“A Fond Farewell” See Page 7

The Official Student Newspaper of New Jersey City University

Volume XIX, Issue 8 WWW.GOTHICTIMESNETWORK.COM April 28, 2009 NJCU Answers Call to Action By Erica Marie Molina & In his opening remarks to a Christina Johnson crowd of about 700 people, ap- proximately 500 of which were n April 13, 2009, the students, Hernández acknowl- New Jersey City edged the need for proper fund- University community ing of entities such as hospitals, wasO finally able to witness and etc, but asked, “When will we be- take part in the product of count- come a priority?” The President less volunteers and diligent or- pointed out that when he began ganizing led by Dr. William to work at NJCU about 36 years Calathes, an NJCU criminal jus- ago, the school received 70 per- tice professor and activist: the cent of its budget from govern- teach-in. ment appropriations; now it “I think it’s the first time ever receives about 20 percent. that different constituent groups John Krawczyk, a 20-year-old throughout the university came student from Bayonne double ma- together,” said Calathes, who has joring in criminal justice and pro- worked at NJCU for 23 years, fessional security, helped organize “and they came together for one the teach-in, which took less than purpose and one common aim, four weeks to plan with the help and that was to face directly […] of about 20 more criminal justice the challenges of the budget cri- majors and the AFT Local 1839 sis.” Executive Council, which is head- Held in various locations ed by Dr. Joseph Moskowitz of throughout the Gilligan Student the Political Science Department. Union Building, the teach-in was “I feel New Jersey higher educa- NJCU’s response to the combined tion is near and dear to my heart effects of the economic downturn because a lot of other students and New Jersey Governor Jon won’t be able to attend [college],” Corzine’s proposal to cut state Krawczyk said. “A lot of other funding to most state colleges and students like me wouldn’t be able universities. In his FY 2010 budg- to afford tuition.” et, NJCU will lose abut $1.5 mil- Hernández referred to a state- lion in funds from the ment he made a year ago, in government, which, according to which he said that, had NJCU re- NJCU President Dr. Carlos ceived $7.4 million more from the Hernández, will bring the total government, then each student at school budget to about $29.1 mil- NJCU could have saved $1,300 lion. This budget would be small- on tuition. er than the one NJCU had in Numerous activists and social 1998. Should the budget be ap- leaders were invited to address proved this summer, NJCU may the teach-in. have to compensate by raising tu- Eva Bonime, a representative ition and granting employees fur- Photo by Christina Johnson loughs—unpaid workdays. NJCU protesters picket on campus on April 7, 2009. Continued on page 3

WORD ON CAMPUS: What did you learn today?

Patrick Feniello, 20, Charles Yarbrough, 24, Jennifer Matos, 25, Sophomore, Jazz Studies, Sophomore, Photography, Senior, Psychology, Red Bank, NJ Louisville, KY Hinesville, GA Nothing, why? Decatur is actually a I learned that you suburb of Atlanta and can’t try to rationalize not a separate city. irrational behavior.

Dyana Garrison, 23, Junior, Felix Metius, 28, Senior, Tiffany Grevious, 19, Psychology, Jersey City Communication design, Freshman, Film, In my Psychology class today, Melbourne, Australia Bushkill, PA I learned about adolescence Today I learned that if you What I learned is that you and how the brain is still don’t manage your time should check the date on developing and growing correctly, then you will be your light rail ticket be- until you’re 19 or 20. like a one-legged man at an cause some people give you ass-kicking contest. year old tickets and you can get a ticket from the cops. Cynthia Frazier, Jersey Anthony Dianora, 21, So check your dates! City, Cafeteria Night Senior, Music, Manager Medford, NJ I learned that you cannot There are things you need judge a book by its cover. to learn outside of school, People are not always and those are usually the what they appear to be. most important things. Interviews & Photography by Jaclyn Foglio Page 2 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 NEWS Petition Aims to Help Students By Monique Redman finance college costs that are inflation, college tuition steadily putting higher education and fees rose 439 percent One hundred thousand signa- out of the react of most from 1982 to 2007, far tures are needed by May 17 to Americans. Our proposal is that outpacing increases for help extend benefits of the feder- students holding and applying for medical care, housing and al bailout to students, for the college loans should be offered food. During the same period, Reduce the Rate petition, spon- interest rates that do not exceed 1 median family income rose sored by Reverend Jesse Jackson, percent—the same favorable 147 percent, according to and for the Rainbow Push terms now being offered to the Reducetherate.org. Coalition. On Sunday, March 22, large corporations under the fed- Student loans are an $85 bil- Jackson announced on his Keep eral bailout plan.” lion dollar industry. In 1997, Hope Alive radio talk show that President Obama’s current stim- the Higher Education Act he and others will join together in ulus package proposes the follow- (HEA) was amended. As a re- a march to Washington D.C. to ing in regards to student loans: sult, defaulted student loans petition Congress and President • Increase the Pell Grant by $500 became the most rewarding Barack Obama. from $4,850 to $5,350. and easiest debt to collect. According to a spokesman for • Increase work study funding Under the HEA Act, students Reducetherate.org, the organiza- by $490 million. who default on their loans are tion’s platform and goals include • Increase student loan limits on assessed huge penalties the following: unsubsidized Stafford Loan by and fees and are not al- • Reducing interest rates on all $2,000. lowed bankruptcy pro- student loans to 1%. If banks can • Provide $50 million to the tection. Once a borrow at 1% or less, then so Department of Education to help student has defaulted should students. them administer student aid and on their loans, they • Extending the grace period be- loan programs. are subjected to wage fore loan repayment begins from President Obama has also pro- garnishment, tax gar- 6 months to 18 months for stu- posed creating a new tax credit of nishment, withholding of dents who graduate, since it takes $4,000 in exchange for 100 hours professional certifications, an average of 6 to 12 months for of community service. termination from employment, a graduate to find a job. According to Dr. John and social security garnishment, • Ending the penalties assessed Melendez, the NJCU Vice among other things. While these ‘Know ademic year. The default to schools for student loan de- President of Student Affairs, “This measures have proven devastat- that I hold you in my trusted rate in FY 2006 was just 3.5 per- faults. Schools should not be held is a proposal that should be ex- ing to defaulted student borrow- hands, I have enough rabbits up cent. While the default rate at accountable for students who plored. If we are giving benefits ers, it has proven to be lucrative my sleeve to be able to get where NJCU is low, the rate could be don’t pay back their loans. to banks, why not give it to stu- to student loan companies. we need to,’ Ohio Representative lowered if students are given • Increasing Pell Grants to cov- dents?” Alan Michael Collinge, author John Boehner told a dinner host- more protection and offered more er the average yearly cost of a 4- Jackson believes that the lower- of The Student Loan Scam, be- ed by a Sallie Mae executive. help. year public institution instead of ing of student interest rates to just lieves that the student loan com- There are several such quotes “We bail out Chrysler…, we’re the amounts in the current stim- one percent will directly address panies hope for defaulted loans, here, and in some cases here the bailing out Iraq…, GM…, ulus package: $5,350 starting July affordability. because they are where the bulk industry’s actions have drawn le- AIG…, Citigroup…bail out our 1 and $5,550 in 2010-2011. In a report issued by the of their profit stems from. gal penalties. (Some, former in- students, educate our children “We’re calling it ‘The Rainbow National Center for Public Policy As reported on Boston.com, dustry insiders included, compare now,” Jackson said. PUSH Education Stimulus and Higher Education, the cost of “This mess, according to student loans to loan sharks).” *****To learn about or Plan.,’” Jackson said at re- attending college has raised near- Collinge, is the work not only of At NJCU, 4,676 students ap- sign the petition, go to ducetherate.org. “It is a simple- ly three times the rate of the cost greedy industry types but also plied for loans for the 2007-08 ac- www.reducetherate.org yet-sweeping plan to help families of living. After being adjusted for their lackeys in political office.

The recently sanctioned Veterans Club of New Jersey City University is seeking to increase its membership. If you are a student who is a veteran of the Armed Forces, Or A non-veteran student interested in veterans affairs, Or A very motivated patriotic student,

Join the veterans club!

We are a highly active organization looking to do good things on campus.

Contact: Cassius Grasso, Army Veteran John Krawczyk, Navy Veteran [email protected] [email protected] Please note: The Veterans Club of New Jersey City University will not engage in any activities geared toward the recruitment of individuals into the United States Armed Forces. April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 3 NEWS the mid-nineteenth century. The last focus of the afternoon was Moran’s “Of, By and For the Lincoln in a People: The Lincoln Legacy in American Political Thought,” in which he talked about the ever- lasting Lincoln and how he affect- ed the United States. New Light “It was very insightful and I By Komal Zafar Department, Dr. Jason Martinek learned more regarding of the History Department, and [Lincoln’s] political approaches,” n the honor of Abraham Dr. Francis Moran of the Political said Walter Clarke, 44, a full-time Lincoln’s 200th birthday and Science Department. fire science major and a firefight- the anniversary of his death, “The goal of the [symposium] er from Elizabeth. “I think Obama Ithe New Jersey City University is just to make people aware of has big shoes to fill in regards to held a symposium, “Lincoln: A why Abraham Lincoln was a Abe Lincoln.” Celebration of a Life,” on prominent figure in the American The afternoon was ended with Tuesday, April 15, 2009, in the history,” said Chadwick. a short speech by McGovern who Gilligan Student Union Building. “Americans have a simplistic said that it is very important that The foreword at the symposium view of Lincoln – Old Abe and students know about Lincoln. She was given by Ann McGovern, the Father Abraham – so I wanted to also mentioned that student former President of the Lincoln get underneath on that… and I should study Lincoln, the Civil Association and Assistant Dean was pleasantly surprised.” War and the politician, so they can of the Arts and Science College. In his subject, “The Rise of emulate his ideas. The introduction was followed by Abraham Lincoln: A Political “It was very informative and my a reading of the Gettysburg Life,” Chadwick explained what perception of [Lincoln] has Address by JoAnne Antoine, an made Abraham Lincoln a skilled changed at the end of the day,” NJCU student. politician. Martinek covered the said Shameel Bowman, 22, a The symposium also featured a topic of “Abraham Lincoln: The journalism major from Paterson. Photo by Komal Zafar discussion on Abraham Lincoln’s Self-Made Man,” which focused “Both Lincoln and Obama stand Dr. Jason Martinek of the History Department, left, and Dr. personal and political life by Dr. on how Abraham Lincoln repre- up for what they believe in, and Bruce Chadwick of the English Department both presented Bruce Chadwick of the English sented a lot of the Americans in they stay firm.” speeches at the Lincoln Symposium. Teach In Continued from page 1 each other,” said Calathes, who has done human rights organiza- from the New Jersey Working tion in countries such as Kenya Families Alliance, a recently and Angola, “and to be able to ac- founded coalition pushing for tively and aggressively take the more accountable local and state democratic process up a notch so government, spoke about the that we can have our voices heard Better Choices Budget Campaign, and we can really start to defend which supports changes to the our right to public education.” proposed state budget such as The teach-in continued with sev- having households that earn over eral workshops each made up of $250,000—as opposed to the students, staff, or faculty. The present $500,000—pay more tax- groups had the goal of determin- es. Bonime also explained that ing what issues are most impor- even though NJ is home to the tant to them in terms of higher largest percentage of millionaires education, and ways these issues in the country, the state is cutting can be resolved. higher education funding while Dr. Patrice Dow-Nelson, a psy- other states, according to Dr. chology professor who has been Hernández, have “invested bil- at NJCU for 10 years, said, “It’s lions, not millions” of dollars in- not just about us [NJCU], but it’s to their colleges and universities. about the whole higher education Paul Shelly, Director of community.” Communications and Marketing Dow-Nelson was a part of the Photo by Amanda Madera for the NJ Association of State fulltime faculty group led by Eric Paul Shelly, Director of Communications and Marketing for the NJ Association of State Colleges Colleges and Universities (NJAS- A. Cinotti, a sociology professor and Universities, addresses a crowd of NJCU students, staff, and faculty at the teach-in. CU), mentioned several opportu- who teaches at multiple NJ uni- layoffs. Passing cars honked in nities for student, union, and versities, and Dean Brianik, To learn more about the problems and organizations university involvement, includ- Assistant Director of the NJCU support as they drove up and ing the NJ College Promise CO-OP Office. The group nar- down Kennedy Boulevard; de- mentioned in the article, please go to: Network, NJASCU’s new web- rowed their overall goals to a list spite the cold weather protestors site. of three to be documented and held up signs, some with “Lay Off http://aftlocal1839.org/ “Change is possible when citi- sent to Gov. Corzine, the most im- Corzine” written on them. http://web.njcu.edu/sites/controller/Content/fiscal_planning__budget.asp zens come together and there is a portant being a reallocation of the “It upsets us,” said protestor http://www.njascu.org/ common goal,” Shelly said. state budget and specific ways of Kristin McKillop, a secretary for http://www.njcu.edu/budgetfy09/ According to NJASCU, a group raising revenue. the department of Continuing http://www.njworkingfamilies.org/ of nine NJ state colleges and uni- “We have more strength in num- Education who has been a staff http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/omb/ versities, “New Jersey ranks bers,” Dow-Nelson said. “We member at NJCU for 10 years. 46[t]h in the nation in public col- should be more proactive. [I came “It’s unfair that [Corzine] wants lege/university admission capac- today because I wanted] to know to do what he wants to do. It just potential solutions before sharing conceived ideas and plans of ac- ity (undergraduate seats) to serve what part I can play in mobiliz- makes us want to fight more.” them not only among one anoth- tion. its citizens,” which, said Shelly, ing people.” It was in this vein that students er, but to all those attending the By the end of the session the is related to the state’s losing It was this pro-active attitude participated in the teach-in. teach-in as well. stage was open to anyone to speak 35,000 students every year to in- that was seen on April 7, 2009, Student attendees were split into Nastassja Torres, 22, an econo- their mind, and several students vest their time, energy, and mon- when NJCU faculty and staff as- two groups and encouraged to my and finance double major were moved to action. There was ey into other states. sembled outside of the universi- identify issues that affected their from Bayonne, came to the teach- emphasis by several students for “I really believe that it’s impor- ty armed with signs and chants specific goals and interests. They in because “I wanted to know use of unity as a means of getting tant for us to begin to listen to against pay cuts, furloughs, and were also urged to come up with how the university is going to the voice of the student popula- keep my tuition low.” tion heard and serving as the cat- Though she found the opening alyst for the changes they wished remarks to be pertinent, Torres to occur. IN MEMORIAM on March 29, 2009. His death was the re- was disappointed with the rest of “I think [the teach-in] was a the event. “Just judging from the rousing success on multiple lev- sult of a head injury sustained in a car ac- workshops, I don’t think today els,” Calathes said. “I think that cident the weekend before. was helpful. The staff and facul- we are going to hold many teach- An NJCU Loss A 22-year-old junior, Epps was the son ty leading the student workshops ins and have many other actions According to The Jersey Journal, of Jersey City School Superintendent should have listened to the stu- […]. I hope that everyone is on Jonathan Epps, a New Jersey City Charles T. Epps. dents more [than they did].” board with it and that everyone The workshops that involved the starts to get involved in as aggres- University undergraduate student, died He will be missed. various staff and faculty, howev- sive a way and as productive a er, seemed to thrive with well- way as they possibly can.” Page 4 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 NEWS NJCU Registration Silver Lining? By Carol Alberque, their account or have to set up a attention given to a student by In an effort to make the reg- Joanne Antoine, payment plan before the hold can their advisor. istration process easier, Danielle Church, be lifted. Once these holds are “My advisors were not always NJCU held its first Lyle Hickman, cleared, students can log in on- willing to help coordinate my Registration Drive for con- Rana Stanley line and choose their own cours- schedule,” said Moje. “They tinuing students from April es. seemed to just want to put me in- 7 through April 9, 2009 to hough the process of class “Last semester was complicat- to whatever class first came up in register for classes for the registration at New Jersey ed because of the advisement the computer.” summer and fall 2009 se- City University can be a hold,” said John Ida, a 25-year- Other students attending New mesters in the lobby hassleT for students, it is one that old finance major from Harrison, Jersey colleges shared many of of the Gillian has been improving somewhat in NJ. “I didn’t know what that the same sentiments about regis- S t u d e n t relation to other universities. was.” tration and advisement. Union Since 2005, NJCU’s registration “Ideally, you should go over “Registration is a crazy process. process has been available online your planning sheet to make sure It’s serious,” said Fabiola Franck, Building. through the school’s web portal, you are taking classes you need,” a 19-year-old freshman student at According GothicNet. Despite a few glitch- said Navin Saiboo, an Associate Rutgers New Brunswick from to Sarah es in the system every now and Registrar at NJCU. West Orange, NJ. “Most of the Ambrose, Assistant then, it has been received well by Although students are able to classes are offered for upperclass- Director for the campus community. choose their own courses, the pre- men first. By the time freshmen Enrollment Management “Online registration is a dream,” vailing grievance from NJCU stu- figure out when we can register, in the Office of said Monica Almonor, an dents’ lies in being misadvised. [classes are] closed.” Undergraduate Studies, the pur- Associate Registrar at NJCU. “It “In the beginning I found the “It was difficult for freshman to pose of this event was to “encour- empowers students. It makes [reg- registration process at NJCU get classes,” said Hannibal age students to register early. Our the istration] convenient for them, es- rather difficult,” said Sara Moje, People, a 23-year-old computer students tend to register late in the summer months, as there are on- pecially for the nontraditional a 31-year-old guidance counselor scientist and alum of New Jersey summer.” ly a limited amount of faculty students who work late and may from Jersey City who attended Institute of Technology from Students face many obstacles members available for student ad- not have the time to come [to NJCU from 1995 through 2001. Plainfield, NJ. due to late registration. Classes visement. campus].” “During my first three semesters, In contrast to Rutgers and NJIT, they need or want are at a high “I think the system is fairly In order to register online, a stu- before I declared a major, I had a NJCU gives preference to both risk of being full and deadlines okay,” said Oneil McPhereson, a dent must first meet with an ad- different advisor each time, and freshmen and seniors during reg- for financial aid may be missed 22-year-old health science major visor to have their advisement the advisor didn’t know me at istration. “All universities lose as well. The availability of facul- from Rahway, NJ. “Requiring ad- hold lifted. Students may also all.” people their freshmen year, so ty members is also a critical issue visement shows how NJCU cares have financial holds when they One of the major problems maybe making them a priority for students to contend with over about what we do and does not have to pay any balances left on seems to be the lack of personal will keep them,” Saiboo said. want us to waste our time.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT An Interview with STUDENT REMINDER local artist, Mo-16 TAG Application Filing Deadline! By Marlen Gonzalez The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) re- orn in Senegal and raised in Jersey City, newal filing deadline for the 2009- NJ, the 25-year-old Mohamet Diagne, a business major at New Jersey University, 2010 academic year is June 1, satB down with the Gothic Times to talk about mu- sic, life and what it means to be Mo-16. 2009. What are three words to describe you? “I’m loyal, funny, hard-working. I’m an only Also, if you plan to enroll at New child and was forced to make friends and keep them. I just wanted to show them the real me. I’m Jersey City University during the naturally funny and I get hard-working from my 2009-2010 academic year and father and mother. Money don’t fall from the sky. You hustle for anything you want to get. Life is a have not yet submitted a FREE hustle.” What does your artist name Mo- 16 stand for? APPLICATION FOR STUDENT “Mo is the first two letters of my name and 16 is for the day I was born.” AID (FAFSA) or renewal FAFSA, How long have you been involved in music? “I was always surrounded by music. I had a cou- you must do so before June 1, ple of friends that were always doing music. When . I was 20, 21, I started to take it serious. People 2009 sitting down listening to yours words, your cre- You may apply using FAFSA on ation and watching their facial expressions makes it all worth it.” the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Who are your musical inspirations? “Of course Tupac Shakur. He has been the If you need help or have ques- biggest influence in my music. Jay-Z, Andre 3000, Photo by Phillip Torres Maxwell—I’m big on R.Kelly. They inspire me Mo-16 tions about the FAFSA, the NJCU to make good music and keep pushing.” Financial Aid staff is available to What does music mean to you? three minutes of their time to watch you; it’s a “When you’re stressed, you listen to music. It blessing.” assist you. You can visit the can help you relieve, ease your mind. I try to stand What is the biggest lesson you have learned out as much as I can. I’m still learning as an artist. so far? Financial Aid Office (Hepburn Whatever you do in life, you can go there and “In the music industry, it’s not what you know, make it happen…motivation.” it’s who you know. If you’re a nobody, then they Hall, Room 215), Monday What are you most grateful for? will pass up on you. It’s always business and noth- “I’m grateful for my mother because she’s my ing person. It’s a good advantage if you’re sur- through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - backbone. She’s the reason why I changed my rounded by a good team.” 7:00 p.m., Friday, 8:30a.m. - 5:00 life. I’m grateful to be alive. A lot of people don’t As we neared the end of our conversation I asked get to see 25. I’m grateful to Nemo, my produc- Mo what the immediate future holds for him, he p.m. or call 201-200-3173. er; he’s had a lot to do with being the artist I am said, “Taking over the world like Pinkie and the today. His whole production makes it easier to Brain and putting Jersey on the map.” make music.” What does it feel like to perform live in front To find out more about Mo-16 and hear his mu- Joseph Roberto of your fans? sic check out: Myspace.com/mo16bars and jer- “It motivates you to make music. People taking seyboysmusic.com. Director of Financial Aid April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 5 OPINION

TheBy John Roth Republicans Remain Cluelessto motion the rebuilding of an ail- ing American economy. His pro- he House and Senate grams included the Civil Republican leadership’s Conservation Corps and the behavior throughout the Works Progress Administration; stimulusT and budget debates has both were successful at putting been nothing more than political Americans back to work. Prior to theater. They offer nothing new President Roosevelt, Republican to the discussion of our nation’s President Herbert Hoover's ad- current financial difficulties and ministration did little to stimulate spend an exorbitant amount of a depressed economy. His inabil- time stonewalling the legislative ity to grasp the extreme problems process. They argue that their within theAmerican financial sys- failed policies of the past some- tem gave credence to his laissez- how work and that they are the faire attitude. ones who are best equipped to President Clinton’s agenda save our nation’s economy. Do throughout the 1990s, including they need to be reminded that it his Pay - Go policy and his over- was the last administration’s un- all economic strategy, raised tax successful economic policies, rates on upper income Americans which they so strongly support- from 33 percent to 36 percent and ed, that created our nation’s cur- in the process gave our economy rent economic despair? a needed boost. President Clinton As the 111th Congressional AP.com also left a huge monetary surplus Session began this past January, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) and of about $500 million that the Republicans brought little to the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) left to right. Bush administration foolishly table except for their tried and spent. Consequently, President true, ineffective policies. The across the board but provide no the President’s visit. The percent during Reagan’s presiden- Obama has been given little Republican leadership—Senator honest assessment of how these Republicans act as if the cy. Under the leadership of choice but to enact spending poli- Minority Leader Mitch tax breaks will affect the opera- American people still support President George W. Bush, the cies designed to invigorate the McConnell (R-Ky.), House tions of government. They offer their agenda. However, the failed Labor Department’s Bureau of economy. Minority Leader John Boehner nothing new with regards to a doctrine that GOP members of Labor Statistics posted seasonal- Lofty government spending has (R-Ohio) and House Minority health care system that is in need Congress so proudly boast about ly adjusted unemployment rates become a necessary evil. Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.)—con- of repair. They offer nothing new has been undeniably detrimental that climbed to 6.3 percent in June President Obama and his econom- tinue to do nothing but criticize when it comes to our failing ed- to our nation’s fiscal well-being. 2003, bottomed out at 4.4 percent ic team plan to address the prob- Democratic efforts. They put for- ucation system. Republicans still Since 1980, Republicans have in March 2007, and then climbed lems of the economy with a wide ward nothing innovative and con- cling to the same old attitude that enjoyed large-scale levels of con- quickly to a high of 7.2 percent by array of solutions. Significant ex- tinue to champion more tax somehow the free market will trol over the White House and December of 2008. Throughout penditures intended to stimulate breaks for the wealthiest take care of it all. Congress. Upon examining the their administrations, neither growth and create jobs include the Americans, spending cuts in gov- Resistance to any idea outside history of Presidents’ Ronald Reagan nor Bush was ever able to President’s budget package for ernment and an ill-advised tax 2010, which incorporates ample scheme that is deceptively appeal- funding for health care and educa- ing to some middle-income Do the Republicans need to be reminded that it was the tion. Americans. The Republican’s conduct In a recent press conference, last administration’s unsuccessful economic policies, throughout our country’s econom- Republican leaders heralded the ic crisis has been irresponsible. particulars of their budget, call- which they so strongly supported, that created They have added nothing new to ing it their “Road to Recovery.” our nation’s current economic despair? the debate and have not compre- The proposal includes a tax rate hended our nation’s present fis- of 10 percent for incomes up to cal troubles. Conservative leaders $100,000 and 25 percent for any the Right’s ill-fated way of think- Reagan (1980-1988) and George stabilize or reduce these rates. continue to support policies that income thereafter, and a new tax ing has become standard operat- W. Bush (2000 – 2008), both two- Republicans continue to scoff at greatly favor the wealthy and ac- policy that allows businesses with ing procedure. President Barack term presidents, it is easy to rec- the administrations of Franklin D. tually do little for the rest of less than 500 employees to take Obama went out of his way to ognize the failures of their Roosevelt and Bill Clinton, citing America. They argue in favor of a deduction equal to 20 percent meet with the House Republicans administrations. both as ineffective models of tax policies that have failed the of their income. early this year. His attempt to cre- According to data gathered by and spend liberal values. During American public and still believe Bankrupting the Treasury ap- ate bipartisan talks became futile the U.S. Labor Department’s the Republican Great Depression that it is they alone who can guide pears to be the GOP’s ultimate when the Republican leadership Bureau of Labor Statistics, unem- of the 1930s, President Roosevelt America through the economic goal. They insist on tax breaks deemed it necessary to sabotage ployment reached a high of 9.7 and his New Deal policies put in- hardships they created. Obama’s Afghan Escapade By Alexander Neilson port from the international com- same network, with the knowl- munity. So then why, as President edge that over half of their audi- s Americans, we would Obama authorizes another $83 ence thinks that the war itself is a like to think that we have billion for operations in mistake, continues to focus their learned from our experi- Afghanistan and plans to send coverage almost exclusively on encesA in Iraq, lest we repeat them. 30,000 more troops to the coun- how the war is being fought, not Prior to invasion we were con- try despite getting little more than the more pressing issue of vinced en masse that there were verbal support on his recent trip whether it should be fought at all. weapons of mass destruction to through Europe are we standing Instead of a steady stream of mil- be found, that Saddam Hussein by unquestioningly, assuming that itary analysts on MSNBC, Fox was an immediate threat to our he and our generals know best? and CNN to break down the com- homeland security and that a Much of the blame falls on the bat efficacy of unmanned drones, NYTimes.com Western-friendly Iraqi govern- shoulders of America’s establish- why not have a peace activist on ment would be the keystone to our ment, mainstream news media to discuss alternative paths to sta- military policy it must be spear- enues. War on Terror in the Middle East. who, in a repeat performance of bility in Afghanistan or to debate headed by media groups. Much The American troop presence It was only after shock, awe and their cheerleader role during the those military analysts on the has been made of American po- in Afghanistan will soon enter its a protracted period of bloody oc- Iraqi invasion, are silently com- soundness of war as an instru- litical apathy—that in the face of eighth year. President Obama, cupation that we discovered that plicit regarding military escala- ment of policy in general? As billions of dollars of corporate who could well have this war de- what we had been led to believe tion in Afghanistan. In her CNN’s own poll shows, this is a bailouts and misguided wars we fine his presidency, has described was untrue. But that kind of thing excellent 2003 documentary debate that is happening in homes sit idly by—but how can individ- the situation there as “increasing- will not happen to us again, cor- Independent Media in a Time around the country, but is con- uals be expected to actively ly perilous.” Pakistan’s instabil- rect? of War, Amy Goodman of spicuously absent from our news- protest their plights if their source ity is deepening and drawing We would like to think that if Democracy Now! radio asked “if papers and television news of information (the media) mar- more attention. Our domestic fi- we were again going to send thou- this were state-run media, how programs. ginalizes their views and sides so nancial picture is dire as billions sands of troops and billions of would it be any different?” That The gap between Americans’ac- singly with centrist government? still flow into war efforts in the dollars into military operations question is, sadly, just as perti- tual views and the views that are The Afghan troop escalation has Middle East. For those reasons overseas it would only be after nent in 2009. A recent poll con- represented in the mainstream evoked fiery responses in the in- and more the need for a serious open public discourse on the top- ducted by CNN showed that 51 media is particularly troubling be- dependent media, but those voic- discussion and explanation of ic, scrutiny of the military by the percent of Americans oppose the cause if there is going to be any es are woefully ineffectual if they military plans in Afghanistan is media and after real, tangible sup- war in Afghanistan—but that meaningful discussion of U.S. are not echoed along larger av- readily apparent. Page 6 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 OPINION Should You Be Afraid of the Food Safety and Modernization Act?

By Patrick Jarkowsky the bill’s new regulatory stan- dards, the bill itself makes men- ou may not have heard tion on several occasions that the about this issue in the federal government should and corporate media, and must assist small businesses dur- Yeven if you did, a bill titled the ing the transition period. Food Safety and Modernization While I don’t agree with every Act of 2009 would have probably aspect of H.R. 875, there is noth- sounded reasonable to you. But ing outrageous in this bill. It is, considering deceptively named quite simply, a bill whose sole Bush-era programs such as the aim is to promote food safety and Clear Skies Initiative and No modernization. And for the Child Left Behind, it is under- record, Rep. DeLauro’s husband standable that many people were has never worked as a lobbyist just itching to find fault with this for Monsanto. He’s a pollster proposed legislation. who works for a company that, When I first read about this bill, more than a decade ago, counted House Resolution 875 (H.R. Monsanto as one of its clients. 875), I was alarmed. I was ready The fact is, Monsanto is prob- to take action. I was ready to ably spending a great deal of time spend my own money printing and money combating H.R. 875. flyers and post cards. I was ready After all, the recent outbreaks of to post links on Facebook and food-born bacteria have been every other message board I found in foodstuffs produced by could find. I was ready to visit large agribusinesses, such as every organic grocer and farm- Monsanto, and their equally ers market in the tri-state area, www.google.com despicable subcontractors. The urging all vendors to spread the Then I heard that the were insisting that all small farm- word. new, more stringent regulations message about the evils of H.R. Congresswoman who sponsored ers would have to pay exorbitant After reading the entire text of in H.R. 875 would force large 875. But first, being the political this legislation, Connecticut’s amounts in registrations fees and the bill, I could not substantiate agribusinesses to spend more nerd that I am, I insisted upon Rosa DeLauro (D), was married equipment modernization fees, any of these claims. There is no money, and unlike small farmers, reading the entire bill. to a former lobbyist for further shrinking their already provision for the imprisonment the federal government will not Needless to say, I’m glad I Monsanto. I was furious! miniscule profits. They were even of uncooperative small farmers. provide transition relief for cor- saved my time, my money, and porate farms. my reputation! The lesson to be learned from In the non-corporate media, I my experience with H.R. 875 is was reading and hearing so many “While I don’t agree with every aspect of H.R. 875, there is simple; don’t believe everything scary “facts” about H.R. 875. nothing outrageous in this bill. It is, quite simply, a bill whose you read or hear. If an issue in the Liberal activists were insisting news grabs your attention, do that the rightfully despised sole aim is to promote food safety and modernization.” your own research. Do not simply Monsanto Company, one of the trust your first source. world’s largest agribusinesses, As a generation that has almost was a major proponent of this These liberal activists were insisting that individuals who There is no $1 million fine for instantaneous access to the legislation. Being a consumer of spinning tales of a nation stripped grow vegetables in their own backyard gardeners. Sure, there Internet, libraries, book stores, organic foods and an advocate for of all its small, organic farms. backyards would have to regis- are new regulations that need to Lexis-Nexis, etc, we have tools small farms, farmers markets, They were frightening every ter with the federal government be followed, but none of these and resources at our fingertips food co-ops, and the local foods reader and listener with the pos- or risk paying fines upwards of regulations promote genetically that those before us could not movement, I was naturally sus- sibility of small farmers being $1 million. They were making modified foods or criminalize or- even imagine. So do your own picious of any legislation that had imprisoned for not complying outrageous claims, and for a mo- ganic farming methods. As for research, question what you hear, Monsanto’s seal of approval. with federal regulations. They ment, I believed every single fees associated with following and stay informed. It’s Raining Gay Married People! By Jan Aguilos lowed. However, that’s higher than the 22 percent that thought here’s a storm gather- supported same-sex marriage in ing,” says one pleas- a similar 2004 poll. ant-looking woman in New Jerseyans seem to be more “Tfront of a background of rolling progressive on the issue than dark clouds and lightning bolts. most Americans: a 2008 Zogby “And I am afraid,” says another poll finds that around 59 percent pleasant-looking woman. of New Jerseyans think that the Of course they’re talking about civil union law should be dumped same-sex marriage—as if it was for same-sex marriage. It does- terrorism or the bubonic plague. n’t mean that marriage equality These statements are made in two is inevitable, but it’s a really nice ads by the National Organization glimmer of hope. for Marriage, an advocacy group Despite the recent victories for that was founded in 2007 to op- same-sex marriage, it is sobering pose same-sex marriage. These to remember that many states ac- ads are part of an announced $1.5 www.sf.com tually ban same-sex marriage. million ad campaign in states And one of those states is such as New Jersey, which are low same-sex marriage, consider- and their children.” This report Senator Charles Schumer of New California, a supposedly progres- fast becoming battlegrounds ing that Governor Corzine has recommended that New Jersey York made some news by pub- sive state. As Jon Stewart said on In early April alone, Iowa and stated that he would sign a bill trade in its recognition of civil licly supporting same-sex mar- The Daily Show, “They are now Vermont became the third and that legalizes same-sex marriage unions for same-sex couples to riage. However, he is one of a officially more progressive than fourth states to legalize same-sex if one was to ever come out of the legalization of same-sex mar- very small number of national California… in Iowa!” Who marriage—somewhere, Jerry the state Legislature. Though riage. politicians who support same-sex knew? Falwell is spinning in his grave. New Jersey has had civil unions What’s particularly fascinating marriage and not just civil unions But here in New Jersey we Massachusetts and Connecticut for same-sex couples since 2007, in Vermont’s legalization of or domestic partnerships. Even don’t quite yet have same-sex are the two other states that have gay rights groups like the Human same-sex marriage is that it came President Obama doesn’t support marriage: we have civil unions. legalized gay marriage. For those, Rights Campaign and Lambda from legislative means instead of same-sex marriage. Of course, civil unions aren’t like me, who support same-sex Legal still consider a civil union a state Supreme Court ruling, And although, currently, most completely bad, they provide a marriage, these victories are re- inferior to the legal status of mar- which is what occurred in of the American public is not in lot of substantial legal protections freshing in lieu of the passing of riage. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and favor of same-sex marriage, there but civil unions don’t carry the Proposition 8 in California in Even the Final Report of the Iowa. This could possibly be a does seem to be at least a slow same cultural weight as “mar- November, a ballot initiative New Jersey Civil Union watershed moment in which progress in the acceptance of gay riage.” Gay Americans shouldn’t which banned marriage equality Commission, released in elected officials gain enough po- rights. A CBS news poll released be excluded from the legal status in that state. December 10, 2008, states that litical courage to publicly sup- onApril 3 shows that only about of marriage and now there’s a It’s quite probable that New civil unions encourage “unequal port marriage equality. one-third of Americans think that storm gathering. Jersey will join the states that al- treatment of same-sex couples In March, Democratic U.S. same-sex marriage should be al- April showers, I guess. April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 7 EDITORIAL A Fond Farewell few years ago, I never covered a myriad of issues perti- On behalf of myself and my would have thought I’d be nent to the NJCU community. staff, I would like to thank you all 2008-2009 Editorial Board Members in the position of writing Whether our front pages have for your loyal readership and aA letter like this to everyone at been about the rising costs of commentary, and hope that it will Editor-in-Chief ...... Erica Marie Molina New Jersey City University. student living (September); continue come September. This Managing Editor ...... Marlen Gonzalez If anyone had told me then that the troublesome, albeit brief, past year, we would not have been I would eventually become the disappearance of our beloved successful in keeping the campus Opinion Editor ...... Patrick Jarkowsky Editor-in-Chief of the Gothic food trucks (February); or this Entertainment Editor ...... Vanessa Cubillo Times, I think I would have month’s article on the actions tak- Arts Editor ...... Willa Goldthwaite laughed out loud. In fact, I believe en by hundreds on campus in re- Culture Editor ...... Christie Avila that happened quite a few times: sponse to massive budget cuts, Online Editor ...... Nital Talati Who, me? I don’t think so. I’m our newspaper has tried its best Advisor ...... Dr. James Broderick just here to proofread, thanks. to be the voice, eyes, and ears of It turns out that when I wasn’t NJCU. proofreading everyone’s work in This year, the Gothic Times con- GSUB, 2039 Kennedy Blvd, Room 301 my freshman year, I was making tinued its long tradition as an Jersey City, NJ 07305 friendships I can honestly say will award-winning newspaper. 201-200-3575 last well beyond my college ca- During this winter’s 25th Annual [email protected] reer. In my first year on staff as a Associated Collegiate Press copywriter, I met the handful of National College Journalism people I still turn to when I need Convention in San Diego, Calif., Policies of The Gothic Times to know what movie to see next, we won 6th place in the Best of Letters to the Editor are welcome from any member of the campus which restaurant I should have a Show’s Four-year Non-weekly community. Editors reserve the right to edit for space. Please address all correspondence to Editor of The Gothic Times in GSUB, 2039 celebration at, and whether or not category. On a state level, we Kennedy Blvd, Room 301. We cannot guarantee the return of any this letter is too long. earned awards from the New Photo by Felix Molina submissions. If you wish to have the letter returned, please enclose a As the semesters at NJCU wore Jersey Press Foundation (NJPF) self-addressed stamped envelope. on, however, I slowly came to the for the seventh year in a row, Letters to the Editor can also be sent to [email protected]. All realization that, as hard at it would bringing our total at the NJPF to well informed had we not re- letters must be typed and include full name, age, major/occupation, be, I did want this job. I became 21 awards. ceived your input, both positive class year, and hometown. A letter submission does not guarantee publication. The Gothic Times looks forward to hearing from you. one of those people who felt they I know that so long as this news- and negative. Please don’t forget could improve the quality of the paper continues to put the NJCU that this is your newspaper. The adviser of The Gothic Times is not responsible for the content or the opinions expressed in the newspaper. All editorial content is newspaper while increasing its community first and appreciate Good luck to everyone on finals, subject to the review of The Gothic Times Editor. All opinions productivity and readership. As great writing, the Gothic Times and enjoy your summer break. expressed on the Opinion Page, and those held by advertisers, are Editor-in-Chief, I—along with will only get better. I have no The Gothic Times will be here not necessarily those of The Gothic Times. my staff—was fortunately able to doubt that it will never cease to when you get back. This paper is printed on recycled content newspaper. do just that. be a medium through which our From the first day of the 2008- campus can ask questions and Sincerely Yours, 2009 academic year, we have find the answers to them. Erica Marie Molina IMPORTANT REMINDERS FROM THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE You’reInvited: The Summer 2009 Financial Aid Senior Dinner Application is Reception 2009 available NOW. You can complete an application at the following locations: • Financial Aid Office: H-215 Sunday, May 3rd • NJCU’s Website @ www.njcu.edu: Quick links – from 5-9 p.m. Financial Aid – Forms and Links at • GothicNet: Students – Financial Aid Forms The Atrium Country Summer I Application Deadline: May 1, 2009 Club Summer II Application Deadline: June 11, 2009 609 Eagle Rock Avenue Students who were part-time during the West Orange, NJ Fall 2008 and/or Spring 2009 semesters may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Food, Drink, Music & Gifts Students who attended New Jersey City University in Fall 2008 and/or Spring 2009 can be considered for student Semi-Formal. loans by filling out a 2009 Summer Financial Aid Request $15 for single ticket. Form. Summer Eligibility will be determined based on

1. Your grade level at the beginning of your This event is for Seniors but friends first semester for the 2008-2009 academic year of seniors are also welcome. Tickets AND can be purchased at the Campus 2. The total amount of loans you borrowed Life Office in GSUB 111. in the 2008-2009 year. Page 8 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 ARTS Arts Calendar How to Make Money

The Attic Ensemble Theater The Art Museum Toilet Barrow Mansion, 83 Wayne Museum of Art Street, Jersey City Call for Artists: Now accept- as an Artist (201) 413-9200 ing images World-renowned http://www.atticensemble.org Collection’s First-Ever Call “Nunsense”: Theater by For Submissions New York, By Abdoulaye Camara Attic Ensemble NY—The Art Museum Toilet Performances: April 24 Museum of Art, the world’s never had difficulty making through May 3 - Fridays and largest collection of images of money with art. When I was Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sunday art museum toilets taken at in elementary school, I used matinees at 3:00 pm; various art museums around Ito sell pictures of cartoon char- Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 pm. the world, is seeking to add to acters for a quarter. Then in high Tickets: $20.00 general admis- its unique collection through a school, I designed custom t- sion, $15 students and seniors. call for submissions from oth- shirts with Prisma Color and Group rates are also available. er art museum art toilet afi- fabric markers, and sold them to NJ Arts Cards are accepted for cionados. my peers. As far as how much discounted ticket pricing. The official submission money I made, let’s just say that process includes sending an im- I was able to pay for my own Club H Fitness age to: submissions @artmuse- prom ticket as well as my date’s 60 Christopher Columbus umtoilet.org. Museum officials ticket…oh yeah, and both of our Jersey City, NJ 07302 ask that each image be labeled limo seats, too. (201) 332-2866 with the name of the museum, Now you might be thinking, The Jersey City Craft the day the photo was taken and “Well that was high school. What about the real world?” Or Mafia Presents ART the name of the photographer. Photos.com ATTACK Featuring over All will be posted if the image maybe you think I’m just lucky. 25 Indie Vendors is selected. Well, let me tell you about three Sunday April 26 1-6pm other artrepreneurs: my broth- www.jerseycitycraftmafia.com/ Call for Artists— Deadline: May ers Mohamed, 22; Moustapha, to turn it into a business. But on Facebook with your success artattack 1, 2009—The Walsh Gallery at 18; and Abou, 20: since not everyone is business- stories. Seton Hall University is seek- Mohamed, a.k.a. Mo, is the minded, we’ve compiled a list Groove on ing submissions for a group ex- C.E.O. of FirstClassDesign of ten things you can do to make Grove 2009 - hibition, entitled Lilliput: Tiny Studio.com. He didn’t study art money as an artist. Wednesday art for big people, created by in school, yet he makes $200 per Oh, yeah, one more tip—this Night Concerts Jeanne Brasile and Asha Ganpat. week designing CD covers and is the most important one of Every Open to all artists working in party flyers in his spare time. all—Draw a picture of ME, and Wednesday any media (including: installa- Moustapha, a.k.a. Big Moust, your sales will go through the evening tion, video and sound art), this and Abou, a.k.a. AJ, are the ed- roof. You’ll have so many bags May 6-Sept 30 from 6:00 to exhibitions will include art itors of T-shirt magazine.com, of money that they won’t fit in 8:00 pm (except June 3 and which is unable to be properly the world’s first online t-shirt the bank! Sept 9), enjoy live music at viewed with the naked eye and magazine. This year, retailers Put these tips to use and I the Grove Street PATH Plaza. requires a magnification tool. nationwide will carry their new promise it’ll make your cash Grove St and Newark Ave Artist may propose to include clothing line Cashletes. stretch longer than giraffes’ http://www.jcdowntown.org/ own magnification tool. All 2-d This doesn’t mean we’re the necks. And when you do start work should be no larger than best artists in the world. All it making dough, send me a cou- JC Fridays is a quarterly 1.5 x 1.5 inches including frame, means is that we recognize the ple of stacks in a brown paper ABDOULAYE CAMARA event held four times a year, 3-d artwork no larger than 1.5 value of our art and found a way bag. Just kidding. But hit me up on the first Friday of every in length, width or height. season (March, June, Proposals should include size September, December) The (and frame size if applicable) Build a Portfolio with the -Display your best artwork. Join Artist Social next JC Fridays will be held and a brief description of the type of work that you wish -Show a list of clients you Networks such as on Friday, June 5th, 2009. submitted artwork. Artists will you1 were paid to do. worked for and include pictures 8DeviantArt, RedBubble, Emptee’s, Amateur be required to provide their own Submit Your Work of the work you did for them Illustrator, Infectious, technology (i.e. speakers, mon- in Art Exhibits (Can someone say “Social and MyArtSpace. itors, i-pods, etc.). 2-You will have the opportunity Proof?”). -Many of them have the added http://library.shu.edu/gallery/Ca to showcase your work to a -Write tutorials on what you do. benefit of online shops in which ll_for_submissions_Lilliput.pdf large audience and someone This establishes you as an au- Open Calls you can sell your art as posters, might buy your art. thority in your field. canvas prints, vinyl stickers, -If the gallery is in a very afflu- Create a Blog postcards, calendars, Gallery Aferro asks you to ent neighborhood, they’ll pay -If you don’t know what a and t-shirt designs. donate an artwork or experi- Internships you big bucks. 6 blog is, you’ve been living ence to their very first benefit under a rock. Gallery Aferro is currently Enter Art Contests Enter Online this June 20th. All proceeds -A blog is a window into your looking to fill part-time -You have the chance to T-shirt Design will be used to cover the costs world. It allows people to build a 9 internship positions for 2009. rake3 in some serious cash. Competitions of finalizing their status as a connection with you as a human Eligibility: Undergraduate, Some contests pay winners like Threadless, nonprofit organization and being. It’s more personal than a DesignBy Graduate students or anywhere from $100-$1,000. expanding the range of website. recent grads. -Even if you don’t win, at least Humans, and programs that they offer. -A cool way to use a blog is To Apply: Email résumé you had the chance to perfect Teextile. Information about donating Art365 or a Sketch a Day. and cover letter to your skill and build your portfo- -You have the chance to win and the event can be found at Basically you post a new sketch [email protected] lio. $1,000 for a t-shirt design. http://www.aferro.org/website on your blog everyday for a -When you see who the win- bakr/wb/pages/submissions/op whole year. This not only encour- Go Viral -Youtube is Jersey City Museum ners are, observe their style and en-calls.php or you can write ages you to draw more, it also the best thing since Applications are accepted on technique. If all of the winners 10 to [email protected] for makes people anticipate your sliced bread. More people have an ongoing basis. Applicants have the same things in common, more information. Art is due next sketch. You could actually become famous from you tube must submit a cover letter, re- you should adopt those elements by June 6, 2009. build a fan base of people wait- than you can shake a stick at. sume, two references from into your own art, so you can win ing to see your next blog post. You probably spend half your professors or previous em- the next contest. Tectonic -Examples of blog services are day on Youtube anyway, ployers, and transcripts to: watching stupid videos, so why Curated by Evonne M. Davis Sandy Martiny, Have Your Work Blogger.com and Wordpress.com at Arts Guild of Rahway Published not use this technology to get Curator of Education Use Social Networks some moolah? Sept. 11 – Oct. 10, 2009 Jersey City Museum -This4 not only exposes your Deadline: June 19th, 2009 work to the world, it also to your advantage. -Make a slideshow video of 350 Montgomery Street 7-If you don’t realize how pow- your artwork For more info: Jersey City, NJ 07302 builds your credibility. People [email protected] will think, “If this artist’s work erful social network sites are, you -Make a video tutorial of your smartiny@jerseycity need to wake up and smell the art. Evonne M. Davis museum.org is in a magazine, they must be c/o Tectonic Exhibit good!” coffee. Everyone and their grand- -Make a vlog (video blog), *Note: Graphic Design stu- mother have a Facebook or showing your art adventures. 248 Sherman Avenue #43 dents should include 3 to 5 New York, NY 10034 Build a Website MySpace. So it makes perfect Give tips to other artists. samples of graphic work with (If you don’t have sense to use them for your art. -Make a commercial for your their application. 5one, you don’t exist) -Examples of social network business. -Register your domain name on sites are MySpace, Facebook, a site like GoDaddy.com. Twitter, Ning, and Digg. April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 9 ARTS The NJCU Art and Design Association Presents TRACE

By Jared Martin

rt-making, like many facets of life, is a process that leaves behind mental andA physical traces. Step by step, artwork is constructed through mental images, real world sources, and accidents and intu- itions. Ultimately, something will emerge that affects both the view- er and the maker. These remnants and works that deal with them were on display in TRACE, a showing of work by New Jersey City University students and alumni. The exhibit was the first to be organized by NJCU’s Art and Photo by Lizette Louis Photo by Lizette Louis Design Association (ADA). ADA Artist Austin Booker with two of his works. members worked with NJCU fac- Alumnus Ciro Romero at the opening of TRACE. ulty advisors and volunteers at Hudson Pride Connections, the non-profit group that hosted the opportunities,” says Jaden male figure. He explained that the from the gallery to celebrate its visit the gallery as the exhibition show in its gallery space at 32 Rogers, a graphic designer who piece is not exactly finished, but completion and share their work. will still be open to the public Jones Street in Jersey City. volunteers at the gallery and caught in progress, thus showing The event was a success, with a through May 29. 32 Jones is eas- Students managed all aspects of helped with the show. a trace in the steps of accomplish- great turnout. ily accessible, located only a few the show, from choosing the The artwork displayed was ment. His other works were dig- “This was the first ADA student blocks from Journal Square. theme, name and logo to prepar- wide-ranging and was comprised ital prints, The Boxer and show of many to come,” says Participating artists include: ing the gallery and hanging work. of drawing, painting, photogra- Heritage (2009), depicting faces Nicole Contrerez, who is the Christie Schneider, Madelynne Working with 32 Jones Gallery phy, mixed media, sculpture, and with visible scars. Here, the trace ADA treasurer and a photogra- Dela Rama, Lizette Louis, Kate proved to be a good fit, giving the installation. Some students pre- is the evidence of a struggle or a phy major. So keep an eye out and Griffin, Ellis Clark, Robert Lach, ADA a chance to expand beyond sented several works, including rite of passage, familiar themes see where this trace in the stu- Allison Marie Thornton, the University. The gallery is vol- Austin Booker, a current sculp- of both artistic and personal pro- dent’s evolution brings them, you Mehasam Mick Reaves, Ivan unteer-based, often showing ture major at NJCU. Booker’s gression. may even want to take home a Petrovsky, Chazz Jogie, Austin emerging and underrepresented welded steel sculpture, entitled Participating artists gathered piece one day! Booker, Willa Goldthwaite, Kelly artists. Progression (2009), took the with family and friends, others The opening reception took Cuenca, Vicki Lo, Cristine “Showing here opens up other shape of an almost life-sized fe- from the art field, and volunteers place on April 11, but be sure to Posner, and Rossana Villaflor. Priscila De Carvalho: Passageways, at the Jersey City Museum By Erik Whalen The Arts Student League of New York in 2006, Priscila has gone his March, the Jersey City on to receive The Pollock-Krasner Museum converted their Foundation Grant, The Aljira Atrium Gallery into a met- Emerge 10 Fellowship, and The ropolitanT web of city life with Immigrant Artist Outreach Priscila De Carvalho’s most Initiative Program all in 2008. recent installation work, Since 2005, Carvalho has pre- Passageways. Opening March 19 sented her work in nearly twenty and running through August 22, group exhibitions. Passageways the exhibition stands as De stands as her first solo work and Carvalho’s largest and most ag- is described by the Jersey City gressive work to date. The piece, Museum as, “conveying the which is 10-feet long and 35-feet complexity, chaos and paradox- wide, consists of common house- es of contemporary life that af- hold materials such as rubber tub- fect America, as a continent, in ing, paper, photographs, and the age of globalization. foam. While addressing the great ills of De Carvalho described her work humanity such as war, poverty as, “simple materials, ranging and drug trafficking, the installa- from vinyl and wire to shoe box- tion also reveals a side of human- es and paint, used to convey the ity that also hungers for joy and urgency and energy of building happiness...concepts of inversion community with what is at hand. and transformation allow a life In these inner cities I create, there without hope to become, howev- a sense of vastness of the com- Photo by Laura Krapacher er briefly, a life without munities that look out from thou- Multimedia installation artist Priscila De Carvalho stands with her work at the opening of the new limits.” sands of windows every day, Spring Exhibitions at Jersey City Museum. Priscila De Carvalho: while raising the question of Passageways is on view at Jersey whether the condition of poverty over your head. Long distorted throughout the substitute towns trained artist, was born in City Museum March 19 through will also be infinite.” staircases cascade down the sides are ominous red denizens en- Curitiba, Brazil and immigrated August 22, 2009. Jersey City At first glance her work can of buildings mimicking the stairs gaged in various activities. De to the United States during the Museum’s gallery hours are from seem overwhelming, with coming down through the moun- Carvalho intertwines her two early 1990s. Featuring in exhibi- Wednesday through Saturday 12 makeshift telephone lines of tub- tain shantytowns. These two worlds and captivates the audi- tions throughout the New York p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for ing crisscrossing back and forth dramatic elements create inter- ence through beaming colors of area, Carvalho has made herself adults, $2 for students. Admission over the poster board and shoe connectivity of generational and city lights and Brazilian carnivale. a staple in politically progressive is free for all on Thursday box tenements stringing inches geographical poverty. Littered Priscila De Carvalho, a self- installation art. Graduating from evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. Page 10 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009

Visiting Artist Lecture Series: ARTS Hector Canonge

By Jared Martin artists like Canonge to present various concepts and narratives ho are you? Who are in a single location where an au- you to your govern- dience can participate. The piece ment, your favorite ce- parallel grounds, which he realW company, or your family? Are worked on with scientists from you counted as a person or a sta- Rutgers University, was part of a tistic? recent exhibition at the Jersey Current communication tech- City Museum called SPRAWL. nology is being used to blur the The show explored the changing lines of the real and virtual, the urban, suburban, and rural land- commercial and personal, and the scapes due to population move- public and private worlds. ments and associated issues. Geography no longer hinders the Canonge spent six months trav- spread of communication, and the eling the state’s twenty-one coun- politics of the control of informa- ties looking for and documenting tion are transforming as individ- signs of sprawl. uals gain the opportunity to The collected data and au- communicate interactively. As a dio/visual components were inte- new model of human interaction grated into a map with barcode emerges, social issues become technologies. Through this inter- Photo courtesy of the artist more complicated, though there face, users where able to scan a Hector Canonge at work in NJCU. are new opportunities to face location on the map, triggering these challenges. sound and video corresponding The issues of identity, migra- to relevant signs of transforma- represented the divide at the such as those living with represented by a vial of fake tion, and geography are just some tion. Like other pieces of USA-Mexican border, but also HIV/AIDS in his projects. Several blood with a barcode behind it, of the many subjects explored by Canonge’s works, the installation signified other walls that have di- installations focus on AIDS and when scanned, it triggers the artist Hector Canonge, NJCU’s alters the use of mass media for vided people. Viewers could look awareness and education, includ- video of their account. The proj- Artist-In-Residence for Spring a more personal experience. through peepholes and see images ing one called 200mm3. He re- ect was shown in both a gallery 2009. Canonge works with visu- In an effort to allow people out- of popular places on the other searched and collected the stories and an AIDS clinic. al experiments that allow users to side the art world to experience side. Participation was encour- and personal accounts of those During his time at NJCU, relate to people and places by ma- his work, Canonge also creates aged through community work- dealing with HIV/AIDS by hold- Canonge was able to use the fa- nipulating the objects he presents. art for use in public places. One shops where children created ing public workshops. To be test- cilities of the Art Department to Like most of Canonge’s work, such project, MurosDistopicos / flags and parents wrote letters to ed for HIV, one does not need to continue his research as well as parallel grounds (2008) makes DystopicWalls (2007), was their native countries. The proj- give their name, but they are giv- work on experimenting for and use of “new media” technologies. housed at the Western Union, ect touches on the political and en a wristband with a code. building some installation ele- New media refers to digital com- Corona Plaza, in Queens, New nostalgic elements in immigra- Canonge takes this impersonal ments. As part of the Visiting munication technologies, often York, a popular connecting point tion and the interaction between and objective information and us- Artist Program he gave a lecture incorporating interaction to take a for those who have emigrated to separated areas. es it to tell stories about the lives, on his work, held a workshop, and person beyond the physical space. this country and their families in Canonge often features the sto- challenges, and hopes of those liv- was available to critique students’ Working in this medium allows their homeland. A two-sided wall ries of under-represented groups ing with the virus. Each person is work. Visiting Artist Lecture Series: ADA Announces New E-Board Steve Brodner

By Willa Goldthwaite paper, the Hudson Dispatch in Union City. Soon after, he be- The Visiting Artist Program gan taking freelance illustration at New Jersey City University assignments from the New York hosts a lecture series focusing Times Book Review. Since then, most memorable projects such on contemporary issues in the his work has been featured in as the Clinton Jell-O mold and art world. On Tuesday, March National Lampoon, Sports the movie poster for Bulworth. 24, world famous caricaturist, Illustrated, Playboy, Esquire, He also gave the students an author, and distinguished lec- Harper’s, and Spy. He current- overview of contemporary his- turer Steve Brodner visited the ly teaches at the School of tory and politics as it relates to Visual Arts building. He talked Visual Arts in New York City. his work. Because our genera- to students about his experience Steve Brodner is also the au- tion can appear apathetic to im- Photo by Willa Goldthwaite working as a satirical illustra- thor of Freedom Fries and has portant political issues, Brodner Current ADA Board: Pres. Lizette Louis, Vice President tor in New York and New published his own journal, The emphasized his opinion that Madelynne Dela Rama, Secretary Kelly Cuenca, Treasurer Jersey for the past thirty years. New York Illustrated News. someone cannot not be into the Nicole Contreras, Public Relations Rossana Villaflor, SGO As a self-proclaimed “crusad- “Illustration is nothing more news. He said that news is not Rep. Narsico Espiritu Jr. ing cartoonist,” Brodner dreamt and nothing less than narrative just a show, and people forget of changing the world through art,” Brodner explained. that. People go different places his art. What Brodner really Illustration is different than for the news. The Daily Show wanted to do was art journal- ‘fine art’ or ‘gallery art’ only and dig.com are just as much ism. because it is telling a literal sto- the news as the five o’clock He said, “If there’s something ry like in an opera, a film or a news. you want to do, don’t wait for novel; it starts with a word. To view some of Steve the assignment.” Many work- Brodner compared good illus- Brodner’s work, visit: ing artists won’t take on a proj- tration to radio shows like This http://www.drawger.com/steveb ect unless it pays, and therefore American Life on NPR. They rodner/. end up doing work they don’t should be looking for the enjoy. By building up a portfo- “essence” of the story. Like a *****This Lecture Series is lio of the type of work you want song or a film, the real mean- made possible with the gener- to do, you are more likely to ing of the story is when you get ous support of the Office of the land a job in that field, “So give the overall feeling of it, not the Dean of the William J. Maxwell yourself assignments,” advised parts that make it up. When il- College of Arts and Sciences Brodner. lustrating for an article or story, along with the Art Department. Photo by Willa Goldthwaite Brodner was born in he said “ask yourself, ‘What’s For further information contact New ADA Board: President Austin Booker, Vice President Brooklyn and graduated from the essence of this piece of writ- Assistant Professor Brian Stephanie Herrera, Secretary Chazz Jogie, Treasurer Cooper Union. He started out ing?’” Gustafson. Call 201.200.2179 Cristine Posner, Public Relations Narsico Espiritu Jr., as a cartoonist at a local news- Brodner spoke on some of his or email [email protected]. SGO Rep. Nicole Contreras April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 11

HEY YOU!

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If you will be a student at NJCU for one or both semesters in 2009-2010, The Gothic Times needs you.

Students of ALL majors interested in joining the newspaper staff in any capacity (writer, reporter, photographer, artist, web editor, section editor, etc.) should send an email to [email protected]. Please be sure to include your contact information, areas of interest, and journalistic samples/experience, if any. Also, remember to indicate your Gothic Times interest in the subject line to ensure a speedy response.

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Until then, good luck with finals & have a great summer! Page 12 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 ADVICE Hidden Survivors: GoBy Kimberley GreenPersaud today! oing green” is heard almost everywhere we go, whether it is by word of mouth or the Students Who Have evening news, but what exactly does “go- Been Sexually Abused “Ging green” mean? The term refers to the changes we can and should make in our By Alissa Koval-Dhaliwal, daily lives, which in turn positively af- Ph.D., Psychologist fects our earth and environment. NJCU Counseling Center Because “going green” is now such a big issue, many companies are doing any have never shared what more to provide environmentally friend- happened to them. They have ly products. Toyota has come out with been too afraid, or too the hybrid Camry and Prius that now Mashamed, or too mistrustful of their own come with all the added amenities that perceptions. Some have told, only to be luxury cars offer. Hybrid cars such as the met with blame, dismissal, or disbelief. Toyota Prius offer 50 miles to the gallon And some have concealed their expe- and are nearly emission-free and fairly riences from their own consciousness, priced at about $20,000. Better miles to deeply burying memories and emotions. the gallon means more money in your Although their stories remain largely pockets, all while helping the earth. So, unspoken, there are many more sexual if you’re in need of a car, opting for a hy- abuse survivors among us than most of brid is a smart choice both economically us would ever imagine. and environmentally. Walking and bik- The statistics are sobering. According ing are also eco-friendly and heart-healthy to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest ways to get around. National Network), There are several easy and rather con- • 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will venient ways to help the planet, starting be sexually violated during their life- within the home. Cleaning products, such time as Clorox have come out with a green line that negatively impact the earth. Also, by time you liter. It’s rewarding to know that • College age women are 4 times more that uses natural plant oils instead of us- walking with your own canvas bag can you are doing something positive for likely than the general population to be ing harsh chemicals that can cause aller- help to cut down on garbage. These bags yourself but also for the earth. sexually assaulted gic reactions and respiratory problems in can be used repeatedly to pack groceries Start by making small changes like un- • 15% of sexual abuse and rape vic- humans along with posing a risk to the among other things. Surprisingly, paper plugging unused appliances and turning tims are under age 12 environment. Unplugging small appli- bags are just as harmful to the environ- off lights and water that aren’t being used. • 93% of juvenile sexual assault vic- ances such as cell phone chargers, toast- ment as plastic because they both produce Slowly but surely if we start making tims know their attacker ers, hairdryers, etc. saves bundles of pollution when being made. changes we will reap the benefits of this Sexual abuse and assault affects vic- energy. Changing from incandescent Although these are just a few sugges- beautiful world. Since global warming tims in a variety of ways. Regardless bulbs to fluorescent bulbs lasts longer, tions on how to start your process on “go- affects our future generations we need to of the form of violation one has sur- saves more energy and thus saves you ing green,” there is an abundant amount start today! vived – non-consensual sexual contact money. of information on how to help improve To learn more visit these by a stranger, acquaintance, family When making your weekly grocery run, our planet. The best way to help this “going green” websites: member, or partner; childhood sexual by buying organic and locally grown fruits cause is by spreading the word. Want to environment.nationalgeographic.com/ abuse or assault as an adult; abuse in- and vegetables you can help reduce the help make the earth a better place? http://www.thegreenguide.com/ volving bodily penetration or no pene- amount of pesticides you not only eat, but Remember the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, http://www.thedailygreen.com/going- tration - the psychological impact can are also boycotting the use of pesticides Recycle. Remember these words the next green/ be destructive to the individual, their well-being, and their relationships. Long-term challenges with self-esteem, body image, trust, intimacy, identify- ing feelings, and sexuality are common among survivors. Many experience Find the Job You Want Now struggles with concentration, anxiety, ith the recession rearing its ug- job you’re seeking. depression, sleep disturbances, and ad- ly head, one should not lose Organize and prioritize: Make a list diction, all of which can impede school hope when looking for a job. to help keep track of your job search ef- and work performance. Whether one There are general guidelines you can fol- forts. Preparing a list also helps you to or- was recently assaulted or abused long W low to find work faster. Below are tips ganize your priorities and keeps you ago, if the emotional impact is not dealt from hr.dop.wa.gov/jobtips to help you focused on your goal — finding your per- with, its insidious effects will likely still with any job search. fect job. be present years later. Network: Most people find jobs through Do your homework: Read the newspa- To help yourself or someone you love, word-of-mouth. Talk to the people you per and trade journals to remain current learning more about recovery from sex- know, including relatives, friends, pro- on developments in your field of interest. ual abuse and assault can be a helpful fessors, and former co-workers. Let them Knowing the latest trends and mergers start. There are many excellent online know that you are looking for work; ask will help set you apart from other candi- resources available. Among them: their advice; seek out introductions to peo- dates in an interview. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National ple in the field that interests you. Practice, practice, practice: Network (RAINN) – www.rainn.org Customize: Create a custom version of Preparation is the key to a successful in- The National Sexual Violence your resume for each job or industry that terview. Know your skills and be ready Resource Center (NSVRC) - interests you. Your resume is usually an to illustrate how they relate to the job in www.nsvrc.org employer’s first contact with you. Make question. Practice with a friend to get Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA) sure it highlights your skills that relate to comfortable with your responses and to always send a thank-you note the same - www.siawso.org the job that employer is seeking to fill. formulate strong answers to questions you day. New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Know yourself: Identify your skills. might not anticipate. Keep your head up: Looking for a job Assault (NJCASA) - www.njcasa.org Work on communicating them effective- Follow up: Follow up on all leads as can feel like a job in itself. Don’t let it It can also be very important to one’s ly. You need to be able to lay out your soon as possible. If you don’t, your com- get you down. With patience and hard healing to talk to caring others, which skills, and explain how they relate to the petition may. And, following an interview, work, you will find the right job. may include disclosing to someone you trust, joining a support group, or begin- ning therapy with a trained profession- al such as a counselor, social worker, or psychologist. Attention Jersey City Residents! For more informa- tion about on-campus and community sup- Do you know who you're voting for Mayor on port, contact the NJCU Tuesday May 12? If not, here are the candidates: Counseling Center at 201-200-3165, or the Jeremiah Healy, Lou Manzo, Harvey L. Smith, Phil Speicher-Rubin Webb, and Dan Levin. For more information, go to Women’s Center at www.jerseycityindependent.com/2009-jersey-city- 201-200-3189. Photo by Komal Zafar elections/. April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 13 CULTURE ‘LANDMARKS’ Exhibition at NJCU

By Vanessa Velez rounded the television on the ground in a chaotically deliberate When trying to view fashion. The video is a film of “Landmarks,” a mixed-media art Prosch herself falling to the show on display at New Jersey ground—whether premeditated- City University’s Lemmerman ly or not is for the interpretation of Gallery, curated by Jillian the viewer. Each time she falls, Hernandez and featuring the work she removes a garment until she is of Ali Prosch and the GisMo col- eventually left only to her bare lective (Jessica Gispert and Crystal skin. According to the show’s Molinary), I found it ironic that pamphlet written by Hernandez, the doors were locked. “The video...captures the body The irony is this: “Landmarks” is unraveling as it encounters fail- a participant in the Feminist Art ure and becomes increasingly ex- Project. FAP, aside from being a posed.” “a collaborative national initiative The photography series by celebrating the Feminist Art GisMo was shot in Florida’s Movement and the aesthetic, in- Everglades National Park. One of tellectual and political impact of the more stunning photo series women on the visual arts, art his- were pictures of women standing tory and art practice, past and pres- phantasmagorically surrounded ent,” their mission statement also by a sprawling cloud-filled sky says, “The Feminist Art Project is and the vivid natural green of the a strategic intervention against the Everglades. The women are wear- ongoing erasure of women from ing nothing but white reworked the cultural record.” Just as girdles fashioned to complement women have been shut out from their curves rather than constrict the cultural record, I was shut out them. Also adorned with elegant- from what I would soon find out ly crafted beadwork, the photos would be a fantastically enlight- create a surreal take on the female ening visual experience. form and the female disposition Eventually being able to enter in a world where fashion often the gallery, I found myself in an fosters insecurity and idealistic old-fashioned, gothic-styled sun- beauty creates a pantomime rather lit room surrounded by extreme- Photos by Midori Yoshimoto than paints of portrait of true fem- (left to right) is: Crystal ly vivid photography and a ininity. Molinary, Ali Prosch, Jessica different film playing in every cor- When asked about her take on Gispert, and Jillian ner. The room was like two the show, Christine Hanna, an 18- Hernandez (curator). worlds colliding to create a womb year-old NJCU media arts major that radiated femininity, in its begins to frisk and grope the land and gallery attendant, said “This purest, most natural existence: as she searches for nests of eggs. is the first time I’ve seen women women trying to exist naturally in The eggs, white balloons filled taking charge. I think it's very pos- a world which succumbs to out- with powder. Upon finding the itive and powerful for women dated views. eggs, she tries to horde them be- who may not feel comfortable in Although all of the work was ex- neath herself only to find them their own skin.” cellently conceived, certain pieces exploding and enveloping her in Featured at the Lemmerman would etch themselves unforget- powder. The creature’s outlandish Gallery from March 16 through tably into a viewer’s mind. One reaction to the destruction of the April 15,“Landmarks” was a such piece was a film by Ali eggs is supposed to represent a wonderful addition to NJCU’s Art Prosch entitled “Not My Mama.” nonconforming, nonjudgmental Department’s repertoire and The sepia-toned film was reminis- view towards the dogmas that are reputation of presenting talented cent of the silent films of Fritz usually associated with the nur- young artists present among the Lang. A bacchalian-fashioned fe- turing mother. University’s student body while male wood nymph (the costume Another of Prosch’s videos was also presenting progressive, also created by Prosch) emerges displayed on a TV catty-cornered sharp-minded ideas to the rest from a swamp. With spastic, al- on the floor of the gallery. Wigs, of the college’s campus commu- most orgasmic movements, she cheap beads, and torn girdles sur- nity.

BOOK REVIEW ‘The Ark Sakura’ By Alexander Neilson theme and others as Mole attempts to several themes within a single book assemble a crew to populate a vast, un- (old age, social disconnect and sur- The Ark Sakura opens with Mole, its derground fallout shelter that he has in- vival/evolution are others touched overweight, socially awkward protago- tricately constructed to be the “new upon in The Ark Sakura) and will nist, examining a eupcaccia, or clock- world” after the global nuclear war he work to develop action and char- bug, at a curio stand. As described by the sees as inevitable. The shelter centers on acters which are not necessarily purveyor of the stand, the eupcaccia an enormous and powerful toilet that can crucial to advancing his thesis. evolved in such a way that its legs atro- dispose of anything from feces to dead Twenty-five years after its initial phied and finally disappeared. The bee- bodies, putting Mole’s goal of a com- publication, the lessons and in- tle-like bug then survived by feeding off munity that functions like a eupcaccia sights of The Ark Sakura still ap- of its own excrement, using its rounded within reach. Like most ideals though, ply to an industrialized world that stomach as a fulcrum on which to rotate the “eupcaccia society” becomes per- is too often choking on its own sur- in a perfect circle, excreting and con- verted when Mole, a maladroit leader, feit. That poignancy combined with suming its excretion at a constant rate tries to put it into practice at the helm of Abe’s able writing and varied char- until its death. a band of outcasts with competing inter- acters make The Ark Sakura both Mole feels a “strong sense of intimacy ests and skill sets. an intellectually rewarding and en- with the bug” and its harmonious, self- Kobo Abe is often referred to in the tertaining read. sustaining existence. For Mole the eup- West as the Japanese Kafka, and the sim- caccia is the ideal model for humanity’s ilarities are obvious as both use bleak, ***The Ark Sakura by Kobo Abe, future and he envisions a society in surreal allegories to highlight the ills and pub. 1984 in the original Japanese which humans can also process waste as absurdities of modern life. But where 1988 Translation by Juliet quickly as they produce it, thereby avoid- Kafka remains tightly focused on a sin- Winters Carpenter, pub. Knopf.*** ing being engulfed by their own garbage. gle theme throughout the course of a The novel continues to explore this novel or short story, Abe will address www.fantasticfiction.co.uk Page 14 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT Tiye Phoenix Speaks Out

By Lyle Hickman administration at Rawkus prevent- from Asbury Park, New Jersey. “I ed Phoenix’s debut album from loved her; she’s really multi-tal- o even harder,” the being released, but it did not stop ented, from singing to rapping and New Jersey City her from creating material. singing again,” Navarin said re- University crowd “Featuring Tiye Phoenix” is read ferring to Phoenix. “Gcheered in sync with the emcee on the backs of numerous projects “When people are inspired by seated with legs crossed comfort- including Little Brother’s And the spoken word, it is almost or- ably in the front of Multipurpose Justus for All, Reflection Eternal’s gasmic,” Phoenix said about the Room B, singing the inspirational Train of Thought, and Kendra event. chorus and title to her final song. Ross’s New Voice. In 2006 the Phoenix, an emcee and graduate Heads swung like see-saws back self-produced independent solo of the University of Maryland and forth, sustained by the mel- project Black Athena was released, College Park, prefers performing lifluous words of Tiye Phoenix. followed by Break Glass, a col- at intuitive collegiate atmospheres As a hip hop artist and a woman laborative effort between DJ as opposed to standing-room-on- named after the mother of King Spinna, Mr. Complex, Shabaam ly club venues. Tut and a mythical bird, Phoenix Sadeeq and Phoenix as the “In universities, crowds are so aims to entertain and empower lis- Polyrhythm Addicts. attentive. In concerts there’s teners with her tactfully chosen “Being that I’m a phoenix and a Blackberries going off and smoke words. phoenix is immortal and it rebirths in the air…You can have their at- “A phoenix is a bird symbolic of itself at all times, I would have to tention but there are other distrac- immortality, change and progres- say that I’m as old as the universe tions,” Phoenix said, “In college sion, so I’d like to always think itself,” Phoenix said when asked environments, everyone knows I’m getting better no matter what her age. how to give you 100 percent of I’m going through,” said Phoenix. Performing as Tiye Phoenix for their attention.” As an apprentice of Hank and fifteen years, she found herself at As the feature, Phoenix per- Keith Shocklee of the Bomb NJCU on March 5. formed three songs off of her up- Squad, the sound behind the icon- “I had an amazing time,” coming album Half Woman Half ic hip hop group Public Enemy, Phoenix said, closing Women Amazing slated to be released on Phoenix learned about the music Speak Out, the annual Women’s Babygrande Records this spring. industry. Phoenix, once part of the History Month celebration at She began with the didactic D.C. based, all-female S.O.U.L. NJCU. Phoenix shared the stage “Master Plan,” which urges sub- Food Symphony, left the group, with students, Jerica Hayes, mission to the flow of the universe www.trenzaonline.com eventually landing a deal with the Tiffany Salas, Jennifer Morette and that which is uncontrollable. Tiya Phoenix highly-praised Rawkus Records. and SueLye Guerra, staff, Renata “The piece touched me because While at Rawkus Records, Moriera, Tamara Tertulien- I’m going through that, learning Phoenix took charge of her career, Jackson and Leah “Lyric” how to not try to control every as- essence of hip hop and she’s a an ecstatic NJCU crowd cried for being the first artist at that label Jackson, and host Yamara Salazar. pect of my life and just let things breath of fresh air for hip hop. She an encore. After considering the to broker an album deal, while la- Each performer at Women Speak go,” said Melissa Gutzmore, a 22- represented for the women in hip roaring requests from the ram- bel mates like Mos Def and Talib Out communicated through dance, year-old business management hop as an ill intellectual,” said bunctious audience, Phoenix nod- Kweli had 12-inch single deals. musical instrumentation, spoken major from Neptune, New Jersey. Justin Raney, a 21-year-old sen- ded in agreement. “The Rawkus era was a really word, hip hop and rhythm and The second song “The Award” ior criminal justice major from Phoenix grabbed the mic, urged indelible imprint on hip hop. I feel blues. critiques the removal of the best Roselle, New Jersey. students to seize their destiny, tap so privileged that I was blessed to “I wasn’t going to go, but I’m female hip hop artist category At the end of the night, Phoenix their infinite potential and “Go be a part of it,” Phoenix said. glad I did,” said Rogena Navarin, from most major music awards. stopped the CD of her instrumen- Even Harder.” Label merges and changes with a 22-year-old psychology major “She brought it back to the true tals with hopes of departing, but

GAMING REVIEW ‘Resident Evil 5’ for the Xbox 360 By Gustavo Lazo The plot? Well, it would seem fun experience. that Chris Redfield, the beloved The inventory system functions f the original Resident Evil Special Forces agent from in real time, which means you are video game was your student Resident Evil and Code: Veronica, open to attack when you’re brows- film, the remodeled Resident is sent as part of a U.N.-sponsored ing for another weapon. Some de- EvilI 4, your B-grade independent task force to apprehend an arms sign choices are baffling, like why horror movie, then Resident Evil 5 dealer selling, what else, but bio- a bulletproof vest takes up one of is undoubtedly your Hollywood logical weapons on the African the nine slots available to each summer blockbuster. black market. Something goes ter- character even though you can see Resident Evil 5 is the most gor- ribly wrong and now the populace your character wearing said vest. geous game on Microsoft’s Xbox of the fictional nation Kijuju car- Why do several of the same-col- 360 console since The Elder ries inside them a viral infection ored healing herbs take up differ- Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Its character dubbed Las Plagas and it’s up to ent inventory slots when you can designs are incredibly smooth in our heroes to find out the truth. carry up to five of the same movement with the help of mo- The plot is just as predictable, grenade in one slot? Why do you tion-capture technology. Its pro- amusing, and dumb as its prede- have a limit of only 250 handgun tagonists, Chris Redfield and cessors. Watching the awful truth bullets a box when you could just Sheva Alomar, are right out of unfold via cut-scenes is usually a as easily carry 700 and more in Dolce & Gabbana ads. They are treat despite how obtrusive they one slot? beautiful people immersed in can be when all you want to do is Partners can attack cooperative- gruesome and harrowing situa- open a door or pick up a key. ly. If one person is being held by tions set in extraordinary, photo- Resident Evil 5 follows a simi- an enemy, the other person can realistic representations of African lar control scheme to Resident Evil come to their rescue with a push shantytowns, villages, desert roads 4. It makes use of the same over- of the B button. If they weaken an and mountains. Another African- the-shoulder camera. Its biggest enemy, they can perform melee set game, last year’s Far Cry 2, change comes in the form of attacks together and conserve am- flaunted equally astonishing parts Sheva, who can be controlled by mo. Some situations call for one of the continent with its detailed another player allowing for a co- character to assist another in or- virtual grasslands, desert, and sa- operative mode with or without der to advance to a next area. vanna environments. Far Cry 2 an internet connection. Items such Sheva in the single-player story had the advantage of being a sand- as ammunition or gold for pur- mode isn’t the worst artificially- box title, with nearly 20 square chasing weapons and items can be controlled partner I’ve worked miles to explore according to its picked up by either character and with in a video game, but she’s not designers. Resident Evil 5 is the stored in a limited, nonsensical the sharpest tool in the shed either. opposite in its linear path of sto- three-by-three nine-slot invento- www.google.com rytelling and exploration. ry system plaguing an otherwise Continued on page 15 April 28, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 15 ENTERTAINMENT Physical Media v. Downloadable Services

By Mohammad Hassan loading movies and other form of entertainment at high speed, they ith the recent advance- have to spend a big amount of ments in technology, money. On the other hand, phys- faster internet connec- ical media such as DVDs and tionsW and the ability to down- CDs don’t demand such a high load almost anything off the price tag or have you worrying internet, the battle between the about them getting any sorts of physical media such as DVDs, computer viruses. One of the Blu-ray Discs and CDs vs. biggest advantages of physical downloadable services such as media is that it is very reliable iTunes is becoming more bru- and if handled properly can last tal. a long time. Not to mention the Nonetheless it’s a battle which Blu-Ray disk, which recently will last for a long time. Both of won as the standard High these formats are competing Definition media of choice, is fiercely for their place in the en- guaranteed to be even more tertainment world and for con- durable and longer lasting the a sumer attention and their wallets. standard DVD. Not to mention the arrival and And let’s be honest people, popularity of High Definition computers don’t provide the same TVs and Blu-Ray players has al- amount of joy and excitement so fueled this battle to mega pro- while watching a movie that a big portions. However, both of these screen TV does. People like to formats have their advantages watch movies and their favorite and drawbacks. shows with their family and Internet downloading services friends, not sitting in front of their are becoming a big thing, what computer, alone. You don’t have with the recent advancements of to wait 4 to 5 hours just so that internet technology and the ar- you can watch a 90-minute rival of popular and reliable movie. Most importantly, a huge downloading services such as www.photos.com number of consumers aren’t very Apple’s iTunes store. With many tech savvy. If downloading was movie studios, record companies ing movies and TV shows is that tail store if they buy the exact Computers can crash; they can really the future then movie rental making deals with iTunes, it has many people do not have the lux- same show in a box set. get viruses and all sorts of things services such as Netflixs and become one of the biggest ven- ury of time to sit in front of their Another problem with down- which can damage the computer Blockbusters wouldn’t be so pop- dors of music and movie down- computer and wait for the movie loadable media lies with the com- beyond repair and one can end up ular. Downloadable media might loads. The service allows the user or the show to be downloaded to puters themselves. Though with losing all those movies and mu- be cheaper but it involves a com- to purchase a variety of movies, their computer. The majority of the recent advancements in com- sic and TV shows in an instant. plex and expensive procedure to TV shows and music directly to people like to go to a retail store puter hardware, computers have So, while downloading has its ad- be fully enjoyed. With a society their computer. However, they and buy it on a DVD because it become much more robust, how- vantages, it also has its fair share that never has time; download- can only be used on an iPod or is easy and convenient. ever, with these economic times of problems. able media still has a long way to can only be played on your com- Oftentimes, people end up buy- average consumers wallet has Bottom-line, if a consumer go to win consumers’ hearts and puter and cannot be transferred ing individual episodes on the in- tightened significantly. Not to wants the most out of a down- minds as the de facto choice to to a blank disc. But perhaps the ternet which costs consumers mention the constant worries we loading service and likes his or get their favorite movies and biggest problem with download- more than they would pay at a re- have about our computers. hers computer capable of down- shows. ‘Resident Evil 5’

Continued from page 14 I highly recommend the two-play- er cooperative mode because it’s not only enjoyable, but reward- ing, thoughtful, and the teamwork is definitely more natural and re- alistic. Single-player Sheva is like your child that you have to take with you to work when the babysitter is sick. She’ll run around and ex- plore and pick things up that you don’t want her to touch but rather than wag your finger at her, you just open up her inventory and Photos from www.google.com take those items away. You can al- so set your partner in “Attack” mode, where they go on a killing the substantial amounts of bonus- cal games not using an internet spree, using every last bullet, or es by the game’s end a cinch. Even connection. It hasn’t changed dras- the more reasonable “Cover,” quick-timer events during cut- tically since 2005, but this is still where they learn to conserve am- scenes are few and far in between. the best Resident Evil game since mo. There are some great and terrify- the last one. Take it from some- The resource management game ing boss battles to be found here, one who isn’t even a big fan of the of Resident Evil is as pivotal as despite how easy they are to de- series. ever. In many cases, you’ll find feat. yourself low on ammo and will What I enjoy about Resident Evil have to rely on your partner for 5 the most is how unapologetical- more or make use of melee at- ly Hollywood it is and the efforts tacks. The difficulty as the game the designers went to make it feel progresses fairly increases. like a big movie that’s opening on Enemies are, in addition to being the Fourth of July weekend. It’s quite monstrous, challenging and loud and explosive in presenta- never really unfair. In fact, tion, visuals, and audio. Its score Resident Evil 5 may be the least consists of tense big-budget ac- punishing of the series because it tion pieces worthy of Harry allows players to replay through Gregson-Williams. The controls the game’s chapters, collecting ex- are decent at best—why can’t I tra weapons and treasure and al- aim and move at the same time? lowing you to transfer your The cooperative mode, a first in a inventory to new games and new canonical Resident Evil title, chapters. This makes unlocking works surprisingly well, even lo- Page 16 The Gothic Times April 28, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT MOVIE REVIEW‘I Love You, Man’ APW: A Promising Prospect By Kimberley Persaud By Efrain Calderon Jr. Keith, and the Ting Tings. The Festival closes strong with Love You, Man is downright s summer quickly ap- headliners Coldplay, Echo & one of the funniest Bromance proaches, so do the the Bunnymen, and MGMT, as comedies of the year. The growing number of mu- well as the Black Keys, chemistry between Paul Rudd and sic festivals throughout the Silversun Pickups, Mogwai, IJason Segel is undeniably explo- A country. Whether it’s the and The Gaslight Anthem. sive on film. Peter Klaven, (Paul Pitchfork Music Festival or With each day priced at $89, Rudd) is an L.A. real-estate agent Lollapalooza, both in Chicago it seems smart to pick up a and by most standards a man who or Bonnaroo in Tennessee, three-day pass for $199. If that better fits the description of a boy there is no shortage of options still seems unreasonable, when it comes to his awkwardly if one is ready to book a flight Goldenvoice has provided a shy personality. Because of his and hotel or fill up the gas tank layaway plan to handle the upcoming nuptials to the beauti- and buy some camping sup- three-day passes in multiple ful Zooey Rice (Rashida Jones), plies. payments. If money is no ob- he finds himself in quite a jam. Luckily for New Jersey City ject, VIP and Platinum tickets The lack of male friends causes University students, the second are available for $189 or $439 Peter to become frantic in his annual All Points West Music per day respectively. Perks search for a best man after over- & Arts Festival is a far more af- gained from these small fortune hearing a conversation Zooey has fordable outing. July 31 tickets include quick event en- with her friends. through August 2 Liberty State try, special viewing areas, Peter’s desperate search for a Park’s 80-acre space will trans- catered lunches, and air-condi- friend leads him straight to the in- form into a three stage kingdom tioned trailers. If you’re having ternet, which many know can of- where music will rule and the music fest fever, All Points West ten times lead to strange New York City Skyline will is your best bet without break- experiences, and that’s exactly function as its backdrop. Last ing the bank. what Peter finds. Rudd does a bru- year, All Points West brought For more information or tally good job at depicting the attendees two nights of to purchase tickets log on to painfully awkward Peter yet Radiohead. Goldenvoice, coor- www.apwfestival.com. comes across as a sincerely sweet, dinating the event, have topped adorable guy. It’s hard not feel- themselves this year providing ing badly for him, but the laughs festival-goers with a rich keep coming anyway. Peter often selection of great in- tries to fit in creating intensely die-pop and hip-hop, clumsy and strikingly uncomfort- established super able scenes. groups, and newer acts Just when you feel Peter’s luck movieweb.com buzzing just under the may be running out, he befriends radar. Sydney Fife (Jason Segel) who at Friday features the first seems to be an outspoken, in- Peter to the ‘man cave’ where he share of fun and trouble as Beastie Boys, Yeah Yeah your-face freeloader who eats has big screen TV’s, electric gui- Sydney, unlike Peter, is a free Yeahs, and Vampire more than he can chew at the tars and drums, causing Peter and man, in everyway possible. It is Weekend, along with Fleet open-house of Lou Ferrigno (The Sydney to rock out on a regular ridiculously funny watching the Foxes, Pharcyde, and Q-tip. Incredible Hulk). To say the least, basis. Together they share a love instant bond between the two of Saturday brings Tool, the re- Sydney is quite the character with for the band Rush and become them. united My Bloody Valentine, his extreme gestures. He is a even closer. Peter and Sydney are “I Love You, Man” is cleverly the ever chaotic Gogol burly, manly specimen who hap- quite the pair. written and simply hilarious. It’s Bordello, as well as Crystal pens to have his very own mas- They share many hilarious laugh the ideal movie for people who Castles, Arctic Monkeys, Kool turbation chair. Sydney introduces out loud scenes. They have their just love to laugh. THE VIRTUAL STUDENT CENTER AT NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

The Virtual Student Center (VSC) is an electronic tool that centralizes campus and external support services into an interactive electronic format accessible to students via the NJCU homepage and the GothicNet portal. http://web.njcu.edu/dept/vsc

NJCU is committed to providing its student population with the resources needed to meet and exceed their academic, leadership, and career goals. With that objective in mind, the VSC’s interactive academic/student support service site is the online guide to:

• Accessing online academic assistance in math, statistics, writing, literacy and the sciences • Locating on-campus Student Support Services available at NJCU including tutoring services and study skills assistance • Acquiring information about your major including scholarships, research opportunities, and internships • Accessing quick-links to Campus Life and NJCU student clubs and organizations • Learning about the various NJCU Learning Communities For more information, contact Rafael Gajilan, University Service Center Coordinator, via email at [email protected].