Salem State Log Dec. 13, 2006
Transcription
Salem State Log Dec. 13, 2006
INSIDE ARTS FEATURES SPORTS Artist of the Week Pg 10 Winter Activities Pg 19 Bynum Breaks Records Pg 28 Hundreds Don’t Register, May Lead to Class Cuts December 13, 2006 The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students Volume 82, Issue 8 Pulling Our Leg By Meghan Griffin Associate News Editor The School of Arts and Sciences is worried that because hundreds of students have not yet registered for spring classes, undersubscribed courses in many departments will be canceled. Arts and Sciences Dean Anita Shea recently sent an e-mail to faculty members asking them to advise their students to move quickly in removing any holds on their accounts and register. continued on page 13 Project 120 Still in the Works By Giovanni Albanese Jr News Editor Log Photo by Benjamin Navon A member of Grandma’s Third Leg interacts with the audience during an improvised performance, Dec. 6 in Veteran’s Hall. The pursuit of Salem State College dropping the minimum amount of credits to graduate is still ongoing, but it must be understood that it is a long process, according to the dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Anita Shea. As of right now, the college requires undergraduate students to fulfill a minimum of 126 credits to walk at graduation and be handed a diploma. The proposal, written by Vice Presi- dent of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Lapkin, hoped to reduce the minimum amount of credits to graduate from the aforementioned 126 to 120 credits. Lapkin sent the proposal to the Curriculum Committee at the beginning of fall semester 2005. Project 120 has since moved on to the All College Committee, where the proposal continues to be reviewed. Discussions have centered around how it would best fit the school’s curriculum in future years. Danvers Blast Strikes Close to Home continued on page 13 see story on page 22 Log Photo by Lisa Nichols The Salem State Log 352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970-5353 FIRST-CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 130 SALEM, MA Page 2 The Salem State Log The Salem State Log [email protected] 352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 editorial: 978-542-6649 advertising: 978-542-6448 Editor in chief Benjamin Navon, [email protected] Managing editor Donny MacLaren, [email protected] Advertising Christopher Misterka, manager [email protected] Adviser Dr. Brett M. Rhyne, [email protected] Arts Keri Mucci, editor Allison Dick, Katherine McManus, associate editors [email protected] Circulation Chris Linskey, manager [email protected] Contributing editors Paul Collins, Jessica Marie Rockwood [email protected] Editors emeritus Erik Johnson, Brittany Quaglieri [email protected] Features Nikki Blinow, editor Lindsey Davis, associate editor [email protected] News Heather Hopkins, Giovanni Albanese Jr., editors Meghan Griffin, Laura Webster, associate editors [email protected] Ombudswoman Jacqueline Fuller Photography Jeanette Holliday, editor [email protected] Production Jeannine Heisey, manager Karen Dean, designer [email protected] Sports Kristen Morneau, editor Nick Curcuru, associate editor [email protected] Writing Coach Dr. Ellen Golub [email protected] Ray Allen Danielle Anderson Nora Bailey Kayla Brancaleone Alex Chernyau Blaise Collins Sarah Correia Joshua Del Gaizo Adam Donachie Krista Dugar Meaghan Glassett Eric Goldberg Cory Higgins Randy Holmberg Karl-Lydie Jean-Baptiste Shardae Jobson Carlea Johnson LeeAnn Kafer Michael Keegan Nancy Khun Keith Knight Meredith Lang Brian Lepire Jonathan Lunde Lauren MacLeod Staff Josh Melanson Shawn Mille Shaheen Mohammadipour Kate Moses Lisa Nichols Jamie Payette Joey Perna Efrain Ponce Nicholas Porter Kristen Sacco Joshua Santa-Cruz Joe Scapicchio Christine Simoncini Stefanie Smith David Stewart Jan Taylor Michael Testa Maeghan Thompson Holly Tienken Marea Tith Rosangelis Torres David Willis Andrew Yau Olga Yefremova Amy Zolla Salem State Police Log Monday, November 27 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMS. Suspicious Circumstances at 14:00 Location: SULLIVAN BUILDING Summary: Officer to check on skate boarder possibly causing damage. TRESPASSING Trespassing/State Property at 15:11 Location: MEIER DRIVEWAY Summary: RP reports of a youth skateboarding on the steps and walls. Officer reports GOA. HARASSMENT Phone Calls, Notes at 21:00 Location: CAMPUS POLICE STATION Summary: RP reports of receiving harassing text messages on his cell phone. Tuesday, November 28 MEDICAL Any Medical Assist, Non-Alcohol Related at 01:49 Location: BOWDITCH HALL Summary: Front desk reports a male party tripped and may have broken his arm. North Shore Ambulance responding. ASSAULT Other Types Of Assaults at 20:46 Location: ELLISON CAMPUS CENTER Summary: RP states a male party was assaulted leaving the bathroom in the campus center. RP states the party is fine and doesn’t need medical attention at this time. Party is described as a black male, 5’10 baggy clothes, and black hooded sweatshirt. Wednesday, November 29 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMS. Suspicious Circumstances at 15:42 Location: CAMPUS CENTER LOT Summary: Officer out to check on report of skate boarders jumping boards over cones, parties advised to leave Friday, December 1 MEDICAL Medical Assist, Alcohol Related at 00:40 Location: BOWDITCH HALL Summary: Front desk reports a male party passed out on the 4th floor stairwell. Suspected alcohol intoxication, unresponsive. Rescue notified. 00:48 rescue on arrival. Patient has refused medical treatment, his roommate will watch him for the rest of the evening. Saturday, December 2 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMS. Suspicious Circumstances at 00:28 Location: PEABODY HALL LOT Summary: Verbal argument between male and female party. Both negative WMS. The female was given a verbal trespass and sent on her way. The male party is a student. Sunday, December 3 MEDICAL Any Medical Assist, Non-Alcohol Related at 21:39 Location: BOWDITCH HALL Summary: RP reports of a resident who is coughing up blood. Dispatch notified N.S.A. Officer reports patient was transported to Salem E.S. via N.S.A. Monday, December 4 MEDICAL Any Medical Assist, at 10:12 Location: O'KEEFE CENTER SPORTS COM Summary: Received a call from party requesting a transport to health services for a student with a toe injury. RP advised of policy and asked if she would like rescue to respond. RP declined both rescue and police services. LARCENY Larceny, Other at 11:34 Location: SULLIVAN BUILDING Summary: Officer to take a report of a missing distribution rack. News Tuesday, December 5 MEDICAL Any Medical Assist, Non-Alcohol Related at 12:57 Location: HORACE MANN SCHOOL Summary: Officer to assist with unknown medical involving a student. Rescue notified and in route. Party transported to Beverly Hospital by rescue. MEDICAL Any Medical Assist, Non-Alcohol Related at 14:36 Location: SULLIVAN BUILDING Summary: Officers to assist HP party in a wheelchair who is stranded on the second floor after the elevator fails. Party made her way down the stairs with assistance from officers. Wednesday, December 6 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMS. Suspicious Circumstances at 08:35 Location: OFF CAMPUS Summary: Officer to check on a disabled vehicle with female operator who appears to be in distress. SPD on scene, all in order. LARCENY Larceny, Other at 18:09 Location: BATES COMPLEX Summary: Officer to take report of stolen Clipper Card Friday, December 8 VANDALISM All Types Of Vandalism at 10:53 Location: MEIER HALL Summary: Officer to check on broken window. Window broken by unknown party. Facilities notified for repair and cleanup. BURGLARY Unlawful Entry - No Force at 11:18 Location: HARRINGTON BUILDING Summary: RP reports that it was relayed to him by a maintenance foreman that a 100 LB barrel of ice melt is missing. Saturday, December 9 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMS. Suspicious Circumstances at 15:50 Location: O'KEEFE CENTER LOT Summary: Dispatch observed via the CCTV monitor, a large group of youths. They appear to be tailgating out of parked m/v's. Officer reports that the youths are from St. Johns Prep and no alcohol appears to be in site. All appears to be in order. SPECIAL ALERT: Last week there was a report of an assault in the basement of the Campus Center near the men’s bathroom. The suspect was described as followed: Dark skinned male 5’8”- 5’10” tall Heavy set build Last seen wearing a baggy, dark colored, hooded sweatshirt and baggy pants. Be cautious of your surroundings and contact the SSC Police if you observe any suspicious activity. If you have any further information about this incident, please contact the Salem State College Police at (978) 542-6511 News News Briefs The Salem State Log Page 3 Pat Kantorosinski Picked for Employee of Fall Quarter Patricia Kantorosinski has been named the third “Employee of the Quarter” for 2006. This award was given by President Harrington and the Labor Management Committee, who presented Kantorosinski with a letter of recognition and a $50 American Express gift card. According to her colleagues in the computer science and psychology departments, Kantorosinski, a staff assistant, exhibits Photo courtesy of Human Resources “a seemingly boundless energy that takes her through each day on the Employee of the Quarter Pat Kantorosinski is flanked by Chairmen Mikhail Brikman (l.) campus and beyond.” The Employee of the Quarter pro- and Martin Krugman of computer science gram was implemented to recognize and psychology, respectively. employees who demonstrate outment, an employee must be benefited and standing performance. “We think it’s a have at least two years of service at the great program to acknowledge employees college. Additional information on rules who make a positive impact on our campus and regulations for qualification can be community,” said Kevin Dougwillo, assofound at ciate director of Human Resources. The www.salemstate.edu/hr/. For answers to committee invites members of the college questions or concerns regarding employee community to nominate someone they feel eligibility, contact Dougwillo at ext. 6022. should be considered for this recognition. In order to be eligible for this acknowledg— Mary Bridges ACLU Protests Subway Searches Following the announcement of “random searches” on subways and in bus stations by the MBTA, the American Civil Liberties Union has begun a campaign crusading against it. The searches will be for “any kind of device or substance that could be used as a weapon,” according to an official MBTA press release. In response, the ACLU has started a public awareness campaign in which it has put placards on the blue, orange and red lines of the T, asking commuters to report if they are searched, or if they see anyone being searched. The ACLU is hoping that with these advertisements, commuters will be more aware of their constitutional right to not have to undergo searches. “These searches violate the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable searches,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the Massachusetts ACLU. “[They] increase the likelihood of unconstitutional racial and ethnic harassment without making anyone safer.” “I think if we didn’t pay for it [that it would be a Fourth Amendment violation],” said Salem State student Joe Lordan, a daily T rider. “But the MBTA has its own police force, so I guess it has a right to police its own investment.” While some believe the search will do more help than harm in deterring a future terrorist attack, the ACLU believes the opposite to be true. “The ACLU shares the concern of those who seek ways to ensure that our public transportation systems are as secure as possible,” Rose said. “We object to diverting scarce law enforcement resources away from true security measures—such as bomb checks on the tracks and in stations or two-way radios for emergency workers—for a policy that will not make us safer, but will take away our liberty.” The MBTA declined to comment despite given numerous opportunities. “I’m fine with (the searches),” Lordan said. “The T is filled with jerks.” —Paul Collins Commemorating Dr. Nancy D. Harrington President Nancy D. Harrington has spent five decades establishing Salem State’s status as a premier public college, but come June, 2007 she will officially retire from the presidency and part ways with the college. Executive Vice President Dr. Stanley P. Cahill and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Cynthia McGurren are acting as co-chairs in coordinating an event to commemorate President Harrington’s contributions to Salem State. All members of the college community are encouraged to contribute ideas about a special event to bid farewell to President Harrington, to be held in the spring. continued on page 23 Page 4 December Groups & Clubs The Salem State Log Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Reading Day Day Final Exams Begin, (thru 12/21) Friday HR/CMS Payroll Pay day Catholic Prayer, ECC 204, 3 p.m. ‘Twas the Night Before Finals, Dining Commons, 10 p.m. Housing Deposits Due The Snow Queen, Mainstage Auditorium, 2 p.m. 13 14 24 18 19 25 26 Christmas Day Holiday 20 The Snow Queen, Mainstage Auditorium, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 15 16 22 23 Residence Halls Close, DGCE Classes End 5 p.m. (except students with permission) Day Final Exam Make-Up Catholic Mass, ECC MLK Rm., 7 p.m. 17 Saturday 21 Winter Recess Begins, 2 p.m. Join the Student Commuter Association Meetings are Wednesdays at 3:30 in the Essex County Room The Log Meets Every Monday @ 11:00 a.m. Campus Center, room 013 Islamic Talk Program Islamic Monotheism Association of Salem State College The Prayer Room (MH 227) Every Wednesday 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Food and Drinks will be provided. See you all there!!! Honors Program Advisory Council Meetings every Monday at 5 p.m. Library 316 (Honors Center) All are welcome to join! News The Salem State Log Happy Holidays from The Log Page 5 Volume 82, Issue 8 Editorial Log The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students Salem State: No Place for Propaganda The Copy Center spit out 400 copies of an obscure newsletter Dec. 5, which was subsequently dropped at various places around campus. The document could loosely be described as a “newsletter,” although a more appropriate term might be “propaganda.” The document’s most glaring deficiency is the absence of an official staff box, which would tell readers who produced it. Without a staff box, no one can be held accountable for its content. Although the document references Facebook groups, Web sites, and Instant Messenger accounts linked to the Student Government Association, there is nothing to explain how and where the material comes from. Unless specific names and roles are given, any reader is left to assume that all of SGA had a role in producing the document. The Log has learned that SGA paid $125 out of its budget for the printing of the document. The SGA budget, which eclipses $300,000, is derived 100 percent from student fees. Although SGA has a right to publicize and advocate for its causes, it is inappropriate for a political body to produce mass media. That is the definition of propaganda, and it is disturbingly undemocratic. SGA has other means of disseminating information available to it—including this student-run newspaper—that are better able to get the word out to the student body than an in-house organ. Furthermore, SGA already uses student money to partially fund The Log; why would it waste funds on publishing redundant publications? The answer, we think, lies in certain members of SGA’s leadership disagreeing with aspects of the newspaper’s content. Most specifically, items published on the opinion page. What they may not realize is that stories appearing on the page opposite the editorial page—the op-ed page—as well as the letters on this page, are submitted by Salem State College community members. As such, these op-eds and letters are the opinions of those individuals. Every newspaper has a responsibility to provide a space for letters in response to previously published material, and a responsibility to provide an opinion section for the discussion of issues important to its community. The Log is no exception. This newspaper prides itself on allowing students the means to share their opinions. Whether you agree with something in the Opinion Log or not, it is healthy to at least be having the discussion. Ideally, this newspaper wants to have an abundance of columns and letters submitted by the student body and student leaders. Since The Log has been receiving more submissions from the student body, the content within the Opinion Log has improved dramatically. The more you write in, the more acceptable you’ll find the content. While the content of the letters and op-ed sections continues to increase in diversity, one group that has yet to take advantage of these pages is the Student Government Association. The current administration has not sent The Log a single press release. SGA senators have failed to use the Opinion Log to conduct public discussions about the serious issues that confront SGA. Since September, no student representing SGA has submitted an opinion to this newspaper. We’re sure members of the SGA senate have opinions. Why do they choose not to share them with the student body through the student newspaper? This paper, which has been around since 1927, is realizing its potential as a public forum. Readership has increased, as has participation in the letters and op-ed sections. SGA needs to share information more regularly and more genuinely. The simplest way to do this is to provide The Log with well-written press releases promoting all things SGA. The Log is currently trying to create a Groups and Clubs section; maybe if SGA was the first to embrace our efforts, other clubs would follow suit. What distinguishes a democratic forum like a newspaper from a propagandistic organ like the Dec. 5 document is its willingness to give voice to all members of its community—even those who do not agree with us. This page strongly encourages all our readers—especially those in SGA—to participate by submitting letters and opinions. Our letters and op-ed policies are printed on these pages. Benjamin Navon’s e-mail is [email protected] [email protected] Finals Students Organize to Rebuild New Orleans For Spring Break 2007, 20 students will embark on the volunteer experience of a lifetime: an alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans, La. to participate in relief work for the devastation of the hurricanes of 2005. To do so, we need your help! Our diverse group is comprised of 20 dedicated students whose goal for this trip is not only to perform the task at hand, but to educate our peers and persuade others to engage in service projects comparable to those of our own. Here is how you could help: We are looking for any kind of donation. Our goal is to have each student fund-raise $200. This money is for fees that we must pay and as a donation for Community Collaboration International, the nonprofit organization that we are going to New Orleans with. If you would be interested in donating or would like more information about our trip, contact me at [email protected] or log onto www.communitycollaboration.org. Thank you for your donation! After reading John Peabody’s latest socialist rants [Bush Administration Masturbatory Fantasies] in the Dec. 1 issue of The Log, I was understandably a little confused. I read it again, but still I was confused by the piece’s complete lack of a coherent argument. Peabody, like most extreme liberals (socialist is just another word for extreme liberal), lacks the ability to present a well thought out argument on anything. So he expresses his opinions the only way he knows how: by repeating all the same old tired, ultra-leftist hate speech he reads at moveon.org. I thought about presenting a point by point response to Peabody’s opinion, but I didn’t think The Log would print the 20 pages that would be necessary for me to respond to each of his numerous tid-bits of hate. Instead, I decided to follow John’s lead and write a wish list for the Salem State Socialists. Following the example of the new “No Place for Hate” zone, Salem State decides that it is henceforth a “No Place for Conservative Thinking” zone. This may sound ridiculous to the rational reader but it is not as far-fetched as you might think. Consider the fact that conservative voices are constantly being drummed off stage during speaking engagements at colleges. Last week at Michigan Law School, protestors tried to stop conservative United States representative Tom Tancredo of Colorado from speaking on the issue of immigration. In a scene reminiscent of the “Two-Minutes Hate” in George Orwell’s 1984 Tancredo supporters who organized the event were shouted down, spat upon and even assaulted. Anywhere conservatives speak on a college campus in this country you can bet that there will be people like John there to try to silence them. So much for free speech. The new congress decides to adopt a Canadian style social health-care system. Like a lot of socialist ideas, free healthcare for all sounds like a great idea. But, one need only look as far as Canada to see its true effect. Mainly due to overreaching social programs like socialized healthcare, every person in Canada is made to pay a 50% income tax. Of course, what John Peabody won’t tell you is that this means that those taxpayers are forced to pay for the medical care of people who don’t work. Because of this fact, jobless people take advantage of the system and in return for the taxpayers having to give half of their paychecks to the government, Canadian citizens are forced to wait as long as six months to receive basic medical care. Salem State realizes that there are not enough minorities enrolled at the school. In an attempt to celebrate diversity, they announce that any minority will be accepted, no matter what their qualifications. It sounds great if you’re the type who believes in affirmative action. But, like most asinine liberal ideas, it has a grim downside. After four years with these admissions standards, companies across the state begin to realize that a degree from Salem State is a red flag when looking to hire an employee. Because anybody can get into the College, Salem State completely loses credibility and anyone with a degree from there is out of luck. President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who regularly advocates the destruction of Israel and the United States, comes to America at the behest of Secretary of Defense Gates, to discuss a way forward in Iraq. He promises that if the United States were to pull out of Iraq that he would see to it that a unity government was established. Taking him at his word, President Bush accepts Ahmadinejad’s terms. Six months later, Iran is in control of all of Iraq’s oil and has set up terrorist training camps throughout the country. With the United States reeling from the loss of Iraq and criticism from its own liberal pansies about how inhumane it was to dethrone a brutal dictator, Ahmadinejad decides that the time is right for him to break his promise to America and carry out his promise of wiping Israel off the map. After all, as the prophet of Islam himself said: “War is deception.” So there you have it, just a few items on the socialist wish list. I regret that I wasn’t able to respond to all of Peabody’s opinion, but if he would like to debate a specific issue rather than just babbling incoherently, I would be more than willing to do so. Alexandra Slazar Junior Communications Conservative Offers Wish List for Socialists Nolan Barry Sophomore Communications Opinion Log Finals The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students letters, cont. Michael Mitchell President Student Government Association In the Dec. 1 issue of The Log, a political cartoon was published by an anonymous student that was to say the least, far fetched. The cartoon depicted Dr. Lee Brossoit, assistant dean of students and SGA advisor, holding the leashes of four dogs and a cat, each representing a member of the SGA Executive Board. This is the second time this semester that The Log has extremely misinterpreted Dr. Brossoit’s role with SGA, and one of many times that the SGA has been attacked by The Log and it’s writers. That is why I feel the need to set the record straight. Dr. Brossoit has been a great advisor for SGA, and that is all he does with the group. His role is to advise, not supervise. He is not our boss, and in no way does he have any say on the groups’ final decisions. That is what makes him such a valuable advisor. The thought that Brossoit has the SGA Eboard on a leash is, as the political cartoon in question would say, “preposterous”. In fact, Dr. Brossoit makes it his goal to insure that he is not infringing on our duties or influencing the group to make decisions that would favor his own person beliefs [sic] or those of the college administration. Kyle Meadows Treasurer Student Government Association VIRGINIA PRATT U.S. Should Get Out of Mid-East ’Toon Wrong about SGA The Dec. 1 of The Log published an op-ed cartoon by an anonymous student who used the name “JP Marat” that depicted the Student Government Association as leashed up dogs under the control of Dr. Lee Brossoit, assistant dean of students. I write to The Log to say that this cartoon is completely unfair and drawn by someone who doesn’t actually know the facts, only thinks they do. It wasn’t so much the content of the cartoon itself but the inferences made by it. For example, each member of the E-Board that was a male was drawn as a different dog and the one female executive board member was drawn as a cat. Also, certain dogs used to depict certain members of the E-Board were also considered offensive. To consider the five officers to be leashed up animals is completely absurd. By no means are we under the control of Dr. Brossoit. Anyone who truly knows our organization knows that Dr. Brossoit actually has very little input during our meetings. Often times, his input is only to make students aware of things going on at the college. More specifically, Dr. Brossoit is primarily the advisor to me, not the rest of the group. I challenge this JP Marat to stop hiding and to fill out an application and take interest in student government, as opposed to pointing fingers. If JP is so adamantly opposed to the SGA, I challenge him or her to get involved and as a Log editorial said, “Fix the system from within. JP will quickly find out there is nothing to change, as the SGA is and always will be the voice of Salem State College students, as it has been since 1973. Volume 82, Issue 8 A KEVIN LETOURNEAU The Myth of the Gospel Truth “I n fifth grade. You sat next to me in math class. You helped me cheat.” Mark responded matter-of-factly to my inquiry of trying to remember exactly how we first met. I smirked behind the lip of a cup of rum and Coke and continued to enjoy this night of non-inhibited quality time with my best friend of 13 years. We were in a small tavern, a short walk from my apartment, packed with mostly 30somethings, sound-tracked by a Fleetwood Mac wannabe cover band. A few drinks and a blurry guesstimate of laughs later, Mark brought the tone of the night to an abrupt focused sobriety. “Something has been bothering me for a long time now.” I paused, half-giggling, smelling a punch line ahead. “That summer when you came out to me, I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. I hope I didn’t ruin any chance of you believing in Christianity ever again.” “Mark, that was ten years ago,” I responded quickly with nonchalant forgiveness. “I know, but I still lose sleep over it, sometimes.” In eighth grade, after coming out to him, I experienced my first slap of ignorance towards my homosexuality. He had said that it was wrong, and that I continued on page 12 Log letters policy Log opinion policy The Log welcomes letters from everyone in the Salem State community. Names and telephone numbers must be provided with the letters, but we will withhold names upon request. The Log reserves the right to edit letters for length. Send your letters to: The Log welcomes opinions from everyone in the Salem State College community. Names and telephone numbers must be provided. The Log reserves the right to edit opinions for length. Send your opinions to: Editor The Log, Salem State College 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970 or [email protected] Editor The Log, Salem State College 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970 or [email protected] ccording to the polls up to 70 percent of the American people and 80 percent of the Iraqi people want the US out of Iraq. If we have a democracy and if we promote democracy why aren’t the people’s wishes being honored? Why is a war based on lies allowed to continue? Why are our tax dollars being flushed down the toilet? Why are the deaths and human suffering for both the Iraqis and Americans allowed to continue? What have been the results of the war and U.S. backed militarism in the region been so far? In Iraq, most Iraqis are without electricity more than 20 hours a day. More than 25 percent of the doctors have fled the country. Hospitals, clinics, schools, homes, and infrastructure has been destroyed. Most of the population has family members who have been killed or maimed. Most people are suffering psychologically and physically. Basic needs such as clean water and food are not guaranteed. The education of children and young people has been disputed. Conditions for women are worse, and there is no safety. What the conditions in US occupied Afghanistan? There is no safety or security outside of Kabul. Poppy production and the drug trade has increased. U.S. tax money was used to bribe warlords and promote corruption. Corruption permeates the country. The country remains in shambles. Girls still do not have access to education. Women still do not have any rights, and the standard of living is horrible. The population has little access to clean water, food, and health care. What are the conditions in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon were US tax payers dollars are used to fund Israeli aggression? Innocent people are killed and maimed daily. Safety can not be assured. Homes and businesses are destroyed. The economy is shambles. Farmers can not get to their fields. Families can not visit relatives. Huge portions of the population are arrested, detained, tortured, and imprisoned. Civil society can’t function so support shifts to fundamentalism. The use of chemical weapons, and cluster bombs continue pose short term as well as long term environmental damage, and human suffering intensifies. Given the results of US militarism in the Middle East thus far, how can members of the congress and President think about attacking Iran? When will we stop promoting the tactics of death and destruction in the interest of corporate greed? How many more people have to die? How much bigger does the US debt have to get? What are you going to do to stop this insanity? Virginia Pratt is a fourth year student in the MSW program. Volume 82, Issue 8 Arts Log The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students Art Department Faculty Shines in Winfisky By Keri Mucci Arts Editor As the fall semester is coming to an end and it seems all there is to look forward to are blinding migraines, anxiety attacks and gigantic zits, thanks to final projects and exams, this time of year marks something else, Salem State College’s Art Department Faculty Exhibit. Being showcased in the Winfisky Gallery in the Ellison Campus Center from now until December 14, is the artwork of instructors and staff that grace the college every day. Though they are respected for mentoring and influencing students, the purpose of the annual group exhibit is to recognize them not only as instructors, but as the artists they are. The gallery has 36 forms of artwork on display created by 18 members of faculty. These featured works range from techniques of drawing, painting, printmaking, pho- tography, glass and ceramics along with professional art, such as graphic design and computer imaging. Richard Lewis, a chairman of the art department and photography instructor is participating in the exhibit for his 14th consecutive year, this time around presenting an entirely unique music and art project. “Blue Kentucky Skies” and “Song for J.F.” are two products of the past year’s endeavor of incorporating music with visual art and design. “Machine 475” is the name of Lewis’s collaborative group that has been compounding the voices of people from all over the North Shore and reproducing a clever and dramatic style of electronic music. Lewis, who serves as the general manager of the group, has pulled songs straight from their album “None of This is Real” and fashioned music videos to complement this innovative sound. “Machine 475”, which consists of SSC students in the art and theater departments, faculty and friends of Lewis’s, mesh and mix together a sound which is even hard for Lewis to pinpoint. Referring to this in a past interview with The Salem Gazette, he stated, “It’s impossible to define the music because every song on the album is different.” Some may say they can hear jazz with hints of folk or classical, and others may hear a bit of hip hop. The point is that they experiment with as many voices and sound as possible. Lewis, who hopes to expand the project, is in the process of creating more music. He urges anyone at the college with musical abilities to come forward if they are interested in collaborating. “There are hidden talents in Salem State College,” said Lewis. “If we can tap into them, we can make something really good.” It is no surprise that this diverse range of talent carries over in the sound and visuals. The album cover and still 50% Off Pizzas & Appetizer Log Staff Photos Every night w/ your Salem State College ID at the Road House Pub 55 Pulaski Street, Peabody 978-532-6138 Smutty Nose “Pumpkin Ale” Draft KARAOKE Every Wednesday 8 pm - Midnight 10 am-1 am every day Food till 10 pm Large-screen TVs Pool • Darts Finals background of the music video “Blue Kentucky Skies” features Dick and Jane, two fictional characters watching a black and white television set as it projects dancers onto the screen, seeming as they are dancing along to the music. The entire album is available to download for free at www.machine475.com. continued on page 11 The Salem State Log Arts DVD Review Page 9 Mann’s ‘Miami Vice’ Unrated Director’s Cut Still Rates High By: Paul Collins Contributing Editor When Detective Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) tells Detective James “Sonny” Crockett (Colin Farrell), “I would never doubt you,” it reflected the sentiment most fans of the original television series had of writer and director Michael Mann in regards to the feature film based on the series. He did not break their trust, both in theaters and on the newly released unrated version of the film. After serving as executive producer (and many say creative force) for the show’s run from 1984-1989, Michael Mann has gone on to examine the more realistic side of crime in such films as “Heat” and “Collateral”. In “Vice” he took the same route, highlighting not only the criminal life, but the personal life of criminals and their police counter-parts. The theatrical version of the film starts off with one of the hottest songs of 2005, Jay-Z & Linkin Park’s “Numb/Encore,” giving the soundtrack a blistering start that continued throughout, something the show was notorious for. It also started off with Farrell & Foxx joined by their Vice squad counterparts at a Miami nightclub, working on an undercover sting against a local pimp named Neptune (Isaach De Bankole). During this, we get a first look at the playboy side of Det. Crockett. He plunks down a hundred dollar bill and charms a foreign bartender with slick lines and a sharp look. Part-way through the deal, Crockett receives a phone call from a past informant whom they haven’t spoken with in months, prompting Crockett to call the FBI, whom the informant now works for. After being chased down on the highway, the informant tells Crockett and Tubbs that he “gave up everyone,” only leaving the detectives that he didn’t rat on after his wife was kidnapped by a sophisticated white supremacist group. Following a phone call to Tubbs by the SWAT team inside Alonzo’s home, Foxx is given the often over-drama- tized task of telling someone their loved one is dead, and he handles it with a subtle amount of shock and sympathy. The shock does not remain subtle much longer once Alonzo, well, I don’t want to give that away. Crockett and Tubbs follow up by meeting with their Lieutenant Martin Castillo (Barry Henley Shabaka) and FBI Agent Fujima (Ciaran Hinds), where they learn of a leak that may have come from a myriad of government agencies. Since it didn’t come from Miami-Dade P.D., Fujita wants the detectives to pick up the trail left with the assassination of two undercover agents (which is one of the film’s more graphic scenes). The Vice squad meets with a much more subdued informant. He pushes them to the man Fujita believes will lead them to the leak, Jose Yero (John Ortiz in a first-rate performance), a metro sexual version of Tony Montana, minus the drug habit and over-the-top antics. He greets Crockett and Tubbs with a handshake, but keeps it strictly business when he questions the credibility of the detective’s undercover operation. “Who the [bleep] knows you?” he asks with a small dose of machismo. “Well, my mommy and daddy know me,” replied the rugged Crockett. Farrell’s delivery in that line sums up his performance: intense, yet calm and calculated, much like the criminal kingpin Crockett and Tubbs are up against, Archangel de Jesus Montoya (a chilling Luis Tosar). It’s one of the reasons Montoya’s business manager Isabella (Gong Li) falls for the undercover detective after sleeping with him for “business” purposes. They’re almost the same person, they just happen to be on opposite sides of the law, except Crockett is more willing to display emotion (as subtle as it may be). Then there is Foxx in a role much different than those of his past few acclaimed films. In “Ray” he was Ray Charles. In “Collateral”, he was the trepidacious cabbie doing anything to stay alive. In Vice, he’s the hardened undercover officer, but not hardened to the point of stagnation. WMWM 91.7 FM Album of the Moment: Tokyo Police Club’s ‘Lesson’ By: Paul Collins Contributing Editor To answer your first question, Tokyo Police Club is not from Tokyo. They’re from Toronto. It makes no difference, because they sound w a c k y enough to have come from the Japanese music scene. On the foursome’s debut, they take a high energy indie sound and almost play it to death, creating a sound perfect for those without an attention span and an knack for the trite. Clocking in at a swift sixteen minutes, “A Lesson In Crime” makes believe that no one is listening to what it’s saying and pushes all of its focus on the rhythm and melody. Vocalist/bassist Dave Monks, drummer Greg Alsop, keyboardist/vocalist Graham Wright and guitarist/percussionist Josh Hook create a cozy sound and are all competent on their instruments, sounding like the Canadian bastard child of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and The White Stripes. It’s not enough to hide their lyrical shortcomings, be it self-indulgent (“Cheer It On”), rambling and cluttered (“Be Good”) or science-fiction turned boring (“Citizens of Tomorrow”). Even when the band is able to not be ridiculous with their words, they try too hard to be a little more off-beat than the rest, throwing in the occasional talking over lyrics (“Nature of the Experiment”), killing any momentum they might be able to build on. If you’re not one to really listen to the words, and are looking for a simple escape from the bubble gum pop and repetition of the radio, “A Lesson In Crime” may be the alternative you’re looking for. If not, don’t worry, they have no jurisdiction to arrest you. Paul Collins’ e-mail is [email protected] Photo courtesy of www.miamivice.com Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) and James “Sonny” Crockett (Colin Farrell). When his live-in girlfriend and Vice Intel analyst Trudy Joplin (Naomi Harris) is in trouble, he jolts into action, but not loaded with gimmicks like a Schwarzenegger or a Vin Diesel. He has weapons, he has backup, and he gets her location and acts accordingly. No cowboy antics. Just like his performance: smooth and confident. The action is hot and ultra-realistic, a tool Mann uses like a craftsman. It’s calculated in its hectic pace and builds wonderfully each time it comes about. In the DVD, Mann’s toolbox and blue plans for film making are revealed and it’s a pleasure to watch. If you’re an aspiring filmmaker or just a psychotic film fan, the behind the scene look at the technical aspect of shooting on location as well as Mann’s commentary during the film make the disc worth buying. The unrated version of Vice clocks in at 2 hours and 19 minutes, and may have been better if given even more time to breathe. However, even with obvious changes, it leaves no doubts. Paul Collins’ e-mail is [email protected] Finals Artist of the Week The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students Tracy Brennan Major: Art with a concentration in Photography Year: Senior Interests: photography (of course), I love to read and write, and I go to the movies a lot. (Which is why I can’t pick my favorite movie, can’t decide). “My interest in photography grew from my love of taking snapshots with disposable cameras. I was always the one at the party with a camera in your face. I loved capturing moments, especially little moments that others may overlook. By now I have been exposed to all types of photography through my classes, and while I still enjoy portraits and candids, I have discovered that creating the moment can be just as rewarding, if not more. Commercial Photography allows me to set up and control all aspects of my shots, and creating something from just an idea or vision can be immensely gratifying. There is a creative and technical challenge that is posed by taking an ordinary object or product and trying to make interesting and engaging images with it. I love taking on that challenge!” Compiled By Alison Dick Volume 82, Issue 8 The Salem State Log Arts Professor J.D. Scrimgeour Reads from Award-Winning Collection By Meredith Lang Log Staff As SSC students, faculty and many others gathered in the Martin Luther King Room for Professor J.D. Scrimgeour’s creative writing program series on November 30, some audience members seemed surprised when he stated that Massachusetts ranked 49th in the nation in regards to public spending on higher education. There to celebrate his success of his award-winning book, “Themes for English B: A Professor’s Education In and Out of Class”, Scrimgeour went on discussing this lack of student spending, along with the problem of a student-teacher divide. Scrimgeour, who named his collection after the 1951 Langston Hughes poem, won the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) Award for Nonfiction in 2005. He believes that students at SSC can see through the artificial assignments professors give and that they are constantly forced to choose between their life and their education. He bases “Themes”, on a teacher who stresses the importance of learning both in and beyond the classroom by comparing his own Ivy League education with Winfisky Exhibit that of his students at SSC. “I take into account my understanding of students when devising assignments and planning classes,” he said. “And not just an understanding of where they are academically, but what their whole lives are like and how school fits into those lives.” Scrimgeour, who wrote his first essay for “Themes” in 1997, got the idea to compose a collection of essays about the trials of learning in 2001. His book can be divided into three different sections which bring you along first in his experience as an educator, second as a student and the third past encounters that include pieces on baseball and dance. “J.D. Scrimgeour’s writing is courageous in its honesty,” Kathleen McDonald, who runs the Center for Creative and Performing Arts on campus. “It’s an insightful confessional of what constitutes meaningful learning, what the professor is learning in and out of the Salem State classroom. It is beautifully written.” As Scrimgeour read from his essay “The Swans of Charter Street,” a PowerPoint presentation displayed photos of Salem’s streets, children’s artwork and swans among Page 11 many. Scrimgeour spoke of past Salem residents Horace Mann and Nathaniel Hawthorne and their contributions to education. Mann believed that all students, rich and poor, should experience the best education together and revolutionized and established public education in Massachusetts. One of his recognitions is a yellowing bust of him at the Horace Mann School. He also believes that Hawthorne’s writing is classic and should not go unnoticed. Scrimgeour said that students from private schools fear and pity the public students. He acknowledges that he went to Columbia University, a prestigious Ivy League college, and that even there he felt the student teacher divide. “I’m writing about Langston Hughes’ experience at Columbia compared to my own,” he said. “There is a sense in that poem of the speaker trying to see how he and the instructor might be able to have an actual human connection…and that’s what I am interested in—how students and teachers can mean something to each other.” Meredith Lang email is [email protected] continued from page 8 Professor Ken Reker, who is the instructor for Art and Design and is participating for his second time, is the creator of the large Hummer image that seems to gravitate from the wall as you step into the gallery. Reker referred to the Hummer as a “symbol of American greed” due to its inappropriateness in the market and titled his piece “UMME”, which is the word Hummer stripped of its first and last letter. Reker hopes to communicate the clash between nature and manmade objects. “The Hummer is the antithesis of nature, the epitome of consumerism. And I have taken it and blown it up into an over-thetop image,” said Reker. The vast painting which appears to have taken a great deal of time to create, in reality took Reker about three weeks. Working with an absorbent sheet of photo backdrop paper, he was able to use a layered watercolor technique and create an aggressive image with a soft, silky effect. Reker also incorporated rearview mirrors, which are painted in vibrant colors reflecting what you could imagine to be lush foliage surrounding the vehicle. This contrast with the dull colors of the Hummer, along with the striking colors of the natural world convey his feelings on the balance and opposition to nature. There is not much time left to view this exhibit and whether you are an art major or minor or just someone who enjoys seeing fine artwork, this is a great exhibit to experience in person. Close up your fall semester by appreciating the wide range of talent that takes place at this college. The Winfisky gallery is free to visit and open various times throughout the week and also by appointment. Keri Mucci’s email is [email protected] Page 12 Gospel Truth continued from page 7 was going to hell, and a few other things that the Bible allegedly proclaims on the subject. It hurt, but like most junior high spats, all is forgotten fairly quickly. Once things had returned to normal, an interesting friendship began to develop. I began to minimize references to my sexuality, and he did the same with his Christianity. We would go about our time spent together, choosing to omit certain facets of our lifestyle. He no longer encouraged my attendance to his Friday night youth groups and I bit my tongue on commenting on a cute guy crossing our paths. Years later, entering our first years of college, our tolerance of each other’s hidden aspects slightly evolved. A new integration consisted of a casual mentioning of his time spent at Sunday services and an acknowledgement of my seeing a new man. That aside, we carried on with our nonsensical college ventures. Whenever I would mention this unspoken understanding we had with each other, people could not understand how we maintained the friendship. Their arguments would contend that faith and sexuality make up an enormous component of our lives and who we were as people. Censoring our beliefs and lifestyles was a form of an untrue, dysfunctional friendship in their eyes. Especially one that dealt with Christianity and homosexuality; two words that are believed to never coexist in the same sentence unless dealing with a sex scandal. When this topic was discussed amongst my gay friends, I encountered reactions of anger and disgust. All of a sudden, a wave of gay activism colored their faces red, and I had become the poster boy of a bad homosexual. “How can you be friends with someone who doesn’t accept you for who you are?” Mark does accept me for who I am. He likes my taste in movies, and laughs at my jokes. He’ll offer to drive when my gas tank is on ‘E’ and returns my phone calls. We make time to hang out with each other, and have never fought except for the time I bought the last copy of a Weird Al Yankovic CD he wanted, in sixth grade. I couldn’t understand the bewilderment I was receiving from everyone. We live in a culture where religion is being pit against sexual preference in a never-ending battle of ‘you’re either with us or against us.’ Gay marriage is the new eighth deadly sin and as a homosexual, faith is expected to be scoffed at. “You sleeping with another man is no worse a sin than me swearing, which obviously I do sometimes… the swearing part, I mean,” Mark reasoned. Half-laughing and half-admiring my closest friend, I realized calling my sexuality an act of sin might not have been the most ideal form of acceptance. However, he understands and forgives, just as his God does. Mark and I might not talk in great detail about the book of Genesis, or the raunchy details of my sex life, but by that same token, the topic of hair color or pant size doesn’t spark too much of an in-depth conversation, either. Beyond a question of doubt, our faith and sexuality are in fact, important factors in our lives. Though by understanding that we are not defined by who we worship in a chapel or who we worship in bed, we have been freed from these ignorant chains that have been pushed upon us for too long. Kevin Letourneau is a sophomore studying communications The Salem State Log Double S Comix Opinion by Efrain Ponce [email protected] News Class Cancellations Page 13 The Salem State Log continued from front page According to Dr. Shea’s e-mail, as the fall semester reaches an end, she will have to make the decision to cancel any under-enrolled sections before the add-drop period in January, unless a considerable amount of students register soon. As of Dec. 1, Shea said there are approximately 700 returning students not enrolled for spring classes. Registrar Ali Guvendiren said the Bursar’s Office or Health Services can place holds on student accounts blocking their ability to register, “until the student resolves the issue with the office that placed the hold.” Bursar Julie Collins said those students with outstanding balances have holds placed on their accounts. “We go through the same process each year,” she said. According to Collins, letters are sent beginning with the October bill. She said the Bursar’s Office is still receiving fall tuition payments each day, and holds are being removed. Collins said right now there is not an unusual amount of holds placed on student accounts, and she doesn’t understand why so many have failed to register. “When we initially put on the holds there was an increase, but when it came time for spring semester registration, the number dropped dramatically.” She also said she thinks it is unfair to those students who have registered if classes become canceled as a result of those who have not. Collins said departmental advisers have no knowledge of any hold that may be place on a student’s account. Therefore, they will attempt to sign a student into a class they cannot register for. According to Collins, there are meetings planned to fix this problem. “The College is currently investigating a number of possible ways to inform students as well as advisers if any particular student has a hold,” Guvendiren said. In addition, Guvendiren believes this will help so an adviser will not “sign [a student] into a class they can’t register for.” Nurse practitioner Nathalie Hebert estimated that there are currently 50 to 60 holds on students’ accounts placed by Counseling and Health Services. There are “certain immunization laws enforced by the state,” she said. If a student does not reach the immunization requirements, or does not return their immunization form, a hold is placed on their account. Hebert said letters are sent to students who may have health holds placed, but so far, “students have been very good this year with getting their information in.” As of Dec. 6, “we have over 400 students who need to clear their records, and then register,” Guvendiren said. “This is not any larger number than in past years. I do not see this will be the cause for canceling more classes than they would normally.” Guvendiren said the Registrar’s Office informs Academic Advising immediately of those students who did not register, and Academic Advising sends individual letters to students presenting them with options. There will be a late registration event held in Veteran’s Hall on Jan. 11, and students can also register during the add-drop period, which goes until Jan. 24. Shea’s advice to students? “Register now, because deans will be canceling low-enrolled classes very soon.” Meghan Griffin’s e-mail is [email protected] Project 120 continued from front page The proposal has been modified from the original document when passed on by the Curriculum to the All College Committee. If passed by the All College Committee, which consists of faculty and students, it would not affect any students that are enrolled at the time of approval: it would, however, apply to incoming freshmen and transfer students in the following academic year. The process remains in the hands of the All College Committee. According to SFL professor Bette Bailey, who heads the Curriculum Committee, while Project 120 is in governance with the All College Committee, there is a time line being sought for the departments to submit changes to their flow sheets. The procedure is more complicated than just retracting credits and courses from departments; there have been mixed reviews about the proposal. “I agree with [Project 120],” Shea said. “if it’s done in a sensible way.” Shea also pointed out that the toughest problem with Project 120 lies within the business and nursing departments. Lapkin, the author of the original Project 120 proposal, is completely supportive of the idea. There is a widespread belief among students that the college is aspiring to become UMass–Salem: that is false, according to Dean Shea. What the school hopes to achieve, she said, is university status separate from the chain of UMass schools located in Lowell, Amherst, Dartmouth and Boston. Project 120 is not a proposal for the hopeful acquisition of the title, “university,” to be branded at the back end of “Salem State.” “[Project 120] won’t affect [Salem State College] becoming a university,” Shea said. “120 credits are appropriate.” According to Bailey, a timetable for when the proposal will become official is uncertain; however, she said that “the earliest these changes will be through governance is the end of the academic year.” Next to Salem YMCA If the proposal did pass by the end of this academic year, the implementation by curriculum procedures, which would normally be done during spring semester, would be delayed until fall semester for it to coincide with the curriculum catalog; therefore, Project 120 will not be in place until Fall 2008, at the earliest. Giovanni Albanese Jr’s e-mail is [email protected] Read The Log Page 14 Featur The Independent Voice of Sa res Log Page 15 alem State College Students What a Semester it’s Been... Top Row (L-R): School of Business Dedication, Sept. 14; Clothesline Project, Sept. 27, Salem State Jazz band performs Oct. 19; Harrington’s last Homecoming Hurrah, Oct. 14 . Middle Row (L-R): Salem State is No Place for Hate, Oct. 30; Jeff Evason performed with his wife, Tessa, Sept. 14. Kyle Cease entertained students, Sept. 7. Bottom Row (L-R): Circle of Rainbow Spirituality, Nov. 27; Program Council comedy show, Oct. 11. 1. Happy Feet PG Elijah Wood, Robin Williams 2. Casino Royale PG-13 Daniel Craig, Judi Dench 3. D?j? vu PG-13 Denzel Washington, Val Kilmer 4. The Nativity Story PG Keisha Castle-Hughes, Shohreh Aghdashloo 5. Deck the Halls PG Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick 6. The Santa Claus 3: The Escape Claus G Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell 7. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan R Sacha Baron Cohen, Kenneth Davitian 8. Turistas R Josh Duhamel, Melissa George 9. Stranger Than Fiction PG-13 Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal 10. National Lampoon s Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj R Kal Penn, Shobu Kapoor Amusements The Salem State Log Top 10 Pop Singles This Week Last Week H E 4. The Beatles new entry Love Apple 5. Snoop Dogg new entry Tha Blue Carpet Treatment Doggystyle/Geffen 6. Beyonce No. 9 B Day Columbia 7. Soundtrack No. 5 Hannah Montana Walt Disney 8. Akon No. 2 Konvicted Konvict/Up Front/SRC/Universal 9. 2Pac new entry Pac s Life Amaru 10. Keith Urban No. 6 Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing Capitol Nashville B E A T L E 1. Akon feat. Snoop Dogg No. 1 I Wanna Love You Konvict/Up Front/SRC 2. Beyonce No. 3 Irreplaceable Columbia 3. Akon feat. Eminem Smack That SRC 4. Justin Timberlake feat. T.I. No. 4 My Love Jive 5. The Fray No. 8 How to Save a Life Epic 6. Hinder No. 6 Lips of an Angel Universal Republic 7. Gwen Stefani No. 25 Wind It Up Interscope 8. Ludacris feat. Pharrell No. 7 Money Maker DTP/Def Jam 9. Snow Patrol No. 9 Chasing Cars Polydor/A&M will.i.am/A&M 10. Fergie No. 5 Fergalicious T Page 16 Top 10 Albums 1. Jay-Z new entry Kingdom Come Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam 2. Daughtry new entry Daughtry RCA 3. Various Artists No. 3 NOW 23 Sony BMG Strategic Marketing Group/EMI/Universal/Zomba S Top 10 Hot Country Singles 1. Carrie Underwood No. 1 Before He Cheats Arista 2. Rascal Flatts No. 2 My Wish Lyric Street 3. Sugarland No. 3 Want To Mercury 4. Kenny Chesney No. 4 You Save Me BNA 5. Tim McGraw No. 5 My Little Girl Curb 6. Brad Paisley No. 6 She s Everything Arista Nashville 7. Montgomery Gentry No. 7 Some People Change Columbia 8. George Strait No. 9 It Just Comes Natural MCA Nashville 9. Rodney Atkins No. 13 Watching You Curb 10. Lonestar No. 12 Mountains BNA Answers on page 23 \ Top 10 Video Rentals 1. Ice Age: The Meltdown PG animated Fox 2. The Da Vinci Code PG-13 Tom Hanks Sony 3. Cars G animated BV/Disney 4. Mission: Impossible III PG-13 Tom Cruise Paramount 5. Little Man PG-13 Marlon Wayans Sony 6. You, Me and Dupree PG-13 Owen Wilson Universal 7. John Tucker Must Die PG-13 Jesse Metcalfe Fox 8. The Break-Up PG-13 Vince Vaughn Universal 9. Accepted PG-13 Justin Long Sony 10. Nacho Libre PG Jack Black Paramount Top 10 DVD Sales 1. The Da Vinci Code PG-13 Sony 2. Cars G Walt Disney/Pixar 20th Century Fox 3. Family Guy: Volume Four NR 4. Accepted PG-13 Universal 5. Over the Hedge PG Paramount 20th Century Fox 6. John Tucker Must Die PG-13 7. Mission: Impossible III PG-13 Paramount 8. Little Man PG-13 Sony 9. The Little Mermaid G Walt Disney 10. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey Saves Santa and Other Mouseketales NR Walt Disney 1. Name the last pitcher to have four consecutive 20-win seasons. 2. Who was the last pitcher to win 20 games one season and lose 20 the next? 3. Name the head coach when the University of Michigan football team won its first Associated Press national title. 4. Three NBA teams won 50 or more games for five consecutive years between the 2000-01 and 2004-05 seasons. Name at least two of them. 5. Name the last NASCAR driver before Jimmie Johnson to win both the Daytona 500 and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard (formerly the Brickyard 400) in the same year. Amusements ¥ Decoration management made easy: Wrap string lights around paper towel cores; wine boxes (find them at your local liquor store) can be used to separate wrapped ornaments; and garment bags are a nice cover for wreaths and garlands. ¥ Now is a great time to go through your 2006 calendar and notate dates for 2007. Pay attention to when you had appointments for the dentist and your annual physical or well-woman The Salem State Log Page 17 appointment, in addition to birthdays and other celebratory dates. Make a note on the month before in your 2007 calendar as a reminder that you need to schedule a repeat appointment. ¥ "If the kids are heading out sledding, be sure to check the weight restrictions on the sled and look for splinters or scrapes in metal that might have created a sharp edge." -- C.E. in Minnesota ¥ "I always clip the return address from the holiday cards we receive and tape it to a sheet of paper, which I then store after Christmas with next year's cards. (I buy them after the holidays at a great discount!)" -- G.W. in South Carolina By Samantha Weaver ¥ It was comedian Norm Crosby who made the following sage observation: "When you go into court you are put¥ Give overnight guests the spa treatment. ting your fate into the hands of 12 Assemble a basket with clean towels in all sizes, people who weren't smart enough to some pretty soaps, bottled water to keep in their get out of jury duty." room and a few magazines tuned to their interests. Laying out an extra blanket or throw is a good idea, too. ¥ If you're an eBay junkie, you may have noticed a new trend: Some pregnant women are auctioning off ad space in the form of temporary tattoos on their bellies. ¥ The people who make it their business to estimate such things say that this year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans ate more than 7 billion hot dogs. ¥ In 1965, while he was employed by Herman Miller, a firm that designs and manufactures office furniture, Robert Propst invented the cubicle. Evidently, he didn't realize at the time that he was creating a monstrosity -- later in life he regretted coming up with the idea, calling the modular office system a "monolithic insanity." ¥ In case anyone's There are 95 in one pound late. tor in decisions you're going to be facing. C A N C E R (June 21 to July 22) As you move into the new year, your travel aspects grow stronger, and you might find yourself making decisions about a destination and a traveling companion sooner than you'd expected. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) With the new year's opportunities almost within reach, the Arian's courageous aspects are raring to go. And don't be surprised if a lot of people follow the zodiac's most trusted leader. T A U R U S (April 20 to May 20) Change lies ahead for the brave Bovine who is ready to shuck off the tried and true to try something new. But appearances can be deceptive. Check it all out before you charge into anything. G E M I N I (May 21 to June 20) This week promises a peek into what the new year holds for the Gemini Twins, both in love and careers. Family matters continue to be a fac L E O (July 23 to August 22) The new year holds both glitter and gold. This means Leos and Leonas should begin getting the facts they'll need to separate the real thing from the sham in order to make important decisions next year. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A good way to start the new year might be to arrange for a visit to someone you haven't seen in a long time. You might also want to do that project you put off a while back. L I B R A (September 23 to October 22) As you contemplate the new year's potential, you might want to talk things over with people who are or have been where you want to go. Their experience and advice can be helpful. counting: Hershey kisses of choco- S C O R P I O (October 23 to November 21) Someone close to you might feel you have no more room for him or her in your life. This calls for immediate reassurance of your love so you can start the new year on a high note. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) The coming year will bring more people into your life. Some situations might not work out as well as others. But overall, everyone earns something, and that's always a good thing. C A P R I C O R N (December 22 to January 19) The new year could find you indulging in one or more of the hobbies you've always wanted to take up. And don't be surprised if they ultimately direct you toward a new career. A Q U A R I U S (January 20 to February 18) The artistic Aquarian should find more opportunities in the new year. You might even make some potentially helpful contacts as you gather to ring in the year 2007. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The new year offers challenges for Pisceans who want to make better use of the skills they now have and learn new ones. Personal relationships show stronger positive aspects. Page 18 SGA Concludes Blockbuster First Semester Salem, Mass. — The Student Government Association will wrap up the Fall 2006 semester on Dec. 21. This semester saw SGA take part in or sponsor over 30 group and club events and tackle a bevy of other issues at Salem State College. In September, the Student Government Association saw a return visit from Ellen Gootblatt, a syndicated talk show host for 22 years, to speak to students on the topics of healthy relationships, trust, leadership and others. The program was well received again for the second year in a row. In the month of November, the Student Government Association helped fund and send four members on the Multicultural Student Association’s $20,000 trip to Atlanta, Ga. Later on that month, SGA cosponsored, along with Alumni Affairs, Hispanic American Society and various other campus organizations, “Platanos and Collard Greens”, a Broadway show that deals with interracial relationships and whether or not they can survive. Most recently, SGA saw its biggest initiative yet, Project 120, pass through the All-College Committee and on to President Harrington. Additionally, SGA will be delivering toys to the children’s wing of the North Shore Medical Center on Saturday, Dec. 16. “Hospitals are never fun to be in, especially during the holidays,” said Michael Mitchell, President of SGA. “But we hope that this small act might make the holiday season a little more enjoyable for those kids who will be in the hospital.” For more information regarding the Student Government Association, please contact Sharon Rivers at 978-5426079. The Salem State Log Fall 2006 Examniation Schedule Class Meeting Time Exam Day / Date Features Time Thursday, Dec 14 MWF 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. TTH 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. WF 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday, Dec 15 MWF 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. TTH 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday, Dec 18 TTH 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MWF 1:30 p.m. - 2:20 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec 19 TTH 8:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MWF 2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 20 MWF 12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. MWF 3:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec 21 MWF 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. TTH 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Make-up Period Friday, Dec 22 By Appointment Features The Salem State Log Winter Activities in New England By Lindsey Davis Log Staff All nighters. Anxiety. Piles upon piles of work. Oh, the joy of the holidays. If you are like most students in early December, you are probably on your way to a complete nervous breakdown. Somehow, the end of Thanksgiving break catapulted you into the most frenzied two weeks you will ever have to deal with. Until next semester, anyways. Luckily, New England offers a variety of distractions during its brutal winter months to keep you from doing your work. Before you head home for break, be sure to sample a little of what the area has to offer. From Salem to Sunapee, there is something for just about everyone looking for a little fun during winter in New England. For those students planning to stick around the Salem area, the city offers a few holiday happenings. First up, for the history buffs, is the Christmas in Salem House Tour. This walking tour showcases homes in Salem dec- orated for the holiday season, from mid-century mansions to more modern apartments. According to HistoricSalem.org, the tour will feature “thirteen artistically decorated properties, including elegant 19th century mansions, homes once used as carriage houses, and cutting edge condominiums demonstrating creative reuse of urban buildings of another era.” Some stops will have live music, and the outing will culminate with a walk through Salem’s Old Town Hall. For dates and rates, check out historicsalem.org. For those of you looking for something a little more refined, The Hawthorne Hotel will host a Brunch with Santa on Dec. 17. Take the kids, brothers, and sisters for a visit with the big guy, but keep in mind, reservations are recommended and it does cost a little bit more than the Santas at the mall. Head to www.hawthornehotel.com for a complete pricing, as well as a calendar of other events hosted at Salem’s most historic hotel. continued on page 21 Page 19 Log Staff Photo Kevin Ciborowski & Marcus Neeley Page 20 Features The Salem State Log Tips on How to Ace Your Final Exams By Meaghan Glassett and Lauren MacLeod Log Staff As finals week approaches, students around campus are starting to prepare for their exams. From first time freshman to experienced seniors, a couple of students shared how they get ready to get through the stressful time which lasts from Dec. 13 - 21. Although he has never taken a college final before, Brian Glassett offered some helpful hints. “If you read, recite, and review the material you learned, then you will receive a good grade, it is as simple as that,” Glassett said. Glassett also feels that he must put all distractions aside when studying. He said that the library is the best place to do that. Foreseeing the amount of students who may need an escape from their daily distractions, the library will offer extended hours during finals week. Beginning Dec. 13 the library will remain open 24 hours a day until 5:00 p.m. Dec. 15. Another helpful studying method is to set up study groups. “As long as you keep your stress level down, studying with a group or by yourself will help you remember the material you learned,” Glassett said. In addition to providing students with the motivation to study, group sessions allow students to combine notes and clarify material with one another. In addition to setting up study groups, or finding a quiet place to study, students should take a few more things into consideration. First, make sure you are on time for all of your finals. Set your alarm clock a few minutes early. This will allow you enough time to press the snooze button, if you’re accustomed to the habit, and will keep you from being rushed. Second, eating a balanced breakfast will help keep you alert throughout your test. Finally, manage your time wisely, as it is the key to finals success. Many term-papers and final projects are due during finals week. It’s important to budget your time accordingly. Don’t leave things to the last minute; make sure you have enough time to prepare for your tests. Sharyn Sweeny, an employee of the Learning Center, believes preparedness and time man- agement are the key, as they prevent you from spending the night before a final studying instead of sleeping. “Get some rest, cramming doesn’t work,” she said. The reporters’ e-mail is [email protected] Toys for Tots Spreads Holiday Cheer to Disadvantaged Children By Maeghan Thompson Log Staff Toys for Tots started in 1947 when Major Bill Hendrick’s wife, Diane, handcrafted Raggedy Ann dolls for needy children. The couple then realized that there was a need for an organization to help disadvantaged children during the holiday season. The Toys for Tots program was born. The toys are sent to warehouses to sort by age and gender and then the Northshore Community Access Program delivers them. Essex County has been the most successful program in Massachusetts. Pam Oppelt, the Benefits Coordinator here at Salem State started helping Toys for Tots three years ago when she began working at the college as part of the Human Resources department. Elaine Love also helps run the Toys for Tots on campus by going to the drop off boxes on campus to store the toys in a safe location. Janet Pilkington, a student representative of the Business Honors Society, Delta Mu Delta, has incorporated Toys for Tots in the Business school here on campus. This is Delta Mu Delta’s first year handling the Toys for Tots drive. Pilkington has helped by putting up flyers and running advertisements on the plasma televisions around campus. The Salem State Toys for Tots drive has grown tremendously in the three years since Pam started here. There currently are drop off boxes at the library, Meier Hall, the O’keefe Center, Sullivan Building, as well as every cafeteria on campus. Norm Dobson, a retired Marine, has been working with Toys for Tots for forty-two years. He started working in Boston when the program was much smaller—so small that the Marine Corps Reserve would repair individual toys. The Toys for Tots drive now requests new, unused toys, because the reserves no longer have the time to dedicate to this much hands-on involvement. However, Dobson was obviously touched by the program, as he continues to participate in new capacity. He brings the toys from the Salem State campus to the Stoneham warehouse, where they are then taken to Lucent Technologies in North Andover. There, volunteers help to prepare the toys for shipment to local agencies. These agencies are located all over Massachusetts, in places such as Beverly, Salem, Peabody, Lynn, and Saugus. In addition to needing toys, the program may also need new warehouses. Both the Stoneham and North Andover warehouses may be shutting down next year. This year the local Toys for Tots had a $10,000 allowance to spend at Toys R’ Us and a $30,000 allowance to spend at WalMart. Ninety-seven cents out of every dollar raised contributes directly to Toys for Tots. This is largely possible because it is a strictly volunteer program. If there are any toys left over after the project deadline, Dec. 21, they are sent to the United Way and other charity programs. All students and faculty are encouraged to donate. Toys for children ages 1-3 years and ages 10-14 are especially valuable, as these tend to be the age groups with the least number of available toys. Restricted toys include anything dangerous or violent, and toys must be new and unwrapped. By having the toys unwrapped, it gives parents a personal feeling because they can wrap them however they want. If you or anyone you know is interested in donating or volunteering, visit www.toysfortotsma.org. Maeghan Thompson’s e-mail is [email protected] Massachusetts Drop Off Locations: Acton Amesbury Andover Arlington Ayer Belmont Beverly Billerica Boxborough Burlington Byfield Cambridge Carlisle Chelmsford Concord Danvers Devens Dracut Georgetown Groton Groveland Hamilton Haverhill Ipswich Lawrence Lexington Littleton Lowell Lynn Magnolia Malden Marblehead Marlboro Medford Melrose Merrimac Methuen Middleton N. Andover Newburyport Peabody Pepperell Salem Saugus Shirley Somerville Stoneham Sudbury Swampscott Tewksbury Topsfield Tyngsboro W. Concord W. Newbury Westboro Westford Wilmington Woburn The Salem State Log Features A College Student’s Guide to Holiday Shopping By Meredith Lang Log Staff The holiday season is here and it is time to go shopping for your loved ones. This can be a stressful experience for a college student lacking funds. Yet there are ways to give gifts to those on your list that will save money while brightening the recipient’s day. All you need are good organizing skills, some budgeting tips and a little creativity. The first thing to do is to make a list of the people you need to buy presents for. Keep the list simple by narrowing it down to those closest to you- parents, significant other, siblings, grandparents, and best friend. Next to each name, apply a budget for that person, and be realistic about the budget. “I try to put money away in November for holiday shopping,” said senior, Jeannine Heisey. “It lessens my stress level, and I don’t feel like I’m wasting a paycheck.” It is not plausible for a college student to spend $100 on their sister for Christmas, even if she really wants that iPod. Try not to spend more than $25 on one person if the list is lengthy. Remember rent is due the first of the month. The next step is to decide what to buy each person. Online research can be helpful in the process. Utilize giftfinder at www.Target.com. “I wanted to get my grandmother something special,” said SSC pre-school teacher Meghan Zinn. “I looked at the Target Web site and searched under gifts for grandparents and found the perfect ornament for her-only $7.99.” Target’s Web site also allows Winter Activities continued from page 19 If you looking for a little more culture than Santa, check out www.boston.gov. This year, the city is hosting a program entitled the “Mayor’s Holiday Special”. The site offers half prices on tickets to events throughout Massachusetts, including a discount on the Boston Pops holiday performances. Don’t miss the link for BosTix! These small vestibules are located in Boston and offer steep discounts on shows going on that day. It’s cash only, but for students it may be the only way to take in Beantown’s gem, The Boston Ballet “Nutcracker”, affordably. If you’re up a little more adventuring, hop on the train and get into Boston yourself. Don’t miss skating on frog pond. The pond, located at Boston Common, opened Nov. 16, and stays open throughout the winter. For adults, its $4 to skate and $8 to rent. Admission is free for those under 13, and skate rental is cheaper as well. Don’t forget the $2 for hot chocolate and gloves for that hand-to-ice contact. You can skate Mondays from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 shoppers to search for gifts within a price range. Instead of buying your sister the iPod, buy her the iPod case for $14.99. (Hopefully, your parents will buy her the actual device.) Gift cards allow freedom of choice, but do not give someone a $15 gift card to an upscale store such as Banana Republic. The recipient won’t be able to buy a headband there without paying out of pocket. Try a gift card to Old Navy instead. Most of their merchandise is on sale after the holidays, and a $15 gift card will buy a hat and gloves. Old Navy’s Web site also allows shoppers to search for gifts by price. Buy Mom terry slippers for $10 and lounge pants for $12.50. Throw in an issue of O Magazine and she is in paradise. If you cannot afford to p.m., and Sundays 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. While we’re still outside, let’s not forget one of New England’s main attractions: the mountains. Skiing, snowboarding, and playing snowbunny in the lodge are all favorite winter past-times for us New Englanders. Though its not quite ski season, a number of the mountains are already making snow, and offering cheap lift tickets and rentals to get their seasons underway. Ski at mountains like Sunapee and Wildcat in N.H. and get two-for-one lift tickets for mid week night skiing. Larger summits, like Sunday River, offer free lift tickets when staying overnight. A snowy weekend away with friends? Heck yes! Even when the temperature drops, there is still plenty to do in the New England area. This is just a tiny sample of what’s going this season, but if you do a little of your own digging, you’ll be sure to fend off those winter blues... Or your homework. Lindsey Davis’s email is [email protected] Free Log ads for student groups! Call ext. 6448. spend any money during the holidays, but would like to give to loved ones gifts, then get creative. Put a photo album together for your father; spend a day with a grandparent- especially if he or she is living alone. Make a CD of your girlfriend’s favorite songs or a compilation of her favorite Christmas songs. “I made a CD of Christmas songs for my girlfriend,” said 23-year-old Salem resident, Joseph Stasio. “She liked it more than any piece of jewelry I have given her.” Most importantly, do not procrastinate. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Follow that advice, and you will easily enjoy your holiday. Meredith Lang’s e-mail is [email protected] Page 21 More money-saving gift ideas: Offer to baby sit your niece and nephew free of charge. Clean the house for your parents or grandparents. Change the oil in your girlfriend’s car—and fill her wiper fluid. Shop online and save gas Utilize Bargain stores, such as: Target Wal-Mart Old Navy Christmas Tree Shops Marshalls TJ Maxx www.logvlog.net 125 Canal Street, Salem Open 7am to 9pm daily 978-745-3571 also in Georgetown, Manchester, Marblehead, Concord and our new location in Hamilton Pick up The Log at Crosby's Market in Salem Make it a one-stop shopping trip with: a bank, pharmacy, laundromat, and other merchants all within walking distance from the college. Page 22 Danvers Blast Strikes Close to Home By Brian Lepire Log Staff Nov. 22, 2:45 a.m. Mike Bernard had just stepped out on the porch of his apartment to smoke a cigarette before heading to bed. A night of heavy drinking with a friend had left him tipsy and exhausted. Bernard, a Salem State junior studying communications, took a drag while looking over the waterfront next to his home on the Beverly/Salem line. Nov. 22, 2:45 a.m. Alexis Sullivan, a junior at Salem State, was sleeping after a short week at school. Thanksgiving break had begun a day earlier. She had five days to not worry about the end-of-thesemester deadlines looming ahead. Nov. 22, 2:45 a.m. Lisa Nichols lay in her bed, resting peacefully. A junior transfer student, she had spent the night before relaxing at home. The next few days would be spent catching up with friends and family. One minute later, Nov. 22, 2:46 a.m. A mushroom cloud exploded over the water. A drunken Bernard had just witnessed what he describes as “a small atomic bomb” go off in front of him. “Fear swept over me,” Bernard said. “All I could think was ‘What just happened? I am too drunk for this.’” Nov. 22, 2:46 a.m. A gust of wind swung open the windows of Sullivan’s basement room in Danvers. “I thought it was thunder at first,” she recalls. “The animals were going crazy.” Nov. 22, 2:46 a.m. Nichols, who lives on Water Street in Danvers, woke up flying through the air. “I was thrown from my bed. Stuff was falling on me,” she said. “I thought the house had been struck by lightning. It was the loudest noise I’ve ever SUNDAY 7-9 AM 9-12 PM 12-3 PM 3-6 PM JOSE PEREZ heard.” Bernard, Sullivan, and Nichols had all witnessed the after effects of an explosion at CAI Inc., an industrial ink plant located off Water Street. The explosion could be felt as far north as New Hampshire and destroyed or badly damaged nearly 70 homes, including the New England Home for the Deaf. Neighborhood residents started walking the streets, looking for answers. “People were coming out of their homes, running to see what happened,” Nichols said. “We thought the gas station had gone up. Then I saw people with blood on them. Others were walking around in shock.” No fatalities were reported, but some severely injured residents were taken to the hospital. “My best friend’s mom [who lived near the blast site] had a dresser fall on her,” Sullivan said. “She was the most seriously injured. It’s amazing no one died.” Although it took only moments for police and firefighters from Danvers, Salem, and Peabody to arrive at the scene, it seemed like an eternity in Nichols’ memory. At the first mention of a chemical explosion, Nichols and others retreated to their damaged safe havens, fearing the effects of unknown toxins. “We didn’t even know there was a chemical plant back there,” Nichols said with a hint of aggravation. As officials arrived on the scenes, homes were evacuated. However, Nichols was allowed to stay because her house was only slightly damaged. It would be awhile before she felt comfortable again, though. “It was a tough first few days. A lot of shock,” Nichols said. “I had a couple of nights of rough sleep afterwards.” In the aftermath, Danvers was beseeched with help. When they found out the extent of the damage, citizens like Sullivan began thinking of ways to help their neighbors. Nichols remembers being turned away from the Danvers High School where the city of Danvers and the Red Cross established a temporary shelter. Everyone in the community was offering aid in the wake of the disaster. To do her part, Nichols baked for the officers and firefighters who spent the next few weeks securing and clearing the area. There is still more that needs to be done though. According to the Boston Globe, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has recorded 153 families and businesses that will need assistance in rebuilding. The previously quiet Danvers neighborhood is officially a disaster site. After declaring it was not arson that caused the explosion, investigators have turned their attention to the chemical plant’s practices. The blast, that was felt in New Hampshire and was measured on the Richter scale, has left many residents angry at CAI Inc. and Arlen Co. Inc, a paint manufacturer that shared the warehouse with the ink company. “The chemical plant has done little [to help us],” Nichols said. “The next day, they had their representative at a press conference. All she seemed to say was ‘sorry’. There is a lot more that needs to be said.” “I want to know how they are going to help,” Sullivan said. No matter who helps, recovering from the events of Nov. 22 will take time. Time can change everything. Brian Lepire’s e-mail is [email protected] WMWM 91.7 SCHEDULE MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY NEW DIRECTION DAVID BIGGS DAVID BIGGS TRAX OF THE TOWN THE JUkE SOUNDS OF NO BORDER PORTUGAL NO RACE JOINT MOOD SWINGS SCOTT GORKE DAVE’S BAD REPUTATION NICE MOVIE FOR NICE PEOPLE NATE SPORTS STUFF 6-9 ALTERNATIVE ELVIN AM CARITAS RODRIGUEZ FRANCISCO GRANOLA 9-12 PM Features The Salem State Log PORQUE SOY MUJEL JESUS PENA KATE AND JUSTIN HIPPOLITO MUERTA JOSE PEREZ DJ RAW-B RADIO FREE NORTH SHORE THE BANANA WOULDN’T BE SO BAD IF WE HAD BETTER MONKEES JOSE MENDEZ MANUEL BREA UNCLE HENRY’S BASEMENT News News Briefs continued from page 3 “We want to involve the students, faculty and administrators in this project,” Cahill said. A committee will be appointed to review all recommendations and assist in the planning process. Cahill asks that suggestions be e-mailed to [email protected]. Also indicate in your message whether you are willing to serve as a committee member or volunteer. —Marea Tith Crossroad Conversations The 2006-07 “Crossroad Conversations” held the second of four forums sponsored by the interdisciplinary studies department in Charlotte Forten Hall Nov. 30. On hand were a panel of faculty members, who opened with remarks and then engaged the audience and each other in a discussion of the many faces and implications of globalization. Panelists specialized in fields such as global marketing, global environmental issues and concerns, cultural impact of global climate, and case studies in globalization. Due to their extensive knowledge of the subject of globalization, the panelists were able to touch upon many topics. Following the forum, a dinner in the faculty dining room, sponsored by the Salem Five Foundation, gave the guests and panelists an opportunity to speak with each other one on one. “The main goal is to get a group of people together and talk about a common issue,” said forum organizer Dr. Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello of IDS. She said the discussions range in topic and appeal to students of all majors, so all are welcome. The third Crossroad Conversation will take place March 1, 2007 in the same location, also followed by a dinner. For additional information about the Crossroad Conversation series or to reserve a spot for the third installment, contact Duclos-Orsello at [email protected] or at ext. 7210. —Dan Dourian RAs Recruitment Residents here at Salem might already be aware of the responsibility and dedication it takes to be a resident assistant. The Department of Residence Life has announced the The Salem State Log Page 23 start of its search for new RAs for the 2007-08 academic year. Some qualities that the position requires are a GPA of at least 2.0, good time-management and organizational skills, maturity, and leadership potential. “The student’s nomination of their leaders is critical in assisting our department to find great candidates for our residential community,” said Mathew Chetnik, associate director of Residence Life. If you know of any student who lives on campus, possesses these traits and whom you think would make a good, strong leader, do not hesitate to nominate them. One can do so by emailing their name and contact information to Chetnik at [email protected]. All nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 20. Any further questions or requests, especially to see a copy of the RA job description, can be acquired by contacting Chetnik via e-mail or at ext. 6416. — Jonathan Lunde and Kristen Sacco Toys for Tots In an attempt to help those in need this holiday season, the Human Resources and Equal Opportunity office will be holding its annual Toys for Tots drive at Salem State through Dec. 17. Students and faculty are encouraged to drop an unwrapped new or fairly unused toy in the various drop-off boxes with the Toys for Tots sign on them around campus. These drop-off areas are Meier Hall, the North and South Campus cafeterias, the O’Keefe Center and the Sullivan Building. This event is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps, which has dropped off toys to children in need since 1980. People are asked not to bring clothing and only toys, for children of all ages. People should also not be alarmed if their toys are not there after a certain period of time, since Elaine Love has been assigned to move the toys to a safe location from time to time. Toys must be dropped off by December 17; coordinator Pam Oppelt can be reached at ext. 6030 to answer questions. —Kenny Silva got a tip? [email protected] ANSWERS SPORTS QUIZ 1. Oakland's Dave Stewart, 19871990. 2. Jerry Koosman of the New York Mets was 21-10 in 1976 and 8-20 in 1977. 3. Bennie Oosterbaan in 1948. 4. Dallas, Sacramento and San Antonio. 5. Dale Jarrett in 1996. Page 24 The Salem State Log Southern Maine Scores Six Unanswered Goals, Defeat Vikings 6-2 News Log Photos by Benjamin Navon The University of Southern Maine Huskies scored six unanswered goals en route to a 6-2 victory over the Vikings at the Rockett Ice Arena, Dec. 8. Look Up In Salem Last weeks winner: Jane Mulsman call (978) 542-6448 to claim your prize Address: Identify the location of this picture and you will be entered to win a $25 gift certificate good at participating members of The Salem Chamber of Commerce. Mail this coupon to The Log, and a winner will be announced in the following issue. So when you’re downtown, remember to Look Up! Name: E-mail: The Salem State Log Sports Page 25 Swim Team, Downgraded to Club Status, Gets the Brush off By Kristen Morneau Sports Editor The swim team once again has been downgraded to club status and not all are thrilled about the decision and the lack of attention from the school, especially the team. The decision to demote the team to a club group was based on lack of participation. “Swimming is not about numbers,” said Daveen Macsata, captain of the women’s team. “Swimming is an individualized team sport. When you step up to race it’s about what you can do and no one is there to help. If you happen to get points along the way then good job.” Macsata, who has been swimming for 12 years now, has tried her hardest to get all she can for the swim team but one of the tasks she faced was even some practice time for her club team. Macsata had to go as far as to talk to Vice President Cahill to get the time needed for her swimmers. As she worked around their new coach’s schedule, as well as everyone else’s, she found a time in the afternoons when the pool would be available and the team could practice. “I tried to schedule practices and get pool time and we were told we couldn’t have it,” Macsata said. “A couple of kids wanted to swim so they went to open swim and were told that they needed to leave because they were on the team.” Eventually it was worked out but not without more trouble than thought, according to Macsata. Still the members of the swim team are not happy with the way Salem State has been treating their club. Lack of attention and promotion for the team might be the part of the problem according to some. “They need to promote the sport,” said Meaghan Simpson, a former Salem State swim team captain and presently a volunteer coach. “Never once while I was there have they done anything to promote the sport at this school. They promote tennis and golf more than they promote the swim/dive team and we are just as talented.” A big difference that seems to bother many of the teammates is practice time, the lack of competition and funding. A club team doesn’t get the funding as varsity level teams and this means they cannot travel as far, thereby limiting the amount of meets they can attend. According to Macsata the swim team competes in about 10 less meets as a result. The team however hasn’t given up when it comes to competing. “Other schools want competition in a swim meet,” said Kyle Misuraca, a member of the swim team. “A club program looks like joke. Salem State destroyed Gordon College in our opening meet and they initially did not want to race us because they thought there would be minimal competition.” Despite obstacles the team morale hasn’t seemed to diminish. “The kids work really hard and get no recognition for what they do, and the accomplishments they have achieved,” Simpson said. “Every time that Now get The Salem Now State get Log delivered to your home! The Salem State Log For only a few dollars a year, you, your friends, your parents, your kids and your siblings can use The Log to line kitty litter boxes, wrap breakables and protect your tables from Arts & Crafts! 1 year (15 issues) = $15 2 years (30 issues) = $25 the college has taken something away from them, they fight harder and swim faster.” According to athletic director Tim Shea the NCAA requires a certain amount of players/members on the team to be considered a varsity level sport. He has seen an increase in participation from last year to this year but not enough to remain at varsity. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride,” Shea said about the flip flopping status of the team. “I hope we have a successful club team and still give them the opportunity to get in the pool and swim.” The swimmers on this team have not given up on their sport and continue to swim and compete as hard as any varsity level team, but they want some more recognition. “After they announced it was a club sport they dropped it from the sports page and made it like we weren’t ever athletes,” said freshman diver Logan Pearsall. “Lacrosse I believe is still a club sport but because they win some league they are ‘important.’ We have swimmers and divers that have and will win New England championships but the school and the athletic director doesn’t see it like that.” This past Saturday Pearsall set new school records in the one and three meter spring board event with scores of 302.75 and 306.22 and because of his accomplishment, he has qualified for Division III Nationals in Houston Texas in March. However, Pearsall is unable to attend because “the sport has not been recognized at varsity status” according to Simpson. The team continues to have success and has in the past as well. Back in the 2004-05 season the swim team had “been the most successful in the history of the college,” according to the Salem State Athletics website, posted February 23, 2005. “No other team has scored as many points or broken as many records.” Also all of the swimmers were able to compete in a championship meet that season. Kristen Morneau’s e-mail address is [email protected] Girls Lax is Back By Kristen Morneau Sports Editor The search has ended and the tryouts can now begin. Women’s lacrosse will be making it’s debut at Salem State again coming this spring as Jill McGinnity has stepped up and been selected as the new head coach of the women’s lacrosse team. McGinnity, who is also the head coach of the Lady Vikes field hockey team, has played lacrosse before at Salem State in 1996 for the club team. She also plays for another club team for the past six years. Tryouts are open to all who is interested. More specific details are in the process of being made right now. Be on the look out for tryout dates, times and locations here in The Log as well as around campus. Kristen Morneau’s e-mail address is [email protected] Need a quiet place to study for finals? The Salem State Library will be open 24 hours begining Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. until Friday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. The library will also be open: Name: Address: Email: __ Please sign me up for two years (30 issues) of The Log for $25. __ Please sign me up for one year (15 issues) of The Log for $15. __ Please check here if you do not want your name to appear in the newspaper. Please make checks payable to The Salem State Log The Salem State Log 352 Lafayette Street Salem, MA 01970 Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 12/16 12/17 12/18 12/19 12/20 12/21 12/22 9-5 2-11 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12 8-5 Sports Calendar Vikings Schedule Hockey Dec. 27-28: Salem State College Ice Hockey Classic Dec. 27: Plymouth State University at VIKINGS, 7:00 p.m. Dec. 28: Third Place Game, 4:00 p.m. and Champoinship Game, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 2: VIKINGS @ Fitchberg State, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 5: VIKINGS @ Trinity College, 7:00 p.m. Dec. 29: Wesleyan University at VIKINGS, 8:00 p.m. Jan. 9: Endicott College at VIKINGS, 7:00 p.m. Dec. 30: Third Place Game, 4:00 p.m. and Champoinship Game, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 11: VIKINGS @ Southern Maine, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 9: VIKINGS @ Lasell College, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 13: VIKINGS @ Fitchberg State, 1:00 p.m. Jan 13: VIKINGS @ Fitchberg State, 3:00 p.m. Jan. 16: Westfield State @ VIKINGS, 6:00 p.m. Jan. 16: Westfield State @ VIKINGS, 8:00 p.m. Jan. 18: VIKINGS @ Emmanuel College, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18: VIKINGS @ Emmanuel ColJan. 6: VIKINGS @ Wesleyan Univesi- lege, 5:30 p.m. ty, 3:00 p.m. Jan. 20: VIKINGS @ Framinham Jan. 12: Amherst College @ VIKINGS, State, 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Jan. 23: VIKINGS @ Massachusetts College, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13: Hamilton College @ VIKINGS, 3:00 p.m. Jan. 19: VIKINGS @ Babson College, 7:00 p.m. Jan. 20: VIKINGS @ UMass Boston, 3:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball Dec. 29-30: Salem State College Christmas Tournament Women’s Basketball Dec. 29/30 Salem State College Christmas Tournament Dec. 29th Salem State vs College of New Jersey, 6 p.m. Dec. 30: Third Place Game, 12:30p.m. and Champoinship Game, 5:00 p.m. Jan. 20: VIKINGS @ Framingham State, 1:00 p.m. Jan. 23: VIKINGS @ Massachusetts College, 5:30 p.m. Men’s Track and Field Jan. 20: VIKINGS @ Tufts Invitational II Jan. 26/27: VIKINGS @ Boston University Terrier Classic Women’s Track and Field Jan. 20: VIKINGS @ Tufts Invitational II Jan. 26/27: VIKINGS @ Boston University Terrier Classic The Salem State Log Sports Tufts Jumbos Hand Lady Vikings First Loss of Season Page 27 By Joshua Melanson Log Staff The Salem State women’s basketball team was ready to put their 5-0 record to the test against Tufts University, Dec. 5. The Jumbos of Tufts came into the James Twohig Gymnasium with a 3-1 record hoping to hand the Lady Vikes their first loss.. Tufts came out strong in the first half by playing shut down defense and producing turnovers. Salem State came out of the first half turning the ball over 18 times and finishing the game with 29. Tufts head coach Carla Berube set a game plan to shut down key players Lindsey Watkins (9 points) and Danielle Jenkins (6 points). Tufts University took a 29-14 lead going into half time. In the second half, the Lady Vikings came out stronger with help from the junior guard Melissa Macchi of Peabody. She went 5 for 11 from field goal range and finished the game by dropping 11 baskets. Salem State had a tough time shutting down Tufts point guard Valerie Krah (15 points) and junior guard Jenna Gomez (14 points). Tufts University also had trouble possessing the ball, allowing the Vikings 23 turnovers. The Lady Vikes tried to battle back with last moment desperation, but it was Tufts Taryn Miller-Stevens who held onto the ball while the final seconds of the clock ran down. With the loss, the Lady Vikings traveled to Gordon College, Dec. 7. Joshua Melanson’s e-mail address is [email protected] Log Photo by Christopher Misterka Michelle Gosselin (10), above, attempts a free throw late in the second half. Tufts University handed the Lady Vikings their first loss of the season, Dec. 5 in the O’Keefe Gymnasium. Vikings Beat Newbury, Extend Win Streak December 13, 2006 The Independent Voice of Salem State College Students Volume 82, Issue 8 By: Nick Curcuru Associate Sports Editor The Salem State men’s basketball picked up their third straight win beating Newbury College 7361, Dec. 5 at Salem State College. The Vikings (4-1) were lead by junior guard Alex Finn who scored a season high 23 points in 26 minutes coming off the bench. “It was a good team win,” said Salem head coach Sean Doherty. “Alex Finn had an exceptional night shooting the ball.” The game was a dog fight early in the first half. The teams were going back and forth and the score was knotted at 20 with just over nine minutes remaining in the half until Finn drained a three pointer at the 8:20 mark. Finn’s three sparked started a 20-8 run to end the half, and pretty much ended Newbury’s hopes of winning the game. Newbury was able to cut the lead to five points at 50-45 midway through the second half, but Finn came up big again hitting two more big three pointers to give the Vikings a 56-47 lead. Newbury kept battling cutting the lead to five points one more time, but they just did not have enough to overtake the Vikings. “Newbury was a good team that came in with a purpose. We had to bring everything we had to get the win,” said Doherty. In addition to Finn’s superb game, senior forward Brandon McCombs gave a rock solid effort with 16 points and a team high 9 rebounds. Doherty also credited freshman guard Nick Tokarski with an exceptional job passing the ball, dishing out 14 assists. Doherty also credited the Salem fans. “They are our true sixth man,” said Doherty. “They did a great job getting us over the hump during the game.” Nick Curcuru’s e-mail address is [email protected] Bynum Breaks School Records at Harvard Invitational Log Photo by Christopher Misterka Salem State dominated Newbury College from tip off until the final buzzer in a 73-61 win, Dec. 5 in the O’Keefe Gymnasium. By Benjamin Navon Editor in chief All-American, Eddie Bynum broke his own record in the 55 meter dash at the Harvard Invitational, Dec. 12. While competing against Division I and Division II runners, Bynum also broke the school record in the 200 meter dash. Bynum runs approximately two miles a day to stay sharp. He continues his regiment completing various workouts for endurance and speed depending on what he sets out to accomplish. “You have to be in shape and keep your mind focused on what you want to accomplish,” said Bynum. Bynum was named All-American last year, where he placed 8th in National competition. Clearly, Bynum has not lost his step coming into this season. “He’s doing pretty well,” said Dennis Floyd, the Vikings Track Coach. “He a very talented individual,” Floyd said. “He’s a tremendously hard worker and a dedicated individual. He just comes in and get the job done.” Breaking records is nothing new for Bynum whose phenomenal sophomore season put Salem State Track on the map. Benjamin Navon’s e-mail is [email protected] Eddie Bynum