the and was very well-received. showed that James Brown’s music still “The Godfather of Soul” was in his fight for library doing work, I am forced to ask Although the film was educational and inspires many people. people to take their loud cell phone conversations elsewhere,” said Scott. “It amazes me sometimes how people Presidential candidates step up their game for YouTube debates can be so rude and oblivious to the By NICHOLE BRAY “YouTube, the Google-owned Web site that Vercellotti said, “YouTube has had an people around them.” STAFF WRITER airs home videos, is visual, entertaining— immediate effect on the elections because, Nancy Gorczynski, director of Presidential candidates received an engaging the youth,” said Tim Vercellotti, prior to the Web site, there was no means of the Etiquette and Protocol School, intriguing question on July 23 at the CNN/ Director of Polling and Assistant Research instant distribution.” suggested that technology such as cell YouTube debates. Two young women asked Professor for the EAGLETON Institute of However, the example of George Allen, phones create social oblivion. “There if the candidates would work for the current Politics. a former Senator, showed how one’s words is a lack of awareness. When people minimum wage. Barack Obama said, “We Steve Growth, YouTube representative could have a negative effect on the audience. start using the ‘cell yell’, they forget can afford to work for minimum wage from California, released his own video Allen was criticized in 2006 after referencing that there are other people around because most folks on this stage have the encouraging Americans not only to make to an Asian-American as a “Macaca” twice in them,” she said. She then added that money. It’s the folks on that screen that we videos and ask questions but also to a speech. The audience was extremely upset people pay to go into public places, have to advocate for.” look further and reach the one-quarter of with this mistake. like restaurants, for the experience. The face of the upcoming election is individuals without Internet access. Growth Vercelloti said, “The issue which exists “And I am not paying to hear the changing due to YouTube. The debate was advised the younger generation to contact with YouTube is the videos aired are without phone conversation of the person at evidence that the media is no longer the only those in community centers and retirement editing.” He advises the people not to use the next table.” source with unprecedented access. homes. YouTube as their sole source of information. MOSAICMUSIC The Mosaic Review of Music Local band breaks pop-rock stereotype

By MICHelle conwaY STAFF WRITER Evan Statton, Brian Chiger, Foundation three years ago James Reber and Dave Napiorski helps motivate them to finish of New Jersey band Pick An what they started by means of Exit might seem like any other their upcoming tour. They hope piano-heavy pop-rock band: to raise more than the original denim-and-sneaker-clad, laid $10,000 given to them back in back yet energetic, influenced 2004. by artists like Green Day, the Lead singer Statton wants to Counting Crows and Something raise twice that amount. Corporate. “I want to raise $20,000 and They are anything but another one dollar, Price is Right-style,” young pop-rock band. said guitarist Chiger. The difference between Pick an And it is just that kind of wit Exit and frivolous, irresponsible that makes these four young men musicians is the seriousness with seem like any four suburban which they take their band, not 20-somethings having a go at only as a creative entity, but also music. as a business entity. But it is just that kind of wit While other band members that makes their strategy so might be giving up their music unassuming. to pursue a “real” career, start a That strategy begins with family and gain financial stability, Paperjam Records. Because it the guys from Pick An Exit are is easier for a band to get a club doing it their own way. They are booking when it is attached to a leaving day jobs to focus on the record label, Pick An Exit began band full-time, but don’t expect using the name “Paperjam” to them to end up struggling artists. improve its chances of playing Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer When their first attempt at shows. Guitarist Brian Chiger performs with his band, Pick An Exit, at Monmouth University on July 22nd. nationwide tour was unsuccessful The “fake label” evolved into in 2004, Pick An Exit decided to a part of the business savvy that get smart about their future as a sets the foursome apart. you’re really serious about it,” interest of bands playing shows bands and venues in a searchable band. Incorporated about a year ago said Chiger. with Pick An Exit, while outside database. In 2004, a sponsor from the by the members of Pick An Exit, Paperjam Records also promoters may not always keep The program will keep the band’s hometown of Westfield Paperjam Records helped the promotes Pick An Exit shows, those interests in mind. band’s first year-long national contributed $10,000 to launch band establish a sponsorship which gives the band control The final part of Pick An tour running smoothly as well, the month-long tour with the from the popular photo-sharing over ticket sales and booking. Exit’s plan keeps their band and which will include 250 shows condition that the band would site photobucket.com. Pick An Exit contacts bands that their business running smoothly from October 2007 through donate their proceeds to the Pick An Exit remains the only may want to play a show with and efficiently. Statton, who October 2008. I Have a Dream Foundation, band on their own label, but they them and gives each band tickets recently quit his broadcasting “We’ve taken every precaution which provides money for hope to bring other bands to to sell. job at NASDAQ, created tour- we can take,” said drummer underprivileged high school Paperjam Records in the future. “Everything comes from us at the managing computer program Napiorski of the tour. “I have a graduates to attend college. “Most bands lose money, but core, instead of some promoter,” (dubbed ‘Doug’ by the band), good feeling about it, but even The band’s inability to raise as a corporation, you declare said Statton, explaining that which allows Pick An Exit to so, it’s definitely a little nerve- money for the I Have a Dream that you have a profit motive and Paperjam’s system is in the best store information about people, wracking.” Review: Mix of original songs, covers gives Pick An Exit signature style By MARTA PaczkowskA “I like ‘The Jazz June’ because Counting Crows,” Chiger said. STAFF WRITER it’s kind of unique, in that it kind “I’m really excited about that and They may have been performing of sounds like a pirate shanty,” I can’t wait to record it.” on a modest platform stage in a said Statton. “It’s in three, it’s The pieces were all recent university classroom that didn’t kind of like a waltz—it’s still pop additions to their repertoire and provide the best acoustics, but rock but it doesn’t sound like— provided for a varied, energetic set; New Jersey band Pick An Exit ‘Hey There Delilah’.” each song could be distinguished sounded professional. The band covered “Hey There from the next. Frontman Evan Statton, Delilah,” by The Plain White T’s, Not only are the songs original, guitarist Brian Chiger, bass player remixing it a bit to have a heavier the name of the band has some James Reber and drummer Dave sound. They even serenaded history behind it. The Westfield Napiorski performed a private Sharon Kim, one of the student natives realized in high school concert for the Hugh N. Boyd journalists, with happy birthday. that getting a driver’s license Journalism Diversity Workshop New and original songs, slated is not so exciting—there was at Monmouth University on July for their album release in October, nowhere to go. This led them 22. included Montana, Brand New to invent a game called “Pick Influenced by artists like Billy Man, and This Place is Ours, an Exit.” They picked a number Joel, Counting Crows, Ben Folds dubbed “the summer song.” between one and 162 and drove and Something Corporate, the Unlike “The Jazz June,” to the corresponding exit on the band has a unique sound that, as “Montana” sounded more N.J. Garden State Parkway and Napiorski puts it, is reminiscent of mainstream, or as Statton put it, did something in that town. The “Billy Joel with more distortion, “what other people are listening name stuck. like poppy rock ‘n’ roll laced with to.” Keep your eyes peeled for these piano.” Chiger reflected on his favorite guys—Pick An Exit is hitting the Intricate piano interludes played new song, which was definitely road. They will be going on their by Statton were incorporated into something you couldn’t help but first yearlong tour in October and Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer the set of songs, especially “The tap your foot to. “We played a will drive their van all the way to Pick An Exit bassist James Reber entertains the crowd at Monmouth University. Jazz June,” which is, overall, the song called ‘This Place is Ours’, the west coast by the end of the band’s favorite song. which sounds a lot like the month. MOSAICPHOTOS The Mosaic Photo Essay My World Captured

When I was little, my father always had a camera with him—day in and day out. I believe he inspired me. From what I can remember, I had found a “new” type of camera on my parents’ nightstand table around July 4, 2003. Al- though the camera was maybe a year old and had very low megapixels, it became my new companion; I took it everywhere I went. Because the pictures I took were digital, I took hundreds of shots within my recent discovery. My aesthetic eye really became promi- nent in my photos during the trip to India in 2004. Although New Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Shimla provided me with numerous opportunities to capture life abroad, in retrospect, a photographer need not have a beautiful setting. An ide- al photographer should have the versatil- ity to be able to find allure in anything he or she sees. Even the most commonplace objects can be seen with unique perspec- tives. Nidhi Kumar, on her wedding day, waits pensively for her future husband to arrive at the Lambert Castle in Paterson, New Jersey, on April 29, 2005. Abhishék Seth

Fire decimates a log in Puneet Seth’s hearth.

Plants grows on a branch in Puneet Seth’s backyard.

Flags hang off Tropicana Casino & Resort Hotel, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Rain droplets smear across a car’s window. Rain drenches branch and a maple leaf in Puneet Seth’s Puneet Seth and Ishan, his son, wade in the shallows of the Atlantic Ocean during a backyard. trip to Georgia. MOSAICPHOTOS The Mosaic Photo Essay

A road-temple located in the Himalayan mountains on the way to Utterkashi, India.

Scruffy gazes in Gaurav Singh’s backyard.

A mariner adjusting the sails of a boat in Georgia. A chair sitting under the afternoon sun in Shailja Seth’s formal living room. July 27. 2007 MOSAICSPORTS Page 19 Mets give Trenton 60th win and a series Rival Binghamton prove itself not a threat three straight hits. A double by Mike Carp By michael peña STAFF WRITER allowed Drew Butera to score the first Cody Ehler hit three doubles and three run, but Karstens finished off strong. He RBI to lead the Trenton Thunder to a 6-3 ended the game allowing just four hits triumph on July 17 against its rivals, the and committing only one error during five Binghamton Mets. innings. After the previous Thanks to a two-run double by Ehlers day’s 1-3 loss, the that broke the 1-1 tie, the Thunder rallied Trenton Thunder Mets 3 during the fourth inning. continued their Thunder 6 The Mets allowed five runs, making the three game series game 5-1 and forcing Mets pitcher Bobby against the Mets. Parnell (1-3), to retire. Replacing him was Heavy rain and a bad start did not prevent Marcelo Perez (1-4), but the damage was the Thunder from its 60th win of the season done. and tying the series 1-1 at Riverfront Park. A RBI double by Ehlers during the fifth “As a team I feel very confident,” said allowed an extra run for the Thunder. Two Outfielder Noah Hall before the game. subsequent singles by Caleb Stewart and “We are one of the stronger teams in the Enrique Cruz allowed two runs for the league.” Mets, but they were unable to score again. Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer Starting Thunder pitcher Jeff Karstens (1- The two teams faced each other again on Outfielder Noah Hall talks to reporters before their 6-3 win against the Binghamton Mets on 0), who continued his rehab from a broken July 18 to wrap up their three-game series July 17 at Riverfront Park. fibula, played for his first win of the season. with Trenton wining 5-1. Pitcher Phil He had a rough start during the first inning, Hughes allowed just two hits and struck Noah Hall lives for baseball striking out Corey Coles before allowing out five. By Anthony May STAFF WRITER As an eight-year-old playing tee-ball in Santa Cruz, California, Trenton Thunder Kraayeveld’s 31 fails Liberty outfielder Noah Hall knew he wanted to play baseball. the buzzer. By michael peña The fourth quarter had Houston leading “My motivation most of the time was to make it to the big leagues as a kid,” STAFF WRITER 60-56. Hall said. A career-high 31 points by Forward Despite full-court pressure by New York, After age 12 and a little league experience, Hall didn’t play baseball as much, but Cathrine Kraayeveld could not help the Houston dominated the fourth. Houston his interest in it never diminished. New York Liberty overcome the Houston Guard Tamecka Dixon scored eight of her “I played a lot of soccer. I actually continued to still play soccer and still play Comets in a 80-74 loss on July 20 at 20 points during the quarter. baseball,” he said. “One of my friends played baseball. I went to one of his Madison Square Garden. A free-throw by Kraayeveld made the games.” New York (10-11) lost its third straight score 74-77 but a personal foul by Christon At that game, Hall picked up the bat again and never put it down. game after losing to Houston (7-15). ended any chance of a win. Prior to coming to New Jersey, Hall played for the Montreal Expos and then They fell to fourth place in the Eastern Kraayeveld, who shot 12-of-23 from the signed with the Yankees Doble-A affiliated Trenton Thunder at the end of April. Conference behind the Connecticut Sun by floor, made a previous career high of 22 Now 30, Hall is doing what he loves. His team leads the Northern division with a half game. points against Connecticut on July 24. a 63-36 record. But even with a winning record, Hall believes baseball has made Houston Forward Tina Thompson led her New York had foul trouble throughout him more modest. team with 26 points, including shooting the game, allowing Houston to the foul line “It [baseball] has made me more of a humble guy,” Hall said. 10-for-10 from the foul line. She played 14 times. Though Hall does not pursue his major-league dream anymore, baseball remains for 40 minutes and also led the team with Houston scored 23 of its points from foul an important aspect in his life. six rebounds. shots alone compared to New York’s six. “Each year I got older, I got a step away from the big leagues. My main goal isn’t By half time, the game was tied 38- Starters Janel McCarville, Erin Thorn really to go to the big leagues anymore,” he said. “I play to support my family.” 38, thanks to a 17-2 run by New York and Shameka Christon ended the game including a shot by Guard Loree Moore at with four fouls each. After Robinson’s achievement, few Blacks follow By Anthony May Black players dominate the professional STAFF WRITER basketball and football leagues with about Sixty years ago, Jackie Robinson broke 80 percent of the NBA and 60 percent the ‘color barrier’ playing baseball for the of the NFL being made up of African- Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1947 he paved the Americans. way for integration in the major leagues. “People that look like them [play] Few African-Americans are crossing basketball and football,” Roby said. this line now. Roby said that the two most popular “African American [involvement] has sports in the NCAA for African-American depleted a bit. There are a lot of sports women were basketball and track and that people want to do. Baseball isn’t as field because those were two sports that important as it was,” Trenton Thunder the women could relate to. Outfielder Noah Hall said. “You have to introduce the [non- According to a recent poll in a July traditional] sports at an early age and 18 issue of The Star-Ledger, African- provide them [African-American Americans make up only 8.4 percent of children] with an opportunity,” he said, the major leagues. There are programs in the nation that Northeastern University Athletic are helping this. One is called RBI, or Director Peter Roby is the former director Revitalizing Baseball in the Inner City. for the Center of the Study of Sport in RBI helps young people to develop their Society, a Boston-based organization skills in baseball, but does not prepare dedicated to the study of social change kids for the pros. with sports. Only a quarter of the kids in the RBI He gave a reason for this low percentage, program in Harlem are black. citing that a black child will emulate what Roby also said the MLB is looking to he sees in the media. “identify talents at the Major League “He’s so influenced about what he’s level,” by drafting players from other seeing on TV,” Roby said. “The ones parts of the world. As for African-Americans crossing [sports] that are getting the most media Marta Paczkowska/Staff Photographer attention.” the color barrier, the future has yet to be told. The New York Liberty allowed 23 points from the foul line in their 80-74 loss to Houston. Page 20 July 27, 2007 About Us Headshots by Sienna Scott Two things have shaped Marta Paczkowska. Anthony May, a 17- Having already tested the waters of Abhishék Seth, a senior The first was living with liberal parents and year-old senior from St. a foreign country and being involved at East Brunswick High a conservative grandmother in the same house, Benedict’s Preparatory in the community, Imani Folkes feels School did not know that which gave Paczkowska the ability to see both School in Newark, that she is prepared for whatever God he would be writing to sides of an argument from her childhood. always wanted to write holds in her future. help save a girl’s life or The second has been her life around the for a newspaper. Folkes is very involved with her the life of a planet. world, beginning with her birthplace of Ever since he wrote church. She loves traveling and As a reporter for the for his sixth-grade experiencing new things. Three years Olsztyn, Poland, and her homes in Passaic and Anthony May Home News Tribune, Seth now Clifton. These newspaper, May ago, she made her first missions Marta Paczkowska Williamstown HS Imani Folkes Abhishék Seth raised over $100 three places create has been inspired to trip to the Dominican Republic. The College of NJ Syracuse University East Brunswick HS for a blind nine- a culturally diverse maintain his hobby of writing. She has gone on three trips year-old, Marcell experience that makes As a member of The International Quill since. Folkes said: “I think the Henderson, with an Paczkowska a “better and Scroll Society, May was a feature editor experiences that I have on these trips will help me in article requesting donations. world citizen.” for The Benedict News. my future, whether or not it is journalism.” Now he’s publishing a book on global Paczkowska wrote for Although he planned to write for senior In school, Folkes was the editor of her Franklin High warming and energy efficiency. Clique, the teen section of year and college, he did not plan to “pursue School newspaper, part of the National Honor Society But Seth wasn’t always a good writer. The Herald News in West [journalism] big time.” and an active member of her school’s Color Guard. “ I was really bad at English,” Seth said. Paterson during high school. May felt that diversity adds flavor to the Folkes plans on attending Syracuse University in the Working on the Tribune gave him the tools Although she chose a major newspaper; without staff from “different fall, and majoring in magazine journalism. to improve his skills. walks of life,” newspapers are monotonous. in English, Paczkowska’s -Nayantara Choudhary “I just got an epiphany and started writing career aspirations range from -Abhishek Seth well,” Seth said, “That’s how I’m here [at journalist to engineer. When Melissa Reyes, a 17-year old senior the workshop] now.” -Michelle Conway at University Academy Charter High School -Anthony May in Jersey City, first delved into journalism in . her sophomore year, she Not only is 16-year-old Michelle Conway Michaelle Bond, a was overwhelmed by left-handed, she is on the political left, or as rising senior at Holy Jonathan Guerra is a student the intimidating nature she put it, “not mainstream at all.” Cross High School, of Cuban descent attending of the job. Every six months she joins a group says her two great the Journalism Diversity But eventually, with (made up mainly of college students) in passions are dance Workshop. His father the desire to impact its meetings as a member of the Young and journalism. immigrated to the U.S. on the her audience, Reyes Democratic Socialists of America to discuss “I have persevered and gained freedom flights of 1970 from Michaelle Bond sociopolitical issues, newspaper at confidence as a reporter. Cuba, while his mother was Holy Cross HS while at the same time 4:00 and dance born at a U.S. military base in Reyes has written juggling a workload as a at 8:00,” Bond said. “Thankfully, I’ve Melissa Reyes Germany. articles on Jonathan Guerra junior at Scotch Plains- never felt they conflicted.” University Academy Guerra, a 16-year-old various topics, Cliffside Park HS Fanwood High School. Bond is copy editor of her school Charter HS junior at Cliffside Park but her favorite Conway said her peers paper, Crossroads, and she believes High School, writes for piece is on her sometimes assume she is the first duty of journalism is “finding the school newspaper. school’s proposed shy, but she was not timid truth, giving truth.” At the same time, In college, Guerra plans to make journalism technology plan. about single-handedly she maintains a reverence for the his major. Guerra hopes the workshop will give Reyes explains that this article was “one of Michelle Conway organizing the spotlight she’s known since age three, him experience in the workforce and hopes to her hardest challenges” but has transformed Scotch Plains-Fanwood Day of Silence as she believes “on the stage, dancing become a writer in New York City. her into a better journalist. Reyes works HS at her school. It is the only thing in the world.” “The workshop will give me tools needed with graphic design and will be her school was conducted -Yulin Kuang newspaper’s senior layout editor. to succeed in the world of journalism,” said by the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance; she Guerra. -Sharon Kim is one of three members. -MichaelPeña Conway also has leadership as the integrity editor of her school’s newspaper, where she verifies that all material is Nichole Bray, a 17-year-old senior at Despite having given speeches in the past, with factual, and is the poetry editor of Muse, Ewing High School in Trenton, is ready thousands of eyes focused on Sharon Kim – 16 -- her school’s literary magazine. to have new experiences in life. Michael Peña’s dream to fight political -Marta Paczkowska still made her somewhat nervous. “I am tired of being confined; I instability and poverty in Colombia may It was more than just her usual high school model want to see new faces and have new “In order for our society to develop, our media sound idealistic, but it is based upon United Nations crowd. She was delivering her experiences,” Bray said. needs to be honest so we can get rid of the flaws in his knowledge of the power journalism thank you speech in the halls of the United Nations, She not only has a passion for our society,” says Nayantara possesses in allowing him to reach his receiving an award from former U.S. Ambassador journalism, but also for art. The senior Choudhary. goal. to Czechoslovakia William H. Luers for her essay explained drawing The Editor-in-Chief of the He cites various about maternal health. and journalism are student newspaper at Hunterdon c o m m u n i s t Her international interests connected because Central Regional High School, revolutionaries like don’t just end there. As they allow the Choudhary believes she Che Guevara and international affairs editor of expression of your will be able to get rid of the Karl Marx as his Bergen County Academics world perspective. imperfections in our culture, “by inspirations to bring high school’s online Although she sees reporting truthfully to my school about the radical newspaper, Fresh Angles, Kim flaws in the public communities and eventually to a changes he feels will reports about international school system, she larger audience.” improve the quality Nayantara news. enjoys her school Besides journalism, she Nichole Bray of life. Choudhary “Reporters are like watch because she gets to Michael Peña enjoys cooking. One of Ewing HS He recently Hunterdon Central dogs of the public,” she said. experience what she Rutgers University Regional HS her dreams is to tie the two Sharon Kim graduated from “They tell the truth.” aspires to be and together, becoming a food Bergen County Pompton Lakes Kim described the what not to become critic at “The New York Times,” “Time Magazine,” Academies High School and is information she’d retain from in one place. or the “The New Yorker.” going to Rutgers to major in journalism. the journalism diversity workshop as a “stepping -Sienna Scott Imani Folkes stone” for college. The journalism workshop acts to strengthen his skills and give him valuable experience Majoring in international relations, Kim said Senior Sienna Scott said she would need “to establish a boundary between that will help him make his dream a reality. Yaffa Shira Fredrick, raised in Queens, -Jonathan Guerra she hopes to break misrepresented information [from] truth.” N.Y., now lives in West Orange and is a down negative Melissa Reyes recent graduate of Bruriah High School stereotypes of urban for Girls in Elizabeth. At 18 years old, areas. She is an she will attend Wellesley College and active participant in “I have a crush on Alexander Hamilton,” said Yulin Taylor Cook, a dreamer with a passion for writing, would double major in Political Science and Any Town, a school Kuang, who was born in China and moved to the U.S. like to publish her first novel by the time she is 25. cinema and media studies. program whose at three. She loves U.S. history almost as much as “I like exploring a world that’s not mine,” she said. An Orthodox Jew, Yaffa wants to film main goal is to bring writing. For now, Taylor, 16, is a student at Burlington Township political documentaries focusing on Israel students together Kuang, who originally wanted to be a novelist, High School, juggling her three Advanced Placement classes and its conflicts, and ultimately plans on despite their decided to become a journalist during her freshman in Biology, Chemistry and American becoming a U.S. senator. She is involved differences. year at Watchung Hills Regional Sienna Scott history, her participation in Parents, with organizations that benefit Israel and Scott aspires to High School. St. Vincent Academy Friends, and Families of Lesbians and Jewish life. be a journalist “I want to combine my passion Gays and her desire to constantly view She enjoys Yaffa Fredrick who helps her with something that can put food Broadway’s “high-level of intellectual traveling, and Wellesley College community to be better represented. on the table,” she said. theater.” especially loves Scott is a lifelong resident of Newark, She hopes to combine However, since she cannot afford Turkey. New Jersey and said she aspires to her love of political science Broadway right now, Taylor is willing to “Traveling attend Rutgers University, Newark and writing by becoming a settle for the Berkshire Theater Festival, is the easiest way to Campus because of her love for where political science journalist at Stockbridge, Massachusetts’ only learn about something she grew up. Scott is an advocate of Taylor Cook the Washington Post or being attraction. -Yaffa Fredrick with a limited amount doing what is right because she stated, Burlington Township HS Yulin Kuang on the White House Press of time.” “ At the end of the day you must live Watchung Hills Corps. -Taylor Cook Regional HS -Michaelle Bond with yourself.”-Nichole Bray