SPARTAN ECHO · Norfolk State University · 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 NEWSROOM: 757. 823. 8562 · E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

10.07.09Vol. 57, No. 2

Students feel indifferent about professor in Midrise

By Nicole McGloster

Students share experiences, lessons while studying abroad for a semester

by Ashlei Hursey, Echo Correspondent

Recently, Norfolk State University and the United States Coast Guard signed a two-year agreement designed to optimize recruitment efforts for the Coast Guard and offer NSU students employment opportunities, tuition assistance, internships and volunteer opportunities.

“It was a natural situation for us to partner up,” said Clarence Coleman, Vice Provost at NSU. This partnership came about because of NSU President Carolyn Meyers’ membership on the Board of Visitors at Norwich University.

Officials say that the partnership will be a model for other Coast Guard higher education initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The partnership will allow students to be knowledgeable of the US Coast Guard and its recruitment efforts.

The partnership will also attempt to secure funding to promote higher education of their service members and prospective Coast Guard members, according to the Memorandum of Agreement.

The programs offered by the US Coast Guard to provide employment opportunities are The Student Educational Employment Program (SEEP), The Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and summer employment with the government.

These programs provide temporary and permanent employment opportunities for students through the US Coast Guard.

By joining the Coast Guard Reserve or becoming active duty, students can receive tuition assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill, which can help pay for college or vocational technical

by Ashlei Hursey, Echo Correspondent

Michael Smith, professor of Latin, French and Spanish will be the newest resident in the new honors residential hall and college, Mid-Rise Hall.

His wife Michelle, his son and his dog named Puppy will be living there in a newly renovated apartment on the first floor.

The apartment has two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, two bathrooms and a patio area.

The residential college model originated in Great Britain and was long confined to the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Durham.

The first universities in the

United States to establish residential colleges were Harvard and Yale in the 1930s. More recently, schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, Rice University and Murray State University have established similar collegiate societies, according to The Collegiate Way: Residential Colleges & The Renewal of University Life.

Students have different opinions about the idea of a professor living in the dorm along with his family and dog.

“If he gets to have his dog, then I should be allowed to have my dog here. And it’s not fair that we don’t get to live in an apartment setting but he does,” said Nialah Harris, senior music education major and resident of Mid-Rise Hall.

The purpose of having Smith living in Mid-Rise Hall is to model the scholarly life, See GUARD on Page 3

by Bethany Cartwright, Echo Correspondent

In room 115 of the Bowser Building, William Alexander and Geoffroy de Laforcade scan through photos taken from their recent trip to Senegal and Southern France. They travelled there to finalize a program for the summer of 2010.

They both remark on the beauty of the countryside and speak solemnly as they view pictures of the historic slave trading structures in Africa. They are excited as they imagine how enriching this experience will be for

the students they will take to the university there.

However, only a fraction of Norfolk State University students will ever know what it’s like to study their major in a foreign country.

According to Alexander, the Center for International Programs has been through several reforms, and has only been in its present form since November 2008.

Now, nearly a year later, the directors are distressed at how little students know about the opportunities international programs have to offer.

“We want to enhance the international climate of Norfolk State,” Alexander said.

Coast Guard partnership may help with recruitment

Out of the many students that traveled this past summer, only a few of them represented NSU.

According to Alexander, nine students traveled to Egypt, three to China, four to Argentina, one student traveled to London, and one to a “Semester at Sea” where students travel on ship all around the Mediterranean Sea.

Dominique Harris, a senior majoring in journalism, had taken foreign languages as

a high school student, but never used those languages to travel.

“Honestly, I was never really interested in

to show aspects of the academic life that are great to emulate, said Page Laws, Dean of the Honors College and english professor.

When asked if Smith will be paying rent or room and board like students who live on campus, Laws declined to answer.

“It doesn’t really bother me about where they

Continued on Page 3

See MIDRISE on Page 3

Photography | courtesy of William Alexander

Courtesy Photo

Is the campus really safe?“No ID, No Parking Tag, No Entry?”page 2

10.07.09editorial2

By Doricia Grimes | Echo Correspondent

No ID, No Parking Tag, No Entry?

editor-in-ChiefJEVONYA HUGHES

online/ManaGinG editorDANIELLE COLEY

Student life editorJOSH HOUSTON

newS editorLAUREN LEA

SportS editorJOE COOk

entertainMent editorNICOLE MCGLOSTER

layout/deSiGn editorANDRE TILLMAN

MultiMedia editorCANDACE SHOATES

INTERESTED...IN WORKING FOR THE SPARTAN ECHO? REGULAR MEETINGS ARE HELD TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS AT 12:30PM IN THE SPARTAN ECHO OFFICE (ROOM 344) IN THE UNIVERSITY CENTER.

On Sept. 4, 2009, my friend and I dropped a friend off at the Towers around 1:30 a.m.

Everything was fine until I realized one thing. The security guard on duty did not check for a Spartan ID or a parking sticker.

He did not even ask what we were doing. Now that I think about it, he did not even acknowledge us in any way. We just drove right through.

As we rode around the parking lot near the Towers, I noticed that there were several students outside walking around, just hanging out. That got me thinking: are we really safe?

I gave the security guard the benefit of the doubt the first time, but then we came back again, on Sept. 10 around 2 a.m.

This time, we entered from the back by Gate 8 near Midrise. The same event happened again.

It is shocking to me that these security guards would not care who enters the campus.

There is no excuse for these security guards to not be doing their job.

Any random stranger could drive on campus and harm any student and they would not even be aware of it until it happens.

Vantrice Parker, a classmate of mine, also experienced the same incidents.

The first incident happened Sept. 3 at 2:43 a.m., at Gate 3 by the Towers.

The second occasion was at 4:23 a.m., Sept. 7 at Gate 8. She rode through the campus

without being asked a single question. These incidents made me worry.Does this happen on a regular basis?

Is anyone and everyone permitted to have access to the campus at any time? If something happens, who is responsible? Our students should feel safe and secure at all times, but I feel uneasy.

There have been several incidents on open campuses just like Norfolk State University, where students were assaulted, robbed, raped and even murdered on campus.

On Sept. 9, an Old Dominion student was robbed on campus around 3 p.m.. If an incident like that can happen in broad daylight, imagine what can happen during the wee hours of the morning?

The campus should be secured at all times, not just in the aftermath of incidents like these.

The security guard on duty should have been doing his job.

I’m not suggesting that they are going to be able to catch every single incident, but by just checking for a parking sticker and Spartan ID, it could go a long way to making the campus a safer place.

CorrECTIoNIn the Sept. 24 issue of the Spartan Echo, the incorrect byline was given for the article

entitled “Flies cause problem in student dining halls.” The credit should have gone to Ashlei Hursey.

The primary function of a newspaper is to disseminate the news. In the circulation of news, the object is to report news that is relevant to our readers.

The purpose of a newspaper on a college campus is to circulate information that is relevant to the student body and the campus community. That is why we adopted our motto many years ago; we are “the voice of the Spartan community.”

The idea that we are to report what administrators, faculty, student leaders, individual students or concerned citizens see fit is a grave fallacy because each member of our audience has their own idea of what should or should not be in the student newspaper.

Unlike our audience, we, as journalists, cannot afford to allow our point of view or personal situations on campus to affect our judgment about what should or should not go into the newspaper. We try to make those judgments on accepted standards of journalism.

While our judgment of what should or should not be news might be questionable from time to time, we recognize the importance of objective, fair and balanced news to the function of life on our campus and in our community. It is a necessity.

Consequently, we will do our best not to compromise our integrity in order to fit a preconceived image that a particular portion

of our audience wants to portray. We are not in the business of public

relations or marketing, either for the administration or for students. We are in the business of reporting facts of interest to all.

In the past, administrators and students alike have implied that we should not put stories on the front page that portray NSU in a negative light.

The stabbing that occurred two years ago and the athletes that were arrested are two examples of the articles that have been on the front page and caused people to question our judgment.

In any newspaper, worldwide, that is what would be on the front page, not buried inside with the implied hope that readers might miss it. If there are housing issues, outbreaks of violence, sanitation issues or any issue that affects the campus community, it is our journalistic obligation to report these instances.

Each and every university has its issues, and no school is above that. If prospective students and their families read the Spartan Echo or SpartanEcho.Com, they are going to get the facts as best as we can present them.

We believe truth is the most precious resource we have at NSU and we display it proudly.

We cover...not cover upBy The Spartan Echo Staff

10.07.09 newS 3training.

The Coast Guard will also provide NSU students with internships in operations, intelligence studies, community relations, marketing/publicity and information services.

There will be volunteer opportunities through the Student Volunteer Service Program, which will provide an opportunity for students to become involved in early career exploration and will work side by side with Coast Guard Civilian or Military Personnel.

“It makes me feel good to know that the needs are finally being realized and that the opportunities are available,” said William Lane, senior music media major.

The two-year agreement may be extended if the initial term is successful.

NSU encourages students to study abroadGUARD CONTINUED FROM FRONT

found the money to do the renovation because this was already pre-planned, said Monica Monk, sophomore computer science and engineering major. “I just don’t think it’s fair that he gets to have his dog here, “ said Monk.

This isn’t Smith’s first time living in a residential hall with students.

“I lived in the dorms at a university in Georgia next door to the Student Activities director and enjoyed being a part of the college atmosphere,” said Smith.

Due to several delays with the renovations, Smith’s move-in date has been pushed back twice and he isn’t expected to move in until October or early November.

“Maybe Puppy will become the mascot for Mid-Rise Hall,” said Virtual engineering class offers interactive learning

continued from FRONT

international studies programs per say,” said Harris. “In the fall semester of 2008, I decided to try and take Chinese, where the opportunity of becoming an International Studies student came into play.”

“I didn’t know I was interested until it was offered,” said James Watson, a senior majoring in optical engineering. He was one of the students who traveled to Egypt last summer.

Some of the other students who have made use of this opportunity have travelled before, but not with the intent of taking a semester of courses.

Vanessa Lasko was also among the students who traveled to Egypt.

Lasko has traveled to several countries in the past few years, but none of her trips have been for education. Her previous attempt at studying abroad was at the age of fourteen, which failed because of lack of funding.

Now, as a junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies, she feels that more people should know about the program.

“It should become a priority in every degree here,” said Lasko.

Alexander also agrees that studying abroad should be important to every scholar.

“It gives the student a more enriched perspective on life while studying any classes they desire. Students won’t have to pause in their college career to travel,” said Alexander.

“You can study almost anything abroad, that’s why it’s so convenient,” said Alexander.

Once students arrive in their designated countries, half of their time is for school work and studying, and the other portion is for cultural enrichment.

They travel to several places around the area to get an understanding of the culture they are learning about beyond their text books.

MIDRISE CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The students that traveled to Egypt this summer toured places such as Alexandria, Aswan, Mount Sinai and went to areas from different religious backgrounds, Christian and Islamic.

“And, of course, the pyramids,” said Watson.

“I went to the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Purple Mountain. We were able to see other monuments like the Pearl Tower in Shanghai,” said Harris.

Students are encouraged to indulge themselves in the customs of their school. For some students, it was an easy adjustment.

“I felt embraced immediately,” said Watson. “They knew right off that I was American, but they embraced me as [an] Egyptian.”

Other students had trouble with the culture clashes.

Andrew Delk, senior accounting and finance major, was another student among those who traveled to Egypt.

He admits to trying to conform to the traditional dress of the natives in the area, but found that he was immediately a victim of class discrimination.

He described how one of the officers in the area forced him to walk on a separate side of the street because of the caste he then represented.

“It was striking to me that racism wasn’t hidden,” said Delk.

“Chinese people aren’t used to seeing African Americans, which I wasn’t aware of until arriving in China,” said Harris. “I got stared at a lot; sometimes I got laughed at or pointed at.”

However, most students confess to having a desire to travel again.

“If Norfolk State is willing to send me to another foreign country for free again then I would definitely go,” said Harris.

Most of the students that studied abroad

last summer had to use very little out-of-pocket money, which contributed to their decision to travel.

Some students received stipends on a weekly basis. However, these benefits are only allotted to students who take certain language classes, particularly Asian.

“I think one of the number one reasons it’s not publicized on a larger scale is because of lack of financing,” said Lasko.

Dr. Alexander agrees. He has proposed that, along with

the other expenses students pay with their tuition, students add in another two to three dollars each to help fund scholarships for students who want to travel. He has yet to receive approval.

Until another solution can be found, he proposes that the student find another way to raise money. He stresses that the financial aid students receive at Norfolk State can be used for international study.

“Some students work,” said Alexander.

“Other students ask for donations from their churches and social groups. In exchange, they show a presentation when they return. It’s not the easiest thing in the world, but it works.”

For more information about the Center for International Programs, the office is in the Bowser Building, room 115, or you can visit their website at www.nsu.edu/cip.

by Amber Young | Echo CorrespondentImagine if all of your class lessons were

turned into virtual simulations. Would that make your class more interesting?

The engineering department here at Norfolk State University is working on a unique project to make that possible.

Recently, the university received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S Army Medical Research and Material Command to develop a computer-based simulation program for nurse training.

“As the grant development process was initiated and Dr. Mona Rizvi joined the team, we both started researching in more detail the technologies that currently exist in medical simulation.

We verified that, indeed, no curriculum-based virtual environments were available for nurse training, and we decided to go ahead and propose to develop VNurse and here we are with the grant awarded, said Rasha Morsi, the principal investigator for the project.

The expertise of the nursing department faculty will help in the development of the curriculum content.

They are also working closely with the head of the nursing department, Bennie Marshall,

and two other matter experts as consultants to review the curriculum content and to provide valuable input on case scenarios used in the 3-D interactive modules.

Engineering and computer science graduate students are also involved in the software development.

It is hoped that this software will allow nursing students to train with virtual patients and practice on more than six patients at a time to further develop their skills in managing a large number of patients, as well as practicing using case studies to enhance their knowledge in areas such as pharmacology.

Simulation allows students to train without fear of adverse effects on real people, in case of any errors that may occur.

If something goes wrong and a patient dies in a simulation, that is much better than making the same mistake in real life and lose a real patient,” said Morsi.

It is hoped that the VNurse training tool will better prepare students for the national council licensing as registered nurses.

It will be curriculum-based and is designed to address curriculum aspects covered in the National Council Licensure Examination

(NCLEX), specifically including the newly updated criteria for 2010.

VNurse will also have an assessment module which will collect data from each student’s practice session and provide the student and the instructor with feedback on student performance.

“Having a program like this will be so much better. It will allow us to do more things. Even though it is all virtual, I think I will prefer this over the traditional way of learning,” said Tanaisa Brown, sophomore nursing major.

“It is always best to have a combination of traditional learning along with technology, simulation-based learning. Choosing one over the other is not the intention of developing this tool.

Whether the students prefer this tool over traditional methods will largely be dependent on their particular learning style,” said Morsi.

News BriefBE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR:

The Evolving Face of Mass Communication: Digital Technology’s

Impact on Media Careers and American Life.”

Oct. 16, 9 AM-4PMAt the L. Douglas Wilder Performing

Arts Center

Session One : 9 AM-10:50 AM “The News Industry: Are

Communities in an Information Crisis?”

Session Two: 11AM-12:30PM“The New Media Revolution and its

Impact”

Session Three: 2 PM-2:50PM“Navigating the New Media

Landscape: Innovative Communication Strategies.”

Sponsored by Mass Communications and Journalism

Department at Norfolk State University

10.07.09entertainMent4RESTAURANT HOT SPOT: CATCH 31

by Tracie Page | Echo CorrespondentCatch 31 Fish House and Bar offers

everything you would want in a restaurant: beautiful atmosphere, speedy service and great food.

Located on 31st street and Atlantic Avenue in Virginia Beach, Catch 31 is the inimitable restaurant experience on the ocean front.

You may enter from the sands of Virginia Beach, or through the grand lobby of the Hilton Hotel.

You may also choose to dine inside their modern style restaurant or outside on one of three patios.

The patios all have their own unique style. One is decorated in whicker furniture and dressed with floral scenery.

Another offers a more intimate setting, featuring white cushioned seats for up to two couples.

The last is a more exciting environment.

It supplies a round table for you and your party equipped with a fire place in the center and a view of Neptune’s Park just inches away.

All eating areas are supplied with an eye catching view of the ocean.

Aside from the ambiance, the food is delicious.

Catch 31 is the area’s largest raw bar and hardwood grill. It offers the largest selection of fresh fish, oysters and seafood.

Also on the menu is an extensive wine list and desserts served in healthy portions.

Although some prices are a bit steep, Catch 31 offers an affordable lunch menu until 5 p.m. everyday.

Added luxuries to the Catch 31

experience are the attractions of the Virginia Beach ocean front.

Just a few steps away you could find miniature golf courses, beach playgrounds, bicycle rentals, and much more.

If you’re looking for good food, surrounded with an attractive atmosphere and fun, Catch 31 Fish House & Bar would make an amazing dining choice.

TWITTER: AN ENTERTAINMENT TOOL

When a person hears about Twitter, the first thing that probably pops into their head is the numerous status updates that are seen everyday, from what someone ate for lunch, to what someone thought of the latest concert, TV show.

However, the most creative way that Twitter is now being used is by music artists, such as Trey Songz, Sammie, Soulja Boy Tell Em and Mario, to name a few.

Although all of these artists have a Twitter page, some promote themselves a little more than others, from releasing music for fans to hear, to increasing their fan base.

Many celebrities seem to use their

pages as ego-boosters, while others use their page to market themselves.

Virginia native Trey Songz is one of these artists who uses his Twitter page as an excellent marketing tool.

Songz, who already had a pretty solid fan base before Twitter, appears to have picked up even more fans since he began using the social networking site.

Before his third studio album entitled Ready was released, Songz tweeted a link to his newest mixtape with the anticipation that his fans would download it.

The hype for the mixtape only increased as anxious fans were waiting for the LP.

It’s not the the fact that Songz allows

his fans to download his music for free that makes him so appealing, but the amount of time that he dedicates to his fans.

Though it’s impossible for him to reply to everyone who tweets back to him, he makes up for it by using a live broadcast, UStream, to talk to his fans.

Ustream is a way for Songz, as well as other artists, to talk to his fans, and it makes them feel as though he is talking directly to them, one-on-one.

During his live broadcasts he may talk about upcoming television appearances or upcoming concerts and shows.

There were even a few times where he broadcasted live as he recorded new material for the Ready album.

Tactics like these bring appeal to the artist.

It makes fans see that their favorite singers are regular people just like them and truly appreciate all the support that the fans show.

Sammie is another artist that is boosting his celebrity and promoting his music on Twitter before his upcoming CD hits stores.

Everyone probably remembers when Sammie first stepped on the scene as a very young R&B singer.

He then disappeared for a few years to finish high school and came back out with his sophomore album.

Once again, he left for a few years, only to be featured on Soulja Boy’s single “Kiss Me Thru the Phone.”

So, it’s probably safe to say that the buzz that is beginning to surround the young crooner is all thanks to him using Twitter.

Like Songz, Sammie allowed fans to download his mixtape “Swag & B” for free.

Before the release of his mixtape he released a remix to Twista’s song “Wetter” to his followers.

Sammie also uses Ustream as a way to connect to his fans.

While watching his live broadcasts, one may actually feel that they know Sammie on a personal basis.

His charming ways, attractive looks and wonderful singing voice would make a non-fan or non-follower a fan by just tuning into at least one of his live broadcasts.

Not only are the artists getting a boost from using Twitter, but Twitter is also capitalizing from these artists.

Trey Songz actually has a song on “Ready” called “LOL :-)” that mentions sending twitpics and following him on Twitter.

Sammie also released a song via Twitter talking about a girl he’s met through Twitter.

Twitter is undoubtedly a place that can destroy one’s credibility with the click of a button, yet artists like Trey Songz and Sammie, have been able to capitalize on its international network and make it one of the best entertainment marketing tools around.

Gra

phic

Illu

stra

tion-

And

re T

illm

an |

Des

ign

Edi

tor

by Marlisa Sanders | Echo Correspondent

Did You Know Catch 31 is

4-time Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2006-2009)

Recognized as one of Hampton Roads’ Top 5 Restaurants in 2006

Recipient of Hampton Roads’ Magazine Platinum Plate Award 2006

Recognized by The Virginian-Pilot for having the Oceanfront’s Best Breakfast.

BRAISED SHORT RIBSSlow braised beef short ribs, creamed

sweet potatoes, and petite Fall salad

APPLE GROUPERFresh Florida grouper wrapped in

applewood smoked bacon, finished with a corn succotash and crispy tortilla

Try This!

10.07.09 5entertainMent

THE TALE OF TWO MENBY NICOLE MCGLOSTER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

For everyone trying to break into the music industry, it’s common knowledge that the business is not for the faint of heart. Many artists and producers spend years perfecting their craft. Through studying their music, creating their own brands and having a passion for their dreams, Armando Cadogan Jr. and Jamaal Castang are determined to create a name for themselves in the entertainment world.

Armando Cadogan Jr., better known as Hip-Hop recording artist Panama, started his journey in Balitmore, MD. As a theatre major at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Panama landed a role on HBO’s hit TV series, “The Wire.”

On Season One, during the third episode, he was cast as a drug dealer. Although the role was brief, Panama was called back for Season 4 as Bubbles’ tormentor.

While gaining recognition on the award-winning show, Panama was also in several industrial films for companies, such as The American Red Cross and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

“I used my acting career as a platform to gain attention--to get in the door.

Then I body them with the music,” said Panama.

Feeling as though New York would gain him more opportunities for his music career, he moved back to his hometown of Brooklyn.

P&J

JAMAAL CASTANG

Jamaal Castang, senior Political Science major at Norfolk State University and Chief Justice of Student Government Association, is a producer and songwriter who started his trek to musical success six years ago.

Assembling a team of business

partners called Profound Sounds, Jamaal set out to making his dream of becoming a big-time music engineer come true.

Mikhail White, Shelby Arrington, Kenny P, and Danilo Nunez work alongside Castang, with designing graphics, mixing, producing and engineering. Not only do they have a broad set of talents, they also can produce music for all genres.

Within the first four years, Jamaal and his production team met much adversity.

“People were trying to get over on us or not wanting to pay us because we were not known,” said Castang.

However, that didn’t curb Castang’s fervor to produce music.

T2M

PANAMA

Once back in Brooklyn, Panama became an independent machine working towards making a name for himself as a respected rapper. Similar to Castang, he single-handedly built a team that supports his visions.

“I’ve done everything by myself without a budget.

I’ve never even paid for studio time, but these people have helped me learn the ins and outs of the music business and have held me down,” he says of friends Mills Miller, DJ Boy Wonder, Anthony, Weapon X and many others.

His own personal team is called Young Execs.

They are comprised of himself, his two cousins: J’mar White and Shawn Smith, David Wander and Doobie.

Each person does their part to promote Panama and all aspects of his talents.

“Our motto is ‘Every man is a boss, and you take orders.’

That just means that we allow each

person to be the boss in the area that they know the most.”

In December of 2008, Panama was approached by MTV, and the end result was the airing of his performance of his single “Make It Last” on MTV2 and a cover of Fall Out Boy’s single “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race.” Literally, Panama was featured in 15-30 second commercials every 10-12 minutes.

All while having produced instrumentals for WNSB HOT 91, producing The Talk of the Town Morning Show and working alongside Hot 91’s own King Carter. Castang still yearned for more exposure, success and a producer.

After seeing a clip of Panama on MTVU, Castang did his homework and found the Panamanian Brooklynite to be a down-to-earth individual on the same mission as himself. With that first step into interest as a production group, Castang has been diligently working toward gaining as much exposure as possible. Aireal Apparel, an up and coming clothing company, has even created t-shirts for the team.

Profound Sounds has now gained interest from Malice (one half of the Hip-Hop group The Clipse), Nottz (who has produced tracks for the Busta Rhymes, Kanye West, and The Game), Asher Roth, and Chrisette

Michele. Due to his media success and connections to people in the music business, Panama has given Castang a helping hand with his talents.

“A lot of people have helped us over the last two years,” said Castang, “We now even have the opportunity to work on Panama’s demo.”

Although linking up with the Hip-Hop artist seems like a major arrival, Castang still prides himself on staying humble and focusing on what’s important.

“I like to stay behind the scenes because for me, it’s all about the music. We take what we don’t like about music and try to revitalize it.”

“People were trying to get over on us or not wanting to pay us because we were not known.”

THE TURN AROUNDT2M

Now gaining a buzz from the success of his first single, “Make It Last,” Panama is on the steady path to opening doors for himself and building relationships with people that can help him make it.

Castang is heavily infiltrating the local music scene and earnestly working toward making Profound Sounds a household name.

With the release of two movies coming out next year, “The Rothstein Diamond” and “Gods and Men” and the debut of his latest single “I’m Addicted,” Panama has high hopes for the future but understands that this is just a small indent into his career.

Likewise, Jamaal knows that an overnight success is equal to 10 years

in business. “I feel like I still have a long way to go,”

said Panama And when asked about his first talent,

he reiterates his love for theatre.“Acting is my passion. It will always be

there.”

by Marlisa Sanders | Echo Correspondent

KANYE WEST: SOMEBODY HAD TO SAY ITSunday, Sept.13 was supposed

to be a night of glitz and glamour, laughter, cheers and congratulating along with celebrating at the MTV VMAs; however, the night was shadowed by one of the most controversial moments of the year.

Kanye West demolished Taylor Swift’s victory speech for best female video by interrupting her acceptance speech and rudely roaring, “Taylor, I’m really happy for you. I’ll let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time!”

Should we all truly be shocked by this? Really, it’s just Kanye. This is what he does! Kanye’s “terrible two” tantrums are not uncommon to us. Everyone can recall the infamous shout out to former President George Bush on live TV.

One incident I will never forget is the 2006 MTV EUROPE Music Awards where Kanye bum rushed the stage after losing an award to European

rock band, Justice. So angry with MTV’s choice of a

winner he ran on stage (first time of stage crashing) and yells out “Oh hell no! I paid a million dollars for this video. It took a month to film. I stood on a mountain. I flew in a helicopter over Vegas . . . . I did it all to be the king of all videos!”

Adding more profanity, he let MTV know that he won’t hesitate to wreak havoc if he doesn’t get his way.

It seems as though Kanye’s emotions have not been stable since the passing of his mother.

I understand everybody copes with heartbreak differently, so I didn’t find it hard to comprehend that he didn’t take a break from music or time for himself, but I thought the death would be a wake-up call to Kanye.

Well, I wish you the best of luck, but until then I will continue to play College Dropout –waiting for Mr. West, one of my favorite artists of all time.

10.07.09SportS6

By Terrance Cason | Echo Correspondent

With this evolution of the game, the emphasis on protecting the quarterback is at an all time high.

At NSU, the man who is responsible for protecting quarterback Dennis Brown’s blind spot is left tackle Kendall Noble.

In his first season of action in 2008 Noble played all 12 games, starting the final 10, as part of a line that only allowed one sack in the final five contests of that year.

This year Noble has started all 3 games at left tackle.

In an interview with Kendall, he discusses the added responsibility he feels in protecting Brown’s blind side and the state of the offensive line as a whole.

NSA is Coming to Your CampusAt the National Security Agency (NSA), you will work on the most interesting and challenging projects that you can’t do anywhere else. Your solutions can play a major role in protecting the security of the Nation.

To learn more about how you can contribute, visit NSA on your campus and explore our exciting career opportunities and incredible benefits package, including flexible work schedules and competitive pay.

U.S. citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an Equal OpportunityEmployer and abides by applicable laws and regulations.

NatioNal Security ageNcy NSa

Please bring your resume and an unofficial transcript.If you cannot attend, please apply online.

W H E R E I N T E L L I G E N C E G O E S T O W O R K ®

Career Fair: October 14, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall

Interview Sessions: October 15, By appointment

www.NSA.gov/Careers

Explore the following career opportunities:

Computer/Electrical EngineeringComputer ScienceInformation AssuranceMathematicsForeign LanguageIntelligence AnalysisCryptanalysis

Signals AnalysisBusiness ManagementFinance & AccountingInternshipsCo-opScholarships

For more information about NSA and a complete list of our career opportunities, visit our Web site.

STT09-01_5x6.75.indd 1 9/18/09 2:43:35 PM

Football Mid-SeasonReport

SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT:

Halfway through the season, the mighty Spartans have a few positive aspects to look forward to. On the defensive side of the ball, there is a lot of potential for greatness.

“I’m very impressed with our defense led by Terrell Whitehead and nose guard Josh Turner,” said Head Coach Pete Adrian.

Senior defensive back Whitehead has been producing tremendously for the Spartans, recording seven tackles per game.

He is picking up from where he left off last season with 83 total tackles and adds 2 interceptions to his resume this season.

Cornerbacks Marcus Cooperwood and Dante Barnes also have one interception each. Last year, the Spartans recorded a total of 28 sacks.

However, the front defensive attack, including freshman linebacker Terrence Pugh, joins Frank Clemmons, Anthony Taylor and Deon Norris to lead the defense with at least a sack each.

Coach Adrian believes the Spartans have fire power within their defense and are looking forward to a competitive season.

On the other side of the ball, Norfolk

State’s offense has dropped to number four in the MEAC in scoring. However, there isn’t anything to worry about because Coach Adrian feels it will all fall into place a snap at a time.

After completing 50.2% of his passes last year, quarterback Dennis Brown starts off this season completing 51.5% of his attempts.

Also having progress on the ground, Brown has rushed for 72 yards and one touchdown.

Running back DeAngelo Branche has gotten off to a rocky start, only averaging 55.3 yards per game.

In Branche’s solid sophomore, year he

averaged 87.9 rushing yards per game. Being named the team’s top offensive

player and placing 36th in the nation for rushing yards per contest, Branche is highly expected to kick it into gear during the season.

The gears are begining to shift with his T.D 106 yard preformance againgts Bethune Cookman.

The receiving core, led by junior wide out Chris Bell and sophomore P.J.Hayden, have been two of the team’s top producers through the air.

Bell has 19 receptions, accumulating 344 yards and four touchdowns followed by Hayden with 8 receptions, 130 yards

and two touchdowns. as well. Due to a sprained ankle suffered

during the Labor Day Classic game, widereceiver Jeremy Wicker, (18 receptions for 207 yards in 2008) missed the first three games and made his return at this year;’s Bethune Cookman game.

If NSU has to give thanks to this year’s offensive production, it should go to the tough offensive linemen.

Last year the offensive lineman allowed 23 total sacks with a loss of 133 yards. Compared to this year, they are only allowing 7 sacks for a loss of 56 yards.

The big guys on campus really expect a different year in protecting their quarterback and through the mid-way point of the season, they are living up to that expectation.

Look out for more suprises and sucess from the Spartans. They will need to pick it up as their record is 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MEAC of week four. Their remaining games feature must have victories over MEAC opponents.

The Spartans next game is against the defending MEAC champion Bulldogs of South Carolina State.

Following that game, NSU is at home for the Battle of the Bay against Hampton. On Oct. 24 the Spartans travel to Tallahassee to take on first place FAMU.

KENDALL NOBLE by Marvin Hall | Echo Correspondent

SE: Do you feel any added responsibility on the line as the left tackle and being assigned to protect the quarterback’s blind side?

KN: Actually, I guess I do, since that is the quarterback’s blind spot and I’m responsible for making sure that he doesn’t get knocked out from that blind side.

SE: Why do you feel the offensive line doesn’t get the attention that they deserve?

KN: Mainly because in all actuality we’re not considered stars like the quarterback, running back and the wide receiver. We take it in stride and do our jobs so that everybody else looks good.

SE: Are there any ways you think the line can improve?

KN: We can definitely improve, getting better by doing every little thing because if you don’t take care of the little things it becomes a big thing. We’re also working on keeping our techniques tight, etc.

SE: How do you see the team as a whole performing for the rest of the season?

KN: We have our eyes on the prize. We have come together through adversity and we’re going to come together as a family and take over the MEAC as best as we can.

10.07.09SportS7

by Randle Wilson | Echo Correspondent

While far from one of NSU’s most crowd gathering sports, in the past years NSU Cross Country and Track and Field have combined to acquire more titles and awards than all other sports.

Last year, the women’s cross country team finished second in the MEAC and the men’s team has won the MEAC championship eight out of the past 10 years.

At the helm of this legacy is Kenneth Giles, the new director of Norfolk State’s cross country and track and field programs. Coach Giles is no stranger to Norfolk State.

He has been head coach of the men’s cross country team for 10 years and coach of the men’s track and field team for six years.

With the added responsibility of being the program director, Coach Giles will

now have oversight over both men’s and women’s track and cross country programs.

Additionally, he will be responsible for recruiting, scheduling and all things pertaining to NSU track as a whole.

Coaching by the motto, “at Norfolk State we don’t accept mediocrity,” Coach Giles feels that this year’s teams are just as strong now as they ever have been.

The cross country teams are lead by Jonathan Soimo and Josef Tessema on the men’s side, while Tia Miles and Jennifer Chichester take charge for the women.

The track and field team is just as prepared, with almost all of last year’s

by Jare’l BarnesVisualize that you’re surrounded by

droves of people in a stadium breaking F-16 decibel levels.

Friends, family and loved ones are donning green and gold while welcoming a host of people wearing blue, teal and white in Dick Price Stadium.

Excitement flows through the masses as they all get together on a warm October Saturday afternoon in anticipation of a competitive football game.

This event is dashed with tailgating, good times and a trophy to fight for on an annual basis.

Still haven’t gotten it? Well, it’s a description of the atmosphere at a potential Old Dominion University, Norfolk State football game.

Throughout college sports, there are many things that bring people together. One of those things are rivalries.

The Army-Navy, Michigan-Ohio State, Virginia-Virginia Tech games are a few examples of many collegiate football rivalries that have existed for many years.

However, these schools compete at the Division I BCS level, meaning these schools gain national television exposure and have many more advantages than smaller Division I FCS Schools like ODU or NSU.

Fortunately, there is one distinct advantage in establishing a special rivalry between the two schools.

This special game would be a cross-town rivalry.

Although NSU already has two hotly contested rivalries with Hampton and Virginia State University, which annually draw huge numbers to Dick Price Stadium, a match up with ODU would be even bigger because of proximity. Yet, in order to begin a possible series with the Monarchs, dropping an out of conference game may be necessary.

Therefore, Virginia State might be seen a viable option to leave off of future schedules in favor of ODU since the contract between NSU and VSU is under review.

Unlike our other rivalries, ODU is no more than a short bus ride down Hampton Boulevard from our campus, making it conducive for easy travel and a higher number of students at away games.

ODU is already Division I FCS and should be vastly improved within a couple of years and should provide better competition than a Division II school.

An extra Division I program makes the strength of schedule more legit in the chance of competing for playoff spots, in the case of not winning the MEAC championship outright once the playoff field expands from 16 to 20 teams in 2010.

With a potential classic of this magnitude, non-locals, visitors, tourists and military personnel can have something to look forward to as way to

team returning. They have a strong group of

experienced seniors acting as a guiding light for the team in its pursuit of yet another championship year.

However, this upcoming year, people will notice the loss of senior jumper Marlon Woods.

He announced that he will be transferring to Florida State University beginning in the spring 2010 semester.

Woods, who has been an integral part of the team, has been a strong contributor to NSU’s recent MEAC championships since he arrived in 2006.

While Coach Giles adamantly wishes Marlon the best of luck in all his future pursuits, he states that he does not feel that the team will be seriously hindered.

Returning to the team is senior Cory Vinston, who was last year’s long jump and triple jump champion.

Overall, Norfolk State track and field and cross country is full of promise and opportunity.

While there are no collegiate meets happening at Dick Price Stadium this year, there will be events held at Hampton University, the College of William and Mary and at Virginia Wesleyan College, where the Norfolk State family is more than welcome to support these often unrecognized Spartan heroes.

Cross country team crossing over to success

ODU vs NSU: Is this a future cross-town rivalry?determine possible options on where to send their kids for a college education.

A game at Norfolk State would easily draw media interest and more interest from those seeking a sports-friendly environment. Granted, athletics alone doesn’t validate a campus’ legacy, but it does help in improving diversity at Norfolk State.

Old Dominion recently up started their football program and was getting plenty of media exposure and support from their alumni as they enter Division I FCS football after a 70 year hiatus.

19,782 people were clustered in Foreman Field to witness the rebirth of ODU football on Sept. 5.

The Monarchs won that game 36 – 21, against the Chowan Braves, a Division II school from North Carolina.

The Monarchs aren’t facing Norfolk State any time soon. The possibility of an ODU-NSU rivalry game intrigues NSU athletic director Marty Miller.

“We had talks with Old Dominion as they weren’t originally interested in playing us right off the bat, but we scheduled two games down the road in the year 2013 at Dick Price Stadium and in 2014 at Foreman Field on ODU’s campus,” Miller said.

“It should be quite a contest between the two schools, however no real rivalry talks as we haven’t heard from that side. However, the thought of it would be interesting”.

There is so much history tied with NSU and ODU. For instance, Norfolk State used

to play their home games on ODU’s campus prior to having Dick Price Stadium built in 1997.

With so much history between the schools and strong alumni support, there is a great chance of incorporating an official rivalry with the school.

Many former ODU students have been quoted in the media saying that football is a sport that unites the community, alumni and current students together, which is a strong a reason for coming back to school on the weekends.

NSU and ODU can have a special type of rivalry where each sport could factor into a special gauntlet to determine the king of Norfolk.

A trophy can be awarded each year to the victor of the football game.

This year long process would be an easy method to encourage higher attendance to less popular sports like tennis, baseball and volleyball. UCS and UCLA have a similar competition in their cross-town rivalry.

This special event can be the biggest game on the east coast as it will display two great schools in friendly competition in an important city like Norfolk, adding to its allure as the jewel of Hampton Roads.

Widereceiver Chris Bell was named the Sept. 28 MEAC Offensive Player of the Week for his 9 rec., 213 yard, two touchdown perfomance in the Fish Bowl Classic against Bethune Cookman.

As of week four Bell leads the MEAC in receving yarrds (344) and touchdowns (4). His 344 receiving yards rank 17th in Division FCS 1-AA.

NSU sophomores Philemon Kimutai and Aurora Scott were named the MEAC Cross Country Athletes of the week on Sept. 23.

Kimutai placed second at the 8K UVA Lou Onesty Invitational with a time of 25:00:10.

Scott ran a 18:49:30 in the same invitational. She led the Spartans to a fourth place finish.

FAMU’s return specialist, Leroy Vann, will be in a feature segment on Saturday on ESPN College Game Day at 10 a.m. EST.

Vann, a senior, leads the FCS in punt return yards with 392 and four touchdowns. He also has 254 kick return yards.

MEAC SPORTS BREIFSby Joe Cook | Sports Editor

Coach Kenneth Giles

Student life8

Point blank: on this campus, there needs to be a dress code! This has gone on long enough!

How often do we hear that the way you showcase yourself is how you subconsciously perceive yourself? The initial appearance is everything and, sadly enough, on first impression alone, many students seem to take themselves very lightly.

College students need to recognize that the next avenue in life is the corporate world. In any aspect of professional life, it is vital to your success to know how to present yourself.

Comfort is crucial, but what about house shoes and sweatpants are supposed to be taken seriously by your professor?

Does your mini-skirt and 5 inch heels really represent corporate success?

Everyone is eager to improve their futures, and college is supposed to be that place where

“People typically get stereotyped for having lots of tattoos. I think employers get intimidated by them,” said owner and artist Jason Fulford of Tattoo Skills tattoo parlor located in Suffolk.

Jason opened Suffolk’s first tattoo parlor in May of this year, which opened doors for Suffolk residents to express their uniqueness and individuality through the art of tattooing.

Over the past few years, tattoos have become one of the biggest trends to make its permanent mark on American households.

According to the 2006 survey done by the American Academy of Dermatology, 25 percent of adults ages 18-50 in the US currently have at least one tattoo.

No, tattoos aren’t just for rock stars, bikers and rappers anymore.

Everyone from doctors to lawyers, teenagers to adults, is getting inked. Miranda Gilchrist, a junior nursing major, has six tattoos, all of which have a significant meaning to her.

“I wouldn’t get something permanent on my body if it didn’t mean something to me,” she said. Miranda’s tattoos range from a bible verse on her foot to the letter ‘K’, for her sister Kendal, behind her ear.

Freshman and computer science

major Kenya Hargrove doesn’t have any tattoos, but said she definitely plans to get one soon.

“Getting a tattoo is a life decision. Something so small could affect even the most important parts of your life, such as your future career,” she said.

But what exactly is considered “too many” tattoos?

When is the line between expressing one’s character through a form of art and just being completely covered with insignificant drawings crossed?

And what exactly do employers think of tattoos? Although Fulford admitted to having over 40 tattoos, he stated that he believes there is such a thing as having too many.

Jason mentioned that even if he worked a business casual office job, he would still have considered getting that many tattoos, but only if they could be easily covered up while working.

Most employers don’t usually consider tattoos an employment issue unless they’re visible. But recently, some companies have started supporting visible tattoos on their employees. They believe this may help project a cooler atmosphere and attract younger workers.

“My love for art and the good money definitely inspired me to become a tattoo artist,” Fulford boasted. “It’s a cool job and when your customers look at their tattoos, they’ll always remember you.”

Students get “stamped” for life

Wardrobe reflects optimum morale:Is your reflection clear? By JaLiza Braxton & Sherrell Lewis

| Echo Correspondants

By HarLisa Denson | Echo Correspondant

you find yourself and discover more about who you really are.

What is your current dress saying about the way you think of yourself and furthermore, how much you respect your education?

Hampton University has a dress code policy posted online which states that, “ the dress code is based on the theory that learning to use socially acceptable manners and selecting attire appropriate to specific occasions and activities are critical factors in the total educational process.

Shantel Johnson, senior health service management, mentioned that “people come to NSU for campus tours and visits and [student appearance] does have an impact”.

Establishing such rules sets a tone about the institution that emphasizes seriousness and promotes intellectuals.

When asked whether pajama pants were inappropriate for the classroom, Kim Johnson, senior nursing major, responded saying, “Some people are ridiculous with their appearances.

“Even if I don’t want to wear nice clothes I can put on some jogging pants, said

Johnson.When you allow too much outside

influence to filter into the school you notice that some of the high standards and respect for education and self development falter.” This begs the question, Shouldn’t there be an ethical guideline to what will be allowed in the classroom?

According to a 2007 transcript of a meeting held between the Board of Visitors and the Student Affairs Committee, there is no dress code at NSU simply because it is a public institution, and if one were mandated students could challenge the decision which would make officials run into more issues concerning it.

Picture this: three inch stilettos, sheer leggings with a fitted top. Got your attention?

Now label this person as someone who wants to someday be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Shouldn’t she be dressed as if she were already working in her field of study?

We all know the coined expressions “first impressions are last impressions” and “you are what you wear,” but when does a mediator step in the middle of mayhem to let someone know that their first impression was their worst or when their attire screams “good night” or “happy hour”?

Got 21 Questions?

Why don’t you submit questions about things

that bug you, things that make you wonder, or

maybe questions just for kicks.

We want to hear from you!

Email Us At

spartanecho21@gmail.com

Photos-Candace Shoates | Multimedia Editor