Vol. XLVII No. 3 FREE http://york.cuny.edu/pandorasbox February 2008

NobBY SADEF A. KULLY el Laurspoke at the Feb.11 eveateent. Those Speaks at York FEATURE EDITOR who borrow money from the bank are known as “Grameen bankers.” In a rare distinction, York Col- Prior to founding the bank and lege hosted 2006 Nobel Prize win- the foundation that shares the ner Muhammad Yunus on campus name Grameen, (which translates this month, the man responsible roughly as “of the village”), Yunus for the micro-lending revolution was an economics professor in the that has helped move hundreds of U.S. and Bangladesh. thousands of impoverished people York’s Vice President and Chief toward better lives over the past Operating Officer Jerald Posman 30 years. first proposed a scholarship pro- Yunus came to York to mark the gram as an opportunity for establishment of an exchange pro- Bangladeshi students to study in a gram whereby students from ap- baccalaureate program at York. proximately 100 countries his Over time, it evolved into a pro- foundation serves could receive posal that would also allow stu- scholarships to attend classes here dents from York to travel to at York. Bangladesh and intern with At the event CUNY Executive Grameen Foundation. Vice Chancellor and University “It’s the first program of its kind Provost, Dr. Selma Botman in the United States, and it’s start- awarded Yunus with the Chancel- ing right here at York,” Posman lor’s Medal for his humanitarian said. “Currently members of the efforts. Grameen Bank are studying at “His great work has transformed schools in Korea and there’s one great depths of despair into hope more in Saudi Arabia, but we’re for one person at a time,” Botman going to be the first one in this NAT VALENTINE • INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT said. country if we can establish the Dr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank, speaks to an audience of more than 1000 at York College. Yunus founded the Grameen funding.” Bank, a radical lending institution Posman emphasized that the based on the notion that loaning money for the program will be Muhammad Jhangir, a television for higher (education).” sion,” said Yunus, referring to the small sums of money at low inter- raised cooperatively by the journalist in Bangladesh. “We were so thrilled when we experience of impoverished stu- est rates to desperately impover- Grameen Bank and York officials “Besides the ceremony – not introduced scholarships for the dents. “He or she can tell you their ished people could lead to the from donors outside the college. only honoring me this evening but children – some of these kids experience firsthand. Not some- eradication of poverty and home- The exchange program evolved also announcing some actions,” come from illiterate families and one’s imagination, theory or graph lessness worldwide. with the cooperation of Rashidul said Yunus, who was greeted by a they are at the top of the class in – the whole discussion changes “We have a partnership with Bari, a York student, Abu Taher, five minute standing ovation. performance. Last year we gave and becomes real. This is how you Grameen Bank which gives York an editor at a Bengali newspaper, “(The) action (is) to give scholar- $51,000 scholarships,” said transform society – transform hu- College a fuller meaning,” said Dr. Showkat Ali, a professor at ships to children of Grameen fam- Yunus. President Marcia V. Keizs, who Long Island University, and ilies to come here at York College “It is no longer a bookish discus- SEE Dr. Yunus PAGE 13

SpitzerBY JULIANNA HUTSON Proposes $4 Billion Fget,undexplained that if thFore legisla- ACUNstatement on the gYovernor’s EDITOR IN CHIEF ture supports the governor’s bud- website reads that “despite the get, the university will have to state’s financial difficulties in the Despite the approval of a tuition make some cutbacks – cutbacks current fiscal year, governor hike for the 2008-2009 academic that will only hurt the university’s Spitzer believes… (he) must year by CUNY’s Board of capability to implement its five- make the critical investments nec- Trustees, New York Governor year plan. essary to spark economic growth Eliot Spitzer did not support the “If the legislature does not and return New York to its status increase in his proposed executive change it, the university will have as a national leader.” budget for the state. to make reductions that will total Spitzer, in response to the rec- According to the state’s execu- $16.7 million,” said Posman. “We ommendations of a commission tive budget summary, “SUNY do not know what percentage of appointed last spring, has pro- and CUNY tuition will remain that York will have to share in. posed the creation of an endow- unchanged for the 2008-2009 fis- The university will have to tell ment fund that will serve as a per- cal year.” us.” manent funding source for The proposed increase is part of The governor’s budget proposes CUNY and SUNY schools.

a larger plan by the university to COURTESY OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE an alternate five-year plan, that While the details of how the en- raise approximately $33 million CUNY’s Chancellor Matthew Goldstein (left ) and Elliot Spitzer (center) at would invest $9.3 billion in a cap- dowment will work is still not ital plan for CUNY and SUNY fully understood by York College over the next five years to fund a recent meeting. program initiatives. schools. The aim is to provide “a administration, what is known is In addition to the tuition freeze, world class infrastructure for our that the governor is proposing to the state’s executive budget does Master Plan, but instead contains Jerald Posman, Vice President higher education system,” ac- use funds from the New York not provide funding to invest in a $16.7 million reduction in state of Administrative Affairs, who is cording to the budget’s online the university’s five-year phased support. responsible for the college’s bud- summary. SEE Budget Proposal PAGE 13

INDEX NEWS FEATURES TECHNOLOGY ARTS

News...... 2-4 Happy Preview of A Life In The Features...... 5 Free Tax Chinese Hot New Theatre: Editorial...... 6-7 Preparation New Year! Consumer “Bella’s Technology ...... 8-9 At YC Electronics Gate Boy” Arts & Entertainment ...10-11 Health ...... 12 Sports ...... 14-16 PAGE 2 PAGE 5 PAGE 8 PAGE 10 PAGE 2 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

PresNewsidential Primaries Narrow Down The Field I Cain. Clinton, Obama With about six months before the Democratic Caucuses in Den- and McCain are ver, there seems no clear resolu- tion to the Democratic deadlock, top choices even with smaller states strug- BY NIRVAN GOVIND gling to make a difference. STAFF REPORTER According to the Wall Street Journal, there is talk that Florida After the dust settled on “Super and Michigan are the two un- Tuesday 2008” the list of poten- likely states to help resolve the tial candidates for president was, deadlock, even though the party for all practical purposes, limited deemed them in violation of party to three people. On the Republi- rules for holding elections earlier than they were supposed to. can side Senator John McCain Senator Hillary Clinton Senator John McCain Senator Barack Obama became the presumptive presi- Currently, the party is sticking dential hopeful while the Democ- by its decision to refuse to seat rats were split between Senators tion and health care. tion of their campaigns, after the spectacular demise of former delegates from these two rene- Barack Obama and Hillary Clin- After their victories in the Iowa pollsters and pundits had already New York City Mayor Rudolph gade states, but as many have ob- ton. caucuses, both Obama and Re- begun preparing their political Giuliani, who led the polls just served, very little in politics is This year’s presidential pri- publican hopeful Mike Huckabee obituaries. five months earlier with a 13 per- completely predictable. maries captured the nation’s at- hit the ground running, especially Clinton said at her victory in cent lead over McCain. Whether delegates from those tention like no primary in recent Obama who quickly closed the New Hampshire “Over the last A barrage of negative news sto- states cast votes in the national history and turned out an unusu- gap in both fundraising and week, I listened to you, and in the ries that broke throughout the fall caucus could decide the entire ally high number of voters. In- polling numbers between his process I found my own voice.” involving his scandal-plagued race, since Michigan is a Democ- creased voter registration initia- campaign and Clinton’s. Like Obama, Clinton adopted former police commissioner and ratic state with large African- tives, high-visibility campaigning “Big cities and small towns, you “change” as a dominant cam- business partner, Bernard Kerik American and union populations. and the incumbent president’s came together to say, ‘We are one paign catch-phrase. and a series of revelations about Florida on the other hand is con- scoring the lowest job-approval nation, we are one people and our But while Clinton and Obama his private life that did not sit sidered a toss-up state that could rating of any in modern history, time for change has come,’” said remained locked in a dogfight af- well with conservative voters swing either way. all led to some states recording Obama, at a victory rally in Iowa. ter the so-called “Super Tuesday” helped drive his poll numbers Until there is a party resolution the highest turnout since 1992. The word “change” became the primaries in California and sev- into the low single-digits. both Clinton and Obama have Voting was based on the issues predominant motto of his cam- eral southern states, McCain After staking his entire bid on made it clear that neither is ready affecting the country. According paign. However, both his and managed to pull away from his Florida, where he received just to throw in the towel. to several polls, the biggest issue Huckabee's momentum slowed political rivals and became the under 15 percent of the votes, As of press time, Obama had among supporters of both parties after New Hampshire was taken front runner for the Republican trailing McCain who had 36 per- defeated Clinton in 10 straight was the economy. But there were by McCain and Clinton. Party. cent and Romney who earned 31 races and was holding a slim lead other major issues that included The Arizona senator and the A noteworthy sidebar to the un- percent, Giuliani gave up the in delegates, based on certain poll the occupation of Iraq, immigra- former first-lady saw a revitaliza- predictable primary season was fight and pledged to support Mc- counts.

Should Military Recruiters Be Banned CAMPUS From Campus? Special for nder a 1995 law that has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, federal funding can be denied to colleges and universities York College students! BCOMEPILEDA AND T which block access to military recruiters and ROTC programs on PHOTOGRAPHED campus. As a result, only a handful of campuses nationwide can afford BY RIA HUTSON Uto refuse the access. CUNY is not one of them. REPORTER Pandoraʼs Box asked York College students if they believe funding for public universities should be withheld because they refuse to allow the military to recruit on campus.

Jonathan Fils Ian Amman Artur Bababeov Daphne Jimenez

Name: Jonathan Fils Name: Ian Amman Name: Artur Bababeov Name: Daphne Major: Business Major: Psychology Major: Mathematics Jimenez Management Academic status: Academic status: Major: History Academic status: Sophomore Senior Academic status: Freshman Junior “I disagree with that, “I agree because in or- “I do believe funding it’s the schools decision der for the United States “The army and the for public universities and their choice if they to work they have to get navy are an alternative and colleges should be allow military on cam- the people for the army if people cant afford withheld even though I pus.” and the most common college but I don’t un- am against the war and people are the students.” derstand why the gov- the military. I believe ernment would want to the students can think cut funding because the for themselves and college wouldn’t allow should have the oppor- them on campus. If tunity to hear what the The opinions above are not necessarily people want to join government and the a reflection of Pandora’s Box they can sign up some- where else.” military have to offer. At or its staff. the end of the day we as students make the deci- sion to join or not.” FEBRUARY 2008 NEWS PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 3 Free Tax Prep Service For Students At York BY ROMEO SEENJAN ware and they have actual tax ex- it’s too far for me now, so I figured MANAGING EDITOR perience and providing volunteer I can give this a shot,” Christie services. That is something em- said. “So far it looks like he knows York College’s Accounting De- ployers look for.” what he is doing.” partment in collaboration with the According to Clovey, since Christie’s tax preparer was Internal Revenue Services (IRS) many senior citizens are on fixed David Haynes, an Accounting is offering free tax preparation incomes and less likely to be able major in his junior year. services to members of the Col- to pay a professional to file their “To be honest I was a bit ner- lege and larger community. tax returns, he hopes the word vous at first,” said Haynes, noting The project is the brainchild of will get around to them so they that this was his first client. “But Robert Clovey, Professor of Ac- can use the free service. hers was basic, so I am confident counting, who is also a registered When asked about the skeptics everything went well.” Certified Public Accountant. who may question the ability or Clovey anticipates that the col- “Last semester when I taught in- knowledge of students to prepare lege will be able to assist at least dividual taxes (as part of a their tax returns, Clovey said that 200 individuals during the tax re- course), I incorporated the whole most of the students who will be turn season. IRS material,” Clovey said. “I preparing the tax returns are well- The service began on the cam- later had (students) take the IRS trained and experienced when pus on Jan. 28 and will run tax course and now they have the compared to local tax preparation through mid-April. Clovey said certification.” businesses. he is hoping to make the free tax Clovey explained that the stu- JULIANNA HUTSON • PANDORA’S BOX “I can vouch that most of the preparation service an annual pro- dents who are working on the Lorraine Christie (left) is assisted by David Haynes with her tax returns. volunteers are as qualified as the gram and is working to partner up project are mostly Accounting individuals at H & R Block,” he with local businesses to obtain majors who are volunteering their said. “Because most of them only more space and equipment. This services to assist individuals with come individuals are who we has a $100,000 in income with no took a six-week course while year the insurance company, their basic tax preparations. hope will really benefit from this real technical areas we would be these individuals (York College Health First, donated two laptop “Ninety-percent of our volun- service,” he said. willing to prepare it for them.” volunteers) took a whole semes- computers to the program. teers already completed a formal Clovey noted that while there is Clovey said the project serves as ter’s course and in addition had to Clovey said he is a firm believer tax course and so most of them no cap on the monetary amount a a benefit to both the student vol- go through other IRS require- that, although classroom training have more experience than other family can earn before they can unteers and members of the com- ments.” is essential, there is no better way tax preparation services,” Clovey qualify for the program, there are munity, but added that he believes Lorraine Christie, a resident of to learn something than by actu- said. some exceptions. the students benefit more. Woodside, was one of the earlier ally doing it. According to Clovey there are “It depends on how technical “It’s experience for them and a clients of the College’s free tax “What they get is experience,” currently more than 75 volun- the taxpayer issue is,” he said. “If chance for them to enhance their preparation service. She said she said Clovey. “It’s one thing to teers, half of whom are already it’s a case where the individual resumés,” he said. “They are cer- heard about it through her mother learn taxes from a text book, but certified after taking a six-week may have security, lets say stocks, tified by the IRS and can also who works at York. it’s another thing when you see course through the IRS. we may not want to get into those state they are somewhat confident “Usually I file my taxes at the li- the document.” “Senior citizens and the low-in- issues, but let’s say an individual with using professional tax soft- brary in East Orange County, but

JoBY CANDICEur JOHNSOnalisN t Rosalind“I can see the minds going,” she chucMcLyk- dience to travmoel, whether antbroad or wVisithin its York STAFF REPORTER led. “I’m 57.” the United States, before settling down with Entering College at 16, she earned a “that significant other” and “get out of that More than 100 members of the college Bachelor’s degree from CUNY’s City Col- comfort zone.” community were treated to a unique pre- lege, majoring in French with a minor in “Cross borders and enjoy other cultures,” sentation by an accomplished mother and Spanish. For her graduate coursework, she said. “Test yourselves as a human be- her aspiring daughter, an author and a McLymont wanted to focus on Latin Amer- ing, that is when you get to know yourself.” dancer, who both bared their artistic souls ican studies. After applying to NYU, she “Who you are is shouting so loudly that I at a presentation in the Little Theater on was told her Spanish might not be sufficient can’t hear what you’re saying,” she said, Feb. 5. to do graduate work. This led her to move quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson. The event featured award-winning author to Madrid to immerse herself in the Spanish “You have to know yourself and find that and journalist Rosalind McLymont and her language and culture. middle ground,” McLymont continued. daughter, dancer and choreographer Zifa With little money, McLymont enrolled in “That is what in my novel Middle Ground I Marti. McLymont spoke about her journal- the University of Madrid and managed to have tried to talk about.” istic experiences and her novel Middle support herself by tutoring while vigorously According to an editorial review on Ama- Ground, while Marti performed a dance studying Spanish Language and Literature. zon.com, Middle Ground opens with the piece inspired by the book accompanied by She returned to the U.S. briefly, then character Janice McWright, who is the first Cecile Klaus, of France and Kaori Nakata found herself following the call inspired by African American Ambassador to Belgium, of Japan. Marcus Garvey to return to Africa and give mysteriously dying in a car crash in Brus- English Department Chair Valerie Ander- something back to the continent. In 1973 sels. Shayna, a Pulitzer Prize-winning re- son opened the event, introducing the pro- she boarded a plane to Uganda via Iceland. porter finds out that she is McWright’s gram and York College President Marcia V. “I did not know where I would really end adopted daughter. She heads to the Congo Keizs, who met McLymont nearly 25 years up,” she explained. “In Africa, I taught on in hopes of finding her birth mother along ago. the high school level.” with her friend Amina upon learning that JULIANNA HUTSON • PANDORA’S BOX “I’ve known Rosalind since 1984, and In 1980 she came back to the U.S. with a McWright’s death was no accident. While Rosalind McLymont reads an excerpt from that relationship developed when I was the Congolese husband and three children, in- in the Congo, Amina falls in love with a founding editor of the newspaper Carib cluding the daughter who performed at the rich Congolese industrialist named Crispin her book Middle Ground during a recent News and she was earning her master’s de- event. The dance piece was inspired by and who wants to overturn the global status quo. visit to York College. gree at the time from NYU when she came named after the novel, and reflected its Crispin somehow has a connection to to us to serve as an intern,” said Keizs as theme through a variety of movement to il- Shayna’s birth mother. During the question and answer session, a she introduced McLymont. “I’ve read the lustrate the pushing and the shoving of try- The author explained that she finds it very member of the audience asked when she book and it crosses so many themes. It’s ing to find balance, the shift from Africa to exciting when she creates her characters to writes. very readable and teachable, that is why I the West. somehow have a connection with each “There is no set time of the day when I brought Ms. McLymont here to talk about McLymont entered graduate school at other in the novel. write,” she said. “But I do keep a pen and her book.” NYU and earned a Master’s in Journalism. “It just happens,” said McLymont, be- pad by my bedside for when I feel inspired Dressed in a black pant set with a shawl She joined The Journal of Commerce, be- cause she never knows how things are go- to write.” covering her shoulders, McLymont took coming the first black and first female man- ing to turn out in the story. Some of the Currently McLymont is the editor-in-chief center stage, emitting an air of serenity and aging editor of the publication that was characters come to life by themselves. of The Network Journal, a monthly maga- confidence as she addressed an audience of founded by Samuel Morse, creator of the “Why is it that I do international fiction zine focused on educating black profes- about 120 York faculty, staff and students. Morse Code. writing? Is it romance, suspense?” she said. sionals and small business owners, along McLymont began her talk by going back This position gave her the opportunity to “It’s none of those things individually, it’s with providing economic and global news to 1965, when she arrived in the United travel all over the world from Russia to all of them. It’s a reflection of my life that I coverage. States for the first time from her native Africa covering assignments. have lived.” McLymont said that working at The Net- Guyana at the age of 14, “…in the blazing “In the back of my mind was always this She encouraged the audience to identify work Journal, “was the most rewarding ex- heat of June wearing a winter dress.” dream of writing,” she said. “The dream of what is comfortable in their lives and what perience,” she ever had professionally. “The reason why it was a [red wool] win- being in the international arena and doing is their passion. “I get to see so many different aspects - ter dress was because we were supposed to whatever I wanted to do internationally.” “I would never succumb to the way peo- from finance [and] economic situations - arrive in winter around January,” She asked the audience how does it hap- ple view me,” said McLymont, reflecting everything has to be interpreted in that McLymont explained. “But the visas were pen for “…a little girl from a country like on an incident in college when a teacher (magazine) to report from the perspective delayed until June.” Guyana” to have the courage and the spoke negatively about her passion in life, opportunities that the situation presents for After mentioning that she was a teenager “oomph” to do something like that? “Was and gave her a “C” in her composition African Americans,” she said. in 1965, McLymont noted the expressions it the academic formation or the parental class. She vowed never to take another such The program ended with a reception in the on some of the faces in the audience trying formation?” class and taught herself creative writing in- lobby of the Theatre where the author to figure out how old she currently is. The author then urged students in the au- stead. signed copies of her book. PAGE 4 | PANDORA’S BOX NEWS FEBRUARY 2008 School Spends $205K On Custodial Consultant BY SADEF A. KULLY “The rest rooms are much Administrative Superintendent of FEATURE EDITOR cleaner now than how they used Buildings. “But now they under- to be even a year ago,” said Stacy stand why we are here – they are While most students were either Bauch, a junior studying social motivated.” relaxing over the holidays, work- work at the College. “But the bins One common complaint among ing side jobs or still getting over still need some work. They need the custodial staff is that they are that final exam that left them mor- to empty them more often.” woefully understaffed to handle tified during the winter break, the Ronald Thomas, York’s Dean of such a sprawling facility like custodial staff at York undertook Administrative Affairs, said hiring York. a major effort to spruce up the ap- an outside consultant was a sig- “They should divide us better,” pearance of the College. nificant step toward correcting said Mark McCullough, an assis- From scraping baseboards with such problems and that the ex- tant custodian for 13 years. “It razors and solvents to stripping pense would pay off in the long takes more full-timers to get the and waxing the Congoleum run. work done.” floors, the 26 full-time and six “We are not there yet, but there Initially the custodial staff part-time employees who make is a significant improvement,” viewed Aramark’s arrival as the up the College’s custodial staff said Thomas. “We are hopeful administration’s way of piling spent the month of January hus- this trend will continue.” more work on them, on top of tling to finish the jobs they can’t Dimitri Diaz, the Aramark con- their required duties that include get done while classes are in full sultant assigned to York College, cleaning all the bathrooms four session. said his firm will help the college times a day. During this winter module, the staff identify areas of improve- Sammy Joseph, an assistant cus- custodial staff’s efforts were aug- ment that will save the school todian, said that while things have mented by the services of a con- time and money. gotten better over the past year, sulting firm recently-hired to help “(Aramark) has a lot of buying there is much room for improve- assess, coordinate and focus the power – we are worldwide, so the ment. “The night crew is very work of the existing staff. prices are lower,” said Diaz. “It’s short – we need more man Last year, in response to con- how much (York) is saving and power,” said Joseph. stant complaints about campus the leadership we are providing. In response, the administration cleanliness, the College approved The mop and bucket system recently authorized the hiring of a $205,000 annual contract with would probably take two hours additional staff, and are exploring the firm Aramark to examine the and a half to clean a 10,000 the idea of adding an overnight College’s custodial infrastructure square foot area – with a new ma- shift. and recommend improvements. chine it takes 30 minutes. It wa- “It is critical how these addi- Since the arrival of the company ters, scrubs, and picks up the wa- tional (employees) are deployed,” JULIANNA HUTSON • PANDORA’S BOX on campus there have been highly ter off of the floor. And everyone said Dean Thomas. Stephen McWhorter, a part-time custodial employee, uses the soon-to-be visible differences, especially in can see the results.” Miller and Diaz said the school phased-out “mop and bucket” system for cleaning large floor areas. the school’s most obvious sanitary Diaz said he had to overcome an is also in the process of moving offenders, the restrooms. Among initial resistance by the in-house toward a more “green” campus. the noticeable upgrades are the staff to accept critique and sug- One initiative is moving toward rinsing, and washing myself,” tee, said the benefits of his part- new toilet seat cover dispensers, gestions, but has now developed more environmentally friendly said Colon. “But the chemicals nership with Aramark have made automated air refreshers and pa- what he believes is a good work- cleaning products, a measure that are not good for me.” a highly visible impact on the per towel dispensers. ing relationship. is welcomed by employees like The College is also exploring overall appearance of the campus. But even as students acknowl- “The custodial staff was not assistant custodian Nayda Colon, ways to expand the collection of “Dimitri and I like to say we are edge the improvements, they rec- properly trained, unsupervised, who is known to staff and stu- recyclable materials on campus. working smarter not harder,” said ognize that much work remains to and (there was) no accountabil- dents as “Shorty.” Miller, who is also on the col- Miller. be done. ity,” said Rodney Miller, York’s “I used to do all the stripping, lege’s Green Initiatives Commit-

BYU JULIANrbanNA HUTSON Enrichment Society Takes On Socialseemi ngIly ssuesubiquitous use of the EDITOR IN CHIEF “n” and “b” words. “People should not identify There are approximately 35 reg- themselves as ‘niggers or bitches’ istered student organizations, oth- because that’s not what we are,” erwise referred to as “clubs,” at said Rose. “People began to use it York College during any given se- as a term of endearment. It is best mester. These clubs aim to expose to identity themselves in a posi- students and faculty to academic, tive way. You can use something social, cultural and career-cen- like sister or brother – I am your tered extracurricular activities. brother not your ‘nigger.’“ Today the college has numerous To promote this movement, so- national and ethnic-oriented ciety members pooled together groups including the African, their own money to purchase pins Bengali, Caribbean, Chinese, and buttons with the phrases, “I Guyanese, Haitian and Latino am your sister not your bitch” and clubs. There are also the religion- “I am your brother not your nig- based Intervarsity Christian Fel- ger.” lowship and Muslim Students As- Charlin Bailey, the club’s vice sociation, as well as the career fo- president who was responsible for cused clubs for the fields of Ac- the initiative, said she believes counting, Business, Pre-Law and that the distribution of the pins has Pre-Med. created a new fashion statement But as many students, faculty JULIANNA HUTSON • PANDORA’S BOX around the campus. And while the and even administrative staff Club president Jahi Rose (far left) and club vice president Charlin Bailey (far right) with other members of the Urban drive has been successful at con- agree, there is no student club cur- Enrichment Society sort toy and book donations. vincing some students to refrain rently on campus quite like the from using negative terms to de- Urban Enrichment Society. scribe themselves and others, The club’s origin dates back to assistant director of Student Ac- was held in front of the College in members of the College and Ja- there were a few challenges along the spring of 2007 following the tivities at York College the outside plaza. maica community. the way. shooting death of Sean Bell by “They have not kept momen- Civil rights and social awareness Over the following semester the Bailey recalled an incident last police outside a strip club a short tum, they have increased momen- organizations such as 100 Blacks Urban Enrichment Society joined semester when the club was tak- distance away from the college. tum,” said Andrews. “Most stu- in Law Enforcement Who Care, forces with other external organi- ing part in the Fall Club Fair. “I wanted to educate students on dents are interested in parties and the Grand Council of the zations such as the March of “There were two girls that came what to expect if approached by academic issues, but not many Guardians and the NYPD’s Civil- Dimes, (the non-profit group de- over to the table, so I asked if they the police and how they (the po- people are interested in urban is- ian Complaint and Review Board voted to improving the health of were best friends and she was like lice) should act when dealing with sues, even though we are centered were invited to inform the public babies by preventing birth defects, ‘this is my bitch right here and my the public,” said Jahi Rose, in the middle of the second largest about their rights as citizens and premature birth, and infant mor- bitch over there wants one (of the founder and president of the soci- black middle class community in those of the police force. Al- tality), and the National Cancer buttons).’” ety. the United States.” though the NYPD was invited Association, which promotes Bailey, remembers asking the Rose and four friends decided to After filling out the appropriate they did not send a speaker to the cancer awareness and raises funds girl, “Did you read what was on pool together their time, experi- paperwork, the Urban Enrichment event. for research. the button?” before sending the ence and passion for social Society held its first official event The Peace Enforcement Aware- But most recently the society girl away without a button. change and started the club with last spring entitled “Peace En- ness Rally was held in two parts embarked on the statewide, if not SEE Urban Enrichment Society the help of Anthony Andrews, the forcement Awareness Rally.” It and together attracted over 40 nationwide campaign against the PAGE 13 FEBRUARY 2008 PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 5

FeBYC KISHAhinese ALI at uresNew Year Celebrates The Year Ofs poTkesmahn foer New Rat York City STAFF REPORTER Councilman John Liu), State As- semblyman William Scarborough Students from the Chinese Stu- and other invited guests offered dents Association celebrated in encouraging speeches on cele- true Chinese style as they ushered brating diversity. in the Lunar Year of the Rat on “Balanced individuals must cel- February 7 in the York College ebrate other cultures,” said Keizs atrium. during brief remarks. She empha- “When (college) students come sized that experiencing the rituals from China they are unable to re- of different cultures is one of the turn due to their semesters, so we benefits to the entire York com- organize the event so that we can munity because the College is celebrate together,” said Haixing such a diverse environment. Lee, an Occupational Therapy Lee explained that the event major and president of the associ- was a way for other Chinese stu- ation. dents who had not heard about Students, faculty members, and the Chinese Student’s Associa- distinguished guests filled an tion, to become aware that there atrium decorated with hanging DHRUV KUMAR • PANDORA’S BOX was a Chinese community at colored lanterns, and large red and Chinese New Year was observed with the customary “lion dance.” York and to help them feel wel- gold Chinese characters. But the come and at home. She is hoping highlight of the group’s perfor- that the association, which cur- mance was the “lion dance,” per- The annual event, which fea- members performed several Tai portant because it is the first ani- rently has 30 students, will in- formed by a furry, bright-yellow tured traditional Chinese dances, Chi demonstrations dressed in mal in the lunar sequence of the crease its membership after this and red dragon that taunted mem- festive cultural music and authen- bright red shirts, gold pants and twelve symbolic animals. There- year’s event. bers seated in the audience before tic Chinese cuisine, was aimed at black belts with passionate ex- fore many Chinese people con- Lisa Hurst, a lower-junior and moving around the atrium to en- introducing the Chinese culture to pressions on their faces. sider it an honor to be born under biology major at York who at- gage bystanders. the general student body at York, “The Chinese New Year is the the rodent’s sign. tended last year’s celebration as “This is my first Chinese event as well as making the Chinese most important event because it Rats are considered charming, well as this year’s, said she was ever,” said Catherine Clark, an students feel at home. has been a part of our culture for cunning and aggressive by the very pleased that the club did upper-junior and Social Work ma- The Dragon Style Kung Fu more than a thousand years,” said Chinese and therefore any person something “unique from last jor. “It was really good, and so Group from Chinatown was an- Lee. born in the year of the rat is be- year,” and she was looking for- colorful!” she said, adding that other crowd favorite. The rat is the first of 12 animals lieved to poses these traits. ward to attending next year’s she had “never seen anything like With loud drums pounding in on the Chinese zodiac calendar President of York College Dr. event. it,” and that she was “inspired.” the background, the group’s and is considered particularly im- Marcia V. Keizs, Shiang Liu (a

SIGNS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC

he Chinese year 4706 begun on February 7, 2008. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after Teach one. He announced that the people born in each animal’s year would have some of that animal’s personality. Each animal is known to have certain characteristics that a person born under the sign would demon- strate likewise the year a person is born determines their animal sign. Here are the twelve animals and what their behavior says about individ- uals born under the twelve year calendar:

Born in 1924, 1936, often seen as a “Hothead” or rebel. 1948, 1960, 1972, Your sign shows you would be excel- 1984, 1996, 2008… lent as a boss, explorer, race car dri- RAT: You are imagi- ver, or matador. native, charming, and truly generous to the Born in 1927, 1939, person you love. 1951, 1963, 1975, However, you have a tendency to be 1987, 1999, 2011… quick-tempered and overly critical. RABBIT: You are the You are also inclined to be somewhat kind of person, that of an opportunist. Born under this people like to be sign, you should be happy in sales or around affectionate, as a writer, critic, or publicist. obliging, always pleasant. You have a tendency, though, to get too sentimen- Born in 1925, 1937, tal and seem superficial. Being cau- 1949, 1961, 1973, tious and conservative, you are suc- 1985, 1997, 2009… cessful in business but would also BUFFALO: A born make a good lawyer, diplomat, or ac- leader, you inspire tor. confidence from all around you. You are Born in 1916, 1928, conservative methodical, and good 1940, 1952, 1964, with your hands. Guard against being 1976, 1988, 2000, chauvinistic and always demanding 2012… your own way. The Buffalo would be DRAGON: Full of vi- successful as a skilled surgeon, gen- tality and enthusiasm, eral, or hairdresser. the Dragon is a popu- lar individual even with the reputation Born in 1926, 1938, of being foolhardy and a “big mouth” 1950, 1962, 1974, at times. You are intelligent, gifted, 1986, 1998, 2010… and a perfectionist but these qualities TIGER: You are sen- make you unduly demanding on oth- sitive, emotional, and ers. You would be well-suited to be an capable of great love. artist, priest, or politician. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right; SEE Chinese Zodiac PAGE 11 PAGE 6 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

PBPando’sra’s 40th Box AnniversaryA New Look For Pandora’s Box BY ROMEO SEENJAN for the paper that we hope will Pierre re-introduced books and Comes Full Circle MANAGING EDITOR encourage more readership music reviews and reported on among students and friends of the current fashion trends at the col- This year Pandora’s Box cele- community. lege. Future plans entail movie brates 40 years of providing We say plans are in develop- and food reviews in forthcoming 1969 timely news to the York College ment, because in the December editions. and greater-Jamaica communities. 1996 edition of Pandora’s Box, an Pandora’s Box featured a car- Started in 1968 as one of the announcement read “Pandora’s toon in the December ‘07 edition first student organizations in the Box goes on-line in February and that will be a constant addi- then nomadic CUNY College, 1997.” Those plans are also still tion in future editions. Pandora’s Box remains the oldest in development, but within strik- A “Photo Gallery” section was student organization at York. ing distance of becoming reality. added as another section of the For its 40th birthday the editor- This semester Pandora’s Box is award-winning newspaper. This ial team is providing a new look finally able and ready to join the section features pictures of events for the printed edition of the digital age, as we are now ready on campus that are important to newspaper. to officially launch the inaugural our readership but which, for a For its first half of its 28 years, on-line version of Pandora’s Box wide variety of reasons, are un- Pandora’s Box has been printed with the new look and design of able to run with a full article. in black and white. But as years the print version. The previously titled “Sound passed and color became an af- Pandora’s Box is also getting a Off” and “Pandora’s Speaks” sec- fordable option, Pandora’s Box’s new faculty advisor as part of its tions are now professionally re- headline texts changed from new look. named “Op-Ed” and “Letters to green to red, blue to pink and Professor Glenn Lewis served the Editor” page. These pages many other colors of the rainbow. as the faculty advisor of the news- have also been moved closer to The first color front and back paper for over two decades. This the center of the newspaper in- pages of Pandora’s Box were year he passes the baton to Pro- stead of being stuck in the back of 1975 printed as part of a pilot project fessor Bill Hughes, who is now previous editions. The “Commen- that coincided with the Reverend part of the new Journalism pro- tary” page which was housed on Jessie Jackson’s visit to York in gram at York. page two of Pandora’s Box will the Fall of 1993. Professor Hughes is supported now be part of the Op-Ed section. But while the idea was to use by Marcia Moxam Comrie, a for- As the year progresses you can the college’s official color of red mer student of Professor Lewis, expect new sections and changes as a back ground to the Rev- who continues to astutely serve as to both the on-line and print ver- erend’s front page photo, when Associate Faculty Advisor. sions of Pandora’s Box. You can the printers delivered the almost Marketing guru Dr. Paul Salis- expect more pictures and in-depth 3000 copies on campus everyone bury, of the Business Department, reporting in our on-line version was surprised to see the bright red also joins the advisory team this due to the almost unlimited space was in fact a shade of rose pink. year and is tasked with restoring availability as opposed to the But despite a few early set- and revitalizing advertisement print version. The editorial team backs, Pandora’s Box continued sales of the monthly newspaper. plans to undertake more polls and 1984 to print colored front, back and There is also some added funk surveys of college and national center fold pages over the last to the editorial content of Pan- events in both versions of the decade. dora’s Box as we try to make it newspaper. In the fall 2008 semester, after a more fun and appealing to our On behalf of the entire editorial decade of color printing on only readership. team at Pandora’s Box we hope four pages, plans are in develop- The Arts and Entertainment sec- you enjoy the new look, and wel- ment for Pandora’s Box to be tion of the newspaper was evident come your comments. printed in full color on all of its throughout the previous semester. Enjoy! 20 pages, a projected new look Our talented A&E editor Isabelle

1995 PANDORA’S BOX What Were They Thinking? BY SAMUEL HUX ten to his wise brother, allows his loins rather than PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH his brain to govern him, and opens his arms to this dazzling glamour-puss. In ancient Greek mythology the titan Prometheus Commanded by Zeus (the cunning old bastard) (immortalized in Aeschylus’s tragedy Prometheus not to open the box, Pandora of course does just Bound) stole fire from the gods as an endowment that, releasing the original hell upon earth. Only to the recently-created human (or, rather, male) one thing does not escape the box – and is pre- 1996 race. (Read something like technological, scien- sumably still there – hope. tific, artistic inspiration). One might note – in fact many have noted – a Cutting through a lot of details: Zeus, infuriated more than vague similarity to what might be called that men would have what he never planned them the “Eve-function.” The first editors of Pandora’s to have, commanded the divine blacksmith Hep- Box were obviously untroubled by such associa- haestus to create a woman (uh oh) to complicate tions, living as they did before the imperium of po- matters. litical correctness. Hephaestus was aided by other gods who con- So what specifically did the first editors have in tributed various gifts to the woman’s being and mind when they chose this title? That I have never character (beauty, of course, but also guile and de- understood. Might one hazard a guess? That if ceit). you opened the newspaper all hell would be re- So was born Pandora, “all-gifted,” who was sent leased? Well that’s not a very charitable view of to earth with her “box” (sometimes a “jar”) filled Pandora’s Box the publication! with various evils such as greed, vanity, envy, and Or were they thinking proudly: “Contained so on, and at least one virtue: hope. So the tale is within our pages is a profound encouragement of told with some variations first by the ancient and a stimulation to seize that long-delayed Hope Greek poet Hesiod in his epic poems Theogony for suffering humankind!” and Works and Days. Well that’s very audacious! But youth is noth- Prometheus, knowing well the wrath and un- ing if not a bit outrageous in its ambitions, so I will 2008 trustworthiness of Zeus, advises his brother assume the latter motive was closer to their inten- Epimetheus, before whom Pandora parades her al- tions. lurements, not to accept any gift from the god-in- Bless the first editors and staff and all those who chief, but Epimetheus (the bloody fool) cannot lis- have followed them. FEBRUARY 2008 PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 7 Editorial SchBY JULIANNA HUTSONool Securityseveral colleges acro ssIssues the country to imple- INeedt is known that universit ieMores do not place as the irScrutiny security efforts in the hope of deterring EDITOR IN CHIEF ment text messaging systems similar to the much priority on preventing violent crimes crime. one in Illinois. as K-12 schools do, especially in New York But some critics say that while cameras Despite the current text-message alert sys- The system allows text messages to be sent City, maybe because the more educated a provide more information, they do not nec- tems that exist on many college and univer- to all registered students, with a brief de- person is, the less likely they are to engage in essarily stop crime. sity campuses around the country to inform scription of the specific emergency in violent behavior. In addition, due to the heavy cost of secu- students of emergencies, there still remains progress on campus and advises students on This clearly is not the case as it appears that rity camera’s there are not enough to monitor an urgent need for an effective system that what to do. in recent years college shootings are becom- every inch of a given campus, not even a can prevent rather than react to unwanted in- Looking back at the recent incident at St. ing an annual event. campus as small as York’s. cidents. John’s University in Queens last fall when a Therefore, some thought should be given If critics are correct about the limited pre- The Northern Illinois University shooting masked college student entered the campus to setting up metal detectors and conducting ventive benefits cameras add to campuses, that took place on Valentine’s Day leaving carrying a loaded .50 caliber rifle, a student random searches at colleges in an effort to then maybe today’s focus should be on train- five students and the shooter dead, is an ap- cadet was fortunate to have noticed the bar- clamp down on campus violence. ing security personnel to identify human be- plicable example of a system that only leads rel of the rifle sticking out of the man’s back CUNY is currently working on providing havioral characteristics that can help stop fu- to reaction rather than prevention. pack and was able to notify security before the text-message alert system for students, ture campus killings and thereby improve se- According to news reports, security at the any serious incident could have occurred. faculty and staff as part of the university’s ef- curity in all school systems. university acted promptly in response to the After the gunman was apprehended, secu- fort to provide a safer environment. An increase in security personnel around shooting, but there was no indication that rity was able to alert the entire campus via Students are urged to register at campuses is also an option to add to the per- there was an unauthorized weapon on the cell phone text message to stay indoors and http://alerts.live.com/Alerts/ so that they can ception of a safer environment, but once again college premises and even when the shoot- be on alert. be alerted of any emergencies on campus via does not necessarily add to real security. ing began, security could not have responded It was a “fluke” as is commonly said, a ‘by their cell phones, though recipients may be Another option for safer college’s might within sufficient time to prevent further chance’ that someone noticed the barrel of a a charged a fee by their mobile provider to not lie with individual campuses monitor- deaths. rifle sticking out through a student’s back receive the alerts. ing their own security at all, but with the This is not to suggest that the current text- pack. Bids are also out for a public announce- state and federal governments to create message alert system that is being purchased This begs the question of how likely is it ment system to be set up throughout the col- tighter gun control laws and regulations. by campuses across the country is not use- that security personnel will be aware of an lege in an effort to alert students who do not Whatever the case may be, whatever it ful, but it is not enough to assume campuses unauthorized weapon on campus? own cell phones or cannot receive text mes- may take, there is no doubt that better sys- are safe, or safer with them. Maybe it is time to adopt the current “if saging. tems need to be created to prevent, rather The Virginia Tech shooting last April that you see something say something” MTA slo- Other colleges around the nation are in- than react to life threatening incidents on resulted in the deaths of 33 people prompted gan to promote campus spirit. vesting in more closed-circuit cameras for college campuses.

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PANDORA’S BOX • The Official Student Newspaper of York College Serving The York College Community Since 1968 York College • 94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. • Room AC-2C13 • Jamaica, NY 11451 • (718) 262-2529 • Fax (718) 262-5234 • [email protected] EDITORIAL BOARD

Marcia Moxam Comrie Julianna Hutson Sadef A. Kully Prof. William Hughes Associate Faculty Advisor Editor-in-Chief Feature Editor Associate Faculty Advisor

Romeo Seenjan Isabelle Pierre Prof. Paul Salisbury Managing Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Business Advisor

Reporters Reporters Sports Writers Cartoonist Dhruv Kumar Mehrunnisa Wani Jaleesa M. Renoit John Rodriguez Kisha Ali Stefan Singh Jarett Jones Chad Glover Candice Johnson Nirvan Govind Ria Hutson

“ THE CITY UNIVERSITY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY OR VETERAN’S STATUS.” ALL ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BECOME THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF PANDORA’S BOX. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF PANDORA’S BOX. © 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PANDORA’S BOX. PAGE 8 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008 Technology Gadgets + Things

BY DHRUV KUMAR REPORTER The 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas featured new and some improved electronics for everyone; from the The MacBook Air Mac-dreaming-Guitar Hero-loving- techie to the average I-think-I-figured-out-Microsoft lmost everyone has seen the commercial Vista-individual, including the price ranges. of Apple’s MacBook Air laptop being slipped out of a brown envelope – it can keep a technophile up all night just think- ing about it. Unlike laptops that compromise on screen size, keyboard size and most importantly performance, the Apple Macbook Air does not. Air is engineered to be the world’s thinnest laptop, measuring just .16-.76 Aof an inch in height and 12.8 inches in width, and weighing in at three pounds. It comes equipped with Intel Core Duo 1.6 GHz, 2 GB of RAM ensuring powerful performance. Built to be a wireless machine, it includes an 802.11n wireless card, which is the fastest Wi-Fi available on the market. The graphics package includes an Intel GMA X3100 graph- ics processor which can be used to connect TV screens and audio output for headphones. Apple joined the “green” movement and replaced its arsenic-based bat- tery with a more environment-friendly power source, which lasts for a full five hours. It also includes the I- sight camera for web conferencing and taking photos. The down side is that it does not include an optical drive so you cannot watch DVD’s or burn or listen to CD’s. Apple makes up for that by introducing a remote disc feature which can be useful for installing programs wirelessly from another Mac or PC. Apple has also in- cluded a separate USB optical drive which costs an ex- tra $100. Another drawback to the Apple MacBook Air is its price – $1799 and up, depending on what you need. It might be the world’s thinnest laptop but it isn’t the cheapest and the lack of and optical drive could be a big problem for people who use a lot of CD’s. The Mac- Book Air is available now.

PHOTOS BY APPLE FEBRUARY 2008 PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 9

Iqua Asus Eee PC 4G Bluetooth

or the financially-challenged among us, there is an Headset alternative. The Asus Eee PC 4G is small and com- pact with a 7-inch display, a durable design, and a 603 Sun built -in Wi-Fi that runs on Linux. The device has a very quick start-up time unlike Microsoft’s Windows Vista here are many Bluetooth headsets out and Apple’s OSX Leopard. No there, but the Iqua Bluetooth Headset technical manual is required be- 603 Sun is the most unique and the cause it is an easy-to-use device world’s first solar-powered Bluetooth Fwith a very simple interface. This headset. The headset, which comes with up to 10 device has a built-in camera and hours of talk time, can be paired with up to eight comes pre-loaded with Word other Bluetooth-enabled phones and a shocking in- Processor, other useful programs finite standby time (when exposed to the sun). This and supports multimedia and mu- Tdevice never has to be charged as long as you ex- sic. The PC 4G comes with either pose it to the sun and works with many other major 4 GB or 8 GB of space and has expandable memory via SD cell phone manufactures. The Sun only weighs Card Slot. The Asus Eee PC 4G costs only $399 and is now about 14 grams and costs $100. Unfortunately it available. Those who are not familiar with Linux can also does not work that well if it is windy and it is kind purchase a Windows XP-based laptop for the same price, of bulky. The release date for this device is to be an- which comes out in three months. nounced.

PHOTOS BY ASUS COMPANY PHOTO BY BLUETOOTH

Sony PSP with Skype support

aise your hand if you are sick of using phone cards to call back home. Sony has released a new PHOTO BY PLAYSTATION product that includes Skype for the PSP. For 2000 series those of you don’t know owners out Rabout it, Skype is a program there. The not so for a PC that can make free great news is that it only works calls from PC to PC anywhere in on the new PSP 2000 series because of the world. All you need is a USB RAM issues with the older generation. So head to Net- headphone and microphone which work Update on your PSP XMB menu and download up- is available for $20. date 3.90, or download via your PC from www.playsta- There is some awesome news and some okay news; tion.com. Just click the PSP tab on the website and scroll the good news is that the update is free for any PSP down to System Updates. PAGE 10 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

Book Review: & Arts‘Hello ChaEnrlietertainment: Letters From A Serial Killer’ I tragedy of Heather Dawn Church A beautifully written account of By Charlie Hess had come to its awful conclu- a horrifying tale, the book tells the sion.” gripping story of Browne’s de- and Davin Seay So begins the creepy, true story pravity and Hess’s skillful han- Atria Books, 306 pages of serial killer Robert Browne and dling of the case. Years of experi- February 2008 of Charlie Hess, the retired CIA ence as a military interrogator operative and former FBI agent proved essential for Hess, who BY ISABELLE PIERRE who helped uncover the depth sifted through the clues and rid- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR and breadth of Browne’s crimes. dles provided by a serial killer After retiring, Hess volunteered with an exceptional IQ and a pen- On Sept. 17, 1991, 13-year-old to work with the Colorado chant for lying. Heather Dawn Church vanished Springs cold case department and, Expressed through Browne’s from her family’s home in Col- with the help of two associates, letters and Seay’s narrative are the orado Springs while baby-sitting organized a database of unsolved piercing frustrations of detective for her five-year-old sibling, who crimes and mysterious disappear- work and the undulating mood was found unharmed and sleeping ances. Around the same time, patterns of a serial killer born into in the house. At the time, the dis- Browne started writing letters a seemingly normal American appearance made national head- from prison to the district attor- family with a strain of depression lines as the residents of the small ney’s office in Colorado Springs. on his mother’s side. town recoiled in shock and local, The letters were filled with po- It is unclear how Browne devel- state and federal law enforcement ems, rhyme schemes and riddles oped his hatred for both women agencies chased a long series of suggesting that Browne had killed and police officers or why this dead end leads. nearly 50 people over three former straight “A” student would For nearly two years her parents decades spread throughout the suddenly drop out of high school could only fear the worst. The day United States, among them Texas, and join the military. It is also un- before the two-year anniversary Colorado and Louisiana. clear and frightening how and of the disappearance their fear be- In the first letter, addressed “To why he managed to remain unde- came reality. Whom It May Concern,” Browne tected for so many years. “A hiker along a rugged stretch taunted investigators but provided Married five times with one son of road skirting the Rampart few details. from a Vietnamese woman while Range near the town of Cascade Portions of the letter read, “… he was overseas, Browne would – not more than thirty miles from seven sacred virgins, entombed often smother his victims with the Church’s Black Forest home side by side, those less worthy, poison-soaked rags, kill them – discovered the battered skull of are scattered wide,” and, “The through various means and then a child…There, near the rusting score is, you one, the other team hulk of an abandoned car, the 48. SEE Serial Killer PAGE 13 WWW.AMAZON.COM

An Actor’s Life Story Becomes A Powerful Play I he was retained after a round of “Bella’s Gate cuts. He assumed it was one of two reasons; either he paid his Boy” by Trevor D. fees on time or because he had come from Kingston, Jamaica- Rhone too far away to be kicked out. In his second year he vowed that BY MEHRUNNISA WANI he would be the greatest, yet still STAFF REPORTER he under-whelmed. After one of his recitals of a Shakespeare son- On a recent rainy Friday evening net, one of the judges mused, in an audience of roughly 60 in “Never in history have so many the small theater of the Perform- English poets been murdered all ing Arts Center, playwright, actor thanks to Trevor Rhone.” and writer Trevor D. Rhone took But later the same year Rhone an audience through an adventur- was asked to play the role of God ous play revealing the most sig- in the play, “Green Pastures.” Al- nificant events of his life. though he described the ten-week The small stage contained only rehearsal period, the worst ten a wooden podium on the left di- weeks of his life, in the end he rectly facing the center row of the won seven awards, but not the audience and a scene depicting a eight he was expecting. wooden bench set in Central Park. That early success, however, In the back of the stage sat a table was followed by a fruitless search with props – two hats, a knitted for acting work in London and a scarf and a luggage carrier placed return to Kingston. But while underneath the table. there he wrote and starred in the At the opening of the perfor- play “Smile Orange” which pre- miered in 1971 and launched mance, Matthew Katz, the direc- PERFORMING ARTS CENTER tor of the Performing Arts Center, Trevor Rhone during his performance of “Bella’s Gate Boy.” Rhone toward international recog- spoke briefly about Rhone’s life. nition. He described Rhone as one of, He explained that “Bella’s Gate “the jewels of drama,” who was mother. His middle initial “D” theater experience he said he was remembers including his mother, Boy” is the place he escaped from recently ranked third among the stands for “Dear.” According to leaning toward a career in dance who was known as “Ms.Mac,” and the things he kept inside of 100 most recognizable black ac- Rhone, after he was born his or music. He said that soon after- she concluded that evil spirits had him that he’d never released. tors and screen icons of this cen- mother took one look at him and ward during a rehearsal, a girl felt taken over her son and demanded While writing the story, he said tury including Denzel Washing- said “Oh, what a dear!” obliged to let him know that he they visit a priest. his “words came out like a stream ton. Early in the show, Rhone de- could not dance, and later he real- Eventually Ms. Mac relented, of lava,” because he had to get it After the lights dimmed, back- scribed his childhood and his ized on his own that he couldn’t and Rhone set off on a 21-day all out of his system. ground music played Bob Mar- early awareness of sex. sing either. ocean journey from Kingston to After a funny, sincere and capti- ley’s “Under the Coconut Tree.” “Animals were doing it in the That left acting. London. By his own accounting, vating performance at York, Rhone The lyrics, “Darling let’s go under bushes, my brothers were doing it At the age of 18 he met an actor Rhone did not exactly overwhelm was given a standing ovation. the coconut tree,” set the stage for in the bushes,” he said, prompting who suggested he should attend his teachers and fellow students But if you really want to know a vibrant and engaging one-man the audience to burst into laughter. Rose Bruford College in England, with his talents. After his first re- who Trevor D. Rhone is and how autobiographical play. As a young man, Rhone tried his but added “Whatever they teach hearsal he was voted “least likely he became the man he is today, Rhone was the 23rd child of his hand at music, reciting, singing you, forget half of it.” to succeed.” make sure you catch his perfor- father and third child of his and dancing. After his first live After speaking to close family But by the end of his first year, mance of “Bella’s Gate Boy.” FEBRUARY 2008 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 11

BeBY ISABELLnefitE PIERRE ConcertJanuary. Features Three Mo’ Tenors ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR According to Matthew Katz, Director of the Performing Arts Center, President Keizs “One Dream. Many Realities” was the was influential in convincing the group to theme at the College’s first fundraising ben- perform at the concert under such short no- efit concert, which was held to raise schol- tice. The president agreed that the group arship money for the York College Founda- was a perfect fit for such an event at York. tion. According to Director of Campus Pro- “I think whenever you’re looking for this gramming Michel Hodge, the College type of subject event, you have to consider raised nearly $250,000 dollars at the event. the appeal,” said Katz referring to the Referred to by President Marcia V. Keizs group’s wide-ranging musical repertoire. as the College’s “maiden voyage,” the event The Three Mo’ Tenors put on a perfor- was part of the administration’s continued mance on a stage built by one of the Col- efforts to improve the image of York Col- lege’s carpenters, Bob Barnes, who works lege to what Keizs called the “internal and for the school’s Department of Performing external communities.” & Fine Arts. The song selections ranged Improving the image was the rationale be- from opera to the blues, gospel to Motown hind holding the event in York’s own neigh- and even a little hip hop. Essentially there borhood, on its own grounds at the Per- was something there for everyone. forming Arts Center. Booking the talent was only part of the “We wanted to say essentially that York process and to give the event more of an College is a very valuable asset to the com- edge the College brought in an outside con- munity and to Southeast Queens,” said sultant Dwight Johnson, of Dwight Johnson Hodge, who functioned as the go-to guy for Design. The company helped the College NAT VALENTINE • INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT the event. create the program and brand the event Chairman of the York College Foundation, George Aridas (left), with Three Mo’ Tenors mem- From the event’s conception to its execu- “One Dream. Many Realities.” bers Kenneth D. Alston Jr., Sean Miller and Ramone Diggs. tion organizers had approximately three “What goes with one dream?” Johnson months to prepare – months which, Hodge asked rhetorically. “The students, Three pointed out, involved finals, holidays and Mo’ Tenors, and many realities.” The evening kicked off with a pre-show donors was more difficult than getting con- time off, making publicizing the event to It was the Tenors who picked Jan. 21 to reception with light finger foods followed tributions from larger sponsors, but the col- the York College community a challenge. perform, a date which Posman said by an after-show desert reception in the Lit- laborative efforts of foundation members “The academic calendar was on vaca- “…brought together scholarship for stu- tle Theatre, where officials honored the George Aridas, Susan Duetsch, and the col- tion,” he said. dents and the Martin Luther King Jr. cele- York College quilt committee. For many lege community helped York meet 98 per- The planning became a balancing act of bration.” years prior to this year’s event it was the cent of its goals. scheduling and communication skills. The Posman joked that after the college quilt committee which raised funds for the The proceeds of the events were ear- booking of Three Mo’ Tenors was sug- booked the Three Mo’ Tenors, on campus Foundation. marked for incoming academically achiev- gested by Vice President Gerald Posman, working to put the event together were, “It was a great opportunity, the President ing freshmen and York scholars. who learned that the popular group would “Three Mo’ Warriors – Katz, Hodge and felt, to honor them” said Posman. “In the end, I think, just as important as be touring the New York City area in mid- Johnson.” Drumming up support from smaller raising money, it raised pride,” said Hodge.

CHINESE ZODIAC WOMEN’S CENTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 SPRING 2008 CALENDAR Born in 1917, 1929, must guard against being an opportunist 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, and distrustful of other people. Your sign 1989, 2001, 2013… promises success in any field you try. Every Week Activity Description Rich in wisdom SNAKE: Born in 1921, 1933, Monday Power of Prayer - 3 p.m. Christian Discussion and charm, you are ro- 1945, 1957, 1969, mantic and deep thinking 1981, 1993, 2005, and your intuition guides 2017… Tuesday Real Talk - 1 p.m. Women’s Discussion you strongly. Avoid procrastination and ROOSTER: The Rooster Women Empowerment Series Special Workshop your stingy attitude towards money. is a hard worker; shrewd (Tuesday 4, 11, 18, 25) Keep your sense of humor about life. and definite in decision The Snake would be most content as a making often speaking his mind. Be- teacher, philosopher, writer, psychiatrist, cause of this, you tend to seem boastful Wednesday Tea Time - 12 p.m. Tea Time and fortune teller. to others. You are a dreamer, flashy Movie Night - 8 p.m. Wednesday Night Movie dresser, and extravagant to an extreme. Born in 1918, 1930, Born under this sign you should be Thursday Stitches- 12 p.m. Knitting/ Crochet Group 1942, 1954,1966, 1978, happy as a restaurant owner, publicist, Women Empowerment Series Special Workshop 1990, 2002, 2014… soldier or world traveler. (Thursday 6, 13, 20, 27) HORSE: Your capacity for hard work is amazing. Born in 1922, 1934, Your are your own per- 1946, 1958, 1970, Friday Parental Chat Group - 12 p.m. Parenting Group son-very independent. 1982, 1994, 2006, While intelligent and friendly, you have a 2018… Saturday Cinematic Saturdays - 2 p.m. Children’s Movies strong streak of selfishness and sharp DOG: The Dog will cunning and should guard against being never let you down. Sunday egotistical. Your sign suggests success Born under this sign you as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politi- are honest, and faithful to those you cian. love. You are plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue, and a tendency Born in 1919, 1931, to be a fault finder, however. You would 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, make an excellent businessman, ac- 1991, 2003, 2015… tivist, teacher, or secret agent. EVENTS & WORKSHOPS FOR SPRING 2008 GOAT: Except for the knack of always getting Born in 1923, 1935, off on the wrong foot with 1947, 1959, 1971, February people, the Goat can be 1983, 1995, 2007, TBA Community HIV/AIDS Training (CHAT) charming company. Your are elegant and 2019… (Tuesdays and Thursdays) artistic but the first to complain about PIG: You are a splendid March things. Put aside your pessimism and companion, an intellec- worry and try to be less dependent on tual with a very strong 4,6,11,13,18,20,25,27 Women Empowerment Series 12-2 p.m. material comforts. You would be best as need to set difficult goals and carry 20 Cancer Screening Van 12-2 p.m. an actor, gardener, or beachcomber. them out. You are sincere, tolerant, and honest but by expecting the same from 25 Women & HIV Educational Workshop 6-8 Born in 1920, 1932, others, you are incredibly naive. Your p.m. 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, quest for material goods could be your Dinner will be provided. 1992, 2004, 2016… downfall. The Pig would be best in the MONKEY: You are a arts as an entertainer, or possible a 28 Women of Excellence Luncheon vary intelligent and a lawyer. very clever wit. Because April TBA of your extraordinary na- ILLUSTRATIONS AND INFORMATION May TBA ture and magnetic personality, you are COURTESY OF WWW.CHINATODAY.COM always well-liked. The Monkey, however, WOMEN’S CENTER ROOM AC- 3C01 (718) 262- 2008 PAGE 12 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

HManorBy Chaz Gloveear exia:lthetables andThe fruits when forcLessered to Known Eating Disorder STAFF REPORTER eat by friends and family,” he said. “A couple of grapes here, an “An apple is all I will eat today, apple there, I really just do not I promise myself.” want to eat anything fattening.” Those are the sort of words that Garcia said that anorexia has many anorexics say to themselves made him a recluse of sorts, pre- everyday. With promises and ferring solitude as opposed to his vows to not consume the smallest past when he considered himself amounts of food followed by more of a social butterfly. hours upon hours in front of a “It is hard to continuously lie to mirror criticizing a sickly, thin friends about the reason why I physique. don’t want to chill with them, go Say the word “anorexic” to the to restaurants, movies, they just average person, and their first don’t get the clue, I do not want thought will likely conjure the im- to eat.” age of an insecure, troubled fe- When he sees himself in a mir- male. ror, even though he stands six- But contrary to popular belief, feet-tall and weighs just 120 women and adolescent girls are pounds, he considers himself fat. not the only ones stricken with the “I want to see bones in my neck, condition known as anorexia ner- protruding, my hip bones. I want vosa. Recently there has been an to feel them when I touch that increase in the number of men di- area. I need for my skinniness, my agnosed with the disorder, known emaciation to be visible to me, or by the slang term, “manorexics.” I will continue to starve myself.” The diagnosis is characterized And even though Garcia says he by a dramatic decrease in weight wants to resolve his issues with along with a restriction in food in- anorexia, lying comes easily with take and an extreme distaste in the disorder, and this will be the body image. Although hard and second year he has made a series JULIANNA HUTSON • PANDORA’S BOX consistent data is difficult to pin of unkept promises to himself and down, a nationwide study affili- loved ones. bia University’s Mailman School Karl Lagerfeld, the creative di- burg, a Long Island psychologist. ated with Harvard Medical Traditionally women have suf- of Public Health published in the rector for Chanel and Fendi and “There are many patients that I School published last year found fered from the pressures of cul- April 2007 issue of the Interna- an unapologetic fan of thinness, come in contact with, males, who that nearly 1 percent of all women tural critique of their figures, tional Journal of Eating Disor- has been quoted saying, “Stylish do not wish to participate in group and 0.3 percent of men reported frames, the way in which clothing ders found that more than 15 per- clothing, the clothing I create for discussion/rehabilitation because having anorexia at some time in fits them, the way in which they cent of the men in a control group my men’s line is cut so slim that I they are not comfortable with fe- their lives. look and so on. In today’s world, living in New York City suffered do not blame men for slimming males being in the group. So what Stevie Garcia, a 20-year-old ju- one can never be too thin, over- from some form or symptom of down in any way possible in or- are we to do?” nior at Hunter College, is weight people are looked down an eating disorder, ranging from der to fit into my clothing so that If caught at a preliminary stage, anorexic. “I was diagnosed at the upon, and in essence aesthetic is anorexia to binge eating. they may appeal to the opposite or anorexia can be treated, along age of 16, and now at 20 I have of the utmost importance. Traditionally men are not sup- same sex.” with its myriad side effects in- learned how to deal with it,” said But these days this cultural cri- posed to worry about their weight Because male anorexia is con- cluding depression and a wide va- Garcia during a recent interview. tique can affect many men just as and skip meals to be able to fit sidered taboo and emasculating riety of blood and organ disor- Garcia said he has developed powerfully, and there are men into the latest clothing, yet still clearly there are many men who ders. specific eating patterns in order to who succumb to this pressure and some do. With fashion looming as hide it, making accurate statistical Dr. Newburg and others agree remain consistent with what he fall into the downward spiral of such a huge force in today’s world analysis almost impossible. more public awareness is needed views as the image of emaciation anorexia. Some studies have con- where so much emphasis can be “I know of many of my col- on the causes and symptoms of he sees within himself. cluded that gay and bi-sexual men placed on style over substance, leagues who are not trained to re- male anorexia, or this shadowy “I drink liters of water through- are afflicted at a higher rate than not being able to fit into one’s habilitate male anorexics, or even affliction will emerge into the out the day because it gives me a heterosexual men. clothes is something a lot of men identify eating disorder in gen- mainstream like so many others full feeling, and will only eat veg- One such study done by Colum- have to deal with. eral,” says Doctor Stanley New- that preceded it.

Panel Discusses Anti-Gay Lyrics BY ISABELLE PIERRE sat in the au- made the attacks on reggae artists ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR dience and and music a race issue. c o n f i d e d According to Professor Josephs ZINC TV, a local television pro- that he felt who was asked to speak about gram conducted a caustic forum uncomfort- culture, the forum became more at the Brooklyn Public Library able making about identity politics. “I have my discussing anti-gay lyrics in reg- a comment right to say what I want to say, gae music that featured York Col- during the you have your right, but were not lege professor of English Dr. question and going to communicate,” said Kelly Baker Josephs as a panelist answer pe- Josephs of the panel. Sign Up Now for PANDORA’S BOX in early February. riod – a pe- Professor Josephs “I don’t think it was a balanced Among the other panelists were riod where panel,” said Josephs who was CUNY A!ert Staceyann Chin, most notably the majority of the audience took viewed by some as an ally to the from Def Poetry jam, Donald the opportunity to express their gay activists present. at Your Campus! Powell, Executive Director of the intolerance of homosexuality. Two of the panelists, Powell and Anti-Discrimination Project at One of the most controversial Chin, are openly gay. Gay Men of African Descent, topics was the Reggae Compas- “It made it so that I had to speak Carifest promoter D’Niscio sionate Act, written by gay ac- for all gay people,” said Chin who Students, faculty and staff can now join CUNY Brooks, and Pat McKay, a Sirius tivists in the United Kingdom. often found herself defending her A!ert to receive text or voice notifications of Satellite radio personality and The act is part of a gay rights experience being a lesbian in Ja- campus emergencies or weather related closings. programmer. campaign called “Stop Murder maica, versus giving outsiders a Held in a small library confer- Music.” An act that some claimed negative view of the country she You select the best way to get messages: cell ence room, the forum wavered on paints Jamaica in a negative light was born in. phone, home phone or e-mail. You can sign up and off topic, often inciting the and creates an unbalanced attack “I think the topic we’re dis- passions of the mostly Jamaican on reggae artists. cussing here goes a little broader even if you are registered with another audience who felt that Reggae Several artists have signed the than gay, anti-gay lyrics,” said emergency notification system. So stay alert! music and artists were under at- act including bestselling artists Rigaud Carty, who made the final Visit www.cuny.edu/alert and sign up for CUNY tack. Buju Banton. Many of those at audience comment and went on to “If you’re going to attack certain the forum felt that media attention say that the Caribbean community A!ert now! people, you need to attack every- from the involvement of largely needed to talk about tolerance in one,” said Zxavier Simpson who white gay rights organizations their culture. FEBRUARY 2008 PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 13

SerContinuedial from page 10Killerand about medical ailments he DrC.ONT INUEYunusD FROM PAGE 1 tive Director in Student Govern- erate. said were not being adequately ment, who asked how Bengali- “He looked at the mother and dismember their bodies and treated by prison officials. Over man beings.” American students could help said, ‘this woman could have been dump the parts. the years, Hess arranged to grad- The event was emceed by V.P. contribute to Bangladesh. a doctor too,’“ said Posman. The book details the strange ually grant favors to Browne in Posman which included cultural Dr. Yunus replied, “The faster “Then he met her grandmother, relationship that developed be- exchange for more detailed in- performances by the Bangladesh we can bring Information Tech- who was also illiterate, and turned tween this police department formation. Institute of Performing Arts and a nology to the poor, the faster we around and said, ‘this woman volunteer and a sordid, stone- Until a 2005 meeting between journal magazine presented by the can change the world – those could also have been a doctor.’” cold killer. Written like a long Hess and Browne, there had York College Bangladeshi Student changes can be achieved faster to- Toward the end of his speech feature piece, the novel provides been no solid link between Association, which included es- day than they could 100 years ago. Yunus explained the concept of both a sense of adventure and Browne and any other victims says on the importance of the But we have to change our mind Grameen Foundation. the creepy, tingling of a true- beside Church. After the two Grameen Foundation, Dr. Yunus, set.” “Poverty is not created by peo- crime saga. met in February of that year, and the future of Bangladesh. Posman shared an anecdote ple – there is nothing wrong with Initially Browne offered little Browne had finally given up There was also a chance for au- about the time a Bangladeshi people. Poverty is created by the by way of solid evidence that he enough information for investi- dience members who had ques- woman, who had been put system we have created, concepts had, in fact, killed anyone other gators to positively link Browne tions for the Nobel Peace Prize through medical school by the we have designed. Poverty is not than Heather Dawn Church. In- to three murders. laureate, like York student Abul Grameen Foundation, took Yunus natural – poverty is not inherent in vestigators were skeptical that Over the next several months Khair, a Math major and Execu- to meet her mother, who was illit- people.” Browne had done anything other Browne opened up a dark vat of than read media accounts about secrets, revealing the details of a missing persons’ cases and in- brutal and bloody murder-spree serted himself into the stories. that claimed the lives of at least But Hess stayed on the case for 49 victims, mostly young girls Continued from page 1 nearly a decade, believing all and women, whose bodies were Budget Proposalof the CUNY Advanced Science benefit and we do not want to stop along that Browne had done his strewn across the southern Research Center and the Center that now,” said Posman. murderous work so well that lo- United States. State Lottery system to support for Computational Science at the Over the past three years, York’s cal authorities were unable to True crime enthusiasts will higher education. College of Staten Island will also capital and operational budgets solve what amounted to dozens likely be riveted by the pacing But while tuition and school aid be delayed until further funding is have been gradually increased. of unsolved homicides or miss- and narrative drive of Hello may remain constant for the next available. The College’s operational budget ing persons’ cases. Charlie: Letters from a Serial year or so, capital funding to Projects such as the John Jay increased by more than $1 million Browne constantly complained Killer, but this book is definitely CUNY has been significantly cut. Building Expansion Project, City over the past two years and the up- about his living conditions in the not for the faint of heart. While the university requested College’s School of Architecture coming fiscal year is expected to Colorado penitentiary system $3.3 billion for new and ongoing Renovation, the CUNY-wide Ad- see a $1.8 million increase in the projects for senior colleges vanced Science Research Center operational budget and a similar through a five-year plan, the Phase I and a new Science Facility increase for its capital budget. state’s budget allocated only $960 at City College are some of the In early February President million. projects that may not be affected Keizs and members of student As a result, the university tenta- by the reduction in CUNY fund- government traveled to Albany to tively plans to continue funding ing. lobby legislators to support more only those “…projects that are ac- Along with the uncertainty that funding for CUNY. tively in construction or nearing surrounds capital funding for the The state legislators play a sig- construction start,” according to College, Posman is also concerned nificant role in determining an internal CUNY memorandum. about getting operational funding, CUNY’s budget since they can ac- “Everything is up in the air until which supports academic and fac- cept, deny or amend the gover- the legislature makes a decision,” ulty programs. nor’s budget. said Posman. “The people down at “The concentration is to try and In recent years the State Legisla- Central Office are trying to figure get this program money because ture has supported CUNY by re- out what all of this means…this we want to hire 30 additional fac- fusing proposals to increase tuition kind of thing happens every year.” ulty for the fall, and if this money and cut back funding to CUNY. “We want to get capital funds is not available to us it is going to While the budget deadline is put in there for a number of things be very, very difficult for us to do April 1, a 2004 study released by Women’s Studies Program we want to do like renovating the that,” said Posman. the Brennan Center for Justice at Department of Foreign Languages, classroom building (and con- The push to hire more full-time N.Y.U. School of Law showed structing) the student union build- faculty stems from the fact that that New York’s legislature had ESL and Humanities ing,” Posman said. more than half of all teachers at the worst record for on-time bud- CUNY had requested $77.9 mil- York are adjuncts, which poses get passage in the nation. The fol- Program Events for Women’s History Month lion over a five-year period for scheduling problems for students lowing year, former Gov. George This program is made possible with funds from York College to construct a new who need to meet with their pro- Pataki’s last year in office, the the York College Auxiliary Enterprises, Inc. building. But following the gover- fessors outside the classroom. budget was passed on deadline for nor’s budget cut, the grant is likely “President Keizs will be speak- the first time in 21 years. Date: March, 3 Date: Monday, March 17 to be delayed for another five ing to all the people (legislators) The first budget Spitzer pro- Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Time: 7-9 p.m. years. up in Albany because I believe posed (last year) was passed, after Location: Little Theater at The Location: PAC Lobby Other projects such as a facility that everybody sees, for York, that extensive compromise, just a few Performing Arts Center Organized by: Tom Zlabinger for CUNY Law School, Phase II the budget has been a tremendous days past the April 1 deadline. Organized by: Dr. Eva Vásquez Event: Jazz Forum #23 w/ saxophonist and Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek Sue Terry - http://www.sueterry.net/ Event: La edad de la ciruela/ The Age of the Prune – Teatro IATI presents a Date: March, 28 play by Aristides Vargas Time: 2-3 p.m. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Location: LL01 Urban Enrichmexpected. It was biggener thant la stSeoventc forie the setymester titled “Tak- Date: Wednesday, March 12 Organized by: Office of the Vice year’s,” said Bailey. ing Back the Streets” is a rally ded- Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m. President, Prof. Tom Zablinger, and She explained that although the This semester as the national pri- icated to addressing issues of com- Location: 2M04 Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek. button trend caught on, there are a mary elections were taking place munity crime. Organized by: Dr. Elizabeth Sponsored by: Provost & Senior Vice few people the message eluded. the society took the initiative to “We need to start looking at our- Meddeb & Dr. Fabiola President for Academic Affairs, But this has not discouraged her or print and post posters throughout selves first,”explained Rose. “We Fernández Salek Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, Ph.D. her club. the school urging members of the need to rally against the people Event: York College Event: Music Workshop by Diva Joan “You can’t always succeed on the college to turn out and vote for a who destroy their own communi- Interdisciplinary Student Panel Cartwright- http://www.divajc.com/ first try,” said Bailey. “This is our candidate of their choice. The ties. We need to address our own first try but we just need more but- poster did not endorse any candi- community first before we start Date: Thursday, March 13 Date: March, 28 tons.” date, but simply featured the pic- pointing fingers elsewhere.” Time: 3:20-5:50 p.m. Time: 7-9 p.m. The club is hoping to get the tures of the two leading Democra- The club is planning a parenting Location: 2M04 Location: PAC Lobby funding for their campaign from tic and Republican candidates. seminar sometime in April entitled, Organized by: Dr. Margarita Drago Organized by: Office of the Vice Event: Small Book Workshop by Marta President, Prof. Tom Zablinger, and the college since they spent about This semester the club is holding “Understanding Today’s Youth.” Aponte Alsina Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek. $200 of their own money to pur- ‘The Great Debate,’ an open dis- The last event scheduled for the Sponsored by: Provost & Senior chase the buttons last semester. cussion aimed at involving stu- academic year by the Urban En- Date: March, 17 Vice President for Academic Affairs, Another recent initiative for the dents in examining why the major- richment Society is titled “Re- Time: 12-2 p.m. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, Ph.D. club was the Christmas Toy Drive. ity of the American public do not defining the Ghetto,” a project Location: Faculty Dinning Room Performance by Diva Joan Cartwright The club called on members of the actively take part in elections. Rose aimed at removing the negative Organized by: Dr. Fabiola Fernández http://www.divajc.com/ college and the local community to said the club is encouraging stu- stereotypes associated with resi- Salek, Prof. Aegina Barnes and Dr. donate toys to terminally ill chil- dents to attend the discussion so dents of low-income neighbor- Elizabeth Meddeb dren at Jamaica Hospital. The that they can be more informed hoods. Event: Luncheon and awards ceremony group collected more than 500 about the process. “The urban community has little for the CLIP/ ESLWomen’s books and toys which were deliv- The club is also planning a host or no respect for the people that History Month essay contest ered to the hospital on December of other events this semester aimed live in what they consider the 21. The drive was such a success at bring awareness to uniquely ur- ghetto,” said Rose. “We don’t be- For more information contact: Dr. Fabiola Fernández Salek, that there were extra toys to be do- ban issues. On Feb. 21, the club is lieve that people should be judged Coordinator of Women’s Studies nated to the Alumni Association, hosting its African Film Festival in because of where they live or [email protected] which conducted a similar initia- observance of Black History where they are from. That’s what (718) 262-2430 tive. month. this program is aimed at remov- “We received more toys than we At the end of February their first ing.” PAGE 14 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

Sports Ladies Track Wins Big At Colgate BY STEFAN SINGH AND When asked what he needs to do ated his commitment to success JARETT JONES to keep being one of the best, his when he said, “Winning is a tra- STAFF REPORTERS answer was, “I need to keep dition here.” working on my speed and keep Pope has kept the York College Due to Coach Tom Pope’s vig- my stamina up.” track team a winning success. orous practices and training, five When asked how he feels bout During his ten-year tenure, Pope of the stars from the Women’s In- York’s chances of winning the has coached the men’s and door Track team qualified for this CUNYAC Championship he said, women’s indoor and outdoor year’s Colgate Women’s Games “If we can get a good team to- track teams as well as the men’s finals. The event took place at gether, we can do it!” and women’s cross country Madison Square Garden on Feb. The right mentality, high en- teams. Under his stewardship, 2. durance training, effort, and more runners have won 14 out of Taneisha Renaud came in fourth training. York’s 22 CUNYAC Champi- in the 1500-meter run, and third These are the characteristics onships. overall with 50 points. Wendella York College track coach Tom Pope has always felt that to be Rankin and Avion Pierre came in Pope said it takes to be a success- great at a sport, “…you’ve got to fourth and fifth respectively in the ful track star. train. You get out of the sport 400-meter run as well as in the When asked about the type of what you put into it.” And as any overall standings. Shanine Bogan athlete he likes to have on his athletic coach would agree, train- came in fourth in the shot-put team, Pope said, “I deal with peo- ing is everything in a sport, espe- with a throw of 11.09 meters. And ple who like to accomplish. cially a high endurance sport like Alexandra Nkrumah came in Sometimes you get people who track. third in the 800-meter run, which don’t always give 100 percent. I “One of the hardest things to do gave her 67 points, and that was try to keep those kinds of people is to get a young man or woman just enough to tie her for first off the team.” to run what God made you to run, place in the entire event. Coach Pope, who has been with not what you want to run,” said “It feels great to be in the cham- York College for ten years, reiter- Pope. pionship” said Nkrumah, who Many times Pope said he has to was favored to win the event. convince a runner to run a longer When asked what she needs to do “One of the hardest race. One example he cited was to improve and win, a very mod- attempts to convince his runners est Nkrumah said, “I have to im- things to do is to get a to run a 5,000-meter race as op- prove on my takeouts, and be young man or woman posed to an 800-meter race be- more aggressive and not let any- cause, with training, their bodies one pass me.” to run what God made will become more resilient. Kenny Jacquet, another of you to run, not what Coach Tom Pope is a proud man Pope’s stars, did not race on Feb. and a coach with a knack for 2. Jacquet is one of the best male you want to run.” putting together winning teams. VERITY ROLLINS • YORK ATHLETICS runners on the team. The races he Coach Tom Pope And so far this year he is showing Taneisha Renaud during a 5000 meter race. runs are mainly distance races. no less.

Happy new year and welcome to a new semester. We are the National Society of Leadership and Success. We are a society aimed at stirring you towards a path of leadership and success.

MEMBERS RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS: J LIFETIME OF BENEFITS J RESUME ENHANCEMENTS J ONLINE JOB BANK J SCHOLARSHIPS J JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS J SUCCESS COACHES J SUCCESS MATERIALS J MONTHLY VIDEOCONFERENCES J GRADUATION HONOR STOLE

AND MORE! Inquire in Room 2F01A for details.

Speaker dates are as follows: February 5: Lou Holtz February 26: Randy Haveson March 25: Mohamed “Mo” Fathelbab April 8: Peter Bielagus

To learn more about these dynamic speakers go to http://www.societyofsuccess.com FEBRUARY 2008 PANDORA’S BOX | PAGE 15

YSpork ortsStudent CUNY-Wide Rookie Of The Year I manca (York), Duane Rhoden The Burt Beagle Sportsmanship Forward (Lehman), Ryan Phillip (City award went to York Cardinals Tech), Jamaal Hall (City Tech) captain Chris Roberts for being an Omari Phipps and Robert Mesjasz (Staten Is- inspirational leader by example . land). who shoots at a .624 clip, second Averaged 12 8 The All-CUNYAC Second in CUNYAC, while averaging Points Per Game Team honorees were Aaron Wil- 12.5 points and 7.2 rounds. BY SADEF A. KULLY son (York), Gari Blackett (Staten The Burt Beagle Sportsmanship FEATURE EDITOR Island), Joseph DeLuca (Hunter), award came after Burt Beagle the George Kunkel (Baruch) and official statistician for over 6,000 City University of New York Vaughn Mason (John Jay). baseball, football, and basketball Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) The 2007/2008 Coach of the games, from youth leagues to col- and Con Edison held the Year was awarded to Coach Steve lege teams passed away February 2007/2008 pre-tournament lun- Podias from Brooklyn for leading of 2007. cheon to honor the Men and the Bridges to the first conference The luncheon was held at The Women All-Stars from senior and title since 1973. Water Club in Manhattan. community college division teams. The CUNYAC Player of the Year is Forward Richard Jean- Baptiste from Brooklyn College who topped CUNYAC scores with 22.1 points per game aver- age and shot a league-high .445 from 3-point range. The CUNYAC Rookie of the Year was the York Cardinals’ very own forward Omari Phipps, who has been Rookie of the Week five times during the basketball sea- son. Phipps averages 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while ranking seventh in with a .548 field-goal percentage. The All-CUNYAC First Team VERITY ROLLINS • YORK ATHLETICS honorees were Michael Sala- VERITY ROLLINS • YORK ATHLETICS York Cardinals' Omari Phipps atn an away game, left. and at home, above.

College Launches Effort To Boost Attendance BY STEFAN SINGH fense!” erupted during each CSI STAFF REPORTER possession, the Cardinals re- sponded. They fed off their fans One night, four teams. and quickly recaptured the lead. A night of opportunity, a night A lead they would not relinquish to give back. as they captured their third divi- A night of appreciation, for sion championship in as many fans, professors, and senior team- years. mates. The sounds of a jam- On the way to the 83-68 point packed, roaring arena and a long victory, CUNY Rookie of the line to get hot dogs and soda. Year candidate, Omari Phipps This was the scene Friday, Feb. racked up 14 points, 12 boards, 2 8 in the York College Gymna- blocks, and a steal. When asked sium as the men’s basketball whether he thought the larger team took sole position of first than usual number of fans in the place and clinched the Men’s stands helped the team Phipps South Division of the CUNY said, “The crowd is usually a lot Athletic Conference. smaller, that was a good crowd. It It was a night to remember for feels good.” the York College Cardinals and The game marked the begin- for all of York College. ning of a new initiative by school In an effort to increase their lag- officials to boost attendance at ging fan attendance totals at athletic events. home, the York athletic depart- Over the last three seasons at- ment held Fan Appreciation, Pro- tendance at basketball games has fessor and Senior Night to honor been increasing for home games the fans and professors of York at York, up from a previous aver- College, as well as the seniors of age of about 64 fans per game to the York Cardinals, who will be nearly 100 this season. By con- departing after this season. VERITY ROLLINS • YORK ATHLETICS trast, attendance at away-games With the CUNYAC men’s divi- From left, Ernestine Winns with her son Jonathan, Prof. Paul Salisbury and Mark Hil at Fan Appreciation Night. have averaged more than three sion in a three-way tie between times that amount. York, Brooklyn College and At this month’s fan appreciation arch-rivals the College of Staten matchup, junior forward Aaron ing to win this game.” dropping 21 points to take a 9- night, the first 50 professors who Island, the athletics department Wilson said, “I feel good, it’s In the highly anticipated re- point lead half way through the entered the gymnasium were could not have picked a better very intense though, because match of last year’s CUNYAC first period. given a free t-shirt reading night. Staten Island is a pretty tough Championship game between the However the feisty Dolphins “Proud professor of a York Col- Before the game Cardinal’s team. It’s a rivalry now, and Cardinals and Dolphins, the two were not giving up without a lege student-athlete.” Coach Ronald St. John said, everybody has to come and play.” teams did not disappoint. Al- fight and battled back to take a Those fans who could answer “Big-time players come to play When asked what chance his though it did not hold the excit- 42-33 point lead at the end of the Cardinals trivia questions cor- big-time games, and this is a big- team had of winning the game, ing finish of last season’s buzzer- first. rectly, received t-shirts reading time game.” Wilson replied, “We’re definately beating win for the Cardinals, this After half-time, the Cardinals “YORK CARDINALS – FEAR His players knew that. When going to win, 100 percent, no game had its moments. came out in full force. As the THE BIRD!!” and “YORK CAR- asked how he felt about the doubt in my mind that we are go- The Cardinals came out roaring, chants of “defense, defense, de- DINALS – WE FLY HIGH!” PAGE 16 | PANDORA’S BOX FEBRUARY 2008

WHERE THE CARDINALS FLY HIGH York College SPORT S CARDINALS FALL IN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Cardinals Taken Down By John Jay I The answer was no. That amazing three- Men’s Team pointer, or spectacular dunk that they needed could not be found in their arsenal. Misses Shot At Third Instead they slowed down. They let the Bloodhounds take control of the game, and Straight Title inch closer and closer to a 68-54 point vic- tory. BY STEFAN SINGH “It’s tough,” said senior point guard STAFF REPORTER Michael Salamanca. “After winning the last two years, it’s tough to be on the other Friday Feb. 22, was supposed to mark the side.” day that the York College Cardinals raised The key to the Cardinal’s loss was not a their third consecutive CUNYAC Champi- lack of heart, but rather the inability to cap- onship pennant high above the College italize, as well as their inability to hold on gymnasium. It was practically written in to the basketball. The Cardinals committed stone as almost everyone believed that the 28 turnovers, in which the Bloodhounds John Jay Bloodhounds would fall in defeat scored 22 of their 68 points. to the seemingly unstoppable Cardinals. While the Bloodhounds also committed a Everyone except the John Jay Blood- high number of turnovers (17), the Cardi- hounds. nals could not capitalize on those opportu- Instead of being a day for York to cele- nities as they only scored 10 points off brate a “threepeat,” Feb. 22 marked the day turnovers. when the underdog Bloodhounds would Another downfall in York’s game was the rise up and capture for the first time in their lack of help from the bench. Throughout history the CUNYAC the entire game York’s Championship. young bench scored a The game was in- “After winning the last total of just 9 points. credibly active for the On the other side, first thirty minutes. As two years, it’s tough to John Jay’s bench the Cardinals and be on the other side.” scored 35 points. Bloodhounds went Coach Ronald St. back and forth, there Michael Salamanca, York Cardinals John generally has a were a total of six lead set of players that he changes and eight ties. senior point guard puts in during crunch Both teams showed time, but due to foul up to play for the first troubles most of these guys were relegated thirty minutes. to the bench. St. John’s was forced to go Down by four at the half, York came out deep into his bench and play guys who smoking hot to start the second period. Led may not have been mentally prepared for by rookie center Marcel Esonwune, the this game. Cardinals grabbed a 43-42 point lead with Coach St. John, who was disappointed fifteen minutes left in regulation. and shocked, said “John Jay came with Four minutes later, with the score tied 47- everything they got and we didn’t play our 47, the moment of truth arrived. The game tonight. It was unfortunate for us.” Bloodhounds scored 5 unanswered points, York, which had been favored to make it to take a 53-47 point lead. This was it for to the NCAA Tournament, will likely not the Cardinals, this was their moment. receive that honor anymore. Instead the Could the answer the run by the Blood- next step for the Cardinals will hounds? Could they pull out a dramatic be to hope they receive an invite to the VERITY ROLLINS • YORK ATHLETICS play as they have done so many times in Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Rookie center Marcel Esonwune goes for the basket. the past? (ECAC) Tournament.

Women’s indoor track team CUNYAC Honors Men and members qualifiy for Colgate Women All Stars At Women’s Games finals. Pre-Conference Luncheon

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