The Official Student Newspaper of New Jersey City University

Volume XIX, Issue 7 WWW.GOTHICTIMESNETWORK.COM March 24, 2009 Security Concerns Some at NJCU By Kimberley Persaud Harman’s advice to students is to always think of their own per- ome students are split down sonal safety. He said students the middle as to just how should not become targets by safe the campus grounds flashing iPods, cell phones, or areS at New Jersey City University. GPS systems. He also noted there Some students feel that campus are shuttle services available to is safe, while others disagree. One students, and should be utilized major issue students have about by them. The Knight Rider takes NJCU security is that anyone can students home within a 10-mile walk onto campus without being radius from the school, a safe al- screened. This is thought to jeop- ternative to walking home alone. ardize the safety of students and Harman welcomed students to staff alike. speak with him should they have Student Hezekiah Harris be- any inquiries or concerns. The lieves campus is unsafe. “There Public Safety office is located in are way too many incidents of Vodra Hall, Room 116. people getting mugged on cam- “Never suffer in silence,” he pus. For example, my friend got said. mugged for his cell phone in the parking lot,” said Harris, a senior Every year, in accordance with and criminal justice major. He the Student Right to Know Campus adds that NJCU should have its Security Act, Public Safety releas- own police patrol. es the previous year’s crime According to NJCU Public statistics. The 2008 report can be Safety’s disclosure of crime sta- found at http://web.njcu.edu/sites/ tistics on campus, in 2007, there www.photos.com publicsafety/Uploads/clery_report were 42 reports of vandalism, 9 _2008.pdf. To learn more about reports of harassment, and a total campus security measures, visit of 57 reports of larceny ranging that there are very few schools make campus life as safe as pos- NJCU also plans on expanding http://web.njcu.edu/sites/publicsaf from under $50 to over $200. that check IDs. However, he said sible. In the last three years, more surveillance cameras and card ac- ety/Content/default.asp or call Would NJCU benefit by having that many of the security guards than 65 cameras have been in- cess throughout the campus as 201-200-3127/3128. its own police, thus preventing are “fairly good at recognizing stalled throughout the campus and well as implementing turnstiles future problems? Perhaps. students” and because most stu- public safety is planning on in the lobby of the library, to en- Nevertheless, though Bruce D. dents have a steady schedule, adding more. The Gothic Alert sure that only NJCU students can Harman, NJCU’s Director of many of the security guards re- emergency notification system enter. If a person is not from the Public Safety, understands the member faces. NJCU also has and the PAsystem have made re- school, then they will need to logic behind a college having its over 195 emergency phones lo- ceiving important information a show ID. own police, he said it is a very ex- cated throughout campus that quick and effortless process for “I definitely feel safe here be- The Gothic pensive prospect. record the incoming calls, in case many students. cause there are always students Times Wins Harman also said the checking they are needed for future refer- Danielle Church, a student at walking around, even at night,” of school IDs would slow down ence. NJCU, said, “I think Gothic Alert said Cinthia Diaz, psychology Accolades! the process of students traveling Harman said NJCU is a school is great. Just the other day I got a major from North Bergen. “It’s to and from the campus which can that is conscious of security and text saying school would be also a diverse and friendly cam- See page 6 make it “cumbersome.” He stated will take every step in trying to closed due to bad weather.” pus.”

WORD ON CAMPUS: Continued on page What’s the best April Fool’s Prank you’ve ever pulled/had pulled on you?

Andray Tandacharry, 24, Kristy Casanovas, 22, Juan Perez, 28, Senior, Chemistry/Biology, Senior, Early Childhood Senior, Psychology, Jersey City Education/Sociology, Bayonne When I was 14, I put I’ve never played an April Fool’s Hillside peanut butter on toilet pa- joke on anyone and I can’t I took my friend’s positive per, threw it on my brother remember any people have played pregnancy test and showed it to and told him it was poop. on me, so I guess there haven’t my mom. I said “Guess what?” been any good ones. and she flipped out.

Rohesia Hicks, 23, Senior, Jennifer Mullan, MA, 30, Glenn Bryant Jr., 20, Psychology, Peers Educating Junior, Psychology, Newark Peers coordinator, Newark My boyfriend at the time’s sister said he Jersey City In high school my friends was cheating on me. Some chick an- When my little cousin was born and I bought fart spray and swered his phone and said she was sleep- the doctor came out and said sprayed it all over the air ing in his bed. I went to his house and “It’s a girl!” Five minutes later conditioners and heaters. into his room with mace in my hand ready he came out and said, We stunk up the building to pull back the covers, and it was his “It’s a boy!” We all thought it and cleared out the whole cousin. I had people waiting was unprofessional but then we fourth floor. outside and people almost got hurt, so laughed about it. that’s why I don’t like April Fool’s jokes. Mike Preen, 37, Graduate Student, Jazz Anonymous Ramsey Norman, 20, Third year, Performance, New Orleans When I was 16 I was very serious with my boyfriend Jazz Performance, My girlfriend put a rubber band around the spray nozzle but my family didn’t like him. So I brought him to din- Middletown on the sink so it sprayed all over me when ner and told them I was pregnant. I got reactions like I put saran wrap on the toilet seat. I turned it on. people spitting out food and throwing dishes, and if I had known that would happen I wouldn’t have done it. Interviews & Photography by Jaclyn Foglio Page 2 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 NEWS Stimulus brings hope to NJCU By Komal Zafar Science Department. “Obama’s stimulus plan represents a bold s the recession concerns move by the Democrats to try to disturb many Americans, remake the case to the American The New Jersey City people that government can be a UniversityA (NJCU) community positive force in society.” shows an optimistic view toward “You don’t know what works President Barack Obama’s pro- until you try it,” said Aheenia posed stimulus package. Johnson, 32, an economics major “I think the stimulus package is from Jersey City. “Do you do necessary because we have to stop nothing at all and let the country the downward spiral of the econ- go into financial disaster, or do omy to lift it back up,” said John you try something and pray it Maple, 52, a mathematics major works?” from Jersey City. “It is to get more According to the stimulus money to economy, to get more spending, Energy and people buying American prod- Environment is the top priority, ucts, to rebuild highways, to in- given a portion of almost $100 vest in energies, to refurbish some billion. The Department of www.google.com of the buildings such as schools, Energy was given $74.70 billion; Green energy sources and stemcell research are two areas the stimulous money can help open up and to encourage [people] to Dept. of the Interior $9.34 billion; jobs in New Jersey. spend money.” Atomic Energy Defense Activities According to www.CNN.com, $6.57 billion; Corps of Engineers is offering the Education The tax rebates are intended to sion],” said Dena Gountis, 39, an the U.S. House of Representatives $4.6 billion; Bureau of Department a sum of $41.56 bil- encourage spending, which will education major from Bayonne. passed an $819 billion stimulus Reclamation $1.4 billion; and oth- lion, with a large amount going revive the economy over time. “He has the potential to do it.” plan by a vote of 244 to 188 on er agencies $1.76 billion. to student loans—$13.93 billion “I think Obama is headed in the “The idea that government can January 28, 2009. After much de- “In terms of encouraging [a] for student financial assistant and right direction with the tax cuts,” be part of the solution rather than bate between the Senate and green environment in the long aid administration. said Scott McKenzie, secretary of the problem has not had much fa- House of Representatives, a $787 run, we should spend money to “I think education should be the the English Department. “People vor or support,” said Moran, “and billion stimulus bill was signed improve the electrical grid as well top priority,” said Roy Lora, 22, are more prone to start spending.” a whole generation of Americans into law by President Obama on as encourage more efficient use an undecided major from Union In his first address to Congress born and raised since the 1980s February 17, 2009. of energy,” said Ivan Steinberg, City. “We need Americans to be on the night of February 24, 2009, has never heard that argument “The current economic down- an Associate Professor from the educated.” President Obama vowed to re- made. The stimulus plan is a risk, turn represents a watershed mo- Economics Department. “I agree As proposed by President build, recover, and turn America but if successful, it could funda- ment for the Democratic Party,” with that part of the stimulus Obama, there will be tax cuts on into a strong nation. mentally reshape the political said Fran Moran, an Associate package for long run.” income for Americans who are “I’m hopeful that he’ll be able landscape.” Professor from the Political The economic stimulus package making less than $200,000 a year. to pull this country out of [reces- SPRING 2009 LINCOLN SYMPOSIUM ACADEMIC SKILLS WORKSHOPS SET FOR APRIL 14, 2009 Give Your Study Skills Who was a Refresher Course! Abraham TIME MANAGEMENT TEST TAKING Lincoln, anyway? Wednesday, April 22 Monday, April 20 he New Jersey City University community will have from 2-3 p.m. OR from 6-7 p.m. from 1-2 p.m. OR from 5-6 p.m. a chance to find out on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, the anniversary of the day the President was assassinat- Learn better management of time, Learn better test preparation and Ted, at the symposium “Lincoln: A Celebration of a Life.” It quantitatively and qualitatively proven techniques for taking ob- will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Gilligan Student Union jective (multiple choice, true or Building Multipurpose Room A. The symposium, held to honor the 200th birthday of STUDY SKILLS & false, matching) and essay tests Lincoln, is open to students, faculty, and staff. It will feature NOTE TAKING talks by three professors, a reading of the Gettysburg Address Tuesday, April 21 TEST ANXIETY by a student, and an introduction by former assistant Dean from 2-3 p.m. OR from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 23 of the Arts and Science College Ann McGovern. When asked why Lincoln is such an important figure, Dr. Learn to increase your retention of from 1-2 p.m. OR from 5-6 p.m. Bruce Chadwick, a Professor of English who has been at what you read in your textbooks Learn easy, effective techniques NJCU for 14 years and has authored 28 books, said that, and hear in your class lectures. for reducing anxiety and achieving “Over the years, more than any other President, he has re- Learn to simply and effectively better grades on your exams minded us of the need for equality in America and always represented the greatest hopes that we have had, and have take notes in class today, as Americans.” At the symposium, Chadwick will discuss Lincoln’s ear- ly political career in his talk, “The Rise of Abraham Lincoln: A Political Life.” Dr. Jason Martinek of the History No preregistration required! Department, who is currently working on a book about working-class literacy, will discuss the sixteenth President’s personal make-up in his lecture, “Abraham Lincoln: The All workshops take place in Self-Made Man.” The afternoon will be completed with a Gilligan Student Union 310 talk by the Political Science Department’s Dr. Francis Moran, the author of numerous articles in academic journals, “Of, By and For the People: Lincoln’s Political Philosophy Presented by the NJCU Counseling Center Today.” March 24, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 3

Food For Thought: ADVICE Eating Disorders Awareness Editor’s note: Due to an editing error, Pack up and GO! this column—which ran in the Feb. 17 issue—contained several sentences that were inserted erroneously. The Gothic Some travel tips in these frugal times Times regrets the error. Here is the reprint of the article in its original and By Vanessa Velez intended version. By Alissa Koval-Dhaliwal, Picture this: You are a senior at New Jersey Ph.D., Psychologist City University. You have just graduated col- NJCU Counseling Center Each year millions of people are lege and this question is flowing through your affected by serious and sometimes mind like a raging river, “What do I do now?” life-threatening eating disorders. Should you apply for graduate school? Thinking that eating and weight are Should you look for that dream job and ce- the cause and result of many of their ment yourself in a career? Should you tell problems, people with eating disor- that special someone that you love them and ders become trapped in a cycle of re- settle down like sediment at the bottom of a peated, ritualistic and rigid behavior stagnant pond? What should you do? Here regarding food. is a solution for you: GET OUT OF TOWN! Anorexia nervosa involves inten- Pack up your backpack. Take what little tional self-starvation, resulting in ex- money you have and take off by train tracks, treme weight loss (approximately bus trails or by the skies. Commit yourself 15% less than minimally normal to country roads for a moment and come back body weight for age and height). with an inspiring and exciting chapter to add People with anorexia typically look to the story of your life. “Carpe Diem!” emaciated, but view themselves as Seize the day! You are young and even if you fat and intensely fear weight gain. aren’t, it is not too late to dodge a life of rou- tine for one of adventure. As Mark Twain Because of their excessively low www.clipart.com body weights, they usually develop said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and many physical problems including narrow-mindedness.” dry skin and hair, digestive issues, You may be thinking, “How can I manage osteoporosis (brittle bones), amen- to afford travel in this failing economy?” occasions a good learner would not miss.” 3. AMTRAK – Trains do still exist and trav- orrhea (cessation of menstrual peri- According to articles in the L.A. Times and Here are some ways you can travel cheaply: eling by train can be a great way to see the ods), fatigue and heart muscle MSNBC.COM, traveling in 2009 should be 1. Buddy Passes – Make friends with a per- country and get away for the week at an af- weakness. Lanugo, a fine, downy cheaper than ever. Since everyone is afraid son who works for an airline. Airline em- fordable price. layer of body hair, may develop to of losing their money, no one is going any- ployees are awarded buddy passes. Their base A vacation can be a time of learning and insulate the body in place of body where. In an article on MSNBC.COM enti- value is $50 per pass and you fly standby self-discovery and right after college is the fat. Psychological symptoms include tled “Top 10 Reason to Travel- Now,” Ed within the continental United States. best time to go on the treasure hunt and find extreme moodiness, isolation, food Hewitt said, “Airports and (some) planes are 2. Bus Tours! – Did you ever hear about ad- out who you are. Your work is done for now. and exercise obsession, and feeling empty, hotels are vacant, attractions are un- venture travel? Check out Green Tortoise There are no deadlines to meet or professors inadequate. crowded and tourist boom towns seem like (Greentortoise.com). Green Tortoise bus tours that need to be pleased. Don’t be afraid of Bulimia entails alternating periods ghost towns. Now is the time to have your offer a variety of different travel packages at losing money. Currency will often drag us of binge eating and purging, typical- next destination all to yourself.” different prices within North and South down in its undertow if we allow it. You have ly done in secret because of shame There are ways to travel cheaply if you are America. Food is provided. You camp and your entire life to make more. Work to live about the behavior. Binges involve willing to take the time to do the research to shower in national parks and they take you on your life. Don’t live to work. the rapid consumption of a large find them. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, tours through all kinds of landmarks, natu- As Dr. Seuss said, “The time has come. The amount of food in a short period of “Bad times have a scientific value. These are ral reserves and free museums. time is now. Just go. GO! I don’t care how!” time. Purges are measures to rid the body of this excess food and can in- clude self-induced vomiting, fast- ing, over-exercising, and laxative, diuretic, enema or emetic abuse. Bulimics generally appear to be nor- Spring into Shape mal to slightly above average in weight, and may have frequent or By Katie Raccioppi fat that is stored are whole grain. rapid weight fluctuations. around the muscle The most important tip to help Consequences of bulimia may in- It’s a frosty cold night and you causing you to look you with your weight loss is wa- clude ulcers, intestinal problems, do not want to leave your house, leaner. A total body ter. The ADA says that men heart irregularities, severe dental so you stay inside and cuddle up work out for an aver- should drink at least 13 cups of problems, swollen parotid glands, on the couch with an over-sized age individual should water each day and women 9 malnutrition and general muscle bowl of buttery popcorn and be done two to three cups. Water helps to flush the weakness. Emotional symptoms may some rich, home-made hot times a week in order toxins out of your body and also include feeling out of control when chocolate. Does this sound fa- to burn the right keeps your skin healthy and eating, feeling guilty after binges or miliar? If so, then you probably amount of fat to tone looking good. A good idea is to purges, isolation, and depression. know how those extra few your body and keep keep a water bottle with you dur- Compulsive eating also includes pounds ended up around your you trim. ing classes, so you are not tempt- episodes of uncontrolled eating or waistline. All of the workouts ed to buy a soda or sugary drink bingeing, but not purging. Spring is quickly approaching you do will not pay when at school. Compulsive eaters are usually slight- and most people feel the need off unless you Most students these days are ly to severely overweight. As their to shed those extra pounds eat right. running from class to work so weight increases they may suffer they packed on during the “Stay it’s easy to grab something from shortness of breath, high blood winter months. So here are away from quick, such as a slice of pizza for pressure, diabetes and joint prob- a few tips on how to get anything lunch or dinner. There are lems. They may struggle with de- back in shape just in time for high in fat, healthy “on the go” snacks that pression, shame, guilt and low the warm months. especially sat- are also quite satisfying. Most self-esteem. A common myth is that Jaime Caravella, who is the urated fats and re- restaurants have nutrition facts all obese people are compulsive Group Fitness Manager and a fined sugars (aka right on the menus, so it’s easy eaters; however research indicates Certified Personal trainer at the junk food),” said to choose something low in calo- that only 30 - 40% of overweight in- Forum Fitness Club in Bayonne, Caravella. You ries and fat. Another smart tip is gives a few helpful pointers on should eat healthy to have fruits around your house dividuals suffer from compulsive www.clipart.com eating disorder. weight loss. but you don’t have to or dorm so you can just grab an If you have con- “If you are a first timer then eat salads for every meal of the apple for an “on the go” snack. cerns about your cardio is a nice and easy way to change up your everyday cardio day. Make sure you eat in mod- Whether you want to lose the eating patterns or kick start your weight loss,” said routine. eration. Balanced meals are the five pounds you gained during those of someone Caravella. Since walking is a “Weight training is the supreme key to healthy eating. According the winter or maintain the weight you love, be sure natural movement, it is easy for way to burn fat and get into to the American Dietetic you are already at, eating right to stop by and a first time “gym goer” to start shape,” said Caravella. One of Association (ADA) it is impor- and working out are the keys to make an appoint- a work out routine. You should the biggest myths that women tant that you eat lean protein a healthy weight loss. If you ment to speak do at least twenty minutes of car- believe is that they will gain size such as grilled chicken or grilled follow these simple tips then Photo by Komal Zafar with Counseling dio a day. Most gyms in the area by weight training, but weight salmon, along with a large you will be sure to get a jump- Center staff in GSUB 308, or by call- have Group Fitness Classes, training is the key to a toned amount of fruits and vegetables start on shedding away the ing 201-200-3165. such as kick boxing and step aer- body. Doing various weight each day. If you are going to eat extra pounds to ensure a hot obics, which are great ways to training techniques will burn the carbohydrates make sure they bathing suit body! Page 4 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 OPINION Ledbetter is Better, But Not Equal By John Roth male counterpart. And a single mother working full time earns Women are our mothers, wives, 58 cents on every $1 earned by a and sisters. They are the people married man with children.” It is in our lives who care for us and, absolutely outrageous that single in most cases, show us more love mothers working hard to support than anyone else we may ever their families are forced to endure meet. Why then is it acceptable the hardship of such inequality. for a majority of women in our The old standard line of garbage country to be treated as second- that gave rationale to a man’s need class citizens? The inequality of for a higher salary to support his disproportionate wage compen- family no longer applies. Women, sation that women have been throughout history, have been forced to endure is an evil this na- charged with the responsibility of tion has tolerated entirely too supporting their families. long. Unfortunately it has become quite It is important to note that some obvious that due to the present fi- Presidents have tried to address nancial crises and the loss of mil- this issue. President John F. lions of jobs by mostly male Kennedy signed into law the workers across the nation, many Equal Pay Act of 1963, making it married women have been forced illegal for employers to pay dis- www.WhiteHouse.gov to take on the sole responsibility proportionate wages to men and President Obama signs the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act (January 29, 2009) while Lilly Ledbetter of supporting their nuclear and women who do basically the same (standing to the right) looks on with approval. extended families. work. Washington lobbyists who op- The Family and Medical Leave the claims are based on decisions strengthen and reaffirm past laws TalkingPointsMemo.com (TPM), pose the Fair Pay Act have time Act, signed into law by President made by the employer 180 days if enacted. cites the Democratic Senator from and again exposed their ugly Bill Clinton early in his first term, or more prior to the plaintiff’s On January 9, Rep. Rosa Maryland, Barbara Mikulski, as- heads attempting to bring the leg- was designed to address the con- complaint. In response to the DeLauro (D-Conn.) submitted the serting “the Senate could take ac- islative process to a grinding halt. cerns of families and, more Supreme Court’s decision many Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA) for tion on the PFA as soon as Apparently the United States specifically, women, who have proponents of fair pay reform, in- the second time and the House of spring.” (Mikulski has taken over Chamber of Commerce supports been forced to leave their jobs for cluding President Barack Obama Representatives again voted in fa- as the Senate’s primary supporter the misguided viewpoint of those an extended period of time due to and the First Lady, pressed for the vor of the legislation. of the PFA due to Clinton’s new lobbyists on K Street. The expla- a medical crisis. Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Delauro’s first submission of the position as Secretary of State.) nation posited by the U.S. However, many women, as well This past January, President bill made it through the House last Ann M. O’Leary of sfgate.com Chamber of Commerce with re- as low-income laborers in gener- Obama signed the Ledbetter Fair November, but apparently went said in her Feb. 4 editorial, “It’s gard to pay inequality based on al, have been overlooked due to Pay Act into law. The President’s no further. Former New York a familiar fact that women work- gender, that includes a women’s the concessions given to the signing of the legislation was a Senator Hillary Clinton simulta- ing full time earn 78 cents for predisposition to rear children, is small-business community. Equal step in the right direction, giving neously introduced the PFA to the every $1 earned by men. But this unsubstantiated. pay laws have helped to constrict workers the ability to file a griev- Senate. The resolution’s objective wage differential looks very dif- Do the same standards apply to the wage gap, but noteworthy dis- ance without the immediate threat is to fortify contemporary laws ferent for women with and with- men that have been thrust into the crepancies still require much hardships of single parenthood? needed attention. I don’t think so! The 2007 Supreme Court ruling The inequality of disproportionate wage compensation The Ledbetter Act was a good in Ledbetter vs. Goodyear Tire start, but there is no doubt that the Company was a setback for the that women have been forced to endure passage of the Paycheck Fairness equality of women in the work is an evil this nation has tolerated entirely too long. Act is required. Legislation en- place. The ruling effectively elim- suring equal compensation for the inated an individual’s ability to labor of all legal workers within claim any grievance against his of limitations being placed on a forbidding compensation inequal- out children. Single women with the United States is no joke and or her employer after an allotted proposed suit. However, more ity and require the federal gov- no children working full time must take priority. One can only period of time. The Supreme must be done to combat the defi- ernment to be more hands-on in make 96 cents for every $1 earned hope that the Senate will get it Court ruled in favor of Goodyear, ciencies of past legislation that thwarting wage discrimination. by a similarly situated man. A done sooner than later, for all 5-4, explaining that employers are has fallen short of desired expec- No action has been taken in the married woman with children women deserve their just dues protected from lawsuits over race tations. Current legislation slated Senate as of yet, but an article working full time earns only 69 when it comes to employment or gender pay discrimination if for future debate will help to written by Elana Schor for cents for every $1 earned by her compensation. Disaster Across the Border By Patrick Jarkowsky It is estimated that 11 million to institute the “Z” visa, a new class 12 million illegal immigrants live of visa created under the In the first two months of 2009, and work in the United States. Comprehensive Immigration more than 1,000 Mexicans were While I’m not in favor of deport- Reform Act of 2007 (CIRA). This killed due to drug-related violence. ing these individuals, I am in fa- Z visa would allow its holder the If this cycle of violence continues, vor of finding a way to limit legal right to remain in the United Mexico may match or even sur- further illegal immigration into the States for the rest of his or her life. pass the 6,290 drug-related mur- U.S. It would also allow its holder to ders from 2008. First, we must fortify the bor- have a Social Security number. The violence in Ciudad Juarez, der. By fortify, I do not mean that After eight years, the holder of a Z Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and many we should build a chain link fence visa would be eligible for a United www.time.com other Mexican cities is starting to with barbed wire running across States Permanent Resident Card Mexican authorities survey one of the many drug-related crime spread to the United States. the top. We need to build barracks or “green card.” scenes. Phoenix, Ariz., has been dubbed along the border, lookout towers, As a result of entering the U.S. the kidnap capital of the U.S., av- detention centers, and yes, a se- illegally, these individuals would Third, we must strengthen our submitted on a conditional basis. eraging one violent kidnapping curity fence. We need to recruit be placed “on parole” for a five bond with the government of The Mexican government would per day in 2009. The drug cartels law enforcement, military, and in- year period. During their parole Mexico, increasing aid for infra- submit to an aid assessment au- of Ciudad Juarez have expressed telligence officials from across period, they must learn English, structure, law enforcement, and thorization every nine months. no hesitation when it comes to the U.S and station them at the provide proof of employment, education. The U.S. must also lead Congressional leaders, members pursuing their enemies across the border. submit bank records, and forfeit a a worldwide private investment of the Departments of State, border into El Paso, Texas. This project would create hun- portion of their tax return. All of initiative that would, over time, Justice, Education, Labor, and According to the U.S. Department dreds of jobs in construction and these requirements would help to create economic opportunities Commerce, as well as members of Justice, Mexican drug traffick- maintenance alone, giving a ensure that these individuals were within Mexico. It stands to reason of the F.B.I. and the D.E.A., would ers have a presence in at least 250 much-needed boost to our econo- acclimatizing themselves to that a great number of illegal im- conduct this authorization. Americans cities, and, in the my. The recruitment of law en- American society and conducting migrants flee to the U.S. in search Surprisingly, the American press Department’s own words, “con- forcement officials would create themselves in a lawful manner. of jobs. If there are employment has not been focusing on the vio- stitute the largest threat to the law enforcement vacancies in The withholding of a portion of opportunities in Mexico, it is rea- lence in Mexico. Over the course U.S.” in terms of crime and ille- many states. New law enforce- their tax return would satisfy those sonable to assume that many in- of one year, the immigration de- gal narcotics distribution. ment recruits could easily fill these individuals who believe that these dividuals would not accept the bate has all but vanished from the The spread of drug-related vio- vacancies. Again, this would mean new Americans should pay a fine dangers associated with escaping airwaves. Although President lence into the U.S. is extremely more jobs for more Americans. for having been given legal status. to the U.S. Obama is preoccupied with the important. This threat also allows Second, we must extend a wel- Unlike a one-time, substantial fine, Due to the high levels of corrup- economy, he must also find a way us to once again examine the is- come to the illegal immigrants al- the burden would be spread out tion within the Mexican govern- to squeeze immigration reform in- sue of illegal immigration. ready living in the U.S. We must over a five-year period. ment, this increased aid would be to his first 100 days. March 24, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 5 EDITORIAL Journalism Lives On rint newspapers may be near- ing their end, but journalism 2008-2009 Editorial Board Members certainly is not. In the last decadeP or so, the shift from print Editor-in-Chief ...... Erica Marie Molina newspapers to online and interac- Managing Editor ...... Marlen Gonzalez tive television news has exploded. Opinion Editor ...... Patrick Jarkowsky Newspapers big and small have suffered at the hands of lost rev- Entertainment Editor ...... Vanessa Cubillo enue, smaller circulations, the con- Arts Editor ...... Willa Goldthwaite servation movement, and Culture Editor ...... Christie Avila technological advances. Online Editor ...... Nital Talati This shift has never been more Advisor ...... Dr. James Broderick evident than it is now. On February 26, The New York Times and every other major newspaper in the coun- GSUB, 2039 Kennedy Blvd, Room 301 try reported on the closing of the Jersey City, NJ 07305 Rocky Mountain News, Colorado’s PHOTOS.COM 201-200-3575 first and, at almost 150, oldest [email protected] newspaper. In his March 23 ad- their multimedia journalism, both “24”; the news website even fea- dress to readers, TIME magazine’s print and online. In a March 13 tures a “24”-based shooting game. Policies of The Gothic Times opinion piece on ABC News on- And as blogs and endlessly person- Managing Editor, Richard Stengel, Letters to the Editor are welcome from any member of the campus acknowledged to his audience that line, technology writer Michael alized news sources grow as ubiq- community. Editors reserve the right to edit for space. Please address Malone says, “Forget computers. uitous as the Blackberry phones on all correspondence to Editor of The Gothic Times in GSUB, 2039 his publication was “determined to Kennedy Blvd, Room 301. We cannot guarantee the return of any help [them] understand the eco- Newspapers have already lost that which they are read, the public is battle. […] My gut tells me that the fooled into thinking it is getting its submissions. If you wish to have the letter returned, please enclose a nomic crisis we’re all living self-addressed stamped envelope. through. It affects us too, but our future of news delivery is to e- needed amount of daily news. Books […] and, even more, Smart These points are undoubtedly Letters to the Editor can also be sent to [email protected]. All job is to explain how it’s affecting letters must be typed and include full name, age, major/occupation, [readers].” Little more than a Phones.” founded and agreed upon. class year, and hometown. A letter submission does not guarantee month before, TIME’s front page In various combinations of inter- However, this is all the beginning publication. The Gothic Times looks forward to hearing from you. article was a piece by Walter net news, blogs, and television, of a good thing. It is important to The adviser of The Gothic Times is not responsible for the content or the opinions expressed in the newspaper. All editorial content is Isaacson titled “How to Save Your subject to the review of The Gothic Times Editor. All opinions NEWSPAPER: A Modest “The more eyes the public has on events of expressed on the Opinion Page, and those held by advertisers, are Proposal.” The magazine cover not necessarily those of The Gothic Times. showed a dead fish wrapped in— the economy, politics, war, science, etc., the This paper is printed on recycled content newspaper. what else?—a Times newspaper. It better a chance it has of knowing the truth, is scary to think that whoever is reading this editorial may one day and of passing it on to others.” witness the end of such prestigious world and local periodicals in their such changes have already begun have faith in journalism. Every pre- lifetime. taking shape, many feel for the vious advance was shaky in its ear- eting number of independent news should be able to say that you trust Despite this notion, all may not worse. While thousands of people ly stages until it was improved and blogs, unaccountability and bias other journalistic sources because be lost. In a November 2008 Times in cyberspace report their own eventually became indispensible. may decrease. The more eyes the you are involved with them. column by Maureen Dowd, she news and seemingly legitimate Interactive multimedia journalism public has on events of the econo- And in a year or two, when even discusses James Macpherson, the news organizations such as CNN has to go through the same my, politics, war, science, etc., the more shifts arise, be assured that founder of Pasadena Now, a news spend airtime talking about process—and it will, successfully. better a chance it has of knowing journalism will be there for the website, who believes “it would be President Barack Obama’s hair col- The difference between the past the truth, and of passing it on to people. ‘irresponsible’ for newspapers not or, it is only getting more difficult singular advances of radios, tele- others. Journalism and the human obses- to explore offshoring options.” In to learn about real news. FOX 5 visions, and the internet and those In the coming weeks, give these sion for questions and answers will Isaacson’s piece, his modest pro- News has gone so far as to devote of the present is that now it is eas- changes a chance. In the months never die, for as soon as they do, posal is a reversion to an old prac- portions of its broadcast to FOX ier than ever for the public to have ahead, when print newspapers may democracy and everything we as- tice: payment for news articles and shows such “American Idol” and its say. As a result of the skyrock- no longer be feasible options, you sociate with it will be history. THE TOWER Academic Career Planning and Placement Center YEARBOOK… EDUCATION CAREER FAIR Thursday, April 2, 2009 3:30pm - 6:00pm Starring YOU! Gilligan Student The Tower Yearbook Staff Union Building, 2nd Floor would like to have all NJCU organizations and clubs accounted for in the 2009 Meet with in-state and out-of-state educational yearbook. recruiters from both public and private schools. Please send us photos with descriptions Bring plenty of updated resumes and copies of and/or schedule a photo shoot with a yearbook photographer. You can also credentials. Proper attire is required. send favorite Facebook or MySpace photos that you would like to see fea- Students or employers requiring additional infor- tured in the 2009 Tower Yearbook. mation should contact Ms. Shirley Williams by Email all inquiries, with the subject line calling (201) 200-3571 or emailing “yearbook '09,” to [email protected]. [email protected].

ALL submissions are due by (All Education majors are invited to attend. Tuesday, March 31st. Alternate route candidates are also welcome.) Page 6 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 PHOTOGRAPHY

n Feb. 26, 2009, Gothic Times Editors Erica Marie Molina, Marlen Gonzalez, Christie Avila, Vanessa Cubillo, Willa Goldthwaite, and ChristinaO Johnson joined about 885 other students at the 25th Annual Associated Collegiate Press National College Journalism Convention in San Diego, Calif., and went on to win 6th place in the Best of Show’s Four-year Non-weekly category.

Photos courtesy of Christie Avila, Vanessa Cubillo, Willa Goldthwaite, and Erica Marie Molina. March 24, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 7 ARTS WAR IS A MAP OF WOUNDS: The Art of Howardena Pindell and Theodore A. Harris By Rossana Villaflor and tragedies such as Katrina, torture, Mia Ray Abu Gharib, etc., signifying Pindell’s statements of wrongdo- or centuries, wars and geno- ing by the Bush administration. cides have played a pivotal Between these two parts of the in- role in the evolution of the stallation is an equal sign. earth,F the forming and destruction of Harris exhibited collages includ- nations, and the states of its inhab- ed one entitled “End This War (af- itants. The exhibit entitled “War is ter Shirley Chisholm),” and a Map of Wounds: The Art of large-scale reproductions of oth- Howardena Pindell and Theodore er original collages. “End This A. Harris,” recently shown at the War,” is a triptych collage of col- Visual Arts Gallery last month, pro- lected images that has been splat- vided a thought- tered with deep red-colored paint provoking and explicit visual that resembles bleeding wounds. representation of the artists’ person- Parts of the collage’s surface ap- al views on global corruption, pear to have been damaged by vi- racism, exploitation, and political olent gunfire or flames. extortion. Harris juxtaposes scenes of po- As artists and activists, Pindell lice brutality during the civil rights and Harris use their work and era, military recruitment images, voices as didactic mediums to in- incomplete images of soldiers and form viewers on crucial parts of helicopters. Images addressing American history. These concepts former President George W. Bush are often left out or misrepresent- are central to the center panel. ed in the written history common- Harris’s collages not only show ly taught in educational the horrors of war, but also leave institutions and museums due to an open-ended question for the the political powers at work. viewers to inspect the causes as At the show’s opening reception well as the costs of war. on February 5, a talk with the Photo by Rossana Villaflor Prior to the artist talk was a per- artists was held in the Visual Arts Installation of triptych collage by Theodore A. Harris. formance art piece by contempo- Building auditorium and facilitat- rary artist Rafael M. Sanchez. ed by Dr. Dennis Raverty, a New Pindell, “so my kindergarten fundamental problem with the “video drawings” from her “War Sanchez’s work expressed intense Jersey City University art history teacher tied me to a bed so I could- United States lies in the conflict Series.” feelings of oppression and agony. professor. During the discussion, n’t use the bathroom.” between economic classes. He “War Series” was created in His demeanor began with a calm Pindell spoke about her personal To Pindell, it was her experi- feels that art can also be used as a 1988 through 1991 when George and trance-like introduction upon and traumatic encounters while ences that led her to be more weapon. At the opening, he signed H.W. Bush was president. The im- entering the gallery floor. Once growing up as a child during aware of the issues that plagued his recently published book called ages were taken directly from the reaching the space where he laid World War II in Philadelphia, the country. She is strongly suspi- “Our Flesh of Flames” with col- television, and framed. The im- out his large blank white sheet of when food was rationed and there cious of the American government lages by Harris, captions by Amiri ages contain various text, letters paper, he lowered his body to the was constant fear and anxiety and churches, and urges people to Baraka, an introduction by M.K, or arrows on them. The piece en- ground. As the music changed from bomb-threats. It was also do their research and educate Asante, Jr., and an afterword by titled “Video Drawing: War Series from a somber tone to orchestrat- when segregation laws were themselves. Although some may Gene Ray. ‘L’ Word” from 1988, depicts pho- ed war-like sounds, and he began strongly enforced. describe her artworks as a radical Harris echoes in his works the tographic image of former Vice- moving in a slow-motioned un- “At that time I was one of the critique of the U.S. government, words of poet and social activist President Dan Quayle, showing a yielding and restricted manner, pe- few colored people, if not the on- to Pindell, her statements and Amiri Baraka: “It is a new world contentious facial expression that riodically spitting out red ink on ly one, in my school and we works are depictions of what is we want, not an endowed chair in suggests he was in a debate. In the the surface of the paper. In the end, weren’t allowed to use the same natural, personal, and true to her. the concentration camp… Art center of his face is the text which Sanchez sprinkled a yellow-ochre facilities as the whites,” recalled Similarly, Harris believes that must be our magic weapon to cre- reads “Liar,” and little black ar- paint all over the paper. During ate and re-create the world and row marks pointing all over his the brief question and answer seg- ourselves as a part of it…” face. Other images in Pindell’s se- ment that followed his perform- Pindell is known for her explo- ries also include dead bodies of ance, Sanchez explained how his rative artistic style and mixed-me- protestors lying on the ground in works correlated to the concepts dia techniques while Harris is South Africa and the horrendous depicted in Harris’s and Pindell’s known for his experimental and effects of Agent Orange during the works. graphic collages. They integrate Vietnam War. For some, this exhibition proved images from the media in their “Coup” consists of a life-sized to be inspiring. To others, it was works criticizing the hypocritical skeleton, painted black and hang- purely offensive. Most important- influences of the United States ing inside a black body bag made ly, regardless of its controversial government. They are also both of yarn, hand-crocheted by nature, it was thought-provoking. avid critics of George H.W. Bush, Pindell. For more information or to George W. Bush, and the current “The skeleton is a representation contact the artists, please war and American occupation in of death itself,” said Pindell. contact Dr. Midori Yoshimoto, Iraq since 2003. Left of the skeleton is a large- NJCU Director of Pindell’s showcased works in- oddly shaped black circle. The campus galleries, cluded her installations entitled center of the circle is a picture of at 201-200-3246. “Coup,” composed in 2000-2006 George W. Bush. The canvas cir- For current exhibitions, visit Photo by Rossana Villaflor with acrylic, fabrication skeleton cle is covered with words and www.njcu.edu/dept/art/galleries Artist Rafael M. Sanchez during performance piece. and yarn, and her compilation of phrases of catastrophic events and

Pro Arts Open Calls Arts Calendar 3/20/09 - 4/10/09 The NEW ART GROUP will be curating RELIEF PRINTING: a series of competitions at the Watchung CONTRASTING SURFACES Arts Center in Watchung, New Jersey New Jersey City University Jersey City Museum Arts Guild of Rahway during 2009 - 2010. Gallery Hours: Friday, Saturday & Contact Info Jim Fuess : (908) 322-5940 March 16 – April 15, 2009 April 22, 2009 @ 1pm Sunday 1:00-4:00 PM : [email protected] LANDMARKS GET YOUR ART ON: www.newartgroup.com/ Ali Prosch & the GisMo Collective CONVERSATIONS 4/21/09 - 5/31/09 exhibition-opportunities.htm (Jessica Gispert & Crystal Molinary) IN CONTEMPORARY ART WOMEN FORWARD Tectonic curated by Evonne M. Davis Harold B. Lemmerman Gallery Rashawn Griffin and Willie Cole Williamsburg Art & Historical at the Rahway Arts Guild Opening Reception: March 16, 5 -8 p.m. Visit www.jerseycity museum.org for Center Accepting submissions until 6/16/09. Artists’ Talk at 6 p.m. Curated by Jillian more information. Reception: Saturday Contact Info Evonne M. Davis Hernandez April 25, 2009 4-6pm [email protected] www.aferro.org Page 8 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 ARTS BFA Senior Exhibitions at The Visual Arts Gallery (100 Culver Avenue)

Opening receptions every Monday from 4:30pm - 7:00pm unless otherwise specified

March 16 - 20 April 13 - 17 Gino T. Navarro and Felix Metius and Paulina A. Raso Kelly Cuenca

March 23 - 27 April 20 - 24 Patricia Benitez Rossana Villaflor, and Evita I. Mendez- Lizette Louis and Fritze Luba Farbey April 27 - May 1 March 30 - April 3 Willa Goldthwaite Allana M. Clarke and Enver Vucetaj and Nathaniel E. Sharkey May 4 - 8 Maryoris Martinez April 6 - 10 and Erica Rivera Kimberly Wilson and Polina Zaitseva May 11 - 15 Photo Credit: Gino Tan Navarro Wansze Lee and Installation of first Senior BFA shows of Spring 2009 in NJCU’s Visual Arts Building Gallery Claudia Ross

Photo Credit: Amy Felton-Toth Daniel Morteh, NJCU BLACK MARIA FESTIVAL MAD Alum (left); Kerrie Young, Operations Associate / Host Tour Coordinator (center); Allison Thornton, Assistant Director- Technology in the of- fice of Publications and Special Programs of NJCU (right)

Photo Credit: Amy Felton-Toth John Grew, PhD, Acting Dean Arts & Sciences (center) with Hap Bojsza and Roddy Bogawa in the audience at the pre- Photo Credit: Amy Felton-Toth miere screening. The 28th Annual Black Maria Film Festival premiere at NJCU’s Margaret Williams Theatre NuJerican Style

By Julie Boland ures RoCa builds in her work are derived from contem- porary magazines. In each piece, she is able to present he Jersey City Museum’s Project Gallery was in- visual forms that call upon sentiments of urban living, fused with the style of collage artist Rodriguez successfully presenting a striking viewpoint of the hu- Calero from mid-September through the end of man figure. lastT month. A native to New Jersey, Calero, more com- In her compositions, RoCa deconstructs and then re- monly known as RoCa, presented Jersey Style. This constructs flat, two-dimensional images to form full- body of her signature works was derived from her cul- bodied intricate figures. She is able to put forth a tural upbringing. challenging, almost alarming representation of anoth- Inspired by her roots, the artist stated that she is “a er plane. This visual expression suggests ideas about self-described NuJerican (Puerto Rican born in New social and cultural preconceptions. RoCa’s interpreta- Jersey)…” Her style of collage gained impetus from tions of her own cultural experience through a public this background. RoCa draws from a plethora of im- eye lend to the fragmented forms. ages stemming from hip-hop and urban living to build Although this is the first time for many of these works her compositions. to be shown publicly, fragments of each figure have Utilizing a skewed perspective in her technique of previously reached the eyes of thousands as part of com- collage, the results are contemporary urban portraits mercially distributed magazines. The artist’s vision cre- composed in the Cubist tradition. RoCa’s figures de- ates a relationship between the disfigured inhabitants pict various characters of diverse ethnicities with ex- of the collage and the intangible sensibility of a public aggerated characteristics, often with un-proportioned image. limbs and facial features. The embellished features on If you missed the opportunity to see RoCa’s work at each figure suggest stereotypical constructs of urban the Jersey City Museum, visit www.rodriguezcalero.com Photo by Gino Tan Navarro dwellers as featured in media today. The distorted fig- for more images, info, and upcoming exhibitions. Installation of first Senior BFA shows of Spring 2009 in NJCU’s Visual Arts Building Gallery March 24, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 9 ENTERTAINMENT

NewCelebrating York Comics, Comic TV, and Con: More

By Patricia Ann Beninati

ince crime has been report- edly down in NYC, most of the superheroes had time to appearS at the New York Comic Con. The comic mania took place from February 6 to 9, 2009, and was held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. New York Comic Con (NYCC) is the East Coast’s biggest and most exciting popular culture con- vention. The NYCC was a chance of a lifetime to get up close to your fa- vorite superhero. Thousands of fans flocked to the show and flowed seamlessly into the event over that weekend. According to event organizers, attendance was even higher than last year. This NYCC was well worth go- ing through huge crowds, long Photo by Anrei Degenhardt lines, pushing, shoving, and queu- ing up for lengthy waits for the bathrooms. Enthusiasts wore Photo by Anrei Degenhardt crazy costumes decorating the hall Watchmen, Terminator Salvation, with characters from the Dark Dollhouse and much more. Knight, Star Wars, and many Screened footage of the first more. episode of the new Fox TV series, The show exhibits and panels Dollhouse was shown and the cre- were power-packed with loads of ator, Joss Whedon, who is also frantic fans, actors, illustrators, known for his hit TV series, Buffy writers, designers, authors, char- The Vampire Slayer and Firefly, acters, producers, directors, TV, appeared on the panel with star, and film executives. Most seemed Eliza Dushku. to really enjoy all of the attention. Fringe’s producer, Jeff Pinknee, The guest panels gave fans an had all of his cast members field- opportunity to interact with their ing questions and showed a por- much-loved creators and charac- tion of the upcoming dark ters. Another great feature of the paranormal episode. NYCC was the many jam packed BBC’s award-winning sci-fi se- screening rooms with sneak peeks ries, Torchwood, gave an exclu- at films and television shows be- sive sneak preview of the highly fore they hit the market like: anticipated third series

Photo by Vanessa Cubillo

Torchwood: Children of Earth. executive producer of The Dark He mentioned that he was having The Welsh actress, Eve Myles Knight, Geoff Johns, writer of a great time meeting all of the fans who plays Gwen Cooper, and the comics like Superman and Green at NYCC. director, Euros Lyn, were more Lantern and superstar Jim Lee, “Its nice being in an environ- than pleased to field wacky ques- know for his imaginative titles in- ment where they like you,” said tions from the fans. cluding Batman. Baker. Chuck’s creator, Josh Schwartz, There were legendary stars ap- Overall, this year’s NYCC was let the frantic folks get a sneak pearing at the booths that had ma- a pleasure to attend, and simply peek and an idea of what’s com- niac fans queued up waiting to get left me in a sheer state of wonder- ing up on some episodes, includ- a precious moment with their ment. The show had enough char- ing Enterprise’s Scott Bakula beloved superheroes, like the leg- acters to make a Hollywood guest starring as Chuck’s father. endary sixth Doctor Who, Colin movie. It was worthy of a big The New York Television Baker. Baker is an English actor thumbs up leaving me salivating Festival (NYTF) also held a pan- who is famous for playing the for the next Comic Con scheduled el on “How to Make a TV Pilot,” sixth incarnation of the Doctor in at the San Diego Convention which had several directors who the long-running science fiction Center in July. won the latest contest. The panel cult television series Doctor Who If you missed this year’s Comic moved swiftly, was highly edu- from 1984 to 1986. Con, you can go see a Webcast of cationally and gave the industry Colin Baker was in rare form at any of the panels or for more in- inside information to help new di- his first ever Comic Con. formation on the 40th Comic Con rectors make a TV pilot inexpen- “It’s entirely a new experience in San Diego or New York go to: sively. NYTF screened a few for me because most conventions www.nycomiccon.com/ or minutes of each of the winners’ I go to are all Science Fiction TV, www.comic-con.org/cci/ or San films. so I’m here because most people Francisco’s High fueled legendary guests of who are interested in sci-fi are in- WonderCon: www.comic- Photo by Anrei Degenhardt honor included: Michael Uslan, terested in comics,” said Baker. con.org/wc/ Page 10 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT WATCHMEN: Less Action, More Thinking

By Gustavo Lazo

irector Zack Snyder’s Watchmen is not a super- hero movie and it is my fearD that the masses will interpret it to be otherwise. The film adap- tation of the comic book series by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons has the right amount of stunning, stirring visual effects and well- choreographed action scenes to keep the audience entertained enough to keep their eyes glued to the screen. Unfortunately, there is very little more to the film, and its characters leave no real last- ing impression. Its dialogue, much of it taken directly from the comic, has such an artificial tone google.com of delivery that it’s as if the stars why of it despite masked and cos- filth-ridden streets of New York of Watchmen completely misun- vents us from ever truly engag- comes time to explain himself. tumed avengers being outlawed City or the gorgeous and mysteri- derstood what exactly they were ing with the characters, their sto- Rorschach does not enjoy what in the late 1970s. Generations of ous wastelands of Mars. This taking part in. ries as well as their current he does, but what the heck, he’s heroes go from being lauded to makes up for the by-the-numbers Watchmen is a deconstruction experiences. More time is spent got that interesting inkblot mask. being despised. The joke is on the score by Tyler Bates, responsible of everything heroic about the on the film’s two most polarizing This intricate tale takes place in public, because the audience for the adrenaline-pumping mu- world of superheroes. It is filled figures: the quantum known as New York City in the year 1985. knows they are only heroes as a sic of Snyder’s last film 300, also with characters that live their lives Dr. Manhattan, who is not so A 1985 where the presidential means of self-service. This expla- based on a comic. 300 didn’t re- with self-righteousness that is much hopeless about mankind’s two-term limit has been revoked nation of why costumed heroes quire much, and you understood publicly expressed with the don- destruction as he is calculating and Richard Nixon has success- exist is demonstrated to us with its point within the first five min- ning of colorful costumes. It is and logical about it and fully sought a third term—a world some of the most artificial song utes of the film. Watchmen is difficult to understand this sem- Rorschach, who feels threatened on the brink of anarchy, tensions choices in a film ever that was more complex than that, and blance of mankind’s unity when by the death of another costumed with the Soviet Union getting once aurally adorned by the film Snyder’s attempt to show this Snyder constantly seeks to “hero” and attempts to solve a thicker by the day and humanity Forrest Gump. The overall pac- fails. Mr. Moore’s book invites squeeze every frame of the 1986 mystery. His brutal approach to is bracing for nuclear war. Edward ing of it is so quick and bizarre you to see humanity at its best and book into the film in under three fighting criminals is contrasted Blake, known publicly as The that watching Watchmen brings worst and chuckle at the inside hours because it worked well in by his strange sympathy for oth- Comedian, has been killed and a packaging plant to mind. joke. Snyder merely puts it be- the 2005 film adaptation of the er costumed characters and our the masked vigilante Rorschach The world of Watchmen is fan- hind a plate of glass and asks that Sin City graphic novels. This pre- own sympathy for him when it is out to discover the who and tastic to look at, whether it’s the you not touch.

MARCH MUSIC REVIEWS

By Efrain Calderon Jr making you dance, but Tonight a 14-minute jam that seems as de- ushers in the spring. “Blood still seems like a step backward, if liberate as anything found “ex- Bank” pairs lyrics that walk that not a step to the side. Claimed to perimental” on the record. New delicate line between abstract and Dälek — Gutter be a concept record about dance keyboard sounds do work well, absurd with a single guitar, later floor dramatics, it soon becomes ever present on what could be building with strings and count- Tactics as repetitive, boring, and overdra- considered the best song of the less Justin Vernons singing in uni- Dälek (pronounced ‘die-a-leck’) matic as I imagine a dance floor lot, “Can’t Stop Feeling” which son. “Beach Baby” teases with a is a two-man hip-hop act who lifestyle might be. For all the post- brings Hot Chip to mind. You lap steel, its warmth cleverly fad- have established themselves as punk influence projected on to Could Have It So Much Better..., ing out too soon. “Babys” has one of the most forward thinking Franz Ferdinand, they’re still far their last release had three songs overdubbed pianos mixed as loud groups in the genre. The gritty, in- more A Certain Ratio than Gang that worked extremely well and as the guitar pick’s scrapes and dustrial backdrops to their raps of Four. Trading in the overt po- at least three real misses. Tonight, zips. Some well-placed silence bring My Bloody Valentine or though absent of any really aw- lets one really reflect before www.google.com Swans to mind instead of trend- ful songs, remains an album full “Woods” demonstrates a sophis- bound, ‘flavor of the year’ pro- of unrealized stabbing at a single, ticated use of the Vocoder effect. duction. Their latest release, Language which can still be con- sidered their magnum opus, but seeming trite at worst and only al- It’s hard to think of an EP that is Gutter Tactics, peers into the post- right at best. as well balanced as this, assuring apocalyptic and attempts to rip at their sound has evolved into something that’s at once difficult, that Bon Iver’s successful debut the crumbling facade of idealized was no fluke. American history along with the grating, claustrophobic, and ut- Bon Iver — defined role of mainstream hip- terly beautiful. hop. Looking at the record’s lin- Blood Bank (EP) er notes, one finds a Reverend Franz Surely in a rush to capitalize on Wright quote describing the critical success of 2008’s For America’s own acts of terrorism. Ferdinand — Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver— Yet, only a few minutes into the www.google.com brainchild and pseudonym of dense swirl of Oktopus’ produc- Tonight: Franz Wisconsin-based indie folk rock- tion MC Dälek proclaims, “A Ferdinand litical message of the 70’s post- er Justin Vernon—rings in 2009 black president don’t ensure the There have been few new re- punk scene along with much of with a 4 track EP titled Blood sunshine. A rich president repre- leases with as much hype behind the treble-heavy buzz saw guitars, Bank. Its cover art: a snow cov- sent his own kind. As it stands them as Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos and company are ered, rusty car door being opened now, the blind lead the blind.” Tonight. The Scottish foursome left “do do do-ing” and “la la la- for what may be the first time in Dälek had an ambitious task in might be less concerned with ing” between the saccharine months, if not years. It’s with this topping 2005’s Abandoned making you think as much as lyrics. “Lucid Dreams” attempts spirit of adventure that Bon Iver www.google.com March 24, 2009 The Gothic Times Page 11 CULTURE The Truth About Domestic Violence

By Vanessa Velez calates to the more physical as- pects of it. He tells you that you You’ve heard about it all over are worthless and he undermines the news recently: Singer-song- your self-esteem. You feel isola- writer and actor Chris Brown is tion. The term that they used in being charged with assault and the 60’s for a man like this would making criminal threats towards be ‘mind-f***ker.’” fellow singer and lover Rihanna. Beeman acknowledged the ad- This stock saga of domestic abuse vice that a social worker is al- has been making headlines all lowed to give to a victim of over the world and yet one thing domestic abuse is limited. They that the news is managing to over- are supposed to refer to the vic- look is that it’s just that: stock. tim to a battered women’s organ- This scenario for abusive relation- ization or a counselor. However, ships is a sadly common occur- social workers do advise victims rence that spans people of all age to seek restraining orders. groups, all backgrounds and of all “We encourage the victims to fol- socio-economic situations. It is low through with permanent re- not just limited to the familiar straining orders,” Beeman said. faces in tawdry tabloid news. She added that women usually According to a study done in don’t consider permanent orders 2007 by the NJ Coalition of until the fifth or sixth time they are Battered Women, Brown and www.photos.com beaten. “Sometimes they don’t fol- Rihanna, at the ages of 19 and 20 low through with the permanent respectively, fit into the third high- women falling prey to these cor- started college and everything was ally abusive. He had always order. Many people back down est category for people of a specif- rosive conditions? new to me. When my dad passed forced me to have sex when I did- when they realize they will have ic age group involved in abusive “If I knew earlier on that the re- away, I experienced some schiz- n’t want to. And of course I be- to be in the same courtroom with relationships; the number one lationship was going to become ophrenic symptoms and had to gan being self-destructive. He the guy. That’s also usually when group being between the ages of abusive, I definitely would have take medication for them. So I became physically abusive dur- he shows up with the flowers.” 25 and 34. However, Barbara left immediately,” stated a 25 clung to this guy because it kept ing the later part of our relation- Domestic violence, Beeman Beeman, the Domestic Violence year-old woman who chose to re- me from everything else besides ship.” stated, is a “women’s issue.” supervisor at the Hudson County main anonymous. “I dated some- school. I definitely did not think According to Beeman, every- “Like breast cancer, you almost Division of Welfare and New always know someone who has Jersey City University 1971 ***If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call the NJ Domestic experienced it,” Beeman said. Alumni, stated that the age range Violence Hotline at 800-572-7233 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at “Always be supportive no matter for domestic violence victims in 1-800-799-7233; both lines toll free and open 24/7. To speak or meet confidential- what. If they choose to go back, Hudson County seems to be you can always be supportive and changing. ly with someone (at no charge) at NJCU’s Counseling Center, call 201-200-3165. say ‘you can always tell me if “Recently, we’ve been tending one for three years during college. that he mistreating me was some- thing Rihanna and our anony- something happens.’ You need to to women between the ages of 19 We were on and off and then for thing so out of the ordinary be- mous source have experienced in leave the door open and let them and 25,” Beeman said. “A lot of the last 8 months of our relation- cause I never had another their abusive relationships can be know that they are not alone. You the cases also seem to be gang re- ship we lived together. I was vul- relationship to compare it to.” applied to all cases of that type. have to keep on putting it out lated.” nerable at the time because I lost As far as the type of abuse she “He yells at you and belittles there that, ‘No, you are not alone. The question that arises now is my father right in the beginning experienced, she said, “He never you and tells you that you are And there will be other people to this: Why are so many young of our relationship. I also just failed to be verbally and emotion- crap,” she explained. “Then it es- help you.’” Freedom in Fashion: 5 tips on fashion: Spring Trends By Kimberley Persaud Drew Barrymore are just a few of the women sporting the ripped • Buy classic Hooray for spring! We can fi- jean. It’s a cool, casual and fun nally shed our bulky winter jack- look for school or any daytime ac- pieces that can ets, gloves, hats and scarves in tivity. The boyfriend jean also is be dressed up preparation for the warm weath- a hot new trend that has been er that’s quickly approaching. worn by Katie Holmes. It’s a re- or down with Spring is all about fresh, fun and laxed, loose fitting jean that is accessories. flirty fashions. Also great is that cuffed at the bottom making it with all the sales happening in ideal for comfort. These jeans can • Always feel most stores today, revamping our be paired with flip-flops or flats wardrobes doesn’t necessarily and a tee. confident in have to put a strain on students’ When it comes to accessories, pockets. the bolder, the bigger, the bet- what you wear, Spring 2009 may be focused on ter…It’s all about making a state- regardless of colors and classic femininity, but ment. Necklaces and bracelets are it’s also about sexy vixen-like extra chunky, accented by exotic how much it pieces. A few of the hottest trends colors and bright stones. Shoes costs. are soft, sheer flowing fabrics that have evolved into something that allow the skin to be seen but in a no longer represents a shoe but • Always wear sophisticated way. Playful fringed rather a work of art, with 4 inch skirts and dresses are the latest heels that are oddly shaped, that clothes that must-haves. These fringed pieces lace up, strap and buckle. It’s a flatter your range from shorter and sleeker surprise that anyone can walk in pieces to more extreme longer them. Conventional is out and ex- body. fringed fabrics that sashay along- www.photos.com aggerated is in. side the body. This flirty alternative can be es, and accessories like jewelry, My advice is to wear whatever • Itʼs alright to The Grecian style is an essen- paired with fitted jeans, shorts or shoes and headbands. Want to be you are comfortable in. What we tial part of spring 09’s latest look. even a skirt. seen? Bejeweled dresses are a can learn about fashion is that it have a style of These dresses are inspired by an- Exotic, ethnic and bold prints fashion must: whether a dress is tends to be inspired by past trends. your own. cient Rome and Greece’s styles are all craze inspired from places encrusted with sequins, rhine- Everything comes back. So such as the one-shoulder toga, re- such as Africa and India. Animal stones or beads, it doesn’t matter whether working on a budget or • Never get in- vamped for today’s refined and prints like the leopard can be too because it’s sure to get you no- saving money, you can mix and shapely trends. Also popular for much for some but for others can ticed! match pieces from your closet or to debt chasing spring is the one-shoulder top (or be a bold fashion statement, de- Love it or hate it, the ripped jean even your mother’s and impro- bikini) which can be nice change- pending on your taste. You can is back! Celebrities like Mandy vise on many of today’s hottest fashion. ups from the everyday blouse. find these prints on dresses, blous- Moore, Rihanna, Megan Fox and trends. Page 12 The Gothic Times March 24, 2009 SPORTS Locks of Love from Loo

By Joseph Steinberger feeling like they belong can be what makes the difference in their Giving back to the community lives and gives them strength to is always a good feeling, even keep going or to wake up every when the gift you are giving is morning with a purpose. your hair. For Melissa Loo, a “It’s a great feeling to know that member of the New Jersey City my donation is helping someone University women’s volleyball who is in need,” Loo said. team, it was a way for her to give In addition to being a thought- back while celebrating a cultural holiday. It is a custom during Chinese New Year for people to cut their hair or dead ends to start the New Year off well. For Loo, “It’s a great feeling this was a way to accomplish two to know that my do- goals. “I knew I was going to have to nation is helping cut my hair for the New Year so someone who is in I thought that I might as well do it for a good cause too,” said the 20- need.” year-old player. —Melissa Loo This isn’t the first time that Loo Photo by NJCU Sports Information has donated her hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization Melissa Loo, 20, far right, in action ful person, in the court, Loo is a which accepts hair donations from on the court before her donation. very versatile volleyball player. men and women and uses it to Going into next season, she will create hairpieces for underprivi- be the only senior on the team and leged children who have lost their not give her the notice in the mail will have high expectations for hair due to illness. notifying her that her hair had herself. With the loss of senior Donating hair to Locks of Love been accepted. She was finally captains Jackie LeBlanc, Sarah is a bigger commitment than one able to cut 12 inches of hair off Torres, and Lyanelly Negron, oth- might think. Not only are the do- this January. er members of the team are going nators sacrificing their hair, they “The first time they didn’t tell to have to step up next season. are also sacrificing a great deal of me whether or not they had re- “I’m hoping to go out on top af- time to allow their hair to grow. ceived my hair,” said Loo. “This ter next year, my senior year,” In fact, Loo was not able to cut time, though, I know for sure that Loo said. Hopefully she will stand her hair for nearly a year. my hair was received.” When out on the court the way she does Before donating, “All I was able asked if she would donate her hair ed in 1997, an estimated 2,000 hair donation recipients may lose in her community. Something as to do was trim my hair one time in again, she responded, “I probably children have been helped. Many hair to chemotherapy treatment seemingly minor as a new head March and one time in June,” the would. This is such a great cause; of the children suffer from alope- for various types of cancer. Locks of hair can make all the differ- senior said. it feels great to know that I am cia areata, a disorder which caus- of Love provides such children ence. As for Loo, she is more than Loo was really motivated to do- helping someone who is less for- es hair loss in otherwise healthy with a new sense of normalcy and happy to make that difference. nate since the first time she do- tunate.” people and which presently has gives back their self-esteem. For Make that 2,001 children who nated to “Locks of Love” they did Since Locks of Love was start- no known cause or cure. Other these children, having hair and have been helped.

MARCH - APRIL 2009 NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS CALENDAR clear-cut favorites to represent Takashi Saito, I expect guys like DATE SPORT OPPONENT / LOCATION TIME the National League in the Billingsley, Kershaw, and TheThe GTGT World Series. In the league, they Broxton to all step up this year 3/25/09 Softball at Drew University (DH), Madison, NJ 3:00 PM 3/26/09 Baseball at Rutgers-Newark *, Newark, NJ 3:30 PM were second in runs scored, fifth and give the Dodgers just 3/27/09 Baseball WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY *, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM in batting average, and fifth in enough pitching to get through 3/28/09 Baseball RICHARD STOCKTON COLLEGE (DH) * , Jersey City, NJ 12:00 PM 2009 MLB ERA. However, the Cubs were the weakest division in baseball. 3/28/09 Softball WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY (DH) *, Jersey City, NJ 1:00 PM 2009 MLB 3/31/09 Softball at Rowan University (DH) *, Glassboro, NJ 3:00 PM bounced in the first round by the Coming off their first World 4/1/09 Baseball at College of Staten Island , Staten Island, NY 6:00 PM upstart Dodgers and left to won- Championship in nearly three 4/2/09 Softball LEHMAN COLLEGE (DH), Jersey City, NJ 3:00 PM Preview der what might have been. The decades, the Phillies look 4/3/09 Baseball at Kean University *, Union, NJ 3:30 PM Preview Cubs have made a lot of moves primed to make another run at 4/3/09 Men’s Volleyball NECVA Conference Tournament this offseason, bringing in slug- the title. They are very top heavy (Host: MIT), Cambridge, MA ALL DAY ger Milton Bradley and utility in their rotation with stud pitch- 4/4/09 Men’s Outdoor at Osprey Invitational (at Richard Track and Field Stockton College), Pomona, NJ 10:00 AM man Aaron Miles while losing ers Cole Hamels and Brett 4/4/09 Baseball THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY (DH) *, key bullpen contributors like Meyers and boast a beast of a Jersey City, NJ 12:00 PM Bob Howry and Kerry Wood. closer in Brad Lidge. They also 4/4/09 Softball RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN (DH) *, Part II Their bullpen should be fine added a key left handed bat in Jersey City, NJ 1:00 PM 4/4/09 Men’s Volleyball NECVA Conference Tournament By Joseph Steinberger though, as long as Carlos Raul Ibanez and lost a key right (Host: MIT), Cambridge, MA ALL DAY Marmol emerges as the domi- 4/5/09 Men’s Volleyball NECVA Conference Tournament With the season looming on nant back of the bullpen pitcher (Host: MIT), Cambridge, MA ALL DAY the horizon and spring training he should be. Even if they fail 4/7/09 Softball at Ramapo College (DH) *, Mahwah, NJ 3:00 PM to acquire Jake Peavy, look for 4/8/09 Baseball COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM drawing to a close, baseball is 4/9/09 Women’s Bowling at 2009 NCAA National Championships, Detroit, MI 9:00 AM finally almost underway. Here the Cubs to once again win the 4/9/09 Softball BARUCH COLLEGE (DH), Jersey City, NJ 3:00 PM is what I think will happen in NL Central. 4/9/09 Baseball at William Paterson University *, Wayne, NJ 3:30 PM the National League. The National League West is 4/10/09 Women’s Bowling at 2009 NCAA National Championships, Detroit, MI 9:00 AM Over the past two years, the the hardest division in the Major 4/11/09 Women’s Bowling at 2009 NCAA National Championships, Detroit, MI 9:00 AM 4/11/09 Men’s Outdoor at New Jersey Invitational Mets have blown division leads Leagues to predict. There is no Track and Field (at The College of New Jersey), Ewing, NJ 10:00 AM of seven games with seventeen clear cut team above all the rest. 4/11/09 Baseball at Rowan University (DH) *, Jersey City, NJ 12:00 PM to play (2007) and a three game Don’t be surprised, however, if wordpress.com 4/11/09 Softball at Rutgers-Newark (DH) *, Newark, NJ 1:00 PM lead with two weeks to play the Giants also make a run for handed bat. In essence, they sac- 4/11/09 Men’s Volleyball ECAC Division III South Tournament (Host: TBA) /TBA TBA the playoffs this year. The Giants rificed some power for a better 4/14/09 Softball at Kean University (DH) *, Union, NJ 3:00 PM (2008). Look for that to change 4/15/09 Softball at FDU-Florham (DH), Madison, NJ 3:00 PM in 2009. The Mets have ad- added veterans Randy Johnson batting average. As for a repeat 4/16/09 Baseball at Montclair State University *, Little Falls, NJ 3:30 PM dressed their most pressing and Edgar Renteria to their club, as National League East cham- 4/17/09 Baseball KEAN UNIVERSITY *, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM needs—bullpen depth—with the both of whom should provide pions, don’t count on it. Last 4/18/09 Baseball RAMAPO COLLEGE (DH) *, Jersey City, NJ 12:00 PM acquisitions of Francisco solid leadership, something the season the Phillies had all the 4/18/09 Softball at Richard Stockton College (DH) *, Pomona, NJ 1:00 PM 4/19/09 Men’s Outdoor at Collegiate Track Conference Rodriguez and JJ Putz. Now if Giants were severely lacking cards fall their way: the Mets Track and Field Outdoor Championship (Host: TBA) / TBA TBA they can get some clutch hitting last year. As for the collapsed, Lidge did not blow a 4/21/09 Softball MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY (DH) *, Jersey City, NJ 3:00 PM from their young stars David Diamondbacks, yes, they have save, and they had incredible 4/22/09 Baseball COLLEGE OF MOUNT SAINT VINCENT, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM Wright and Jose Reyes, the Mets good pitching, but their young clutch hitting down the stretch. 4/23/09 Softball ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (NY) (DH), Jersey City, NJ 3:00 PM hitters have yet to put together The odds of that happening 4/23/09 Baseball RUTGERS-NEWARK *, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM could make a deep run in the 4/23/09 Men’s Outdoor at Penn Relays (University of Pennsylvania), playoffs. This seems to be the a solid offensive season from again are very slim. But as we Track and Field Philadelphia, PA All Day year when the Mets will finally start to finish. So it looks like all know, it doesn’t matter how 4/24/09 Baseball MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY *, Jersey City, NJ 3:30 PM be able to end their September the Dodgers (with the recent you get to the playoffs, all that 4/24/09 Men’s Outdoor at Penn Relays (University of Pennsylvania), woes and get back to the play- signing of Manny Ramirez) will matters is what you do once you Track and Field Philadelphia, PA All Day 4/25/09 Softball THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY (DH) *, Jersey City, NJ 1:00 PM offs. take the National League West get there. This is why the Phils 4/25/09 Men’s Outdoor at Penn Relays (University of Pennsylvania), Entering last season’s playoffs, crown. Even though the are still dangerous come play- Track and Field Philadelphia, PA All Day the Cubs appeared to be the Dodgers lost Derek Lowe and off time. 4/25/09 Baseball at Rutgers University-Camden (DH) *, Camden, NJ TBA 4/28/09 Softball NJAC Tournament (First Round) / TBA TBA