Seawanhaka, Vol. 84, #7 - November 12, 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Nassau CountyExecutive Tom Suozzi has been the go-to guyfor two New York governors and on shortlists for U.S. Senate, lieutenant governor,governor and attorney general. AfterTuesday's election, he's desperately clingingto a narrow lead in his bid for a third term inhis county job.

He wasn't the only incumbent officeholder in for a surprise during this off-yearelection cycle:— Westchester County Executive AndySpano, a Democrat, sought a fourth term andlost.— New York City Mayor MichaelBloomberg, an independent, was shocked bya narrow win over a vastly outspent oppo-nent.— The only incumbent in the 23rdCongressional District dog fight, a five-termRepublican assemblywoman, couldn't evenfinish the race.

— Republicans also seized majorities fromDemocrats in the legislatures in Dutchess,Nassau and Orange counties, while taking amajority in the Poughkeepsie CommonCouncil.

Rising taxes, high unemployment, alingering recession andpoliticians in chargeto blame all of it on can do that.

"The public's in a bad mood," Suozzisaid Tuesday night.

Next year's election will be far morepacked with incumbents, most of them big-ger targets with bigger names and longertenures, for voters to consider sending a mes-sage. Every New York state legislator, allstatewide jobs including governor, 29 con-gressional seats and both U.S. Senate seatswill be up for grabs.

"Right now, what we have is an anti-incumbent rip tide, not a partisan wave," saidBruce Gyory, the political consultant. Hesaid Tuesday's results have some of the ear-marks of 1978, when hard fiscal times underDemocratic Gov. Hugh Carey led to a

Republican wave in New York, just yearsafter the immediate post-Watergate era putdroves of Democrats in office.

"Rarely do you see this anti-incumbentrip tide without a partisan wave," he said.Like in the recession of the mid 1970s, vot-ers were ignoring traditional labels: "It wasjust anger."

And in increasingly blue New York,boosted by the fervor over Barack Obama ayear ago, most incumbents now areDemocrats.

State Republican Chairman Ed Cox sayshe saw the same thing in the early 1990s, themid 1980s andmid 1960s. Most famously inNew York, such a wave helped little knownstate legislator named George Pataki defeatDemocratic icon Mario Cuomo in NewYork'sgovernor's race in 1994. The groundswellwas calledABC—Anyone But Cuomo.

"This is a wave coming our way," Coxsaid.

He notes Republicans bucked a 2:1

By Michael Gormley

Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 7 Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus Nov. 12, 2009

SeawanhakaSeawanhakaSeawanhaka

New York Gov. David Paterson answers questions at a taped town hall meeting Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 at WCNY, in Liverpool, N.Y.(Photo Credit: AP Photo / The Post-Standard, Gloria Wright)

New York Incumbents Reeling From Election

Women’s Basketbal lPreviewPage 17 See REPUBLICAN, Page 5

First Bi-CampusHomecoming Party aSuccessPage 4

News

LIU Filmmakers WinBig at This Year’s BigMini-DV Fest iv alPage 2

Arts

Entertainment

Get Abducted By TheFourth KindPage 10

Sports

SeawanhakaSeawanhakaSeawanhaka

CAMPUS NEWS

BROOKLYN CAMPUSNEWS

Page 2 Nov. 12, 2009

The Media Arts Department at Long IslandUniversity’s Brooklyn Campus has long been one of theschool’s most prolific and successful academic pro-grams. This weekend, the fruits of the department’s laborwill be on display for all to see in the form of this year’sBig Mini-DV film festival.

This year’s festival, sponsored by the LIU MediaArts Dept. and Screenplay.com, will showcase a diverserange of independent short films, many directed LIU stu-dents. Other participants include Current.tv and ThirdWorld Newsreel.

“A robust group of locations were represented thisyear,” said Ken Cohen, Associate Director of this year’sBig Mini-DV festival. Featured among this year’s 16submissions are films from California, Chicago andIran.

Of greater import, though, may be the number ofprizes awarded to LIU student submissions this year. LIUstudent filmmakers took home three of the four prizesgiven out by the panel of judges, which consists ofnotable members of the university community, includ-ing Kevin Lauth, Dean of the Conolly College of LiberalArts and Sciences, Norman Steinberg, Professor andDirector of the Television Writing Program and RodneyHurley, Managing Director of the Kumble Theater for thePerforming Arts

“The submissions were received very positively bythe judges. They said it was difficult to choose the win-ners,” said Cohen.

Frank Zagottis will be awarded the prize for BestStudent Narrative Short for his film Just Off Sunset.“Lust, greed and ambition create a dangerous and twistedmix not seen on the Hollywood big screen,” reads thedescription of Zagottis’ film on the Big Mini-DV web-site.

Fire Cry: What Hip Hop Means to Me, directed byVanessa Salomon, will take home the prize for BestStudent Documentary while Birthright: MotheringAcross Difference, directed by Celine Parrenas-Shimizu,will win for Best Professional Documentary Feature.

All three are students in the LIUMedia Arts Dept.According to Cohen, one of the more unusual

aspects of this year’s festival is that many of this year’swriters, directors and producers will be in attendance forthe showing of their films.

“We feel very fortunate to have 13 of the 16 talents

behind these films in attendance this year,” he said. “It’sbeneficial for talent to get personal accolades from anaudience as well as written reviews.”

In addition to the film screenings, there will also betwo panel discussions at this year’s festival. The first,titled “Now I Have a Film, What Do I Do?” will focus on“media distribution for young and student filmmakers,including traditional and more cutting-edge avenues ofdistribution,” according to a Big Mini-DVpress release.The panel will be hosted by Ben Sinclair and JoannaLagstein, both from Current.tv, and Dorothy Thigpen,Executive Director of ThirdWorld Newsreel.

The second forum will be “Alternative Financing forYour Film,” an industry workshop led by filmmakerKevin R. Frech. Frech, the director of Bowery Dish,which explored the connection between trendy eateriesand gentrification, will discuss alternative methods offinancing short films and features, specifically aimed atbudding filmmakers.

Now in its seventh iteration, the Big Mini-DVfesti-val began in 2000 under the guidance of Kevin Lauth,

Director Emeritus and University Liason and Media ArtsDept. Chairman Larry Banks, who is also the festival’sExecutive Director.

Not content to remain a local, university-orientedfestival, Cohen is looking to enlarge its scope in thecoming years.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to differentiate ours fromother Brooklyn festivals and add more new media forartists and festival goers,” he said. “This is a greatopportunity for LIU students, staff and faculty to supporttheir own budding filmmakers who may not get thechance to be showcased at Tribeca, the BrooklynInternational Film Festival or any of the other, largerlocal festivals.”

The Big Mini-DV festival will take place on Fridayand Saturday, Nov. 13 – 14, beginning at noon each dayin LIU’s Spike Lee Screening Room. Admission is freefor all screenings and panel discussions. For more infor-mation, visit the Big Mini-DV festival online atwww.bigminidv.com or call (718)488-1052.

By Ian SmithEditor-in-Chief

Mini Media Arts Festival Surprises in a Big Way

The Shoot, directed by Nina S. Matter, will be featured at the Big Mini-DV festival this weekend.(Photo Credit: Big Mini-DV Festival / LIU Media Arts)

SeawanhakaSeawanhakaSeawanhakaNov. 12, 2009 Page 3

CAMPUS NEWS

Recently New York City celebrated a job well done andrewarded its baseball heroes with a parade down the canyon ofheroes in lower Manhattan. What should be the properresponse to our own LIU heroes for a recent job well done onour Brooklyn Campus. Hundreds of students anddozens of fac-ulty and staff collaborated in the Newman Club’s FourthAnnual Rock-A-Thon event on Oct. 27-28.

Each year starting in 2006, the Catholic students whoform the Newman Club organize an event where volunteers siton rocking chairs in public and rock back and forth for manyhours. They already have sponsors from their friends, fami-lies and associates. During the event the rockers ask passers-by to contribute more to the cause. From a humble and some-what terrified start four years ago, this event has grown to bea well known annual event. In the beginning people askedwhat is a Rock-A-Thon? Now upper classmen and staff arewilling to explain that it is an event where we come togetherto raise money for a home for disadvantaged children inTanzania and we are now aiding in building a school on thesame property.

The Newman Club initiated this event but acknowledgesit could not be successful without the support of so manyother individuals and groups on campus. As far as volunteersgo besides the officers andmembers of the Newman Club therewere volunteer rockers from five athletic teams (baseball,volleyball, softball, women’s soccer, and tennis), ChristianFellowship Club, and a fraternity Iota Nu Delta. Of specialnote is the help given by each of the 27 members of the base-ball team who all helped rock for one hour on the first day ofthe event in their baseball jerseys! The second day was turnedover to the female athletes and the volleyball team deservesspecial mention because not only did each member rock,some rocked for more than one turn on the rockers! Theircoaches should be especially proud.

The pre-event dona-tions from staff that cameinto the campus ministryoffice were augmented bythe sponsors obtained byclub members and also bystaff from HEOP. Last yearthe total raised was$7,003. While the club iswaiting for the last fewdonors to fulfill theirpledges, the results willsurpass last year’s total.Each year it gets bigger,better, andmore profitable!Could this be the year theSGA will recognize thisevent in a special way at itsend of the year event? Itwould be fitting not onlyfor the Newman Club butfor the athletes, fraternity,Christian Fellowshipmembers, staff, and HEOPwho all collaborated tomake this one of the besthomegrown Blackbirdcharitable events.

Even if the heroes ofthis event are left without recognition from within the LIUfamily, the effort and effects of this program are felt far andwide. Sr. Flora who runs the program for the little children inAfrica says that without our help four years ago the homeprobably would have closed. She also noted that it is becauseof our help that they have begun a school. Two years ago theystartedwith a nursery, last year it was a kindergarten, and this

year the first grade. There are over 70 children being educatedin Arusha largely because of the charity given through theannual Rock-A-Thon. Sister notes that not only are the chil-dren growing in size andwisdom but the tree planted in honorof LIU Professor George Sideris is also growing in size andbeauty! As the sisters constantly care for George’s tree it is aliving symbol to them of the LIUNewman Club’s consistentcaring for the “Hotel of the Holy Innocents.”

Newman Club Holds Fourth Annual Rock-a-Thon toRaise Funds for African Childrens Home

Pictured: Officers and members of the Newman Club with the Mission Award at St. James Cathedral(Photo Credit: Newman Club)

Courtesy of the Newman Club

With only a few jobs to offer, employers are only look-ing for the best.

Many students have taken the initiative to enroll them-selves into graduate school as employers are leaning towardscandidates with more education. But another factor studentsneed to worry about is experience.

One way for students to get a holdof what the profession-al world is like is through internships.

The Office of Career Services is dedicated towards help-ing students with their resumes and the interview process tohelp ensure students obtain an internship that will help themget a head start on their careers. The office also identifiespotential internship opportunities for students.

Leo Gonzalez, a senior business management and mar-keting major, is interested in business and the entertainmentfield and has taken the right steps to improve his skills andexperience to get a step ahead of other potential candidates.

Gonzalez has interned at the Cinema Guild, one ofAmerica’s leading distributors of films and videos, and is cur-rently interning for the Digital Media Group at MarvelEntertainment, and credits the Office of Career Services forhis success in obtaining these internships.

“My student development counselor was April Glasseyand she was just fantastic,” said Gonzalez. “She walked meright through whole interview process and she looked at myresume every time I met with her.”

Besides the one-on-one advisement that the Office ofCareer Services offers, MyCareerKey, their online job bankhas also been extremely helpful to students like Gonzalez.Students can search for jobs and post their resumes for poten-tial employers to see.

“It’s great because I know someone is bound to look atmy resume,” said Gonzalez. “I’ve received calls from peoplewho have viewedmy resume through MyCareerKey.”

Most students find it hard to have the time commitmentfor an internship and are hesitant to apply for one but “if youmanage your time well,” saidGonzalez, “it’s definitely possi-

ble to do both. A lot of employers will be glad to work withyou to accomodate your class schedule.”

Through his internships, Gonzalez has been able to getan abundance of experience as well as build a strong list ofcontacts through networking.

At Marvel, he was able to apply his skills in businessand get an insight as to how the entertainment field func-tions.

Interning at the Cinema Guild also benefited Gonzalez agreat deal. “I was always interested in film,” saidGonzalez. “Iwas there during the Academy Awards season and one of thefilms was nominated for an Academy Award and I got to seehowmuch work and effort goes into promoting the film.”

Internships are crucial to have in order to boost yourresume when it comes time to applying for a job after gradua-tion. “You get to meet a lot of people,” said Gonzalez, “andthere’s the opportunity to obtain a full time job afterwards.Students shouldn’t push to the last minute. They need to do itas soon as possible and gain as much experience as they canand Career Services is there to facilitate that.”

Landing Internships Lead to Better Job Prospects For StudentsBy Michael NgSports Editor

CAMPUS NEWS

SeawanhakaSeawanhakaSeawanhakaPage 4 Nov. 12, 2009

The week-long homecoming action at Long IslandUniversity came to an end on Nov. 7 with its first Bi-Campus Homecoming Party. The party was attendedby stu-dents from both the C.W. Post and Brooklyn Campuses.

The event was held in the Paramount Gymnasium. Theparty gave students a chance to network, meeting newpeers and served to bring the two campuses together asone.

The Bi-Campus party was sponsored by several stu-dent organizations including the Student GovernmentAssociation andWLIU radio.

“The party was live but the DJs’ could have done bet-ter with their musical selections. Regardless everyonehere was cool having a good time partying,” said PeteNwajoi C.W. Post campus freshman.

The party started out a little slowwith the front doorsclosing at 12 a.m. however, toward the end of the party thedance floor livened up. Students from both campuses wereout in full force showing off their moves. A large portionof the Paramount partygoers did the electric slide to a fewMichael Jackson songs. In addition to the electric slide,several fraternities stepped, representing their brother-hood throughout the night.

Many C.W. Post Campus students voiced theirthoughts of the First Bi-Campus Homecoming Party,including senior psychology major Kahlil Haywood.

“The party was fine. The best part of it was the time peoplestarted dancing. It needs more dancehall for next timethough. I most definitively would be interested into com-ing to a next party here,” said Haywood

The overall blending of campuses showed LIU schoolspirit and togetherness at it’s finest. According to StudentGovernment Association President Mark Hackett, talks toarrange the possibility of Brooklyn Campus studentsattending a C.W. Post event have been put into motion. Atthe same time, Hackett tried not to take all the credit fororganizing the party himself.

“The whole Student Government Association came upwith the idea for the party. I had a conversation with C.W.Post’s Student Representative Curtis Dabel over the sum-mer for some Bi-Campus events,” Hackett said.

Many students at the party thought having the twocampuses together is a good idea. “I don’t see why theparty organizers don’t do these Bi-Campus parties all thetime,” said first-year graduate student Dan Renahan.

In an effort to promote the homecoming party theorganizers made sure the first Bi-Campus party was notover looked.

“We used everything from Facebook, Twitter, flyers,postings, the school’s large hanging electronic ticker,and our strongest means of advertising -- word-of-mouth,”said Hackett a Communications major.

Students looking foward to the next Bi-Campus eventon campus should do so by staying alert for fuure post-ings.

Brooklyn & C.W. Post Come Together forFirst Bi-Campus Homecoming Party What are your thoughts on the House’s

passing of the healthcare reform bill?

In My Opinion...

Adriana Rodriguez, Junior, Psychology“I support it! I’m really excited for itbecause I don’t have health insurance.”

“I support it because it allows allAmericans to receive the affordable care

that they need.”

“I support it because it is more affordable.”

Samantha Ali, Senior, Psychology & Marketing

Rajni Kumari, Sophomore, Pharmacy

Pictured: Brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi perform during LIU’s first Bi-Campus Homecoming Party.(Photo Credit: Kyle Fortune)

By Kyle FortuneStaff Writer


REGIONAL NEWSRepublican LeadersStage Comeback inOff-Year Elections,Democrats BatteredDemocratic enrollment advantage in Westchester Countyto take the county executive's post as well as a string oftown supervisor jobs. Cox sees it as a Republican forcenow, rather than an anti-incumbent wave. He notesRockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef won afifth term and Erie County elected a bloc of Republicanlegislators to support the Republican county executive.

"This has just been what I hoped it would be, andWestchester is our model," Cox said.

"It was a very good day for the Republican Party toget back up off its back," said Assembly Republicanleader Brian Kolb of the Finger Lakes region. "But I defi-nitely think there is anti-incumbency out there .. . peopleare really angry."

"If the Republicans were in power, they'd be feelingit," said Robert Bellafiore, former press secretary in thePataki administration, now a consultant. "This was a ref-erendum on incumbency ... People want to see solutions,otherwise politicians will pay, because people are tired ofpaying."

Some Democrats see the same message."The message from New Yorkers is, 'If you're in,

you're out, '" said Democratic Assemblyman RichardBrodsky of Westchester County, a likely candidate forattorney general next year.

But incumbents who can effectively make the casethat they, too, are disaffected by the political establish-ment may now have a better shot, he said.

That could breath life into people like DemocraticGov. David Paterson, at odds with the Legislature and hisown party from Manhattan to Washington; Republicancandidate for governor Rick Lazio, who is quietly build-ing a grass roots campaign; and Democrat WilliamThompson Jr. who shocked the pollsters when he camewithin 5 points of beating Bloomberg. Now Thompson,considered a possible challenger to Democratic stateComptroller Thomas DiNapoli next year, is the face ofwhat voters can do to even the most powerful incumbentin NewYork.

It could also be a further boost to Attorney GeneralAndrewCuomo, a front-runner in polls for governor nextyear, who can show a record of slapping aroundwrongdo-ers in corporate board rooms while staying out of thescandal-and-gridlock partisanship of Albany whilePaterson has had to cut spending and threaten layoffsamid blowback by powerful labor unions.

"Doctrinaire liberals anddoctrinaire reactionaries aregoing to have a very hard time over the next year,"Brodsky said.

WWhheerree yyoouu mmaayy bbeesseeeenn aarroouunndd ccaammppuuss::

Health ScienceBuilding.

CCaarreeeerraassppiirraattiioonnss//ggooaallss::

To become a pharma-cist.

WWhhyy sshhoouulldd LLIIUU ccaarreetthhaatt yyoouu eexxiisstt??

Because I make a dif-ference in pharmaceu-

tical research.

RRoollee mmooddeell��ss��::Prophet Muhammadis my role model

because of the lovethat he has for every-

one.

FFaacceebbooookk,, MMyyssppaacceeoorr TTwwiitttteerr??Facebook.

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AAdduulltt FFeeaarr::Not obtaining my

goals

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IIff yyoouu ccoouulldd cchhaannggeeoonnee tthhiinngg aabboouutt LLIIUU,,wwhhaatt wwoouulldd iitt bbee??More student centersshould be available.

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Pharmaceutics.

GGuuiillttyy PPlleeaassuurree::Spending too muchtime on Facebook.

FFaavvoorriittee mmuussiicc::Arabic

FFaavvoorriittee PPrrooffeessssoorr::Professor Jochsberger

HHiiddddeenn TTaalleenntt::Reading people

NNAADDAA AALLKKHHAATTIIBBAAggee::2200 SSiiggnn:: CCaanncceerr

Continued from Front Cover

NEW YORK (AP) — The city's Veterans Day observancesWednesday paid special tribute to the military men andwomen killed at Fort Hood in Texas and in Afghanistanand Iraq — and to a special elite Marine unit, the NavajoCode Talkers.

New York City's Veterans Day parade, billed as thenation's largest, began with a breakfast hosted by MayorMichael Bloomberg and attended by members of a mili-tary group that went to the memorial service for the 13men and women massacred at Fort Hood.

"All those in uniform today are given special treat-ment," especially because of the tragedy, said Major LeeR. Vartigian, of the New York Army National Guard whoserved one year in Afghanistan. He escorted the group tothe breakfast.

The Navajo Code Talkers were special guests at theparade's opening ceremony, where a wreath was laid at theWorld War I Eternal Light Monument in Madison SquarePark. As young Marines during World War II, the CodeTalkers used secret Navajo language-encrypted militaryterms that the Japanese were never able to crack.

As the Code Talkers were introduced, the crowd —which include World War II veteran and actor Tony Curtis— let out a loud cheer.

“War, although it wasn't good, brought out manyunsung people who have contributed to this nation,"Keith Little said as members of his Code Talkers unit satbehind him.

"Although we have been abused in many ways, westill went out and were first on the front lines," added the85-year-old Little, who wore the traditional gold CodeTalkers shirt and turquoise Navajo jewelry.

He called the use of the Navajo code "a very uniquecontribution" to the war effort.

More than 20,000 people were expected at the FifthAvenue parade, including about 3,000 active-duty mili-tary, 1,500 National Guard members and civic and youthgroups, organizers said. The parade included marchingbands, floats and military vehicles.

NYC Veterans DayParade Honors Fort

Hood Victims By Verena Dobnik


SeawanhakaLong Island University’s Brooklyn Campus NewspaperLong Island University’s Brooklyn Campus Newspaper

SeawanhakaSeawanhakaLong Island University

1 University PlazaRoom S-219

Brooklyn, NY [email protected]

Phone: (718) 488-1591Editorial Staff

Editor-In-ChiefIan Smith

Sports EditorMichael Ng

Arts & Entertainment EditorLeonica Valentine

Photography EditorJustine Bach

Faculty AdvisorHal Bock

Visit us online atwww.seawanhakapress.blogspot.com and

@seawanhakapress on Twitter!

Editorial Pol ices

Opinions expressed on these pages do not necessarilyreflect those of the staff. Unsigned editorials are the con-sensus of the editorial staff members. Opinions expressedin articles with bylines are those of the writers. Letters tothe editor must include the writer’s full name and a tele-phone number. Seawanhaka reserves the right to editsubmissions for length and style. Seawanhaka is pub-lished by the students of Long Island University’sBrooklyn Campus.

Advertising Pol icies

Display and classified advertisements are available to thegeneral public, Long Island University Clubs andStudents. For rate and schedule information, call (718)488-1591. Advertising is free for all LIU organizations.Ads should be submitted to the Seawanhaka Press Roomor Student Activities office. Students, faculty and staffmust submit a copy of their ID along with the proposedadvertisement. Seawanhaka reserves the right to edit adsfor length and style. We also reserve the right to refusethose we feel are unfit to print.

OP-ED

Do you find yourself...

...getting headaches from holding in all of your feelings about LIU?

...talking to yourself because thereʼs no one nearby to share with?

...acquiring indigestion after reading a particular article or opinion in Seawanhaka?

...breaking out into sudden fits of anger over a particular national issue?

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should speak to your doctor aboutwriting your thoughts and opinions to Seawanhaka as a “Letter to the Editor. ”

E-mai l us at seawanhakapress@yahoo. com

Seawanhaka“4 out of 5 doctors recommend it.”

“1 out of 5 doctors doesn’t have very good taste.”


OP-EDCONTENTS

UNDERPPRREESSSSUURREE

By Ian SmithEditor-in-Chief

I was walking through the quad yesterday,enjoying the unseasonably warm November weather,when I gazed upon a disturbing sight. You know thatlovely planter that sits in front of Quizno’s, the onethat looks exactly like Long Island (even thoughwe’re in Brooklyn)?

I was horrified to see that the ailing summerflowers had been uprooted, replaced with seasonallyappropriate winter plants in a variety of lovely colors.

New plants. In the middle of November. On theEast Coast. I surely can’t be the only one who knowsthat, in a few short weeks, those plants will be hiddenby a blanket of snow and frost.

At a time when LIU is in a tough financialsqueeze, does it strike anyone as odd that so muchmoney is being wasted on landscaping? I understandthe need for an attractive campus, but this just seemsa little excessive, especially when there are things ofgreater importance worth spending money on.

As an active member of the campus community,I tend to make full tour of the various campus build-ings at least twice a day, visiting various departmentsand professors to gather whatever I need. On my reg-ular route, I’ve noticed an increasing number ofthings falling into disrepair. For instance, in theSeawanhaka office alone, there is a vast amount ofexposed piping. Our walls are, quite literally, crum-bling around us, and this is only a club room. Heck,we don’t even have a light switch. I’d hate to thinkabout how much money we’re wasting in energyalone.

All across campus, I’ve come across chipped andbroken ceiling tiles, cracked paint and scuffmarks onthe floors. There are classrooms in the Metcalfe build-ing that are straight out of the 1970s, with tan wallsand hideous pink tiled floors. There are rooms oncampus that don’t even have dry-erase boards, anecessity on any modern college campus.

The beautification of our campus is a necessarything, but shouldn’t the interior, the hallways andclassrooms traversed with regularity by the studentbody be just as important as the exterior that the gen-eral public sees?

This small observation speaks much larger prob-lem on our campus, one that is prevalent in everycampus organization, administrative and student-runalike, not to mention the students themselves. We, asa campus, seem to have our priorities all out ofwhack.

I’m well aware that LIU services a large com-muter base. Our community contains a great numberof continuing education students, many of whomhave families, jobs and other obligations to take careof. I understand why these students, generally speak-

ing, are not as active in campus life (although thereare many exceptions to this).

However, this does not excuse the lack of activi-ty of the rest of the campus population. Average-agestudents, especially dorm residents, should be play-ing a much active role in order to make this campus abetter place. This is a point I’ve harped on before, soI won’t go too in-depth, but seriously guys, do some-thing.

In the same vein, SGA should be doing far moreto promote campus-based activities, and I don’t meanparties. Although I wasn’t exactly happy with lastyear’s SGA, I will say that they made a sincere effortto politicize campus, with frequent educationaldebates and forums. This year, I haven’t even seen aflyer for a single SGA event that wasn’t a party. Yeah,partying is fun, but so is learning something. Maybeif the SGA wasn’t too busy with their own needlesssquabbling, some interesting things would actuallyhappen. As an organization whose sole purpose is toencourage an active student life on campus, theyaren’t doing a very good job.

Of course, it is understandably difficult to do anyof these things without money, which the universityis intent to squander without thinking. Not just thelandscaping, but the excessively long elevator reno-vations (going on since last SPRING, people), theinfrastructure improvements to areas that don’t needto be improved (that shiny new office outside of thelibrary’s main entrance) and the excessive wasting ofsupplies and manpower (why the bursar hasn’t gonecompletely digital yet, I do not know), all of thesethings cost money. This is money that could be (bet-ter) spent on much needed facility upgrades, espe-cially in the aforementioned M building.

Have you seen the equipment in the science labs?It’s like a dungeon in there.

There are a lot of things wrong with this campus,but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve been hearingfrom a lot of faculty members that the administrationcontrols the university, often to the detriment of itsstudents, but why should it be that way. It’s ourtuition money that funds a good percentage of thisplace. Why should we be content to lie down and notbe heard? This is where we come to learn, and we paya pretty penny for it. Organize, take action, don’t justbe content with what you have, strive for somethingbetter. This column here, this is how I do it. When willyou do your part?

Feel differently? Send a letter to [email protected] and see your name in print!

The Grass isAlways Greener...

Episode 7:

The details of Rihanna and Chris Brown’s dispute thatled to the filing of domestic violence charges have still notbeen outlined. In interviews, Brown and Rihanna have bothattempted to take the high road by wishing each other suc-cess, but why would a young man with a multimillion-dol-lar income and thousands of fans hit his even more famousgirlfriend? Do men hit women without provocation?

Brown’s celebrity status allowed him to escape the vio-lent household he lived in. In Rihanna’s interview withDiane Sawyer, her first since the incident, she said the ageBrown was when he became famous played a part in how hetreated his fame in relation to his past. Freedom was whathe acquired and that’s what drove him to assault an “aggres-sive” Rihanna that night. No fear of consequences… wellthat’s how she painted the picture.

I don’t buy Rihanna’s victim act. Brown had too muchto lose by losing his temper. Rihanna admitted that the rela-tionship as a whole was not violent so it seems very like-ly that Brown was provoked. An interview conducted byMTV’s Sway with Brown at the beginning of his musicalcareer showed him swearing never to be in a relationshipinvolving domestic violence. He explained how his stepfa-ther’s abuse of his mother was scarring. In a recent inter-view with Sway, his reaction to the situation he is facedwith was simply, “Wow.” On Larry King, Brown says hedoesn’t even remember the incident happening. This foolcan’t even explain himself fully in an interview or come offas remotely genuine.

Rihanna is not without blame, but the age excuse is noexcuse at all. Young people still have common sense and itis obvious that their relationship was too hot for either ofthem to handle; even Rihanna admitted in her interview thatit was more like an obsession. Rihanna witnessed violencein her home as a youth, so it is hard to understand how sheand Brown could find themselves in such a situation.

Rihanna said love is blind. Well, it must be if you leta man blacken your eye. This is how her, at times difficultto follow, revelations came across - her playing the victim.How was it that after the incident, she secretly hated himand yet went back to him within weeks of the incident, onlycalling off the relationship because she did not want theresponsibility of being blamed for other girls in similar sit-uations following suit?

Rihanna claims to be a strong woman, but admittedthat her relationship with Brown went too far, too fast fortheir young age. Rihanna’s immature response to his “infi-delity” got her a busted lip, bruised face and a cloud of pityover the rest of her career. Live your life.

With DomesticViolence, Two WrongsDon’t Make a Right

By Leonica ValentineArts & Entertainment Editor


SEAWANHAKA GAMES & MORE

“Let me play devil’s advocate, here. Barack Obama wants towin hearts and minds in the Middle East, in the Muslim

world, which is a good thing. You know that, as a soldier. Wecan’t kill all the Muslims.”

- Fox News pundit Bill O’Reilly

AArr iiee ss (March 21 - April 19)Watch out for people with nothing better to do than com-plain -- there are more than you can handle all at once,but if you call in reinforcements or just play defense for awhile, they should settle down soon.

TTaauurruuss (April 20 - May 20)Your best friends are closer than ever today, thanks insome part to your own excellent energy levels. Your socialpresence is even more inviting than usual, is it may be agood time for a party.

GGeemmiinnii (May 21 - June 21)It's a good time for studies, research and other heavy-duty intellectual endeavors -- your comprehension is offthe charts! You may not have as much fun as you'd like,but you do get an 'A' for effort!

CCaanncceerr (June 22 - July 22)You're reaching more people than ever before -- and youshould find that they are eager for more! It's one of thosedays when you can tell that your people are striving for anew kind of intimacy.

LLeeoo (July 23 - August 22)Your need for certainty is much weaker than usual, sotake the chance to review long-standing plans andarrangements with an eye to improving your position. It'snot as hard as it sounds!

VViirrggoo (August 23 - September 22)Use your amazing energy to slingshot yourself into abrand-new job or social position -- you can start almostanything new today, as long as you feel confident that youcan handle the responsibilities.

LLiibbrraa (September 23 - October 22)You and your people need to deal with something that'sbig and getting bigger -- that nagging voice in your headisn't going to stop any time soon! When you deal with it,all feels right in the world.

SSccoorrpp iioo (October 23 - November 21)You're privy to some sensitive information that comesyour way early in the day -- and you need to hang on to itfor at least another day. You're good with secrets, so lifeshould just be interesting instead of perilous.

SSaaggii ttttaarriiuuss (November 22 - December 21)You've got to rein in your temper today -- especially whendealing with authority figures! They may bring you downfarther than you want to go, but they're even testier thanyou are!

CCaappiiccoorrnn (December 21 - January 19)Everything seems squared away today -- so it's time tostart planning for the future! Your great mental energy isperfect for figuring out what you need to do with yourupcoming time off.

AAqquuaarriiuuss (January 20 - February 18)There is much more going on with your family than youcan see on the surface, so dig a little deeper and see whatyou can find. It may take quite a while, as you a re some-what pout of your element.

PPiiss cceess (February 19 - March 20)Don't let yourself get too carried away in drama or over-thinking situations today -- you need to just deal withwhat's in front of you as it happens! You'll figure it allout in the near future.

Horoscopes courtesty of www.astrology.com.


SEAWANHAKA GAMES & MORE

VVss..

LastWeek’s Solutions

Not only are you an awful liar, you’re a pretty terrible person, to boot. As anadult, you shouldn’t have to resort to silly stories to break up a relationship.Would you tell a boyfriend that you were joining the Peace Corps. in order tobreak up with him? No, you wouldn’t. If this person really was one of your“best friends,” then I find it a little ironic that, in trying not to be rude, youwere incredibly rude, especially over something as trivial as her boyfriend.Perhaps you should take another look at yourself; maybe she wasn’t theproblem in your relationship.

MMaann’’ss PPooiinntt ooff VViieeww

Um have you thought about trying, “I don’t want to talk to you, stop callingme?” C’mon, telling her you moved? How old are you exactly? How canyou be upset she hasn’t gotten the point when you never told her outright toleave you alone? Grow up and be up front about it. You’ll save yourself awhole lot of trouble. Sometimes you just need to be the witch in order to getyour point across...Trust me, you’ve hurt her more in the last five years thanyou would have if you’d just been up front in the first place.

WWoommaann’’ss PPooiinntt ooff VViieeww

Tough Love

TThhee QQuueessttiioonn::Several years ago, I stopped talking to one of my best friends who I’d known

since pre-school. I was tired of her ditching me for her boyfriend, and not consid-ering my feelings. I didn’t want to be rude to her, so I told her I was movingaway. She moved out of the city awhile beforehand, so she didn’t know that Ilied. I spoke to her once or twice after I “moved” but then stopped taking or

returning her calls. Five years later, she’s still calling me. What’s the best way totell her to go away?


By Stephanie CarlinContributing Writer

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

French Film Series

IRENEThu., Nov. 12 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. Cavalier’s intensely personal docu-mentary chronicles his attempts to res-urrect the memory of his late wife—who was killed in a car accident in1972—by revisiting the remainingplaces and things that remind him ofher. A beautiful actress, yet a deeplytroubled, masochistic woman whileshe was alive, Irène’s specter hauntsevery frame of this unsparing exami-nation of grief and catharsis.

RICKYFr.i, Nov. 13 at 6:50, 9:15 p.m. A working-class family living on theoutskirts of Paris gets a shock whenthey discover that their newborn sonhas a very special gift. Ozon deftlymixes gritty drama and fantasy to cre-ate an alternately stark, poignant, andhumorous film about modern familydynamics.

PARK BENCHES (BANCSPUBLICS)Sat., Nov 14 at 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. With over 86 speaking parts,Podalydès has assembled an all-star,ensemble cast including CatherineDeneuve, Mathieu Amalric, andChiara Mastroianni in this film aboutthe everyday lives of Parisians livingin the wealthy suburb of Versailles.

Park Benches is a witty, incisive examination of contemporary France andurban alienation that was a huge success on its theatrical release in France.

PLEASE PLEASE ME! (FAIS-MOI PLAISIR!)Sun., Nov. 15 at 2, 4:30, 6:50, 9:15 p.m. Mouret—whose deadpan style has earned comparisons to Buster Keatonand Woody Allen—directs and stars in this romantic comedy about a hap-less guy caught between two women…one of whom just happens to be theFrench president’s daughter. This is an outrageous, racy screwball rompabout love, sex, and desire.

DETOURIntro by Noah Isenberg before 6:50 screeningMon., Nov. 16 at 4:30, 6:50, 9:30 p.m. B-movie maverick Ulmer used minimal sets and gritty, shadowy cine-matography to lend this unsparingly bleak noir—about a hitchhiker whogets mixed up in blackmail—a gut-wrenchingly claustrophobic atmosphereof relentless dread. “…haunting and creepy, an embodiment of the guiltysoul of film noir” (Roger Ebert).

BIKING RULES PSA FESTIVALTue., Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s leading advocates for bicy-cling, walking, and public transit, kicks off its new campaign, Biking Rules,with a film program comprised of short narratives, animations, and docu-mentaries that promote bicycling in New York City.

A WELL PAID WALK (DOBRE PLACENA PROCHAZKU)Q&A with Miloš Forman moderated by Scott FoundasWed. , Nov 18 at 6:50, 9:40 p.m.A comic “jazz” opera originally staged by Prague’s subversive SemaforTheater in the 1960s and filmed for TV by a young Miloš Forman, A WellPaid Walk follows a couple on the rocks who feign marital bliss and parent-hood in order to earn an inheritance.

This Week

At

The Fourth Kind Has Scares, if You Buy It

Mila Jovovich plays the alien-investigating Dr. Abigail Tyler in Olatunde Osunsnmi’s The Fourth Kind.(Photo Credit: www.allmoviephoto.com)

What if you experienced a dream so frightening that,come morning, its mere memory was enough to stop youfrom telling anyone about it?

In The Fourth Kind, directed by Hollywood newcom-er Olatunde Osunsanmi, the terrifying dreams of the mem-bers of a small Alaskan town turn out to be much morethan that.

The Fourth Kind takes place in the remote Alaskantown of Nome, a place so distant that it can only bereached by plane. Over the last 40 years, a number ofNome residents have mysteriously disappeared withoutexplanation, prompting rumors of a government cover upby the remaining townspeople.

Enter Dr. Abigail Tyler (Milla Jovovich), a psychol-ogist who is studying the people of Nome, many of whomare suffering from sleep deprivation due to chronic night-mares. Many of the afflicted are seeing the same vision intheir dreams, a white owl that watches them for hours.Despite the seemingly innocuous image, most of thetownspeople are too afraid to discuss what they saw whilethey slept.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Tylerwas recently widowed, her husband murdered while theyboth slept, and left to care for her two young children byherself. It is revealed that her entire rationale for travel-ling to Nome was to continue her husband’s research onthe town.

It is when Tyler decides to practice hypnosis therapy,a technique used to recall lost memories, that events takea turn for the truly weird and scary. The movie’s titlecomes from J. Allen Hynek’s classification of alien closeencounters, the fourth of which is abduction. That shouldlet you in on what to expect.

Adding to this heightened sense of fear is Osunsami’suse of supposedly “archival footage” from the case studiesof Dr. Abigail Tyler. As some may have noticed from theoriginal trailer, The Fourth Kind purports to be a storybased on actual events. This is, unfortunately, a market-ing ploy, but with the recent release and success ofParanormal Activity, it’s a pretty good one. It helps thatOsunsami’s fake documentary footage is well shot, mak-ing it appear as if these various hypnosis interviews andtheir strange consequences did take place.

The convincing nature of the documentary footage,complete with 8mm film grain and video noise, however,effectively diminishes the rest of the film. Quite simply,you’re either going to totally buy into The Fourth Kind oryou won’t at all. The archival footage and scenes with rec-ognizable actors are so jarring when placed side-by-sidethat viewers may have difficulties suspending their disbe-lief.

Jovovich does an adequate job portraying the curi-ous, scared, distraught Abigail Tyler but, let’s face it, shealso possesses the acting depth of a toothpick. EliasKoteas, whose name you may not know but face you willrecognize from his numerous TV show appearances, has agood turn as Dr. Abel Campos, Tyler’s colleague and ther-apist. Will Patton, however, is wasted as the clunky, over-bearing Sherriff August.

The Fourth Kind isn’t going to win any awards for it’sacting, but that’s because the characters only serve to fur-ther the story. Unfortunately, the story itself loses someimpact upon the realization that, “Oh, hey, none of thisactually happened.” Those with an interest in thrillers,UFOs or some good scares will probably garner someenjoyment from The Fourth Kind. However, the film does-n’t really tread on any new ground. Moviegoers lookingfor something different should probably go elsewhere.

By Raymond BetheaStaff Writer


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Size doesn’t matter, but fit does. Too often femaleswear skinny jeans that reveal butt-cleavage, which shouldbe an indicator that they are too small and/or the wrongcut. One shouldn’t consider herself either lucky or a trend-setter when that pair of skinny jeans covers the butt-cleav-age, yet pushes everything up and over the waistline (col-loquially referred to as a “muffin top.”)

Waist sizes vary by manufacturer. Do research beforechoosing Forever21 brand jeans over New York &Company. A medium waist is 28.5 inches to 29.5 inchesaccording to New York & Company. However, Forever21lists their medium waist as 27 inches to 28 inches.

When attempting to minimize the waist, dependingon your figure, skinny jeans do not always achieve theirsignature skinny look. A well-fitting boot cut jean mightdo a better job. Pair them with a V-neck t-shirt or tunic toelongate the figure, creating a skinnier-looking physique.When it comes to skirts or suit jackets, it is imperative tobe able to zip it up to the top and still maintain function…like breathing.

Are skinny jeans meant for a male physique? Studiesshow baggy jeans actually change the way men walk. Therestriction baggy pants have can’t be worse than skintightjeans. Not being able to properly get up the stairs andlooking like a female from behind does not scream mas-culinity. The male skinny jean trend seems to be squeez-ing the life out of the baggy-pant swag, not to mention

pair of vital male extremities.As European fashion trends the propensity for men to

bright colors become more mainstream, the more likely itis to see men with man-bags. When did it become fashion-able for men to dress like a woman? Publically owningyour sexual preferences is a sign of social progress, but doyoung men know how they should dress? Or, are thesetrends sweeping away the idea of true self-expression?

Celebrities like Neo, Will Smith and Maxwell wearoutfits fitted for their physique. Comfortable, breathablefabrics should be the preference for young men, not justfor style but also for health. While color may be seen as apolitical statement for changing American culture, youngmen don’t understand that neon green might give thewrong idea to a female.

SSkkiinnnnyy JJeeaannss aa DDoo aanndd DDoonn’’ttBy Leonica Valentine

Arts & Entertainment Editor

From Left: Catherna Davius, Nursing major, third year; Michelle Lawton, English major, sophmore; Elizabeth Dacius, Occupational Therapy major, freshman; Johnathan Ladines, marketing major, sophomore.

(Photo Credit: Leonica Valentine)


CAMPUS CALENDARKumble Theater

For more information, call (718) 488-1624or visit www.kumbletheater.org.

Fri . - Sat. , November 13-14, 7:30 p.m. , Sun. , November 15, 3 p.m.Laura DeVito & DancersDiane McCarthy and Laurie De Vito present an evening of dramatic works of dance.DeVito’s pieces embody love, longing and loss of relationship. McCarthy’s piecewas inspired by the paintings of Diego Rivera. Tickets: $20

Sat. , November 21, 7 p.m.IFNY Monologue SlamIndependent Film New York presents showcase with actors competing against eachother in a series of challenges on the Kumble stage for prizes and role in short film;winner to be determined by panel of judges. Visit www.ifilmnet.tv to submit anaudition video. Tickets: $20

Tue. , December 1, 10:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.Motley, Mad and Marriage-Minded: A Shakespeare VaudevillePresented by Community Works

Fri . , Deceember 18, 7:30 p.m.NMP Fall Show 2009

Mon. , December 21, 10:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m.Comunity Works Presents: The Spirit of Kwanzaa

ExhibitionsGallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday,11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Humanities Building Gallery is closed on weekends). Admission

is free. For more information, call Nancy Grove at (718) 488-1198.

Thur., November 12 - Fri., December 18, Humanities Gallery“The Architecture of Migration: I’ll Be Back For the Cat”Installation and Sculpture by Jane Gilmor.

Thur., November 12 - Fri., December 18, Salena Gallery“From the Provinces”Contemporary Russian photography, curated by Thomas Werner.

DanceFor more information, call Mary Ann Wall 8) 488-3355.

Wed. , December 16, 6 p.m. , Humanities Bui lding Room 109Rising Artists Workshop SeriesInformal showing of student and faculty works-in-progress.

Sat. , November 14, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. , Humanities Bui lding Room 109Dance Department AuditionsHigh school seniors are invited to audition for the B.F.A. and B.S. dance degree pro-grams. Registration is required. Go to www.brooklyn.liu.edu/dance.

Fri . , December 11, 7:30 p.m. & Sat. , December 12, 2 p.m. and 8p.m. , Kumble TheaterDance Department Winter ConcertDance majors perform modern dance works choreographed by guest artists and dancedepartment faculty, including Rodger Belman, Christal Brown, Alenka Cizmesija,Earl Mosley, Tom Price, and a restaging of “Shelter,” an Urban Bush Women work.Tickets: $15, general admission; $10, students and seniors with ID

Music“Jazz Clinic and Concert Series” features top names in jazz. Admission is free. For more infor-

mation, call Bob Aquino at (718) 488-1668.

Tue. , November 24, 4 p.m. , Humanities Bui lding, Room 106Bruce BarthJazz pianist will conduct a master class on “Jazz Improvisation.”

Wed. , December 2, 7 p.m. , Kumble TheaterLIU Vocal Jazz Ensemble and University Chorus

Wednesdays, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. , Humanities Bui lding, Room 106Long Island University ChorusThe chorus rehearses every Wednesday, starting September 9. For more information,contact Gloria Cooper at (718)488-1450.

BusinessFor more information, call (718) 488-1121

Tue. , November 18, Weds. , November 16 & December 18, 6:30 p.m. , LLC 515Toastmasters International Club MeetingAt Toastmasters, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others ina supportive environment. Each meeting gives everyone and opportunity to practiceprepared speeches.

Wed. , November 18, 5:30 p.m. , Humanities Bui lding LobbyGraduate Information

ReadingsThe English Department’s multicultural “Voices of the Rainbow” series is funded by

the Provost’s Office. Admission is free. For more information, call LouisParascandola at (718) 488-1109.

Career ServicesThurs . , November 12 , 5 :30 - 7 :30 p.m. , Luntey CommonsKIPP AP Open HouseMeet successful alumni in Finance, IT, Marketing, Sales and Government

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DO YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR ADHERE?

Then advertise withSeawanhaka!

-Ads from LIU organizations get published for free! Just sendyour black & white, PDF formatted ad to

[email protected], or call our office at (718)488-1591for more information.

-Non-campus organizations and outside merchants may alsoreach us via the above for a Media Kit and advertising rates.


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Stressed Out? Relationship Problems? Personal Problems? Do Something About It!

LIU Psych Services Center

Talking Can Help(718) 488-1266

Room L36, Pharmacy Building

http://www.brooklyn.liu.edu/depts/psychservices/index.html

Confidential, Free, and Available to Students & Support Staff

Hours:Monday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Thursday 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SPORTS


Know Your Blackbirds

Vanessa Gemignani Volleyball

Major: Education

Favorite Food: Pinkberry!

Favorite TV Show and Movie: Friends andStepbrothers

Quote You Live By: “Life isn’t about finding yourself,it’s about creating yourself.”

Role Model: My pappa.

Favorite Athlete: Kelsi Klikus

Favorite Sport to Play Other Than Volleyball: Tennis#6 Setter

Volleyball Secures Top Seed,Will Host NEC Tournament The LIU Volleyball team locked up the top seed in

the NEC Tournament this weekend after sweepingRobert Morris, 3-0.

The Blackbirds remained undefeated at 14-0 in con-ference play with only two games to go in the season.

Long Island took down Robert Morris with relativeease, winning 25-17, 27-25 and 25-19 for its 11thsweep in conference play.

The Colonials showed some grit in the third setwhen they went up 12-8, but the Blackbirds came backand stopped any chance of a fourth with an 11-0 run tosecure the set.

Sophomore Ashley Rice had four kills during thatstretch and finished the game with 11 total.

Senior Svetlana Simic tallied a double double with13 kills and 15 digs. Sophomore Chelsey Stanton added10 digs.

Earlier in the weekend, the Blackbirds defeated St.Francis (Pa.) 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 29-27)

It was a tight match as the Red Flash threatened tosend the game into a fifth set.

St. Francis (Pa.) had two set points in the fourth,but the Blackbirds were able to come back and even thescore on both opportunities. At 27 apiece, seniorMartina Racic got a kill to set up match point for theBlackbirds.

An error by the Red Flash sealed the victory forLong Island as the team, continued to defeat its confer-ence opponents.

Racic’s performance over the weekend earned herNEC Player of the Week honors.

With the top seed secured, the Blackbirds will nowhost the NEC Tournament, where they have come out aschampions for the past five years.

The tournament will be a two-day single elimina-tion event, taking place on Nov. 21-22. Sacred Heart,Central Connecticut State University and Robert Morrisround out the four teams that will be competing.

The winner of the tournament will compete in theNCAA Tournament, which will begin in the first week ofDecember.

By Michael NgSports Editor

Senior Svetlana Simic tallied a double double against RobertMorris. (Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations)


SPORTSGuard Up As Women Prepare for Basketball Season

The women’s basketball team returns with a strongcore of players and a deep rookie class as it attempts to getback into the playoffs.

The Blackbirds finished ninth last season with arecord of 4-14 in conference play. The team missed theplayoffs by four games after reaching the postseason threeyears in a row. Their conference record was its worst sincethe team posted a 2-18 record in 1998-99.

The disappointing season can be attributed to a fewthings.

Injuries ravaged the team all year as only seven play-ers appeared in every game and only eight appeared in 20or more games of the team’s 29.

Long Island was also unable to close out games, los-ing seven games by a margin of two points or less, five ofwhich were conference match-ups.

The team also struggled heavily on offense. TheBlackbirds were last in scoring last year, averaging a mere51.7 points per game in conference play, while SacredHeart topped the league at 72.5.

The struggles were all-around as the team was last infree throw percentage at .574 and last in three-point per-centage at .212.

In a preseason poll amongst the NEC head coaches,Long Island was predicted to finish ninth, well short of theplayoff race.

If the team wants to get back into the playoffs, it mustimprove on the offensive side.

“We need a balanced attack with three or four playersin double figures every night,” said head coach GailStriegler.

Last season, sophomoreAshley Palmer and juniorChelsi Johnson were theonly two Blackbirds toaverage double digits inpoints. Senior ConnieJames averaged 9.2points and the threewere the only play-ers on the team toscore more than fivepoints per game.

Palmer was theteam’s best player lastyear, averaging 17.1points and 9.3 reboundsper game. The NEC Rookie ofthe Year “will again be a go-toplayer for us,” said Striegler. “We willlook to her to lead our team on and off the court.”

The offensive struggles the team had last year, howev-er, only magnifies what the team did on the other side of

the court. Long Island was one ofthe best defensive teams in the con-ference last year.

The Blackbirds allowed only57.7 points a game, good for thirdin the conference. The team limitedopponents’ possessions by forc-ing turnovers. Long Island wasthird in the league in steals, with8.78 steals per game.

“Last year, we put a lot ofemphasis on the defense end,” saidStriegler, “because we had to playgreat defense every night to have achance to win the game.”

“We are a running team and wecannot be that team without defen-sive stops,” said senior ConnieJames.

James, a co-captain on thisteam, led the Blackbirds with 2.5steals per game in NEC play and ledthe conference with a total of 45.

The team will look for thereturn of co-captain HeidiMothershead, who suffered a sea-son-ending injury after two gameslast year and Marika Sprow, whoadds a year of experience under herbelt.

The two will “give us more ofan offensive threat this season,”said Striegler.

Mothershead averaged 7.5points last year. Sprow added 4.4

points while appearing inevery game and led theBlackbirds with 23three-pointers made.

Another key this season will be KiaraEvans. Evans, a transfer from the University ofLouisville, sat out last year due to NCAAtransfer regulations. She will be a keypiece this season, as the sophomore wasnamed co-captain despite having not yetplayed a game for the team. “She will spend most of her time at the

point guard,” said Striegler. “She is goingto be asked to fill many different roles for us

throughout the season.”Another new addition to this team is Tamika Guz.

The freshman gives the Blackbirds a strong presenceinside. “She will influence and alter opponents shots,”said Striegler. The Blackbirds averaged only 1.39 blockslast year, far less than the 4.83 Sacred Heart put up to leadthe conference.

Ify Obianwu, Krystal Wells and Kayla Ramsby are theother three rookies on this team. “Obianwu is very solidfundamentally and is a strong rebounder,” said Striegler.Wells and Ramsby will provide added depth to the guardpositions.

“The key to our success is getting easy baskets,” saidStrielger, “more attempts from the free throw line, transi-tion baskets and points off turnovers.”

In order to do that the Blackbirds need to continueplaying great defense.

“We’ll continue to put a lot of emphasis on thisbecause we believe that defense is how we win champi-onships,” said Striegler.

Long Island will begin its season on Nov. 15, in ahome opener against La Salle. The team will begin its runfor a playoff appearance when conference play begins onDec. 5, against Central Connecticut State University atthe Wellness Center.


NEC Rookie of the Year Ashley Palmer will be the go-to player this year. Palmer averaged 17.1points and 9.3 rebounds per game last year.

(Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations)“We believethat defense is howwe win champi-onships.” - HeadCoach GailStriegler

SPORTS


Picked OffBy Michael NgSports Editor

This season, the New York Yankees were the best team in the majors. Now they havea lot of questions to answer despite being World Series champions.

Let’s start with the World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui. He helped the Yankees clinchthe title in Game 6 with six RBIs and has been very consistent for the team ever since hearrived in 2003.

However, Matsui turns 36 next June and injuries have limited him to a DH role. WithJorge Posada, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez all over the age of 35, manager Joe Girardiwould want to slot one of his veterans into the DH slot every once in a while.

It’s hard to imagine Matsui wearing any other uniform than the Yankee pinstripes, butwith age hitting everyone on the roster, it might just be the time to say sayonara.

Johnny Damon is another key piece of the line-up the Yankees have to decide about.Damon can still field and run, so it’s more likely the Yankees will re-sign the left fielder.However, if another team offers Damon a multi-year contract, he might bolt and leavetown for another team.

The Yankees also need to address their pitching rotation this off-season. The three-man rotation worked perfectly in the postseason but the Yankees will need more than threecapable starters for an entire season.

If Andy Pettitte returns for at least one more year, like he always does, he will joinC.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are the only pitchers on the 2010 rotation so far.

The Yankees can tender Chien Ming Wang a contract, but the former ace had one of theworst seasons imaginable and injuries cut his season short for the second straight year.

Joba Chamberlain started 31 games, but his starts seemed more like long relief workas the young righty had trouble going deep into games. His performance in the playoffsproved that Chamberlain is a much more dominant pitcher coming in from the bullpen.

Phil Hughes, Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin all got starts for the Yankees when Wangwent down, and probably none will get a start next season.

Mitre and Gaudin are unlikely to be on the opening day roster, and Hughes, likeChamberlain, is much better suited coming out of the bullpen.

The Yankees can try to give Wang one more chance, and with his performance thispast season, it shouldn’t cost much to re-sign him. Wang twice won 19 games with theclub, and fans won’t mind seeing him on the mound again if he can perform.

It’s unlikely that the Yankees will go after John Lackey, even though he’s been on thebig stage before and probably wouldn’t falter under the bright lights. Lackey will demandmore money and years than any other pitcher on the market, and the Yankees aren’t readyto dole out another fat paycheck just yet, especially for a mid-rotation player.

In the end, it’ll be either Chamberlain or Hughes holding the No. 4 spot with theother setting up Mariano Rivera.

Outside of Lackey, there isn’t any other suitable pitcher out there to sign or trade for,so the fifth pitcher probably won’t be decided until Spring Training.

The Yankees also need to decide whether to re-sign Jose Molina or not. It might seemlike a no-brainer with Francisco Cervelli, who played brilliantly after both Posada andMolina got injured, as the new back-up, but the 38-year-old Posada is declining and mightspend most of his time as the DH.

The Yankees also need to bring on new players in to solidify their bench. Both JerryHairston Jr. and Eric Hinske likely are gone, leaving a gaping hole on the depth chart. Agood option to fill that role would be Chone Figgins, He can play multiple positions,similar to Hairston Jr. , but with gold glove potential. Figgins is also a good offensiveplayer, meaning he won’t compromise the line-up when he relieves one of the veterans.

There are a lot of decisions to make, but whatever the Yankees decide to do this off-season, the team will still be favorites to win it all again, just like every other season.

Women’s Soccer EndsSeason With Semifinal

Loss to CCSUAfter surging into the NEC playoffs, the women’s soccer team lost in the semifinals

to Central Connecticut State University, 1-0, on Friday.It was a tight match, but the Blackbirds were not able to stop the No. 1 seed and star

player, Leah Blayney. The NEC Player of the Year got the pass from teammate ClioTregear in the 71st minute, and from 15 feet out, knocked in the game-winning goal forthe Blue Devils.

Long Island turned the ball over to Tregear, who found Blayney on the left wing.After the goal by Blayney, the Blue Devils shut the Blackbirds down completely, not

allowing a single shot attempt to even the score. Freshman Jennifer Bannon made the game a lot closer than it seemed, picking up six

saves to counter the 13-6 shot advantage the Blue Devils had.Junior Lara Martinez led the team with two shots and, along with senior Aly Hanson,

provided the only shots on goal for the game.Juniors Samantha Bock and Caitlin Meadows were named to the NEC All-Tournament

team for their performancesin the semifinals.

The Blackbirds previ-ously won their last threeregular season games in anastonishing push for thepostseason.

Senior Kim Bishop andjunior Kelly Carter played apivotal role in the team’sefforts, and both were namedSecond Team All-NortheastConference.

The Blackbirds wereundefeated when they scoredat least one goal, while los-ing all but one game whenthey allow one or moregoals.

Long Island finished theseason 9-8-1.

The Blue Devils went onto the NEC Championshipgame where they lost 1-0, inovertime, against No. 2 seed-ed Monmouth.

The Hawks will nowcompete against Maryland inthe 64-team NCAA Division IWomen’s SoccerChampionships.


Juniors Samantha Bock (ABOVE) and Caitlin Meadows werenamed to the NEC All-Tournament team.

(Photo Credit: Sports Media Relations)


SPORTSWOMEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER

Team

Central Conn. St.*Monmouth*Quinnipiac*Long Island*St. Francis (PA)Robert MorrisSacred HeratMount St. Mary’sBryantWagnerFairleigh Dickinson

NEC

9-0-18-1-17-2-15-4-15-54-5-14-5-14-5-12-6-21-7-20-9-1

Overall

11-6-213-4-18-6-29-7-18-8-28-9-18-9-16-11-24-12-23-13-32-15-1

Pts.

2825221615131313851

Home

5-0-15-3-15-15-24-3-15-24-3-12-83-5-13-4-21-7-1

Away

5-6-18-13-5-23-4-14-5-13-6-14-64-3-21-6-10-9-10-8

Neutral

1-00-00-01-10-00-10-00-00-10-01-0

Recent Results

Recent Results11/07/09

Team

Monmouth*St. Francis (NY)*Quinnipiac*Fairleigh Dickinson*Mount St. Mary’sSacred HeartRobert MorrisBryantLong IslandSt. Francis (PA)Central Conn. St.

NEC

8-1-17-2-16-2-26-3-15-4-14-5-13-4-33-6-13-72-6-21-8-1

Overall

16-1-110-6-19-3-69-8-16-10-17-8-23-13-35-12-16-126-11-26-10-1

Pct.

.917

.618

.667

.528

.382

.471

.237

.306

.333

.368

.382

Home

8-05-24-0-54-43-33-5-11-7-23-72-62-4-13-4-1

Away

7-1-14-3-15-3-15-3-13-6-14-3-12-5-12-5-13-64-6-12-6

Neutral

1-01-10-00-10-10-00-10-01-00-11-0

Pct.

.632

.750

.562

.559

.500

.472

.472

.368

.278

.237

.139

Pts--2522201916131210984

Streak

W4W3W2W3L2L3W1L1T1T1L4

Streak

W3W1W1W5L1L1W1W1L3L1L8

VOLLEYBALLTeam

Long Island*Sacred Heart*Central Conn. St.*Robert Morris*BryantSt. Francis (PA)Fairleigh DickinsonSt. Francis (NY)Quinnipiac

NEC

14-011-310-39-55-84-94-103-112-13

Overall

17-1321-916-1312-1910-217-227-234-203-25

Pct.

1.000.786.769.643.385.308.286.214.133

Home

9-39-19-48-86-92-72-41-102-5

Away

8-57-45-64-52-83-83-112-91-14

Neutral

0-55-42-30-62-42-72-81-10-6

Pct.

.567

.700

.552

.387

.323

.241

.233

.167

.107

Streak

W8W2W3L1L2L3W1W1L7

Blackbirds Upcoming Schedule

Recent Results

Blackbirds Upcoming Schedule

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.

1.2.3.4.5.6.

9.10.11.

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

St. Francis(NY) 1Long Island 0

11/06/09 CCSU 1Long Island 0

(NEC Tournament Semifinals)

Blackbirds Upcoming ScheduleDate

11/14/09

Opponent

CCSU

Location

Wellness Center

Time

2:00pm

11/08/09

11/07/09

Long Island 3Robert Morris 0

Long Island 3St. Francis (Pa.) 0

* Cl i nched NEC Tournament Berth


End of season

End of season


Women’s Soccer Ousted in NEC Tournament

Seawanhaka

SportsVol. LXXXIV, Issue 7 Long Island Universityʼs Brooklyn Campus Nov. 12, 2009

p. 18

CRUISE CRUISE CONTROLCONTROLLIU VOLLEYBALL TEAM LIU VOLLEYBALL TEAM IMPROVES TO 14-0 AND IMPROVES TO 14-0 AND

SECURES TOP SEED SECURES TOP SEED IN NEC TOURNAMENTIN NEC TOURNAMENT p. 16p. 16

Documents

Seawanhaka, Vol. 84, #7 - November 12, 2009