by Alex Guadagno
Rutgers journalism students found out on Wednesday, Feb. 25 that there is much more required for prolific online publishing than plopping down at the keyboard each morning and dishing unbridled witticisms, pajama-clad and coffee-cupped, à la Perez Hilton. This vision, presented by Ed Silverman of Pharmalot.com, may be how Hilton writes his snarky celebrity gossip blog, but this particular fantasy was dismantled for some would-be bloggers when Silverman spoke at a talk hosted by the Rutgers Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists at the New Brunswick campus. "How to Become a Successful Online Publisher” also featured panelist Cameron Barrott of Blogcorp.com.
According to Silverman, the potential to make money in online publishing rests on the blog’s ability to attract a demographic that is interesting to advertisers. It’s not simply a matter of laying out the material and waiting for the advertising revenue to roll in—an enterprising blogger must actively pursue both the audience and the advertiser.
Silverman’s blog, Pharmalot.com, was the “go-to destination for news and discussion concerning the pharmaceutical industry” before he decided to shut it down last month, according to Silverman’s goodbye post. Even though it may seem like a very specific market, Pharmalot boasted of more than 11,000 independent hits per day near the end. Silverman, who covered pharmaceuticals for ten years at the Star Ledger, saw the potential for this type of online presence and established his Pharmalot blog. “A web site represented not only a next step in gathering and disseminating information, but also an opportunity to get ahead of the curve and move on to another stage in my career,” said Silverman.
Silverman suggested that making money in blogging may mean tailoring the content to the desired audience, which can quickly become a balancing act between putting forth the kind of material you want and appeasing the readers—as well as the advertisers who are paying you based only on your ability to get these readers coming back. “It’s a really noisy world,” says Silverman. “And it’s going to get noisier.”
Does this have to mean compromising one’s voice or integrity? “There’s that old-fashioned wall between advertising and editorial. The question is: do you want to reach that wall?” Silverman posed. “The answer is: you have to.”
This may be discouraging to budding bloggers who are drawn to this medium for its apparent separation from the more structured business world of print media. But Silverman, a self-proclaimed “content person,” maintained: “Like it or not, that business consideration is paramount everyday. Maybe not every minute, but every day.” He suggested that other “content people” develop a partnership with someone more adept at business matters, which would free up the journalists’ hands for more creative pursuits.
Cameron Barrott of Blogcorp.com spoke next. Blogcorp advises organizations on setting up successful blogs to meet their business needs. While Silverman focused on the writing and journalistic aspect of the business, Barrott delved into the dirty details of the technical side to blogging. This was at the expense of losing more than half of the student audience when the topic of Web 2.0 was breached, as one moderator jested when students began filing out of the room.
But Barrott’s attitude seems to suggest that taking the sort of risks that may cost you half your audience is part of the niche-carving and name-building process. “You have to fail at something before you can succeed at anything,” said Barrott. When it comes to blogging, “failure is the best teacher.”
And failed he has: Barrott shared with the audience an anecdote about how one disparaging comment he made on a blog followed him around for the past 8 years. But even Barrott, with his live-and-learn-and-then-get-libel-insurance attitude, suggests that advertising is the most direct way to profit in the blogging world. One audience member suggested subscription-based niche marketing, but Barrott insisted that even this is not the best route unless you have a clearly defined group pegged.
Barrott insists that bloggers must make themselves an indispensable part of the audience’s day by providing readers with something that cannot be found elsewhere. He gave the example of Daringfireball.net, a text only blog by John Gruber.
“People read it because they’re afraid not to read it,” agreed Ron Miskoff, who is a former news reporter and currently a lecturer at the Rutgers School of Communication, Information and Library Studies.
The theme of the evening and the message from speakers to students was evident: blog about what you know, carve out a niche, be edgy if you have to, and do whatever it takes to stick out and be heard.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Empower Our Neighborhoods vs. City Council
By Jason Scharch
Rent control, traffic light cameras, and icy sidewalks were all addressed at the city council meeting on February 18. But one thing that was not was the recurring efforts of the civic group named “Empower Our Neighborhood.” The group, which is formed mainly of Rutgers students, is fighting for a ward system that will allow different sections of the city to elect their own representatives for city council. The current city government has successfully avoided the implementation of such a system, and the tensions showed the straining relationship between the individuals involved.
Charles Kratovil, the Co-Campaign Manager of Empower Our Neighborhood, or EON, took an active role at the meeting, bringing questions from members of EON to the meeting and taping the responses. The group handed out flyers during the meeting explaining their goals, and how others can help.
The antics of the EON were only tolerated for so long, as the council members quickly lost their patience when attempts were made to debate during a public meeting. When asked about why the council meetings could not be video taped for cable, and archived online for all to see. Council President Elizabeth Garlatti responded in a sarcastic reference to the topic of cameras at streetlights, “Maybe we’ll set up a picnic table at the intersection with the camera and take care of that.”
EON is having a hard time gaining respect from the city council, partly because most students are only temporary residents. The two organizations are in a legal standstill currently. Mayor Jim Cahill expressed to The Daily Targum his concern about whether their petition was signed by students who had a full knowledge of its purpose. Cahill said, “The petition should have contained a clarification that it was the intended purpose of this petition to place on the ballot two questions calling for two different kinds of government: one by ward and one at large, both consisting of nine council members.” Additionally the city council expressed concern that signatures were located on the back of the petition, and did not clearly display the purpose.
Stress levels are high on both sides of this struggle, seeing as how it has moved to the legal system for settling. According to Sean Monahan, another EON representative, the city has spent over $50,000 on the current legal battle, fighting the petition presented by EON. Monahan disagrees with the action the city has been taking, “It just doesn’t make sense, they are using the taxpayers money to pay for their lawyer who is fighting against a system designed to work for the taxpayers.”
The meeting was rushed to a conclusion before more representatives from the Empower Our Neighborhood group could continue their barrage of questions. The straining of professional relationships was seen on both sides in a meeting full of unanswered questions. Afterward the council members rushed out of the room, while the EON representatives stuck around to talk and answer questions from all of those at the meeting.
Rent control, traffic light cameras, and icy sidewalks were all addressed at the city council meeting on February 18. But one thing that was not was the recurring efforts of the civic group named “Empower Our Neighborhood.” The group, which is formed mainly of Rutgers students, is fighting for a ward system that will allow different sections of the city to elect their own representatives for city council. The current city government has successfully avoided the implementation of such a system, and the tensions showed the straining relationship between the individuals involved.
Charles Kratovil, the Co-Campaign Manager of Empower Our Neighborhood, or EON, took an active role at the meeting, bringing questions from members of EON to the meeting and taping the responses. The group handed out flyers during the meeting explaining their goals, and how others can help.
The antics of the EON were only tolerated for so long, as the council members quickly lost their patience when attempts were made to debate during a public meeting. When asked about why the council meetings could not be video taped for cable, and archived online for all to see. Council President Elizabeth Garlatti responded in a sarcastic reference to the topic of cameras at streetlights, “Maybe we’ll set up a picnic table at the intersection with the camera and take care of that.”
EON is having a hard time gaining respect from the city council, partly because most students are only temporary residents. The two organizations are in a legal standstill currently. Mayor Jim Cahill expressed to The Daily Targum his concern about whether their petition was signed by students who had a full knowledge of its purpose. Cahill said, “The petition should have contained a clarification that it was the intended purpose of this petition to place on the ballot two questions calling for two different kinds of government: one by ward and one at large, both consisting of nine council members.” Additionally the city council expressed concern that signatures were located on the back of the petition, and did not clearly display the purpose.
Stress levels are high on both sides of this struggle, seeing as how it has moved to the legal system for settling. According to Sean Monahan, another EON representative, the city has spent over $50,000 on the current legal battle, fighting the petition presented by EON. Monahan disagrees with the action the city has been taking, “It just doesn’t make sense, they are using the taxpayers money to pay for their lawyer who is fighting against a system designed to work for the taxpayers.”
The meeting was rushed to a conclusion before more representatives from the Empower Our Neighborhood group could continue their barrage of questions. The straining of professional relationships was seen on both sides in a meeting full of unanswered questions. Afterward the council members rushed out of the room, while the EON representatives stuck around to talk and answer questions from all of those at the meeting.
Maplewood Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
By Kaja Stamnes
At the monthly Maplewood Environmental Advisory committee meeting, the hottest topic was the debate over what to do about Earth Day. The meeting, held this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Maplewood Library had an agenda that began with a run-through of newly created sub-committees, and moved on through more important topics of environmental concern. While Earth Day played a starring role in the event, another issued included the continuing debate over the type of field to be used in the recently confirmed make-over of DeHart Park and Recreation Center. Also, defining the roles of the subcommittees in relation to the Township committee was discussed. The general purpose of the meeting was to address the tasks the committee would need to take on in the next few months..
The Environmental Advisory Committee consists of 10 people, appointed by the local Township Committee. The Official Town Website of Maplewood lists the EAC's responsibilities as “[T]o advise [The Township Committee] and the municipal government on environmental/green issues including climate change, recycling, clean air, clean water, and protection against health threatening contaminants. The Committee is also responsible for coordinating the annual celebration of Earth Day and developing educational programs for the community.” The Chairperson, Robert McCoy, led the meeting and Deputy Mayor, Fred Profeta, was there to represent the Township Committee.
The main topic was the Earth Day Event. The committee tentatively set the celebration of this day which technically occurs on Wednesday, April 22, for the following Saturday, April 25. The most important part of this day is the Rahway River Clean-Up, an annual community event. The discussion of Earth Day was driven mostly by the desire to expand it into a week-long event this year, following neighboring Millburn Township's example. The EAC seemed to think that doing so would be possible with publicity from sponsors, and additional events and contests to get more of the community involved. They decided to appoint two people to head the Earth Day-Week conundrum.
A lengthy discussion centered on the EAC's opinion on which approach to take to the DeHart Park reconstruction. The members seemed to agree that an organic approach to the field would be better in the long run and more sustainable. Profeta, however, pointed out that the Township Committee's opinion on the matter currently would result in a 3-2 vote against the organic method. They agreed that the need to distill and present the basic factors which make the organic turf the most desirable and affordable option is very important to convince the Township Committee and other residents in its favor. Many residents were in favor of a synthetic turf field, and some EAC members acknowledged the fact that such residents might simply oppose any other efforts. That field maintenance must accompany the changes, regardless of the selected method, was also determined.
The four subcommittees that were created at the last month's meeting were quickly given a run-through to decide what issues they would address. The categories were Climate Change, Open Space, Recycling, and Municipal Ordinances and Planning. The last category posed somewhat of a challenge as Mr. Profeta was prompted to ask about the effects of having a “Municipal Ordinances” committee to the Township Committee. He seemed concerned that an ordinances with an environmental aspect would be held up and subject to the subcommittees review. The issue was resolved as EAC member and Convener of the Open Space Subcommittee, Dirk Olin, expressed his comfort with the flexibility of what he said “should be an ad-hocracy” emphasizing the group's ability to adjust to change, and play the role as an advisor to help the Township Committee, not a bureaucratic obstacle.
The EAC is hosting a “Green Drinks” fundraiser March 26th at the Maplewood Women's Club. Price is $10 per person, all the beverages will be organic.
At the monthly Maplewood Environmental Advisory committee meeting, the hottest topic was the debate over what to do about Earth Day. The meeting, held this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Maplewood Library had an agenda that began with a run-through of newly created sub-committees, and moved on through more important topics of environmental concern. While Earth Day played a starring role in the event, another issued included the continuing debate over the type of field to be used in the recently confirmed make-over of DeHart Park and Recreation Center. Also, defining the roles of the subcommittees in relation to the Township committee was discussed. The general purpose of the meeting was to address the tasks the committee would need to take on in the next few months..
The Environmental Advisory Committee consists of 10 people, appointed by the local Township Committee. The Official Town Website of Maplewood lists the EAC's responsibilities as “[T]o advise [The Township Committee] and the municipal government on environmental/green issues including climate change, recycling, clean air, clean water, and protection against health threatening contaminants. The Committee is also responsible for coordinating the annual celebration of Earth Day and developing educational programs for the community.” The Chairperson, Robert McCoy, led the meeting and Deputy Mayor, Fred Profeta, was there to represent the Township Committee.
The main topic was the Earth Day Event. The committee tentatively set the celebration of this day which technically occurs on Wednesday, April 22, for the following Saturday, April 25. The most important part of this day is the Rahway River Clean-Up, an annual community event. The discussion of Earth Day was driven mostly by the desire to expand it into a week-long event this year, following neighboring Millburn Township's example. The EAC seemed to think that doing so would be possible with publicity from sponsors, and additional events and contests to get more of the community involved. They decided to appoint two people to head the Earth Day-Week conundrum.
A lengthy discussion centered on the EAC's opinion on which approach to take to the DeHart Park reconstruction. The members seemed to agree that an organic approach to the field would be better in the long run and more sustainable. Profeta, however, pointed out that the Township Committee's opinion on the matter currently would result in a 3-2 vote against the organic method. They agreed that the need to distill and present the basic factors which make the organic turf the most desirable and affordable option is very important to convince the Township Committee and other residents in its favor. Many residents were in favor of a synthetic turf field, and some EAC members acknowledged the fact that such residents might simply oppose any other efforts. That field maintenance must accompany the changes, regardless of the selected method, was also determined.
The four subcommittees that were created at the last month's meeting were quickly given a run-through to decide what issues they would address. The categories were Climate Change, Open Space, Recycling, and Municipal Ordinances and Planning. The last category posed somewhat of a challenge as Mr. Profeta was prompted to ask about the effects of having a “Municipal Ordinances” committee to the Township Committee. He seemed concerned that an ordinances with an environmental aspect would be held up and subject to the subcommittees review. The issue was resolved as EAC member and Convener of the Open Space Subcommittee, Dirk Olin, expressed his comfort with the flexibility of what he said “should be an ad-hocracy” emphasizing the group's ability to adjust to change, and play the role as an advisor to help the Township Committee, not a bureaucratic obstacle.
The EAC is hosting a “Green Drinks” fundraiser March 26th at the Maplewood Women's Club. Price is $10 per person, all the beverages will be organic.
Economist Discusses Past, Present and Future
By Lucas Sullivan
This past Wednesday, economist R. Glenn Hubbard gave a speech at the College Avenue Student Center at Rutgers concerning our current economic situation, the lessons to learn from the past, and what to look out for in the future.
Hubbard is the Dean of the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University, and has a prestigious history in economics: he was the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors from 2001 to 2003, the chairman of the Economic Club of New York, and very nearly took the place of Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve.
Attendees at the lecture numbered around forty or fifty, including some Rutgers Economics professors such as Neil Sheflin. Hubbard started his speech proclaiming that his goal was to “take something that works in practice and prove it can work in theory.” He then reminded the audience of the tough times we are in, stating that “the forecast is presently grim…continued job shedding is very troubling.” Overseas, the situation is not much brighter: economic growth in China and India is “slipping,” and Japan is currently in a recession. “Humility is in order,” said Hubbard, who asserted that we need to shake up the system in order to bounce back out of the slump. “Currently,” said Hubbard, “we have a banking panic…the instinct is to run for cash.”
How did we end up in this situation in the first place? Hubbard noted three main causes: low interest rates, lax monetary policy from 2003 to 2005 (which led to inflation), and the capital requirements to make transactions being too high. Hubbard suggested that the path to recovery requires confidence and a “principled policy of response” to economic troubles, as opposed to an “ad-hoc” reaction that will be too late in correcting a problem. His main proposition for the future was that instead of hiring more regulators, we hire better ones; doubling the number of poor regulators will do us no good, Hubbard concluded. We should also try to weed out the good banks from the bad ones, or eliminate the bad banks and bad assets altogether; this would provide protection from loss that would be a comfort to the consumer.
Hubbard also discussed the recent stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama. He claimed that it didn’t have enough “bang for the buck,” and that we will not likely see it add significantly to GDP in the next 12 to 18 months. Also troubling was Hubbard’s prediction that the package “may necessitate higher taxes in the future.” The package did have its upside, however, as it will bolster the supply side in the US and keep structural productivity high, according to Hubbard.
Near the end of the lecture, Hubbard fielded a few questions from the audience. One student asked for Hubbard’s opinion on the future of some of the currently competing banks; Hubbard stated that he believed many of the struggling midsize banks will fail in 2009 and 2010. The biggest issue, Hubbard emphasized, was focusing on the long term. Hubbard closed his lecture with a humorous quote he had found in a fortune cookie that he said is analogous to our current economic situation: “riding a flying tiger is easy; it’s just landing that is difficult.”
This past Wednesday, economist R. Glenn Hubbard gave a speech at the College Avenue Student Center at Rutgers concerning our current economic situation, the lessons to learn from the past, and what to look out for in the future.
Hubbard is the Dean of the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University, and has a prestigious history in economics: he was the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors from 2001 to 2003, the chairman of the Economic Club of New York, and very nearly took the place of Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve.
Attendees at the lecture numbered around forty or fifty, including some Rutgers Economics professors such as Neil Sheflin. Hubbard started his speech proclaiming that his goal was to “take something that works in practice and prove it can work in theory.” He then reminded the audience of the tough times we are in, stating that “the forecast is presently grim…continued job shedding is very troubling.” Overseas, the situation is not much brighter: economic growth in China and India is “slipping,” and Japan is currently in a recession. “Humility is in order,” said Hubbard, who asserted that we need to shake up the system in order to bounce back out of the slump. “Currently,” said Hubbard, “we have a banking panic…the instinct is to run for cash.”
How did we end up in this situation in the first place? Hubbard noted three main causes: low interest rates, lax monetary policy from 2003 to 2005 (which led to inflation), and the capital requirements to make transactions being too high. Hubbard suggested that the path to recovery requires confidence and a “principled policy of response” to economic troubles, as opposed to an “ad-hoc” reaction that will be too late in correcting a problem. His main proposition for the future was that instead of hiring more regulators, we hire better ones; doubling the number of poor regulators will do us no good, Hubbard concluded. We should also try to weed out the good banks from the bad ones, or eliminate the bad banks and bad assets altogether; this would provide protection from loss that would be a comfort to the consumer.
Hubbard also discussed the recent stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama. He claimed that it didn’t have enough “bang for the buck,” and that we will not likely see it add significantly to GDP in the next 12 to 18 months. Also troubling was Hubbard’s prediction that the package “may necessitate higher taxes in the future.” The package did have its upside, however, as it will bolster the supply side in the US and keep structural productivity high, according to Hubbard.
Near the end of the lecture, Hubbard fielded a few questions from the audience. One student asked for Hubbard’s opinion on the future of some of the currently competing banks; Hubbard stated that he believed many of the struggling midsize banks will fail in 2009 and 2010. The biggest issue, Hubbard emphasized, was focusing on the long term. Hubbard closed his lecture with a humorous quote he had found in a fortune cookie that he said is analogous to our current economic situation: “riding a flying tiger is easy; it’s just landing that is difficult.”
Six Flags, More Flags, More Jobs
By Maria Monica Abrenica
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey hosted a job opportunity fair last Saturday, February 21. Applicants came with a lot of patience and their biggest smiles.
Returning employees from previous seasons as well as hundreds of aspiring employees kept the company’s Human Resources Department occupied and the Employment Center packed throughout the day. The company is offering numerous employment opportunities for all ages.
The job fair started at ten o’ clock in the morning and lasted until four in the afternoon. It was a challenge squeezing between all the people in order to make it through the section of departments and their inviting display of work information. Among the most popular hiring departments are Merchandise, Games, Entertainment, Loss Prevention and Security, and Ride Operations.
Twenty-six-year-old Katherine Tytko of Howell, New Jersey is coming back for her seventh season with the Security Department. She said that what makes her keep coming back is the comfort and familiarity with the demands of the job. She also works as a Medical Technologist at the Monmouth Medical Center, but is looking to earn extra income. This season, she is determined to come back in order to double her payments toward student loans.
“The pay is not incredibly high, but you can get so many hours that you still bring home a decent paycheck,” Tytko said.
Rhonda Callahan, 21, of Mount Holly, New Jersey will be returning for her fourth season with the park’s Merchandise Department. She said she enjoys meeting new co-workers each year and being around park guests. She also said that the money she earns pays for college books and clothes.
“Six Flags is a happy place and the money is good too,” said Callahan.
Unlike most other companies, Six Flags provides employment for minors too. The amusement park accepts applicants as young as the age of fourteen. Senior Supervisor Mayra Zayas said that this is a great venue for young people to learn the value of hard-earned money and to develop responsibility. She estimates that about 2,000 people came to this job fair and while she was unable to give an exact number of how many people will get hired, she said that departments are aiming to maximize staffing. In an NBC local news report, it was said that Six Flags Great Adventure is among the biggest seasonal employers in New Jersey. The report said that approximately 4,100 positions are available.
“I live two minutes down the road and I need the money,” said fourteen-year-old Michelle Long.
Long was standing in a corner enjoying the free food and beverages at the fair while anticipating for her name to be called out by an interviewer. She is looking to work in Merchandise and said that she chose Six Flags because it is known for being a fun place to work.
Mothers waited patiently for their kids to finish their application and interview. Kayla Schonyers, 15, and Diandra Schonyers, 18, are sisters who were attracted to the fair by a promotional flier that their mother had brought home from work.
“I am not forcing them to work, but I want them to learn the value of money, especially during these hard days,” said the Schonyers’ mother.
Karen Coryelle, a mother of two from Bricktown, New Jersey, was waiting outside for her fifteen-year-old son to come out from his interview. When asked what job her son was looking for, she replied saying “Anything!” and then laughed. She said that being choosy is not an option at a time when so many people are getting laid off and having trouble finding decent jobs.
Seasonal employment does not discourage people from seeking a job at Six Flags and this is evident in the number of people who went to the job fair last Saturday. “Six Flags has so many jobs within the company that it can fit into anyone’s needs,” Zayas said. “There’s something for everyone.” She also said that the benefits of competitive pay, flexible hours, and free park tickets draw more and more people each year.
The park is still accepting applications and anyone is welcome to visit the Employment Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. A list of available seasonal positions and more information about employment are also available online at www.sixflags.com/greatAdventure/jobs.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Hijabs, Yarmulkas, and Bare Heads...Oh, My!
By Sylver McGriff
Photos by Sylver McGriff
It was a sight to see: Muslims, Jews and Christians all together in one room, praying, conversing, questioning. Quite a sight - especially in light of America’s recent history with the Middle East, and unfolding events in Israel and Palestine. The unlikely religious gathering on February 18th in the College Avenue Graduate Student Lounge at Rutgers University in New Brunswick - dubbed “Trialogue: A Search for Understanding; Muslims, Christians and Jews in Conversation”- threw together students from various faiths - including a lone atheist - to ask questions of each other. Among the questions provided in a pamphlet handed out to each participant were: “Is Islam under attack right now?", “What stereotypes do you have of different religions?”, “If you had to convert to another faith, which would you choose?” And, as war rages in Israel and Palestine, “Where is the Holy Land, and who has claim to it?”
The event was sponsored by the Catholic Center, Episcopal Campus Ministry, Hillel, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Office of Muslim Chaplain, Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministry, and the Wesley Fellowship, and funded by grants from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and The United Methodist Church. Both undergrad and grad students of many cultures were in attendance.“I grew up having to pray the Lord’s prayer and recite from the Koran.” says Amytza, a Rutgers SCILS senior of Hispanic-Indian heritage reared by a Muslim father and Catholic mother. Leah, a Jewish graduate student in the field of social work, shares, “I just recently visited my family in Israel, which really solidified my faith.” Across the room, a Caucasian student with blue hair wearing an off the shoulder top above a micro-mini skirt sat beside a fully sheathed Muslim student with only her face and hands exposed. Within minutes, the two were in deep conversation. Present also were a priest in collar, a nun in habit, and a female rabbi; the only missing representative of religious authority was a Muslim imam.
To begin, two students from each faith stood before the gathering to share information about the beliefs of each of their religions. Male Jewish students wearing colorful yarmulkas recited a prayer from the Torah in Hebrew, followed by Christian students, heads bare, reciting the Lord’s Prayer, culminated by a Muslim male and female student - the girl wearing a black hijab (the traditional headcover worn by Muslim women) - who recited passages of the Koran in eloquent Arabic. All spoke of love, peace, and an adherence to their chosen beliefs.
Rabbi Esther Reed, Associate Director for Jewish Campus Life at the university, then divided everyone into small groups. “The focus of the small group is to open your mind and heart to other faiths, ideas, religious practices, and prayers,” quotes the green pamphlet handed around to each group; it is a passage from “The Faith Club,” a book by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver and Priscilla Warner from which the structure of this Trialogue group is borrowed.
Following the 9-11 attacks, a Muslim mother of two who lived in New York City decided to educate her children about the common ground between Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths. This decision ultimately led to the writing of a children’s book with two other mothers - Suzanne Oliver, a Christian, and Priscilla Warner, Jewish. The result was “The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding.” It is the premise of this book on which the Rutgers Trialogue was designed.
As the Rutgers students began forming their Trialogue groups, Rabbi Reed calls out, “If you look around your group and see that everyone is from the same background as you, raise your hand and we’ll come around and switch people up a little bit; the idea is to have a trialogue with those from different religious backgrounds than ourselves.”
This instruction leads to amused return call-outs of, “Too many Jews over here!”, and “We need to switch out some Muslims!” With each call-out, laughter ripples through the room, but not the nervous kind. It is instead a genuine mirth about hearing such things voiced so openly without fear. Everyone here seems to recognize that they are in a ‘safe zone’, an environment in which diversity and humor may coincide.
Within the groups, serious discussion begins. “I thought there were only 2 kinds of Jews,” a Christian says. “The kind that wear beards and black hats, and the kind that don’t.” Two Jewish girls giggle. “No, we come in all kinds of flavors!” one answers. Everyone in the group laughs at this. “There’s Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed, and Reconstructionist Jews - and just about every kind inbetween,” the other Jewish girl clarifies. “In terms of differences, it’s more [about] the levels of practicing.”
An atheist poses a question, “Is it like that with Muslims?” A Muslim responds, “In Islam, there’s Sunni and Shi’a. But [it’s not like] the different kinds of Jews because it’s not about levels of practice. It’s about whether or not there is a belief that the first three khalifs [Islamic religious leaders] who led Islam after the Prophet [Muhammed]'s death had blood relation to the Prophet. Sunnis believe they did, and Shi’as believe they didn’t.”
In another group, a Christian is questioned by a Muslim. “Why do you believe that Jesus was the son of God? What historical proof do you have of that?” The Christian answers, “Well, Jesus performed miracles. Neither the Prophet Muhammed nor Abraham - or whoever Jews believe in as a prophet...wait, what exactly do Jews believe?” Everyone laughs uproariously, after which a Jewish student answers, “Let me educate you, o uninformed Christian!” More laughter. The laughter is genuine glee in the excitement and safety, within this supportive setting, to question, challenge, and learn about varying religious beliefs.
Most interesting about this Trialogue gathering was the underlying feeling of
willingness: each student seemed genuinely interested and open to views that go completely against all which they believe to be true. In fact, the students at this gathering seemed to welcome an opportunity to absorb new insight about things previously shrouded in mystery. The challenges were respectful, the inquiries were of sincere interest. That, in itself, was a beautiful thing to see.The Wrestler Knocks Down the Audience in Triumph
By Kara Jordhoy
Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson beats his nasty opponent to the ground and raises his arms in victory for an extremely small crowd surrounding the ring. He leaves his fans, who mistake his heavy breathing for victory, not defeat. After being cared for by nurses in his dressing room, Randy collapses to the ground. This beginning shows not only his exhaustion from the deadly battle, but also his fight to keep his life in order.
At the New York City Regal Union Square Stadium 14 premiere of The Wrestler on Jan. 30, many showed up to see the much talked about film that got actor Mickey Rourke nominated for an Oscar. After being invited by a New York University film student, John Schlirf, we sat and watched the movie eagerly with many others. Fortunately, this movie was engaging and moving; however, it was emotional in a way that depressed most of the audience.
“It’s a kind of movie that you can experience alongside the actor,” Schlirf said. “Mickey Rourke brings along his experiences as an actor that makes him even more believable.”
In The Wrestler, Rourke (Sin City) makes a come back by playing Randy, an old, washed-up fighter from New Jersey who constantly screws up with the people he cares for most. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), this movie had a documentary-feel to it, with shaky, hand-held cameras depicting Randy’s days after fame and fortune had ended. Obviously once on drugs, Randy tries to fix his broken life by making amends with his daughter Stephanie, played by Rachel Evan Wood (Across the Universe), getting a job in the deli section of a grocery store and forming a relationship with a stripper. This classy lady named Cassidy, played by Marissa Tomei (The Sopranos), is not the classic stereotypical depiction of a pole dancer. A single mom who yearns for a better life, Cassidy is also attempting to improve her life alongside Randy. While his efforts are admirable, Randy soon finds that it is much harder to keep up with responsibilities and relationships than it is to wrestle.
“The story has a very slow, deliberate pace to it that makes the film seem more like you’re following this guy around through his life,” Schlirf said. “It seems like there’s no barrier between you and the character.”
Written by Robert Siegel (The Onion Movie), The Wrestler is a moving, heart-wrenching tale; one that moved the audience and touched the lives of many. The acting was phenomenal, especially that of Tomei, who was nominated for the Academy Award’s Best Supporting Actress. Her willingness to be nude in multiple scenes, plus actually doings the tasks of a real stripper presented her ability as an actress. Also, Rourke’s talent as an actor was shown through Randy, because he played basically himself: a prior drug addict who is trying to reach for the fame he once had. Once on his way to stardom, Rourke ruined his chance by being rude to his coworkers and tarnishing his good looks by taking heavy medications. After people refused to work with him, Rourke decided to get his career back together again. Happily, Rourke has succeeded, winning a nomination for the Academy Award’s Best Actor.
“Rourke deserved to win because of the sheer amount of self he put in the role,” Schlirf said. “But he lost because he made so many enemies in his past.”
All in all, The Wrestler is a brilliant film, though somewhat depressing. Most of the audience left the theater with glum or sad expressions. While it can be inspirational to some, others may find no hope from it at all.
Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson beats his nasty opponent to the ground and raises his arms in victory for an extremely small crowd surrounding the ring. He leaves his fans, who mistake his heavy breathing for victory, not defeat. After being cared for by nurses in his dressing room, Randy collapses to the ground. This beginning shows not only his exhaustion from the deadly battle, but also his fight to keep his life in order.
At the New York City Regal Union Square Stadium 14 premiere of The Wrestler on Jan. 30, many showed up to see the much talked about film that got actor Mickey Rourke nominated for an Oscar. After being invited by a New York University film student, John Schlirf, we sat and watched the movie eagerly with many others. Fortunately, this movie was engaging and moving; however, it was emotional in a way that depressed most of the audience.
“It’s a kind of movie that you can experience alongside the actor,” Schlirf said. “Mickey Rourke brings along his experiences as an actor that makes him even more believable.”
In The Wrestler, Rourke (Sin City) makes a come back by playing Randy, an old, washed-up fighter from New Jersey who constantly screws up with the people he cares for most. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), this movie had a documentary-feel to it, with shaky, hand-held cameras depicting Randy’s days after fame and fortune had ended. Obviously once on drugs, Randy tries to fix his broken life by making amends with his daughter Stephanie, played by Rachel Evan Wood (Across the Universe), getting a job in the deli section of a grocery store and forming a relationship with a stripper. This classy lady named Cassidy, played by Marissa Tomei (The Sopranos), is not the classic stereotypical depiction of a pole dancer. A single mom who yearns for a better life, Cassidy is also attempting to improve her life alongside Randy. While his efforts are admirable, Randy soon finds that it is much harder to keep up with responsibilities and relationships than it is to wrestle.
“The story has a very slow, deliberate pace to it that makes the film seem more like you’re following this guy around through his life,” Schlirf said. “It seems like there’s no barrier between you and the character.”
Written by Robert Siegel (The Onion Movie), The Wrestler is a moving, heart-wrenching tale; one that moved the audience and touched the lives of many. The acting was phenomenal, especially that of Tomei, who was nominated for the Academy Award’s Best Supporting Actress. Her willingness to be nude in multiple scenes, plus actually doings the tasks of a real stripper presented her ability as an actress. Also, Rourke’s talent as an actor was shown through Randy, because he played basically himself: a prior drug addict who is trying to reach for the fame he once had. Once on his way to stardom, Rourke ruined his chance by being rude to his coworkers and tarnishing his good looks by taking heavy medications. After people refused to work with him, Rourke decided to get his career back together again. Happily, Rourke has succeeded, winning a nomination for the Academy Award’s Best Actor.
“Rourke deserved to win because of the sheer amount of self he put in the role,” Schlirf said. “But he lost because he made so many enemies in his past.”
All in all, The Wrestler is a brilliant film, though somewhat depressing. Most of the audience left the theater with glum or sad expressions. While it can be inspirational to some, others may find no hope from it at all.
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