Nearly Two Years of Winning and Still Overlooked?

By Hobson Lopes

In recent months, all Connecticut Huskies fans have had a lot to talk about. They had the football team being competitive in every game and even included defeating the great Notre Dame. All of this fighting through the adversity of losing one of their own after this seasons homecoming game. The men’s basketball team gave Coach Jim Calhoun a five year extension, which has yet to be signed. Calhoun has had health issues in the past and this season is no exception. He missed a couple weeks due to his latest health scare and the team has struggled for most of the season. Recently, the team has worked together to pull off multiple upsets setting them up for a trip to the NCAA tournament later this month. Through all of this, one thing that seems to be forgotten is the women’s basketball team coached by Geno Auriemma. What makes that more amazing is the fact that the team has won 69 straight games. With all those wins, do they lead off Sportscenter? WIth all those wins, do they recieve front page coverage? Maybe if they were playing LeBron James or the New York Yankees.
You have to go back to the 2008 Final Four in Tampa Bay, Florida, to find the last loss by this team. Since that 82-73 loss to Stanford, the Huskies have dominated all opponents. They have won each game by at least ten points. They have easily gone through the competition in the Big East Conference winning 32 straight games. They avenged their loss to Stanford by defeating them in the 2009 Final Four in St. Louis, Missouri, 83-64.
These numbers all look great, but it pales in comparison to how well the Huskies play against the top ranked teams in the country. Seventeen of the victories have come against team ranked in the top 25 polls with a margin of victory of over 28 points. In their seven playoff games since their last loss, the Huskies margin of victory has been almost 27 points.
Many people feel that Auriemma’s team will not get beaten this season and would finish with their second consecutive undefeated season and third overall in their great history. If the Huskies win all the remaining regular season games, they can tie their own Division I women’s basketball winning streak with a win in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament on March 7. Thus, a second consecutive perfect season will give them 78 straight wins, only ten shy of tying the all time collegiate streak record held by UCLA.
Coach Auriemma just knows how to coach, and more importantly, knows how to recruit. He will lead the women’s Olympic basketball team in 2010, and has already booked his ticket to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA.
This year, led by Maya Moore and Tina Charles and their over 35 points per game, this duo is near the top of the list in UConn’s great legacy, which include the duos of Jen Rizzoti & Rebecca Lobo and Diana Taurasi & Sue Bird. With Charles ready to graduate this spring, she’s completing her WNBA resume as she recently broke the All-time UConn records for points and rebounds. Moore & Charles feed off each other and make sure to incorporate Kalana Greene and Tiffany Hayes into the action.
While the diehard fans know all of this information already, what I am concerned about is this team is expected to win, so a streak of this caliber is overlooked. Although attendance is high at each game, whether home or away, it still seems that in this area, they are looked past. This reminds me of the situation that the Atlanta Braves faced in the 90’s. Starting in 1991, the Braves were the best team in the National League, and got to the World Series multiple times, but only won once. With each winning season, the attendance figures dropped at Turner Field as the fans just expected the team to win. I know once March Madness sweeps the area, fans will be all over the men’s and women’s teams, but I would still hope to see more enthusiasm from the locals all season long, especially as records come and go.

Wings

By Jessenia Cintron

There was a time when people could fly
But for generations we've been born with no wings
Just like you I wished to touch the sky
To reach the unattainable wishes that sleep within my belly
On a day just like any other my wings began to grow
The envy of those around me began to show
New joy gave hope to impossible dreams
And so I began to rise on lonely wings
I wanted to take you high with me
For love they said we'll rip these wings
Now here I am all alone
My beautiful wings are now tattered
The desire for us to fly burning deep within my heart
I hope that with time they will mend
But in the meantime I will build new wings
A pair for you & me
On these imperfect wings we'll build our future
And birth a new generation who we will teach to fly

Part I: The Face of a Storm

By Loriann Cordero

Society shows little mercy. It dictates success as having a great job, nice house, and a hefty bank account. However, beneath what our society mandates as the foundation for everyday life, exist a population which is the opposite; a way of life that “normal society” refuses to acknowledge. An Underground City: this population, also known as “the homeless, bums, vagrants, losers”, has become invisible because according to “the norm” it represents failure. There is a stigma that follows the homeless. It is believed that they have brought this failure upon themselves and now they do not deserve a second chance.

The first time he rolled up to the street ministry, it had all the resemblance of the darkest thunderhead ever imagined. He did not want any one to talk to him, or even look at him. His clothes resembled the aftermath of a storm as well. They were ratted, torn, and dirty. By his matted and greasy hair, and the smudges of dirt on his face, it was apparent that he had not bathed for days. His eyes were red and bloodshot; and even at several feet away the smell of alcohol was strong and overpowering. The name of the gentleman being described is John, and he was bringing the storms of change to the lives of many that day.

John was new to the ministry site. This was not unusual because the weather was turning colder. Along with this change in temperature, many more homeless came out from the woods for hot food and beverages. John stumbled his way into line and immediately began to argue with the others around him who were patiently awaiting their turn for hot dogs and soup. John began to push and accuse people of cutting in front of him. He snapped at a woman who entered the line, “What the heck are you doing?” The woman’s expression revealed shock at first, and when she quickly recovered, she replied in an agitated tone, “What are you talking about you old drunk, I was already in line!” She then continued, “You cut in front of me!” John’s face held all the fury of a volcano as he erupted with, “Shut-up or I will beat the tar out of you!” A heated argument ensued and then others in line started to join in. In order to keep things calm, ministry volunteers brought John food and gently, but cautiously, directed him to a seat under a tree. As John sat and ate his food, he continued to snap and snarl at the other homeless guests that were being served. “Get away from me, I don’t want you over here,” he yelled at Don who tried to share the ledge near the tree. Don just grumbled something about “you old fool,” as he walked off.
One of my duties in the ministry is to assist in providing employment opportunities. In doing so, I have the opportunity to walk around and chat with the homeless about their daily lives and the people they encounter while living in the camps. This day, as I was speaking with a gentleman named Stan and his topic of conversation was about none other than John. Stan spoke to me out of concern for John’s safety. He looked at me with furrowed brows and concerned eyes as he said, “John keeps telling everyone he wants to commit suicide.” Stan glanced over at John, making sure he was not being overheard and then quietly continued, “He told me that he lives in a house with no running water, no electricity, no heat, and it was condemned by the City of New Britain a few years ago.” He sighed, helpless, “If the city finds out John is still living there, they will throw him out on the street.” Stan went on “Lori, John tried to kill himself three weeks ago, but ended up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning.” Then he explained further “He has been drinking heavily again today and that is why he has been threatening everyone with harm who even attempt to come near him.” After Stan chatted with me a few more minutes I found myself facing a decision. In my heart I knew I had to try and speak to John. However, my mind was telling me that this was a dangerous option. My heart, as usual, won.

As I looked over at John, it was almost as if I could see the thunderclouds over his head. Actually, it was more like a typhoon, hurricane, and tornado rumbling simultaneously above his head. I cautiously walked up to him and asked him if he would like any more to eat. He spun around, looked at me, and grumbled, “No, I am fine.” I then introduced myself “My name is Lori, by the way.” “My name is John,” he grumbled.

I carefully sat down next to him and asked him how he is managing. He began to tell me about his life and his living circumstances. “I live in a house that was condemned by the City,” he stated flatly. He did not look at me as he was talking. He just stared down at the hot dog resting in his hand. I did not say anything. I decided to let him talk as much or as little as he wished. “I do not have any heat,” and added “It is just as cold in my house as it is outside.” We sat silent for a few moments. Then I ventured, “John, what about your family? Can you stay with them?” He shook his head sadly and said, “My wife divorced me and my children abandoned me.” Then John looked at me with deep red eyes. I was not sure if they were red from the alcohol or from the sting of tears. “I was a Marine and I served in Vietnam,” he said as a matter of fact. He went on to say “The military taught me how to kill, but they never taught me how to love again.” He looked back down at the ground, “I did not show my family any love, so I cannot blame my family for abandoning me.” He then stated bluntly “I have nothing to live for anymore.” When he was done speaking, he stood up and reached for the bags at his feet that held his belongings. I looked at him, and asked him softly, “John, can I give you a hug?” John looked at me with both a puzzled and startled expression on his face and asked, “What did you say?” I repeated, “Can I give you a hug, John?” He asked “Why would you want to give me a hug?” Even as he asked the question he was already tentatively opening his arms and his bags were still in his hands. John’s voice was filled with emotion as he said to me, “No one has given me a hug in about thirty years.”

As I stepped into his arms, I wrapped mine around his neck. I felt his arms gently close around me. I was close to his ear and said, “Because I care, John.” When I said that, I felt the bags fall to the ground and I felt his hug tighten. It was my every intention to comfort him. However, suddenly a wellspring of tears just bubbled up from inside me and I just started to sob. Through my tears, I repeated to him, “Please do not kill yourself, John, please don’t. I would miss you so much if you did.” John began to give me comfort instead. When I pulled back and looked at him, he took his dirty hand and patted my check. I looked into eyes that were no longer red, but bright blue and smiling. His face had actually softened. He had the expression of some one who was just handed hope.

Working in shelters and outreach programs these last twelve years has taught me one important thing: hope is what the homeless look for in the faces of those who pass them by on the street. Sit and talk with anyone who has spent even one night on the street or in a shelter, and the first thing you will hear is that they no longer feel like a person. They feel invisible and forgotten. No one ever wants to feel that way. According to the CT Count 2009 report released by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, “an estimated 4,154 people were experiencing homelessness in Connecticut on the night of January 28, 2009. Among those counted in sheltered settings, there were 2,482 single adults and 423 families with minor children. Counted in places unintended for human habitation such as streets, cars, parks, abandoned buildings, were 488 single adults and 7 families with minor children.” While packed with statistics, what the report failed to show was the hopelessness those individuals felt that night. However, that is the intent and purpose of this two part series; to not only give voices to those who are silenced by that hopelessness, but to also bring those out of the shadows that society would prefer invisible.

Not Myself

By Stasia Mihaly

I am crying on the inside
Can’t stop it on the outside
I want relief from this black hole

I feel like my insides are screaming
I know they are bleeding
My eyes are swollen
Welled up with tears

I can’t even finish a sentence
I don’t feel like going out anymore
I want to stop crying
I want everything in the world to just stop
I want to stop crying
I want to stop crying

I want to be myself
I need to feel myself
Nothing feels real
Everything is a washed out dream

Twisted, turned upside down, spastic
My world is spinning into disaster
My world is stuck in the black hole

Finding Good Through it All

By Paul Singley

The gawky teenager runs awkwardly down the court, sheepishly waits under the basket and hesitates before calling for the basketball.

All season long, players have tried in vain to feed him with passes, but time and again Jimmy has dropped the ball. As a special needs student, he is embraced by his peers for his uncanny work ethic. But to score a basket just doesn't appear in the cards.

This time would be different, though. Jimmy posts up, catches the pass and turns toward the hoop. A quicker, stronger and taller defender immediately swarms him and can easily block the shot. But the opponent realizes this may be Jimmy's only chance to score a basket. Without being obvious, the defender backs away and lets Jimmy shoot. The ball bounces off the backboard, off the front rim and drops in the bucket. Two points go on the board.

The crowd roars, realizing they have just witnessed Jimmy's first points of the season and possibly the shining moment in his recreational athletic career.

Though this vignette involves a player, a ball and a score, it has little to do with sport. It is about the graciousness of teenagers - a group that seldom gets recognized for its good deeds - and how a small moment in time can leave a lasting impression on the soul.

As Jimmy's coach, these are the moments for which I devote my time. It's not about wins and losses, it's about seeing kids succeed and rise above their expectations.

Over the past two weeks, I have pondered the power of the moment when Jimmy scored. I've wondered why it is that people don't choose to be as gracious as his defender on a regular basis. Why does it seem all we ever hear about is conflict or negativity?

We can blame the media for not covering enough positive stories. As a journalist, I too, am guilty of covering a fair amount of negative news, though I try, every day, to seek out the positive.

Or we can blame society for allowing our world to turn into one where conflicts are resolved through war and strife.

But I think the responsible person would also choose to blame himself or herself.

As human beings, too often we do not seek out those little moments in time when we can say we're proud to be part of this society.

We watch the eleven o'clock news and stay focused on the latest home invasion, murder or other story of misery. While it's important to know what is happening in society, even if it's negative, it's equally important to stay tuned to the positive: Millions of people helping to rebuild Haiti; the community of Cheshire rallying around Dr. William Petit after his wife and daughters were murdered during a home invasion; people who rescue abused animals and place them in happy and healthy homes.

These are just a few of the positive stories that can be found in the aftermath of bad news. People always seem to step up most during times of struggle, and it's important to notice those stories too. I'm trying hard to find them now, and I'm uncovering gems in everyday life.

I noticed two students from entirely different backgrounds helping each other with math homework after my communications class.

I noticed the man holding a door for an elderly woman; the student who never grasped the concept finally starting to learn; and the couple holding hands as they strutted down the hallway.

We call these the little moments, but once you see them, they make all a huge difference in your appreciation of the world and its people.

I figure we can all use some good in our lives considering that, according to researchers, we live in the second most unhappy state in America ahead of only New York. A recent study conducted by the University of Warwick in England discovered those results.

Think about that: New Orleans is still trying to overcome the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and yet the collective state spirit is happy as a clam (Louisiana ranked first in happy states per the study, which, interestingly enough, was conducted before the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras). We haven't seen a natural disaster of Katrina's magnitude in our state's history and yet we can't crack a smile?

It is my untested and unscientific theory that people would be a heck of a lot happier if they found joy in life's little things. Look for the simple joys in life and you might find that the evening news won't make you as upset, and you won't be irritated as much by your pet peeves, such as when a student in your class is texting away right in front of you (btw students: tell ur friends ttyl cuz that really makes your profs :-(, lol.)

Like Jimmy, I think we should take a shot. We should try, even just a little, to look beyond the obvious and focus on the good details in life.

Too often, we'll watch the game, look at the score, but won't notice that kid standing stiff under the basket. We won't celebrate his hoop because it's just two more points in a lopsided game. And inevitably, we'll miss that magical moment.

Paul Singley is an adjunct professor of communications at NVCC. He is also a full-time journalist for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. E-mail him at psingley@nvcc.commnet.edu.

Let There Be Education for All Who Strive to Learn

By: Nancy Xu
Community Colleges all over the country are making a crucial step towards making education more accessible to everyone by offering four year degrees.
I had the fortune of experiencing my first year of college worry free because all my finances were covered by my parents while I was studying at the State University of New York in Albany. Unfortunately, near the end of my first year, as our economy started to crack under pressure and businesses began to collapse, my father lost his job. I could no longer attend the school I had grown used to. I was bitter and helpless, so I reluctantly packed up and moved back home to Connecticut.
I am determined in my quest for a higher education and will stop at nothing to reach my goal of becoming a physician one day. I was sure of one thing though, I had no money and I did not want to put any strain on my already struggling family, so I decided I would pay for college on my own. I got two jobs and felt like I was on my way, until I ran into a major obstacle. As I scrolled through the local college websites and did some calculations, I realized that my two minimum wage jobs could not even make a dent in any of these four year colleges’ tuition. I was distraught.
By the end of my first year at NVCC, I had fallen in love with my school. I never expected so much from a school that I paid so little to attend. My teachers were all so knowledgeable and enthusiastic, not only that but my class sizes were so small compared to my first college that I could actually interact with my teacher and colleagues. These schools also offer students a flexible schedule so that they can work and pay for school. Community colleges, as the name states, are also very involved in the community and offer endless opportunities to become an active community member.
Since I have come to realize what a great gift community college is to motivated academics everywhere, I wondered why I could not just stay at my current school to get my four year degree. It would be so important to me if my college would offer a four year degree. Not only have I come to love the diverse people, enjoy all the opportunities and learned as much as I can from my intelligent professors, but it would mean I would not need to incur heavy debt before I even finish undergraduate school. This is the next major step in education and a gift to eager students striving to learn.

Hospitality Management Spring Lunch Series

Dumpling Day
Thursday, April 1st

Every ethnic kitchen has its own dumpling. Taste authentic Shanghai Dumplings, Italian Ravioli, Polish Pierogi, or Spanish Empana¬das. There will even be a des¬sert dumpling to finish off this unique meal.
Beverage included $12.
Reservations accepted between 12:00 – 1:00

Comfort Foods,
with a twist
Thursday, April 15th
Some of the old time favorites updated with some new ingredients.
Dessert and beverage included $18.
Reservations accepted between 12:00 – 1:00


Please join us for these two fun lunches! Naugatuck Valley Community College’s Hospitality Management students will cook for you and serve in style!

A portion of the proceeds from these lunches support the scholarship program.
Lunches are served in the new Technol¬ogy Hall Dining Room, T531.

To reserve, please call Karen Rotella at 203-596-8739, or email at krotella@nvcc.commnet.edu.

Horoscopes by Yisel

Aquarius
January 20 - February 18
You will soon start saving money by car pooling with your friends. No need to bring your bathing suit.
Pisces
February 19 - March 20
Your romantic life could use some maintenance. Do something spontaneous in order to sweep your partner off their feet.
Aries
March 21 - April 19
You are confused, unpredictable and generally blurry. So is your future.
Taurus
April 20 - May 20
You have been feeling lost lately and your life needs to take a new direction. A GPS navigator will help.
Gemini
May 21 - June 20
You have a lot of drive in you. Make sure you don’t forget your bus pass.
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
Today’s forecast: Sunny. It is a Great day for bright ideas.
Leo
July 23 - August 22
Life is short. You need to Grow up!

Virgo
August 23 - September 22
You will jump start into a new career as well as your car. You forgot to turn your lights off.
Libra
September 23 – October 22
Today’s lucky numbers are 5, 10, 23, 13, and 3. Sorry… Better luck tomorrow!
Scorpio
October 23 - November 21
You must begin to take full control of your life and put the Wii controller down.
Sagittarius
November 22 -December 21
You’ve been feeling down and in the darkness. Get up and turn the lights on.
Capricorn
December 22 - January 19
Life will be coming at you full speed. Buckle up!

Obama

When Brother Obama (yes, I still claim him as part of my Black family) was elected, everyone who supported him actively or otherwise, had a agenda for him to pick up. This has always been true of the "First Black" anything. There is no way he could become all things to all people, let alone all Black People. In our hearts we have always known this to be true, but some folks hold on to the possibility anyway. The next move is for some folks to claim the person is not Black enough. I say, enough of that crap.

He will NEVER be able to do what everyone thinks he should be doing. There are bound to be people disappointed in his agenda and/or timetable. This too, is natural and we have waited a long time for this moment.

This is a part of the unresolved issue of American politics. Is an elected person someone whom you trust to do the right thing, or someone who does whatever you want, whenever you want it, no matter how many times you change your mind? (Sounds a little like finding the right mate, doesn't it?).

So my response is this: if you feel the issues that you hold most dear are important enough, keep on keeping on. My belief is that the people who criticize the loudest are the ones doing the least. President Obama just got the biggest job in the world. I still trust that he will make a difference.

Once again, this is my personal opinion.
Peace,

Brother/Professor William H. Foster III

Mattatuck: More Than a Museum

During Connecticut's colonial era, women were warned to avoid exciting their minds with reading and writing books. And as late as 1888, a Louisa May Alcott character is described as being "too fond of books… they have turned her brain." Cultural constraints worked against women's full participation in the public world until the mid-1800s, but changes in society in that period (immigration, urbanization and industrialization) resulted in new opportunities. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we have the occasion to identify the achievements of three women in Waterbury who were pioneers in re-defining what women could attain.
These women, who remain largely unknown in our city's history, set an early standard for feminist success. They were Martha Dunn, Caroline Conkey and Amelia Porter. They came from middle class households, were educated and had satisfying careers. They were all medical doctors practicing in Waterbury in the 1880s.
The first American medical schools were for men only. After exerting intense pressure, women began to gain admission around 1850. Waterbury's first female physician was Martha M. Dunn who graduated from the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1879. She began her practice initially in Utica, New York before coming to Waterbury in 1882. After a successful practice of five years, Dr. Dunn gave up her practice and she married in 1888. Her successor was Dr. Caroline R. Conkey.
Born in Massachusetts and trained at the Woman's Medical College of the New York Infirmary, Dr. Conkey came to Waterbury as a successor to Dr. Dunn. An article in the Waterbury American identifies the tenor of the day regarding gender bias: "She will find that in Waterbury the prejudice against women physicians has been almost entirely removed by the personal virtues and professional success of her predecessor." Dr. Conkey enjoyed a large and important practice and was an attending at the Waterbury Hospital. Her positive position in Waterbury society was assisted, no doubt, by her participation in the city's social activities, including the Young Women's Friendly League. Led by Waterbury's prominent women and supported by St. John's church, this group aimed to develop "intellectual, industrial and social character in self-supporting and wage-earning girls and young women.” A photograph of Dr. Conkey, on view in the museum's current exhibition, shows her at work at her desk looking professional, dignified and competent.
Waterbury's accepting attitude towards women physicians probably motivated the arrival of Ameila A. Porter who arrived in the city just after graduating from the School of Medicine of Boston University. Though she developed an extensive practice, ill health caused her to retire in 1890 before passing away in 1891.
These pioneering women deserve to be known and our city's acceptance of them should make us proud. You will be when you visit the Mattatuck Museum and see the exhibit, Our Beautiful City: Waterbury 1880-1930. Visit our website www.mattatuckmuseum.org for further information.

Celestial Marathon

By Mark Wilson

The society of heavens surround in craze
Seatin’ to watch this annual race
Bright darkness flashes in my face
Readyin’ for the long chase

A rocket pierces the vacuum quickly
I run the pace admirably
Solar winds flood my eyes violently
Invisible wings build on me so rudely

Beads of water appear from nowhere
As these slopes defies truth’s dare
Time slows into a glare
I swear I’m runnin’ on no air

Olympics fear where I stare
The unforgiving turbulence never cares
This undulation tests my inner hare
Losing sanity with each blare

An ocean of me spreads out slowly
Soakin’ my body freely
Yet the miles pile on steadily
As that finish line grows clearly

I walk the line in Faith’s pace
As I triumph by a face
My burnt vessel laughs in place
As I finally walk out of insanity’s maze

Bud Selig: His Past, Present, and Future

By Dennis Brown

Baseball is “America’s Pastime.” Baseball is a sport that has brought joy to people in this country since first appearing during the civil war era. Any sport or business however, would be lost without a leader. Allen H. Selig, better known as Bud, has been the face of Professional baseball for eighteen years. Since coming into office as commissioner of the MLB, Bud Selig has had his share of controversies and tough decisions. At the age of seventy-five, it is no surprise that there has been talk of retirement for Bud, but what would this do for the sport of baseball?
Just two years after being named acting commissioner of Major League Baseball in 1992, Bud Selig was faced with the strike between the players and owners regarding their salaries. He set a deadline and when it came, the 1994 season was cancelled because no agreement had been reached. One year later, after meeting with President Clinton at the White House, Selig stated “we are committed to playing the 1995 season and will do so with the best players willing to play.” This was huge for the sport, implying that replacement players may be used in the striker’s place. Throughout the years Bud Selig has also made other big decisions like adjusting Hack Wilson’s RBI total and Babe Ruth’s walk total.
Controversy struck the MLB big in 1999 as the Los Angeles Dodgers attempted to illegally sign Adrian Beltre at the age of fifteen. Selig took control and fined the Dodgers ball club $50,000 and forbid them from scouting players from the Dominican Republic for an entire year. Bud said “He participated in the scheme,” and denied Adrian his free agency. Other notable actions taken by the man in charge include suspending both, Braves pitcher, John Rocker for racial remarks in an issue of sports illustrated and Yankees outfielder Darryl Strawberry for testing positive for cocaine in 2000.
Bud Selig was criticized most for the 2002 All-Star game in which it went into extra innings. In the 11th inning, both the National and American leagues had used up all their pitching. Selig was questioned about what to do and decided to end the game in a 7-7 tie. Because of this game, now the All-Star game means something. The winning team each year now, gets the right to home-field advantage in the World Series.
The last few years it seems that steroids have been bigger than the game itself. The news was talking about the users of steroids more than the season and players on field performances. Every sport around has had random testing for illegal drugs and steroids for many years. Bud Selig placed this random screening into Major League Baseball in 2001. Since then, more and more tests have been taken and many baseball players have been caught and/or have come out with the truth.
In 2002, David Propson wrote in Flak Magazine, “Bud Selig is the dark lord of baseball. He tried to kill two teams last fall, and this summer he has sworn not to give into the player union, even if it turns out to mean provoking a season-ending player’s strike. Fans, reporters, players, and even other owners hate him. Clearly, the man must be a genius.” Genius or not, the MLB seems to be a strong organization and Selig has played a major role.
Many fans have their own opinion on Bud such as Brian Jennings, a junior at Central Connecticut State University who says, “I had no idea Bud Selig was retiring. It’s surprising because he’s been there so long. He has built the MLB to where it is now (successful). He could’ve made the league even better though, by being stronger on the steroid issue and maybe installing a salary cap. Also, baseball would be better in the future with fewer regular season games, so that they don’t end the season playing in cold weather.”
Another opinion was formed by Eric Stadalnik, a freshman at Uconn of Waterbury, he states, “I was aware that Bud Selig was thinking about retirement. I think that he has done all he has been able to do, both good and bad, at this point so I think a change would be good. Much like how better the NFL has been since Roger Goodell took over for Paul Tagliabue a few years ago. I believe with the right person getting the job, the MLB as a whole would benefit greatly. I can’t say I hated him, but I think some things could’ve been better during his time as commissioner, he is replaceable.”
So the fact of the matter is, whether you like Selig’s talk of retirement or not, you must respect him as not only a business man but also as a leader in American athletics. He has had a great love and respect for the sport throughout his life. The actions he has taken show he is strict and not afraid to change the sport for the better. Bud Selig may be replaceable, but it won’t be easy.

Law Abiding Citizen: Action packed from beginning to end

By Hobson Lopes
Anchor Bay Entertainment’s recent DVD release “Law Abiding Citizen,” starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler is an action packed movie about a man who had his family taken away from him during a home invasion. That man, Clyde Shelton (Butler) is on a mission to find out what is actually right about the American judicial system. Nick Rice (Foxx) was an upstart hotshot district attorney at the time of the home invasion. He makes a deal with one of the invaders, Clarence Darby (Christian Stolte) the man who actually put the knife in Shelton’s wife, and took the daughter away, to get out of jail after five years.
As the movie fast forwards ten years, we are about to witness the pain free lethal injection of Darby’s partner, Rupert Ames, when the execution goes wrong. The police find evidence at the scene leading them to Darby, but their investigation of Darby leads them back to Shelton. Shelton masterminds a plot throughout the movie to dismiss anyone who may have wronged him ten years earlier. You won’t believe where this roller coaster will take you as Nick Rice and Clyde Shelton battle to see who is truly smarter.
Since this is the DVD review, we need to talk about the special features. “The Justice of Law Abiding Citizen” is a great feature that shows how realistic the movie turned out. Former district attorney’s appeared in this feature to discuss the ins and outs of the case, and shows how much research was done during development of the movie to make sure everything is accurate. “Law in Black and White” was a great behind the scenes extra feature. This feature showed real conversations between the actors and directors on making improvements to the movie. There was also a visual effects feature that a lot could have been done with considering how much action there was in the film. Overall, I would give the movie 4 ½ out of 5 Tammy’s, and the bonus features 4 out of 5 Tammy’s.
Make sure to complete this month’s crossword puzzle on Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx to be entered in a contest to win a copy of the DVD. Please send completed puzzles to Beth Ann Scott’s mailbox in room k611.
To be eligible for the prize please include name, phone number and email address with submission. We must receive at least 15 submissions for DVD giveaway to take place.

Why we need Journalism at NVCC!

Why not? It is something that we deal with everyday, whether it’s through tv, newspapers, or the internet. For back to back semesters, I have enrolled in Journalism I, only to have it cancelled each time, including on the day of the scheduled first class. While I understand the politics behind cancelling a class with only seven students, why can’t the school notice that there is still a demand at the school for the class, and for the journalism itself? The seven students who signed up for the course care about writing. They care about getting a message out to the masses. They want to share their writing talents with the rest of the campus, and beyond. Why should any of these students be punished for something that isn’t their fault?
This situation can lead me into a completely different route. How can a school that raises tuition about 4% each year, only care about the students in the popular programs? That’s a question I can’t personally answer, but would love to hear a response to. What happened to the days of having smaller class totals, so it can be a more personal approach to the teaching and learning process? It’s all about money now. It seems that the relationships that could be formed in the previous teaching style is secondary now, just as long as the bottom line looks good.
Hobson Lopes
There is no Journalism course at Naugatuck Valley and this is a major issue. From a very young age, writing has been my passion. Therefore, when the Journalism class was cancelled, I was one of many disappointed students. I’ve chosen to major in the field of Journalism and taking a class here and now at Naugatuck Valley would help perfect my writing and get me ready for the future. I feel that we have willing students that will not allow this opportunity to go to waste, and will work their hardest to achieve their goals.
The college emphasizes good writing in every class; this is obvious because essays are abundant. Whether you are taking an exam or just working on a homework assignment, many times essays are present. This journalism class would not only make the newspaper better, but students essay writing will improve as well. The project of trying to get this class up and running has already had a major impact. Lara and Hobson have recruited some of us to write for the Tamarack as journalists. With this class, I feel students can do even bigger and better things.
Dennis Brown
I have been thinking about pursuing a career in Journalism, but I am not sure if I have the skills and personality to succeed in this field. A journalism class would be essential for me because I need the tools to learn the craft of becoming a journalist. Journalism is very broad, therefore I need to study and explore the various aspects of it. Through this class, I would have the opportunity to practice and improve my communication skills through speaking, listening, reading and writing. I am certain that this class will be critical in determining if this is the career path that I would like to take. In general, Journalism impacts our lives in many ways. As a society, we need it to communicate to the public the important issues that need to be addressed. It is the way to speak for people who can’t speak for themselves. It also allows our voices to be heard in ways that other mediums do not allow. I believe that we can all benefit from a Journalism class. I am looking forward to acquiring all the knowledge that Journalism I has to offer at Naugatuck Valley Community College.
Yisel de Oleo
According to their welcome page, the Journalism Department within the University of Connecticut subscribes to the definition of journalism education as given by Edward W. Barrett, former Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University:
"The primary aim of education for journalism is the development of disciplines, arts and attitudes of mind: the discipline of giving attention to the distasteful as well as to the appealing; the discipline of learning to gauge one's best effort to fit an allotted time span; the discipline of continuing self-education; the art of expression that is lean, direct, precise and deft; the art of grappling with a complex new subject, extracting information from inarticulate specialists, and synthesizing the finds faithfully and coherently; the art of recognizing fine points of accuracy and subtle gradations of meaning; the attitude of approaching new problems with the open-mindedness and imagination that makes solutions possible. Above all, one seeks the attitude of ruthless fairness, of reporting what he dislikes as honestly as what he likes -- in short, true intellectual integrity."
This concept of education; this type of mentoring; is what a student was expecting to receive upon registering for the Journalism classes that were offered at Naugatuck Valley Community College. It was a deep disappoint to find the course had been cancelled.
In order for development to occur, on any level or by any stretch of the imagination, first lay a foundation. No one will ever argue that the best foundation in life is found in education. For individuals that wish to enter the incredible field of journalism, a program of learning in which the education consists of both classroom and hands-on training, would be exceptional and benefit the students tremendously. The basic concepts of journalism would be taught within a classroom structure, and the close up inner workings of journalism would be taught hands-on through an internship program at a local newspaper publication. An educational program of this caliber would be extremely valuable, as it would make the graduating student completely marketable to either a four-year college or for gaining employment in the industry. However, it should also be noted that journalism programs would even be extremely useful to students who are not pursuing a major in journalism. The development of proper journalism techniques is a tool that is useful in many other genres as well.
To use my medical education and serve the poor in both the United States and abroad is a great desire of mine. The living conditions, the neglect, and the injustice that the underserved are exposed to everyday is something that should be reported. It is my hope that these articles will be used to bring real change and reform to the lives of the underserved in many areas. Learning the proper techniques of journalism would enable me to write all that is seen and experienced in a way that will grab the attention of not only the public, but also the individuals who are in power and can produce the necessary change.
Journalism is a powerful weapon. Benjamin Franklin himself stated “The pen is mightier than the sword.” It is my belief that only good can from a program that develops the “attitude of the mind” and not only provides the student with the real weapons to change the world, but to give a voice to those who are otherwise forgotten.
Loriann Cordero
Journalists are essential in providing accurate and reliable information to the public, whether it’s showing positive changes or unveiling the bad. Journalism also serves as a form of protection for those who cannot speak for themselves. This is the reason why journalists are important to society and one of the many reasons why NVCC needs to consider a journalism class.
There are many reasons why someone would be interested in taking a journalism class. Maybe they are interested in writing a newspaper column some day, or they are interested in going into broadcast journalism and need to have the basics for understanding what style of journalism they wish to pursue. Some like journalism because they want to reflect societal injustice and bring changes where needed. Others look at it as a way to bridge concepts and ideas they have acquired from other studies or careers. One thing is for sure, journalism helps to develop the voices of those who seek it.
While I’m a firm believer in one’s own natural abilities, there are concepts that reporters need to explore and understand in order to develop their skills and be successful. Journalism classes teach about accuracy in reporting, attributing the information to the right sources, being objective in one’s approach, providing clarity, showing human frailty, finding leads, how to interview, laws that protect them and the laws that protect others. More importantly, Journalism teaches one how to have a balanced approach to one’s work.
Just as some colleges require you to take photography classes and to have developed a portfolio in order to apply to their photography program, or to have taken forms of dance in order to get into a school of dance; such is the case with journalism. It is very important that Students learn the different styles of journalism so they can become familiar with what style suits them and to develop a portfolio of work to present to future prospective colleges or employers.
As Managing Editor, I am not a teacher of Journalism. I do not have a journalism degree myself and can’t take a journalism class to learn about the different styles of journalism due to the fact that the class has been cancelled two semesters in a row. I do not mind working with students on articles, as I do enjoy the many relationships I have developed while doing so.
The face of journalism is changing, but this does not mean that journalism is gone; quite the contrary. We need to learn to adapt and find where we fit in. With the web, the opportunities are endless.
It is very important for Journalists to understand what type of laws they should understand, their rights, confidentiality, etc. These issues and more are discussed in basic journalism classes. More in-depth information is provided at later 4 year institutions. However, if we don’t provide the early training, then we are not providing the future voices of tomorrow that will help to serve the community and work to protect its citizens.

Lara Chamberlin