Professors gone wild! Students pay the price.

Page 8. theBARUCH COLLEGE, ticker THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK VOLUME 93 • ISSUE 9 WWW.THETICKER.ORG APRIL 7, 2008 Candidates spar over presidency BY MAYA KASHYAP you would have came to the USG NEWS EDITOR meetings and become involved […] It doesn’t take a lot. It takes one With the Undergraduate Stu- person to make a change on cam- dent Government elections heating pus,” she said. up, the debate on Tuesday, April 1, Hoque continued, “As far as in- served as a highlight of the process volvement, we did cosponsor many so far, as it was the fi rst time both clubs this year. We helped out a lot candidates shared their platform in of students. One thing people, the an open forum. Th e debate, held by students of this school have to un- Th e Ticker, pitted presidential can- derstand is that we cosponsor and didates Hernan Giraldo and Rez- fund and allocate money for clubs. wana Hoque against each other. It is our responsibility as the sena- Th e candidates squared off on tors at the E-board to attend every many issues like renovations of stu- event on campus because we do al- dent space, the student fee referen- locate money to them.” dum, and transparency within the In speaking about USG’s vis- government, among others. ibility, Hoque said, “Our name is Moderator Michael Wursthorn, all over Th e Ticker, of all the things managing editor of Th e Ticker, com- we’ve done on campus. Inside the menced the presidential debate by newsletter, there is an invitation for raising the question of current USG students to come to our meeting. initiatives and the plans for future Th ere’s a date and time. Now its up ones. Hoque described many ini- to the students to come in and fi nd tiatives already underway, such as out about us.” the “30 million dollars to start on 17 As the debate progressed, the Lex. We started on the game room pressing issue of student space and we started on the club room,” arose. Hoque favors the renova- she said of the renovations pres- JERADATE KANCHANAWONG I THE TICKER tion of the game room and the ently taking place. The two presidential candidates Hernan Giraldo, left, and Rezwana Hoque duke it out. transformation of the current TV In response, Giraldo replied, lounge into a gaming center. “I’ll try “I think everything that she said is my best to work with the auxiliary more or less what student govern- why USG has so many events on Giraldo also stressed that USG to me, but this year, I honestly don’t board to get as much furniture and ment is supposed to do, so I don’t campus, some of which are suc- should be supporting students by know what USG has done.” renovation space as much as pos- really see them going above and be- cessful but the majority aren’t. It’s co-sponsoring more events instead Hoque fi red back and said, ”I sible,” she said. yond what their duties and respon- just a misallocation of resources,” of conducting events on their own. think the reason why you don’t real- Giraldo, however, disagreed. sibilities are.” Giraldo’s plans for the he explained. “It’s just a matter of “Th ere are a lot of events that USG ly know what we’ve done is because “I don’t support this initiative. I future of USG’s initiatives include duplicating other events that other has now, that quite frankly, students you haven’t joined a single meeting think that there is very little student the proper distribution of funds clubs and organizations already don’t attend. I know I haven’t. I did this year. If you cared about chang- and resources. “I don’t understand have on campus,” said Giraldo. last year because they were relevant ing what you want to do on campus SEE DEBATE PAGE 5 Women’s weekend MBA students win big BY CHRISTOPHER ESPEJO in nat’l competition COPY CHIEF United States; Jiff y Lube, with dergraduate Student Government, more than 2,000 service centers in Th e Ticker and the Offi ce of Student Case Competition North America, off ers car mainte- Life among others, invited a host of nance services such as oil changes, speakers and professionals to give BY NGA VU fuel system services, and inspec- a variety of workshops centered SENIOR STAFF WRITER tions. Combining the two compa- around issues women face today. nies was supposed to be a match Th e event, after some delays, A group of fi ve Baruch MBA stu- made in heaven, but there was a opened with keynote speaker Tirza dents won fi rst place in a national brand-repositioning problem. Barnes-Griffi th, a career counselor competition, surpassing students After countless hours of working who has worked in various fi elds from the University of Michigan, under high pressure, the team from and currently writes a column for Florida A&M University and Cor- Baruch had found a solution that a magazine DANA L. CANNON I THE TICKER nell University. Th is victory is ex- “was able to use Shell’s existing re- targeting A panel discussed female empowerment in “Transitions in Womanhood” workshop. tremely remarkable because it was sources to maximize their potential profession- the fi rst time Baruch students en- returns with minimal risk by simul- als and en- View a slideshow the Vertical Campus to begin the Body is a Wonderland,” one of the tered the competition. taneously: (1) satisfying their core trepreneurs. of the Women’s fi rst set of workshops. Th e discus- fi rst workshops focused on wom- Th e competition is organized by customer group, (2) entering into She set the Conference at sions were scheduled simultane- en’s health and how to eat well. the Executive Leadership Council a growing segment of the declin- tone for the ously, so students were required to Talks for the event began back and sponsored by Shell Oil. Th e ing market, (3) protecting existing event by theticker.org choose which workshop to attend, in November of 2007, although participants were asked to fi nd the product lines from cannibalization, touching on missing the other taking place at planning didn’t begin until Janu- solution for a business problem and (4) revitalizing the brand im- the struggle modern women face the same time. Th e workshops were ary of this year by USG. Originally, and present it to the ELC and Shell age.” in achieving equality and making a aimed at providing students with Baruch’s student government had Oil at Shell’s headquarters in Texas. In December 2007, when the mark in the world. After introduc- discussions on topics ranging from planned to make the conference Th e team from Baruch was assigned director of Graduate Student Life tions and breakfast, participants equality in the workplace to transi- a case on the problems stemming were ushered to the third fl oor of tions in womanhood. Titled “Your SEE CELEBRATING PAGE 7 from the recent acquisition of Jiff y SEE MBA PAGE 7

INDEX FEATURES SCIENCE LEISURE ADVERTISING Opinion ...... 8 CUNY Fruit fl ies, Your spring Business ...... 10 rallies rejoice! break To place an advertisement, Features ...... 14 against High-tech getaway is contact Edward Drakhlis at Arts ...... 16 Coca Cola. equipment only a train (646) 312-4713 or e-mail Science ...... 20 for 17 Lex. ride away. [email protected]. Leisure ...... 22 Sports ...... 23 Page 14. Page 20. Page 22. NewsPAGE 2 I THE TICKER NEWS APRIL 7, 2008 A place for the Pod people

BY LILLIAN RIZZO Students have begun discovering SENIOR STAFF WRITER these StudyPods and they are grow- ing in popularity. Most students are Th e new StudyPods, small areas attracted to the comfortable light where students can sit in isolation green chairs that can be turned in and silence, according to the dep- any direction. On every chair there uty chief librarian, are part of new is a tablet that can be switched from initiatives that the library faculty left to right for the student’s conve- has come up with to help Baruch nience . students. “If I want to sleep I go down- Th e StudyPods have taken over stairs, but if I want to study I come the area on the third fl oor across here for the comfortable chairs,” from the laptop loan desk, where said freshman Max Pashinskiy. the microfi lm machines used to Sounds are not blocked out be located. Th ey are small cubicles completely, but the atmosphere is that have swivel chairs with tablets peaceful, especially with only a few and accessible outlets for laptops students walking in between the and other electronics. area. “We got the idea from the sug- Th e pods are not crowded early gestions of students for more pri- in the morning and it is easy to fi nd vate study space,” said Professor a seat. Most students are either us- Jerry Bornstein, deputy chief librar- ing their laptops or DVD players. ian. During the afternoon, it is hard- Every two years the library dis- er to fi nd a seat here, and once penses surveys to students. After someone gets up their seat is al- collecting them the faculty looks ABRAHEME HASSAN I THE TICKER ready taken. Although hidden be- over all of the sections that need The StudyPods are located in the same space that was once occupied by microfi lm machines. hind the magazine shelves in a se- improvements and the major re- cluded area, these StudyPods have quests from students. become increasingly sought after Th e new study area replaces the modern new microfi lm machines loaning out DVD players to be used A certain number of StudyPods within a matter of weeks. 15-year-old outdated microfi lm were also bought for the third fl oor. in the library. According to Born- will be installed because of On the second fl oor of the li- machines that resided in the space. Over the next few weeks the library stein, all of these changes including limited space. Instead of ad- brary and VC there are large post- Being that the machines were rare- will be holding workshops for re- the StudyPods, have been funded ditional pods, sofas and new ers announcing the location of the ly used, the faculty decided to take search and personal appointments by money allocated by Baruch to chairs will be put in places for newest place to study, along with advantage of this open area. Ultra- for term papers. Th ey will start the library. informal group discussions. fl yers available at the front desks. Gioia speaks at Baruch A cross-dresser in Russia’s war BY SHERRY MAZZOCCHI SENIOR STAFF WRITER BY HSI CHAN fessional testimonials to her noble CONTRIBUTING WRITER character and status.” Described by In a speech at Baruch on Friday, some later historians as “eccentric,” March 28, Queens Councilmem- On March 27, Professor Hilde Durova lived as a transvestite until ber Eric Gioia said citizens do not Hoogenboom from the University her death in 1866. expect enough of their elected of- of Albany gave a presentation to In her memoir, Durova laments fi cials. He compared what students Baruch students on Nadezhda Du- the fact that she was born a woman, expect from their professors and rova, a noblewoman who served describing women as “full of weak- school administrators to what is in the Russian military during the nesses,” and the “most deplorable generally asked of City Hall, Alba- early 18th century. Sponsored creature in the world.” While other ny and Washington. Gioia said, “It by Baruch’s History Department, historians have primarily focused speaks to the level of expectations Modern Languages Department on Durova’s gender and sexual- when they say, wow, you’ve been in and Woman Studies Program, the ity, suggesting that she was a man offi ce for six years and you haven’t event, titled “A Cross-Dressing trapped in a woman’s body or that been indicted?” Woman Cavalry Offi cer in Russia’s she was androgynous, Hoogen- Speaking at the weekly Toast- War Against Napoleon: Nadezhda boom argued that, “Durova’s noble master’s Club meeting, his speech, Durova’s Career as Aleksandr Alek- identity transcended her gender barely over 30 minutes, was a trib- sandrovich,” concluded Women’s and functioned to reconcile the ute to hard work, high ideals and a History Month. very real contradictions of her posi- call to help New York City become a Hoogenboom, whose research tion.” Hoogenboom examined Du- better place. NYMAG.COM interests include woman in power rova’s life not as a woman, but as an At the end of his speech, Gioia Councilmember Eric Gioia spoke about raising citizens’ expectations of politicians. and Russian literature, previously offi cer honoring the military code. began talking about his upcoming translated “Th e Memoirs of Cath- Durova continually sought honor candidacy for New York City Public erine the Great” from French in for her family. Due to her infl u- Advocate when Toastmaster of the was the fi rst person in his family to helped transform his district. By collaboration with Markus Cruse. ence, her brother became an offi cer Evening, Michael Steinberg, dis- go to college. Working all night and establishing sports activities like During the event, Hoogenboom ex- in the military and her son entered creetly indicated he could not elec- going to school during the day was baseball and soccer leagues, crime plored the themes of nobility, duty a prestigious school for orphans of tioneer on campus. “incredibly challenging. When you in the neighborhood dropped. He and honor in Russian society. slain offi cers. However Gioia, councilmember are in the basement of a building helped establish a college prep Durova, who was born in 1783 Hoogenboom also explained for Woodside, Sunnyside and Long in Manhattan and it’s winter and program in schools and test scores to a Russian noble, served in both the impact of Peter the Great’s in- Island City since 2002, had already its dirty and smelly and there are started going up. the Prussian campaign and Napo- troduction of the Table of Ranks, a won over his Baruch audience. A insects, you appreciate what hard Before he was elected, there leonic invasion of Russia. She en- formal list of positions in Imperial graduate of New York City public work is.” were no banks within a one-mile listed in the Russian military as a 23 Russia determined by service to schools, he worked nights as a jani- Gioia said when people do not radius of a housing project. He de- year old in 1806, disguised as a man the emperor rather than birth or tor to pay for his New York Univer- have resources, they have a tre- scribed how he mobilized the com- under a variation of her father’s seniority, Catherine the Great’s rise sity tuition. mendous amount of anxiety. He munity and made presentations name. She left behind her parents, to power and Durova’s career as a After starting law school at described how his mother would to banks, enticing them to join the brother, husband and son. soldier. Georgetown, he began working in always worry about the future of her community. Emperor Aleksandr I person- Th e last portion of the presenta- the West Wing of the White House family; if anything happened to his As a result, a new bank has ally commended her bravery on tion focused on the signifi cance of during the Clinton administration. father or their business. “It made opened a branch and is making the battlefi eld with the Cross of Russian regalia. Hoogenboom ex- “If there was a totem pole, I was me look at law in this majestic way, loans to buy houses and help fami- the Order of Saint George. Durova plained that, “regalia represented the lowest person on it,” he said. like David’s slingshot against Goli- lies save, so children can attend adopted the Emperor’s name and one’s personal access, or physi- “If anyone was lower, I never met ath,” he said. college. He estimated that before, became known as Aleksandr Alek- cal proximity to the ruler.” Durova them.” He told the audience that the approximately 40 percent of the sandrovich. She retired in 1816, displayed her Cross of the Order of When introducing Gioia, Stein- vast majority of people in his neigh- people in the community had nev- having achieved the rank of a staff Saint George prominently in all her berg said he “didn’t get where he borhood care about safe, clean er even had a bank account. captain. She later published her portraits. is today because it was handed streets, high quality public schools Responding to a question about memoir, Th e Cavalry Maiden, de- Durova, skilled with both the down to him, like Prince Charles and access to good public libraries who he favors for president, Gioia tailing her life in the army in 1836. pen and the sword, is an intriguing or George Bush.” Gioia grew up in but did not participate in govern- said he was supporting Hillary According to Hoogenboom, “Duro- fi gure in history. As Hoogenboom Woodside, Queens where his family ment because they did not think it Clinton. “Her offi ce was close to va’s memoirs are a very interesting remarked, “It is ironic that Durova owned a fl ower shop. Th e Council- would make a diff erence. mine in the White House,” he said. and exciting reading, but like her found freedom in [the] military member, who is allergic to fl owers, Gioia talked about how he “She’s been a good friend.” portraits, they are foremost pro- with strict regulations.” APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER NEWS I PAGE 3 PAGE 4 I THE TICKER NEWS APRIL 7, 2008 An innocent charged with murder

BY ROB REALE SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Jeff rey Deskovic, a man wrongly convicted of rape and murder, gave a speech at Baruch last Wednesday, April 2. Deskovic’s talk, lasting over an hour, was one of the most dis- turbing accounts of miscarriages of justice ever told. Th e organization that helped overturn Deskovic’s conviction after 16 years, Th e Inno- cence Project, has another 215 con- victions that it has helped overturn since its founding in 1992. Alpha Phi Delta, Th e Black Student Union and Th e Undergraduate Student Government sponsored the pre- sentation. In 1989, Jeff rey Deskovic was a 16-year-old high school senior living in Westchester, New York. When a female classmate had been murdered, there was an enormous public outcry since there had not been a murder in Peekskill in the JOHN LEE I THE TICKER last 25 years. Classmates noted that Jeff rey Deskovic, right, was unjustly imprisoned for murder and served six years in prison. Members of Alpha Phi Delta, left, roughtb him in to tell his story. he was quiet and emotional at the funeral; they told this to the police who quickly decided that Deskovic must be the culprit. fabricated a story to explain the kovic states that there were three to ill. Prison offi cials gave him the to the crime and Deskovic was Without an attorney and de- evidence presented. Th e District four stabbings or cuttings per day. choice of visiting her on her death- released from prison on Sept. 20, nied food, he was interrogated for Attorney fabricated a story where He discussed in detail, the horrible bed or going to her funeral. Th ey 2006. seven and a half hours. Towards the victim had consensual sex be- conditions, one of the most notable drove him four hours each way, Deskovic was released with the end of that interrogation, the fore the rape — this alone did not being when an inmate is assaulted. wrists and ankles handcuff ed, so nothing more than the clothes on police threatened to assault him. raise any red fl ags. Th e lie became Th ey were disciplined regardless of he could spend exactly one hour his back. Th ere is no policy or sys- He was told that he could go home even more elaborate: the district their role in the assault. Standard with her. tem in place to give the exonerated after confessing, and that he would attorney refused to test Deskovic disciplinary action results in be- In prison, Deskovic pursued an any fi nancial support after leaving not go to jail, but instead receive to prove that the victim did indeed ing restricted to a cell for 23 hours education, fi rst getting his GED, prison. psychiatric treatment. He gave a have consensual sex with him. At per day, two showers per week, then an associates degree. He start- He continued his education and false confession, which essentially sentencing, the judge said, “Maybe no phone calls at all and being fed ed on a bachelors degree when for- graduated with a bachelor’s degree matched the offi cers’ suggestions you are innocent,” and proceeded small quantities of food that was mer Governor Pataki cut funding from Mercy College while on schol- of how the murder took place. to sentence him to 15 years to life. two to three days old. for prison rehabilitation programs. arship. He is currently awaiting the However, DNA evidence had Deskovic spent 16 years in pris- Th en, Deskovic told a story Deskovic detailed a 10-year- results of his LSAT test. He wants actually cleared Deskovic. Not only on, mostly in the upstate Elmira about his dying grandmother. His long appeals process in the span to become a lawyer and help other did the Westchester County District prison which houses some of the grandmother was his primary care- of an approximately 20 minutes. wrongfully convicted people. Attorney ignore this evidence, they state’s most violent inmates. Des- taker growing up and she became Th en-District Attorney Jeannine According to the Department Pirro (not the original prosecuting of Justice, over 2.5 million people DA) twice argued against Deskov- convicted of crimes were incar- ic’s appeal. Once petitioning the cerated as of Dec. 31, 2006. A New court to deny a motion fi led four York Times article from March 25, days late, only because Deskovic’s cites Professor Samuel R. Gross, a defence was late. Th e lateness was law professor at the University of no fault of Deskovic or his lawyer; Michigan, as calculating the false he had been given incorrect infor- conviction rate for inmates sen- mation by the court’s own clerk. tenced to death as about two to fi ve In 2001, his fi nal appeal, the percent. United States Supreme Court de- Th e article goes on to cite his clined to hear his case. After that, estimation that 185,000 innocent he spent years writing what he people have served hard time in the called “SOS letters” to beg for help. past 30 years. Even with factoring Every law fi rm he wrote to declined in the lowest variable of about two to off er pro bono services, but was percent, there are roughly 52,0000 happy to quote him exorbitant fees innocent people serving time in for their assistance; he received no jails and prisons across America. replies from reporters or commu- While it is not statistically accurate nity groups. to extrapolate the two percent to From what he described as a the entire prison population, it is “chance encounter” in 2005, Des- not an unrealistic estimation. kovic met a woman who encour- Baruch College sophomore aged him to contact Th e Innocence Vincent Pullara, Jr. organized this Project. He had contacted them event. Pullara has volunteered at in 1993, but DNA technology had Th e Innocence Project since Feb- gotten much more sophisticated, ruary 2007 and showed a real pas- and so their policies for accepting sion for the cause in his opening cases had changed since that time. remarks. He applied to have his case heard, Th rough Th e Innocence Proj- and six months later his case was ect, he has met people including accepted. Th e new Westchester Barry Scheck, Janet Reno and John District Attorney agreed to run the Grisham. He is interested in coor- rape kit DNA against the state’s da- dinating more events on this topic, tabase and there was a match for including educating students on convicted murderer Steven Cun- their rights when dealing with the ningham. Cunningham confessed criminal justice system. APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER NEWS I PAGE 5 CUNY helps the disabled BY NGA VU in working with students, and place SENIOR STAFF WRITER them in every CUNY campus. Th e specialized counselor at Baruch When it comes to internships College is Melanie Menge in the and job opportunities, students Offi ce for Services for Student with with disabilities are always at a Disabilities. disadvantage. To help equalize the Since the start of the program playing fi eld, the CUNY LEADS in February, Menge has been busy project, which stands for Linking reaching out to students. Th e pro- Employment, Academics & Dis- gram now has about 35 students. abilities Services, was created to An example of something Menge equip CUNY students who have does is a mock interview, in which disabilities with skills and essential she helps students get ready to face knowledge to gain equal access to obstacles like the ones mentioned internships and jobs. above. Any CUNY student in a degree Menge advises, “instead of wor- or non-degree program, in the rying about what you cannot con- Adult & Continuing Education or trol, it is better to work on some- allied program, who has a docu- thing that you have control over.” mented disability but not necessar- Having a good interaction with po- ily registered as a disabled student tential employers during an inter- at Baruch, are eligible to join. view helps convince them that you Th e benefi ts of the program in- are the right person for the job. clude career counseling, job place- Th e project receives enormous ment assistance and job seeking support from Baruch’s Offi ce of Ser- skills, which are similar to that vices for Students with Disabilities. off ered by the Starr Career Devel- Barbara Sirois, the director of the opment Center. Th e participants offi ce, has been working for years also receive training regarding the to help students. Sirois says she is Americans with Disabilities Act, glad that the project expands the Section 504, which is the civil rights resources for students on campus. act that protects against discrimi- CUNY was approached by VE- nation in the workplace. Students SID, a state agency that assists in- who join the program receive free dividuals with disabilities to obtain textbooks, regardless of their fi nan- employment, about the project. cial aid status. On Nov. 1, 2007, CUNY hired Students with disabilities have three people to develop the project, diff erent needs regarding intern- since the concept of LEADS is en- ships and job assistance. At inter- tirely new. Th e specialized counsel- views, potential employers might ors were recruited, trained and sent not be sure if the person can han- to each individual campus. dle the job. If the interviewee lets For the remaining time of this his nervousness become apparent, semester, Menge will keep reaching this may spell disaster in terms of out to new students. getting a job. More information can be found Knowing when and how to dis- at the Offi ce of Services for Stu- close the disability, or never do it at dents with Disabilities, located in all, is another huge concern for the Room 2-271. students. Th e issue of privacy and disclo- To help students overcome such sure is taken very seriously at the disadvantages, the CUNY LEADS offi ce. Students can even arrange project hires specialized counsel- meetings off -campus. ors who have extensive experience

USG Briefs COMPILED BY WILLIAM BATTAGLIA USG CORRESPONDENT

• Th e CUNY Compact Plan talked about doing a college dorm for Baruch/Hunter/John Jay in Manhattan. In addition, for the reno- vated 17 Lexington, USG may be pushing for more science labs for science courses. • USG Transition Event: Original Dates of May 1 or 2 were canceled due to lack of room space. Tentatively rescheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. Event to possibly be held in the Library building. • According to Vice President Mary Grace Torres, the Intercolle- giate Women’s Conference “was a modest success. We didn’t get the amount of attendees that we wanted, but got great response and feedback.” • Athletics Committee: Met on April 1 to request an increase in the reimbursement for athletic shoes and tennis racquets for athletic teams. • Baruch Association of Russian Students (BARS) received a co- sponsorship in the amount of $737 ($200 for refreshments and $537 for supplies) from USG for a Matryoshka painting event to take place Th ursday, April 10 or Tuesday, May 13. • Coff ee Night: Th is event to be held Wednesday, April 9 for eve- ning students. Candidates debate n CONTINUED FROM FRONT interested as well.” She went on to say, “Th e primary thing of the stu- space on campus and that taking dent activity fee that people have to the TV lounge and turning into a take in mind of is that most of the game room would just take away money went to healthcare and you even more from that, specifi cally have to understand that interna- from clubs who hold events in that tional students as well as the other room,” he said. students in school are not able to Lastly, Wursthorn raised the get healthcare.” question of the failed student ac- Giraldo countered and won- tivity fee referendum. USG was dered, “How much USG really did required to obtain 1,250 student to get the votes out. I think that it is signatures in order to have the ref- a great idea but what I would want erendum appear on the April ballot. to do to change that is to have a Th ey fell short by nearly 600 signi- meeting with administration just to tures. When asked if she supported see what it is we should do in terms the increase in the student activity of how much we should increase fee, Hoque replied, “Th e student the student activity fee by.” fee referendum, basically it was to “Ultimately that means that they gauge student interest and if the have to pay more money but the students aren’t interested, then my money is going to the right places,” party isn’t interested and I’m not he said. PAGE 6 I THE TICKER NEWS APRIL 7, 2008 CAMPUS New math game fosters learning {} BRIEFS BY KEITH ARORA-WILLIAMS with a score of 65 percent. However, be inclined to even try to compete of videos, in which, these same SENIOR STAFF WRITER the results of these tests are curved in the hardest competition. But by professors methodically work out 9 WEDNESDAY in secret, so it is likely that students the same token, staggering the di- hundreds of problems from sample Although Baruch College off ers have snuck by knowing less than visions by class would just be too exams posted online. Th e plan is Leadership Series presents Shel- the standard base of liberal arts half of the material. much work for professors in terms to make these videos available in ley Lazarus, chairman & CEO of majors, it is inarguably a school that When nearly 44 percent of stu- of making problems,” she said. DVD format and sold at a marginal Ogilvy & Mather Worldide at 8 a.m. receives distinction for its commit- dents failed the calculus course, In Broadwin’s eyes, “any event cost in the Baruch Book Store. in room VC 14-220. Business attire ment to providing a competitive MTH 2206 in 2007, the need for that is aimed at fostering a more According to Gordon, “Th e vid- is required. business education compared to change hit a tipping point. math friendly atmosphere at Ba- eos are good because, say you have private institutions like NYU. As of April 3, the Undergraduate ruch is defi nitely positive and I be- a terrible adjunct as your teacher Baruch’s student population is who doesn’t make any sense, you 10 THURSDAY chocked full of aspiring stock ana- can just watch the videos. It’s sort lysts and prospective investment “If it’s open to all students and the prizes are the same of a second line of defense.” Th e Counseling Center is hold- bankers who hope to stock the Gordon indicated that the over- ing a confl ict resolution workshop halls of corporate giants like Merrill at every level, then I don’t understand why a student all enhancement of student per- at 12:30 p.m. in 137 E. 25th St, 9th Lynch and UBS. formance has a diff erent, more rel- fl oor conference center. With dreams like this, it is dis- in a 4000 level class would be inclined to even try to evant impetus. heartening that a substantial im- “Th e main reason that students Th e Peter F. Vallone Sr. Seminars pediment on the road to success is compete in the hardest competition. But by the same are improving is that they are doing in Government Lecture Series turning out to be required courses their homework now. Most classes presents “Slinging Mud: How Low in basic college level math. token, staggering the divisions by class would just be too don’t have a serious homework Will We Go In 2008?” in the New- Without passing these classes, grade, so students took this as an man Conference Center at 8 a.m. students are disqualifi ed from en- much work for professors in terms of making problems. “ invitation to ignore assigned text- Call 646-660-6851 to RSVP. tering the Zicklin School of Busi- book work,” he said. “Now, because ness. Th e problem is compounded of a new program started in the A committee of students, faculty by the fact that this is one of many - Judy Broadwin fall called WeBWorK, students can and administrators seek student prerequisites for entrance into Mathematics Coordinator do their homework online and the feedback in recommending a cafe- Zicklin. If time is wasted retaking program grades it makes it easy for teria vendor for Baruch for the next these courses, it becomes increas- for the SAC Center the teacher establish a legitimate fi ve years. To voice your opinion, ingly diffi cult to complete 11 other homework grade.” complete a fi ve-minute survey. courses within the two-year dead- WeBWorK, a Java-based applica- line, especially if math is put off un- Student Government, in collabo- lieve that is the competition’s goal.” tion developed by OpenSymphony, til the last semester. ration with the math department, Th e math department of Ba- is used by many prominent schools CORRECTIONS Th e problem for students with announced the fi rst ever MATHlete ruch, chaired by Professor Warren including Columbia, University of inadequate math skills is not spe- competition. Th e event is a limited B. Gordon, has instituted a consid- Virginia, Rutgers and Hartford. Ba- Th e photo of Vagina Mono- cifi c to Baruch. It is a national en- registration prize-oriented contest erable number of additional tools ruch would have to expend around logues was taken by Jo Ramatis. demic that has fanned the fl ames comprised of reasoning and logic aimed at helping students who are $2,000 per year to make WeBWorK Th e photo for the campaigns ar- of the immigration debate in this questions. in dire need of supplementary ped- a fi xture at the school. ticle was taken by Dana Cannon. election year. Supposedly, with iPods and agogical assistance. Th e MATHlete competition Dustin Winegar should be cred- Google Executive David Drum- cash prizes in their sights, strug- According to Gordon, “With the should take place April 17 but this ited for the Eagles spied on Bearcats mond explained that staying com- gling students will compete with new resources on hand for students, is subject to approval by USG. Vice graphic. petitive means “hiring the top grad- and possibly triumph over their the passing rate for the 2003 and President of Academic Aff airs Car- uates of the top math, engineering more successful colleagues, who 2206 classes have increased signifi - los Ruiz has championed this event and computer science programs also register for the event. cantly, especially in 2003. Th e rate from the start and has spent months in the country … which is why ev- Math coordinator for the SACC of passing students jumped from 59 organizing it. Funding for the event ery company in Silicon Valley had Center Judy Broadwin cited con- to 79 percent last semester.” was supposed to be approved on View a slideshow come to rely heavily on foreign stu- cerns over the event’s logistical Students now have 24-hour ac- April 1. Due to some awkward poli- of the ThinkFast dents.” workings. “If it’s open to all students cess through BlackBoard to online tics on the part of Ruiz, co-sponsor- competition at To be accepted to Baruch from and the prizes are the same at every videos of senior professors teach- ship by USG was nearly forfeited New York State, a student needs to level, then I don’t understand why a ing lessons that they might have and ultimately put off until 10 days theticker.org pass the Regents B exam in Math student in a 4000 level class would missed. Also in the works is a set before the event. APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER NEWS I PAGE 7 Celebrating women MBA students rake n CONTINUED FROM FRONT an overnight event where students in $20,000 in cash would sleep in the Vertical Cam- pus’ gymnasium in sleeping bags. Due to logistics and budget con- straints, this idea was scrapped and the conference was condensed into one day. Similar to the sleepover attempt, a registration fee was imposed and then retracted after an insuffi cient number of people paid. Approximately 175 people regis- tered online and 200 were expected to attend. According to sign-up table records, only 70 students were present for the opening of the event. By lunchtime, approximately DANA L. CANNON I THE TICKER 40 students were left to take part in Students discuss personal appearance with a makeup professional. ILLUSTRATION BY DUSTIN WINEGAR I THE TICKER the remaining workshops. Th e general consensus for the and what hopefully will inspire oth- would participate if the conference The winners received a $20,000 prize and a trophy was awarded to the college. conference was positive. Referring ers.” were organized again, she said, to the quality of the workshops, “I thought it was amazing,” said “Absolutely. I love doing this.” n CONTINUED FROM FRONT come a permanent asset for them.” Baruch junior Daphne Pena said, Amaris Guzman, a graduate of St. Th e majority of attendees were Another key supporter of the “I enjoyed them. Th ey were very in- John’s University who attended the Baruch students despite USG’s ef- Offi ce, Ginny Goldberg, sent out e- students is Dean John Elliott of the formative.” conference. “Th e panelists were so forts to attract students from other mails about the competition to the Zicklin School of Business. In re- Lunch was provided for all in at- credible. I thought they did a great colleges. According to Mary Grace students, and two teams of Baruch cent years, he has been promoting tendance halfway through the con- job.” Torres, executive vice president of students rose to the challenge. Th e student participation in national ference. To help spark discussion One of the panelists included USG, “Most of our attendees are applications were completed in the business case competitions by at tables and get students to know one of Baruch’s own communica- from Baruch.” same month. In January, the teams modifying to the curricula that en- each other, debate questions were tions professors, Denise Patrick. Torres attributed the low atten- were assigned their cases and had courages student’s interests. provided in small gift bags. She was one of three panelists dance to the event being scheduled to come up with a proposal by Feb- Th e ELC Business Case Compe- Th e questions ranged from who conducted the “Transitions on a Saturday and USG’s advertis- ruary. tition is also open to undergraduate “When you get married, would you in Womanhood” workshop. Th e ing eff orts. According to Torres, Th e fi nalists were selected to students. To participate, the team keep your bank account separate or panel, which had approximately 16 advertising took the form of an- defend their solution on March 13 has to be comprised of at least three combine them once you are mar- students in attendance, discussed nouncements on USG’s and CU- at Shell’s headquarters, and one of African-American students. ried?” to “In a relationship, does what it means to be a “woman” and NY’s websites, e-mails to all club the teams went on to win fi rst place When asked about other up- age matter?” how that diff ers from being a “girl.” presidents, invitations to represen- in the competition. Johnson, a coming contests, Goldberg advised After lunch, students were again Th e panel also included Alisa Vitti, tatives of other colleges in the New member of the winning team, said about the National Society of His- ushered upstairs for the second set founder and director of Laughing York area and fl yers posted around “I was so nervous when the judges panic MBA’s, sponsored by Dell of workshops. One of the speakers, Sage Wellness, and Zina Richard- Baruch’s campus. Despite all this, announced the fi nalists. I’m so and Microsoft. Th ere is no ethic Leigh Henderson, managing direc- son, a representative of the CUNY Maria Dahlmann, a graduate of happy we won!” requirement for this business case tor for Leadership Training Room, central offi ce of student aff airs. SUNY Purchase who attended be- Th e teams received tremendous competition. For more informa- found the conference “very inspir- “A conference like this is ex- cause of her friend, said, “It was support from Myung-Soo Lee, the tion, visit nshmba.org/casecompe- ing.” tremely important to our women only publicized within Baruch.” Dean of Academic Aff airs for grad- titions. Henderson provides consulting on campus,” said Patrick. “It helps Apart from the diffi culties USG uate students at Baruch, who says Th e winners of the ELC compe- and coaching services to help indi- them to understand how to defi ne had with attendance, the event was “Th e confi dence that students gain tition received $20,000 in cash and viduals with professional advance- themselves and helps them voice well received. According to Torres, when they realize the can compete the trophy was donated to Baruch ment. “I loved it. I loved sharing their own issues in a safe environ- “It was a great conference. From against skilled rivals and win is College. what I’ve learned about my career ment.” When asked whether she the feedback, they were happy.” immeasurable, and ultimately be- PAGE 8 I THE TICKER OPINION APRIL 7 , 2008 Did you know... That 80,000 jobs were cut in March, marking the third consecutive month of increasing Opinion unemployment? Tell us what you think at [email protected].

Terrible professors run amok Hockey, snow and maple Wasting money on poor classroom Professor projects his own lack of skill and learning experiences onto students; calls them “incompetent” syrup I’ll never forget my pre- calculus class: by the end of the semester, only eight students ANNA AULOVA MILDRED JOHNSON* made it through, down from about 30. It was simple: the professor We’ve all talked about it and for all the seniors in the class be- Nicholas Barone, whom I be- ple to turn in their tests last time, barely spoke we’ve all had at least one experi- cause from what I have been hear- lieve is teaching his fi rst semester for this test, they would have to sit English, ence of a bad professor during our ing, it has not been easy trying to here at Baruch College, teaches my in a “special section” of the class and was so Baruch career. What amazes me is decipher the material through the ACC 3202 class. And hopefully, no and would get 10 minutes less than smart, that it how those professors are the ones “professor’s” nervousness. other classes. the other students. was hard for getting paid and we are the ones I am sure that most of you read- Barone is quite incompetent For the last test, Barone had in- him to teach paying to take their classes. ing this article can relate to a frus- with his teaching. He gets confused structed us to form a line in order to because I’m sure that just by hearing trating experience like mine. I’ve in class, sometimes cannot answer turn in our tests and started yelling everything MARIANE ST-MAURICE “bad professors,” any student can heard countless stories from friends questions from the practice mid- once again at people not to crowd was obvious automatically envision that one about professors always coming terms and is also known for ask- up the front of the line. Logically, to him. Opinion Editor particular professor who either unprepared to class, completely ig- ing questions and putting students this means that it was inevitable to It’s a came to class unprepared, speed- noring their questions or using the down when they try to answer. He have a set of people at the end of story often heard at Baruch. raced through the subject, failed to same exact monotonous voice for often tells his students that their the line. Students complain about the answer questions or committed a the entire hour and 40 minutes of answers are wrong, but then turns I put my hand up to ask him a bad professors they have who mix of all three. calculus. right around and gives the same question and I stated that it was in- lead them to drop classes. I understand you need a Ph.D. I do not understand why we answer in a slightly diff erent sen- evitable to avoid having a last set of Here’s the problem: to be a college professor, but just should spend our hard-earned tence. people. Barone replied that though students don’t complain to because you are able to get a degree money, if not our parents’ hard- On numerous occasions, Bar- he understood my concerns, he did the right people. When we had in a particular fi eld does not auto- earned money, or even the govern- one has called his students “in- not care. He said that when he asked that horrible math professor, matically mean you are competent” and down- us to put our pens down; some the entire class (when it was able to teach it. right stupid because chose to continue writing. I tried to still big) signed a petition Th ere are a number the whole class failed a ask him another question, but once against him. It was his fi rst of wonderful professors test that students from again it turned into a “screamfest.” semester, and the following in Baruch and I am for- other sections passed. Once again, I left with a sour feel- semester, he was gone. tunate enough to have He has specifi cally told ing, never wanting to come back to In that case, we were met some of them. But us that he does not his class or Baruch ever again. proactive and went to that’s what makes me so care whether or not we I have never, in all my years of the right people. But disappointed when I get complete our account- going to school, experienced any- complaining to your friends stuck with the few hor- ing degree. thing like this. I try to be as polite over coff ee (or strong rible ones. Th ese are a few of as possible, not only to professors, alcoholic beverage when When I decided to the things that he does but to anyone older than me since the professor is just that bad) take physics this semes- on a daily basis. My this is my nature. But I do not know isn’t going to solve anything. ter to fi ll my require- personal problem with what to do about this class and Bar- You see, I may be over- ment for the Weissman him is that I believe he one, who has chosen to pick on me optimistic, but I believe School, I chose a decent is sexist and I, appar- almost every class for reasons that that the administration of professor. But what I ently, have become his escape me. this school wants us to do did not choose was his scapegoat. Did I fail to mention that the well, which means that wonderful protégé who Th e problem start- day he started his “screamfest” if we complain to them teaches the lab. ed about two weeks and refused to let me sign the at- about bad faculty members, I acknowledge that ago, when I came to tendance sheet, there was a male they should take action. he is intellectual and class about 20 minutes student who had left class about 30 A visit to the department or knows physics like the late. Barone stopped minutes early for the second time, a letter to the administration back of his hand, de- lecturing, came up to but all Barone said to him was, “Oh, will be much more eff ective spite the fact that he me, put me down in you’re kidding with me, because than peer complaints. cannot be older than 20 front of the whole class you keep leaving early.” And when Also, as students, we often years old. and refused to let me the man tried to explain, Barone overlook the importance of Just because he sign in the attendance simply brushed him off with “Th is professor evaluations we knows his stuff , though, DREAMSTIME sheet. is a warning.” fi ll out at the end of every does not change the Unfortunately, as I Did this male student get to sign semester for every single class. fact that this semester is his very ment’s “hard-earned” money, on work in a tax department to pay the attendance sheet on both days? If your professor sucks, fi rst time teaching. He has one of these courses and receive unsatis- for my tuition, and tax season is no Sure. Did I get to sign mine? Abso- don’t let him/her off easy. If the thickest foreign accents and factory results. joke, I was late for the next class. lutely not! you just take the evaluation is nervous to the point of stutter- Th e semester evaluations can Barone asked to see me after class. I really hope that this matter as an excuse to get out of ing through our questions rather defi nitely help in preventing oth- He told me that because I had been does not go unrecognized. I really class early, the next thing than try and explain the material. ers from making the same mistake late on numerous occasions, if I hope that for other students’ sake, you know, that professor My classmates and I literally had as we did with certain professors, were to be late or absent one more Barone is either spoken to about will have a 10-year contract to pick out the shyest, yet smartest but the evaluations do not give us time, he would give me a WU. this issue so that he has a better at- and unfortunately become guy from our class and make him back a whole semester’s worth of I listened to him and tried to ex- titude towards his students or he untouchable. substitute for the actual lab profes- correcting the teacher’s mistakes plain that I had only been late twice simply be replaced. You can also write sor for the entire semester. made in the classroom. and was, in fact, very early to his Needless to say, I will be chang- to the newspaper (wink Now, my question is, why did I do not want to spend my class other classes. I also tried to explain ing my major from accounting to fi - wink) or go on a rant on my particular class have to be the time evaluating just how bad my why I was late. nance because I have found fi nance RateMyProfessor.com. guinea pig for this professor? And professor’s presentation skills are Th e result of this was Barone professors, like Ozgur Demirtas, to So, instead of aimlessly of all classes, why did it have to be and how COM 1010 would be very yelling and screaming all sorts of be much better at teaching. Ozgur complaining, take action in in physics? Everyone in the class is helpful to them. things at the top of his lungs in front makes me love fi nance because of the right places. You might taking it to fulfi ll their requirements All I’m saying is that school ad- of about 15 students who were still the way he teaches and shows that also want to mention the great and is obviously struggling with the ministrators should pay as much left in class. Needless to say I cried he cares. professors. Th at way, together, subject. attention to professors’ ways of my way home that night. I wish there would be more like we can change things. I was lucky enough to be able to teaching as to any other matters Last class, Barone told about 20 him at Baruch. Hey, we pay tuition. Th ey drop the class and not run the risk within the school. students, including me, that be- *Th e author’s name was changed kinda have to listen. of ruining my GPA, but I truly feel cause they were the last set of peo- for fear of academic repercussions.

THE TICKER EDITORIAL BOARD OPINION PAGE POLICY ABOUT US

SHELLEY NG I EDITOR-IN-CHIEF [email protected] EDWARD DRAKHLIS I ADVERTISING MANAGER [email protected] The opinions expressed on this Letters must be signed and will The Ticker is published weekly by the should be directed to the advertising MIKE WURSTHORN I MANAGING EDITOR [email protected] JEIN FUNK I MARKETING DIRECTOR [email protected] page are those of the individual appear as space permits. The Ticker editorial staff at: manager, at the above address or MAYA KASHYAP I NEWS EDITOR [email protected] CHRISTOPHER ESPEJO I COPY CHIEF [email protected] writers, and do not necessarily word limit is 400 words. Essays [email protected]. MARIANE ST-MAURICE I OPINION EDITOR [email protected] TIMOTHY CHAN I COPY EDITOR [email protected] represent those of The Ticker. must be 300 - 600 words. The One Bernard Baruch Way Please direct all other inquires to: EMMANUEL ONYENYILI I BUSINESS EDITOR [email protected] SOFIA HEPHEASTOU I COPY EDITOR [email protected] The Ticker opinion page editor reserves the right to edit Suite 3-290 [email protected] or you can VRITI SARAF I SCIENCE EDITOR [email protected] NASTASIYA KOROLKOVA I PRODUCTION MANAGER [email protected] welcomes submissions from and condense submissions for New York, NY 10010 reach us at (646) 312-4710. The LIA EUSTACHEWICH I FEATURES EDITOR [email protected] LEAH ARONOVA I CO-PRODUCTION MANAGER [email protected] students and faculty. They can be length as well as clarity. Ticker welcomes comments and JACQUELINE CHANCER I ARTS EDITOR [email protected] ADRIANA ALDARONDO I PRODUCTION ASSISTANT [email protected] e-mailed to [email protected] The author’s name is usually All work except printing is done by suggestions as well as information ELYSSA MALDONADO I LEISURE EDITOR [email protected] DUSTIN WINEGAR I ART DIRECTOR [email protected] or delivered to The Ticker offi ce published but may be withheld Baruch students. All contributions about error. KELLIE CLARK I SPORTS EDITOR [email protected] EDWARD WU I ART DIRECTOR [email protected] on the third fl oor of the Vertical for compelling reasons, at the and letters are welcome. Our offi ce BORIS BERDICHEVSKIY I PHOTO EDITOR [email protected] KORCAN YURDACAN I ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR [email protected] Campus, Suite 3-290. editor’s discretion. is open during regular school hours. Volume 93, Issue 9 ALYSSA WICK I BUSINESS MANAGER [email protected] WAYNE CHENG I WEBMASTER [email protected] ©2008 The Ticker, Baruch College Any display or advertising questions Established 1932 APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER OPINION I PAGE 9 Bush is economy and Obama’s democracy wrecker free pass

YOSHI TSURUMI ZACH KLEIN

In March, as President Bush ig- households. Collapsing housing Sen. Barack Obama has just still refers to Wright as his friend in nored the worsening fi nancial cri- prices made homeowners default weathered his most serious political that speech. sis, the Federal Reserve fi nally took on their mortgages and lose their crisis amongst his own democratic Yes, Obama rebuked Wright’s action by rescuing Bear Sterns. Wall homes. Th e subprime mortgage party — race. comments, but not their Street’s fear of a fi nancial market funds had turned into bad debts A few weeks ago, reprehensible relationship. I have a problem with meltdown, however, continued to that weren’t collectable, and no comments by Obama’s former a presidential candidate saying he spread, compelling desperate Fed one could evaluate their fi nancial pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, is not aff ected by his mentor of 20 Chairman Ben Bernanke to quickly risks. Investors shunned all bonds, surfaced. Th e now well-publicized years, whose sermons have even lower the Fed funds’ rate to 2.25 funds and commercial papers; videos of Wright’s hate sermons inspired a book. percent. Th is is the rate that mem- banks were left holding uncollect- shocked America. Obama’s speech left many ber banks charge one another. ible debts and stopped lending and Wright’s words of “God damn questions unanswered about him He also poured $400 billion in investing. A meltdown of the fi nan- America” after the Sept. 11 attacks, as a person. How could he still call cash liquidity into the ailing bank- cial market and real economic re- as well as other racist words, left Wright, a racist American hater, ing system. Th is was a back-door catastrophic failure and depress cession followed. America with serious doubts about his friend? Why has Obama only bailout for troubled banks, poten- the economy. Wall Street increas- How can the U.S. avoid sink- Obama as a person. now publicly criticized his pastor’s tially costing U.S. tax payers bil- ingly wriggled free from New Deal ing deeper into serious recession? He has been a member of words? How can Obama be a lions of dollars. Our fi nancial crisis regulations that maintained the fi - Albert Einstein once said, “You Wright’s church for over 20 years member of Wright’s church after continued to jitter European and nancial market safety. cannot solve the problems with and has publicly referred to Wright years of hate speech? Asian fi nancial markets. Th eir crisis After the crash of the “dotcom” the same thinking and people that as a friend and mentor. Until Th e media has gone so far as was boomeranging back to deepen stock bubble in 2002, Wall Street produced the problems in the fi rst the videos surfaced, Obama had to turn this negative crisis about America’s economic recession. Just shifted its bulging cash into real place.” President Bush’s wrecking of campaigned as the candidate who Obama into a positive story. how did this crisis begin? estate speculation. Traditionally, American democracy and economy “transcends race.” Obama’s democrats certainly may As president, Bush ignored the banks and insurance fi rms that is the root cause of the fi nancial cri- But Obama was forced to buy what the media is feeding them, Constitution, Congress and even made housing and real estate de- sis and deepening recession. confront the elephant in the room but if he succeeds in becoming the the Supreme Court, dismantling velopment loans carried the mort- Th e Republican presidential and talk about it. Democratic presidential nominee, democratic foundations fi rst estab- gages and acted as investors and nominee, Sen. John “Bush” Mc- In his much-applauded speech, Republicans, Independents and lished with the New Deal. In New credit providers. In their quest for Cain, has already promised to con- Obama said that he vehemently non-Obama Democrats will Deal America, the government was quick profi ts, however, they in- tinue President Bush’s disastrous disagreed with Wright’s words and indefi nitely be re-examining the to maintain a high level of employ- vented mortgage-backed securi- domestic and foreign policies. Both said they are against his core beliefs. media’s free pass given to Obama. ment and the safety of fi nancial in- ties and sold them to banks and of them are now blaming the poor’s However, Obama did not go as far Th is race issue is inevitably stitutions, not service the greed of fi rms worldwide. Th e mortgage “unwise” house purchases for the as disowning Wright as a person or going to be at the forefront of the big business and fi nancial specula- credit standards were relaxed and subprime mortgage fi asco. as his pastor. He said about Wright, media in the general election, and tors. then eliminated. Banks became the Nothing less than a true regime “I can no more disown him than I this time around, liberals won’t be Bush eliminated government “commission retailers,” peddling change will save the U.S. and the can disown the black community. I the only ones doing the examining. supervision of fi nancial markets securitized mortgage funds. world. Th irty-four years ago, when can no more disown him than I can I do believe Obama would have and privatized the government’s Many low-income families President George W. Bush was a my white grandmother.” benefi ted from a full examination traditional responsibilities from rushed to buy their dream homes student of mine at Harvard Busi- Th e popular media gave rave of the controversy by the media. He mine safety inspection to waging without down payments, but at ness School, he declared in my reviews about this speech; it was would have overcome the scrutiny war in Iraq. He gave hefty tax cuts premium interest rates beyond class: “People are poor because said to have opened up a true and been in a stronger position to big businesses at the expense of the “promotional” low rates, called they are lazy.” Tell this to the hard- dialogue about race and to have overall. the working class and abetted Wall subprime mortgages. working people who lost their jobs confronted this important issue. Th is issue has not been vetted, Street’s fi nancial games. He also In spring 2006, the real estate and homes through no fault of their I agree that Obama’s speech was and there are still more headlines ignored the lessons of the bank boom faded, declining employ- own. well orchestrated, well delivered to come. But unfortunately for failures of the 1930s: that unregu- ment in the manufacturing and Yoshi Tsurumi is a professor of and most importantly, honest. Obama, it could very well be in the lated, unsupervised fi nancial mar- services sectors. Th is hit the al- in the department of marketing and What the media did not mass general election, and not with the kets inevitably produce frauds and ready overburdened lower-income international business. publicize, however, is how Obama comfort of his fellow Democrats.

©2008 Grassroots Films, Inc. All rights reserved. PAGEBusiness 10 I THE TICKER BUSINESS APRIL 7, 2008 Being outstanding is standing out

Biz Gist Altria: Image vs. Reality BY EMMANUEL ONYENYILI carbon off sets and innovating cigarette hazards, especially among wash decades of deceiving the pub- BUSINESS EDITOR high-tech and management so-

BY ANNA AULOVA because they would not be allowed slogan. York University have already kicked Hernandez also explained CONTRIBUTING WRITER to enter the factories without the Th e campaign has strongly urged Coca-Cola off their campuses to how Coca-Cola has denied all managers’ knowledge. for a boycott of all the company’s demonstrate intolerance of human allegations of wrongdoing and has Have you ever enjoyed a glass Such human rights abuses have products and has received a massive rights abuse. made attempts to regain a good of Coca-Cola with your favorite not been the fi rst to surface. Th e response. Several major universities Over 100 more schools, reputation by “proposing plans meal? Since 1886, Coca-Cola has Coca-Cola company faced similar such as Rutgers, Hofstra and New including CUNY colleges, have for the use of recycled water and been the most popular soft drink lawsuits in the 70s and 80s from refused to do business with Coca- advocating safe working conditions in the world. Many disregard Guatemala. Th e people of the city Cola until they renovate their for employees throughout the competing soda, Pepsi, in order are said to have “fought a battle image and take responsibility for world.” to stay loyal to the most powerful with Coca-Cola for their jobs, their the accusations. Since Baruch Even their website, Hernandez brand on earth. But regardless of trade union and their lives.” had a preexisting contract with noted, states, “Our company your choice of soda, would you Furthermore, El Salvador, which Pepsi, which students may have is built on two core assets, its still drink it if the corporation was supplies sugar for the corporation noticed by passing by the vending brand and its people … [work] involved in human rights abuse? from its sugar cane fi elds, has machines throughout the Vertical should be a place of exploration, Th e multi-billion dollar company shown evidence of illegal child Campus, the call for boycott should creativity, professional growth and has recently been accused of labor. Coca-Cola has been facing not aff ect our school in any direct interpersonal relationships.” implementing violent tactics in other lawsuits concerning water way. Th is means that because of the Th e CEO of Coca-Cola, Neville order to silence trade union leaders pollution and depletion as well as usual long length of contracts, Coke Isdell, issued a statement saying, in Columbia. racial discrimination. Th e company products on campus, including “Th e allegations [of human rights A documentary, which was has even spent over $200 million in drinks like Sprite, Fanta and abuse in South America] are not televised in England in 2007 and settling complaints from African- Dasani, are unlikely to be found true. Despite the controversial has won British Academy of Film American employees over refusals anytime soon. claims, we have a solid relationship and Television Awards, examined of promotion and higher pay. According to Under Graduate with organized labor in Colombia.” the allegations by traveling to South Th e allegations of a complete Student Government President Even the offi cial Coca-Cola America to further investigate. lack of social responsibility Anthony Hernandez, the website, cokefacts.org, was created Such serious allegations fi rst have sparked the establishment chairperson for University State to counter the offi cial anti-Coke began in 2001 when lawsuits were of many campaigns against Senate, Robert Ramos, will be website, killercoke.org. Th e website fi led on behalf of SINALTRAINAL, Coca-Cola products. Th e most visiting Baruch soon to discuss helps promote the “truth about the a labor union representing Coca- controversial, Killer Coke, the Coca-Cola boycott, which will Coca-Cola company around the Cola workers in Colombia. has worked relentlessly ultimately decide the future world.” Th e documentary presents an to raise awareness of of Coca-Cola products on A spokesperson for the American inside look through employees who the organization’s campus. beverage said, “Just because an have been threatened, tortured and strategies through “If the USS, which allegation is repeated over and over even killed by paramilitary security its banners and has the primary say again, doesn’t mean it is accurate.” forces for criticizing the business advertisements, on campus activities, If similar allegations arise from and demanding better working portraying dead men votes to kick the product diff erent sources, perhaps there conditions. Armed and ruthless, fl oating in a Coke glass off campus, Coca-Cola is some merit to accusations that the troops are said to have acted and tortured bodies products will not be welcome here have been made. In any case, you with the permission of the company lying under the famous “Enjoy” any longer.,” he explained. be the judge: to sip or not to sip? HERO.AC.UK

Clubs’ concerns with current USG THE PROUSTIAN PROBE BY REBECCA FORBES SENIOR STAFF WRITER BY WILLIAM BATTAGLIA USG CORRESPONDENT In the late 19th Baruch’s Undergraduate Stu- century, dent Government is at the fore- French front of over 170 registered clubs writer Mar- on campus each year. According cel Proust to their web site, the organization’s popular- purpose is “to see that no one stu- ized the dent goes unheard in their con- pastime of ANGELA JONES cerns.” However, it seems that some answer- Sociology Professor students’ concerns may be falling ing several on deaf ears. Taking a look at their questions that were meant to annual budget as well as their re- reveal the preferences of the lationship with USG, certain club person. Although he did not members speculate whether or not create the questionnaire, it USG is doing the best they can. was later named after him. “Our relationship is non-exis- Th is issue’s interviewee is tent. So far I feel we don’t receive Professor Angela Jones of the an adequate amount of funding sociology and anthropology from them; our budget is extremely department. small,” said Juan Cadavid, presi- dent of Por Colombia. “I heard that What is your current state of the USG funded the S.O.S. fashion ALEX SKURATOVSKY I THE TICKER mind? show which they provided ridicu- Club leaders and students: get your voice heard at USG’s weekly Tuesday night meetings at 6 p.m. Perplexed. lous amounts of money for; mean- while, our club gets nothing.” Who are your favorite au- Kalechi Noel, president of the thors? MovieMaker’s Club, felt similarly claims to have not been paid yet. receive their annual budgets. ances with USG into consideration W.E.B. Dubois, Judith But- about USG saying that funding is Lim called this incident a “huge “Most clubs will come to the before pulling that lever. ler, Susan Strayker and Donna one of his biggest concerns. “Th e lack of communication” between Chair of Finance at the beginning of “I still have a positive outlook on Haraway. USG has tried to do their best but Beta Alpha Psi and USG. the year and they’ll submit a bud- USG. I would like them to revise the sometimes their best isn’t good “So, we went to USG and they get proposal. USG controls the allo- policy and process on how money What is your most obvious enough,” he said. “I understand we said after digging through their cation of $180,000 or $190,000 that is spent and can be spent,” said characteristic? are a brand new club that needs to records, ‘On your fl yer, you didn’t comes in through student activity Noel. My wit. build up more credibility, but I feel write speaker event.’ It’s like you fees for clubs. Th e Chair of Finance For Cadavid, working on we are without adequate funds and have to understand that if you are interviews all the clubs and they try strengthening communication be- What is your favorite jour- the budget that was given to us was doing business with people and to get the fairest allocation of those tween USG and clubs is on the top ney? low.” this is a business school, we should funds,” he said. “If [the club] feels of his list of concerns. Any given Sunday on the While the funding is a prevalent understand that time is money,” they need more money, they would “I would like to see USG reach back of the Harley. issue between clubs and USG, it Lim said. “So, quite frankly, how come and meet with the Chair of out to the clubs a little more. Th ey looks to be just the tip of the ice- are we going to get deals done with Appeals and they would be inter- started doing that this semester. What do you consider the berg. Beta Alpha Psi Executive Vice people who are giving us supplies viewed in regards to their budget.” Th ey asked if I wanted an adviser most over-rated virtue? President Ted Lim, told Th e Ticker at cheaper prices if they aren’t go- USG President Anthony Her- for the club,” he said. “Maybe some Patience. that his club experienced problems ing to get their money?” nandez and Treasurer Rezwana of the USG representatives can with payment for a banner they or- Ben Guttmann, USG’s chair of Hoque were contacted but were come to visit clubs to hear out our If you could choose an object dered. appeals, said that when it comes to unavailable for comment. issues and make their presence to come back as, what would Lim explained that he fi lled out interaction between USG and clubs USG elections are just around known, just more involvement.” it be? the proper paperwork for money on campus, fi nance is the single the corner on April 15 through 17, A baby grand piano. to pay for the banner twice, but as most important issue. He explained and it’s no doubt that club leaders Jana Kasperkevic also contributed of last month, the banner vendor the process through which clubs and members will take their griev- to this article. APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER FEATURES I PAGE 15 PAGEArts 16 I THE TICKER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT APRIL 7, 2008 Music, charity are Live @ Baruch students to make a positive diff er-

taneously with Arlene. Arlie acts tor is invaluable to my directing. I Seinfeld (“Th e Soup Worst: I was a hospital janitor again. “Blue and Borderlined,” the CYNTHIALIN.COM Nazi”), David Letterman and, most one summer in Massachusetts. I title track of her 2005 album, is less Cynthia Lin is one of seven emerging artists on the BPAC’s roster. recently, Bee Movie. pushed a mop through a wide ar- immediate. Life is go- ray of human effl uvia, then caught Th e abstract quotient is high — “I’m Shy” takes us back to a retro struggling to balance a split per- ing well for Fe- mono and was admitted to the hos- it wouldn’t exactly go in the crowd- mode. Th e mellow guitar gives way, sonality: “I told your exes about the resten. He and pital. When I was fi nally released pleaser column. I found it opaque hinting at a woman who’s “got a big web of lies, the other guys, the ali- his wife wel- the summer was over and school and wanted to crack its code. Your heart, but nowhere to show it.” It’s bis. All your fl imsy alibis.” Her rep- comed a son, had started. Wicked bummer. reaction all depends on your de- a very soft sell to an oblivious guy, etition of “the real you” is sublime. Jack Henry, just Best: Hosting “Talkshow.” Hiring sire to “fl y away to where the water doggedly determined to make an She could incorporate some move- a few weeks funny, talented people, picking the meets the sky.” It had all the mak- impression. Th is and “Skipping” ment on stage to spice the drama, ago. “Talkshow” guests and picking the jokes. It is by ings of artistry with Lin’s soaring wouldn’t be out of place in an up- but the song is a gem. has reached SPIKE FERESTEN far the best job I have ever had. You and urging voice, but the listener scale supper club with patrons Doppelganger is German for a high rank. It have to try it someday. Just don’t try may not climb aboard. twice Lin’s age. “double walker.” It doesn’t take a has all the creativity and hilarity of it at Fox or I will kill your pets. I am Th ankfully, “Skipping in NYC” Her “End of the Line” is a de- psychology degree to assume that a Leno or Letterman show packed competitive like that. followed. Lin strummed her way pressing reminder of our economic Lin, a Princeton graduate in eco- into a half hour with comedy A-list Have you ever had a confl ict right back into our hearts: “I was malaise. It sounds like a folk version nomics, is listening to her own guests. with a boss? How was it resolved? skipping down the sidewalk on of Billy Joel’s “Allentown,” bemoan- doppelganger and unleashing the Why you should watch “Talk- I fi nd sucking up to be a very ef- Sixth Avenue. Everybody looked ing a time and place long gone. muse within. show” you might ask? Regular seg- fective strategy. Th at and a healthy at me like I was looney tunes.” Not Here, town relevance is quashed by I was enraptured by “Perfect,” ments like “Comedy for Stoners,” hobby or two to remind you work even the dirty subway below could its inaccessibility by public trans- featuring exquisite cello work by “Idiot Paparazzi” and newscaster is just work. Th e only things in life take the skip out of the enamored portation. It’s a bummer, but she Helen Chou. Th e obsessive quest Rick Richards along with special that matter are family, friends and girl’s step once the realization of holds a mirror up to life while her for perfection consumes us, Lin segments like “Hollywood Douche- your webkins. And if your webkin love kicked in. It’s a warm retro gentle voice buff ers the bad news. argues. Olympic athletes should bags” and “Chinese Product Recall” dies, then WTF, you know? song, suitable for ballroom danc- I was puzzled by Lin’s cover of listen to this as they train. A mod- are all likely to appear during the What is your greatest weak- ing, should you be so inclined. Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” ern dance choreographer should show. Th en, there is the 98-year-old ness? She changed the vibe dramati- Fans of the original will be disap- grab it. Th e song’s tautness expertly Mae LaBorde who is pure comic Cupcakes. Once I start, I cannot cally with “Microscope,” a thor- pointed. Lin and her band don’t yields to a rapid, uncontrolled genius; I won’t spoil it by revealing stop. Do I need a 12-step program? oughly modern song about show- reach for heights, they prefer to stay pleading. any more. What would your staff say is ing one’s real self to their signifi cant in their comfortable safe zone while If you see a petite Asian woman I gave Spike some interview the best thing about working for other. She off ers to be our blanket issuing a pedestrian cover. Her “Fe- skipping down Sixth Avenue any- questions to see what he’d come up you? and shelter in “Home.” It’s a mov- ver” cover was also slightly bland. time soon, stop and say hello. It will with. I am accessible. My door is open ing piece with a generous, vulner- “Doppelganger” is the title track be Lin, celebrating love and, per- How does it feel to have the and I won’t try to have sex with able heart-opening about giving of Lin’s latest CD, released in 2007, haps, a record deal. longest running talk show in Fox them. and receiving aff ection. and the night’s highlight. She’s history? If you had to live your life over It feels like the best sex you’ve again, what is one thing would ever had. I mean like … remember you change? when Steve Guttenberg banged I would buy Google stock … oh that alien in Cocoon? Th at! Amaz- yeah and kill Hitler. ing, fl oaty, iridescent, gutten-sex. If you were an animal, which Where do you see yourself fi ve one would you want to be? years from now? Flying squirrel. I dig the whole In a Vegas hot tub with Presi- concept. dent Barack Obama and the latest crop of Pussycat Dolls. “Talkshow” is on Fox, Saturdays When did you know you were at midnight. For more information, meant for this career? visit myspace.com/spikeferesten.

BY ANA DEL ROSARIO ent a free lecture on Th ursday, BPAC MARKETING INTERN April 10 at 1 p.m. on Ron Carter. Come hear renowned jazz writer Come discover the astonish- and critic Dan Ouellette give his ing performance of your fellow perspective on the world’s most classmates at the fi ne and per- respected jazz bassist. Seating is forming arts department spring limited, so be sure to stop by the production, “Getting Out.” box offi ce for a ticket. Th e play revolves around Brownrane will complete this an ex-convict (Arlene) who has spring’s inaugural 55 Under- just gotten out of prison. Arlene ground series on Friday at 8 p.m. struggles to adjust to life on the Brownrane has captivated many outside while Arlie (the younger with her original compositions Arlene) is shown at diff erent blending R&B, soul, jazz, pop, times in her life as an adolescent funk, rock and hip-hop. Tickets and teen. Arlie acts as Arlene’s are $12 for Baruch students, fac- memory of her past when she ulty and staff . For more informa- made certain mistakes and mis- tion visit our website at baruch. behaved. cuny.edu/55underground where Th roughout the play, the you can listen to her music and audience learns how the early get to know more about this tal- abuse and diffi cult circumstanc- ented artist. es of Arlie’s life made Arlene who Rounding out the week, Th e she is today. Th is week, from Manhattan Class Company’s April 8 to 11 at 7:30 p.m. and on PlayLab presents their monthly Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., reading series on Sunday, April come support your fellow Baruch 13 at 5 p.m. Th is is a group of 22 students while learning about talented early and mid-career redemption and making peace playwrights who write some of with the past. Tickets are only the most important plays of to- $10 and can be purchased at the morrow. Meet new talents and BPAC Box Offi ce or via phone at discuss the evening’s work in a (646) 312-4085. relaxed and casual environment April is not only known for its at a meet-and-greet after the fools; it’s Jazz History Month. To reading. For reservations, con- celebrate, Th e Milt Hinton Jazz tact Josh Hect at (212) 727-7722 Perspectives Series will pres- or e-mail [email protected]. APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT I PAGE 19 PAGE 20 I THE TICKER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY APRIL 7, 2008 Joke of the Week . . . Q: What happens when electrons lose their energy? Science A: They get Bohr’ed. New genetics lab

ILLUSTRATED BY EDWARD WU I THE TICKER

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEX SKURATOVSKY I THE TICKER arrives at Baruch BY VRITI SARAF unidentifi able objects was given a to determine traits like sex by the bility, to store all of the equipment in biology courses such as intro- SCIENCE EDITOR plan to metamorphose into a crisp, bristles on their hind legs or the at- needed for genetics experiments. duction to biology, comparative white laboratory equipped with the tributes of their abdomen. In a slim, isolated room located a anatomy and genetics. Baruch College is receiving a latest technology. Schawaroch demonstrated the few fl oors up from the fourth re- Th e introduction of a functional, head-to-toe make over, both exter- Th is new genetics lab, shared by clarity and focusing power of this sides the rest of the equipment state-of-the-art science laboratory nally and internally. Dr. Valerie Schawaroch and her col- lanky contraption by zooming in on such as a UV box for quantifying at Baruch College rises an endless Th e 17 Lexington building, along leagues, focuses on Schawaroch’s a dime, and later explained that it is the amount of DNA in a band and amount of opportunities for not with renovations to the aesthetics fi eld of study, which involves the commonly used by the FBI in bal- spectrophotometers used in hor- only science students, but students and functionality of the classrooms, evolutionary history of Drosophila listics, the analysis of bullets. mone analysis. of all majors. is dabbling in new, high-tech labo- Malanogaster (fruit fl ies). She uses She also showed off two hefty Th e majority of investments Schawaroch hopes to kindle the ratories to accelerate the natural both molecular and morphological microscopes, ones that not only re- were funded by CUNY, but a por- interests of students pursuing busi- sciences programs. techniques to identify species. quired no staining of cells, but also tion was funded by the National ness and other majors by holding With state-of-the-art equip- Th e lab off ers students the ca- had camera attachments and draw- Science Foundation. NSF awarded specialized biology classes that go ment, Baruch students will now pabilities to carry out experiments ing tubes to capture the image with a grant to Baruch College under the beyond introductory levels. Th ese have the chance to conduct re- and study morphology in fruit fl ies, precision. Th e lab has been in use direction of Schawaroch and Dr. classes will allow the use of the glo- search and gain valuable, out-of- DNA replication via polymerase for a few months now and is craving John Wahlert. rious, surprisingly fun lab equip- class lab experience. chain reactions, DNA isolation, se- more activity. Th is award of $76,119 was used ment and give students a new per- Th e fi rst of the renovated labs is quencing and other forms of DNA Th e empty cabinets, donated to purchase the MDIS for the inves- spective on the sciences. the genetics lab, on the fourth fl oor, analysis. by Yale University, were yearning tigation of fruit fl ies, which includes With this lab, and hopefully behind a windowless heavy metal Th e lab contains equipment like to store insects; the freezers, with the identifi cation of parts that are many others in the near future, door. the micro-optics system, which is their explosion proof mechanisms, diffi cult to diff erentiate. Baruch College’s reputation may Two years ago, without much a macro and micro digital imaging waiting for perishables. Th ese images will be used to fi nally leap out of it’s business suspicion, a storage room with gan- system (MDIS) that is able to pho- Although the lab is new, it does create online study materials and crunch and shimmy over into the gly waves of unclaimed boxes and tograph the tiniest fruit fl y in order not have the room, nor the capa- classroom instruction for students liberal arts and sciences. Copper alloys can kill Bionic contact lens life-threatening bacteria n Imprinted BY KEITH ARORA-WILLIAMS mean that staph infections were circuitry could one USG CORRESPONDENT a more likely cause of death than As of March 25, the United AIDS in the U.S. for that year. day create lenses States’ Environmental Protection In the aftermath of the EPA’s ap- Agency approved the registration proval, manufacturers have begun that enhance of a proposed public health claim to pitch ideas to hospitals, all of stating that surfaces composed of which feature a copper doorknobs, your vision certain copper alloys can kill off counter tops, railings and intrave- life-threatening bacteria. nous needles. BY RACHEL VINCENT Copper releases ions that kill Th e EPA warned that, “copper CONTRIBUTING WRITER bacteria, according to Guillermo alloy [surfaces are] a supplement Figueroa of the nutrition and food to, not a substitute for, standard in- Watching any of the “futuristic” technology department of the Uni- fection control practices.” conceptual movies of the ‘50s and versity of Chile in Santiago.“Copper “Copper alloys would be a cost- ‘60s would make anyone living in ions separate on contact with bac- eff ective alternative to existing ma- today’s world laugh. While they teria and cause irreversible damage terials,” said CDA Regional Director predicted communities of people to the bacteria’s cells,” Figueroa said. Miguel Riquelme Alarcon. living on Venus and Mars and “It is a very swift, physical chemical Prominent writer and associ- others vacationing on the Moon, no process. Th ey die quickly.” ate professor at Harvard School of one guessed we would be carrying Copper Development Associa- Public Health, Dr. Atul Gawande, around music in a square the size NANOWERK.COM tion Inc., the Latin-American arm asserts that the propagation of hos- of a stamp. Contact lenses with circuits light a possible platform for superhuman vision. of the International Copper Asso- pital infections stems from a lack of Science has taken some very ciation, sponsored the lab testing personal hygiene among medical interesting and unexpected leaps that revealed evidence of copper’s professionals. in the past few decades and has with various displays reminiscent and then washed over the lens. effi cacy in exterminating Methicil- “Having shaken hands with a left our generation quite jaded in of the Terminator, but could also be Each piece settles into its own lin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sniffl ing patient, pulled a sticky the process. We think nothing of utilized to aid those with impaired groove without damaging the lens (MSRA), more commonly known dressing off someone’s wound, electric cars, genetic engineering vision. or the microscopic components. as the “super bug.” pressed a stethoscope against a or artifi cial organs and limbs, since Scientists have long been Th ey were tested on rabbits, who Th e CDA boasted their product’s sweating chest, most of us do little they have become so widely utilized toying with the concept of cameras showed no negative reaction after ability to eliminate more bacteria in more than wipe our hands on our and incorporated into society. hooked deep into the brain to grant 20 minutes of wear. less time when compared to more white coats and move on,” admits Science and micro-technology vision to the blind. Preliminary Parviz’s research has settled the commonly used aluminum and Gawande in his book, Better. have progressed so far that there experimentation has been done problem of building and wearing steel surfaces. A grouping of 100 Th e ironic fact that doctors are few things that spur us to say on monkeys with bionic eyeglasses the lenses, but they have not yet million MSRA bacterium atrophied themselves can perpetuate the “impossible” anymore. hooked to electrodes. Now, with attempted to activate them. Th ey into oblivion in a mere 90 minutes spread of contagions is not, how- Case in point, a bionic contact the advent of nano technology, this must fi rst solve the issues of how the when placed on a copper surface at ever, a discovery of the modern age. lens. Tiny electronic circuits and may very well be possible without eye will adjust to focus the displays, room temperature. Th e same num- Austrian doctor, Ignac Semmelweis, wires embedded into a contact having huge electrodes wired into how to create eff ective overlays and ber of germs took over four hours fi rst identifi ed the problem in 1847. lens that would allow you to see their brain. how to hook the contacts up to a to die off when placed on a bronze He noted that one percent of in night vision, zoom in or out on How is this possible? Nano viable power source. surface. Under the same condi- mothers that gave birth under his whatever you are focusing on and technology is a fairly new and It may sound like a long way tions, the number of MSRA bacte- supervision at their homes died of improve your vision dramatically. delicate fi eld of science. Anyone to go, but if you consider that the ria on steel and aluminum surfaces puerperal fever, an extremely con- It may sound like science fi ction, with contact lenses knows that fi rst corneal contact lenses were actually increased over time. tagious airborne pathogen. Mean- but incredibly, scientists at the even the tiniest hair or speck of dust invented in 1949, which were hard Th e fi ndings have resonated while, the same ailment managed University of Washington have brings extreme discomfort. So how and not permeable to oxygen, and loudest in hospitals around the to claim 20 percent of mothers that already created a prototype. Th e is it feasible that embedded wires the fi rst soft lenses appeared in 1959 world. Approximately 1.7 million delivered babies in his hospital. lens looks like a mini circuit board won’t be uncomfortable or, more and was approved in the United Americans contracted infections Th is serves as evidence that doc- and will apparently be embedded importantly, block vision? States in 1971, functional bionic during hospital stays and a sub- tors who neglected soap and water with microelectronics and a Babak Parviz, the leader of contacts could become available in sequent 100,000 people perished destroyed potential families. wireless display. the team developing the lenses the not so distant future. from these diseases in 2007 alone, Instead of being lauded for his Th e lenses have yet to be at the University of Washington, Imagine looking at a plant or according to the U.S. Center of Dis- discovery, Semmelweis was dis- perfected. Th ere is no current fi gured it out. Th e lenses were bird and being able to see exactly ease Control. missed from his position. solution to power them. However, produced without the layering what species it was, or have a In a study done by the American Semmelweis, like many doc- the fact that they have been of tiny metal pieces, but instead visible MapQuest screen come up Medical Association in 2005, MSRA tors today, devoted much time to developed to a wearable state is used carved grooves where they while walking right before your bacteria caused 18,650 deaths in helping people in the face of adver- incredible enough. Th e technology would lie. Th e components were eyes. At this point, the possibilities hospitals, translating to nearly 19 sity because of their binding oath to will not only benefi t those who built separately, mixed together to are endless and it is only a matter of percent of these types of deaths. uphold and protect the lives of their want enhanced vision coupled form what appears to be a powder time until bionic vision is a reality. If this study is accurate, it would patients. Calendar LEISURE EDITOR AND COPY EDITOR COMPILED BY ELYSSA MALDONADO AND HELEN KWON APRIL 7,2008 CHESS CHALLENGEPUZZLEOF THE THE WEEK WEEK Mon. -Fri. 12:30-2:30pm VC 3-248 Club Baruch CollegeChess For solutionvisitthe is to playchess.” “All Iwant to do, ever,

White to move andwinin2moves (Monday and Tuesday) 12 p.m. to 7p.m. FloorSecond Lobby (NVC) Lexicon 2008 iBaruch Yearbook Sale - Bobby Fischer Submit your event listingsto

04/07 12:45 p.m. to 2:20p.m. Room 9-165(NVC) Jewish Women’s Group Cheating. It? Tovah’s Perspective on What’s Love Got To Do With 12:45 p.m. to 2:20p.m. Room 4-220(NVC) Undergraduates Tax Accounting for Society Inc. Mahoy ofArrow Electronics andA Firm; by K.Doriz ties for Working inaPrivate Tax CareerandOpportuni- 12:45 p.m. to 2:20p.m. Room 10-130(NVC) Women inIslam Sister’s Group Discussion 12:30 p.m. to 2:30p.m. Room 3-215(NVC) tion Asian HeritageMonth Celebra- ofAsia Arts 12 p.m. to 3p.m. Zicklin Africa BusinessClub Promotion DevelopmentSustainable 11 a.m.to 4p.m. Room 2-150(NVC) NAASA Mock Interview To checkyour Sudoku &Crossword answers, visittheticker.org. [email protected] 04/08 6 p.m. to 10p.m. Room 14-220(NVC) GSA Grad Social 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 1-125(NVC) Black StudiesDepartment &R.Bernard Jarvis, J. Fernandez, M.MarriotS. Lewin, C. Taylor, Prof. “G” Teach-In onRacewith:A. 6 p.m. to 8p.m. Room 1-107(Multipurpose) AIESEC Infosession International Exchange 11 a.m.to 3p.m. Room 1-107(Multipurpose) Shop ofStyle ton.com with Model Search TopBut-

of

04/09 12:30 p.m. to 2p.m. 137 E.22ndStreet Real Estate Networking Club ment Group, LLC tion, Gladstein Develop- Jane Gladstein Presenta- 6:30 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 1-107(Multipurpose) Association NY MusicIndustry Roc theMic Talent Showcase 12:30 p.m. to 2:30p.m. Room 3-210(NVC) Celebration Asian HeritageMonth Line Dance 5 p.m. to 7p.m. Room 3-215(NVC) Kappe PhiAlpha of TaiMystery Chi 12:45 p.m. to 2:15p.m. Room 12-145(NVC) NAASA exam Becker-overview oftheCPA 12 p.m. to 3p.m. Room 1-107(Multipurpose) Advisement andOrientation Fair Services Students Events 04/10 THE TICKERLEISUREIPAGE 21

7 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 2-110(NVC) Lambda Pi Upsilon Meeting 6:30 p.m. to 10p.m. Room 1-107(Multipurpose) tion Asian HeritageMonth Celebra- Bhangra BASU CulturalShow/ 6:30 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 4-185(NVC) Graduatee Student Association Corporate Communication General Meeting 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 3-215(NVC) CSA, SOCA, WICC Practice Dance 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Room 2-215(NVC) CSA, SOCA, WICC Modelling Practices 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Mason Hall(23rd St.) CSA, SOCA, WICC Rehearsal Dress 12 p.m. to 4p.m. ARC, MainGym (NVC) Center Starr Career Development CareerDay Spring 04/11 PAGELeisure 22 I THE TICKER LEISURE APRIL 7, 2008 Explore New York over spring break

BY KERRI JAREMA ID you will pay anywhere from $10 CONTRIBUTING WRITER to $15, which is not much consider- ing all the sights the museums have Spring break is a mere two weeks to off er its patrons. away. An entire seven days all to Most students equate museums yourself, without having to wake up with school work and, therefore, early to go to class, worrying about stress and boredom. However, writing papers, reading textbooks when you have the option to choose and studying for exams. the museum and the exhibits you Most of your friends are proba- want to see, rather than being as- bly heading to far away places, to sit signed to see, feeling of conducting on the beach, visit landmarks, buy a school assignment removed. A souvenirs and get a change of scen- trip to a museum is actually an en- ery. Unfortunately, not all of us are joyable experience. able to travel during break. But that A great alternative to the tradi- should not mean that we are con- tional museum is Madame Tus- fi ned to our apartments, sleeping sauds Wax Museum, hailed “New until noon and watching day-time York’s Most Famous Tourist Attrac- soaps and talk shows. tion,” by the museum’s website. Th e Th ere are plenty of fun, inter- museum features wax statues of fa- esting activities to do right here at mous celebrities such as Angelina home. New York City is, after all, Jolie, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna. considered one of the most glam- Th e museum also has interactive orous and exciting tourist cities in statues and sets like the Pirates of the world. the Caribbean experience, lorded If you’re hoping to get out- over by Captain Jack Sparrow, and doors during your spring break, the the American Idol experience, with beach is not the only place to do it. an eye-rolling Simon Cowell to en- GNOME.ORG Central Park is one of our Big Apple tertain you. If you are looking for a gems — an oasis where we can es- Taking a walk through Central Park is a great way to hang out with friends without breaking the bank. non-conventional museum, Ma- cape from the constant chaos of the dame Tussaud’s is the place to be. concrete jungle, and actually enjoy However, the museum does not of- some nature. fer a student discount. Th e price of Anything you could on the A look at the Central Park web- chard and Clinton Streets, Honey self, equivalent or greater than any admission for adults is $29. beach, read a book, play volleyball, site can give you directions to all of in the Rough, Narnia Vintage, An- vintage shop you would go to if you Directions and open hours are get a tan, have a picnic lunch, en- these places, as well as suggested nie O., Edith Machinist, Le Sous Sol were visiting Boston, Philadelphia, available on each of the museum’s joy the water — can all be done in areas for sports and recreation, na- and Suite Orchard are just some Los Angeles, even Paris or London. websites. Th ey also off er a list of the Central Park. If you go far enough ture lovers, runners and bikers, and of the amazing shops that can be If the weather during break is permanent and temporary exhibits into the park, it can be easy to for- serene and solitary places. found nestled away between cafés, not conducive for playing in the to help you plan your trip eff ec- get that you’re in the City at all. You Th ere is no reason to be jealous hairdressers and tailor shops. Most park or shopping, there are many tively. can sit by various ponds, walk on of the shopping trips your friends of the stores carry hip new lines like indoor alternatives to explore. New York City is one of the most shady tree-lined paths and even may be taking during Spring Break, Jovovich-Hawk, Alexander Wang If you are looking to take in some exciting places in the world. Full of climb rocks. because New York City has some and Sonia Rykiel, while others car- culture during your break, there are culture, shopping and greenery, liv- Th ere are also the common of the most amazing and unique ry strictly vintage. countless amazing museums in the ing in the City can sometimes blind tourist attractions like the Cen- shops in the world. If you are tired Th e shops may be a bit on the ex- City you could visit. us to all of the fun and new things tral Park Zoo, the Great Lawn and of shopping at Union Square and pensive side, but if you are search- Th e Metropolitan Museum of that are available to explore. Strawberry Fields, which includes SoHo, check out all of the cool new ing for one-of-a-kind pieces, these Art, Th e Museum of Modern Art Use spring break to take a new the Imagine mosaic and beautiful boutiques opening on the Lower shops will have something for ev- and the Guggenheim Museum are look at New York City and enjoy meadows that are a tribute to John East Side. erybody. Going to these shops will all located in Manhattan and each your break as much as you would if Lennon. Heading towards Rivington, Or- feel like a special event in and of it- off ers student discounts. With your you were in a far away place. Ladies, learn how to turn those heads BY MARTINA MICKO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As spring rolls around again, the birds are chirping and the fl owers are blossoming. Spring is the start of new things, including relation- ships. Many of us have someone in class that we would like to get to know better, but how do we get them to notice us? Th at’s the big question. Most of us are shy and won’t talk to our crushes, but there are several ways to get that special someone to spot you. One way to get someone’s atten- tion is through appearance. Now that it’s spring, it’s time for a ward- robe change. Ladies, try wearing a cute skirt or cute dress; the guys will defi nitely notice that. Why not try a unique necklace that can catch your guy’s eye? If that’s not your style, try a daring top with a print or bold color like royal DREAMSTIME blue or yellow. Standing out will make you dif- Subtle hints that will grab his attention. ferent from everybody else and at- tract attention. Accessories such as sunglasses and hats are also attrac- get noticed, than doing something to apply a perfume is to spray and prised if you’re turning heads with it’s time to make several changes. tive. you like and showing off your skills. walk into it so you will have it as a your new perfume. Since we didn’t have much luck Try getting a new stylish haircut After all, don’t things happen when seemingly natural scent. Smile and walk with your head getting that crush last semester, or changing your makeup routine. you least expect them? Th e idea behind perfume or co- up high to show confi dence. Th is why not try this one. After all, the It is a new season after all. Girls, Since it’s a new season, why not logne is to refl ect your own style. shows that you are a person that weather is getting warmer. try painting your nails a new color try a new fragrance? We don’t real- When shopping for fragrances, pick anyone would like to get to know. So, let’s shed the winter cloth- such as pink or coral. ize it, but scent is a way people no- something that appeals to you the By being yourself people see the ing, show a little more skin and Guys, start to get in shape again, tice us. most. real you, and if they like it, they will start fl irting. But most importantly, perhaps by hitting the basketball Visit the nearest Sephora for When you are strolling, enjoying try to get to know you. be yourself because that’s what will court. Th ere isn’t a better way to a new spring scent. Th e best way the spring weather, don’t be sur- Th e new season has arrived, and get you noticed the most. APRIL 7, 2008 THE TICKER SPORTS I PAGE 23 SPOTLIGHT ON CUNYAC Rookie of the Week: Jason Valentin Don’t sleep on these players BY TIMOTHY PETROPOULOS SENIOR STAFF WRITER Perhaps bigger than the Ma- trade of Edgar Renteria to the jor League Baseball season be- Detroit Tigers in the off -season, Th is week, the Bearcats opened ginning in Japan, fantasy base- the Braves elected to fi ll their their CUNYAC schedule on a high ball season has begun. shortstop position from within note. Competing against defending While there are some play- the organiza- champions John Jay in a three game ers that are always going to be tion. Scouts set, although dropping two out of drafted (like Albert Pujols, Alex believe it was a the three games, Baruch showed Rodriguez, Chase Utley and Da- wise choice as heart and moxie while taking on vid Ortiz), there are several oth- shown by his the best CUNY had to off er. ers fl ying under the radar who red hot spring On top of the valiant eff ort, an- have the potential to do very well batting aver- other bit of good news also lifted the this season. It is what we fan- age of .473, Bearcats this week. Rookie Pitcher tasy baseball fanatics like to call with two hom- WILLIAM BATTAGLIA Jason Valentin was named the CU- “sleepers.” ers and 12 RBI Bearcat Prowler NYAC Rookie of the Week for his Here’s the rundown. (runs batted in) eff orts against Vassar College in the Texas Rangers outfi elder in 36 at-bats. front end of a double header. Josh Hamilton: After being se- He will be hitting and setting Valentin tossed seven plus in- lected as the fi rst overall pick in the table for a solid Braves line- nings of six hit ball while record- the 1999 MLB draft by the Tampa up behind him that includes fi rst ing three strike-outs. Although the Bay Devil Rays, his promising baseman, Mark Teixeira, third Bearcats narrowly fell to Vassar 3- path towards greatness took an baseman, Chipper Jones and 2, Valentin’s eff orts kept the game BARUCH SPORTS INFORMATION immediate detour after a report- outfi elder Jeff Francoeur. Con- close and gave the Bearcats the op- ed heroin addiction. sider him a solid shortstop with portunity to win. Rookie pitcher Jason Valentin (above) earns accolades. Eight years later, the kid fi - the potential to fi nish statistically When asked about his young, nally realized his dream as the in the top 10 in his position. hard throwing freshman winning ciety all four years of high-school practices and trying our best on Cincinnati Reds gave him a spot Cincinnati Reds pitchers this award, Coach Jose Torres knew and graduated in the top 10 percent the fi eld. I feel that we will come on their 2007 opening day roster. Johnny Cueto and Edinson that Valentin would be capable of his class. together and have a successful sea- While he played admirably in a Volquez: Known as the “Domini- of this and much more as soon as After all this, it would be under- son,” said Valentin. “Beating [John part-time role, he eventually had can Dandies,” both pitchers were he fi rst saw Valentin play. “I pre- standable to develop an ego, but Jay] was a big confi dence booster. to serve two stints on the dis- acquired in the Cincinnati-Texas dicted to a few people before the Valentin remains as humble as the Hopefully we [will] build on this abled list and he would eventu- trade that sent Josh Hamilton to start of the season that he [would] day he fi rst started playing baseball and dominate the rest of the con- ally be traded to the Texas Rang- Texas. Projected as the third and win Rookie Pitcher of the Year for when he was fi ve years old. ference.” ers during the off -season. fourth starters of Cincinnati’s the CUNY Conference, so it doesn’t When asked about what the Although the award may not Now as an everyday player, pitching rotation, the sky is the surprise me,” Torres said. award meant to him, the modest mean much to Valentin himself, many scouts believe that this for- limit for these two young bur- Although he is only a freshman, Valentin said, “To be honest win- Torres uses the example set by his mer fi rst rounder has potential geoning hurlers. Valentin (younger brother of star ning CUNYAC [Rookie] of the Week star freshman to motivate everyone to do great things in his fi rst full While both have individual fi rst basemen Joseph Valentin) is doesn’t really mean a lot to me. I’m on the team to achieve greatness. season in Arlington. strengths, each player has the no stranger to pitching under pres- just hoping that I can continue to be “Th e rest of the players have to re- Want some reasons to believe ability to strike out a batter per sure. successful and help my team win a alize that this is an achievement that the guy can have a big year inning. Th e Reds have not had As a senior at DeWitt Clinton CUNYAC Championship. Th at’s my they can all attain, hard work and for the Texas Rangers and his a winning season since the year high school he won Pitcher of the ultimate goal.” intelligence is what’s needed,” said fantasy owners alike? He turns 27 2000. In this case the risk may be Year, captained the team in both Valentin’s ultimate goal of win- Torres. in May (known as the “breakout” worth the reward. his junior and senior years and won ning a CUNYAC Championship for Baruch’s next CUNYAC game is age in fantasy circles) and hits Some other “sleepers” to the Gold Glove his junior and se- Baruch outweighs whatever per- April 5 against CCNY at noon. Ev- in a hitter’s ballpark. If you can consider: Kansas City Royals nior years while leading his team to sonal accomplishments he can ac- ery conference game is important trade for him in your league, you Designated Hitter Billy Butler; the P.S.A.L. for the fi rst time since quire this season and, in his mind, at this stage of the season and if Ba- can do so with full confi dence. Chicago Cubs Catcher Geovany 1989. this team has the potential to do it. ruch wants to compete at the level Atlanta Braves shortstop Soto; and Washington Nationals And if that wasn’t enough, he “We have a very good team. We Valentin believes they are capable Yunel Escobar: With the Braves fi rst baseman Nick Johnson. was also in the ARISTA Honors So- are continuing [to] work hard in of, this series is a must win. PAGE 24 I THE TICKER SPORTS APRIL 7, 2008

Men’s Tennis THE TICKER SCHEDULE 4/08 - Baruch v. Lehman, 4 p.m. 4/11 - Baruch @ Brooklyn, 2 p.m. Baseball 4/14 - Baruch v. Hunter, 3:30 p.m. 4/08 - Baruch v. King’s Point, 4 p.m. 4/10 - Baruch v. Manhattanville,4 p.m. Softball 4/12 - Baruch v. Mitchell, Noon 4/10 - Baruch v. Rutgers-Newark,3:30 p.m. Sports 4/13 - Baruch v. Mitchell, 1p.m 4/12 - Baruch @ Staten Island, Noon 4/14 - Baruch @ Lehman, 3:30 p.m. April 7, 2008 Bearcats routed by Hawks BY ROSIE GENAO SENIOR STAFF WRTER

For two years, the men’s vol- leyball team reigned as champions in the CUNY Athletic Conference. Th eir dreams of creating a legacy through a third championship were cut short by the Hunter Hawks, who faced the Bearcats in the fi nal round and brought the defending champs to their knees. It was the fourth time the archrivals had met in the fi nals, but this time, Hunter swept the Cats with a 30-26, 30-25, 30-22 victory. Earlier in the season, the Bearcats lost three matches to Hunter. Still, hope was far from lost as it seemed similar to the same story from the past two seasons: Hunter would beat Baruch dur- ing the season, and Baruch would come back strong in the end. “We were feeling good about ourselves going into the game, and wanted to defend our title from the past two years,” said team captain Danial Levent. “We were defi nitely confi dent going into the match.” Th is time, though, it was not the case and Hunter made it their mis- sion to rewrite the story. Levent, who served as the back- bone of the team for much of the season, won Tournament Player of the Year. He had won National Player of the Week earlier in the season and it seemed only right that he would get the recognition. “[Winning Tournament Player of the Year] is just going to make BARUCH SPORTS INFORMATION me work harder in the off season so [that] I can reach it again next year,” The men’s volleyball team were defeated by Hunter in the CUNYAC fi nals. said Levent. Radu Wyrwas was also honored during the match as First Unfortunately for the Bearcats, According to Waldvogel, the Ironically, the loss against Hunt- scribes as “exceptionally good.” Team All-Star. they were in too deep a hole to dig team relied on Levent too heavily er in the fi nal round was good for Th e new players, combined with Although the night was a heart- themselves out of. All six players on and could have worked harder dur- the team. Th ey learned to not rely this year’s lineup, will make Baruch breaker for the Bearcats, there were the court had to play well in order ing practice sessions. “Next year’s on the past and focus on the pres- the “team to watch” next year, ac- still some memorable moments for to defeat Hunter. team needs to work a lot over the ent. In retrospect, rookie Mike Ma- cording to Gunther. Head Coach Allison Gunther. As veteran Boris Svirsky said, summer and more people should lave said, “We could have played Until then, the Bearcats can “Th e team fought very hard to- “Everything that we expected [for] step up,” Waldvogel said. harder and had more faith in one learn many lessons from a season wards the end … not for the game the fi rst game for the season hap- Despite the loss, the Bearcats another.” In addition to faith and that brought them a new coach, a itself, but for pride. [Also,] I was re- pened in the last game.” still qualifi ed for the North East confi dence, next year’s team will mostly rookie team and better-than ally proud of Kirill [Yagnetinskiy], Greg Waldvogel, who served as Conference Volleyball Associa- need to step up collectively and cut expected results. Jan [Wojdat], and Eric [Quintero]. assistant coach and was Tourna- tion tournament, held this past back on relying on one team mem- With Baruch and Hunter hav- Th ose three rookies stepped it up ment Player of the Year two years weekend. Baruch has never won a ber. ing the best volleyball teams in enormously … and even had better ago, noticed that “the team needs NECVA tournament and this posed Gunther is looking forward to the conference, the archrivals can nights than some of the veterans,” to be a lot more disciplined on de- another chance for the team to re- next season with the infl ux of three expect to meet again in the fi nal Gunther said. fense and on blocking.” deem itself. to four new recruits, who she de- round next year. Multi-cultural soccer tourney at Baruch

BY MARIANE ST. MAURICE quickly taken down but he was Out of the 15 teams that partici- Passionate was certainly a good OPINION EDITOR happy with the response the mar- pated in the tournament, South Af- way to describe the tournament, as keting generated. rica, Peru, New York City, Poland, teams brought along fans who sat For an entire weekend, teams Even though only 15 teams, USA, Colombia and Cameroon on the sidelines and climbed atop representing countries from around each of which represented a made it past the fi rst day of bleachers. the globe assembled in the main country, were participat- scrimmage. A highlight from the matchup gym of the Athletic and Recreation ing in the tournament, Th ough Poland even- between Malta and Turkey was a Center to play in a soccer tourna- the waiting list was just tually won the tourna- fi ght that ended with the expulsion ment. March 29 and 30 marked the as long. He hopes that ment against Peru, not of two players. fourth annual Baruch Soccer World in the years to come, conceding a single goal Despite unpredictable events, Cup and was the most successful to the event will be over both days, the such as the fi ght, the tournament date. enough to spread over most exciting game respected the schedule and Schay- Th e tradition of the tournament two weekends, so as to was deemed by many derman said he received a lot of started with Dima Kamenshchik, include everyone who t o be the Colombia, positive feedback. who is now associate head coach of is interested in it. Cameroon face off in Th e only complaints seemed to the soccer team. He fi rst thought up Th e event also quarterfi nals, which be about bad calls and inconsisten- the concept four years ago, as a se- involved students ended in penalty cies with the referees, who were nior, and made it a reality with one from other colleges, kicks. all members of the college’s soc- of his teammates. as Baruch played host Cameroon wasn’t cer team, but he believes this can After two years, the tournament’s to many athletes from able to defend its cham- be fi xed with more involvement reins were taken over by junior schools such as Queens pion title, however, and from the rest of the team in coming Nick Schnayderman, who decided College and LaGuardia Colombia ended up winning years. to take control “to raise money for Community College, and a 3-1. Looking ahead, Schayderman the team, but also to promote the team of fi nance professionals. “It was passionate,” said hopes that the tournament will soccer team to the school.’’ Both days followed a rigorous Th omas Murdoch, a member of continue to grow, perhaps one day Th e event was advertised schedule: on Saturday, each team the Cameroon team who has been off ering a concession stand to raise through Facebook and fl yers that played four 20-minute games and COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG participating in the tournament for more funds and promote the men’s Schnayderman complains were on Sunday the playoff s were held. four years. soccer team even more.