PAWS Newsroom

College

2010-05-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Well, school is back for another long semester yet students may already be outraged. Besides the long days, even longer nights and stressful weeks are packed with busy papers, strenuous readings and or holes burning deeply into student’s pockets. We may ask ourselves, why does it cost so much to read? It is kind of sad in a way that school has turned into more of a money making business then an educational purpose to better ourselves in the long run. Students spend thousands of their hard earned money in tuition on a daily basis just to get ahead in the real world yet once they are done, there is no where for them go. With the economy as it is these colleges should understand students do not have hundreds of dollars lying around to spend on a book they may not even use once.

We should not be worrying about how we are going to pay for a textbook but how we are going to get through the day. The stresses put on college students are a bit extreme. We need help; we need the help from the government that we have been promised for many years now. With our new president giving us high hopes for a bit of a change we can only hope they really stick with what they have said that they will help us. College is necessary, it is not something that every one will do, want to do or even can do. However, it is something that is an opportunity that should be taken seriously despite the classes these students are taking. It is important for students to look for their options regarding to text books. Try renting textbooks on websites like chegg.com or even seeing what their school library has to offer. It is important for people to look for options, not just settle on the easiest ones that may come along.

It seems as if students in college are just becoming a bit like a glorified puppet. It listens and does on command, it isn't taken seriously and it seems to have a string attached at all ends. It's hard to believe that the idea of a student is really what it is all cracked up to be. To think that sitting in classes for hours on end will get you a job that you deserve one could find that surprising. With the economy the way it is and the job market slowly but surely picking up again, it seems the new generation must put their gears in drive and move towards a brand new day. Taking advantage of every opportunity is the best advice, look at each day with wide eyes and high hopes in search for a new you.

With the ever changing world, the disasters that have struck and the new technology booming it's almost scary how far the United States has really come. The idea of education is not what it used to be. If speaking to a one time immigrant education was a blessed and rather sacred time where one is given the privilege to gain knowledge that they did not know before, not roll their eyes every time their alarm clock goes off. It seems it has almost become a chore and I am not really sure why that is. It may be the price, it is the work, it may be the teachers or fellow peers what ever it may be it should really be approached differently.

Although the idea of college has changed and the pressures these students face are a bit different than years ago, education should be looked at all the same. It should be given the help from the government in regards to loans and or financial aide and really be looked upon as something that must be addressed. If the job market is going to be as tight as it is and the idea of hiring is going to be easier if you have a PH.D after your first and last name, something has to be done. The amount of money that is allotted to the college funds should be increased and spread around. There should be more time and effort put into the college education for young adults all around the world if the demand for these degrees is that high. It seems a bit unfair to create such high standards yet sit back and make these promises no one has any attention of keeping.

--Nicole Pallisco

Baggin' the Baggy Pants...

2010-05-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

What happened to pants showing off a person’s shape? This is a question I’ve asked myself a lot over the past few years and apparently, State Senator Eric Adams has the same question.

On March 29th, he used $2,000 in campaign funds and six 22-foot-tall billboards in Brooklyn to get his message out. Many men not only in Brooklyn, but throughout the country have been wearing their “pants below their waist”, as rapper DJ Khaled would say.

I’d have to say I am in agreement with Senator Adams’ messages of “We are better than this!” and “Stop the sag!”. Although some females would find this look on men attractive, I beg to differ. I don’t feel that it is necessary for people to know what color or design you have on your boxer shorts. The trend has spread from prison inmates, to so-called “thugs”, to even the average joe. It’s rare to find a guy who wears pants that fit him these days, they seem to be three sizes too big or five sizes too small on many young men.

The question of how individuals wearing their pant’s so low are able to walk normally was also asked by Sen. Adams. In my own observations, I have noticed that men who do wear their pants so low seem to have difficulties walking, almost waddling to keep their pants up. While some young men find that it is more comfortable to wear their pants lower and feel that “older people just don’t get it”, I’d have to say I don’t consider myself “older” and still don’t get it.

In the words of American Idol contestant Larry Platt, “lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground”.

--Marisa Raimondi

What What in the Butt

2010-05-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

From portraying Saddam Hussein as Satan’s gay lover to a depiction of a Virgin Mary statue bleeding from its rectum, it is no wonder that TIME magazine named South Park as one of the top ten most controversial cartoons of 2010.

Whether Tom Cruise tried to blackmail Viacom into pulling the “Trapped in the Closet” episode, or Isaac Hayes, the voice of Chef, quit because they made fun at Scientology, there are no stopping creators Matt Stoneo and Trey Parker.

Now in its 14th season on Comedy Central, the 200th episode that aired on April 14 showed the town of South Park facing a class action lawsuit as every celebrity they’ve ever ridiculed is out for revenge.

The most controversial character revisited was the Prophet Muhammad. Aware that Islam forbids any depiction of the Prophet, the creators showed him dressed in a bear suit.

In response to the episode, website RevolutionMuslim.com, an extremist Islamic website, claimed it “outright insulted” the prophet.

Member Aby Talhal Al-Amrikee added, “We have to warn Matt and Trey that what they are doing is stupid, and they will probably wind up like Theo Van Gogh airing this show. This is not a threat, but a warning of the reality of what will likely happen to them.”

Included in the message was a gruesome picture of Van Gogh, the Dutch filmmaker who was murdered in 2004 after he made a documentary on the abuse of Muslim women of women in Islam.

Detectives from the New York City Police Department are now looking into whether the failed car bombing in Times Square that occurred May 1 is linked to the warning issued by the radical Islamic group based in Queens.

Nissan Pathfinder packed with propane, gasoline, and fireworks was found Saturday evening on West 45th St. and Broadway in Times Square, near Viacom headquarters, the company that owns Comedy Central.

Despite the controversy, 71 percent of American adults didn’t agree with Comedy Central’s decision to censor South Park’s 201st episode according to a Zogby Interactive Survey.

“People need to chill out, it’s just a show. They just do it to get a rise out of people; it’s all about shock value. If you don’t like it don’t watch it,” says Thomas Vita, a junior at Penn State.

Celebrities and religious groups aren’t the only ones offended by South Park. On May 3, 20-something students at Garden City Middle School in Garden City, New York caused a stir when they reported to guidance that they had been kicked. The kids who were kicked all happened to have red hair.

“It was national Kick a Ginger day,” according to sixth-grader Howie Miller. Assistant Principal Lee warned the students that if any more kicking went on, students would get suspended.

The students were inspired by South Park’s “Ginger Kids” episode, first aired in 2005, in which the characters beat up kids with red hair and freckles. Since then, there has been a trend amongst middle school and high school student to plan a “Kick a Ginger” day whether it is by word of mouth or groups on Facebook.

“The fact that the characters are in fourth grade probably influences younger kids even more,” says Devon Trettien, a sophomore from Nassau Community College.

The content of the show is certainly debatable as the creators prove themselves to be ruthless. 17 Pulitzer cartoonists, including Nick Anderson and Matt Davies, signed a petition to condemn threats against the creators.

Their letter states that “freedom of expression is a universal right,” and cited the United States’ “proud tradition of political satire” and asserts belief in the right “to speak or draw freely without censorship.”

Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker issued a statement in response to Comedy Central’s decision to censor the infamous episode that feature Muhammad in which they said, “In the 14 years we’ve been doing South Park we have never done a show that we couldn’t stand behind.”

“We’ll be back next week with a whole new show about something completely different and we’ll see what happens to it.”

--Mary Miller

Spring Fever

2010-05-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

As colors of pink, white, and red fill the trees and pollen causes allergies everyone knows spring is here. The clothes get smaller the flip flops come out and the over-sized sunglasses are on. As the weather gets warmer its spring! With the beauty of spring causes some problems for many college students.

It is the spring semester and as the sun gets stronger, the attention span of many students begins to dwindle. Many students would rather be sitting in the quad in bikini's rather than learning and preparing for finals. The later half of the spring semester can be extremely difficult for many students because they are so close but yet so far from finishing the semester.

Laziness kicks in and many students start to slack off on work. They become easily distracted and find themselves staring out the windows daydreaming rather than listening to the professor lecture. They don't wanna do work and often find themselves with lower grades as the semester finishes.

For some students motivation can provide them with hope that they can do successful in the rest of the semester. Like these students, as the weather gets warmer, I start pushing myself to work harder in the spring semester so I can get my work done faster and have more time to enjoy the nice weather. I also keep in mind that summer is so close within reach that I just have a little while longer.

Like many students, I try not to let spring fever affect me because I work hard all semester and don't want to let it all go to waste, for a little sun. I have the next 3 months to catch up on my rays. But spring fever is real and does affect many students at Adelphi University.

For athletes who play spring sports the challenge can be even tougher. Playing a sport can be very time consuming and can cause students to fall behind in their work and factor in the lazy attitude of spring this can become a big issue.

"Always traveling for games and keeping up with school work is a real struggle, but I take school seriously so I try my best to stay on top of my work" said Adelphi baseball player, Craig Matteo.

Although spring is here, the semester is not over so students need to focus and try to stay on task so the semester doesn't end in failure

--Christina Yovino

Jay Leno Back at the Helm of 'The Tonight Show'

2010-03-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

As of last night, March 1st, 2010, 'The Tonight Show' aired again, with Jay Leno taking back his familiar spot as host.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Leno garnered a hefty following last night, beating out the competition at ABC (Nightline and Jimmy Kimmel) and at CBS (David Letterman) by a whopping 80 percent.

Only time will tell if Leno's popularity will wane or not, but if you need a Conan O'Brien fix, or just happen to miss his smiling, pale face, you can check out his new Twitter page that is updated daily.

Recent O'Brien tweets?

Today I interviewed a squirrel in my backyard and then threw to commercial. Somebody help me.
5:54 PM Feb 24th via web

Today I connected all the freckles on my arm with a Sharpie. It spells out RIKSHAZ9LIRK. Clearly I am The Chosen One.
2:54 PM Feb 26th via web

Click here to follow more: http://twitter.com/ConanOBrien

--Ashley Paterno

Movie Review of 'Shutter Island'

2010-03-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

I love a crazed movie as much as the next guy, but I never expected the full-on roller-coaster ride that was Shutter Island.

This movie turns one's perceptions of reality as Leonardo DiCaprio explores a mental institution on a lonely island. The star begins as a detective, investigating the going-ons on this suspicious burg.

However, it is revealed that he may well have been hallucinating this life as a detective, blurring reality in a fantastic way. I don't want to give away too much, but let's just say the twist ending of this movie puts even Memento to shame.

To put it short, this is the best movie out right now in a very slow season. If you're in the mood for a movie, go see this one.

To grade it? I'd give it a tentative A-.

--Ajarius Yawanche

Movie Review of 'Dear John'

2010-02-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

If you liked 'Pearl Harbor', then you’ll most likely love 'Dear John'. 'Dear John' is a combination war drama and romance movie. Since it was based off a Nicholas Sparks book, I thought it would be similar to 'The Notebook'-every girl’s favorite movie.

The connection and chemistry Rachel McAdams had with Ryan Gosling in 'The Notebook' set the bar for what was expected from 'Dear John'. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, and he goes off to war. Of course they write back and forth, with the intentions of staying together throughout the length of the war.

The movie starts off strong but once the climax of the movie hits, it begins to fizzle. The plot roped in many girls, and their boyfriends, to see the movie in hopes of a romantic love story. It was just that, yet somewhat left the viewer a little unsatisfied.

Channing Tatum can have a somewhat stoic personality and Amanda Seyfried is cut short of some camera time while the focus is on Tatum at war. While not a terrible movie, it is a tear-jerker that could have been a lot stronger with more action scenes at battle.

To grade it? B- with room for improvement.

--Kay Brennan

SPRING TRENDS 2010

2010-02-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Spring break is rapidly approaching and it’s not too early to start thinking about what clothes to pack for wherever you are traveling. Every change of season requires a wardrobe update and a quick lesson on the styles that made a big splash on the runway during fashion week. For the upcoming spring season that splash comes in the form of neutral tones, feathers, metallics, peek a boo ensembles, and school spirit.

Classic, effortless, and chic are the words that describe the refined look you’ll achieve while wearing neutral tones this spring. From across the room it’s easy to be seen in a bright yellow dress, but when wearing neutrals you have to push the envelope and let your tasteful, clean and naturally fabulous look will allow you to be a savvy showstopper.

“Less is more” is the influence driving this playful and flirty peek-a-boo craze. Dresses, shirts, pants and more just wouldn’t be the same without intricately designed cutouts, slits, mesh, and lace. This style is definitely a favorite of singer and song writer Rihanna who has been seen wearing these styles in her new videos and at various fashion shows and red carpet events.

Shiny glitz and sparkle never goes out of style. Metallics are a trend that crosses over from season to season and never seems to get old. Hold on to that silver dress you wore for New Years Eve and the gold number you wore for the Christmas party.

Another trend that’s renewing itself this spring is feathers. This ultra feminine and playful look will allow you to step out of your comfort boundaries and dabble in all sorts of colors and textures.

Whether you’re walking to class or going door to door on Halloween, everyone loves the school girl look. Academic blazers, knee socks, preppy stripes and even gym clothes make the grade this semester and bridges the gap no matter how old you are.

--Nefertiti Anderson

(Image Courtesy of www.glamourchick.files.wordpress.com)

Texting While Driving..

2010-02-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

I’m driving slightly over the speed limit on the Northern State, blaring some classic Ke$ha tunes on my way to Adelphi University. My phone’s ‘text’ ringtone goes off, and I swiftly glance at my iPhone as it rests on passenger seat adjacent to me.

As I let the phone sit there, and as the reminder alert rings, I cringe and squirm wondering who has sent me a message. The suspense was killing me, or at least annoying me to the point where I was barely focusing on the road. To respond or not to respond, that is the question?

Well, to the shock and awe of all of you reading this, I will admit, that I am guilty of responding. I know its wrong; I know I shouldn’t be doing it. But, for some reason, I feel that I am invincible, and I feel there is no way that while texting and driving, I could somehow swerve off the road into the divider, or into another car.

After conversing with students across Adelphi’s campus about this issue, many say that they have rules about texting while driving; for example, they only participate in the activity if they are at a red light, or at a stop sign. They also claimed that they would stop texting if someone who was in their car with them asked them to stop.

But, seeing that we make rules about texting while driving, we are technically rationalizing something that we shouldn’t be doing in the first place. We shouldn’t be engaging in a pastime that is taking our attention and focus off of the road, or off of the 3,000 to 4,000 pound piece of machinery that we are maneuvering.

While snooping around the Internet, researching this topic, I found a website called txtresponsibly.org, with their mission being, “to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving and to prevent harmful injury or death caused by the act of texting recklessly.”

On this website you have the ability to take an oath that you “will not read, write or send messages using any handheld device while driving…” Only 102 people have signed the oath thus far, but I know that there are so many more people out there that text while they drive. These same people also know, and understand, that it needs to stop.

I just became the 103rd person to sign the oath. No, I didn’t sign it to be preachy, or to convert all of you who are reading this. I signed it for me, to ensure my safety and the safety of those commuting with me and around me. I signed the oath to make sure my entire focus is on the road ahead of me, and not on the text waiting for me.

--Ashley Paterno

(Image Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

Don't Be a Fashion Stereotype

2010-02-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

When it comes to college, fashion is not exactly the first thing that comes to a student’s mind. As I look around my classes, and at the masses of people going in and out of the University Center, I am bombarded by a sea of hoodies, sweat pants, sneakers, and hair that was not important enough to comb. It seems as though everyone is a walking stereotype.

Did I miss the memo that said go to class in whatever you went to sleep in? It seems to be a shared ideology that once you go to college “it doesn’t matter how you look,” but that’s WRONG and couldn’t be further away from the truth.

Being a student is an occupation. You wouldn’t exactly go to work in a old t-shirt, sweat pants, and your sneakers with the soles coming out would you?

Clearly the purpose of attending college is to get an education and not to walk the runway at fashion week. At the same time you have to realize that first impressions are lasting impressions and your professors are your future bosses, job references, and networking connections.

Here are a few fashion staples that could allow you to be fashionable and comfortable at the same time: leggings, tall boots without heels, cardigans with the draped front, and beret hats.

Leggings are tight enough to show your curves and stretchy enough so you don’t feel restricted. Tall boots with no heels bring sass and attitude to your wardrobe while efficiently getting you to and from class. Cardigans with the draped front are flattering on every body type because the arms are fitted and its flowing at the front, not causing any attention around the midsection. Last but certainly not least beret hats are the ultimate staple because it’s 100% sure to hide bad hair days and give you an effortless polished look.

--Nefertiti Anderson

Tiger's Press Conference

2010-02-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods held a press conference earlier today, reiterating the fact that he was sorry for his mistakes. Some say this was the first time they had seen him emotional, others say it was entirely too calculated. Ultimately, you, as a fan or someone who just remembers growing up with him being a major sports idol, have to decide for yourself whether he should be forgiven within the public sphere.

This Week in Politics

2010-02-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Two governors in the Tri-State area have made the news headlines this past week. New York Governor David Paterson , started off this week amid allegation of a sex and or drug scandal. The governor’s office did not take much time to respond that the allegations have no truth to them.

Many sources that knew specifics about the alleged story were stating it would seriously make him consider stepping down from office.

This story wound not have been the first sex scandal around Governor Paterson. Paterson first came into office after a sex scandal threw out the former administration led by Eliot Spitzer, with the story seeming all too familiar to New York residents.

While appearing on “Larry King Live” Governor Paterson stated "I wish they would make a clarifying statement so I could be out of my misery."

Some find the allegations suspicious due to more powerful forces that want the governor to step down. With recent elections failures plaguing the Democratic Party, President Obama had already asked Governor Paterson to step aside and allow Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to run for the governorship.

Do not be surprised if stories and allegations come out periodically with Governor Paterson. With an approval rating hitting new lows and 76% of people saying that he is a doing a poor or a fair job, this could spell political problems for the Democratic Party in New York (a heavily blue state).

Just to the south, Governor Christie has frozen state spending by stopping the flow of spending to schools that had excess funds. Democrats are furious about this action, which also freezes and changes the amount of money in pensions of retired government officials.

With many states in a finical crisis, Governor Christie claims that if these actions were not taken and if spending cuts are not made, in the future the state of New Jersey could face bankruptcy.

It has yet to be determined whether these cuts will force job losses in the education system. While Republicans state that schools have been foolishly spending money, Democrats state that any job losses in the education system will be bad. Governor Christie ended by stating that this may just be the first to a wave of spending cuts.

Below is a press conference by Governor Paterson addressing the rumors and allegations that have been swirling around him.

-Ethan Keller

WHO DAT?!

2010-02-09T07:28:00.000-08:00

As I sat in my Darrelle Revis jersey watching Sundays Super Bowl (New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Cols), I couldn't decide which team to root for, at first. Did I support the Colts and their classy quarterback Peyton Manning? Well, no, I was still somewhat mad for them beating the New York Jets. Did I root for the Saints? They didn't ruin the Jets Super Bowl hopes, so that seemed like a logical stance. Not to mention, who doesn't want the underdog to win (an underdog that was going for its FIRST Super Bowl win ever)?

Don't get me wrong here, I still thought the Colts would win. Both teams looked strong in the first half; the Colts had come out on top 10-6 before halftime, and they were the receiving team starting off the second half.

But then, something that will live on forever in Super Bowl history, happened. The Saints coach Sean Payton called on his team to start off the second half with an onside kick. CBS's announcers started screaming. I started screaming. People overall were in shock, seeing that no team had ever gone through with an onside kick in the Super Bowl before the 4th quarter. That play, though, turned the entire game around when the referees whistled and motioned that the Saints had recovered the ball.

In the end, the Saints wound up winning their first Super Bowl ever by a score of 31-17, with more than 106 million people watching their triumph (for all of you out there who are adequate when it comes to TV knowledge, the number of viewers for Super Bowl 44 surpassed the amount of viewers that watched 'M*A*S*H's finale).

Now, for all of you who could have cared less about the game, here are some of the best commercials of the night, for your viewing pleasure.

--Ashley Paterno

Chaos at Roosevelt Field Mall

2009-11-24T10:26:00.001-08:00

On, Saturday, November 21st, teenage singing sensation Justin Bieber was scheduled to make an appearance at the Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island. 10,000 fans were expected to show up. Many girls and their parents had been camping out since 7:00 a.m. to get bracelets, but they grew restless. The teenage fans were ecstatic to see him, but their huge numbers forced the police to cancel the event.

People started screaming and pushing forward towards Bieber, causing a riot. Some were trampled and this caused an incredibly dangerous situation for the other mall shoppers. Parents started to get just as bad, if not worse, as the teens. One of PAWS’ very own works in the mall, and was told by her manager that a parent had screamed at her, because the parent’s child ran into her.

The event at the Roosevelt Field Mall was cancelled before Justin Beiber could even set foot into the mall. It led to the arrest of Beiber’s record executive who refused to cancel the event despite the threat of thousands of rabid fans. Bieber finally tweeted his fans to leave the Roosevelt Field mall because police were threatening to start arresting unruly fans. An investigation of Beiber’s record executive is underway due to the charge against him for endangering the people of Roosevelt Field Mall.

Between The Posts on The World Series

2009-11-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

A Review of "Where The Wild Things Are"

2009-10-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

“Where the Wild Things Are” is the film adaptation by Spike Jonze and David Eggers of the childhood book by Maurice Sendak. The original book is about a young boy named Max who, after making mischief in his home, is sent to his room by his mother without dinner. Max then, through his wild imagination, sails to an island where the “wild things” live.

The film, while having differences from the book, stays true to the plot of the book. Jonze’s approach appears to be darker and more emotional. In the film, each of the seven wild things who Max encounters appears to be an embodiment of one of his emotions. Carol, one of the wild things voiced by James Gandolfini, yearns for the attention and affection of KW, another wild thing voiced by Lauren Ambrose. Similarly, Max yearns for the attention and affection of his mother Connie, played by Catherine Keener.

The book’s classic status is due mostly to its atypical exploration of a child’s anger. At the time of its release, the book was highly controversial in some circles. Essentially, Max behaves badly and finds asylum in his imagination. He acts out. He is punished. He escapes. He comes back. Despite the initial controversy, Where the Wild Things Are is a simple take on a child’s anger.

The wild things in the book, however, lacked characterization. This is where Jonze and Eggers took most of their liberties. Complex relationships were developed between the various wild things. They were given genders and voices. Each became an embodiment of a different emotion. This, perhaps, is beyond a child’s comprehension. The film was heavily marketed as more of a film for adults than it was for kids. Of course, this film comes from the director of “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation,” two highly idiosyncratic films.

Yet, there is something in this film for everyone. Whether it’s moral or purely visual, children today will take from it what they will. The film has stunning cinematography and it is simply beautiful. Since the wild things were actual suits developed by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the main digital enhancements were their facial expressions. Adults will probably understand the movie on a deeper level. Perhaps they’ll relate more to the wild things rather than Max as a metaphor for their own childhood. All wild things aside, Jonze’s film is a fantastic adaptation of a book that most hold dear.

This week in Politics with Damian Geminder

2009-10-12T14:26:00.001-07:00

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

2009-09-15T06:27:00.001-07:00

Last night was MTV’s annual Video Music Awards show, also commonly known as the VMA's. For those that did not have the pleasure of seeing the show it was quite a sight to see. This year the VMAs were yet again hosted by Russell Brand. It also included amazing performances by Lady Gaga, Green Day, Beyonce, Muse, Jay Z and Madonna. Janet Jackson also gave a special tribute performance in respect of her late brother, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson which was an amazing way to start the VMA'S.

After the tribute to the late King of Pop, the first award, Best Female Video, was awarded to Taylor Swift. Her heartfelt acceptance speech was interrupted by a brazen Kanye West. He took the microphone from her and said that Beyonce should have received the award and that Beyonce had the best video of 2009. Immediately following Kanye’s small shout-out, a shocked and somewhat distraught Taylor Swift left the stage and the show went to a commercial break. After this, the Internet exploded with all kinds of comments and bashing toward how unprofessional Kanye West was. According to several sources that scene was then removed from the VMAs during the commercial break.

After the show came back from commercial break, the award for Best Rock Video was awarded to Green Day for their music video “21 Guns”. Some might argue however that Paramore’s music video “Decode” should have gotten the award. Billie Armstrong during his acceptance speech thanked everyone involved in the video and thanked MTV, and said for them to keep playing music videos. The irony of this is that MTV no longer plays music videos on a regular basis.

Afterward Taylor Swift performed “You Belong With Me” which seemed to take place through some of the New York City Subway system with a finale right in front of Radio City Music Hall. One cannot help but wonder if the performance was staged somehow because the subway and the stations featured in the performance did not reflect what an actual subway train and station looks like. Next was Lady Gaga performing “Paparazzi”, which was a very different performance. The reason being is that it looked more like a creepy opera gone very bad. After the performance things just got creepier as she suspended herself above the stage with her face covered in “blood” and hanging to look like she had just died during the performance.

Next was the Best Pop Video Award which was presented to Britney Spears for her music video “Womanizer”. Although she could not be at the VMAs she made her acceptance speech via satellite from her tour which would have been fine if everyone was not yelling into the microphone making everything sound distorted. Then came Green Day’s performance of “East Jesus Nowhere” which was good, just a normal rock performance. Next came the trailer to the upcoming trailer The Twilight Saga: New Moon which seemed to be an excessively long trailer which was followed by Beyonce’s performance of “Single Ladies”, which at the beginning seemed more like a strip tease than an actual introduction to the actual performance.

Next came Best Male Video which was awarded to T.I.’s video “Live Your Life”, which was a big hit during the Summer. T.I.'s video was followed by Muse’s first American Television performance which was nicely done, however seemed short. The next award was for Best Hip-Hop Video which was awarded to Eminem for the music video “We Made You” which was then followed by a tribute to the late DJ AM. For those who are not familiar with DJ AM he was a club DJ and collaborated with a lot of musical talent throughout his career.

Next was the Best New Artist Award which Lady Gaga won for her music video “Pokerface”, which was followed by Pink’s performance of “Sober” which received a lot of praise because it was done with a lot of acrobatics.

The final award of the night was Video of The Year which was won by Beyonce for her video “Single Ladies”. In accepting the award Beyonce did something really sweet, and quite professional which was calling Taylor Swift to the stage so she could have her moment, and finish her acceptance speech which was met with a lot of praise from the fans and their colleagues.

The two final segments of the night came from a finale performance by new York’s own Jay Z, accompanied by Alicia Keys where an amazing performace of the song “Empire State of Mind” was sung. This is also one of the tracks off of Jay Z’s recently released album, Blueprint 3. The final segment is a clip from what appeared to be Michael Jackson’s documentary about his plan to do a final world tour which will be released in theaters October 28th.

School Spirit

2009-05-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: The following opinion piece contains the views of the writer; not those of the producers, PAWS Web Radio, the advisors, Adelphi University, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, or the Administration. Reader discretion is advised.

I can not believe it is May already! Being someone who is incredibly involved on campus, this was one busy year. One thing that I hope changes in the coming semesters at Adelphi is the lack of school spirit this whole semester. Could it be due to the recession? Are students watching every penny that they spend? Are they working more?

Last semester the only events that had a vast amount of people in attendance were “Midnight Madness” and when Michael Phelps came to Adelphi. After that, people seemed to disappear. This year I worked hard with the executive board (e-board) of United for Multiculturalism and Joint Advocacy (U.M.O.J.A.) to plan “Black History Month” in February. We had an event for everyday of the week that month. Our biggest event was the Trey Songz concert which had raving reviews but soon after there was no support towards any of the other events.

People are forgetting that not only do students dedicate time to planning these events but the events cost thousands of their dollars. Each student pays a “Students Activity Fee” of $100.00 and an additional $25.00 if they reside on campus that goes towards most of the events held on campus. Yet, although some are aware of this, they still do not care.

As someone who does work hard to plan events like “Spring In”, which is an annual week of events here at Adelphi, I feel disappointed and embarrassed. The Class of 2011 had Stevie Starr, a comedian, who appeared on Letterman, for the opening night of “Spring In”. Although, we had a warm crowd anyone could see that the other 170 chairs were empty. The only event that had a mass amount of people was the last day of “Spring In” that included a huge tent was set up outside Levermore lawn with free games, food, music and other activities.

As a first hand witness to empty events I have to say that I only hope school spirit on campus increases next year. I hope that people are excited to get involved and although education is important, placing your mark at your school is part of your college education as well. Everything one does at college is incorporated into a learning experience that makes or breaks our individuality.

Written by Felicia Singh
POsted by Editorial Director Vincent Pastore, PAWS Web Radio

Gran Casino Visits PAWS Web Radio...again

2009-04-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

See the pictures over at PAWS Radio's Facebook Group. Click Here.

The Newsroom Goes to the Pillow Fight in NYC

2009-04-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

PAWS Web Radio was at the 4th Annual NYC Pillow Fight at Wall St. and Broad St.

A report on Conficker by Editorial Director Pastore

2009-04-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, March 31st Adelphi University’s Information Technology department sent out a priority email to the university’s faculty, staff, and students about a dangerous, computer crippling worm known as “Conficker”.

Being a tech I'm a amazed I never heard about the worm, but apparently it has been around since last October when Microsoft sent out a patch for it’s Windows XP, and Vista operating systems that would fix a hole in the security protocol. I.T. advised in their email for users to use caution when surfing the internet, and to not open any email that users did not find familiar.

After some research, it was proven it would in fact be launched on April Fool’s Day. From the different media outlets such as PC Magazine, CNN, and New York Times I had found that Conficker was created by an anonymous programmer and was sent out to infect computers, and lie in wait until April 1st. The worm spreads via email, flash drives, and web sites. What happens after it infiltrates a computer is that it awaits further commands. What some specialists believe is that if people did not update their computers with said patch, then the worm is able to exploit that hole in Windows’ security and the creator of the worm then can take over the computer, and use it to further his means and at the sometime steal valuable information from the user.

The problem is that Conficker is not a worm to make itself known to the users of infected computers. Like most viruses, trojans, and worms it runs in the background covertly wreaking havoc on the system. While information is still limited on what exactly the worm does, measures have been taken and discovered on how to combat the worm, and eradicate it from a computer.

The first and most important way is to make sure that your anti-virus software, and anti-spyware/anti-malware software are completely up to date. Most anti-viral and anti-spyware softwares will include certain Windows updates with their own updates. However I would not recommend taking any chances and make sure you have the security patch that Microsoft released last October. The patch as I said before is available for Windows XP and Windows Vista. How you can if you have it or not is by going into Control Panel, and going to Automatic Updates and looking at the history of the updates your computer has received. The code number for the security update is 958644 and was released October 22nd, 2008. You can download the patch from here however since it was released for multiple Windows Operating systems, and their respective Service Packs you have to make sure you download the right one. How this is done is by right clicking on My Computer, and left clicking properties. What is displayed is your computer’s information, including the service pack that is currently installed. Now that you have this information you can download the appropriate patch.

However while this “plugs up” the security hole, I highly recommend running a full virus scan, and spyware scan to completely ensure your system is clean.

For any other information regarding Conficker you can check out most media outlets, as they will be covering it. Also for Adelphi Students if you are having issues installing the patch, or properly protecting your computer you can contact I.T. at 516.877.3340
(EXT 3340 from any campus phone).
Also feel free to email me at pawsradio@adelphi.edu for any more info on Conficker

LGBTSSA Presents Dragged out 3/30/09

2009-04-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

PAWS Web radio covers LGBTSSA's annual Dragged Out

Below are some additional pictures from the show.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer visits Adelphi

2009-03-04T15:59:00.000-08:00

8:26 PM: The lecture is over, and Dr. Ruth is met with loads of applause. "What a good audience!"

8:26 PM: 22nd question, "How do you make the man last longer?" Dr. Ruth says, "Go see a therapist." She relates that a lot of it has to do with the brain. The brain is the master sex organ.

8:25 PM: 21st question, "How do I have good sex, and what is good foreplay?" Dr. Ruth says, "It really does depend on the man or woman."

8:24 PM: 20th question, "Is it better to stimulate the G spot with the penis or the fingers?" Dr. Ruth says, "If the G spot exists..."

8:23 PM: 19th question, "What are the precautions of anal sex? Is it too much anal sex bad for your health?" Dr. Ruth says, "You have to lose a lubricant...I can never say how often."

8:22 PM: 18th question, "Is it possible for a man to ejaculate without having an orgasm?" Dr. Ruth says simply, "I don't know."

8:21 PM: 17th question, really long question about new relationships and blood tests. Dr. Ruth says, "I would tell that person to go to the doctor. There must be a reason why that question is on somebody's mind."

8:20 PM: 16th question, something about kinkiness.

8:19 PM: 15th question, "Why do I leak urine when I have sex?" Dr. Ruth says, "Go see a urologist."

8:18 PM: 14th question, "Is it bad to be a 20 year old virgin?" Dr. Ruth says, "Absolutely not!...but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be sexually literate."

8:16 PM: 13th question, "How come I can have an orgasm on my own, but not with a man." Dr. Ruth says, "Some women worry that they will lose a few droplets of urine. I say put a towel...but if not, I want to talk with her." She related that there could be other problems.

8:15 PM: 12th question, "Do guys prefer their women shaved or not?" Dr. Ruth says, "I really have no opinion on it. If the couple loves each other...and if she likes her and she likes him, then I say, 'Have a good time.'"

8:14 PM: 11th question, "Do you believe masturbation is a good stress reliever? Why or why not?" Dr. Ruth says, "Yes. If someone doesn't have a partner, it's perfectly ok...it's very important for women not to get used to a vibrator...the penis cannot replicate the vibrations of the vibrator."

8:13 PM: 10th question, "After two years of sex, why does it still hurt?" Dr. Ruth says, "Go see a health professional."

8:12 PM: Ninth question, "Is it possible to have too much sex?" Dr. Ruth says, "If you are not doing your homework." Laughter. "There used to be a rule that sports team should have not sex the night before. That's nonsense. If he engages in a quickie, and goes to sleep, it's ok. But if he goes to a bar, and waits eight hours, and maybe gets lucky. He probably won't be able to play football."

8:11 PM: Eighth question, "If a girl watches lesbian porn, but has a boyfriend, is she psuedo-gay?" Dr. Ruth says, "I can never answer that. A man can watch two men, but not be gay."

8:10 PM: Seventh question, "Is it healthy to share sexual fantasies with your partner?" Dr. Ruth says, "The other person really has to want to hear about those fantasies."

8:09 PM: Sixth question, "How can women over 40 raise their libido since men are always complaining?" Prime advice, "Go see a sexual counselor...I learn a great deal that other things might be happening there."

8:08 PM: Fifth question, "How does a girl have an orgams during sex?" Dr. Ruth says, "Blood flows into the clitoris, and if properly stimulated, the woman has an orgasm...she has to give herself permission to be sexually satisfied."

8:07 PM: Fourth question, "I'm always making excuses to not have sex. How can I make myself more interested?" Dr. Ruth says, "I need an hour with this person. Is it a bad experience...are you not sure you want to be with this person?"

8:03 PM: Third question, "How important is varying sexual practices in a relationship?" Dr. Ruth says, "Varying positions is as important as not staying bored with each other...it's not only the sexual activity that has to be varied, but their interest in each other. Variety is very important." She mentions the Joy of Sex. "Let's suppose she wants to have more sexual activity than him. I say to him, you don't need an erection for that. You can give her a vibrator...don't get used to vibrators, the male penis cannot replicate the vibrations."

8:01 PM: "What I'm worried about, in our malls, young people walk around half naked. I say to parents, 'You have to say no.' I want to hear more about sexual harassment. It is sexually arousing. I don't want to hear more about problems. In our culture, when young people start secondary sex characteristics, parents should not walk around naked." Same with kids!

8:00 PM: Second question, "Tantric sex?" Dr. Ruth says, "I am not an expert. In tantric sex, there is a description that men are able to train themselves not to ejaculate, but to have retrograde ejaculation...they bring themselves to the point of almost ejaculating, but having the fluid not come out, but become retrograde...become stronger...that's nonsense."

7:55 PM: First question, "How do you not let your weight affect your confidence while having sex?" Dr. Ruth says, "If somebody is short like me, I say short people make the best lovers...it does depend on the image the person has of him or herself...I say if you are going to concentrate on 'I have a belly' or 'I have heavy thighs'...it will be very hard to have an orgasm...if they're going to concentrate on the body image of the other they don't like, they're going to have problems...I'm all for people using fantasies...I'm also for people keeping their mouth shut...I also don't want her to say, 'My last lover had a bigger penis than you.' His penis is going to shrivel up. Penis size has nothing to do with the sexual satisfaction of a woman. The vagina can accomodate penises of all size."

7:54 PM: "It's very nice to be a sex therapist."

7:53 PM: "Sex is certainly the most interesting subject matter."

7:52 PM: "I have women walk into my office saying she and her husband have tried for four months to find the G spot, and they think she is not normal."

7:51 PM: "We have to be very careful...I've always been asked about the G-spot...they say that inside the vagina...if properly stimulated, will bring about fantastic orgasms...multiple orgasms...even female ejaculation."

7:50 PM: "The book is called Top 10 Secrets for Great Sex. On the Today Show, I said to her, 'Look at what a stupid title. What secrets? I don't have any secrets!'"

7:49 PM: "This book (Sex for Dummies) is out in 28 different languages. I did not want to do it."

7:48 PM: "I told you sex sells. 11 years ago, they wanted me to do the book Sex for Dummies...I said, 'No! I go to universities and talk. I don't talk to dummies!'"

7:47 PM: She related a story about a woman who liked to toss onion rings on her partner's erect penis.

7:46 PM: "Programs like this create a community of resonance."

7:44 PM: "I told Johnny Carson, 'Mr. Carson, you are responsible for couples not having sex.' He asks, 'Me?! Why?!' 'Because they stay up late to watch you, and then they are too tired!'"

7:43 PM: "A man can learn to bring himself to an erection...before the point of no return, can say, 'Stop'...lose part of the erection...so that his brain learns that he will ejaculate when he wants to."

7:42 PM: "I believe that a sexually literate couple can be sexually active to the age of 99."

7:41 PM: "A psychogenic erection is an erection that a man has when he wants to have an erection to have sex."

7:40 PM: "If I detect that women is alcoholic or depressed, I will not give her a second appointment with me. I will tell her to go to Alcoholic's Anonymous...I cannot work with a woman who is alcoholic or depressed."

7:38 PM: "5% of women can sit in an auditorium like this, tighten the upper thighs, have some erotic thoughts, and have an orgasm right here."

7:36 PM: "Women love to be caressed after an orgasm. I will tell men to take a pin to bed, not touch their penis with it, but prick himself so that he will sit up in bed and caress his wife."

7:35 PM: Dr. Ruth relates that a man who is troubled by external factors will not get an erection, and that during later sexual encounters, if he has thoughts about that past failure, he is sure to not get an erection.

7:34 PM: "What we do know is that male sexual apparatus is very delicate."

7:33 PM: "A premature ejaculator is a man who ejaculates faster than he wants to...they used to say that this is a man who dislikes women...who goes wang bang thank you ma'am."

7:31 PM: She tells a parable of a man who takes Viagra to have an erection, and he goes home and tells his wife to "hop into bed." However, he hasn't done the dishes, got her flowers for Valentine's Day, etc. "The wife will tell him what he can do with his erection."

7:30 PM: She spoke of a program where she trained and researched. "Across this country of ours, there are less women who don't have orgasms because of talks like ours...because somehow that message is out there that a woman is responsible for her orgasm...for example, we know that for the curve of sexual arousal for women is slower than for men...if we don't teach women to stay with it...she's not going to have it."

7:26 PM: "We have the best (data/research). Kinsey had the best questionnaire, survey...we need a new study because 50 years (since) is too long...there are more ways that have changed...in the climate of today, I don't think it's around the corner, but we need a new study...Masters and Johnson observed 1,500 sexual episodes...cameras recording...people watching...who is willing to perform the sex act in a laboratory setting...medical students need money, nursing students needed money, social work people needed money, prostitutes needed money...I'm not involved in these studies."

7:25 PM: "The other issue is sexually transmitted diseases...any sexually active couple has to be careful...in New York City, we have sex clubs springing up...indiscriminate sexual activity...especially, probably the disease of AIDS...in the relationship, both have to know what they are doing, and be careful."

7:24 PM: "The other issue is of homosexuality...we still don't know the etiology, the reason for, of homosexuality...or of heterosexuality...when a homosexual couple walks into my office with a relationship problem...or sexual problem...I will treat that couple with the same respect as anybody else...respect has to be given to any human being."

7:23 PM: "I will put issues on the table that are very controversial. You have to stand up and be confident. From where I stand, I would be very sad if abortion were illegal, not as a contraceptive...in my way of thinking, if they need an abortion, they should have it...I would be very sad if we have to go back to those years...before 1975...only women with money were able to find abortion...they could fly to Mexico or Europe."

7:22 PM: "I am not a medical doctor. I will tell you to go to a clinic, a gynecologist..."

7:21 PM: "The rate of unintended pregnancies has been reduced...not enough."

7:20 PM: "Talk about these issues in the proper frame of reference...Hopefully, they (grandparents) still do it...they can be sexually active to the age of 99."

7:17 PM: She tells a parable of a Victorian mother who told her daughter to "lie back and think of England. There's nothing in it for you. Do not expect the Earth to shake. Do not expect orgasms." "Very often, I'm asked about...the toddler who sits in front of the tv and touches down there...now I'm old fashioned and a square, I've always been old fashioned and a square...but don't get the whole family together...but this (masturbation) is something to be done in the privacy of the home or bathroom...but has tremendous implications. We are fed very many myths about masturbation. There's a myth that says women don't masturbate...that if you masturbate you will need to wear glasses...a particular American myth...hair will grow in the palm of their hands...you are very disciplined...many professors at other universities looked at the palm of their hands."

7:15 PM: "I did television on Lifetime...I'm very pleased to actually be able to teach and continue doing some therapy. You can never do therapy on the air, only in an office...I have to tell you that sex sells."

7:13 PM: "Let's talk about some recent trends, and some things that are not so new...I'll take questions from cards and the floor...You can say, 'A friend of mine'...Professors, you can say, 'A student of mine'...and students, you can say, 'A professor of mine.'"

7:12 PM: Dr. Ruth takes her place at the podium. "I did teach here when I was at Brooklyn College...but I have never seen at this magnificent building of yours."

7:11 PM: She is currently teaching at Yale and Princeton, and taught at Adelphi for two semesters. She is also the author of 35 books.

7:10 PM: Dr. Ruth was born in Germany in 1928 and migrated to Switzerland at age 8 to escape the Holocaust. This was noted among other biographical facts by the student who is introducing Dr. Ruth.

7:07 PM: Index cards are being collected. Dr. Ruth asked that all attending write down a question for the Q & A session at the end of the lecture.

7:06 PM: People migrate towards the front of the Concert Hall for optimal hearing.

7:03 PM: Dr. Ruth says, "Whoever wants good sex for the rest of their lives, move down here." She indicated the closest seats to the stage.

7:00 PM: Julius Motal here, host of the Vlogcast and Treasurer of PAWS Web Radio, Live Blogging the Dr. Ruth lecture here at Adelphi. This will be updated in reverse chronological order, with the latest updates at the top of the blog. Currently, people are filtering into Adelphi's Concert Hall in the new Performing Arts Center (PAC).

James O. Horton Lectures on Abraham Lincoln, African American History

2009-02-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, on February 19^th James O. Horton gave a lecture in honor of Black History Month on Abraham Lincoln in African American History.

Horton presented to the audience how Abraham Lincoln was more than a president who freed the slaves. Lincoln was also seen in the eyes of many African Americans as “The Great Emancipator”. A survey of historians have declared Lincoln as the greatest President in American history. Further, Lincoln was also President during the darkest time in America’s timeline. The lecture also covered how several monuments were erected in Lincoln’s memory including of course the Lincoln Memorial which currently stands in Washington D.C., another statue is also in D.C. which features Lincoln standing over a slave. While it was popular, it was also controversial, but African Americans saw it as an honor to his memory. The remains of the lecture spoke about how Black History Month is about Abraham Lincoln just as much as it is about African American History.

Horton is the Benjamin Banneker professor of American Studies and History at George Washington University and historian emeritus at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. During Clinton’s presidency, Clinton appointed him to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission in 2000. Horton is also the author of several books on African American history in the United States including Hard Road to Freedom: The Story of African America and The making of America. He also did a several historical series on ABC, Discovery Channel, and The History Channel.

Reporting: Vincent Pastore

Photos: Ben Guralnik

Alternative uses for a Guitar Hero controller

2009-02-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

In honor of Guitar Hero Metallica arriving to consoles soon, Julius shows you how not to use a Guitar Hero Controller.

Host: Julius Motal
Camera: Vincent Pastore
Sound: Dennis Myagkov
Producer/Editor: Chris Gampat

The Death of Juicy Campus

2009-02-16T09:41:00.001-08:00

Julius Motal: Host/Writer
Vincent Pastore: Camera
Dennis Myagkov: Sound
Chris Gampat: Producer/Editor

How to Save Battery on Your Cell Phone

2009-02-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

In his last vlogcast, President Chris Gampat shows us how to save battery life on your cell phone.