November 4, 2008
October 15, 2008
Chronicle Live-Twitters the last presidential debate
Follow The Chronicle's live Twitterfeed from inside the media filing center of the University's Physical Fitness Center during the last presidential debate, held in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
--Samuel Rubenfeld
The Chronicle and NassauNews liveblog and streamcast Debate '08
The University hosts the final presidential debate of the 2008 election cycle. Below are both the live-blog and the streamcast for tonight's debate:
The live-blog:
The streamcast:
The live-blog:
The streamcast:
New group tells students to 'vote for nobody'
Amid the shouts and cheers from supporters of both Barack Obama and John McCain, one group decided to take a different approach to voicing their opinions.
Vote for Nobody is a satirical, counter-activism group founded by sophomores Evan Harrison and Matthew Adams that strives to get people to stop shouting at one another, and start discussing using rational thoughts and ideas.
“The louder you shout, the more I think you’re an idiot. Shouting your candidates name out loud won’t change my mind as to who I am voting for,” Harrison said.
Adams added that they want people to break out of their “mob mentality” and have them converse with one another to form educated statements. “The whole process is becoming a spectacle and I don’t feel as though I am presented with enough information to make a decision,” he said.
Both Harrison and Adams held up hand made signs that voiced statements such as, “Vote for Nobody,” “Nobody will keep election promises,” “Nobody cares,” and “Nobody tells the truth.”
When asked about the meaning behind the signs, Harrison said the signs were saying that both candidates won't live up to their hype and they wont really accomplish anything. Adams added that the signs were supposed to act as a catalyst to get people to voice their own activism through intelligent thoughts and discussions with people of opposing parties.
--Taylor Paraboschi
Vote for Nobody is a satirical, counter-activism group founded by sophomores Evan Harrison and Matthew Adams that strives to get people to stop shouting at one another, and start discussing using rational thoughts and ideas.
“The louder you shout, the more I think you’re an idiot. Shouting your candidates name out loud won’t change my mind as to who I am voting for,” Harrison said.
Adams added that they want people to break out of their “mob mentality” and have them converse with one another to form educated statements. “The whole process is becoming a spectacle and I don’t feel as though I am presented with enough information to make a decision,” he said.
Both Harrison and Adams held up hand made signs that voiced statements such as, “Vote for Nobody,” “Nobody will keep election promises,” “Nobody cares,” and “Nobody tells the truth.”
When asked about the meaning behind the signs, Harrison said the signs were saying that both candidates won't live up to their hype and they wont really accomplish anything. Adams added that the signs were supposed to act as a catalyst to get people to voice their own activism through intelligent thoughts and discussions with people of opposing parties.
--Taylor Paraboschi
Kenny Mayne requests song for 'Mayne Event'
ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne requested a group of acoustic musicians play a song about football players losing their helmets for a segment called the "Mayne event."
The segment, which is a fake news item attempting to raise awareness about football helmet safety, will air Sunday at 12:30 p.m., and the song will be in the segment, Mayne said.
The segment, which is a fake news item attempting to raise awareness about football helmet safety, will air Sunday at 12:30 p.m., and the song will be in the segment, Mayne said.
Chronicle photographer published in Washington Post, again
Chronicle Senior Photo Editor Jacqueline Hlavenka was published on the Washington Post's Youth Vote blog for the second time this week.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
--Samuel Rubenfeld
VIDEO: PSU pushes for alternative energy sources
The Progressive Students Union held a demonstration outside the Student Center Wednesday afternoon that emphasized the problems associated with expanded oil drilling, use of nuclear power and clean coal.
Video:
Video:
Photos: The MSNBC tent outside the student center
MSNBC set up its press tent outside the student center for debate night. Here's a glimpse at what's happening over there:
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
--All photos by Jaqueline Hlavenka
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
--All photos by Jaqueline Hlavenka
Democracy comes alive during series of performances
History came alive last Tuesday and Wednesday as faculty, students and professional actors came together to put on a series of performances depicting monumental figures and events in U.S. History.
Historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas were just some of many historical figures that came alive to discuss and debate their stances on important issues, such as women’s rights, civil rights and the Progressive movement.
George Frein, who portrayed Abraham Lincoln at the event, said the point of the performance was to “help people think about the democracy that they live in.” He added that the performance was also held to better educate and help people understand history by having them “think about it through the minds of historic figures.”
One event depicted a mock slave auction of an escaped slave, Pinky, who was just nine years old at the time. The slave auction was held in the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, where Pastor Henry Ward Beecher won the freedom for a young Sally “Pinky” Diggs at a cost of $900.
After she was granted freedom, Beecher presented her with a ring that was placed in the collection box and said, “With this ring I thee wed you to your freedom.” Pinky later returned to the congregation in 1926 to return the ring and share her successes with the people that made them possible.
Lynn C. Miller, author of The Fool’s Journey and the Death of a Department Chair, said that the overall purpose of the performances was to act as a “teaching process for people.”
“Our job was to introduce a person of value to people. To show that history isn’t this dead thing, and that you can really interact with it. To educate people,” she said.
--Taylor Paraboschi
Historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas were just some of many historical figures that came alive to discuss and debate their stances on important issues, such as women’s rights, civil rights and the Progressive movement.
George Frein, who portrayed Abraham Lincoln at the event, said the point of the performance was to “help people think about the democracy that they live in.” He added that the performance was also held to better educate and help people understand history by having them “think about it through the minds of historic figures.”
One event depicted a mock slave auction of an escaped slave, Pinky, who was just nine years old at the time. The slave auction was held in the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, where Pastor Henry Ward Beecher won the freedom for a young Sally “Pinky” Diggs at a cost of $900.
After she was granted freedom, Beecher presented her with a ring that was placed in the collection box and said, “With this ring I thee wed you to your freedom.” Pinky later returned to the congregation in 1926 to return the ring and share her successes with the people that made them possible.
Lynn C. Miller, author of The Fool’s Journey and the Death of a Department Chair, said that the overall purpose of the performances was to act as a “teaching process for people.”
“Our job was to introduce a person of value to people. To show that history isn’t this dead thing, and that you can really interact with it. To educate people,” she said.
--Taylor Paraboschi
Brian Lehrer hosts a WNYC debate panel
WNYC's Brian Lehrer discussed college affordability and the presidential campaign in a two hour radio show taped in Dempster Hall's Studio A with an audience of high school students, University students, faculty and staff on hand.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
--All photos by Erin Furman
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
--All photos by Erin Furman
Hofstra's College GOP volunteers in New York City
Ten members of the College Republicans spent the night before the debate in Midtown Manhattan, volunteering for the McCain-Palin campaign at a fundraiser.
Tickets for the fundraiser ranged in price from a minimum of $1,000 to a VIP ticket costing $50,000 that got a donor a private meeting with the Republican nominee.
Sean Nabi, the president of the College Republicans, and Anthony Lucci, president of Students for McCain, each helped out at the Grand Hyatt in Midtown.
"It's remarkable that something like the debate coming to Hofstra gave us the opportunity to meet some of the most influential people in American politics today," Nabi said.
Nabi worked the door with Secret Service, where he met VIPs like Donald Trump and Stephen Baldwin. Both Lucci and Nabi got to hear Cindy McCain, Sarah Palin and John McCain speak to the donors.
While shaking hands on the ropeline, Nabi handed Palin his "Debate '08" pin, and McCain thanked ROTC member Alex McHale for his service.
"I got to shake two of the most important hands in the world tonight because I go to Hofstra," Lucci said.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
Tickets for the fundraiser ranged in price from a minimum of $1,000 to a VIP ticket costing $50,000 that got a donor a private meeting with the Republican nominee.
Sean Nabi, the president of the College Republicans, and Anthony Lucci, president of Students for McCain, each helped out at the Grand Hyatt in Midtown.
"It's remarkable that something like the debate coming to Hofstra gave us the opportunity to meet some of the most influential people in American politics today," Nabi said.
Nabi worked the door with Secret Service, where he met VIPs like Donald Trump and Stephen Baldwin. Both Lucci and Nabi got to hear Cindy McCain, Sarah Palin and John McCain speak to the donors.
While shaking hands on the ropeline, Nabi handed Palin his "Debate '08" pin, and McCain thanked ROTC member Alex McHale for his service.
"I got to shake two of the most important hands in the world tonight because I go to Hofstra," Lucci said.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
PSU marches for the Iraq war dead
Progressive Students Union, in collaboration with the national groups Activist Response Team and Eyes Wide Open, performed a March of the Dead representing the civilian lives lost during the Iraq War.
--Emily Cummins
Twenty-three volunteers, most of them students, walked from inside the Student Center entrance on North Campus to the front of CV Starr on South Campus embodying individuals and families who were victims of what they refer to as an illegal war. The men, women and children represented were killed in either Iraq, Afghanistan or the United States.
A steady beat boomed throughout the school as they walked single file; each wore all black, a white mask depicting a stoic face and a sign indicating the name, age and occupation of the person they symbolized. While they marched, students and teachers stopped to watch and take photographs, all wondering the purpose of the demonstration.
Although many dismissed the group as simple protesters, some were captivated by their somber and powerful message.--Emily Cummins
Students learn about youth voting from MTV panel
A group of 13 students traveled to MTVu's studio Tuesday morning to take part in a panel on youth voting.
Panelists included Diablo Cody, who wrote the film "Juno," film star Rosario Dawson, Hilary Rosen, the political director of The Huffington Post, Luke Russert, a special youth correspondent for NBC News, Alex N. Vogel, a named partner in the firm Mehlman, and Larry Wilmore, an Emmy and Peabody-award winning correspondent for "The Daily Show."
MTVu is the college affiliate of MTV Networks, and they've spent the 2008 presidential campaign focusing on issues facing young voters. The panel presented a study it conducted about how young voters see issues such as race, gender, and experience of the candidates.
After the presentation, the celebrity panelists discussed their impressions of young people today and young voters’ opportunity for profound impact on the nation.
Panelists included Diablo Cody, who wrote the film "Juno," film star Rosario Dawson, Hilary Rosen, the political director of The Huffington Post, Luke Russert, a special youth correspondent for NBC News, Alex N. Vogel, a named partner in the firm Mehlman, and Larry Wilmore, an Emmy and Peabody-award winning correspondent for "The Daily Show."
MTVu is the college affiliate of MTV Networks, and they've spent the 2008 presidential campaign focusing on issues facing young voters. The panel presented a study it conducted about how young voters see issues such as race, gender, and experience of the candidates.
After the presentation, the celebrity panelists discussed their impressions of young people today and young voters’ opportunity for profound impact on the nation.
--Caitlyn Gailvary
October 14, 2008
Neo-Futurist debate a student precursor to big show
Neo-Futurism is a non-illusionary type of theater that, according to their Web site, doesn't buy into the trend of "suspension of disbelief." The people on stage were not characters in their own world; they are who they say they are and they know they're performing for a live audience.
On the eve of the presidential debate, Hofstra's own participated in a Neo-Futurism performance. It was the culmination of a series of a series of workshops given by Chris Dippel, an adjunt professor in the Drama Department, who is also a founding member of the New York City branch of the Neo-Futurists. The NYC branch is the sister company of the Chicago group, founded in 1988 by Greg Allen.
The topic of their first performance: whether people in the U.S. "would be better served if political campaigns focused more on real issues and less on personal theatrics."
Drama Department students were featured in the University's production, comprised of Kyle Cheng, Louis Aquiler, Chris D'Amato, Keith Pinault and Abigail Strange on the affirmative side; Rich Traub, Jeremy Benson, Dina Massery, Richie Pepio and Alexis Rhiannon on the negative.
On the eve of the presidential debate, Hofstra's own participated in a Neo-Futurism performance. It was the culmination of a series of a series of workshops given by Chris Dippel, an adjunt professor in the Drama Department, who is also a founding member of the New York City branch of the Neo-Futurists. The NYC branch is the sister company of the Chicago group, founded in 1988 by Greg Allen.
The topic of their first performance: whether people in the U.S. "would be better served if political campaigns focused more on real issues and less on personal theatrics."
Drama Department students were featured in the University's production, comprised of Kyle Cheng, Louis Aquiler, Chris D'Amato, Keith Pinault and Abigail Strange on the affirmative side; Rich Traub, Jeremy Benson, Dina Massery, Richie Pepio and Alexis Rhiannon on the negative.
Each team delivered an opening statement, a rebuttal, a cross-examination and a closing statement. An audience vote determined the winner. The catch: they're not debating with speeches, they're using short plays.
Benson, on the negative side, said theatricality is important in politics, especially now. "Theatricality is not a bad thing," he said. "You can look at 'Rock the Vote' [as an example of theatricality]…it builds something within young people which makes them get involved. It's important in today's system."
The Neo-Futurists original production, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," is still running in both Chicago and New York City. For more information, check out www.nyneofuturists.org or http://www.neofuturists.org/.
--David Gordon
Chronicle photographer published in Washington Post
Chronicle Senior Photo Editor Jackie Hlavenka was published on the Washington Post's Youth Vote blog for her photos of the stage setup in the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
--Samuel Rubenfeld
Students receive ticket notices
Students who got a ticket to the debate found out via e-mail late Tuesday evening.
More than 6,800 students applied for a chance to get in the hall, where Barack Obama and John McCain will debate economic and domestic policy Wednesday night. Only 250 made the first lottery, and 200 more were added in an alternate lottery last Friday.
Sandra Johnson, vice president of Student Affairs, said Tuesday afternoon that the number of tickets issued won't be available until after the debate.
Although the students who were not lucky enough to be chosen still have plenty of ways to be involved with the debate on Wednesday, including interactive displays and buses, those selected realize how fortunate they are. Joanna Little, a freshman who made it all the way through the lottery is looking forward to experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It is an honor to be a part of this monumental event at the University," Little said. "I understand how important this election is and I can’t believe I get to experience a part of it right here on campus.”
Another believes more tickets should have been available. "I'm really excited by the opportunity but I feel as if there are more deserving students out there," said Eryka Sajek, a junior who is a member of Progressive Students Union. "I think it's horrible for such an opportunity to come to a university, but not even open it up to the students who pay to go here. I don't see a point in saving over half the seats for party members.
"The canidates are trying to get our vote, not pledged party members."
--Megan McCloskey and Samuel Rubenfeld
More than 6,800 students applied for a chance to get in the hall, where Barack Obama and John McCain will debate economic and domestic policy Wednesday night. Only 250 made the first lottery, and 200 more were added in an alternate lottery last Friday.
Sandra Johnson, vice president of Student Affairs, said Tuesday afternoon that the number of tickets issued won't be available until after the debate.
Although the students who were not lucky enough to be chosen still have plenty of ways to be involved with the debate on Wednesday, including interactive displays and buses, those selected realize how fortunate they are. Joanna Little, a freshman who made it all the way through the lottery is looking forward to experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It is an honor to be a part of this monumental event at the University," Little said. "I understand how important this election is and I can’t believe I get to experience a part of it right here on campus.”
Another believes more tickets should have been available. "I'm really excited by the opportunity but I feel as if there are more deserving students out there," said Eryka Sajek, a junior who is a member of Progressive Students Union. "I think it's horrible for such an opportunity to come to a university, but not even open it up to the students who pay to go here. I don't see a point in saving over half the seats for party members.
"The canidates are trying to get our vote, not pledged party members."
--Megan McCloskey and Samuel Rubenfeld
Activist Gloria Steinem speaks at Adams Playhouse
Activists relived their glory days of the 60s and students put a face to the movement when Gloria Steinem, a longtime social activist, spoke Monday afternoon at the Adams Playhouse.
Steinem commented on how the debate got students “into history and out of classes.”
In her talk, Steinem addressed politics in general, along with the status of social movements and what they should do next. She said labeling does not help the electoral process. "Republicans were the first to introduce the equal rights amendments," Steinem said.
Steinem said that when a social justice movement begins, the people in it are told by critics that it can’t be done and it’s against nature. Now, feminists and other activists are told that their efforts are not necessary anymore, she said.
Steinem felt there was still a lot of work to do before everyone was regarded as individuals and biases were removed. However, she she also said culture is now at a turning point where steps can be made.
She strongly endorsed Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, saying he is a “miraculous candidate who will help make this transition in a positive way.” As for Palin, she said electing her is a step back for feminism.
--Lindsay Christ
Steinem commented on how the debate got students “into history and out of classes.”
In her talk, Steinem addressed politics in general, along with the status of social movements and what they should do next. She said labeling does not help the electoral process. "Republicans were the first to introduce the equal rights amendments," Steinem said.
Steinem said that when a social justice movement begins, the people in it are told by critics that it can’t be done and it’s against nature. Now, feminists and other activists are told that their efforts are not necessary anymore, she said.
Steinem felt there was still a lot of work to do before everyone was regarded as individuals and biases were removed. However, she she also said culture is now at a turning point where steps can be made.
She strongly endorsed Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, saying he is a “miraculous candidate who will help make this transition in a positive way.” As for Palin, she said electing her is a step back for feminism.
--Lindsay Christ
Rabinowitz rings NASDAQ opening bell
University President Stuart Rabinowitz just rang the NASDAQ's opening bell for today's trading, with other University officials and Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murry at his side.
The trading day lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and yesterday the stock market saw its largest single-point gain in history. That rally followed the worst week ever on the stock market, which lost 18 percent of its value last week, and 22 percent of its value over eight trading days.
"At the NASDAQ, that's Hofstra University, site of the third and final presidential debate tomorrow and a major lacrosse tournament next month," said CNBC's anchor as the bell rang.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
The trading day lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and yesterday the stock market saw its largest single-point gain in history. That rally followed the worst week ever on the stock market, which lost 18 percent of its value last week, and 22 percent of its value over eight trading days.
"At the NASDAQ, that's Hofstra University, site of the third and final presidential debate tomorrow and a major lacrosse tournament next month," said CNBC's anchor as the bell rang.
--Samuel Rubenfeld
PSU: Clean coal as real as 'Santa Claus'
Protesters dressed as elves handed out pamphlets to students explaining the myths behind clean coal.
“Make fossil fuels extinct,” the Progressive Student Union cheered on Monday as they held a protest against the use of “clean coal”. “Clean Coal is as real as Santa Claus,” they added.
“Make fossil fuels extinct,” the Progressive Student Union cheered on Monday as they held a protest against the use of “clean coal”. “Clean Coal is as real as Santa Claus,” they added.
The 40-minute protest held by PSU strove to enlighten students about the harmful effects of “clean coal.”
“Clean coal is dirty, both in the mining of it and in the burning of it,” said Laura Comer, a junior who is president of Students for a Greener Hofstra. Comer also said they want to educate people so they aren’t susceptible to illusions about coal being clean.
As for a safer, greener alternative? “We need to look towards safer, renewable energies such as wind and solar power. These types of energies are not only renewable, but are safe, and wont destroy the environment.” Comer said.
Along with protesting for a greener environment, the PSU also urged young people to vote through the organization Power Vote, an organization striving towards getting one million young people to not only vote in the upcoming election, but to make a greener earth their principal reason for voting.
“Hopefully the power vote will show the candidates that we are serious about this and it will make them look at smarter, safer alternatives," Comer said.
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