Molloy College Men’s Basketball Wins 1st Playoff Game in 13 Years

The Molloy College Men’s basketball team won their first playoff game in 13 years after defeating Queens College 72-62. They defeated them on March 5^th at Molloy’s home court in Rockville Centre, NY. Their last playoff win came back in the 1999-2000 season when they defeated Adelphi University 87-73. As a result, their victory against Queens College made this season that much more special for both the players and the coaches.

Molloy got off to a hot start as they lead the game from the beginning to the end. They fought hard on both ends of the court and managed to hold a double-digit lead for most of the game.

“We played 40 minutes of solid basketball and we finished the job handling our foul shooting and taking care of the basketball. We were ready and focused,” said head coach Charles Marquardt.

Assistant coach Pat Morris added, “We knew the challenge ahead of us and these guys stepped up to meet that challenge.”

It was to clear to see that these players were determined and focused to get this win and move forward. The significance of this win resonated throughout the entire gymnasium, from the players and coaches to the fans in the seats.

Coach Marquardt stated, “It would be impossible not to have great energy with a crowd like that. The crowd put us over the top.”

When asked what this win means for him and the team, senior guard Jimmy Nolan stated, “It means a lot to me especially being a senior to lead some type of legacy like this. We struggled the past two years before this so it’s good to have a nice, refreshing year like this.”

Nolan went on to explain that coach Marquardt, who was awarded Coach of the Year prior to this game, was the team’s motivation behind this win. The team as a whole felt that for all of his hard work over the years that this was well deserved for him.

“This was his 18^th year coaching and he hasn’t won a playoff game in a very long time. It means a lot to us to get that win for him because we all respect him as a coach and we all work hard for him.”

Although Molloy got eliminated by Bridgeport University several days later, they have a bright future ahead after having one of the most memorable seasons in school history.

Nolan stated, “I feel like they’re on a good path right now. They’ve experienced winning and it’ll make them a little more hungry to strive to do better than what happened this year.”

What Journalists Need to Know

The hot word in journalism education these days is Convergence--a marriage of sorts between the old world of print journalism (words and photos primarily) and the new world of digital reporting (video, blogs, Twitter, interactive maps, hypertext and hyperlinks, etc.).  Ask a group of journalism educators what skills and qualities future journalists must possess and you're apt to hear about versatility and innovation:  "Learn the new technology."  "Know the power of the visual."  "Be able to tell a story through words, images, music, and interviews." "Know how to converse with your audience."  "Know that the printed word can be enhanced by other versions of the news."

All true.  Just as photography--and later typography--once changed the look of traditional newspapers, making them brighter, more inviting, and less texty, the new technology has raised possibilities that have yet to be fully realized.  A college student aspiring to be a 21st century journalist must be able to think, write, and speak well AND understand the potential of technology to cover the world in new ways.  It's all a package.

But wait.  There's more.  Besides having tools and techniques, journalists must also know the world.  They must be conversant with history, literature, science, politics, art, psychology, religion, business, economics, and culture (classical, pop, and other).  They must know people (especially those who have left their mark on the world); places (there's big territory across those oceans!); and issues (ideas that were/are on people's minds and that continue to be discussed and debated). 

A tall order?  Yes and no.  While no one can be an expert on everything, the best journalists are true citizens of the planet.  They're interested in the world, in all its diversity and complexity; they try to rise above the partisan and provincial; and they work to make sense of a global picture that changes rapidly and that's often contradictory and confusing.  

What does this mean for students wishing to be journalists?  Besides refining interviewing, reporting, and editing skills and mastering a fast-changing technology, they must be interested and informed.  They must be smart.  They must know things.  The more they know, the better reporters they'll be.

So for those who may sometimes sit in classes and wonder whether it's really necessary to know about the Magna Carta, the Black Plague, the Salem Witch Trials, the French Revolution, the underground railroad, the Reconstruction Era, Prohibition, Brown v. Board of Education, the Middle East, eating disorders, DNA, and the science of hydrofracking,  the answer is yes.  For aspiring journalists unfamiliar with Aristotle, Confucius, Sophocles, Galileo, Gutenberg, Newton, Napoleon, Austen, Darwin, Malthus, Whitman, Stowe, Douglass, Joyce, Freud, Gershwin, Woolf, Picasso, Einstein, Ford, Sanger, Churchill, Curie, Ghandi, Chavez, and Mandela, time to get acquainted. 

For good journalists, the world is THE story--always has been.   

Mothers Blog About Mac And Cheese!

     Who hasn't ever had Mac and Cheese? Kids around the world and especially throughout the United States have all had the chance to try yummy Mac and Cheese. I remember eating it all the time as a child. Did you ever think that it could be bad for you? Well two very concerned mothers have blogged to Kraft in order for the company to take out the two dyes that are in Mac and Cheese; yellow dye 5 and yellow dye 6. The dyes are known for making kids hyperactive, give them allergies, migraines and, because yellow dyes are petroleum-based which means that they can cause cancer. 
     The mothers have blogged about their concern and have requested from Kraft that they take out the dyes because Kraft sells a similar product in the UK that does not have the dyes in it and tastes exactly the same. There is a petition in the making in order for Kraft to abide by this. All Kraft had to say was that they follow the rules of the food industry and that the FDA has approved the use of these dyes in the United States.
     Until these mothers demand is accomplished by Kraft, they refuse to offer it to their kids. More and more people have seen the petition and have also agreed that taking out the food dyes would be very beneficial to their children's health. They also said that if Kraft would offer the UK version of Mac and Cheese that does not have the dyes in it, maybe then their kids would see it at dinner again.

Twitter: Problem or Solution? By Jacqueline Cannarozzo

     The effects of Twitter on journalism can be very controversial. Many people say that Twitter has revolutionized the way journalist find and give out information. Some people have become accustomed to social media being their center for information and some people will never get used to it. But whether you are for Twitter or against it the only real truth is that Twitter has changed journalism as a whole.
     Way back when journalist used to follow their stories around. They would go out into the world and be detectives, solving the pieces of the puzzles along the way. With this new era of technology, we have the world at our fingertips. Journalists have the power of finding all the information they need on Twitter and other social media websites and also can give out information through these websites. The main concern is whether or not Twitter has helped or destroyed journalism.
     In a way Twitter has helped journalism flourish. Even journalists were scared of Twitter when it first came about. Was Twitter going to make their jobs disappear? Quite the contrary, Twitter helped them and made their jobs better. With Twitter it is possible for the news to be ongoing. Journalists could give out news all day long through Twitter. People also fear that the information could be false. But with all the resources out there, good journalists always make sure what they're putting out there isn't false. Most people are very into social media, therefore Twitter and Facebook have become their main source of what is going on in the world.
     One thing we have to keep in mind also is that there are still people all around the world that do not use social media. We still have to give them a voice and we still need to get the news to them as well. Journalism has to embrace Twitter and social media but also has to remember everybody else in the world. With this being said, whether you are with Twitter or not, it is very easy to see that people use it everyday and more and more people are voicing their opinions on all types of topics. The world is forever changed.

Interviewing Movie Stars: Are They Bored?

In a recent interview with Chris Stark of the Scott Mills BBC radio show, Mila Kunis expressed an actual interest the conversation. This shouldn’t be something so out of the ordinary. Yet, it seems that entertainment journalism is becoming extremely repetitive and the celebrities are getting bored!

A video of the interview was posted on YouTube and has received attention through the social networking site Reddit. In the video a nervous, first time interview, Chris Stark has come prepared with questions for Mila Kunis about her latest role as a witch in Disney’s soon to be released film Oz: The Great and Powerful.

Stark admits to Kunis that he is actually nervous about interviewing her, basically because she’s an attractive celebrity. In turn Kunis ends up asking him questions about why he’s nervous and tries to make him feel more comfortable. Oddly enough, Stark goes on to explain his favorite alcoholic beverages, who his friends are, where they hang out, and eventually even invites her to be a guest at wedding he has to go to.

While this does not really seem like an interview at all at this point, Kunis seems entertained. When Stark mentions that he has to get back to the prepared questions she says “Why this is way more fun for me!”

Stark continues on with his casual conversation while Mila Kunis continues to be carefree and enjoy herself. When a staff member intervenes, Kunis agrees to discuss her movie. However, she says “Let me just give you the answers to the questions I know you’re going to ask.” 

She goes on for about 40 seconds to explain her part and how she felt about it as well as how she felt about working with her co-stars. Her interviewer stares dumbfounded because she has indeed appeared to answer any question he was planning on asking her.

Are journalists becoming too predictable? Celebrities are interviewed by many different people before a movie comes out and can apparently guess what they are going to be asked at each interview. Has entertainment journalism become standardized?

Watch the very entertaining video of Mila Kunis' interview:

The Perfect Cake: 5 Important Secrets

By: Nakeem Grant

            Everyone loves a well made cake. Whether it is at a birthday party or a wedding, it is the last meal we consume before the night is over. For cooks, you want to make sure that this dessert is enjoyed to the fullest. In an interview with Food & Wine, cake experts Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito describe their experience on the best ways to make a great cake.

The first rule on their list was to use the best available ingredients. After putting in all that time and effort, it makes it feel worthwhile knowing that you used only the best for your cake.

Along with using the best ingredients, it would be wise to use the best equipment as well. “You don’t need anything fancy,” Lewis and Poliafito stated. In essence you don’t have to have supplies that are as flashy as the chefs you see on TV, but it makes your life a lot easier to use equipment that has good, reliable quality.

            The next rule on their list is to pay attention to the room temperature. In cooking and baking, this is an important element that can affect and alter the outcome of your meal, or in Lewis and Poliafito’s case, your cake.

            Their fourth rule is a common one in the culinary world, and that is to be gentle. When it comes to preparing a cake, bake it with caution and care. Lewis stated, “If you overdo it, everything starts to get tough.”

            The final rule on their list is to invest in a thermometer. Lewis and Poliafito stress the temperatures that the cakes are exposed to due to the fact that it can really be the difference between a delicious dessert and poorly prepared dessert.

            Most of these rules are fairly simple to follow. If you are someone that loves to savor their meals, then applying the five important rules that Lewis and Poliafito use to make their cake will ensure a great dish.

Long Drought for Carl Edwards is Over

Phoenix, Arizona is a place known for having long droughts. Last Sunday at the Phoenix International Spee dway, it saw a drought come to an end as Carl Edwards won the Subway Fresh Fit 500, his first win in over 70 races. This winless drought for the veteran driver spanned over two years, dating back to March of 2011 when he won in Las Vegas.

            Showing his excitement, Edwards back-flipped off of his car, took the checkered the flag and celebrated his victory with the fans. After letting out all of this joy that mounted once the race was over, Edwards would be the first to say that he’s relieved to get this monkey off of his back.

            “When you’re struggling, it seems like time slows down. You’re working harder, you’re trying more, you’re questioning yourself more…(Last year) was one of the longest years of my life, to work that hard and not get the victories,” said Edwards in Sunday’s post-race interview.

            After missing the Chase last season, Edwards is quite determined to put himself back in the mix following his win at Phoenix. In NASCAR, the sense of feeling like you’re a driver to look out for on the track is a huge confidence booster. This concept is why drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch have been successful on the track for multiple seasons.

            Another confidence booster for Edwards would be the fact that he was able to win a race this early in the season with a whole new pit crew. Following the change of his crew in the offseason, many wondered how this transition would affect him on the track. So far, it’s on the up and up.

            The next race on the Sprint Cup Series schedule is the Kobalt Tools 400 in Las Vegas, NV Sunday afternoon on March 10^th at 3pm E.T. on FOX.

 

 Written by: Nakeem Grant

For more information, click NASCAR.com Standings

Media Directing Society in the Wrong Direction? 

Media and society feed each other, however it is the responsibility of media and journalists in particular to direct the public’s attention towards certain issues. Media acts like the neck that turns the head to guide where it should focus; it does not mean the head or the public will consider all of those topics top priority, but at least the public will be aware of crucial issues. Perhaps that media attention will make the public contemplate the story whether it is gun control or the devastating effects of hurricane Sandy. Yet, there are times when the media chooses to focus on peripheral things. For example, right now the coverage on the Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o. The football player’s hoax girlfriend has taken the attention of the nation over more pressing matters. The media has been probing into the subject trying to find truth. Manti Te’o’s fake girlfriend and whether he was making it up or deceived by somebody. The story has become ambiguous full of gossip rather than facts. Regardless of his love life Manti Te’o will probably end up in the NFL and the truth will only reveal the football player’s character, nothing more. People who date virtually are often not who they seem, this is not shocking news that should have captured the nation’s attention over more pressing issues. It is the media’s job though to not give stories such as this one the attention.

Fallen Icon Responsible for Valentine's Day Murder
Last summer at the Olympics was a year to remember in Track & Field, it was the first time for a double amputee runner to race. Oscar Pistorius from South Africa competed in the 400-meter dash and held his own.  He is referred to as “the fastest thing with no legs”. However, that image of Pistorius as a role model was shattered on Valentine’s Day when he was accused of killing his supermodel girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. Reeva’s body was found with four bullets to her head and upper body and the weapon a 9mm was found in Pistorius’ home. His lawyer claims that his client mistakenly took his girlfriend for an intruder. There are several flaws in that claim since his girlfriend did not just sneak in that night, nor do intruders usually use the bathroom when they are committing a crime. Oscar shot through the bathroom door at the so-called “intruder”. Uncovering his past, there are cases of violence towards his previous girlfriends leading me to suspect a violent nature. Its sad to think of all the obstacles he must have overcome being a double amputee and all that work now is lost. I hope his “intruder story” is seen for what it really is before the eyes of the law. And that the media can stay neutral and unbiased without spinning the story one way. 

Gun Control: Whats to Come
Since the tragedy that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School that occurred in December, the nation has been addressing the issue of gun control. The death of twenty small children and six adults has opened the eyes of citizens to the need for better gun control that will prevent this occurrence. Prior to this incident, legislation would not have been able to pass any laws in regards to gun violence. However the mass murder of young children has ignited a debate on gun control. Vice President Biden is leading the rally for President Obama, who wishes to prevent mass shooting by performing universal background checks for gun owners, the prohibition of various military-style weapons, as well as a limit on the size of magazines. I personally believe this are useful steps towards limiting the chances of gun control, perhaps gun owners should have to take a psychological test before we put a gun in their hands. But that’s besides the point, I agree with these new steps towards a safer America. However, I think in an interview Biden may have sent mixed signals about gun control. When Biden was asked how can Americans protect themselves he responded, “Kate, if you want to protect yourself get a double barrel shotgun….” And repeats “Buy a shotgun.” I am not sure if that was the best response due to the sensitivity of the subject, although I don’t necessarily disagree. 

Dumbed Down Discourse

Once upon a time, eons before the digital age, readers said yay or nay to the content of newspapers through letters to the editor.  On many publications, editorial assistants pored over the daily correspondence, choosing candidates for publication and forwarding them to editors for a closer look.

Today, many newspapers still publish letters to the editor, selected through a process not too different from yesteryear.  But readers eager to voice their views are no longer limited to writing a letter and keeping their fingers crossed that they will receive a positive response.

Today, if something's on your mind, you can post a comment, text a reply, or fire off a tweet in next to no time.  What's more, you're guaranteed plenty of readers, as many newspapers invite online comments and publish most of what they receive.

A step forward for free speech?  Perhaps.  Problem is, in relinquishing virtually all editorial judgment and control (at least in the online comments department), newspapers have allowed themselves to become soap boxes for the ignorant, the uninformed, the narrow-minded, the bigoted, the semi-literate, and sometimes even the unbalanced.  In the rough and tumble world of online commentary, the wise and the witless have come to share equal billing.

Equally troublesome, some online comments never rise above junior high school insults.  Want to rant about Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, or Michael Bloomberg?  Talk trash about liberals, conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, students, teachers, CEOs, women, unions, senior citizens, the homeless, celebrities, or athletes?  You can foam at the mouth in cyberspace; there's seldom an editor in the background saying, "We can't publish this.  It's vulgar nonsense!" 

While loutish loud mouths have always played some role in American discourse, they've seldom commanded such a large audience as they do today.  And it would seem that ignorance and mean-spiritedness have become contagious, causing online discussions of serious issues to degenerate into mindless taunts and name-calling. 

Surely we can do better than this.  Perhaps editors of online editions should take a page from their old school colleagues and remember that while everyone in America has a right to his or her opinion, newspapers have no obligation to publish intellectual claptrap.  Nor should they feel obliged to publish rude and uncivil comments or any other remarks that smack of stupid.