The Recorder Volume 109 Issue 01

Volume 109 No. 1Wednesday, August 29, 2012 Central Connecticut State University

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Freshmen Welcomed With Olympic-Th emed Dean’s Cup

ERIN O’DONNELL | THE RECORDER

JUSTIN MUSZYNSKIThe Recorder

Associate Professor of English Ravi Shankar was arrested earlier this month aft er being sentenced in July to two years of probation in a fraud case.

Shankar, 36, of Cheshire, faces three charges including driving with a suspended license, failure to drive in the proper lane and criminal impersonation. Th is incident is expected to have no eff ect on his teaching position, which he will resume this week aft er being placed on leave last Sep. by the school, according to a university spokesperson.

“As with his other cases we really can’t comment on it because it’s a private matt er,” said Mark McLaughlin, Associate Vice President of Marketing and

CCSU English Professor Arrested For Th ird Time In Last YearCommunications. “I don’t think this will aff ect his teaching here.”

Shankar was arrested on Aug. 7, released on a $500 non surety bond and is awaiting a plea, according to Connecticut’s Judicial Branch website.

“I can only only use these setbacks to become a bett er person: a more invested father, a more loyal friend and even more exceptional teacher,” said Shankar in an email correspondence.

In his fraud case, Shankar purchased over $20,000 worth of tickets to a soccer

game in New Jersey with his Discover credit card and later claimed that the charge was an unauthorized purchase, according to the arrest warrant. He pleaded “no contest” to providing a false statement to police and received one year suspended and two years of probation.

He was also arrested in November of last year in when he allegedly struck

another car while traveling eastbound on route 40. He later pleaded “no contest” in May to illegally driving while under the infl uence and received six months jail time suspended in favor of 18 months of

probation.“I would like to thank my family and the

university for standing behind me for the past year; it has been the most devastating time of my life and I have had to refl ect profoundly on the sequence of events that have led me to a place I never imagined I would be,” Shankar said. “I take seriously my responsibilities as an educator and a role mode, and am deeply distraught at the concatenation of bad luck and worse judgement that has wrought such havoc on all that I hold dear.”

“Each case is treated individually and what I can tell you is that there is no roster or anything that keeps track of arrests and aft er so many you get kicked out,” said McLaughlin.

Shankar is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court Sep. 19th.

Ravi Shankar

NEWS2THE RECORDERWednesday, August 29, 2012

Student Goverment Aims To Improve Efficiency

Improving Campus Quality: Academic Building Construction On Schedule

RACHAEL BENTLEYThe Recorder

The construction of the new academic building is right on schedule due to an extremely mild summer.

“We’ve only had one rain delay, so the fair weather hasn’t been hurting their schedule,” said James Grupp, CCSU Project Manager. “We had some scheduling issues that we are dealing with but the contractor, Gilbane, has a way to make up that time. We will be done, and on schedule.”

Grupp is the coordinator of Capitol Projects and Facilities Planning, and is in charge of overseeing this entire project. The new building is scheduled to be open for occupancy by the Summer of 2013.

“All of the block work is done on the building,” said Grupp. “The interior block work is all done. Now they are putting up the brick fascia. The East side is about 90 percent complete; they have been working on the south side. The whole bricking should be done in about a month or so.”

Grupp said that at this stage in the construction it seems like the building will look a little more complete everyday, but once all of the exterior work is done that will change.

“At this time it seems like a lot of work is getting done on the outside, but once we start working on the inside it will seem like nothing’s getting done,” Grupp said.

There have been no accidents or injuries in 250 days as of last week, and safety is Grupp’s main concern during this whole process.

“On Monday, the air conditioning system for this building is going on the roof. It’s

a big deal,” Grupp said. “There is going to be a big 275-ton crane here and there are going to be four trailers sitting outside Welte hall. We will have people directing and guiding the trucks so that no one gets too close.”

The construction of the new academic building is just one of 36 projects that are a part of a comprehensive long-term capital infrastructure investment plan known as CSUS 2020. All of the 36 projects are valued to cost around $950 million dollars.

Each of the four schools that make up the Connecticut State University System will be getting new buildings and updating old onces, but CCSU will be recieving over $200 million for its own projects. That includes the new academic building, a new dormitory, a new dining hall, a new public safety building, and updates to both Willard and Dilereto Hall.

The new academic building is set to cost $38 million dollars, and according the Grupp, the project is right on budget.

In an article in the Hartford Courant, Salvatore Cintorino, the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Facilities Management at CCSU, explained why these updates are important for CCSU.

“Students are very impressionable by the quality of a campus. These buildings are going to help support academic and student needs and help market the campus,” said Cintorino.

College officials say the investments are helping to address long overdue renovations and repairs. The overall goal is to upgrade facilities to allow schools to become more competitive in attracting top student talent.

KASSONDRA GRANATAThe Recorder

To better serve the student body, Student Government Association President Eric Bergenn created a Committee Consolidation Plan consisting of more organized committees.

As it stands, the Student Government Association has eight different committees: Conference, Elections, Events, Finance, Promotions, Scholarships, Student Life and Stipend Review. Bergenn said that he proposed a more efficient method, combining the committees into four broader groups. According to Bergenn, the purpose of this consolidation is to have more senators serving on one committee.

“I began to think about doing something like this over a year ago,” said Bergenn. “ I observed that

some of our smaller committees were struggling at certain times of the year when they were busy, and at other times of the year had nothing to accomplish.”

According to Bergenn, his plan passed in the Senate with 20 yes votes and 4 no votes.

“I put together this plan methodically over the course of last spring semester, and asking for feedback from committee members along the way,” said Bergenn.

The first committee, the Finance Committee, will work the same way it has in the past. The Student Life Committee would work with anything student related on campus, and also oversee SGA scholarships. The Public Affairs Committee would deal with matters on campus in a public platform. The committee would be in charge of marketing,

promotions, and events run by the SGA. The fourth committee would be the Academic Affairs Committee, and it would focus on the academic concerns of the students on campus. The committee would handle matters such as curriculum, advising, academic standards, and academic freedom.

According to Bergenn, the goal is that by combining certain committees the Student Government Association will be able to have more members dedicated to whatever task is in need of attention at any given time.

“I think the Senate will run more efficiently and effectively, and with that we can better serve the student body,” Bergenn said. “The committees are focused more on the student body, and less on the Senate, and cover every student issue in a more broad sense.”

RACHAEL BENTLEY | THE RECORDER

A 275-ton crane was brought to the site for the air conditioning system.

According to Grupp, all of the block work is finished on the east side of the building.

The Gilbane company has been incident-free in 250 days as of last week. RACHAEL BENTLEY | THE RECORDER

RACHAEL BENTLEY | THE RECORDER

3THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / NEWS

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Registrar’s Office Tests New ‘Waiting List’JUSTIN MUSZYNSKI

The Recorder

The Registrar’s Office is piloting a new online waiting list this fall that sends students an email when a spot opens up in a particular class.

Once a member of the list receives an email, that student has 24 hours to register for the class before the spot is given to the next person in the queue.

“It eliminates a roadblock from students,” said Patrick Tucker, Registrar. “Rather than having to get special permission or an override, students can get into classes this way.”

Tucker says that of the approximate 2,800 courses offered at CCSU, 450 have the waiting list capability. Thus far, it has been up to each

department to decide if, and for what classes they want to use it for.

“We tried it out before, but on a smaller scale and now we’re expanding it,” he said.

Su-Ann Seidl, a junior accounting student, utilized the waiting list this summer. She signed up for an accounting class that was essential to her major in June. Earlier this month she received an email telling her that a spot opened up and she registered for it right away.

“I thought it was great to at least know that I was in line,” said Seidl. “I was ready to give up on the class and take it at a community college, but then I found out I could get in. I think the system is great.”

Carl Lovitt, Provost and Vice President for Academic

Affairs, says he thinks the list will create a domino effect. When a student signs up for a class that just opened up, and then drops the one they didn’t need, the spot will be available for another student.

“You have fewer empty seats in your classes and you provide an opportunity for students to take courses that they want to get into,” said Lovitt. “Personally I’d like to see this extended across the curriculum.”

He also points out that previously trying to get a spot in a class that was filled was a guessing game that didn’t allow students with more credits any priority.

“In the past when a student wanted to register for a course and that course was full, there was no record that the student

tried to enroll,” said Lovitt.The lists allow a maximum

of either five or ten students to join depending on the class capacity. Since the start of registration in April, Tucker says that about 800 spots have opened up in classes with waiting lists. Of those, he doesn’t know how many were actually filled, but assumes that some students are taking advantage of the opportunity. He also says it plays into students’ hands that have accumulated more credits.

“It’s first come, first serve, so it benefits the students with more credits who can get into the course that they need to graduate,” said Tucker. “At the end of the day, the goal is to get students into the classes they need to. This is what we hope the waiting list will help with.”

Are You a Student With a Disability? The Office of Student Disability Services provides services and support that promote educational equity for students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students with verifiable disabilities visible or hidden, qualify for services. Students whose major life activities are impacted by but not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. If you are a student with a disability or think that you may have a disability, please visit Willard Hall, Suite 101-‐03, or call (860)832-‐1952 and ask for Natalie Byers, or email: [email protected]

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ERIN O’DONNELL | THE RECORDERMatthew Corrigan balancing water glasses in a relay race during orientation Sunday.

Balancing College Life: Incoming Freshmen Prepare For The Year Ahead

OPINION4

PHOTO | NASA

THE RECORDERWednesday, August 29, 2012

Does Tenure translate to immunity?The tenure system needs revamping.

There is too much ambiguity. Rumors float around that a professor can’t be fired short of them showing up to class naked. No one seems to know where the line can be drawn.

The latest issue regarding this concern comes in the form of a professor with multiple arrests. English Professor Ravi Shankar has been arrested for the third time in the last year. Shankar is facing charges related to allegedly driving a vehicle with a suspended license. Though he is facing these charges, along with his past record, Shankar still holds a position at thisUniversity with no punishment. Our organization is not saying that Shankar should be fired. He should be recognized for more than just his recent misdemeanors. He has served this

school as more than just an English professor. He has published several award-winning works of poetry. However, the University should be able to use its discretion if it decides that a disciplinary action is in order regarding his latest judicial matters.

Tenure is designed to give professors “academic freedom.” It is not a license to break the law. Faculty members with tenure are under the impression that they are safe to act on impulse with little to no consequence. No professor should have to worry about losing his or her job because of teaching something controversial. The core behind tenure is well intended, but somewhere along the line it lost its footing. In order to avoid any type of confusion, there needs to be a set list of what is

acceptable behavior and what is not. It is clear that there is a flaw in the system, and universities are left with faculty that are too comfortable to act in a suitable manner.

When it was revealed that CCSU’s soccer Coach Shaun Green was responsible for our missing papers, the University came down hard on him. It did, however, come down even harder on his assistant, who lost his job for his role in the incident, which was seemingly minimal. Again, The Recorder is not saying that Green should have received any more punishment than he did, but we must question a system that allows an accomplice to get the brunt of the deal. Assistant Coach Paul Wright’s contract lost its renewal in June, but Green is only suspended for 60 days without pay

and it is simply because of one reason, he is tenured.

A faculty member that is tenured should have the ability to know right from wrong, they have been in the system long enough to decipher between good and bad behavior. A main part of the problem with tenure is there seems to be a hole in where punishment can come into play. There is a small degree of lines that can be crossed, and restrictions in terms of demonstrating yourself as a distinguished faculty member.

People historically don’t do well in situations when the consequences aren’t cut and dry. A professor has to know what they’re facing when they behave a particular way and the only way that can happen is if we revitalize the tenure system.


The intelligence level of readers’ interest is rapidly plummeting. If you were to approach a complete stranger on the street and ask them to update you on Syria they would be baffled, yet if you asked them what happened to the infamous Twilight couple, they would promptly respond to ensure you are in the loop.

As a journalist, it is difficult to see publications such as People, Star, Lifestyle, US Weekly, or National Enquirer displayed in grocery store checkout lines, the top shelf of a news stand, or the only reading material in a waiting room. I deem tabloid journalism as a mediocre source for news and knowledge on what is happening around you. Tabloid journalism tends to emphasize subjects such as celebrity gossip, scandalous sex misconducts, and weekly astrology reports. The fact that this is a readers sole interest is upsetting.

These issues are not stimulating in any way. I have no interest in hearing that Tom Cruise’s daughter would rather live under his care than Katie Holmes, nor do I care of the Kardashians’ whereabouts in the fashion spectrum. I would rather pick up a newspaper, turn on the news or tune into a radio station and hear about world events, events that can be detrimental to our well being.

In journalism, the main goal is to inform the readers of the truth on matters that affect their lives. The journalist must go out to the source or event, gather information and get the story. A journalist is a superhero, keeping the community informed and answering their questions. Whenever a critical issue is called to question, the answer can be conveniently found on your television or computer

screen or other important outlets.Tabloids, however, are misleading. In

prestigious newspapers, facts are checked and confirmed by multiple sources before a story is published. Editors and writers make sure they are authenticating to the journalistic standards and are staying objective. It seems that tabloids do nothing of the sort. They often steer readers in the opposite direction, thus confusing them with significant happenings around the world.

It saddens me to see the reader’s eye linger to a magazine cover or other publication and walk right past a Hartford Courant or New York Times. The entertainment/Hollywood realm has overcome the news realm. Readers are not interested in news, they are just interested in gossip. Soon enough, there will be more uninformed individuals than there are now.

The headlines are made to capture your eye. If you see out of the corner of your eye, “US Captures Bat Child,” and you instantly pick up and turn to that article, then they have succeeded. Anyone in the right state of mind would realize that a part bat, part human child is impossible, but that point is moot. Tabloids clearly get a large mass of readers in the United States.

We aim as a publication to never resort to any sort of amateur reporting; our goal as a newspaper is to provide factual, useful information to this campus and to ensure their satisfaction. There will never be an instance where a reader will find any hint of tabloid qualities in this publication. That is my ultimate goal, to continue to be professional and live up to our achievements. As students, we continue to learn and grow as journalists and discover what is ethical to publish, and what would be improper to publish. Our goal here is to educate and notify, not entertain.

Editor’s Column:Tabloids: A Plague To Journalism DANNY CONTRERAS

The Recorder

The power of uniting mankind will always be greater than that of weapons and armies. Not many can wield such a power, and when an individual comes along with that power, the void they leave behind once they die feels unfillable. Their achievements feel impossible to re-accomplish and we’re left to wonder, who will do this again?

Neil Armstrong passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2012. A man who had given his whole heart and soul for science and space exploration passed away due to heart complications. It’s almost a poetic death—his heart just could not give anymore.

At the height of the Cold War, Armstrong worked as an engineer and test pilot for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). He stayed with the organization after it folded and became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He eventually became an astronaut when the United States became serious about space exploration.

The US and the Soviet Union were at each other’s throats. Although the Soviets had an advantage over the Americans in that they had sent the first man and artificial satellite to space, the Americans had slowly caught up to them. President Kennedy even started a joint space program with the Soviets to land on the moon. Following his assassination, however, Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev bailed on the program and continued the Soviet program alone. The world remained divided.

Then on July 20, 1969, the United States landed Apollo 11’s Lunar Module. The Lunar Module had Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin aboard. The men survived the 384,400 kilometer flight and only needed to exit the Lunar Module. Neil Armstrong began descending the stairs of the module; the blackness of space voided any scenic potential, while the sun drowned the stars that would’ve been possible to see without the atmosphere. The iconic words were spoken, and Armstrong had just united

the world, as this was a human achievement.He didn’t return to the moon.Following

the Apollo mission, Armstrong lived a relatively quiet life. He didn’t find any passion for politics or religion. He had a private life.

It’s hard to talk about Neil Armstrong dying because he really was a hero. Not because he was an American who stepped on the moon, rather he was a human who had achieved what had seemed impossible. I grew up wanting to be an astronaut. I wanted to go to the moon just like he had. When I found out that the moon exploration program had been completed for over 20 years, way before I was born, I didn’t give up the hope that I would eventually make it there. I had Armstrong to thank for that.

He was a nerd. He loved his job, and had a passion for knowledge. And this was enough for Armstrong. We can take his trip to the moon as the ultimate quest to satisfy his knowledge—aside from his duty as an American. He was a leader who spoke of only what he knew, and always with conviction.

What I admired most, however, is how he united the world in a time where we faced extinction at our own hands. His, “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” quote goes beyond politics, religion, race and geography. The world had been destroyed over the last 60 years prior to his space flight with two World Wars, two armed conflicts and a Great Depression. And his spaceflight was a direct result of this. And yet, he didn’t gloat about America being better than the Soviets or anybody else in the world. He didn’t give America the credit. This was a larger achievement that belonged to everybody in the world. Armstrong made that clear.

In an age where it’s hard to find balanced role models, we lost a unique one: an astronaut, who walked on the moon; a man who lived for his passion; but most importantly a man who loved everybody else that he needed to share the single most important achievement in his life. Neil Armstrong has died but his legacy will forever be preserved. Farewell.

Footprints That Can’t Be Filled

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / OPINON 5

PHOTO | CHICK-FIL-A

JOE SUSZCZYNSKIThe Recorder

The statement by Dan Kathy, Chick Fil-A’s Chief Operating Officer, on traditional marriage has been viral, and it is about time that the coverage stopped.

“Well, guilty as charged,” Kathy said in an interview with the Baptist Press. “We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that...we know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles.

Unlike Kathy, I am in favor of gay marriage, but I do respect his opinion. I applaud that he came out and said so rather than hiding his own personal opinion on the issue. Kathy is protected under the 1st Amendment. Even though people would disagree with that statement, it is still free speech and the amendment is designed to protect unpopular speech. It’s not like Kathy said he would not serve the LGBT community, which would then become a whole other issue.

French philosopher Voltaire once said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

The LGBT community and Christians would take offense of Kathy’s statement for obvious reasons; you can’t be surprised by their Chick Fil-A protests.

On the other side of the spectrum, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, made August 3 “Chick Fil-A Appreciation Day” where people would go to Chick Fil-A to support “traditional marriage.” Again the

Chick-Fil-A Controversy Fried Out Of Proportion

Driven To Distraction: Multitasking Behind The WheelMORGAN SKOVICH

The Recorder

Multi-tasking is a way of life; we all face constant demands for our time. Sadly though, many individuals try to multi-task while driving, which is a detestable idea.

When it comes to drivers, it seems that concentrating on one particular task for a lengthy period of time is difficult. We feel the need to fiddle with the radio, put on makeup, and in most cases, use our cellphones or other electronic devices. Because driving a car and focusing on your surroundings just isn’t satisfying our attention spans enough, we throw a cellphone into the mix.

With essentially every American owning a mobile device, divert driving has become an extreme threat on our roads. A handful of these phones are smart phones, and not only are people texting or making phone calls,

but they are also emailing, surfing their Facebook and posting pictures on Instagram.

Somehow somewhere along the line, society created this crazy unwritten rule that everyone is expected to balance what they are doing more now than ever before. Anybody who has driven a car knows it only takes an instant or two to become distracted. It happens all of the time, even just letting your eyes wander to a billboard for a good cause can lead you to swerve into another lane. Then suddenly you’ve got a very loud and long honking of a horn behind you and an angry voice screaming out their window, “pick a lane!”

A distraction like that maybe isn’t always your fault, sometimes perhaps you really can’t control where your eyes go, but purposely using a cell phone is where I have no remorse. Using a cell phone includes physical contact, audible distraction and

basically all of your attention. Although most of the time such distractions don’t lead to any problems, they can cause an accident, resulting in a fender bender, injury or even fatality to yourself or to someone else. By you even just picking up your cellphone, you’re toying with the fate of yourself and those around you.

This is all common sense. The more attention your distraction requires, the more at risk you are to drive to destruction.

If you must answer a text message or read what your arch enemy has just tweeted, seriously pull over your car and do what you need to do, otherwise just wait until you reach your destination.

After I graduated high school, one of my friends, who was a constant texter while driving, slipped up on his “profession” and crashed into a gaurdrail going about 70 mph. Luckily he escaped with minor injury, but

his Kia Optima didn’t. The infamous text message he was sending was, “hi” in a reply to a, “hey.”

Ironically enough that text message was being sent to the person he was going to see. That couldn’t wait? A two letter word to the person you were driving to is certainly not worth it to risk your life and everyones life around you.

Distracted driving is an alarming epidemic on our roadways and we need to stop it. Share this message, make your voice heard and help develop safer roads for everyone.

The proper first step is to change our own attitudes and even more importantly drive our own behaviors, no pun intended.

I’m not saying cellphones should be totally banned from within your car - but do not touch them while in motion, it really is as simple as that.

Have an opinion?We are looking for writers who wish to share their

views with CCSU!Email [email protected]

One of the Chick-fil-a restaurants located across the United States.

former governor, like Kathy, is entitled to his opinion.

It brought both support and protest to Chick Fil-A’s across America.

If Dan Kathy wants to publicly state that he is against gay marriage, then that’s fine; he has the right to say so. But in turn the LGBT community has the right to either protest outside Chick Fil-A, or boycott the fast food joint all together.

The problem is that everyone is blowing this out of proportion. According to an article written by Timothy Sandoval titled, “In Gay-Rights Protest, Students Try to Push Chick-fil-A off Campuses,” Victoria

University of Wellington reports that a student, Tim Reis, of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, has posted a petition to close the local Chick-Fil-A on change.org.

The petition states, “Time and again I have seen our students, faculty, and staff stand together to fight injustice with all of this, it seems to mock our very sense of self to continue to financially support Chick-fil-A when it so ardently insists on using that money to further causes which are unjust and intolerant.”

I don’t see the logic in doing this. Just because you disagree with a statement made

by a company doesn’t mean you get to have the right to have it closed down. That in my eyes is a form of censorship. You cannot censor someone or something just because you simply do not agree with their opinion.

This story will be a thing of the past in a matter of months. People will forget about this event, and it would be like it never happened. It’ll just be a news story of the week and maybe will be brought up at the end of the year in a “2012 in review” segment or something of that nature.

If you don’t believe me: look at how many people presently still care about Kony 2012.

6 THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / UPGR ADE

AMANDA WEBSTERThe Recorder

With all the talk about 2012 being the year possibly ending human existence, I found myself reading several books over the summer that dealt with apocalyptic scenarios for planet Earth. Although I am not exactly counting down my days, I enjoy reading stories that keep my mind engaged and focused on a very basic human instinct: survival.

After ordering a couple of books from Amazon, I glanced at the recommended section and saw Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. This book is not based on Earth’s final days or the struggle for humanity to live on but it is still a story based on survival and had me turning pages anxiously in an attempt to find out what happens next.

This fictional novel takes place in Australia and is told in the first person voice of one of the main characters, Ellie Linton. Ellie and six of her friends from school decide to take a camping trip into a remote part of the wilderness that everyone refers to as “Hell.” The group of kids return to their hometown after a couple of days to find that a very different kind of hell awaits them.

While on the camping trip, their country has been invaded by a foreign nation and everyone in the town has been captured and held prisoner. With seemingly no one

left in the town, the group of teens must navigate their way through the city without being discovered by enemy forces in an attempt to figure out what exactly has happened to everyone. With electricity and phone lines dead it becomes extremely difficult to find details about the whereabouts of family and friends. The group then decides to wage their own guerilla war against the enemy. Everyone soon learns that it is not safe to stay inside the town, and the group takes refuge in the only place they can find solace, Hell.

What really kept me interested in this book was that the concept of the story is not all that far-fetched. The characters are relatable and I found myself wondering, “what would I do in this situation?” The teens are forced to mature very quickly, but the author still manages to capture their adolescent attitude, for bickering among the group is a near constant event. All of the characters’ emotions are portrayed well and I found myself becoming frustrated and nervous along with the characters.

My only dislike in this book was that some of the outcomes of the situations were just too lucky for the teenagers. I became skeptical in some of the more perilous dilemmas that the characters were faced with, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The ending will leave you wondering the fate of the main characters along with questions about the impending war. Luckily this is the first installment in a seven book series and I cannot wait to start the next book, The Dead of the Night.

Jerry Seinfeld Delivers To MGM Audience


I walked into Foxwoods not knowing what to expect. I had never seen one episode of Seinfeld in my entire life, and was eager to finally see what all of the hubbub was about. I had already encountered the gasps and wags of fingers by fans when they heard of my unfamiliarity with Jerry Seinfeld, and as I sat in the auditorium to await the start of the comedy show, I just hoped that it would be up to par.

If one were to find my humor in

a cookbook, the ingredients would consist of: sarcasm, innuendos, and a dash of wit. Jerry Seinfeld encompasses each component perfectly. Seinfeld’s energy was consistent, and there was never a dull moment. I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt. His jokes were flavorful and very creative. Seinfeld brought up every day situations in a way that convinced me I have never heard of them before. The show was very entertaining and I plan on attending another one of his shows soon. I may have even discovered a new show to become addicted to.

SHE SAID...

JUSTIN MUSZYNSKIThe Recorder

14 years removed from his renowned sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld hasn’t lost a step with his comedic ability.

His material is sharper than ever. He doesn’t deviate far from the formula that made him a household name as he points out fairly obvious observations of human stupidity while taking things that everyone can relate to and leaves you laughing so hard that you’re gasping for air.

For example, he questions something as frivolous as the setup in public bathrooms wondering why the stall walls can’t go two feet lower, allowing us to avoid exposure to the undesired “pant around the ankle look.” He also expresses his concern at the fact that the stall doors leave a one inch gap where they hinge, permitting easy visibility in the one place where privacy should be essential.

After the massive success of his show in the 90’s, he never let the fame go to his head and still sees things from the

average person’s perspective. He demonstrates this by poking fun at even his own show time of 8:00 pm. He joked with the crowd that you can’t go out to dinner before because it would be too early, but by the time you get out it is too late. This struck home with my party, which had that exact conversation the morning of the show. We were torn between the two unattractive options and the fact that Seinfeld had the wherewithal to include something like that as a bit was utter genius.

His delivery of punch lines was pure perfection and none of his jokes were executed half-heartedly. As in the past, the substance of his act keeps him from having to resort to profanity to get his point across. You can tell he truly loves what he does as he wears a genuine smile throughout the entire show.

While the tickets were somewhat pricey, it is worth every dime. You’ll want to see Jerry Seinfeld the next time he comes around Conn. because whether you were a fan of his sitcom or not, he won’t disappoint.

...HE SAID

MOVIE REVIEWThe Expendables 2 Misses Target

JOE SUSZCZYNSKIThe Recorder

In 2010, Sylvester Stallone directed, wrote and starred in the movie The Expendables. The movie met mixed reviews, but was financially successful. Two years later, Stallone decided to reload and prepared his notorious team for round two. Stallone made this film with more explosions, more death, and more fourth-wall breaking puns.

The movie ultimately had it’s ups and downs throughout. The movie had no deep plot whatsoever, but the explosions and gratuitous violence portrayed on the screen distracted the viewers from the absent plot. Nonetheless, the movie was entertaining.

Each actor played their roles adequately. Being that this is an action movie and all the actors needed to do is breathe, shoot a weapon and say some dialogue every now and then, there was not

much to it.As previously stated the plot

was a very simple one. Barney Ross (Stallone) gets a mission from Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) to retrieve an item from a safe. The Expendables get the said item from the safe, but are ambushed by enemies led by Jean Vilain ( Jean-Claude Van Damme). Vilain then kills the team’s sniper, Billy the Kid, (Liam Hemsworth) putting Ross over the edge proceeding to hunt Vilain down seeking revenge for their fallen comrade.

This plot was covered with a cascade of special effects. I’m willing to bet Stallone figured with a simple plot like this all he needed to add were mass amounts of explosions, a high death count, grisly deaths and a Chuck Norris appearance complete with Chuck Norris jokes. The characters poked fun about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s, Bruce Willis’ and Stallone’s careers and included certain catch phrases that the actors have used over the

years in order to keep the audience distracted long enough before they realize that this movie has a really generic, superficial plot.

Jet Li was only in this movie for maybe thirty minutes at best. That is a mundane aspect because Li is known for his martial arts. I would have liked to have seen more of it, but you only see little. Li is supposed to be part of the group, so it’s questionable why he was written out for the rest of the movie. Van Damme’s signature spinning back kick wasn’t enough to supplement my fix for martial arts fight scenes.

The Expendables 2 is not an intelligent movie by any means. The plot was as flat as a playing card with semi-competent acting. You’ll enjoy this film if you wish to watch something mindless with big booms.

I would not pay $10.50 to see this. I’d suggest seeing this at an earlier time where the ticket price is cheaper. If not that, then just wait a couple months and rent it.

Bookmark It!

Tomorrow, When the War Began

By John Marsden

PHOTO | LIONSGATE

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / UPGR ADE 7

DANNY CONTRERAS I THE RECORDER

DANNY CONTRERASThe Recorder

Even though summer is long gone and a new semester has arrived, the 2012 summer came and left a little too quickly. Heat waves forced many of us to avoid being out in the heat by sleeping or working. Regardless, the entertainment world never takes a bow to mother nature, and this summer was no different.

Album

Fun.- Some Nights: This was undoubtedly the album of the summer. In an overly saturated industry, Fun’s second album felt more refreshing, tight and crisp. Far from a masterpiece but still a great album, the indie pop band brought an anthem: We Are Young. The pot laced

lyrics, and New York travel log song was played everywhere from EDM concerts, to urban culture events. The message was very simple, very nonchalant: have fun (see what they did there?). But “We Are Young” is not the best song in the album. “Carry On” is that driving-away-from-the-beach song we all love to hear after a crazy time, with luke-warm lyrics, and an enticing drum line, recapping a crazy party (it does come right after “We are Young”). Fun departs from happiness with “All Alone” a song that deceives the listeners. While it exploits the miserable reality that we truly are all alone, the music that drives the song will make you want to sing with twenty thousand people. This whole album is a tribute to youth and rightfully the best album of the summer.

Film

Avengers- Big budget films sometimes flop, but Marvel Studios created something special with Avengers. Combining all of the top superheroes (bar Spider-man) of the last five years, they finally brought the toughest superhero team to the silver screen. And what a ride it was. Robert Downey Jr. didn’t steal the show but made every other hero stand out on its own. Chris Hemsworth was cleverly funny, and Evans didn’t do as bad as he did in Captain America. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk was the best incarnation of Hulk since the Bill Bixby series, and of course, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner added more color to the overly crowded cast. But the standout performer was by far, Tom Hiddleston, who played Loki. Thor’s evil brother basically

made the movie, with his clever punch lines, overly evil acting and cool costume. While the way the movie finishes is a bit disappointing for all fans of Loki, it still managed to get us excited for superheroes and not martyrs.

Concert

Kaskade- American EDM producer Kaskade made a stop in Hartford’s Comcast Theatre with the Rockstar Energy Drink Freaks of Nature Tour. Supported by rising stars Fareoh and Alvin Risk, Kaskade brought the meaning of ‘bass’ to Hartford’s nightlife. With a set-up of Ableton Live and 3CDJs 2000, he amazed fans with a combination of old school DJing and “in-the-moment” producing. One phrase can describe this amazing concert: shared synesthesia. The twenty feet tall video-boards provided the concert-

goers with some intrinsic visual while his choice of songs just pumped up the

Best of Summer 2012


There is a relationship between horror films and the viewers. In horror films, there is a relationship between the film itself, and its viewers. Ultimately, the strength of the relationship determines whether or not the film is successful or not.

The Japanese have managed to create films over the past two decades that breach the language barrier and exploit the relationship both at home and internationally. Primary examples of these films are Ju-on (The Grudge), and Ringu (The Ring).

Then we come to Carved: The Slit Mouth Woman (or Kuchisake-onna). This film is based on the popular myth/urban legend about a woman mutilated by her husband and coming back as an evil spirit to seek revenge.

While the premise sounds like a typical horror movie, the Japanese always manage to turn it into something else. However, this time, they failed. The Slit Mouth Woman is ultimately a film that has an unsettling feel, almost creepy, but never lives up beyond its low budget reality.

The story is fairly simple: The Slit Mouth Woman has returned to Japan to terrorize Japanese school children. After the disappearance of a child in a neighboring town, the school where our story takes place begins to organize teacher-led drop offs to avoid any problems. It is not long, however, before someone from the town disappears, and all witnesses point to one suspect: The Slit-Mouthed Woman.

Covering her cut face with a mask, she appears in solitary places where children are and either kills them or kidnaps them. But the Slit-Mouthed Woman has a painful history that relates to our main character: Noboru Matsuzaki. Matsuzaki is the son of the Slit-Mouthed Woman before he killed her when he was younger. The ghost, real name Yukiko Yoshida, was a bad mother. She would beat up all three of her offspring, and eventually killed two of them. Afraid of what she would do to Noboru, she begs for her death at his hand by cutting off her head. The young child is unable to kill his mom as she had asked, and could only stab her in self-defense. While she did die, she returned as an evil poltergeist. Noboru is now the only one who can sense her due to their blood relationship.

That is as much as can be described without giving away much of the plot, which is largely simple. While the movie deviates from the original telling of the story, it is still faithful to the character at least in terms of her manners.

The movie cannot escape how bad it looks: the Slit-Mouthed Woman’s costume appears lazy and boring and the make-up overdone. Her eyes are creepy because they’re all white, but she looks like Scorpion of Mortal Kombat. It could have been better done, but it would have went over budget. The movie is not all terrible, and it is the feeling of unending pursuit that a viewer will enjoy the most. It’s not up to par with Paranormal Activity 3 in terms of chills and scare but it’ll leave you paranoid for a couple of hours.

Netflix It! The Slit Mouth Woman

crowd. Including fan pleasers such as “I Remember,” “Distance” and “Step One Two,” he relied heavily on both trance and progressive house for an amazing show. The crowd of 5000 cannot disagree that this was by far the best concert of the summer.

Festival

Mayhem Fest- Many festivals came to the state this year but none of them as big as Mayhem Fest. The heavy metal festival, and spiritual successor to Ozzfest, brought together metal gods Slipknot, Motorhead, Slayer and Anthrax under one banner. The new breed didn’t stay too far behind with As I Lay Dying, The Devil Wears Prada and Whitechapel all performing in the second stage. But the headliners are the ones everyone came for, and a crowd of old fans and new ones flooded the Comcast Theatre’s muddy lawn seats to catch Slayer perform their classic songs, including “Angel of Death” and “South of Heaven” before losing their minds with the masked Slipknot. If Slayer opened the gates of Hell upon Hartford, then Slipknot obliterated both sides in the Fight of Armageddon with “People = $#!%”, “(sic)”, and “Psychosocial.” In tribute to their late bassist Paul Gray, the band performed the song that catapulted them to international fandom in “Duality”. The song was sung with such a passion that it may have brought a couple of people to tears.

Video-game

Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes- Lego has been taking franchises and

rebuilding them over the last couple of years, with Indiana Jones and Star Wars being the primary examples. The Lego Batman games are completely underrated. To say the least, the game stands out from all other games because of its light-hearted nature. While big games came out this summer, many of them fun, they were too serious for a time we’re supposed to have fun. And Lego Batman exceled. Featuring just about every hero and villain from the DC Universe should be enough to make you want to play the game, but it ≠was the replay-ability value of the game which made it good. Not only did it have you beating pint-size versions of the super villains, you needed to do a lot of collecting to unlock new parts to the game. Customization was key, given it’s a Lego game. The storyline wasn’t too serious but it just made it fun. Some good writing was done, too. The Joker’s puns are always funny to hear. Overall, the game deserves to be the best of the summer because it was just a fun one to play.

App

Google Currents- Google is always doing amazing things at their headquarters, and this app is nothing short of it. Combining the best of a tablet device with the web, the app takes all news website and converts them into an interactive reading platform reminiscent of a magazine. It also downloads the latest news so you can do offline reading. Using your Google account, it saves all your preferences online (in case you have many devices), and best of all, it’s free (for Android and iPhone/iPad).

Kaskade amazed fans with it’s impressive, synthesizing beats.

Mayhem Fest did not disappoint with it’s heavy metal bands.DANNY CONTRERAS I THE RECORDER

PHOTO | TORNADO PRODUCTIONS

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centralrecorder.com

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / UPGR ADE

Between The Sheets: A Tricky Corner


After a whole summer of not having to write about my opinion and trying to enjoy what spare time I had, writing my first column of the semester seemed like a daunting task. I always get that dreaded writer’s block after long periods of not writing, and I knew that I had to find something to write about that really shook me to the core.

Considering everything that went on this summer, it wasn’t like I had limited options. When it came down to it, I decided to write about one person that I truly admire for his work, and who was scrutinized for something that he shouldn’t have been.

Anderson Cooper released his book Dispatches From The Edge in 2006, a memoire about his travels to Bosnia, Sri Lanka and Iraq. The book goes into detail about his trips to these war torn countries and the effects that it had on him. He also talks about some very personal tragedies and gave his readers a real look into why he is willing to go into

RECentral Introduces Lifestyle Change To CCSU

From the Outside Looking In

COLUMN

IRENE W. YUKASHThe Recorder

It all started my sophomore

year. I remember I would spend most afternoons lying on my bed, contemplating how to attack my college career as best as I could. I spent a decent amount of time bouncing around from club to club until I stumbled upon a sign for a study abroad information session. Certain I couldn’t afford it, I attended the meeting anyway (a girl can dream!).

For anyone who’s never skimmed my column before, my name is Irene and I am a travel fanatic! I studied abroad in Spain for six months during my senior year (I’ve been here a long time, I know) and it changed my life. I’ve managed to stop annoying my friends (sorry Caitlin and Marrit) and start channeling my deep urge to share my experience with others by writing this column.

Let’s start from my first informational meeting hosted by the Center for International Education and bounce around from there. Students, faculty and staff of the CIE alike approached the podium to tell their stories. This was not your average meeting. With much enthusiasm each speaker encouraged students to go abroad. Thoughts of eating a baguette at the Eiffel tower, snorkeling in Australia, and learning Flamenco in Spain raced through my mind. I couldn’t help but be immediately attracted to escape the routine hustle and bustle of going to college, working, and other responsibilities. Why not give it a shot before the reality of student loans and job hunting took precedent? I filled out the paper work that day.

According to it’s website, CCSU’s Center for International Education has a mission to “engage faculty and students in the pursuit of global education”. The center, located in Barnard Hall room 123, can provide students inquiring about study abroad with information on all aspects. If you want to get a jump-start, check out the CIE’s website, as the 2013 Course Abroad Catalogue is now available.

That academic year leading up to my study abroad experience flew by and soon enough I was going out for tapas around the Plaza Mayor, embracing a new language and culture, and making

connections around the globe. All of which seemed like just the daydream of a bored college student.

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware,” said Martin Buber, essayist, translator, and editor. One of the best parts about studying abroad; it will likely reward you in ways you didn’t even think of. Had I not studied abroad, I would not be here trying to convince all of you to go out and get it, but don’t worry I have all semester for that!

As we bring in a new school year together, I hope to encourage each of you to embark on your own journey, big or small, to see what this beautiful world has to offer. For those of you that read my column ( a big thanks!), please bare with me- I promise to offer plenty of new information and plenty of stories.

I love any opportunity to talk study abroad, so if you have an experience that you’d like to share with us, please feel free to contact me! Questions or comments? [email protected] Twitter: @ireneyuk

AMANDA WEBSTERThe Recorder

RECentral is kicking off the fall semester

at CCSU by issuing a campus-wide lifestyle challenge to students and faculty.

Starting September 10, RECentral will be promoting the healthy lifestyle challenge to all of CCSU, the goal being a collective weight loss of 5,000 lbs. The challenge will end the week of November 19.

Assistant Recreation Director Liz Urcinas explained how the challenge is going to be set up.

“Each week will have a different theme,” Urcinas said. “Each week on Wednesday we’re going to have a workshop in Kaiser that runs with that theme.”

The workshops will run from 5 p to 7 pm in Kaiser and according to Urcinas, they will teach students helpful ways to enforce the theme of the week. The first week’s theme will be, “Eat a healthy breakfast.”

In order to keep track of how much weight is being lost RECentral will have an email set up for students and faculty to email in how much weight they’ve lost individually. The email does not need to include the name of the person and the weigh-ins will run on an honors system.

“We think 5,000 is definitely an attainable goal and we hope to surpass it,” said Urcinas.

Recreation Specialist Ken DeStefanis pitched the idea for a campus based challenge. DeStefanis came across the idea while talking to his daughter who works at Boston University. The city of Boston had a challenge to lose 1 million lbs. so DeStefanis said he borrowed the idea and adapted it to fit the CCSU program.

We really want to stress that it’s not about losing weight,” said DeStefanis. “The weight

reduction will come by adopting a healthy lifestyle, our slogan is: it’s not what you lose, it’s what you gain.”

In order to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle RECentral offers many different fitness outlets on campus. Fitness classes such as zumba, yoga, and spinning are offered throughout the week along with the pool and the three gyms located in Beecher, Sam May, and Kaiser.

“Fortunately we’re able to have the gym open until 11 p.m. again,” said RECentral student employee Matt Harris. “We try to accommodate the students the best we can.”

Hours for the fitness centers and the schedule for fitness classes can all be found on RECentral’s website.

In addition to the fitness centers, RECentral has also requested the help of other resources on campus to aid in the healthy lifestyle challenge. Sodexo and Health Services will also be doing their part to enforce the idea of healthy living on campus. A table will be set up in front of Sodexo to remind students to make healthy choices and will coincide with the theme of the week.

“The idea is just getting people healthy in any way possible,” said Urcinas.

Prizes will be offered to the students who participate by sending in pictures of them acting out the theme of the week.

“If you take a photo of yourself eating a healthy breakfast we might contact you and say ‘Hey great participation, come down to the office and get a T-shirt,” explained Urcinas.

Students and faculty will be able to show participation by tweeting to #healthforCCSU and by posting on RECentral’s Facebook page.

“The staff is really excited to start,” said Harris about the upcoming program.

such dangerous situations and not crack.Over the summer Cooper also wrote

an article for The Daily Beast, which is a friends news site, titled, “The Fact is, I’m Gay.” His article was a response to negative comments regarding Cooper keeping his sexual orientation out of the headlines and away from the general public.

In his article he wrote, “It’s become clear to me that by remaining silent on certain aspects of my personal life for so long, I have given some the mistaken impression that I am trying to hide something - something that makes me uncomfortable, ashamed or even afraid. This is distressing because it is simply not true.”

He goes on to write that he is in fact not ashamed, rather very proud and comfortable with who he is as a person. He explains that while his friends and family were in no way kept in the dark about his personal life, he did not believe it was anyone elses business, and he is entirely right.

As a reporter and anchor for CNN, Cooper has had to cover pretty much every kind of story there is, including stories about gay rights. And as journalists, we are trained to keep our own opinions and affiliations out of our news reporting, and Cooper has done an excellent job with that.

What some fail to realize is that this isn’t just about how he acts, it’s also about how people will react to him because he is gay. Cooper has to interview party members who are trying to abolish gay marriage rights and travel to different countries where being gay is not as accepted as it is in the United States. Cooper was backed into a corner.

On one hand, he risks tainting his career record by coming out and supporting a movement that is constantly in the news and that he reports on. On the other hand, he risks sending the message that he does not support gay rights and that he is turning his back on people just like him.

Although he writes that he believes supporting gay rights is more important

than “perserving my reporters shield of privacy,” I still feel that it was unnecessary for people to demand that he officially “come out” to the public.

After reading his book, it is clear that Cooper is a career driven man who works insane hours and goes days without sleeping;

he loves his job and he loves reporting. He has done some amazing work and has contributed a great service by risking his life multiple times to get the public news. The least we can do is give the guy a little bit of the privacy that he deserves, and that we all deserve.

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / UPGR ADE 9

Freshman Survival GuideBy Morgan Skovich

Here are ten helpful steps to help freshman who either commute or live on campus have a

successful first year:1. Go to class. Skipping will certainly be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation.2. Get involved on campus. Join a club or society thats interesting to you. If they don’t have any clubs or groups that pertain to

you, make one!3. Do give everybody a chance, people are nervous just like you, so take a risk and talk to people. You never know who could

become your (best) friend.4. Eat at least twice a day or you will get really hungry, grumpy and tired, which will make everything that comes along with

school very tedious.5. Don’t cut corners. College is supposed to be about making you a well rounded person. If you cram or procrastinate, you still

might pass a test or a paper, but you won’t learn much. Also, do not cheat.6. Choose classes you’re interested in. This way you won’t mind doing all of the required reading and assignments and maybe

you’ll make a friend with the same interests as you!7. Don’t antagonize your roommate. They do live with you and they can get you back.8. Keep on top of things, you’re in charge now so if you fail it’s your fault.9. Leave enough time for driving to school, parking and walking.10. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed. There are a ton of new adjustments going on in your life right now, so expect to have

moments when it seems all just a bit too much. Be prepared to feel unprepared; the trick is to know and remember you’re not the only one feeling that way.

App Review: Stay In The Know With ScoreMobileHAYLEY SMITH

The Recorder

Whether you’re at class, working,or taking care of the many obligations of a college student, we all know how easy it can be to fall behind in watching your favorite sports team.

ScoreMobile is an app that can send live scores and updates straight to your mobile device from all of your favorite teams, whether it’s the CCSU Blue Devils, the New England Patriots, the USA olympians or even the South African Cricket team.

My dad was the first one to introduce me to the ScoreMobile app. At first it didn’t seem like something I necessarily wanted. Did I really need an alert on my phone telling me the score of the Yankees game when I can just as easily look it up myself?

After a few days of persuasion, he finally convinced me to download it, and it was not until then that I realize how useful it actually is.

ScoreMobile is broken up into categories based on leagues. You can find just about every professional sport you can think of from your standard leagues like MLB baseball, NBA basketball, NHL hockey and NFL football, to Mixed Martial Arts and Tour de France.

Within each league, the app provides profiles for each team. If you click on New York Yankees’ profile, you will find every bit of information you could possibly want: the team’s schedule, statistics, news headlines, injuries, roster and more. On top of providing a profile on each specific team, ScoreMobile also has profiles for every player on the team. These profiles feature pictures, statistics

and other information on all of your favorite athletes.

The best thing about the app is that each user can customize it to his or her specific needs. My dad and I both follow the Yankees, but our ScoreMobile experiences differ. When I first downloaded it, I set my preferences to what my dad had set his to: I would receive a reminder 15 minutes before each game begins, and alerts every time the score changes, whenever the bases are loaded, the final score, even a score update every three innings.

I’m not going to lie, after a week or two, all the updates became annoying. I would step away from my phone for ten minutes and have 17 updates from ScoreMobile when I returned. It was especially annoying when I was actually watching the game. I was about to delete the app altogether, but I really did find (most of) the reminders and updates useful. Instead of deleting it, I remembered that I could easily change my preferences to receive fewer alerts. Since my dad is a little more of a die-hard fan than I am he still gets the same alerts while I adjusted mine only to the 15-minute pre-game reminder and the final score.

I have to say, the adjustment made all the difference. This way I will know when a game is going on in case I’m able to watch it, and I’ll never be out of the loop when it comes to wins and losses.

If you’re simply looking for a score update on your favorite team, or for in-depth coverage and specific information on a multitude of your favorite teams, ScoreMobile can keep you individually updated so you’re always in the know.

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / SPORTS10


The Men’s Blue Devils Soccer team looks to impress again this year after an astounding season in 2011, where they finished as co-champions and semi-finalists.

The Blue Devils, who fell to eventual champions Monmouth in the NEC tournament semi-final, formed a surprise team package last season after an abysmal 2010 performance where they finished last in the NEC and only managed one conference win.

Coach Green, however, rebuilt the whole team around a 4 player spine with Occhialini in between the posts, and the Dioubate Brothers with Aaron Durr on defense and midfield. An attack trident was created with Reece Wilson leading the line and Thomas Obasi and Steven Bailey both supporting him.

While six seniors graduated, including Durr and Vice-captain Ognen Stamenkovik, the spine and trident have remained largely untouched. The team, though, recruited ten players this season from around the state, country, and world.

On defense, freshman Ben Knight will take over Durr’s gap as a 5’11” defender from Burton Albion FC. The defender won the 2011 BAFC Youth Player of the Year, and has been described by Coach Green as, “a top class person on and off the field. Ben has natural pace and is a tenacious ball

winner.” The coveted defender is a native of Nottingham, England.

The men’s soccer midfield is crowded, with senior Jesse Menzies expected to hold down a definite starting place, and Bailey shifting between left-back and left-winger. Competition for these two is not far off with new recruit Myles Clohessy joining the Blue Devils from Soccerplus. A natural midfielder, Clohessy joined the NY Red Bulls U-18 team, and won accolades as All-Berkshire League first teamer with his time at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

“Myles will add immediately to our team and is projected to be critical to our success over the next four years,” Coach Green said about the precocious midfielder. He trained in the Connecticut Olympic Development Program.

Although the attack seems solid with Wilson, Obasi and Eddy Bogle guaranteed starting line-ups following their performances last season, Coach Green brought freshman forward Frederick Metellus to boost his trident attack. Coach Green says he is looking forward to developing the young player.

“We are so excited to have him commit to CCSU and we look forward to taking his game to another level,” says Green. “The 5’1” player led his team to a Connecticut Southwest championship and won all All-area Team honors this past year.”

KENNY BARTO | THE RECORDER

www.centralrecorder.com

SPORTS BEGINS ON BACK PAGE


CCSU students can look forward to a season of vengeance with the women’s soccer team.

Last year’s team saw many of its more experienced players leave. Coach D’Arcy, however, said she created a defense-midfield-attack diamond that terrorized all teams around the conference.

The most balanced teams in recent years, the women’s Blue Devils named two new co-captains in goalkeeper Nikola Deiter, and the versatile Jewel Robinson. Deiter, a native of Australia, started in all 17 games last season after joining the Blue Devils as a freshman over two years ago. She averaged approximately .80 saves a game, and racked up 99 of them throughout the season. However, her clean sheets only totaled two. Robinson on the other hand, recently received All-New England accolades and scored two goals as a center half. With twenty shots, and ten on goal, she is by far the most audacious player in the team, who never forgets her overall duty to defend the lady Blue Devils.

In addition to the new captains, the backline will feature junior Rachel Cerrone, a diminutive defender from New York who started 15 games and assisted twice. Ashlee Barrow, a veteran recruited from University of South Carolina upstart will seek to cement her position as a full-back following a disappointing three starts for the quick-paced player. Defenders win championships and this is their chance to prove it now that they have a lot of experience under their belt.

A different midfield will be seen this year as many of its players are relatively newcomers. D’Arcy who emphasizes quick paced, possession football, will count on team main-stay Cara Cavallari to control the midfield as a central midfielder. The senior started all 17 games last season assisting in at least one goal. However, she will be backed up by Allison Kelley the Rhode Island native performed as CCSU’s motor, getting herself

Blue Devils Come Back With A Kick

involved in most goals last year, and winning possession for Central. Additionally, Michal Been has been recruited from Israel—a new freshman prospect, standing the tallest on the midfield at 5’5”, who will have the chance to prove her skill over the season.

Finally, what wins teams matches: the forwards. Coach D’Arcy has replenished his

attack adding two new freshmen in Delaney Lancor and Alysa Christo, two New England natives from Connecticut and Massachusetts. But all eyes will be on Rosie Maguire, winner of the NEC Rookie of the Year Award. The Irish forward netted five times last season and provided three assists. On the wings, Julie Lavoie and Kerriann Welch will support

Maguire. Lavoie scored twice, netting the winning goal against Providence and assisting on three goals. Welch on the other hand started all her games in her debut season, and scored 3 goals and three assists. She red shirted the 2011 season.

The season will be an explosive one which features exhibition matches against Boston University (which the team lost 0-3), University of Connecticut and Yale University. The NEC season starts off at home against NEC championship semi-finalists Monmouth on Sept 21, before they head into their first local derby away against Quinnipiac only two days later. Quinnipiac will seek revenge against the Blue Devils following an embarrassing loss to Central in which the Blue Devils put 4 goals past them.

CCSU will face the Ivy Leagues Harvard on Sept 26 before taking on Bryant four days afterwards. Both the Blue Devils and the Bulldogs will seek to improve on last year’s performance after they only managed a draw.

CCSU will travel to Robert Morris on October 7 to redeem their astonishing 3-1 loss at home last year. Finally, the biggest game of the season will see them face last year’s winners LIU Brooklyn away on October 26. The number 1 seed will seek a repeat of last year’s win over the Blue Devils by a goal to nil. The season will finish with FDU and Sacred Heart visiting CCSU on October 26 and 28. Last year, FDU defeated CCSU 2-0 while Sacred Heart could only salvage a draw.

With a tight defense, a packed midfield and a lethal attack force, the lady Blue Devils have high expectations to fill. Following a disappointing 2011 campaign, only months after a semi-final berth in 2010, this team will seek to redeem themselves. LIUB will prove to be their biggest test, while Yale, and Harvard should provide Coach D’Arcy with early and middle of the season testing grounds for his players. A top finish should be expected—however, a top four and semi-final berth, while in the realm of possibility, will be hard to achieve, but this team has proved time and time again that they have it in them.

CCSU Blue Devils Plan For Strong ReturnWith a rejuvenated and

talented team, the fixtures are the most important part of this year’s competition as the local derbies intensify and other teams seek to usurp Monmouth’s supremacy on the NEC conference.

The Blue Devils will take on Yale University for the first game of the regular season at home on August 31. Yale defeated CCSU in last year’s fixture 0-2. In three days’ time, September 3, the Blue Devils enter the Greater Hartford Derby away to University of Hartford, seeking to avenge their 1-0 loss last year at home.

On September 23, the Blue Devils begin their NEC campaign taking on Stony Brook before facing NEC Champions Monmouth at home two days later. The New Jersey school will try to settle the score against CCSU as they have not been able to win cleanly over Central Connecticut. Last year’s fixture ended with victory for the Blue Devils (1-2) and their semi-final leg ended 1-1 with Monmouth winning on PKs.

The ending of the NEC campaign pits the Blue Devils against Sacred Heart at home and Quinnipiac away on October 21and November 2, respectively. Both teams defeated the Blue Devils in last year’s regular season. Quinnipiac won by a goal, while Sacred Heart managed a routine 2-0 win over Central Connecticut. Sacred Heart was seeded third in last year’s semi-final with CCSU winning

second seed. The season culminates with a home game against Bryant University on November 4.

The Blue Devils are seeded fifth for this year’s campaign; nevertheless, Coach Green will seek to win the regular season as this is the second year of his 4 year plan. With a strong

back-line, a solid midfield and a killer attack, it is very much possible for this team to end in the first spot. But in the game anything goes, and a finish below the fourth spot will be seen as disappointing and abysmal.


Midfielder Cara Cavallari played all 17 games last season.

Midfielder Manny Nobre saw 10 games last season.

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / SPORTS 11

Joe Arnone: A True Blue DevilBRITTANY BURKE

The Recorder

Joe’s Arnone’s game day delivery is one that CCSU sports fans have recognized for 50 years.

Arnone doesn’t have the name recognition of a Bob Sheppard or a Vin Scully; he’s just as ingrained in his surrounding sports culture - and has to be one of the best-kept secrets in the Northeast, if not the country.

“Nothing lasts forever but I’m not thinking along those lines,” Arnone said after a recent basketball game where he was honored for his service. “It’s been a great ride and I’ve enjoyed it.”

Some people graduate from college with no intentions of going back, but that wasn’t the case for Joe. He not only went back to CCSU, he never left, and Arnone makes no apologies for his hometown style.

“I’ve got to watch myself though because I’m not a very good spectator,” he said. “A matter of fact sometimes on the microphone I forget where I am and how I’m supposed to be neutral. I live and die with each victory and each defeat.”

There is only one voice that can be heard above the cheering of the crowds. There is one voice that goes above the cracking of a bat around the newly renovated baseball field, the methodic bouncing of a basketball atop the gym’s polished floors, and through the clanking of football pads on Arute Field.

That is the voice synonymous with CCSU athletics. That booming voice heard rolling through all of the CCSU campus on any given game belongs to 80-year old, resident Blue Devil and long-time public address announcer, Joe Arnone.

Joe’s game day delivery is something that has become engrained in the culture of Blue Devil sports.

“I’ve been working with Joe since the fall of 2002 when I left Hartford and came to CCSU,” said CCSU Sports Information Director, Tom Pincince. Working with Joe is great. You won’t find someone out there who has a greater love for Central.”

Dressed to call CCSU’s baseball game against UMass in gray sweatpants, a blue Central Connecticut hoodie, a tan hat with a sewn CC on the front and matching silver and blue Nikes, it’s clear that despite having to be neutral, where Arnone’s allegiance truly lies.

Since his days as a night school student when the University was just a teacher’s college, and with all his time spent on campus, Arnone says he has no intention of leaving.

CCSU gave Joe a chance for a better life, an option other than a run of the mill blue collar worker.

Originally from a coal mining town in western Pennsylvania, it seemed that once he graduated high school his life would be mapped out for him. He would follow in the footsteps of his father and spend his days working below the ground as a coal miner.

“I grew up in a coal mining town and I knew I was headed to the coal mines just like my father and my brothers before me and I worked in a coal mine for three months. When I graduated from high school in May I worked for three months and I remember coming home one day and telling my father there had to be something better then emulating a mole for eight hours and then emerging into the daylight; that’s when I joined the Marine Corps,” Joe said.

Three months after his graduation Joe decided he’d had enough and enlisted with two other friends. The Marine Corps took him away from Pennsylvania and planted him in Korea for 18 months, but it also brought him closer to his future wife.

While overseas he met a fellow Marine. She was from New Britain, and their friendship eventually turned into more. It was their marriage that brought Joe to New Britain.

“I went back to Pennsylvania to visit my parents a few times over the years before they passed away but I never went back in permanent fashion. I’ve been in Connecticut since 1955,” he said.

Being the school’s number one public address announcer wasn’t Joe’s first encounter with CCSU, it wasn’t even his first job. During his time as a night school student at CCSU, he was accepted into the daytime program. By the time he was finished with his teaching degree and had a job lined up in the Farmington school system, he was also father and husband.

During the day he’d spend his time teaching physics, a passion that is still evident in his explanations of why the baseball field’s press box isn’t aerodynamically sound, and in the afternoon he’d travel back to the CCSU campus to work in the athletics department.

Whether it was running around writing press releases on a type writer to send out to local newspapers, working as an adjunct professor, teaching baseball umpiring, serving as a Blue Devil coach, or doing what he’s best known for, it’s clear that Blue Devil pride runs through his veins. It’s something that despite all of these years he just can’t seem to shake.

“I went to school one full year at night and made good grades,

I worked hard,” said Arnone. “I was working all the time and I was married. I got married in 1955 and our first kid came along in ‘56 a year later, the second one in ’58. So I worked my way through this place, I’m proud to say and it’s an important part of my life and I’d like to give back.”

Giving back is just what he’s been doing for the past 50 years. After fully taking over as public address announcer in 1962, Joe has been getting paid a stipend, but he doesn’t keep it. Instead he donates the money he gets paid, plus some, back to the school.

“What most people don’t know about Joe is that every penny he makes working as the PA announcer at various sports goes right back to CCSU. He is a loyal supporter and the most loyal person you will ever meet,” said Pincince.

“It keeps me young, it keeps me going,” said Joe. “I receive a stipend for my work but I give it all back to a scholarship fund. I don’t take any money, in fact, I put more in than they pay me but it’s been a love affair, a real love affair.”

All of his efforts were honored last year by Pincince during a men’s basketball game. The acknowledgement of all his time behind the microphone elicited a drowning round of applause by the fans, coaches, athletes and administration.

“[Tom] totally caught me off guard that’s for sure. I was a little surprised. I said at the time because I had to say a few words, it just proves if you hang around long enough you get noticed,” said Joe.

Even after all these years and all the time he spent as a student and student athlete, a coach and a professor, he still can’t imagine letting go of his position with the school.

“Nothing lasts forever and I understand that and there will be a time when I won’t be able to do it physically and or mentally and I’ll have to let it go, but I’m not thinking along those lines. I’m sure the day will come; I just hope it’s pretty far down the road. It’s been a great ride and I’ve enjoyed it.”

Joe will be back this year, his voice ringing above all else, narrating the Blue Devils’ 2012-2013 season.

Arnone at his post giving CCSU sports fans a play-by-play of a game.


After spending a whole summer preparing for this fall season, volleyball Coach Linda Sagnelli believes that the team is in the best possible shape they could be.

The team spent the summer taking classes and training with Mike Piper. The coach staff is not allowed to work with the team during the summer due to NEC regulation, but they still practiced in the gym with Piper and worked out some plays.

“He has done a phenomenal job with the team,” said Sagnelli. “We had some very clear goals when they left last semester.”

The team has five new players this season, three of them being freshmen.

“The dedication that they have to being successful is at a really high level,” explained Sagnelli. “They have been working out with the strength coach through out the whole summer and most our new players were here as well. They started summer school on July 22, and took six credits in summer sessions. Because of that the NCAA allows them to have the academic services and to work with our strength coach.”

This season’s co-captains are Emily Cochran and Jamie Rademacher.

“Our two captains are great leaders,” explained Sagnelli. “They have had a lot to do with the team unity and I couldn’t be happier with the role that they are playing this year. I respect them both very much for their dedication.”

With the start of conference games just around the corner in September, Sagnelli has been putting a lot of effort into getting one of her newest players ready for conference games.

Makenna Lommori was a two-time state player of the year in Nevada as a junior and senior. Sagnelli believes she is going to be an impact player this season even though she is only a freshman.

“Typically we play a 5-1 system but this time we’re playing a 6-2 system, so there are two setters on the court,” said Sagnelli. “Because of that, McKenna has the ability to be one of those setters, and when she rotates to the front of the court we can use her attacks because she is such a great hitter.”

Because of Lommori’s offensive ability she may become one of the teams top hitters, and Sagnelli can see she has the ability and wants to help her develop it.

All of this training is in preparation of what is sure to be challenging season for the Division I team.

“This period before we go into conference games is a great time to get people on the team playing experience and to see what the team looks like and what we have to work on,” said Sagnelli. “Conference play for us starts on September 22nd. We hope we have the kinks worked out by then, which I believe we will.”

As the team goes through the month of September they have a lot of competition. They just came back from West Virginia which wound up 1 and 2 in that tournament, and they will be playing in a tournament on Friday at home against Saint Johns, Holy Cross and Brown University.

“You always have to prepare to the best of your ability for conference games,” said Sagnelli. “We have been concentrating a lot on the little things and the fundamental skills, and try to get better at repeating that successfully. We prepare to the best of our ability for each different team that we play.”

Summer Training Pays Off For CCSU Women’s Volleyball

MATT AVENIThe Recorder

Every summer sports fans across the nation are engaged in baseball pennant races whether it is Red Sox verse the Yankees, Rangers verse the Angels, Dodgers verse the Giants or even the Mets faltering after the trade deadline.

If the baseball pennant races are not intriguing, football is around the corner with the New York Jets stealing the show from the defending Super Bowl Champions the New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers MVP, Aaron Rodgers.

However, this summer was unlike most; the 2012 Olympic Games in London brought excitement to many Americans, whether they are sports fans or not. There is something about the Olympics that makes everyone watch. It might be Michael Phelps chasing history, and finding a new rival in fellow American, Ryan Lochte. Still, Phelps accomplished every man or woman’s dream of being the all-time Olympic medals leader with twenty-two medals, eighteen of which are gold.

USA’s men’s and women’s basketball team stole the show with not only beating the other teams, but stamping their names as two of the best basketball teams in Olympic history. They are stars not only in America, but worldwide. Everyone knows the names of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Diana Taurasi, but it is what these Olympians did off the court that made them true Americans. These athletes would not only go watch, but they would encourage and cheer as their fellow Americans compete in events.

Gabby Douglas is one American gold

Medalist who is arguably the best gymnast of her generation. She still does not have her driver’s license, but she brought home the gold in both individual and team all-around competitions. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings are another pair and together they won their third straight gold medal in beach volleyball, and it might be their last run together in their sport.

No one can forget Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt winning the men’s 100 meter and 200 meter races, still maintaining his status as the world’s fastest man. Also, Oscar Pistorius from South Africa who became the first double amputee to race in the Olympics.

The stories of the 2012 Olympic Games can go on, but what is it that makes many Americans stay up to watch these athletes compete on a world wide scale?

Could it be that 10,000 of the world’s greatest athletes compete in a seventeen day haul to be crowned in London as the best in their sport, or even the fact that many of the athletes struggle to pay rent and live off of the endorsements and donations they receive just to live every child’s dream and compete? It might be fighting for your country, family and your pride that makes you put it all out on the line in front of the whole world.

There is one thing that everyone could agree with, the Olympics is one of the most exciting seventeen days in sports. It makes the not so everyday stars have their moment of glory where not a single thing can bring them down. The fight, struggle and work ethic make the Olympics everything it is and every four years the world watches with pride for their country.

The Olympics: Something More Than Sports


DANIEL SAUNDERS | THE RECORDER

THE RECORDER / Wednesday, August 29, 2012 / SPORTS 12

CCSU Blue Devils Football Look For Good Start

MATT AVENIThe Recorder

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils seek to have a comeback season after finishing their 2011 campaign with just a (4-7) record and a (3-5) record in the division. The Blue Devils finished their season with two division wins verse Robert Morris and Bryant, and hope to carry some of that end of the season momentum in with them this season.

Head Coach Jeff McInerney was all smiles coming off of their last practice in full pads Thursday night. The team played a controlled scrimmage, going over plays and schemes that they want to implement in their season opener at Stony Brook September 1.

“We have a tough start to the season playing against three FCC teams that made it

to the playoffs and won some games, but we are ready for the challenge,” said McInerney.

Although many of the team’s offseason questions were answered, the biggest question still remains: Who will be the CCSU Blue Devils starting quarterback?

The three players fighting for the starting job are the Blue and White Spring game MVP Andrew Clements, senior captain Jake White and transfer student from Tulane, Nick SanGiacomo. Coach McInerney will not name his quarterback for the season opener until the Friday leading up to the game.

In his eighth season with the Blue Devils, Coach McInerney still has the same season goal: to win the schools fifth NEC division title.

“Our one goal is to win the division, it is going to be hard but we want to get better

each week,” said McInerney.The Blue Devils are picked to finish

fourth in the NEC behind Albany, Duquesne and Bryant. The preseason picks mean little to nothing for the team according to McInerney.

“The NEC division is great, no team is easy to beat, every week is a test and that is why we play the game,” explained McInerney.

Last season the Blue Devils were picked to be the preseason number one, but they could not accomplish their ultimate goal. Albany has been the only team to be picked preseason number one and still come out with the division title.

The defensive side of the ball looked fast and strong and Coach McInerney said he believes he has a pretty strong defense. However, his three big play makers on offense led by senior captain wide receiver,

Denzell Jones, are the real threats that will keep putting pressure on the opposing teams.

“Deven Baker, Nick Bacarella, and Denzell Jones showed up to camp looking real good and should make a strong impact on our team this year,” said McInerney.

The outlook on the season for the CCSU Blue Devils is strong. Coach McInerney says he loves his team and loves this school and he hopes to carry on his winning tradition hear at Central.

“There are no expectations for this year, we hope to be competitive in our first three games verse FCC opponents and be ready to play against the teams in our division,” McInerney said.

When asked how feels about this season Coach Mcnerney had one thing to say: “I feel really good about this team and we can make an impact in this division.”

DANIEL SAUNDERS | THE RECORDER

CCSU BLUE DEVILS2012 Football

ScheduleSept. 1 @ Stony Brook

Sept. 8 vs LehighSept. 15 @ New

HampshireSept. 22 vs Wagner

Sept. 29 @ Sacred HeartOct. 13 vs Duquesne

Oct. 20 @ Robert Morris

Oct. 27 vs Saint Francis (PA)

Nov. 3 @ MonmouthNov. 10 vs Bryant

CCSU Blue Devils practice with a scrimmage for the upcoming fall season.

CCSU Blue Devils goal seek to win the division this upcoming season.

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The Recorder Volume 109 Issue 01