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The Tower
C ( SEE

www.kean.edu/~thetower Kean University’s student newspaper Volume 10 • Issue 4 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010

Kean Says Ramos Out as Prez

By D.J. Jean no longer in effect.
“[Student Organization] is just like any
Allegations against Carmelo “Scott” other department,” Faser said.
Ramos, the president of Kean Universi- After the charges were dropped, Ramos
ty’s Student Organization, were dropped released the following statement to The
last week. However, Ramos still must be Tower on the condition that it would be
cleared by Kean University’s Office of printed in full and unedited.
Student Conduct before continuing as “I am writing to my colleagues, fac-
Student Organization president, accord- ulty, friends, and most importantly, the
ing to Paul DiNero, the university spokes- students of Kean University. There are
person.
Ramos was suspended on an interim
basis following allegations related on the
evening of November 19. He was charged
Occupational Therapy Graduate Students Danielle Duval, Caitlin Kearney, Lena Teodosio and Gille- by the Kean University police with crimi-
anne Tulud donate toys to Toys for Tots coordinated on campus by Liberty Hall and the Kean Univer- nal sexual contact, restraint, and simple
sity Service Corp. See centerfold for more holiday photos.
assault, according to DiNero. The charg-
es, however, were dropped by the Union
County Prosecutor’s office. No other

Four Injured in Trolley Accident
By Joseph Tingle
A packed trolley headed from East to
Main campus struck a storm drain on
North Avenue on Dec. 8, shattering glass
in the vehicle and resulting in injuries to
four students.
Hillside Police reported that one of
Kean University’s distinct blue trolleys
was driving too close to the curb at around
noon-time when it ran into a storm basin
and buckled. When Hillside police arrived
at 12:28 p.m., all four injured students
were standing, police reported. Many oth-
er students had already exited the trolley
via the emergency exits on the windows.
The injured were sent to Union Hos-
pital and Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth,
but no serious injuries were reported.
Some of the students provided their own
transportation to the hospital. Other
students headed to University Health Ser-
vices on campus.
A Hillside police officer said that the
trolley had been heading west, and driving
too close to the storm water catch basin
when the front ran into it at 25 to 35 miles
per hour, causing the glass to shatter and
the main door to stick closed.
Both rows of seats were filled and some
students were standing in the middle
aisle, according to Raven Wingo, a Kean
Student who hurt her knee during the ac-
cident and was transferred to Union hos-
pital on a stretcher.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Wingo said.
“The trolley wasn’t speeding. All the sud-
den the glass shattered.”
Students now may be surprised next
time they go to take a trolley on campus
and are told not to stand; since the acci-
dent students (Continued on page 4)
details were released; campus police re-
ferred all calls to public relations. The
name of the person involved in the inci-
dent was not released.
Following his suspension, current Vice
President of Funded Groups Carminda
Bandeira was appointed acting president
of Student Organization. At the general
body Student Org meeting held on Dec
4, the executive board announced the
appointment and said they would “con-
tinue to serve the needs of the full-time
undergraduate student body.” Attending
students and council members with fur-
ther questions were referred to university
public relations.
According to Stephanie Faser, director
of Student Organization, procedure states
the Vice President of Funded Groups takes
over in the event that the president can
no longer serve. She added that the
Constitution and By-Laws which gov-
erned the incorporated, autonomous
Student Organization of two years ago are
Carmelo Ramos.
“I... will continue to serve as
the voice that fights for the
concerns of the students…”
questions that have been raised based on
assumptions or the validity about the ac-
cusations that were made against me.
I, Scott Ramos, was blamed for serious
allegations that were later proven to be
baseless. Therefore, all the charges that
were pressed were legally dismissed. It is
only now that have I managed to gather
some of my strength, as part of a steady
recuperation, to write to you while I still
feel the wounds and find myself reliving
the memories of this incident that may
have changed me (Continued on page 4)

WHAT IS YOUR BMI, AND WHY IT MATTERS? (see pg. 11)

INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: What's the most bizarre gift you have ever received? By kelly pennisi
Photos: Kelly Pennisi

Kevin Persson Quincy Smith Rebecca Senkiw Patrick Arlea

Freshman, History Education Sophomore, Computer Science Junior, Graphic Design Senior, English Education.

“One of my ex-girlfriends gave me a “My friend gave me a turtle for “Once my friend gave me a monkey “Once my friend gave me a smoking
thong.” Christmas.” shaped lamp.” pipe.”

Life Coach’s Words of Wisdom 3 A Word to the Wise 7 Women’s & Men’s Sports 12-15
Travel Tips 4 Editorial & View 10 Meet the Kean Women’s Tennis Team 16
Game Review: Left 4 Dead 2 6 Health & Fitness 11 The True Pastime: John & Jay Pick 16
2 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower
Kean Faces Renewed Accreditation Process
By Joseph Tingle
Kean University may herald itself as of-
fering a “World Class Education,” but next
semester a team of national experts will
determine just how closely the University
is coming to fulfilling its mission after re-
viewing an exhaustive self-study now be-
ing produced by various members of the
Kean community.
The new self-study “steering committee”
was formed last semester and is meant to
assess the university’s mission in light of a
“new, more transparent accreditation pro-
cess” by the Middle States Commission
on Higher Education, according to Dr.
Kenneth Sanders, the co-chair of the com-
mittee. The commission grants federal ac-
creditation, which is especially important
to colleges since it determines whether a
university receives federal financial aid,
has transferable credits, and, among other
Sigma Tau Delta Book Drive to Aid “Invisible” Children
By Melissa Jewels
With the holidays fast approaching, Sig-
ma Tau Delta, Kean’s English Honor Soci-
ety, is celebrating by helping others. Their
project, the Sigma Tau Delta Upsilon XI
Book Drive, is collecting books on campus
and shipping them to Better World Books
where the books will be sold with a per-
centage of the profit going to help Invis-
ible Children Inc.
Invisible Children Inc. is a nonprofit
organization that helps children in war af-
fected countries to build their future and
recognize their full potential through edu-
Student Org Considers New Ways to
Support Kean Athletics
By Charley Falkenburg
Kean University’s Student Organization
meeting, held Nov 20, discussed ideas
to raise awareness of athletics on cam-
pus and other goals that they would like
to achieve this year The meeting covered
ideas, events, and fundraisers that they
hope to soon put into motion.
November 20:
• Scott Ramos, the president of Student
Org., is aiming to get more support for
our athletic teams at the sports games.
He is looking for new and improved
ways to gather more of a crowd and
to boost the school spirit. He wants to
raise the energy for our sports teams
and is considering giving away prizes
and having giveaways to the first num-
ber of people who arrive to the games.
Prizes or no prizes, Student Org mem-
bers and students in attendance were
asked to show Cougar spirit and at-
tend a couple of games.
• The SO also discussed creating Thanks-
giving Day baskets for less fortunate
Kean students. Student Org. created
baskets of items to give to the students
who need it most. Last year, they were
things, offers a quality education.
“We’re taking a moment to make a seri-
ous and sincere reflection,” Sanders said.
So far, the committee said it has identi-
fied four areas where most improvement
is needed, although these areas are based
primarily on the Middle State’s Evaluation
from 2006, when Kean’s status as an ac-
credited institution was last reaffirmed.
That report “affirmed Kean’s dynamic
identitiy and purpose while document-
ing certain longstanding weaknesses.”
These areas include communication be-
tween departments, the ratio of resident
and adjunct faculty, budget planning, and
tech support.
Dr. Linda Best, co-chair of the com-
mittee, said that while Kean has taken
initiatives to solve these problems,
some improvements are still needed.
For example, while Kean has hired new
resident faculty, the student population
cation. A percentage of the profits from
Better World Books is sent to Invisible
Children.
“Doing community service
is a requirement for new
inductees.”
“Doing community service is a require-
ment for new inductees, but this year
we wanted to do something that was a
group effort,” said Joseph Tingle, the
president of Sigma Tau Delta (and News
able to help 11 students and this year
Mr. Ramos said SO aims to assist 11 to
15 students.
• Some students may know that the
Bookstore was having a sale on their
hoodies this semester. Students buy
a variety of clothing from the Book-
store, which is why there will be a sale
on all Bookstore apparel from Nov 29
until the end of the semester. It’s buy
one, get one for 50% off.
• Christmas is just around the corner,
which is why Kean began its Toys for
Tots fundraiser. Every child should
be able to open a gift on Christmas,
which is why Kean students should
take a little time to drop off a small
gift into the donation boxes in the li-
brary. It doesn’t need to be expensive
or wrapped. The fundraiser ends Dec
15.
If you’re interested in attending a Stu-
dent Org. meeting, just check the Kean
website on where and when they are get-
ting together. Students are welcome to
come to the meetings and be involved in
the discussions. General body Student Org
meetings have ended for the semester.
has greatly increased and forced the ratio
between full-time and adjunct professors
to remain about the same. Additionally,
although Kean allegedly gave 100 new lap-
“Budget planning, resident
faculty/adjunct ratio, and
communication between
departments cited as need-
ing improvement.”
tops to faculty last year, many professors
still say they are working with outdated
technology.
The importance of student and faculty
input was highlighted at a public presen-
tation given on Tuesday, November 10.
According to a public presentation, the
Editor of The Tower).
The book drive began Nov. 18 and will
continue until the end of the semester. It
also serves as a fundraiser as Better World
Books is donating 50 cents to the Kean
Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta for every
book donated.
Books can be dropped off in bins on
each floor of CAS, in Wilkins Theatre, and
Harwood Arena. Members have also tak-
en the book drive into their own commu-
nities. All types of books are accepted.
Better World Books has supplied the
bins, fliers, and shipping supplies for the
book drive. As the books are collected,
Adult Alum Tells of Second Chances
By Margaret Snowden
Top New York attorney and Kean Uni-
versity alumnus Michael Gugig returned
to campus earlier this month to tell
students a story about his second chance
at success.
At the age of 20, Gugig, who spoke at
a special event sponsored by the Pi Sigma
“Think through problems,
think through issues, and
think through solutions.”
Alpha Political Science Honor Society, was
asked to leave Rutgers University due to a
poor academic performance.
He went on to find a job in cigarette
sales, marry and start a family when he re-
alized time was running out on his child-
hood desire to be a lawyer. That is when
Kean University became a defining influ-
ence in his life. He said people at Kean
knew Gugig was 32 with a poor academic
record, yet they opened their arms to him,
inspired him and forced him to think.
“If you get nothing else out of anything
I say here today, I hope what you get is
the importance of learning how to think,
and think through problems and think
through issues and think through solu-
tions to ultimately get to the place where
you want to go,” said Gugig.
Gugig’s decision to go back to school in
committee is made up of a broad range of
individuals employed by the university,
each of whom are in charge of heading 14
smaller “working groups.” A typical work-
ing group is made up of students, staff,
and faculty, and meant to individually as-
sess one of the university’s fourteen “mis-
sion standards.’
Student Trustee Nitza Gallardo said
that the committee is still looking for
students to get involved.
“I cannot stress the importance of being
an accredited institution,” Gallardo said.
The University’s status as an accredited
institution isn’t just about financial aid
and transferable credits, according to Ms.
Gallardo. It’s also about the University’s
reputation.
“[Students] all should be involved.”
Students, faculty, and staff who would
like to be a part of a working group should
send an e-mail to MSCHE@kean.edu.
they are sent straight to Better World
Books where they are sorted out and sold.
For each book sold, Invisible Children will
receive some of the profit.
Better World Books funds organizations
like Invisible Children Inc. by collecting
books and selling them through their web-
site at www.betterworldbooks.com. Better
World books has collected more than 25
million donated books and has made 7.3
million dollars to fund for educational or-
ganizations like Invisible Children Inc.
his 30s was accompanied by feelings of
doubt, but he ultimately decided Kean was
the right place for him after speaking to
the Kean admissions director. He recalled
telling the director that it was too late for
him to try to be a lawyer.
“What’s the use? I’m going to be 39
when I graduate from law school,” he said
he told the director. “Your admissions di-
rector said ‘Michael, you’re going to be 39
anyway. You may as well be a lawyer.’”
He graduated from Kean with a BA in
Political Science and a 3.8 grade point av-
erage. He was accepted at Rutgers Univer-
sity Law School.
“The kid from Kean who was selling cig-
arettes and flunked out of Rutgers gradu-
ated first in his class from law school,”
said Gugig.
He passed the bar on his first attempt,
and Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal,
the 46th largest law firm in the country,
hired Gugig. Six years later he became a
partner at the firm and is currently the
hiring partner for the New York office. He
is now also an adjunct professor teaching
at Rutgers Law School.
Gugig reminisced about his time in law
school, the four years of weekends spent
studying in a hotel lobby, the time missed
with his two young children and the chal-
lenge of juggling a full time job while being
a full time student. Experiences during
this part of his life provided Gugig with
a wealth of advice for students. He told
students to get (Continued on page 3)

By Dawn M. Phillips
Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions
that can change your life forever. Life
coach and author Ron Martino suggests
being happy with the positive actions you
create. His suggestive program has been
proven over the last 28 years.
Martino, a Kean alumnus, spoke at
Kean University on Nov. 12 during a semi-
nar called “The Self Image Solution,” held
in the Little Theater in the University
Center. Hosted by the Master’s Sociology
program at Kean, and coordinated by Dr.
Jose Sanchez, professor and chairperson
of the Department of Sociology and An-
thropology, the program promotes posi-
tive self-image. Martino has put together
a 16-week program, that if followed, guar-
antees success.
“The key to winning is your efforts. Your
effort is your success, not the outcome,”
said Martino, 68, and dressed in a black
shirt and gray slacks, was filled with ener-
gy that he attributes to his own program.
Being involved in education for 33 years
as a basketball coach, a teacher, and as-
sistant to vice principal, he noticed un-
happiness amongst his team. During his
coaching run, he observed that his players
weren’t getting along, and that showed
through their losing streak.
He attributed their unhappiness to
their lack of a positive self-image. Martino
believes people reach their full potential
when they have high confidence. His love
for kids moved him to begin developing a
program. Suddenly, his team began win-
ning and took the championship. From
Preview of Spring Play Musical “25th Annual Spelling Bee”
By Casey Murphy
Try spelling “crepescule” or coming
up with a definition for “hemidemisemi-
quaver.”
Even for an English major, these words
may seem a bit tricky. But for any student
who auditioned for “The 25th Annual Put-
nam County Spelling Bee,” being able to
spell and create definitions for words off
the top of their head was essential.
“For the auditions, we had them spell,
as well as create definitions and sentences
for some bizarre words such as vigintil-
lious, crepescule, and hemidemisemiqua-
ver,” said Holly Logue, the Acting Dean of
the College of Visual and Performing Arts
here at Kean. “Not every actor is comfort-
able with improvisation, but Spelling Bee
depends on it.”
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spell-
ing Bee” is this spring’s musical about
the competition that goes on among
both adolescents and their parents during
a spelling bee. This particular show brings
ADULT ALUM (Continued from page 2)
into law school, you need good grades, a
superior score on the LSAT entrance ex-
ams, and the ability to write well. He said
some 90 percent of his work at his law
firm involves writing.
“Force yourself to think hard, challenge
yourself, don’t worry about failure,” said
Gugig. You need to distinguish yourself
from the other thousands of people who
are trying to get those very few spots in
law school class. You can do that by get-
ting good grades. You can do that by a ter-
rific score on the LSAT; the combination
of those two things is what guarantees you
an admission, and third is your writing.”
Life Coach Visits Kean University
that moment on, he decided to coach about
life and how to get along with others.
Another dream Martino possessed was
to write. His book, entitled “The Self-
“I’m not here to convince
you; I’m here to help you.”
Image Solution,” was published in Octo-
ber. The book teaches you how to handle
situations, and build awareness skills, he
said. He believes that fear develops when
you are not prepared for a situation. Thus,
anger derives from not knowing how to
confront the situation. He stresses that it
is never too late to escape your problems,
move forward and restore happiness.
The program comprises several steps to
help you gain positivity, and live a better
life. The first step is to write a list everyday
of the positive things you do. This will help
you to rebuild your self-image.
He then emphasizes three ways to love
yourself. First, 10 percent of the time
say no to situations or favors asked of
you that you really don’t want to com-
mit to. He states that this helps keep
you independent.
Secondly, say yes 90 percent of the time
to situations or favors asked of you if you
want to commit to them. This will bring
you inner joy.
Lastly, do positive things directly for
you, such as listening to your favorite
song, taking a walk, or eating your favor-
ite food. As long as it makes you happy, he
encourages you to go for it.
a different style of musical that hasn’t
been performed on the Kean stage in
several years.
“The last three musicals I directed were
Ragtime, an epic historical musical; Pi-
rates of Penzance, a comic operetta; and
She Loves Me, a small 1940s romantic
musical,” said Logue. “So it was time for
something contemporary and comic!”
While auditioning for any show isn’t
easy, this show in particular was even
more stressful for the students. Besides
memorizing spelling words and think-
ing up definitions, singing and dancing is
also involved.
“First you have to go in and sing 16 bars
of two different songs. Then you wait to
see if your on the callback list. If you are,
these particular auditions had a dance
portion and then an improve portion,”
said Lissette Valentin, who plays both
moms in the show. “[During call backs]
some people were asked to stay and sing.
I wasn’t asked to stay and sing I was very
sure that I would not be cast. The cast list
Gugig attributed much of his success
the second time around to Kean and
its professors.
“Political Science was the right avenue
for me,” said Gugig. “I don’t know that I
could have gotten where I got had I gone
to any other school.”
Dr. Dawood Farahi, Kean University’s
president, introduced Gugig, noting wry-
ly that he wanted students to remember
two things about Gugig. “He graduated
from Kean, and he’s the hiring partner
for Sonnenschein Nath and Rosenthal,”
said Farahi.
The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010
“I’m not here to convince you, I’m here
to help you,” said Martino.
Martino also gave another seminar
at Kean on Dec. 9, where he spoke with
Photo: Michael A. Melham
Life coach Ron Martino
graduate students about his program.
He admonished students to be in con-
trol of their emotions, as that is the way
to success.
“Move forward, do not dwell on
what you can’t fix. Use positive action,”
said Martino.
Martino performs coaching sessions
out of his home office in Colonia, NJ, but
conducts seminars all over. He thrives on
took days and days to come out, so it was
a very stressful process.”
Although the audition and call back
process was stressful, all the students that
were cast were happy they made it into the
show, and are excited to get started with
rehearsals.
“Not every actor is comfort-
able with improvisation,
but ‘Spelling Bee’ depends
on it.”
“I think that one of the most important
things for anyone in any major is that you
need to trust yourself in the career you de-
cide to pursue, to follow a dream you have
always wanted to see come to light and to
never give up,” said Mary Myers, who was
casted as one of Leaf’s siblings.
The cast for Spelling Bee is consider-
ably large, consisting of 25 characters.
Kean University Concert Artists Series
presents
Happy Holiday Brass
December 20, 2009 at 3 p.m.
The Gene and Shelley Enlow Recital Hall
Charles Bumcrot leading the Kean Brass Quintet
with percussionist James Musto
3
helping people. His desire is to incorporate
his program into all schools. He thinks his
program would be influential to students
of all ages.
“I love all people,” said Martino.
Martino said each person has attributes
and gifts that they can give to the next
person of which they may just be unaware.
Although Martino has never advertised
his services, his client base is continuous
and has grown tremendously through re-
ferrals. Word of mouth has expanded his
work to move into various large seminars
and speaking engagements, he said.
Martino’s clientele consists of victims
of abuse, anorexia, bulimia, rape, marital
stress, depression and suicidal thoughts,
among other issues. He works with indi-
viduals, young and old, from all walks of
life. His mission, he said, is to work on the
inner you. And he has touched a number
of people- ten families that endured his
program were in the audience when he
spoke at Kean.
Martino’s efforts have not gone un-
noticed. In 2006, he won an Ellis Island
Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic
Coalition Organization (NECO) in recog-
nition of his outstanding record of service
to his community. The National Ethnic
Coalition Organization honors and fos-
ters tolerance, respect and understanding
among the diverse religious and ethnic
groups that constitute the heritage and
enduring strength of America.
Martino continues to move ahead
in life, and he recommends you do the
same; move ahead, and leave the past in
the past.
This year’s musical cast includes: Chrissy
Danelson (Rona Lisa Perretti), Tony Mo-
watt (Douglas Panch), Jason Gillis (Leaf
Coneybear), Kevin Gilbert (William Bar-
fee), Ralph Saro (Chip Tolentino), Joey
Morales (Mitch Mahoney), Robyn Lee (Ol-
ive Ostrovsky), Jennifer Quint (Logainne
Schwartzandgrubenniere), Megan Bus-
siere (Marcy Park), Lauren Sodono and
Lissette Valentin (who will be alternating
between the mom roles), Shawn Simmons
(Olive’s dad), Shabazz Green (Carl Grube-
nierre, Logainne’s Dad), Patrick Getty
(Dan Schwartz, Logainne’s Dad), Rachelle
Dorce and Amber Brown (comfort assis-
tants), and additional speller’s and Leaf’s
siblings: Michelle prudente, mary Myers,
Dona Marie Pizzo, Rachel Pribish, Krystle
Haliotis, Dee Richie, Billy Mills, Josh Sch-
netzer, Greg Scalera, and Lucas Pinner.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County
Spelling Bee” will be performed in Wilkins
Theatre from Friday Feb. 26-March 6.
4 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower

Rewards for Being a Student: $10 Performance, Complimentary Dance Class

By Jessica Pribush
Searching for a holiday present for
yourself that will provide entertainment,
memories, and culture? How about one
that costs less than the train ticket you’ll
need to get there?
With winter break right around the cor-
ner, bank accounts are low and stress lev-
els are high. But as students, we deserve
the right to treat ourselves to something
new and fun. The Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater (AAADT) is performing
in the New York City Center from Dec 2,
2009-Jan 3, 2010, and is offering a special
discount for students, called the Student
Dance Chance. The world renowned dance
company’s version of a “student rush”
gives students the opportunity to see any
performance for only $10.
The AAADT not only prides itself on the
professionalism of its dancers and chore-
ographers, but also on its role in spreading
the influence of the African American her-
itage, while incorporating other cultures
in order to help connect people from all
places, and walks of life.
“[AAADT] is a modern dance company
that was founded primarily for African
American dancers, but has diversified
since then,” says Hannah Kauffman, a
representative from the Alvin Ailey Dance
Foundation, Inc. “Its mission is to bring
dance to everyone.”
The Student Dance Chance tickets may
only be purchased in cash (along with
your valid student ID), at the New York
City Center box office from 12 noon until
one hour before curtain time for Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday matinee,
Sunday matinee, and Sunday evening (ex-
cluding New Year’s Eve) performances.
Students are limited to one ticket per
valid ID and the discount does not apply
to previously purchased tickets. Although
seating is subject to availability, students
will be able to purchase the best available
tickets by using this exclusive offer.
The opportunity comes with an added
incentive; the ticket stub from any perfor-
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Glenn Allen Sims and Linda Celeste Sims in George Faison’s Suite Otis.
mance can be used towards a complimen-
tary dance class at the Ailey Extension,
as part of its “Ticket to Dance” offer. The
Ailey Extension’s motto, “real classes for
real people”, is taken seriously. Whether
you’ve been trained professionally, or the
extent of your dance knowledge comes
from watching Dancing with the Stars,
you’ll fit right in. You can choose from
Zumba, West African, Yoga, Salsa, Hip-
hop, Horton, Ballet and more. The “Ticket
to Dance” offer is good for an entire year
from the performance date.
The AAADT has earned a reputation as
one of the most influential ambassadors of
American culture, and for forever chang-
ing the view of American modern dance.
One of the company’s goals is to “play a
crucial social role using the beauty and hu-
Photo: © Steve Vaccariello
manity of the African American heritage
and other cultures to unite people of all
races, ages and backgrounds,” according
to the official website of the Alvin Ailey
Dance Foundation.
In addition to spreading African Ameri-
can culture, the focus on modern dance
by the AAADT is a breath of fresh air.
The colorful costumes, interesting musi-
cal selections and individual personalities
displayed by each dancer will entertain
people of all ages. Although the move-
ments can speak for themselves, the danc-
ers take the entertainment factor a step
further by using snapping, clapping, facial
expressions, gestures and eye contact in
an effort to reach out to the audience.
Each performance highlights several
dance sets, each with a different flavor.
From Festa Barocca, where 30 men and
women crowd the stage flaunting colorful
skirts and perform a mixture of hip-hop
and classical style dances, to Suite Otis, a
witty, battle of the sexes performance fea-
turing 6 sets of couples, influenced by the
sassy, soul ballads of Otis Redding, there
is a part of the show that will be appreci-
ated by every member of the audience.
Alvin Ailey, the company’s namesake,
started the AAADT to help spread equal-
ity for African American dancers across
the country. In its 51 years, the company
has grown to accept dancers of all races
and backgrounds, and has traveled to 48
states and 71 countries on six continents.
“[This company] promotes the unique-
ness of the African-American cultural
experience,” says Kauffman, “That, and
the preservation and enrichment of the
American modern dance.”
By creating special offers, like the Stu-
dent Dance Chance, the Alvin Ailey Amer-
ican Dance Theater makes it possible for
everyone—even young starving college
students—to gain exposure to the beauty
of modern dance and all of its cultural in-
fluences.
The New York City Center is located
at 131 West 55th St., New York, NY (be-
tween 6th and 7th Ave.)

Holiday Travel Tips to Get Where You Want to Go

By Charley Falkenburg
The end of the semester is nearing and
Christmas is just around the corner. It’s
time to buckle down for those finals and
get ready to go home for the holidays.
Traveling home for the holidays, as well
as traveling over winter vacation, sounds
like a refreshing break from school, but
voyaging can be quite expensive and
stressful. Whether you’re making a jour-
ney by plane, car, or train, here are a few
tips that can go the distance:
When Traveling by Plane:
Be the Early Bird. According to Weath-
er.com, it is much easier to get travel and
accommodation reservations earlier if you
book early. Some airlines and hotels even
offer discounts for being timely.
Expect the Unexpected. Expect that
there will be more traffic than usual on
account of the holidays. Be sure to get
to the airport 2 hours early to save your-
self from the stress of road rage and high
blood pressure.
Fly on Slow Days. Cheapflights.com
promises that flying on the slowest days
of the week like Tuesdays and Wednes-
days are the least expensive. The best
deals are usually found in mid-week, mid-
day departures.
Get a Package. Buying a travel pack-
age can often save you a lot of money. It’s
also a lot more organized and less stress-
ful. Check out Orbitz.com or Traveloc-
ity.com if you are interested in booking a
complete package.
When Traveling by Car:
“Google Map” It. If you don’t own a
GPS, Google maps can be very helpful.
With easy to read street names and direc-
tion markers on top of clear satellite imag-
es, you probably won’t ever have to pester
the local pedestrians for directions.
Avoid Traffic. Visit Traffic.com to get a
detailed traffic report that is broken down
from mile marker to mile marker on ma-
jor freeways. It even gives up to date infor-
mation on critical intersections and hot
spots in cities. It enables you to schedule
around traffic jam times, minimizing your
chances of idling for hours and ingesting
exhaust fumes.
Split the Ride. eRideShare.com helps
you find carpools and others who are
looking to split the costs on a cross coun-
try trip. You can save money and meet
new people.
Do Some Gas Homework. Gasbuddy.
com compiles lists of gas prices around the
nation allowing you to add up how much
money you will need to bring for gas.
When Traveling by Train:
Use Amtrak. www.moneysavingex-
pert.com says that Amtrak offers passes
for U.S citizens, special prices for interna-
tional travelers, and weekly discounts on
specific line and dates. Amtrak even offers
discount codes for students.
Book Directly. When traveling by
train, try and book directly at a station or
by the rail company’s own website. There
is no booking fee and there may even be
some extra online discounts.
Sleep Over. It may not seem glamorous,
but traveling over night in the train saves
money on transport as well as accommo-
dation. You may have a crick in your neck,
but you’re wallet will be heavier.
Holiday traveling can be hectic, but fol-
lowing a few of these tips should prevent
some unnecessary stress. Be sure to travel
safely and have a great winter vacation!

RAMOS OUT (Continued from page 1) TROLLEY (Continued from page 1)

irrevocably.
Although this situation has
let me down emotionally, it
has not made me weak; it has
only made me stronger. The
result of the situation is a
lesson that students should
keep in mind; baseless accu-
sations of any sort whether
you are a male or a female has
the ability to destroy an in-
dividual’s future and deprive
them of their credibility.
I am still the President of
the Student Organization of
Kean University and will con-
tinue to serve as the voice that
fights for the concerns of the
students for the remainder of
the 2009-2010 school year.
As a student leader, my persis-
tence of making our University
strive for excellence at a world-
class level is a passion that
I am longing to fulfill and
will succeed.”
Contrary to Ramos’ state-
ment, Bandiera continues to
serve as Student Organiza-
tion’s Acting President, pend-
ing the outcome of an investi-
gation with Kean University’s
office of Student Conduct, ac-
cording to university spokes-
person Paul DiNero.
Ramos, however, said that
he has done nothing wrong
and is hopeful about the out-
come of the Student Conduct
investigation. He said that he
will return as president.
“The school has policies and
procedures which every stu-
dent has to abide by,” Ramos
said. “This will be just like the
first investigation process. I will
resume as a student leader and
continue to move forward.”
report that trolley drivers are instructing
passengers that there is no standing.
The Kean Trolley and Shuttle buses op-
erate on a rotating basis Monday through
Friday, stopping at Wilkins Theatre, Lib-
erty Hall Campus, East Campus Parking
Lot B & C, East Campus Parking Lot A and
Hennings Hall.
 The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010 5

Why do We Kiss Under the Mistletoe and Where did Santa Claus Come From?
By Megan Muller
It seems like the holidays are just flying
by this year. The Halloween costumes have
been packed away and the Thanksgiving
turkey has been eaten up. Santa is even
taking a break from the toy making to
have his picture taken at the local malls.
As we get ourselves into the holiday
spirit by decorating our houses and man-
tles with holly and candles, let’s look at
where these traditions came from. Who
thought up the bright idea to decorate
our houses with lights, fake snow and
jingle bells? Why do we kiss under the
mistletoe? And whose idea was it to spoil
children with gifts from an obese man in
a red suit?
First and foremost, where did Santa
Claus come from? Saint Nicholas was a
Bishop in present day Turkey in the 4th
century. He was a generous man, partic-
ularly devoted to the children. After his
death, there were claims that he would
rise to perform miracles because of his
kindness and reputation for generosity.
Throughout many generations of telling
the tale, the story of Saint Nicholas was
brought to America and was given the An-
glican name of Santa Claus.
The Christmas stocking is another in-
teresting tradition. According to legend,
three young daughters faced a life of
spinsterhood after their father foolishly
squandered his fortune due to the death
of his wife. The generous St. Nicholas
wanted to help and therefore rode by their
house on his horse and threw three small
pouches of gold coins down the chimney.
The pouches landed into the stockings that
the woman hung to dry by the fireplace.
Mistletoe is my personal favorite addi-
tion to the entrances of homes during the
holiday season; it adds humor to every
family gathering. The Romans viewed the
plant as a symbol of peace and it is said
that enemies who met under the mistle-
toe would lay down their weapons and
embrace. Scandinavians associated the
plant with their goddess of love. Mix the
two theories together and you have the US
tradition of smooching under the green
plant. Those who kiss under the mistletoe
are said to have the promise of happiness
and good luck in the following year.
Last but not least are the decorations for
the indoor tree. In the 17th century, peo-
ple would decorate their trees with small
candles and would not put their tree up
until December 24th because of the risk
of fire. The protestant reformer Martin
Luther began the trend of decorating the
tree in the first place. Walking home one
night he was struck by the beauty of the
stars shining through a little fur tree, so
he thought of decorating the tree inside of
his house to replicate his vision. In 1882,
Edward Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white
and blue bulbs, and wound them around a
rotating evergreen tree.
Of course, the holiday season is time
to be grateful for all that you have and
the loved ones in your life. Traditions
may vary between the religions and even
among different families. But each has
their own traditions, and that’s what the
holiday is all about.
If your interested in learning more about
holiday traditions please visit http://folk-
talesmyths.suite101.com/article.cfm/
holiday_decorations#ixzz0Xbl0ScWk.

Holiday Gifts Under $50

By Lillie Morales- Torres

It’s that time of the year again when you either get yourself into a grab bag, Secret difficult task. Not to worry though, here are a few cheap thrills and great gift ideas
Santa game, or simply want to exchange gifts with your loved ones. But on a student well under $50 for those special people on your list. And don’t forget, a good wrap-
budget, buying everyone the perfect gift without looking cheap can sometimes be a ping job always adds something extra special and an expensive look to your gifts!

The Fulltime Student The Gadget Freak

1

1. The HP Deskjet F4435 All-in-One Printer $39.98,

Target.com; 2. PNY-Attaché 2GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive
(3-Pack) $34.99, Bestbuy.com; 3. USB Laptop Cool-
ing Station $5.00, Fiveandbelow.com. 4. Homedics Speaker Dock for
iPod $39.99, Bedbathandbeyond.
com; 5. Digital Photo Keychain
$9.99, Bedbathandbeyond.com.
5

3
2 4

The Vampire Lover The Girly Girl

6. The New Annotated Bram Stoker’s
Dracula, by Leslie S. Klinger,
introduction by Neil Gaiman.
($39.95 list price), Vam-
pirewine.blogspot.com; 8. Dream Angels Heav-
7. Vampire Pinot Noir enly™ Scented Candle
(Vampire Vineyards- $20.00, Victoriasecret.
Vin De Pays D’Oc) com; 9. Bath & Body
$10.95, Wicked- Works Signature Collec-
wines.com. tion $35.00, Bathand-
bodyworks.com.
9
8

6
7

The Caffeine Fiend Just for Fun

13

11

10. Starbucks Tazo Goodness Gift

Basket $29.99, Target.com.com; 11. 12. The Beatles Puzzle
First Aid for Chronic Chocoholic Gift $18.00, Urbanoutfitters.com;
Basket $34.99, Target.com. 13. Twister $15.99, Toysrus.
12 com; 14. Slanket $32.99,
Theslanket.com.
10 14
6 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower
Flawlessly Fabulous or Big Old Fake?
By Fiordaliza Martinez
You’ve just gotten fabulous extensions
in your hair, your nails filled, and now
your beautician talks you into getting
some false lashes as she bats hers at you
(and they look amazing). So you agree,
and before you know it, you look in the
mirror and look like you’re ready for a red
“These are all beauty
enhancements that have
been around for ages,
however, for some reason
it still seems taboo to
discuss.”
carpet affair. You have a new pep in your
step because you know you look great!
Heads are turning and Right Said Fred’s
‘I’m Too Sexy’ song is playing in your head.
Then the bubble bursts. Your obnoxious
co-worker who says “Wow how’d your hair
grow so fast? I just saw you yesterday and
your eyes look different too!” It dawns
on you that you can either ignore this or
explain your purchased extensions and
glued lashes.
Hair extensions, weaves, wigs, false
Game Review: “Left 4 Dead 2”
By Eric Albuen
Guts are everywhere. Disembodied
body parts lie right next to your shoe. The
ticking of a pipe bomb can be heard as
grunts and groans from the zombies that
were about to attack you divert their at-
tention. Finally, with a moment to breath,
you whip out a health pack and get your-
self ready for the next wave of zombies in
the finale. It’s not gonna be easy getting
out of this mess alive…
Only a year after the first zombie apoca-
lypse was released, game developer Valve
hit with the very next sequel. This is Left
4 Dead 2. The game was released on Nov.
17, here in the US. The sequel this time
around brings the same charm the first
game had, but adds many new features to
keep the gameplay formula fresh.
“Its not gonna be easy
getting out of this mess
alive… ”
The basic premise of the game is this:
four survivors have to work together to
make their way to several safe houses and
eventually get rescued. The game is five
campaigns long with either four or five
chapters within each of the campaigns.
The shortest campaign will take you at
least an hour to complete, so adding on
the other four, you’re in for a long game.
The journey isn’t easy as zombies and
“special infected” will try to stop you in
your path. Along with the previous spe-
cial infected released in the last game, the
game introduces several new ones as well,
such as the Charger, a deformed zombie
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
lashes, and fake nails are nothing new.
These are all beauty enhancements that
have been around for ages, however they
still seems taboo to discuss, even though
celebrities wear all of these on a daily basis.
According to Us Weekly, Kim Kardashian
refuses to make appearances without her
false lashes. During the 2008 MTV movie
awards, Britney Spears had an issue with
a hair dresser and ended up sewing in her
own extensions because she refused to
perform without them.
Like makeup, hair, nails and lashes are
all meant to enhance what beauty you
already have. If leaving the salon with
weaves, falsies and a fresh set of French
manicured tips make you feel good about
yourself, why care what your obnoxious
co-worker, friend or even fellow public
transportation rider thinks? It is uncouth
for anyone to ask about anything personal
they do for themselves. Unfortunately, we
live in a day and age where little is person-
al; everything is just put out there for the
world to see and ask about.
If you’ve ever been afraid to give your
hair a new look by adding some length with
a weave, or if mascara just doesn’t seem
to be cutting it anymore or maybe you’re
tired of seeing your bitten down nubs, I
say go for a change. There is nothing to be
afraid of; if your fear is what others will
say or think of you, don’t let it sway you.
with a large arm that could grab a survivor
and slam them into the ground, a Jockey,
a quick moving zombie that will ride your
character into different areas of peril going
on in-game, and the Spitter, zombies that
will spit out acid that will progressively get
stronger the longer a survivor stands in it.
Along with the five introduced in the last
game, the three new zombies bring an ex-
tra level of challenge.
The game’s campaigns take you from
Georgia all the way to Louisiana. You’ll
travel from carnivals to malls and even
trudge through a swamp. Each campaign
ends differently and has its own set of
conditions in order to beat them. The
game will progressively get harder as the
characters move down the line.
A significant feature of this game is
the game’s A.I Director. The Director will
change the game so that you don’t have
Stay within your comfort zone. Consult
with experts on prices and procedures.
Beauty World in Elizabeth sells hair ex-
tensions, wigs, and also applies false lash-
es. Platinum 2 Nails (also in Elizabeth) ap-
ply nails and also lashes. Most salons will
apply extensions and will help you choose
brands, color and a length that suit you.
Prices for extensions vary by length and
quality of the hair, but the range is usually
anywhere from $10-$150 just for hair, not
including the beautician’s fee. Nails vary
in length as well as quality of powder used;
those prices vary from $20-$50. Lashes,
like extensions, are purchased separately
from the beautician and the service fee is
separate as well. Lash prices range from
$5-$80. The application depends on the
process and the scale of the salon you are
getting them applied in. If the lashes are
individual they will be more expensive, as
well as the process of attaching them, be-
cause it takes a bit longer to do. Applica-
tion of lashes usually starts at $20 and can
go to usually $50, again depending on the
salon you visit and the work they will do.
I say get out there and enjoy being a
woman and all the fun maintenance that
comes with it! Ignore what others think. If
you feel good about your look, then it was
worth the cost.
the same experience twice playing it.
While there might be a mob of zombies
attacking you after the first step you make
one time, the next time, there might be
nothing there and that mob might not at-
tack you until later on. Because of the A.I
Director, the game’s formula constantly
stays fresh so players can keep coming
back to the same campaigns without ever
feeling them too stale.
The colorful cast of characters also set
the scene for this superb game. The four
survivors include Rochelle, the only girl of
the cast who was a production assistant
for a local TV station, Coach, a high school
football coach, Nick, a gambler and a con-
artist, and Ellis, a mechanic who doesn’t
know the right times to ever tell a story.
With these four distinctive personalities
in-game, it’s a riot listening to how they
all interact with each other.
So what makes this game better than
the first? I’d say that this game improved
over everything that the first game did.
With the addition melee weapons, you
aren’t bounded by just having guns. You
are finally able to do crowd control from
up close. I also feel that the story in this
one is more integrated than the last game,
and that each campaign is linked to each
other so if you go in order, everything ac-
tually makes sense.
While online play being a must, if you
should purchase this game, be sure that
you know that just getting through the
campaign is the least of your worries when
you teammates either become the best
help or the biggest nuisance ever.
It’s definitely worth the purchase and
miles better than the first game. I’ll give
this one an .
Watch Out for
“The Blind Side”
By Kelly Pennisi
Action, drama and the love of the game;
The Blind Side is the true story of Balti-
more Ravens player Micheal Oher, and it
is the true must see movie of the year.
For anyone for loves the underdog, this is
your movie.
Now get out there and play!
The film is directed by John Lee Han-
cock, who has directed other films such
as Hard Time Romance, The Alamo and The
Rookie. The cast consists of Sandra Bull-
ock (The Proposal, Miss Cogenialiality), Tim
McGraw (Flicka) and Quinton Aaron.
The movie begins as Oher (Aaron) en-
rolls in the private Wingate Christian
School for a better education. Oher is at
the school after being taken in by Leigh
Tuohy, (Bullock), a well-to-do upper class
woman, and her family. Oher has tested
low in most areas, and as an outcast and
the only African-American kid at school,
he is labeled as stupid by his peers and
teachers because he has trouble learning.
However, when the football coach sees
the big young man, he views him as a pros-
pect for the team. The only problem is
that in order to play, Oher has to increase
his GPA. One day a teacher realizes he
can learn orally, and with the help of
other teachers as well as a tutor, Oher
slowly learns.
More importantly maybe, the movie
shows that as Oher slowly lets the Tuohys
into his life, they become his family as
well. It shows that they each benefit from
the other.
Finally he gets his grades up and be-
comes eligible to play football, and to show
his strength in other ways, His story of
success and achievement warms the heart
even in the hardest of moments.
Overall, this is a great movie. It com-
pletely tugs at your heart. It has a com-
plete plotline, and what makes it even
better is that it is a true story. So if this
holiday season, you are looking for some-
thing that has the holiday feel but still has
action, see The Blindside.
❅

By Kelly Pennisi
‘Tis the season of gift giving. With the
economy suffering this year and saving
money a top priority, it may be time to
make presents instead of buying them.
Here are some ideas for the perfect
gift.
Everybody loves sweets. Instead of
spending all that money buying holiday
sweets, like cookies and cakes, why not
make them? Pick your friends’ favorite
treat, such as cookies or brownies, and
bake them. Then, once the snacks are
done, put them on a plate, wrap them in
some color saran wrap, tie in a bow and
you’ll have a “sweet gift” to bring with you
when you see them.
“If you make the food yourself it means
something,” said Patrick Arlea, an English
Education major.
For your friends who like bath and beau-
ty, consider making colored bath salts. In
JOIN THE TOWER Meetings Mondays @ 3:30 p.m., CAS 413
By Lisa Martinez and Dawn M. Phillips
 
I am going to start out by just telling
you why I am writing you specifically.
Something bad happened to me three days
ago and I’ve been reading about it online.
Most of the articles said that I should tell
someone I know about it. Monday I was
reading the Tower and came across your
question and answer page. It crossed my
mind to write you. So I am just following
the advice of the experts by telling some-
one I know. I was raped by a stranger in
an alley. I did not report it to the cops and
I don’t think I will. I’m trying to forget it
happened. I can’t. Whenever I go to bed,
it’s like it’s happening all over again. I am
so scared. Please tell me what you think I
should do before I go crazy. I am having
crazy thoughts.
 
Signed,
Attacked
 
Dear Attacked,
Based on our research with counselors and
on various websites such as womenhealth.
org, kidshealth.org, rapecrisis.org, we highly
suggest that you seek medical attention.
Sexually transmitted diseases and internal
injuries could have been contracted; it is im-
portant that you visit your doctor or a hos-
pital immediately. Consider speaking with
someone you feel comfortable with. Although
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Hot, Homemade Holiday Gifts
order to do this you need a bottle or a jar,
Epsom salts, food colors, and some per-
fume or essential oil. First, combine the
desired amount of Epsom salts with food
coloring until the color is even. Then add
the perfume or essential oil and mix again.
“If you make the food your-
self, it means something.”
Next, spread the mixture out onto wax pa-
per to dry for a couple of hours and then
put it into the jar or bottle.
For music fans, why not go with the idea
of a mixed cd? You can find blank cds at
any store such as Staple’s, or even at the
local grocery store such as A&P or Path-
mark. Just make a list of your friend’s
favorite songs and burn some cds. Then
you can label each something special, like
“Songs to Put you in a Good Mood.”
A WORD TO THE WISE
you may be embarrassed, ashamed, and hurt,
speaking with someone will help to start the
healing process.
 You also have the option of reporting it to
the police. By doing this you can be compen-
sated for any expenses such as medical ex-
penses, other financial losses resulting from
the rape, and even long-term psychotherapy
through a Crime Victims’ Compensation pro-
gram. Information about how to apply can
be obtained from the state Crime Victims
Board, the police, or a rape crisis counseling
program. You may also choose not to report
it, this decision is solely yours. In some situ-
ations, the rapist may have threatened to
harm the victim or the victim’s family if it’s
reported. You must decide for yourself, based
on your own circumstances, whether it makes
sense to report it or not.
Support groups can assist in your recovery.
Witnessing other women’s testimony and ex-
periences with rape can help to empower you.
Rape is a form of power that usually leaves
victims feeling helpless. Remember you are
not to blame; it is not your fault. Here are a
few places to seek help:  er. I’m not sure how he feels about his
Union County has a rape crisis center where
you can receive help and counseling there. It
is free of charge. They have a 24-hour hotline
where you can speak with a professional the
number is (908) 233- RAPE.
RAINN is a national victim assistance or-
ganization. RAINN will connect you to a rape
crisis center in your area. 1-800-656-HOPE.
Kean University has a crisis center that
The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010
Another great idea is a scrapbook. This
can be a good idea for friends, family, or
your boyfriend or girlfriend. A scrapbook
is a great idea to celebrate any sentimental
relationship and its memories. Not only
is this a creative idea, but you will have
fun putting it together as well. To do this,
gather all favorite photos of your friends,
family or significant other. Then you need
to get an album which you can find at Tar-
get or Wal-mart. Also at Target are scrap-
booking kits which include stickers, and
can be of assistance to you. They encourage
students to stop by the Kean Counseling
Center with any concerns. They are located
in Downs Hall room 127. Their telephone
number is (908) 737-4850. The Counseling
Center is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Evening sessions can be arranged
from September through May by request.
Appointments can be made by telephone
or in person.
Ron Martino is a life coach who spoke
at Kean this month about escaping your
problems and building your self-image. We
are confident that he can be of assistance
to you. We will email you with his direct
phone number.
 We trust that you will make the best deci-
sions for you. Rape is a serious issue, and we
commend your courage in contacting us. We
hope we have been helpful.  tions such as not meeting in front of your ex-
 
Hi,
I recently broke up with my boyfriend,
and there is one problem...I love his moth-
mom and I being friendly, but I wanted to
know if I should end the relationship with
his mom or if I should continue to talk to
her and possibly establish a long-lasting
friendship? Please help me. I don’t want to
cause any problems between the families.
 
Signed,
Mother Lover
7
patterned paper you can put inside as well.
In the scrapbook you can write anything
you want, highlighting specific memories
or moments. With this gift, your special
receiver will be sure cherish it.
Finally, to go along with your homemade
gifts, instead of spending $5 on a card go
ahead and make your own card.
All you need is some paper (or whatever
material you’re going use for the card), a
hole puncher, scissors, and glue. Fold the
paper in half. Then gather whatever mate-
rial you want to decorate the front such
as glitter, markers, stencils, etc. You can
choose to write whatever holiday message
you choose on the front such as “Seasons
Greetings” or Happy Holidays.” Then on
the inside try to write something more
personal. You can even post a picture there
and you have your very own holiday card.
  Dear Mother Lover,
 
First, we must say good job for developing
a good friendship with a potential mother-
in-law as that seems to be rare in most cas-
es. As for maintaining the friendship after
the demise of the relationship, keep in mind
what risks you are taking. Perhaps a formal
break up of the relationship is not necessary
as it may naturally fade, or depending on the
depth of your friendship, you should arrange
a lunch and discuss why remaining as close
would not be in your best interest. Dr. Jack
Sargent, a Communication professor at Kean
senses that a relationship with the mom is
dependent on the manner in which the rela-
tionship ended. He deems it would be appro-
priate to have a relationship with his mother
as long as you two agree upon certain limita-
boyfriend or discussing him.
“Ultimately, relationships/friendships are
precious; we would rather have more friends
than fewer,” said Sargent.
You may also consider keeping the rela-
tionship as long as boundaries are set, and
all feelings for your former boyfriend have
ceased. The only way a friendship with his
mom can continue is if you are comfortable
enough to know that your ex-boyfriend may
start dating someone else.  If a friendship is
true and meant to be, nothing should get in
the way of it.
Email us with your dilemmas at wrd2thewise@
gmail.com and we’ll respond!
Sincerely,
Lisa and Dawn
 The park at the intersection of Elizabeth
Avenue and Front Street is now dressed for
the holidays after a tree lighting ceremony
with 1st Ward residents. Children enjoyed
different activities including caroling, but
the big event of the night was the special
guest: Santa Claus.

Photography and layout by Ana Maria Silverman

The Tower wishes everyone
a happy holiday season.

And remember: don’t

drink and drive!
10 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower

EDITORIAL The Tower

Department of Communication

BEST WISHES RAQUEL AND THANK YOU TOWER STAFFERS Kean University
Center for Academic Success
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
Kean students, the Fall 2009 semester has come to an end. The pencils can be Telephone: (908) 737-0468
Fax: (908) 737-0465
put down and the books can be closed. I hope everyone enjoys their one month Email: thetower@kean.edu
“alarm-clock free” vacation. No more waking up for classes; it’s time to sleep in. www.kean.edu/~thetower

I would like to wish Raquel the best of luck as she will be the Editor-in-Chief
The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University’s print jour-
for The Tower during the Spring 2010 semester. Regardless of one’s passion for nalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through
the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Com-
a particular field or study, hard work is what gets someone anywhere in life, and munication. The Tower is not responsible for claims made by its advertisers. The Tow-
sometimes it’s harder than it sounds. As an English major, and previous Manag- er is a public forum and is free from censorship and advance approval of content by
the university administration. The Tower staff is responsible for its content.
ing Editor and Features Editor for The Tower, I’m positive Raquel will excel as the
Editor-in-Chief.
Editor-in-Chief D.J. Jean
I also would like to thank The Tower staff for their hard work throughout the Jillian Johnson Melissa Jewels
Fiordaliza Martinez
semester. I know it was a rough start and a lot of changes took place, but the staff Deputy Editor Ryan Mattesky
pulled through it. Since I’ve written for the newspaper since freshman year, I’ve Raquel Fernandes Lillie Morales-Torres
Megan Muller
noticed that The Tower has only changed for the better. Let’s keep it that way, News Editor Kelly Pennisi
Joseph Tingle Dawn Phillips
staff! Carlos Reynosa
I wish all students and faculty a wonderful holiday. Is anyone hoping for snow Sports Editor Jessie Rivera
Nicole Von Gonten Ana Maria Silverman
besides me? Emerald Vaughn
Arts and Entertainment
Editor Business Manager
Jillian Johnson Rachel Rothspan Eileen Ruf

Editor-in-Chief Staff Faculty Adviser

Eric Albuen Pat Winters Lauro
John Cherry
Andrew Czirjak Designer
Charley Falkenburg Stephanie Skirvin
Jay Hicks

Opinion pieces and letters to the editor

The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any
source. Such material should be submitted to tower@kean.edu or left
at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions
must include the writer’s name and contact information. Students should
include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and
staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may
be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a
legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for
publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication
of any submission.

Display and classified advertising

Deadline for space reservations for display advertising is two weeks before
the publication date. Ads submitted after that may be used on a space-
available basis. All ads are run-of-the-paper unless an extra fee is collect-
ed for a paid position. Deadline for art work and copy is one week before
the publication date. Classified advertising can be submitted up to the
Thursday before publication as long as the payment is made at the same
time. Call (908) 737-0468 or email tower@kean.edu for a rate card.

Tower publication schedule

FALL: Feb. 10, March 10, April 7, May 5.

VIEW
FOOD OPTIONS AT KEAN
By casey murphy

I can remember freshman year heading over to Downs Hall for breakfast, lunch, and
sometimes dinner when I wasn’t in the mood for the University Center. I remember be-
ing able to have a half grapefruit with my cereal in the morning, and having to choose
between hard and soft ice cream, or several different kinds of cake. Trying to decide
what to have for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is no longer the hassle that it once was.
“While the changes made on campus give a nice appearance,
I am beginning to miss the old food options I knew back in
freshman year.”
The new cafeteria, which just opened this semester, is a change of pace for students
who live on campus and use their meal plan. While the new cafeteria is a lot more pleas-
ing to the eye than Downs Hall was, in my opinion that’s about all the new cafeteria has
going for it. It’s nice to have brand new flat screen TV’s on every wall, new glasses , new
dishes and a more efficient way to dispose of them. But, what’s more important is the
amount and quality of food available.
While I’m probably the only one shedding tears for the lost grapefruit, there are plen-
ty of students wishing Kean had brought over the freezer case with the hard ice cream
or still had the wall-length case full of several different kinds of desserts -- instead of
the waist-high, two-shelved case in the new cafeteria now. Students can no longer order
food to be made (for example: omelets and cheese steaks) during the weekend, but only
during week days when it’s usually overcrowded. Burgers aren’t made fresh anymore
either. Instead, the burgers cook in their own grease for the majority of the day.
Along with the new cafeteria, there came a new meal plan options, specifically the
Freshman Meal Plan. Instead of the old “90 meals and 200 cougar dollars,” freshmen
now have the choice of 100, 200, 300, or 400 cougar dollars and infinity meals. This is
good news for freshmen because they know they will never go hungry, but it will be a
tough adjustment in the next semester when they only receive either 80 or 96 meals
and 300 or 200 cougar dollars respectively. Since freshmen will become so used to be-
ing able to go to the new cafeteria whenever they want, they may not realize next year,
when they have a limited amount of meals that they are running out of meals fast. They
will be out of meals before they can realize it and will have to spend the rest of the se-
mester heating up Easy Mac and Ramen.
On the bright side, upperclassmen can change their meal plans to the freshman plan.
Although the upperclassmen can have infinity meals as well, they have to continue to
pay more. The freshman meal plans range from $1,400-$1,700 while upperclassman
meal plans only cost $1,002. I find it’s a tough decision to make. I know I would really
enjoy changing my meal plan so I can get infinity meals. I live on campus and eat more
in the new cafeteria than in the University Center, but that’s an extra $400 to my tuition
that I can’t really afford. While the changes made on campus offer a nice appearance, I
am beginning to miss the old food options I knew back in freshman year.
 The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010 11

By Megan Muller
When I answer the question “What
do you do?” I can immediately see the
judgment in their eyes, “Oh you’re a
babysitter.”
No I am a nanny- it’s much different.
I am a nanny, not a career woman; the
two things couldn’t be more different.
Most of my friends slave away at nine-
to-five jobs, only leaving their cubicle for
a lunch break or quick breath of fresh air.
They arrive at work wearing uncomfort-
able clothes that leave them feeling con-
fined and restricted all day. Me? I can wear
my pajamas to work if I’m in the mood. My
“office” can be just about anywhere, from
the living room to the movie theaters to
the bowling alley.
I am a nanny, which means I am a mas-
ter multi-tasker, as well. I’m a tutor dur-
ing homework time and a chef when it
comes to dinner. When the little girl I
watch rips her school uniform, I turn into
OP-ED
I am a “Nanny”
a seamstress. I am a swim instructor and
lifeguard when she learns how to swim in
the deep end. I’m a poet when it comes to
tying shoes; “Build a tee pee, come inside/
Close it tight so we can hide/Over the
mountain, and around we go/Here’s my
arrow and here’s my bow!”
I am a nanny, and I get to enjoy some of
those special “first” moments. First tooth
pulled, first day of school and first jump
off the diving board. My favorite part of
the day is when we’re snuggled up watch-
ing TV or reading a book and she recalls,
“Meg, remember when we…” and we take
a trip down Memory Lane to a moment
she’ll never forget. Of course, I remem-
ber every moment she’s ever mentioned.
Watching her grow and learn has been a
remarkable experience for me; I am thank-
ful and cherish the opportunity.
It was a hot summer day, the type of day
where you break a sweat as soon as you
step foot outside. She had been begging
me to help her learn how to ride a bike
without training wheels, and today was
the day. The first time she peddled down
the cul-de-sac without me holding onto
the back of her two-wheeler with the wind
“Watching her grow and
learn has been a remark-
able experience for me;
I am thankful and cherish
the opportunity.”
in her hair, the sun on her face, peddling
fast with excitement, and me waiting out
of breath in the spot where I let go, I knew
it had finally happened.
She yelled to me “Megan! Look how
fast we’re going!” but I wasn’t holding on
anymore. She didn’t need me. Now, each
day feels like there is another task I’m not
needed for anymore, something I am still
coming to terms with.
When people ask me if I love my job,
there is no hesitation in my reply. My eyes
tear up as I tell them some of the high-
lights of the last five years. I may complain
about the long hours and tedious tasks on
my to-do list, but I look forward to waiting
on the car line and hearing about what she
did at school.
I am a nanny, but I am also a best friend,
a role model and someone who is always
be there. I may have a professional career
after I graduate college, but nothing will
compare to these priceless memories I am
creating in this little girl’s mind.
I used to be embarrassed of my job;
my friends had “grown-up jobs” and I
was stuck watching kids. In the last five
years, my feelings about being a nanny
have evolved. Now, I answer the question
“What do you do?” with pride, and when I
am judged, I rememeber that I love going
to work every day.
I am a nanny, and I love it.

HEALTH & FITNESS

By Dr. Josh Palgi and Dr. Jessica Adams
Confusion surrounds the exact mean-
ing of the terms overweight, over-fat,
and obesity as applied to body weight and
body composition. The medical literature
infers the term overweight to an over-fat
condition despite the absence of accom-
panying body fat measures, while obesity
refers to individuals at the extreme of the
overweight (over fat) continuum. The
body mass index (BMI) is the measure of-
ten used for this distinction.
Body composition is the term used to
describe the different components that
when taken together make up a person’s
body weight. Our beautiful body machine
is composed of a variety of different tis-
sue types including lean tissues (muscles,
bone, and organs) that are metabiologi-
cally active, and fat (adipose) tissue that
is not.
Some fat is necessary for overall health;
it helps protect internal organs, provide
energy, and regulate hormones that per-
form various functions in body regula-
tion. However, when someone is over-
weight or obese, they have an excessive
accumulation of body fat. Excess fat has
been linked to numerous health problems
such as increased risk for diabetes, cancer,
and heart disease.
Concerned about rising rates of both
What is My BMI?
cardiovascular disease and diabetes, Japa-
nese lawmakers last year set a maximum
waistline size for anyone age 40 and older,
33.5 inches for men and 35.4 inches for
women. Under Japanese health care cov-
erage, companies administer checkups to
employees once a year. Those who fail to
meet the waistline requirement must un-
dergo counseling. If companies do not re-
The BMI was introduced in
the early 19th century by
a Belgian named Lambert
Adolphe Jacques Quetelet.
duce the number of overweight employees
by 10% by 2012 and 25% by 2015, they
could be required to pay more money into
a health care program for the elderly.
In 2006, a Pennsylvania college , Lincoln
University, was telling entering freshman
to get their BMI measured and if the re-
sult came back above 30 (and about 15%
did come back above 30), the threshold for
obesity, the students had to take a Physical
Education class called “HPR-103 Fitness
Walking/Conditioning”. Why? The cam-
pus newspaper, The Lincolnian, brought
attention to the situation with a headline
“Too Fat to Graduate.” Last week, The
Star-Ledger, reported that the fitness ob-
ligation at Lincoln was canceled after the
university faculty complained that the so
called “fat course” undermined a school
principle of equal treatment.
In the United States, Senate and House
health care reform bills have included the
so-called “Safeway Amendment”, which
would offer reductions in insurance pre-
miums to people who lead fitter lives.
Those with optimal body composition are
typically healthier. Achieving a more op-
timal body composition goes a long way
toward improving your quality of life and
overall wellness. At nearly 6 feet-2 inches
and about 175 pounds, President Barack
Obama may be the slimmest President
since the Civil War. His BMI hovers near
23—well within the healthy range.
The BMI was introduced in the early
19th century by a Belgian named Lam-
bert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet. BMI is a
number calculated from a person’s weight
and height. BMI is a fairly reliable indica-
tor of body fatness for most people. BMI
does not measure body fat directly but re-
search has shown that BMI correlates to
direct measure of body fat. It is an inex-
pensive and easy to perform method. Due
to its ease of measurement and calcula-
tion, it is the most widely used diagnostic
tool to identify weight problems within
a population.
However, the score does have some
limits. It may overestimate body fat in
athletes and others who have a muscular
build. It may also underestimate body fat
in older persons and others who have lost
muscle mass.
The standard weight status categories
associated with BMI ranges for adults are
in the following table.
Weight
BMI Status
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Normal
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and Above Obese
The World Health Organization (WHO)
predicts that overweight and obesity
may soon replace more traditional public
health concerns such as under-nutrition
and infectious diseases as the most
significant cause of poor health. Reg-
ular physical activity through either
recreation or occupation effectively im-
pedes weight gain and adverse changes in
body composition.
Dr. Palgi and Dr. Adams are professors in the
Department of Physical Education, Recreation
and Health.

Office of African Studies Explains Kwanzaa

What exactly is Kwanzaa?
2010 Kwanzaa, according to a flier
prepared by the Kean Univer-
sity Office of Africana Studies,
a substitute for Christmas. It
is simply a time of reaffirming
the African American-Ameri-
can people, their ancestors and
worldwide, according to a re-
port in The New York Times.
When establishing Kwanzaa
in 1966, Dr. Karenga included
tive Economics, Purpose, Cre-
ativity and Faith.
This year, to commemorate
Kwanzaa, Kean’s Office of Af-

Year of is a unique African American

celebration that focuses on the
traditional African values of
their culture.
Kwanzaa, which means “first
fruits of the harvest” in the Af-
an additional “a” to the end of
the spelling to reflect the dif-
ference between the African
ricana Studies presented a
pre-Kwanzaa Festival in the
University Center on Dec. 15

THE TOWER
family, community responsi-
bility, commerce and self-im-
provement.
Kwanzaa is neither politi-
cal nor religious and despite
some misconceptions, it is not
rican language, Kiswahili, has
gained tremendous acceptance.
Since its founding in 1966 by
Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwan-
zaa has come to be observed by
more than 18 million people
American celebration and the
Motherland spelling.
The seven principles of
Kwanzaa are Unity, Self-de-
termination, Collective Work
and Responsibility, Coopera-
featuring performances by the
Preston Riddick Ensemble, a
percussion ensemble that plays
a blend of traditional West
African, Afro Cuban and Hip
Hop Music.
12 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower
Football Team Wins ECAC Championship
By Nicole VonGonten
After an emotional loss to Montclair
State University in mid-November, the
Cougars returned to practice in the fol-
lowing week looking to capture their sec-
ond Eastern College Athletic Conference
(ECAC) Southeast Bowl Championship in
the last four years.
Preparing his team for the next game
wasn’t the hard part, explains Head Coach
Dan Garrett. “Trying to get them through
the emotions and still work hard and fo-
“I am most proud of this
team being a true team”
cus on the upcoming game” was the key,
according to Coach Garrett. “Getting them
ready wasn’t the problem. It was more of a
concern of where our minds were going to
be. The goal was prepare to win like we did
each and every day prior in the season.”
With that in mind, Kean took the early
lead over Ursinus College on November
21 in front of their home crowd. Quarter-
Field Hockey Season Ends
By Ryan Mattesky
After a great season that saw them play
some of the nation’s best teams, the Cou-
gars’ field hockey season has come to a
close. Kean said goodbye to a memorable
season and its all-time goal scorer, Brit-
tany Gibbs, after dropping an ECAC mid-
Atlantic tournament game to Catholic
University, 3-1.
The Cougars ended their season with a
record of 11-4 and were ranked 26th in
the nation after facing several top-ranked
teams this season.
One of the teams Kean lost to was The
College of New Jersey, which is part of
the New Jersey Athletic Conference and
ranked 10th in the country.
“For us to be competitive with
those teams, it’s a step forward for the
program, something you don’t always see
in the win loss column,” says Head Coach
Leslie LaFronz.
In their final regular season game
the Cougars defeated William Paterson
2-1. However, in the ECAC mid-Atlantic
tournament, the third seeded Cougars
were upset by sixth-seeded Catholic
University.
Despite the first-round defeat, this team
had an exceptional season even though
it did not have a coach until late August.
Coach LaFronz, who is the women’s la-
crosse coach at Kean, took over as interim
coach in late summer.
This relatively late move could have been
devastating but the Cougars melded to-
gether, became a great team and LeFronz
did an amazing job of coaching them to a
winning season. She is applying for the full
time head coach’s position and is hopeful
she will receive the appointment.
Leading the team on the field was se-
❅❄❅❄❅
SPORTS
back Tom D’Ambrisi aired a 36-yard pass
to wide receiver Matt Puorro for a touch-
down but the Bears answered back with
a touchdown on their next possession to
end the first quarter in a 7-7 tie.
In the second quarter the Cougar de-
fense set up the team for victory, just like
they had for most of the season. Ricardo
Esteves recovered a fumble off of a punt
nior Brittany Gibbs and sophomore Olivia
Triano. Together, the two had a combined
67 points, with Gibbs having one hat trick
(three goals in a game) and Triano having
two. Gibbs will be leaving the team this
year, along with fellow seniors Julie Ba-
chovchin and Laura Janousek.
Gibbs is the all-time career and season
goal scorer for Kean University. This year
she surpassed her own record of 28 goals
in a single season by scoring an astound-
ing 36 goals. She finished her career with
86 goals, more than double the second-
“For us to be competitive
with those teams, it’s a
step forward for the
program.”
place holder with 40 goals.
“[Gibbs has] one of the best abilities to
finish inside the circle and she was a team
leader for the team,” says LaFronz.
With this season over the team will be
looking to Olivia Triano next season, who
will be a junior and who is “an exceptional
player…she is defiantly someone who is a
huge impact player on the team and she
is going to continue to become dominant,”
explains LaFronz.
Triano will lead the team alongside Jo-
elle Vitale, who was a captain this season
and who will be returning as a senior.
It is uncertain at this time who will be
coaching the team next year but consid-
ering the job that LaFronz did this year,
at the very least she deserves a chance to
have a full year to coach and develop the
team for next season.
ter when T.J. Denehy returned a punt 65
yards for a touchdown. With the extra
point complete, the Cougars were up 20-7.
Ursinus added another touchdown in the
quarter to cut the lead to 20-14.
In the last quarter the Cougars secured
their Championship with two additional
touchdowns. Chunn scored his second
touchdown of the day on a 17-yard run
and the Cougars captured the ECAC Cham-
pionship with a decisive 35-14 win.
“Jared Chunn was our offense on Satur-
day,” said Garrett. “He made things hap-
pen out there on his own at times and he
took the load and carried the offense.”
Chunn finished the day with two touch-
downs and 101 rushing yards to earn Most
Valuable Player honors.
Photo: Kean Athletics The Cougars finished the season with a
to set up Kean’s second touchdown. Jared record of 9-2, tying the 1987 team for the
Chunn, the Most Valuable Player of the most victories in a season.
game, scored the 27-yard rushing touch- “I am most proud of this team being a
down for the 13-7 lead. true team,” Garrett said. “They were great
“The defense was the strength of this guys who all worked together for a com-
year’s team,” Garrett said, “there are too mon goal.”
many contributors to name any single
individual.”
Kean added to its lead in the third quar-
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By Jessie Rivera
When the fall season starts, athletes
know it’s time to put all their pre-season
hard work into the games that count in
the standings. Although Kean University
has eight women’s sport teams, in the fall
there are only four teams traveling the
state representing the school, which are
soccer, field hockey, volleyball and ten-
nis. What some may not know is that the
unnoticed tennis team consists of seven
individual players who have to win their
matches in order to accumulate a team
score. Despite its relative obscurity, this
team is slowly gaining the school’s re-
spect. With a record of 8-5, this team has
all the potential to rise to the top and start
attracting more interest from students
and fans.
Lisette LaForge, a junior
majoring in Political Sci-
ence, holds the number
one position for both
singles and doubles, and
the captain’s title on the
team.
Have you seen a growth in your play-
ing since the start of the season? If
so, can you explain
Yes, every tennis season I see some type
of growth. This year I figured out how to
drop the ball and be able to rush into [the]
net to take a volley before the other per-
son recovered. I’ve done that in the past
but inconsistently. This year I was able
to actually make the strategy part of my
game and execute it when I needed it.
I know that tennis is not really recog-
nized at school, so what could you tell
the Kean students and faculty about
this tennis team?
That it’s a great sport and we’re very
competitive. We play against some tough
schools but we always fight for our points
and do our best to win. We love fans
and the support from the school would
be fantastic.
What team did you enjoy playing
against the most and why?
I really was excited when I played
against Lehman College.  The girl I was
playing against was good and I had to keep
my focus in every point because some of
the rallies were very long, over 20 hits. It
was hard, but very satisfying when I was
able to outplace her shots. It gave me con-
fidence in my abilities and I had a renewed
fire when I went to every match after that.
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
To keep my position at 1st singles and
1st doubles, along with having a better re-
cord. This year my record was 9-8, which is
very good. Next year I’d like to have a few
more wins and a few less losses. Training
in the off season is very critical and will
make us all stronger for next year.
“I’d tell them that we’re slowly getting better and working real hard on making Kean Athletics proud. Compared to
previous years, we’ve done fantastic this season and will only get better.”
SPORTS
Meet the Women’s Tennis Team
Lauren Petrucelli is this
year’s freshman NJAC
Rookie of the Year. Al-
though she is undecided
Photo: Lauren Petrucelli
in her major, her dedica-
tion to this sport shows in
her playing skills and her
first position in doubles and second in
singles.
Have you seen a growth in your play-
ing since the start of the season? If
so, can you explain?
After playing a few matches during the
beginning of every season I learn different
strategies [and] techniques to try and beat
each player I face.
What pumps you up before a game?
I pump myself up [and] blast my head
phones before every match. I always like
to think the person I’m playing is better
than me.
Now that the season is over, what was
your most memorable moment?
Going into a tiebreaker against Prince-
ton University the 2nd round of the Drew
University tennis tournament
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
To serve harder [and] more accurate
Jessica Oquendo returned
to the tennis team after
not playing for a year.
Her goal is to defeat as
many opponents as pos-
sible. Majoring in Psy-
chology Pre-PT (Physical
Therapy), she managed to get through
her studies and her two-hour commute
to Kean just to play the sport she loves
most.
Have you seen growth in your playing
since the start of the season? If so,
can you explain?
Yes, I’ve seen growth. I experienced be-
ing a doubles player since I’ve never played
college doubles before. It’s very different.
You have to learn how to trust your part-
ner but most importantly communicate
with your partner, which is not easy. When
there’s no chemistry, you’re game is off. By
the end of the season, I learned what all of
that was like.
I know that tennis is not really recog-
nized at school, so what could you tell
the Kean students and faculty about
this tennis team?
I’d tell them that we’re slowly getting
better and working real hard on making
Kean Athletics proud. Compared to previ-
ous years, we’ve done fantastic this season
and will only get better.  Alleyna Alleyne is a ju-
What team did you enjoy playing
against the most and why?
I would say, personally, Richard Stock-
ton because I played someone who was
considered my equal, and I had to work
real hard for the win, and it was a team
we usually lose to, but as a team, Rutgers.
The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010
It wasn’t enjoyable because we lost, but
because that was the game where we real-
ized all of our weaknesses. It was the game
where our eyes opened up and noticed
that some things have to really change,
and even though we did lose, we got more
out of it than other games.
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
My own personal goal is to move up
the roster and beat Jodi’s (our assistant
coach) record. She has the best record in
Kean Tennis history (13-1) and now that
I’ve learned what my flaws are, I have a
year to work on them and reach my goal.
Cathy Arauz is a junior
majoring in History Edu-
cation. After suffering a
common injury in tennis,
Photo: Cathy Arauz
Lateral Epicondylitis or
“tennis elbow,” she un-
derwent rehabilitation
and trained herself in order to finish off
the season with her teammates.
What is it about this sport that made
you want to play it even after high
school?
Tennis is a very competitive sport and I
wanted to mature as a player. Playing after
high school definitely allowed [me] to meet
different players who I have learn[ed] from.
Do you want to pursue tennis after
college?
I love playing tennis and after college I
want to coach high school. My high school
coach inspired me to become a better
player and reach for higher goals. I want to
share my experiences with young players
and push them to seek higher goals.
What team did you enjoy playing
against the most and why?
I enjoyed playing against Drew Univer-
sity the most because while playing third
doubles with Jessica Oquendo, we were
down and at one point it seemed impossi-
ble to come back and win but we won 8-6.
It was a very tight match but at the end it
felt good to come out winning that point.
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
For the 2010 fall season my personal
goal is to beat Rutgers. We were so close
this year and I know we can definitely
do it.
Miriam Penafiel is a junior
majoring in Mathemati-
cal Science, and played
second doubles and fifth
singles.
Have you seen a growth
in your playing since the start of the
season? If so, can you explain?
I have seen a big difference with me
since I started playing this season. I think
I became stronger than last season and I
was really happy about that. I also notice
I get a little mad or upset when I start los-
13
ing and I lose myself and don’t focus, but I
tried to change that and I think by the end
of the season I did a lot better.
I know that tennis is not really recog-
nized at school, so what could you tell
the Kean students and faculty about
this tennis team?
Yes, it’s true the women’s tennis team is
not as recognized as we would like, but I
would like you guys to know that tennis is
like every other sport and that it takes tal-
ent to play. Many people think it is a girlie
sport because we wear skirts and stuff like
that, but we still run, and sweat like crazy.
This season we had an awesome record
8-5; it should’ve been better but we have
next season to improve even more and
win more games. Hopefully by improving,
our team can be noticed a little more. 
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
To have more discipline, be more respon-
sible, play with heart and try my best.
Annie Ramos is a junior
majoring in Bilingual Edu-
cation K-8 and Spanish.
With an injured player re-
covering, Ramos played
third doubles and sixth
singles. Although she
is the oldest member of the team and
has not played since 2004, her maturity
and mentality stands out in her role as a
teammate.
Have you seen growth in your play-
ing since the start of the season? If
so, can you explain?
I have definitely seen great improve-
ment in my playing, including my ground
strokes. Towards the end of the season,
my ground strokes were low with a lot
more top spin. This is my first time play-
ing competitively since 2004 so there was
a lot that needed to be improved upon.
What team did you enjoy playing
against the most and why?
Well, the most competitive match was
against a girl from Drew University during
a tournament. I felt like I played the best I
have ever played in my tennis career. This
match was the semi-finals in the tourna-
ment. It was tough because we both had
similar game strategies and skill level.
Although I ended up losing 4-6, I fought
hard for every point.
What is your own personal goal for
the 2010 fall season?
By next season I hope to be more fit and
improve my slice serve.
nior with the position of
third singles and second
doubles.
Alleyne could not be
reached for comment.
14 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower
Former NBA Player Says College is Key
By Nicole VonGonten
Every kid who picks up a basketball has
the dream of one day making it to the NBA
and winning a championship. What many
of them do not realize is that the dream
can be taken away rather quickly, or they
may not make the dream at all.
John Celestand achieved his dream of
making the NBA, but learned how cruel
the league can be. Speaking to Prof. Jerry
Carino’s Sports Writing class at Kean, he
said he knew that having a plan in mind
for life after the NBA was the best way
to go. From an early age education was
instilled in Celestand by his mother, a
former teacher and now vice principal at
Plainfield High School.
“Making the NBA is a one in a million
shot you have a better chance at getting
struck by a lightning bolt,” said Celestand.
“You have to develop yourself for life.”
After graduating from Piscataway High
School, Celestand was accepted to Vil-
lanova University where he achieved
much success. But in his junior year, he
struggled on the court and also ran into
some trouble when he had an altercation
at a club in Philadelphia. With his famil-
iar name, he quickly became a story and
learned just how tough the media can be
on athletes.
Celestand also learned that he had to
take his education into his own hands to
get the career he wanted. He went into
Villanova as an undecided major, but al-
ways knew the field of Communication
was where he wanted to go.
“I wanted to be a writer,” Celestand said.
“I’ve always had a gift with writing. Maybe
it was something passed down from my fa-
ther; he was a good writer. I knew in some
aspect I would be involved in the media.”
Celestand soon reached a lifelong dream
when he was drafted out of Villanova in
1999 by the Los Angeles Lakers.
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SPORTS
“It was a dream come true. My dad
would watch the Lakers; growing up that
was my favorite team,” said Celestand.
He was thrust into instant success as
the Lakers went on to win the NBA Cham-
pionship that very same year. He keeps
the championship ring stashed safely at
his mother’s house, and said he enjoyed
his time in Los Angeles, playing alongside
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neill.
Celestand explains how he had always
prided himself on being the first to the
“One thing about television
is every night you can end
your career.”
gym for practice at any level, whether
high school, college or professional. When
he got to the Lakers he found that Bryant
would beat him to the court for practice.
He calls Bryant a “beast” and Celestand
was still shocked that even with a broken
wrist, he was still the first to the court.
“I made the team because I got to play
more in the preseason because he [Bryant]
broke his wrist,” Celestand said. “After he
broke his wrist, I figured I would be the
first person there to impress the coaching
staff, but there he was dribbling with his
left hand.”
His time with the Lakers was short
lived though, as that next year Celestand
found himself bouncing from the New
York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks. Ce-
lestand soon found himself playing over-
seas in Italy, France, Germany and the
Ukraine, where the media turned out to
be tougher than they are here in America.
Win or lose, the media found some way to
be hypocritical, he said.
After reoccurring injury, and a slight
tear of rectus abdominal muscle that kept
Celestand from playing for a year, he de-
✁ ✁
$2.00
✁ ✁
$10
cided to retire and start a new career for
himself. Over the past few years, he has
done everything from radio, writing, and
the Philadelphia 76ers post-game show.
Celestand has also covered every level of
basketball from high school to the NBA.
“One thing about television is every
night you can end your career,” Celestand
said. “It’s just the way it is you always have
to be prepared.”
Once the subject of the story, now he
GO COUGARS!!
is the one analyzing the players and
coaches. visit:
“It’s a tricky business but very reward-
ing,” Celestand said. “I enjoy doing the
analysis part of basketball. To be able
sit and watch basketball games for a
living and get paid to run my mouth is
http://www.
just great.”
The former Lakers star also takes time keanathletics.
out to talk to student-athletes, through
Heroes and Cool Kids, about what they
might experience as they go through high com/landing/
school and college, explaining how impor-
tant education is. Celestand also trains
high school, college and professional play-
index
ers through Celestand Consulting.
Celestand had an idea from the start
that he needed a plan for life after bas-
ketball. Whether his career as a NBA
player lasted a year or 10 years, he under-
for more on
stood that basketball was not going to go
on forever. Kean athletics
Celestand said the best advice he ever
got was from his best friend’s father who
played basketball at Rutgers University.
“Your whole life as an athlete, your re-
cruited people always say come play for
us,” he said the father told him, “but when
you get out into the real world, no one’s
coming out to get you and you have to
sell yourself. And a lot of athletes can’t do
that because they’re used to people always
coming to get them. And that’s the biggest
adjustment.”
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Men’s Basketball Team Looking to Repeat Success
By Andrew Czirjak
The Kean men’s basketball team has
suffered some heart breaking moments in
the last two seasons. To be quite frank, let
us just say that “lady luck” has not been
too kind to our Cougars.
“Two years ago we lost at Ramapo by
a point. Last year we traveled to William
Paterson and lost by two points. It is my
job to find a way to win those games,” said
Head Coach Rob Kurzinsky.
Still, Coach Kurzinsky knows that he
can only do so much to make winning hap-
pen. Ultimately, it is up to his team. And
Kurzinsky feels his basketball squad is up
for this year’s challenge.
“Just to clarify, our players are respon-
sible for taking this program to back-to-
back NJAC playoffs, not me,” Kurzinsky
said. “They have put in a tremendous
amount of time and effort to earn those
playoff appearances.”
And this effort and dedication is a full-
• Administration Building,
First floor lobby
• Bruce Hall,
First Floor Lounge
• Center for Academic
Success, Lobby
• Communications
Department Office,
CAS 402
Have a
Very
Happy
HOLIDAY
SEASON
❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄❅❄
SPORTS
time gig for the men’s basketball team.
Well, that is, in theory, because not every
person is cut out to be an athlete.
“At our level, NCAA Division III, you
are not allowed to work with your players
on the court during the off-season. The
spring, summer, and fall are crucial for
any player’s development, therefore, you
need to have great internal leadership and
you need to recruit passionate, committed
players,” said Kurzinsky. “So you have to
recruit the right type of student-athlete to
fit your program. I am fortunate to have
individuals who are committed to our dai-
ly mission.”
Needless to say, it is up to each and
every member of the men’s basketball
team to make sacrifices and go beyond
the required practices to improve and
get better.
“We have a daily mission to get better;
as individuals we want to become a slight-
ly better person, student, and player today
than we were yesterday. When you have
Pick up The Tower at these locations
• ESL Office,
Willis Hall 301
• Harwood Arena,
by the basketball courts
• Hutchinson Hall,
First Floor Lobby
• Hennings Hall,
First Floor Lobby
The Tower | Dec. 16, 2009-Feb 9, 2010 15
players committed to that mission, you in defensive team for the past two seasons,
turn strengthen your entire program. Our finishing last year among the best in the
players are provided with a “game plan” to country in field goal percentage defense
improve themselves on the court; to bet- (39 percent) and rebounding margin
(+7.5),” said Kurzinsky. “If we “stay in the
moment” we truly believe that we will
“If we “stay in the moment” be in a position to compete for an NJAC
we truly believe that we championship at the end of the year.”
Still, even with his team’s impressive
will be in a position to empirical basketball data, Kurzinsky un-
derstands that in order to win this year’s
compete for an NJAC championship the team will have to im-
championship at the end prove something about their game to make
winning that title a reality.“Improvement...
of the year.” we ask ourselves three questions; where
are we now, where do we want to be, how
ter their strength & conditioning and to do we get there? We need to improve our
better their skill set,” said Kurzinsky. offensive field goal percentage and our free
Kurzinsky believes the Cougars can win throw differential for our program to take
this year. And with these results and stats the next step. As cliché as it may sound we
the guy does have a point. really try to focus on each day and do what
“We have been to the NJAC playoffs and is necessary to get better,” said Kurzinsky.
now we want to be in a position to win the
NJAC tournament. We have been a sound
• Science Building, entrance
First Floor in hallway
between Rooms 121 and 122 • Townsend Hall,
First Floor
• Technology Building, reception area
hallway inside front door
• Vaughn-Eames Hall,
• Tower Newsroom, First Floor Lobby
CAS 413
• Willis Hall, First Floor, across
• University Center, from the elevator
across from the cafeteria
16 Dec. 16, 2009-Feb. 9, 2010 | The Tower

SPORTS
Football is America’s True Pastime

POINT COUNTERPOINT
By John Cherry By Jay Hicks

Many sport fanatics believe that football has surpassed baseball as America’s
sport or favorite pastime. However, football will never be able to surpass base-
ball as America’s pastime in my eyes.
There are so many reasons why football could never replace America’s favorite
pastime. Football games get much higher ratings than baseball games, but that
is because they are only played once a week. Baseball, on the other hand, is work-
ing for you every day. If your team loses one night, you don’t have to be down for
long. They can win a thriller the very next night.
Which of these two sports actually helps the American people more? That an-
swer is simple: it’s baseball. Look at all the people that baseball stadiums must
employ for a baseball game. Food vendors, security, field maintenance -- all of
“Even the Jets won more Super Bowls
than the Eagles.”
these people make money because of baseball. Unlike the
eight home games that a football team needs a staff for, a
baseball team needs employees for 81 games.
Baseball also brings in a lot of business for local bars to Derek Jeter
watch games. It happens almost every night when baseball is in season. Foot-
ball, at best, can only do this on two days, Sunday and Monday.
The illegal use of steroids also shows you that America cares much more about
baseball than they do football. When you hear about steroid use in baseball,
there is a huge uproar because this is the sport that America loves and they don’t
want it to be tainted. Football, however, has gotten a pass on the steroid issue. If
someone admits to steroid use or tests positive for it, it gets pushed to page four
of the sports section. Meanwhile, an accused baseball player is on the front page
of sports page and all over the news.
Baseball also has something that football does not have, and that is history.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been going on in America since the late 1800’s.
Almost every fan of a team can go back to some point in time and say, “My team
was good; we won a title in 1908,” even if that was the last title they won. Sorry
about that, Chicago Cubs fans.
The NFL’s history does not go back far at all, and there are many teams that
have never won a Super Bowl. For a Philadelphia Eagles fan living in an area
mainly populated by Giant and Jets fans, it’s tough. Even the Jets won more
Super Bowls than the Eagles.
Baseball has been there and is there for the American people much more than
football is. If your football team loses on a Sunday, you have to deal with that
loss all week. In baseball, you can get back on track the very next night. Not only
that, it helps the American people more by employing many more people than
football does. These are the reasons why baseball is and will always be Ameri-
can’s favorite pastime.
According to CNNMoney.com senior writer Chris Isidore, Major League Base-
ball (MLB) earned a little over $6 billion in 2006, ranking right behind the Na-
tional Football League (NFL) in sales revenues. The NFL produced higher than
$6 billion. For MLB, that’s very impressive and many believe that MLB is slowly
catching up and may eventually pass NFL as the top grossing money maker in
all of pro sports.
The problem? MLB had to raise its sales 50% from 2004 while the NFL only
increased half that much. Also, MLB had to play 162 games to make $6 billion
that year. The NFL only had to play 16 games. The NFL made over $6 billion on
just 16 games, 146 games less than the MLB.
What does this mean? It means more people attend NFL games than MLB
games. According to a source from Sportsmedia.net, the lowest attendance on
average in 2008 in football was Detroit. They had 60,213 fans overall, both home
and road games. This is from a team that went 0-16 last season! In baseball,
Florida had the lowest average attendance with just 24,962 fans overall. This
is per ESPN’s MLB Web site for the year 2008. The top gate crashers belong to
the New York Yankees with an average of 44,131 fans. And the Lions garnered
16,082 more fans – for a team that never won a single game, they had more fans
than the fan-driven, power-crazy Yankees!
The average cost per seat is higher for the NFL than MLB. They have to be for
one very simple reason - they only play a game a week while the MLB plays 6
“MORE PEOPLE ATTEND NFL FOOTBALL
GAMES THAN MLB GAMES.”
games a week on average. Still, despite that, the NFL gen-
erates many more fans to its games than does MLB.
Every fall, I see people at college, at work, at restaurants
Peyton Manning and at stores wearing their favorite team jerseys. Whether
it is their local teams like the Giants and the Jets, or teams outside New Jersey
like the Steelers and the Patriots, I keep seeing jerseys everywhere! During the
MLB season, I see very few people wearing their favorite MLB team jerseys. The
enthusiasm of the MLB fans outside of the Yankees is low, perhaps because they
are tired of the Yankees!
The evidence I present should be enough to warrant the agreement that the
NFL is America’s true pastime. I have not seen crazier fans in any sport than
the NFL. For one, I am a crazy, die-hard Steelers’ fan and I am sure that you are
nuts about your favorite NFL team. Therefore, there’s no pastime bigger than
the NFL.

Kean Students Win Recognition in Computer Science and Design

Two Kean students won recognition
this semester for excellence in their re-
spective fields.
Ibtisam Ali, a computer science major
at Kean University and a resident of Ro-
selle Park, recently was awarded the 2009
Tri-State Arab American Association of
Engineers and Architects (AAAEA) Schol-
arship. Ali received the scholarship during
an AAAEA awards dinner in Fort Lee, N.J.,
on October 17.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Ali stud-
ied computer programming and systems
analysis at a community college in Jordan
before moving to the United States. In
2007, she came to Kean to continue her
studies and to earn a bachelors degree in
computer science.
Ali, who will graduate next fall, is a
member of Kean’s Association of Comput-
ing Machinery and the Muslim Student
Association. She plans to use the schol-
arship to help fund her school expenses
as well as for tuition for her son to at-
tend Kean’s Child Care Center. “I am very
grateful for the scholarship,” she said. “It
shows that all my hard work does not go
unnoticed, and motivates me to keep up
the good work.”
Jamie Maimone, a Dunellen, N.J., resi-
dent, who graduated from Kean in 2009
with a B.F.A. in Visual Communication/
Graphic Design, won an Honorable Men-
tion in the 39th Creativity Annual Awards,
an international design competition.
“I’m very excited about earning an ac-
knowledgment from a competition as
large as the Creativity Annual Awards,”
said Maimone. “As a recent graduate, it is
difficult and often exhausting to cross the
line from student to professional. Having
a merit from a competition such as this
will give me the exposure to make cross-
ing that line a little easier.”
Maimone earned the nod in the pro-
fessional category for the poster she cre-
ated for the Kean production of Our Lady
of 121st Street. “I’m very excited about
earning an acknowledgment from a com-
petition as large as the Creativity Annual
Awards,” said Maimone. “As a recent grad-
uate, it is difficult and often exhausting
to cross the line from student to profes-
sional. Having a merit from a competition
like this will give me the exposure to make
crossing that line a little easier.”
According to the Creativity judges,
thousands of entries were received for
this year’s contest from all over the world,
with the winners selected by this year’s
panel representing 36 countries and 32
U.S. states. Entries were considered by the
judges to be an example of outstanding
creativity and design.
“Jamie combined her illustration and
design skills to great effect on this post-
er, and I am happy to see her receive the
recognition she so deserves,” said Steven
Brower, director of The Design Studio at
Kean. “Her hard work paid off, aided of
course by her talent.”