FALL 2008

The New York Association of Black Journalists Student Journalism Workshop

CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)

UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS CAUGHT IN FINANCIAL AID

By: Cyndi

QUAGMIRERE
ulia Casedo is struggling with many issues facing undocumented high school students in the U.S. today. Im going to college and its so hard to find one that will help me financially, said Casedo, who is 17 years old and lives in New York City. According to the National Immigration Law Center, between 50,000 to 65,000 undocumented students graduate from U.S. high schools each year. There are few private grants, loans, and scholarships available for these students who are

planning to go to college. For the most part, private aid is limited and very competitive. Paul Gonzalez, a financial aid advisor at Barnard College, a selective womens college in Manhattan, said the school has only two available scholarships for undocumented students. It depends on the people and who they want to give their donations to. If they want to give their donations to only undocumented students, then we will save that money for that purpose. As of now, this is all that we have, Gonzalez said. In the absence of aid, most undocumented high

school students like Manuel Marcosa attend night school at Laguradia Community College in Long Island City, Queens. There, he is supported by his professors and the college community. According to Laguardias financial aid office, students would save more money going to a two-year college compared to a private or four-year college. Since Im not able to pay for the four-year college, Ill do my two years of college now. Ill work, save money, then hopefully finish the four years of college at another campus, Marcosa said. The search for jobs is another obstacle for undocumented students. Most summer jobs or internships that U.S. citizens secure require a social security number. Marcel Louis, an immigration lawyer, said that in order for undocumented students to be considered for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they would need a social security number and to become a legal resident. There are few options to receiving legalized status. One of the most common is to apply for an international student visa. This process requires the student to leave the U.S. and enter the country through their new visa. This is a possibility, but there is a chance that the student will be locked out of the United States for at least ten years, Louis said. I wouldnt suggest it. Although there Yahya were a few proposals to help aid undocumented students, they were not passed by the Senate. One idea was the Dream Act. Immigrant students who were brought to the U.S. more than five years ago when he or she was younger than 15 years of age and has good moral character would qualify for the Dream Act. Despite the significant amount of people who support immigrant rights, there are many others who oppose them. The Nativist is one of many anti-immigration organizations working to deport illegal immigrants. The organization
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LA Times July 8, 2008

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targets mostly Latinos and Muslims, regardless of citizenship status. Organizations like The Nativist helped to defeat the Dream Act. Many people believe that giving undocumented immigrants federal financial aid would be unfair to tax payers who are legally working in the country. However, there are many immigrants who pay taxes and theyre still not receiving the same advantages as other tax-paying citizens.

My parents pay taxes annually and I still cant get financial aid, Casedo said. Many undocumented students like Casedo are still waiting to see any change that might give them some hope or chance to pursue the American dream. Its like Ive been waiting forever for these changes, but I know that Im trying my best in school and just doing what I can do. I wont let this one problem stop me, Casedo said. I have to keep going and continue to aim for my goals.

DAY26
By: Octaviar Latty
ugust 26, 2007 not only marked the end of the first season of MTVs Making the Band 4, but the beginning of a new journey for five young men also known as Day 26. From that day on, the newly created R&B group has kept fans intrigued with their impeccable voices and engaging personalities. They recently ended a European tour, but Day 26 hasnt stopped working just yet. After connecting with millions of fans from Germany to London during sold out performances, performing a selection of songs from their self-titled debut album, Day 26 headed back to the studio to work on their second CD. They are also performing in the United States and recently released a new song for Christmas. First Take talked to the quintet in October in New York City, as they attended the live finale for the third season of Making the Band 4. Brian Andrews, Robert Curry, Michael McCluney, Qwanell Mosley and Willie Taylorwho are mostly in their 20s, with the exception of Mosley, who is 19reflected on their experiences since coming into the music i n d u s t r y. From long days of work to non-stop training for the job, they have undergone a transformation that at first seemed so surreal; it has definitely been life-changing. Everything I wanted to do is coming to me. Just seeing everything come to life, it feels like Im dreaming almost, like its not even real, says Curry. You can go from a regular person to being a superstar, adds McCluney. I used to love to shop and I cant even do that anymore. Being on reality television has enabled the world to view the development of Day 26. Constantly being watched by millions hasnt stopped the group from working hard _ its has actually motivated them to work even harder to show everyone their full potential. Some people dont take us seriously be-

SUICIDE: ITS IN THE GENES

By: Kimberley Banjoko
researchs conclusion was that the sample of non-suicidal depressives [in the experiment] was small and a statistical test does not find a significant difference between the two groups in this percentage. Psychiatrist Dr. Manuel Lopez-Leon, relatively familiar with studies similar to that of Ottawa Royal Hospital, strongly believes in the genetic linkage of suicidal actions and thoughts. Its a fact that depression runs in families. We do know that there are genes involved; genetic transmission is obvious. Lopez-Leon blames serotonin imbalance and defective serotonin receptors for suicide, which can be embedded in a persons gene pool. If there is no genetic history, then Im a bit skeptical. However, all the experiments involving genetics and suicide have a potent connection to the neurotransmitter serotonin. The controversy lies in the fact that serotonin has yet to be proven as the sole cause of suicide, even though serotonin has a great role the modulation of mood, anger, sleep, appetite, and sexuality. Possession of this kind of information does serve useful to experts treating suicide. Were about 50 years from genetic intervention in suicidal patients. We dont know the genes. We need to find out the exact genes and insert genetic material with the right codes, said Lopez-Leon. The good news is that there Suicide Gene - Invivohen Therapeutics is 90% success in treatment; the and environmentally, he said in support of highest treatment success rate than all other the claim that genes are a factor, but not the medical illnesses, said Lopez-Leon. It is undeniable that scientists are apsole reason. David-Lang argues that people blame suicide for a host of reasons, quickly proaching a more effective way to treat suicide through genealogy; however some dismissing the scientific research results. Scientist John FitzGerald also dismisses obstacles make it difficult for scientists to the experiment because he believes that the advance. I think its hard to develop remedia has been glossing over the facts and search protocol due to ethical implications. concentrating instead on sensational specu- We cannot let people go untreated to see if lation. FitzGeralds rationale against the they will commit suicide, he said. the greatness of this breakthrough, stating that a suicide test could be performed to determine an individuals risk. Many experts argued the validity of the experiment, stating that there are more complex factors that combine to form a suicidal thought, rather than one gene mutation. A conclusion of the experiment was that suicide is independent of outside factors and is induced solely due to this genetic mutation that triggers depression and other mood-related disorders. Psychologist Timothy David-Lang, who works at Baccalaureate High School in Queens and has worked with suicidal families, argues that this gene is not the only factor regarding the question of familial suicide. People are products of families, genetically

ecent studies in suicidology all point to the fact that suicide is linked genetically. Suicide rates have been climbing at an alarming rate, with 109 out of every 1,000 Americans successfully acting on suicide. The earliest reputable attempt of examining genes to assess suicide ideology was that of the Ottawa Royal Hospital almost two decades ago. These early suicidiologists saw that some families followed a pattern that led them into suicide, thus initiating a 10-year study of individuals who were at high risk. The result of Royal Ottawa Hospitals team of psychiatrists was the discovery of a potential genetic mutation that directly increases the risk of an individual committing suicide. The psychiatrists concluded that suicide risk is drastically higher in those who possess a genetic mutation in the DNA encoding of the serotonin 2A receptor, a chemical which helps transmit mood related messages. Dr. Pavel Hrdina, head psychiatrist of the experiment, told Reuters People may be biologically predisposed to suicidal thoughts and that suicide, so often stigmatized, is hardly a character flaw. Hrdina emphasized

cause we are a reality TV group, but if we werent on TV we would have e ve ntu a l ly gained respect because we are all talented and hardworking, declares Mosley. If you want it bad enough youll do whatever it takes to be where you want to be. Every member of Day 26 has come from different upbringings and life experiences, which has greatly contributed to how well they are able to work together as a group. Their differences have also brought them closer. To signify their commitment to Day 26, all the members had a Day 26 tattoo done to let people know that the group will always be a part of them. The sacrifice each of them has made to be on the show and to become a part of the group has made them feel like all their hard work has paid off; it has also given them something to be proud of. Dealing with pressure from rap mogul and boss Sean Diddy Combs, who created Day 26, is another thing they have come to understand and respect. Everything Diddy does is for a reason to teach you a lesson, says Mosley. Sean Combs doesnt accept anything less than greatness. In addition to Combs, there was always a team behind Day 26 with full support. These people include Michael Bivins (artist development); Bryan-Michael Cox; Slam; Ankh Ra (vocal coach); and dance choreographers Laurie Ann Gibson and Jamal Sims. Since the formation of the group, the men have taken everything theyve learned from these people to greater heights. Even with slight differences that were apparent between the group Gibson, they claim that she will always be working with the group. For their first album, Day 26 partnered with several producers and songwriters, including Mario Winans, Cox, Michael Jones, Jim Beans, Shannon Jones and Mary Brown. The members of Day 26 have song writing experience as well, which will come into

MTV TRL DAY 26

play on their second album. Their main focus is their album thats out right now, but this hasnt limited them from thinking about other things. Curry and Mosley are planning to design their own clothing line for men and women. Andrews plans put his producing skills to use. America will have another chance to see where the group will go next on the next season of Making the Band 4. In a few years, the group envisions themselves on their sixth album and still rocking shows. As for right now, they are getting a chance to relax and become more of a family as they steadily work together. Day 26 is not the first group to get their start from a reality television show. Groups such as Da Band from Making the Band (Season One) as well as Fatty Koo from the BET show Blowin Up: Fatty Koo experienced a short-lived success. But Day 26 holds high hopes of being remembered as a top band. We cant stop and we wont stop, McCluney says. Above his bed, McCluney keeps a photo of the group with Gibson. Ironically, this photograph was taken when the guys were just contestants, and found after the band was put together. Day 26 feels that this picture symbolizes their calling as a group. Since being signed to Combs Bad Boy label, their achievements have shown a great deal about their potential and the name they have made for themselves thus far. Its truly a blessing to see our dreams come into reality, Mosley says. Taylor adds: We will continue to work together as brothers to keep our dream alive.

Dr.Palresha.com

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THE PEN BEHIND THE ARTIST

By: EMoni Tool
First Take spoke to two accomplished songwriters and an aspiring one about what it takes to create songs so memorable they stay with you for a lifetime. Devo Springsteen is a Grammywinning songwriter who has penned tunes for Kanye West and John Legend. He says the building blocks of a great song include simple, honest, and original references so people can relate to it. He also said he tries to tailor a songs themes to the audience that will hear it, and often draws from his own experiences to make a personal connection with the listener. Springsteen, also known as Devo Harris, started composing songs in 2002. His roommate was in a band and started writing songs, and Springsteen started collaborating with his friend. He wrote songs for John Legend, including Stereo, and has also written for other artists including Estelle and Aretha Franklin. Springsteen even won a Grammy award in 2006 for best rap song for Wests hit Diamonds from Sierra Leone. But just because Springsteen is a proven hitmaker doesnt mean he creates gems all the time. He told First Take: If you write ten songs and out of the ten only one of them is good, youre doing crazy good. Even though he wrote one of Wests top hits, hes still not a household name. Springsteen says he has no regrets about becoming a songwriter, but he may not be writing songs forever. Peter Bliss is another top songwriter. His songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Barbara Streisand to N Sync. When asked about the key to writing great songs, Bliss said: The melody and song lyrics are the common thread that joins a diverse universe of popular music. Bliss, who is a consultant for the Songwriters Hall of Fame, says too many people today try and call themselves a songwriter when they only contributed a couple of lines. He wishes true songwriters would not only get more appreciation, but more recognition. Bliss, who says he has been passionate about music since he was a teen, said songwriters should be included as part of a search when fans are researching music to purchase digitally. King Pettite is an aspiring songwriter who hopes to be as successful as Bliss and Springsteen one day. In Pettites view, its the songwriter who is the key to making a hit song. It is the people and what they go through which gives you the light to write a song that everyone other than the artist can relate to, can understand, he said. For both Bliss and Springsteen, its the joy of creating that special song that someone might play at their wedding, or the inspirational tune that lifts a persons spirit, that makes them want to continue to write songs, not the money or a chance at fame. Being a songwriter is a great job, but there are some minor complications, said Bliss. While there are songwriters like NeYo (who writes most of his own songs and wrote songs like Beyonces Irreplaceable and Rihannas Take a Bow) who go on to be come top-selling artists, many songwriters remain out of the limelight. They are the pen behind the artist. And although they may deserve more attention from the public, both say they are satisfied knowing that they have written songs that will be cherished for years to come.

SILENT FAME:

RIHANNA A FASHION ICON By: Tyra Francis

and the grown and sexy. Rihanna has the complete package. Her style, her face, her body, everything about her is just bananas! says admirer Sage Christian, 17. She has influenced almost every chick, including me. I just adore her. Sometimes I even catch myself thinking, How would Rihanna wear this outfit if she had it? Rihanna, 20, didnt always have this kind of influence on the masses. When the Barbados-born singer (born Robyn Rihanna Fenty) made her debut in 2005, she had honey-brown long hair and sported a style similar to Beyonce. But Rihanna soon learned she would stand out with her own identity. So she switched up both her music and fashion style. Musically, she abandoned her urban, R&B slant for a sound that was more rockpop. Her unique sound has helped her win a Grammys, as well as score numerous hits, including Disturbia, Umbrella, Take a Bow and Live Your Life. She has become one of the biggest stars of this decade. But she has also become as well known for her look. Cutting her hair was a bold move and showed she was more interested in being a fashion leader than a follower. Her striking model looks have also made her a favorite, and shes gotten cosmetics deals and been on the cover of numerous magazines. I mean this girl has the body of a goddess, face of an angel and shes just extremely swagger-licious. Now who wouldnt want to be in her shoes? She has it all, said 15year-old Melissa Nembhard. As far as her style, she successfully pairs indie and vintage pieces with her favorite accessories. Accessories are a must for Rihanna. Rihanna can sport a highwaisted, wide leg dark denim jeans jumper with a white shirt, brown hat and a lovely belt around her waist to top off this look. But she keeps from looking too mature by wearing youthful and mild colors and chic flats. She can also make walking in six-inch heels look effortless. She is a chameleon. Rihanna has expressed a desire to capitalize on her role as a fashion queen with her own fashion line. Earlier this year, she teamed up with H&M and celebrities like Timbaland and Good Charlotte for Fashion Against AIDS. The clothing collection, which Rihanna had a hand in designing, was to raise awareness about the HIV\ AIDS crisis. This young lady to me by far is one out of the many talented young artists out here. Shes a wonderful role model and the way she portrays herself is not in a sluttish way. Its rather acceptable, said Tameesha Dickens, a 36-year-old makeup artist for MAC. The high shoes, her makeup, her body, her different attires are absolutely marvelous. If I was young again I would have to definitely have her as my idol. It seems as if shes the new it thing for the younger upcoming generation.

Devo Springsteen/Harris (3)

anye West, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Deborah Cox, Estelle, N Sync, Beyonce, Usher the list goes on and on. These are just a few of the many artists that we know and love. While we may love their personalities, we also love them because of the songs they singtunes that seem to express the emotions we are feeling, whether its happiness, sadness, love or anger. But have you ever wondered how those songs came to be? Often, the people behind those songs are not the artists themselves, but other songwriters. They may not be famous, but they know what it takes to make songs with universal appeal.

hen Kelis hit the scene a few years back with an updated 80s inspired symmetrical bob, it seemed as if all of the ladies in New York City had a hair epiphany and wanted to look like her. But now women have a new muse: Rihanna. Ever since the top-selling singer cut her luxurious locks and hit the scene with a magnificent medium bob, she reignited hair flavor once again! Now, shes sassy and short and you can hardly find a long-haired sister in sight. Women are now taking it all off and declaring their fashion style with their bold and beautiful domes. But Rihannas influence on fashion goes beyond her short do. She has become a style icon thanks to her ever-changing looks. Some days, shes pretty in pink lipstick, other days she sports a chic wet red lip color. On stage, she might sport the look of a sexy Goth diva, but at other times, she may rock a casual but sporty look. And she can also look the part of a glamour queen. She has become a trend setter for teens

Rihanna @catwalk.com

TWEAKING THEIR TUNE

By: Edwina J. Bien-Aime
NEYO Photo by Aishah K. White

In the 2008-2009 school year, Knights are continuously shining through their Armor of Music at Uniondale High School since the acquisition of its renewed auditorium/Music department. ts been less than a year since the newly renovated music department of Uniondale High School in Long Island has been completed.
Newsday (3)

The new features include a new sound booth and a new carpet in the band room. All this was made
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possible with the communitys commitment, with the residents voting on a bond referendum to fund the roughly $8 million renovation. The stature of the music department influenced the final decision to remake not only the auditorium, but the music lobby and the department of Northern Parkway Elementary schools, said Mr. Austin, Music and art director of the school. The music department wasnt content with just a beautiful looking place(they also) wanted to sound better too, he said. So, they hired a sound engineer and installed a lighting booth. Austin said that in the past, the auditorium reduced the ability of [the] audience to receive [the caliber of performers]. This makes us feel better about ourselves, he said. One cannot deny the reputation of the Uniondale Knights. Their musical achievements have helped the department flourish and given the school district some celebrity. They have excelled in competitions in

Canada and performed in national parades for Cablevision. Ashleigh Hargraves, a junior marching Knight at Uniondale High and a member of the concert band, has played the flute since the third grade. Hargraves recalled that the band room had been crowded, messy, unorganized [and] hard to get used to. Instruments were in a crowded corner and students had to get their music from shelves in the hallway. This year, we have separate spacious rooms for each, said Hargraves, who is in awe of the new auditorium. I felt very proud and blessed to be a part of that, she said. Kimberly Jordan, a senior violinist who has been in orchestra since the fourth grade, said: The auditowho is 22 years old. It didnt knock me out. I am getting back in the game. Lewis was among a growing number of student athletes who refuse to let injuries, in some cases severe trauma, keep them on the bench. And theyre willing to take such risks even if theyre aware that their chances of becoming a professional baller are slim to none. Injuries happen regardless. You have to play hard but with caution too, said Lewis, who no longer plays football, which he describes as barbaric. Most importantly, be safe. Live Science Health in 2006 ranked football as one of the top three most dangerous sports in the U.S. The scope of injury in high school sports was underscored by the untimely death of 16-year-old Ryne Dougherty, a junior linebacker from Montclair High School in New Jersey .

Hackensack University Medical Center, said players who suffer concussions should be tested in real conditions before returning to the field. You spring them, you get their heart rate up and you see if they have any nausea, headache, vomiting, said Bell in a interview with WABC-TV about the Dougherty tragedy.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly 1 million students participate in football every year and nearly 62,000 players get concussions annually. A study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2007 said head injuries, while rare, were most common among high school players. Thompson said the only reason he puts himself through the pain is because he loves the sport more than anything else. As such, he was willing to do whatever it took to make the team. For instance, he endured two weeks of football camp and practiced three times a day. Thompson said 75% of his life was committed to football and 25% was dedicated to school and family. Stanley Joshua who is 19 years old and a senior at Midwood High School, said his mother feared him playing

football again after he broke his right ankle during football camp more than three years ago. She was like this time its only your foot, but later on it could be something else, something worse. And, I will not sit by your bed if that does happen, said Joshua. He noted that some athletes love the game so much they usually dont admit theyre injured. Gazzillo Edward, the varsity football coach for Grand Street Campus High School in Brooklyn, says Its a pride thing. They signed up to play football. They quickly learn everything that comes with it, including the injuries. They work hard all week to...play in the game and they want that hard work to pay off. If a kid gets whacked really hard, sometimes he is a little more hesitant to get back in there, Edward said. day. Not being able to play ball is still very hard for me, says Artis. I was depressed most of the time. Playing basketball was all I thought I could do. I am intelligent but never knew anything else besides basketball. Now I know that I can be a teacher, because mentally I can still play. She decided to use her formidable basketball talents to teach others. She now coaches at Kingsborough College and also works at a federal halfway house as a warden. Just as she did in her career as a player, she still practices to prepare herself for any situation or goals she has to reach. She is very competitive, and all the lessons she learned she transferred over to her new career. Although she cant play professional ball, she is still Katasha Artis. She is a big fan of success, believes that in everything you do you must go hard, because someone will always try to outdo you. One of her former players, Williesha Spencer, hailed Artis as a coach and a mentor. I feel that she is a positive, straight-forward coach and she has a lot of experience and motivation to push me as well as my team, she says. Spencer also says Artis has changed her outlook on life. I learned that you dont always have to be cocky, but you have to humble yourself, because life is short and at any given moment anything can happen, she says. She is a very down-to-earth coach and even though she cant play ball anymore she plays with her heart and through us. Nelson, who also coaches with Artis, says
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rium is going to help us get [to] where we want to be. He was hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage during one of his football games, but was cleared to play in the next game before dying from the injury on Oct. 15. According to the New Jersey daily The Record, Dougherty wasnt the only death related to high school football this year. In August, 17-year-old Douglas Morales died days after collapsing from a tackle during practice and Sean Fisher, a junior player from Waldwick, died from an undetected heart ailment. When an injury happens they work hard to get back to normal, said Laino Vincent, a football coach from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. Once (theyre) normal, we test the limits to see how far they can go. Its like rehab. However, high school football coaches say the final word is made by the doctors, trainers and the parents. And, although bumps and bruises may happen, the players know what theyre getting themselves into. Indeed, receiver and quarterback Myjahid Thompson was supposed to be out for about a month to heal a spine and neck injury. But, Thompson worked extra hard just to get back into a game the following week. I wouldnt let them keep me out for any longer because I felt like I had to prove something to myself, he said. So I had to play. Dr. Kameno Bell, a brain trauma specialist for the New York Giants and a doctor at

FINDS A NEW LIFE

By: Tiayana Logan
Katasha Artis formerly of WNBAs Charlotte Sting

FORMER WNBA STAR

New York City to try out for the WNBAs Charlotte Sting. Artis was chosen out of 300 women to play for the team. What made her stand out was her drive, her vision, and her technique. From the moment the Sting called to inform her that she would be on the team, her life changed. She traveled, and was able to experience new things: Her mind was open to another world outside of what she knew. Artis had a great journey as a ball player, but one day it all came to an untimely end. She was a passenger in a car with two of her teammates, heading to watch a basketball game on a rainy, gloomy night. The car dipped on the highway and crashed. What was amazing to Artis was that everyone in the car was fine except her. She suffered a severe knee injury. In that moment she wasnt thinking about anything: It was crazy; I was just trying to hold on for my life, she says. But later, she began to worry that she had lost one of the most important things in her life basketball. Her injury did indeed end her playing career. It was a blow that stings even to this

PLAYERS IGNORE INJURIES

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

TO PLAY
By: Dina Exil

uring his sophomore year of high school, Dwayne Lewis suffered a mild concussion playing football after he was grabbed from behind and hit his head on the turf. Determined to stay in the game, he convinced his coach to let him play in the final twenty minutes of the game. You know when you get that urge. Its like adrenaline was rushing, said Lewis,

n Katasha Artis world, failure is not an option. The eldest of two sisters, she had one dream in lifeto be successful. The Brooklyn native found that success as a professional basketball player for the WNBA. Playing basketball wasnt a lifelong dream; Artis didnt like the game as a child. But at 14, she decided to play the sport and fell in love with it, and later played college ball for Northeastern University. She began playing ball in high school and in four years she earned a scholarship at the No. 1 team in college basketball at the time, says former teammate and friend, Kendra Nelson. That shows that she is persistent, a hard worker, motivated and passionate. Nelson says her friend took a bus to

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the injury definitely changed Artis. She has to look at things in a different perspective. She has great experience and knowledge of the game, she says. Her best qualities are education, teaching and evaluation situa-

tions and people. Now as a boss, coach, and role model, Artis believes that even if it seems as though you were meant to do something, God has a plan, and you should never take anything for granted. She also believes that having a passion for something doesnt mean that it should consume your

life. In the end all you have is yourself and that is something you should love. She brings a passion to the room and her voice is filled with warmth. Despite being unable to live out her dream as a professional basketball player, Artis has never stopped preparing for a positive outcome.

THE iPHONE 3G vs. THE G1

By: Marlon Brown
The G1, on the other hand, has not yet been known to have viruses. Even though the G1 lacks good looks, it has more physical features than the iPhone. These features include the flip-open to keyboard and the track ball. The touch screen, critics say, is less sensitive than the iPhone 3Gs, therefore, making it easier to use and less prone to make mistakes. As for the similarities, both phones are equipped with Wi-Fi, 3G, EDGE, GPS, and Accelerometer. And, both phones lack stereo Bluetooth and video recording. Tia, a fan of the iPhone said she likes the camera because it takes clear vivid pictures and the screen is large so the display is great. Her least favorite feature is not being able to forward text messages. You dont receive the pix messages, you must go online in order to view pix messages, she said.

BEHIND THE SCENES

WITH REGIS AND KELLY
ter two decades of success, Live with Regis and Kelly isnt showing any signs of slowing down. Its live and spontaneous. There are no writers on the show. Its all people talking to each other and I dont think the audience is used to that on television with everything being scripted, said Regis Philbin, who has co-hosted the show since it premiered 25 years ago. Anyone who steps inside Philbins office would see that he has clearly been there awhile. The walls are covered with sports memorabilia, pictures of family and friends and there is a cardboard cut out of Dean Martin in the corner of the office. Philbin and Kelly Ripa seem completely unfazed by their celebrity. Some would think that their warm and happy television personalities would disappear once the cameras stopped rolling. That is far from the truth. During commercial breaks, both Philbin and Ripa chatted with the audience, talking about their families. Kelly spoke avidly of her husband and of her scheme to buy the green ruffle top she wore on the show that morning. The live studio audience is actually a quarter of the size of what it looks like on television. Within the hour, every segment has to stick to a certain time and there is no room for error. It sounds like a high pressure job, but the people actually doing it seem to handle the pressure with ease. Its hard work, but I al-

By: Leila Brown

he studio is well lit, yet the small set is somewhat lively with crew members and producers bustling around preparing for a fast paced hour of Live with Regis and Kelly. At a glance, the television show is just like your average morning talk show. But, the program has been running longer than any other talk show on television. And, af-

ways say its better than a real job, said Michael Gelman, executive producer of the show. What you dont see on camera is Gelman sitting off to the side with blank cue cards to write down on-the-spot directions for the hosts. At the same time, Gelman controls when the audience is allowed to applaud and is responsible for making sure the show runs smoothly every day. While the show is called Live With Regis and Kelly, it isnt live every day. In fact, the audience had to wait for Philbin and Ripa to change their clothes after the live taping so they could tape a piece for an upcoming episode. Were always working most heavily on tomorrows show, but youre really working on thousands of things at once, said Gelman. Gelman is also in charge of choosing which celebrities make the show, which has a crew of about 15 or 20 people who are doing the job that can require up to 300 people on other shows. Both Gelman and Philbin gave advice to a young high school student. Gelmans was simple: Know what you want to do and get internships to close the gap of not being hired right out of college because of no experience.

Photos provided by Leila Brown (3)

The G1, better than the iPhone? Thats something many Americans are asking today. he iPhone is considered to be the number one cell phone/computer/ MP3 player on the market, but since the new Google phone (or the G1) was created, people are beginning to have second thoughts. The iPhone has quite a large list of features that most phones lack. Around the time when the iPhone was invented, it was the first phone to have a fully functioning touch screen for clicking, scrolling up and

down and multiple other commands. You can also use it to do all the things you would do on a computer, like go online, check your email, YouTube, or any other Web sites you enjoy to use. Lastly, the iPhone is equipped automatically with iTunes. It can be used as an iPod, and the iPhone has a very sleek, attractive shape to it. But the iPhone does have defects. The iPhone has been known to be hacked and infected with viruses that can cause anything from a feature breakdown to a total shut down. Given that the new iPhone 3G has been upgraded from the first model of iPhones, those unfortunate virus infections have been happening less frequently.

THE CHANGE CANDIDATE IS

By: Nadya Stevens and Felicia Romain
Rosa sat so Martin could walk; Martin walked so Obama could run llinois Senator Barack Obama was elected as the 44th president of the United States. As the countrys first Black Presidentelect, some see his victory as a renaissance

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for African Americans, unity for all races and break from racism. He is the best candidate to move the country forward, said Elinor Tatum, the publisher and editor-in- chief of the New York Amsterdam News.
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Barack Obama Cover Photo - Rolling Stones March 2008 issue

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During his presidency, she looks forward to seeing the faces of the young people knowing that they have an African American president and they can do anything. I was very happy, I didnt think it was real, said Tatum. I didnt believe what people were saying because that fact that he was Black had nothing to do with it. Hes an intelligent person with people who back him up, said a high school English teacher. Citizens of Obamas ancestral home Kenya, waited for the results anxiously. Kids in Indonesia jumped up and down with joy when the results came in. Eduardo Cordero, a student at Robert F. Kennedy Community High School, said: I didnt cry. I felt like I was going to. I just got chills. All of a sudden, the students that I teach have a real world role model, said a John Jay High School English teacher. I paid special attention to his acceptance speech. I was blown away! It seemed like Obama was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders! Some people think that this election showed that the people of America have pride in their country. People that never voted a day in their life voted on November 4th. People who I didnt even think could ever have pride in their country had pride. It feels like something cool to be political, said Rob Andrews, a high school English teacher. The election brought tears to peoples eyes the day Obama was elected president. From Times Square, where I was, across the seas to Beijing, everyone was happy for the same reason. It goes to show, that we all wanted the best for each other, a new hope and a possibility of change, said a high school science teacher. Obama won 364 electoral votes compared to opponent John

JOURNALISM WORKSHOP STUDENTS

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CYNDI YAHYA
McCains 162. Monica Arriola, a first time voter, said: I love his point of views of the economy. Obama has an Ivy League education, graduating from Columbia University and Harvard Law School. He was Harvards first Black president of its Law Review. However, many think this country is still black and white. Therefore, Obama will have many issues during his presidency. I noticed that a lot of people were voting for him just because of his skin color. Those people think that he is just going to help his race, said Chamaigne Stone, a senior from Montclair High School. When they see that he is gonna try and do whats best for the country and not just the Black race, then there going to (criticize) him about making empty promises. Since Obamas announced his candidacy on February 7th, 2007, issues about race and religion have always been brought to light. Some where concerned he was a Muslim because of his name but he is a Christian. I am happy that he is elected be-

KIMBERLEY BANJOKO

EMONI TOOL

FELICIA ROMAIN

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cause he is African American and Caucasian. It is hard for some of us to admit it, but we do live in two different worlds. We have been getting the benefits for one world since 1789. Now that Obama is elected we are getting the best of both worlds, said Briana Marin, a freshman at Young Women Leadership High School.

TIAYANA LOGAN

NADYA STEVENS

LEILA BROWN

OCTAVIAR LATTY

WORKSHOP COORDINATING STAFF

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE NEW YORK ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS

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Program Director Angela Pruitt

Co-Coordinator Nekesa Moody Broadcast Director Catherine McKenzie Art Director Jadalia Britto Web Producer Malik Singleton Videographer Mesfin Fekadu
CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)

President Gary Anthony Ramsey

Vice President Print Zachary R. Dowdy Vice President Broadcast Catherine McKenzie Secretary Dante Higgins Treasurer Curtis Simmons Parliamentarian Robert S. Anthony

MARLON BROWN

DINA EXIL

EDWINA BIEN-AIME

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The New York Association of Black Journalists Student Journalism Workshop

CO-SPONSORED BY LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (BROOKLYN CAMPUS)