THE CASIANO CHRONICLE
Issue 5 Volume VII • Printed March 2008 • American Jewish University’s Student Newspaper
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2008’s Cymbals Underground provided one night of poetry, music and coffee, page 3.
All Aboard Casino Casiano 2008
The Main Event
By Danny Touserkani
Production Manager
Approximately 130 attendees fill the transformed Berg to test their luck in casino games and mingle with one another at this year’s Casino Casiano on March 8
PHOTO BY NICOLE BAKHSHI
Kanye West got it right when he sang, “Flashing...Lights, Lights, Lights, Lights, ...Flashing...Lights, Lights, Lights, Lights ...” This song played as attendees were led through a makeshift galley by freshman Ryan Reimer, who sported a white sailor suit and cap, into the most anticipated night of the year on Saturday March 8th, 2008. The theme this year was “Anchors Aweigh.”
The girls had their hair done and the guys had their suits fresh. Before being led into the casino, guests were greeted by ASAJU members, other volunteers, and Scheduling and Logistics Coordinator Rusty Meyer, who handed out the fake AJU dollars that would soon be gambled with.
The Berg Dining Hall was transmogrified into an extravagant Las Vegas style casino decorated with balloons, streamers, colored lighting and a dance floor. There were approximately 130 guests in attendance.
“I was energized when I walked in because the atmosphere was fun and the music was great. People were having a good time. There was good energy,” said freshman Tanya Krieger.
The night was full of fun and games as people sailed through the evening and played blackjack, poker, craps and many other Vegas games to win chips, anticipating what they might be rewarded with at the end of the night from their luck. Music filled the room and food and drinks were served while groups of people played the various tables. A silent auction was displayed on the side of the room for those wishing to bid for specific items.
A bit before midnight, the casino tables halted their activities and everyone’s chips were exchanged for raffle tickets. The crowd waited to see what they might win until the tickets were drawn. Prizes were varied, and began with a gift card to In ‘n Out, soon advanced to a certificate for a facial, and finally ended on the note of the grand prize--an iPod shuffle.
This annual event, which is a fundraiser for student scholarships, was put on by ASAJU Special Events Chair Samantha Samuels and Co-Chair Rebecca Abergel.
Samuels said “Casino Casiano was an achievement that allowed me to utilize my skills in event planning, which is a career I wish to pursue. Overall, I believe the event was a success for the attendees, although the attendance was less than desired the atmosphere superseded that minor detail.”
Abergel said “ Sam and I worked on this event since October and I am so happy it turned out successfully. Everyone enjoyed themselves, which was our goal.”
Spirit Week begins festivities
By Isaac Mell,
Staff Writer
At ASAJU’s Casino Games Night, different casino games that would be at Casino Casiano were taught to students.
PHOTO BY NICOLE BAKHSHI
What kind of event eschews careful planning, widespread advertising and all-out rallying? Surely not Casino Casiano. Spirit Week serves to pump up Casino Casiano attendees into excited anticipation. Still, the concept of Spirit Week did not overly affect the student body because the main focus was on Saturday’s event.
“I didn’t know about it,” said transfer student Evan Jacobs. “It seemed to be poor planning.”
Sandwiches from the kosher Subway drew in a sizeable crowd on Monday’s “All Hands on Deck…for Decorating.” Some participants used templates to cut out anchors, lifesavers and lifejackets out of poster board, while others personalized boxes that would mimic seaside luggage at the entrance to the casino on Saturday night.
On Wednesday, noticing a table with ice cream in the back of the Berg at lunch was almost as sweet as eating it. As a proper ice cream bar, this table held not only your chocolate, vanilla and strawberry varieties, but also chocolate syrup, sprinkles, gummy candies and other credible comestibles conceived as condiments. Students and staff either grabbed their treat immediately or deliberated on the mass of calories before deciding finally to partake. The constant presence of gamblers in casino halls across the world should not lend the impression that everyoneacross the world knows the strategies nor even the rules of casino gaming. Thus,on Thursday night, a finely-dressed crew of students became dealers and hucksters to elucidate their lesser-experienced cohorts in preparation for the intense onslaught of chance that is Casino Casiano. In the Student Center, students swarmed to swallow several sushi side- dishes. All this, coupled in a wham-bam package with the unveiling of the Student Center’s new communal Nintendo Wii as negotiated for by Sports Club’s Danny Touserkani.
Since Spirit Week represents the full week before Casino Casiano, the act of decorating for the event on Saturday is in itself a part—arguably the most significant—of the week. While no party-goer could have missed how many balloons hovered against the ceiling throughout Casino Casiano (although, if said party-goer were celebrating their legal drinking age, the ability to discern one blurry detail from another would certainly have decreased with the passing of the evening), what perhaps did not register was who had put them there. Each balloon was personally pumped by an AJU student, with care taken as to its particular color and position. The consensus of the decorators: Casino Casiano would be brought to new heights of aesthetic exhilaration by the addition of each new balloon. The transformation of the Berg Dining Hall to the Casino Casiano Den of Vice and Entertainment would be utterly complete.
What else did students do to decorate their space? They organized the auction table—in addition to raising the money. They gave up their free time on Saturday before the event to add, shift and pizzazz. They taped up, strung up and set up signs and equipment with a sailing or gambling theme. Lights, candles, drapes—all set up by students. All in the hopes that, for one night, everyone with ties to the inner and outer AJU galaxy could enjoy a full-fledged party together. Plus the chance to win, win, win.
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Cymbals Underground provides night of creativity
By Ben Hambright
Staff Writer
It was a brisk and quiet evening at the American Jewish University, but as evening faded to night, an excitement began to fill the air. Students silently stepped from the shadows onto the many walkways. First one appeared, followed a minute later by two more people, then a group of five; soon there was a steady stream of students heading to the lower floor of the Auerbach student center.
Unseen from the massing attendees below, Cymbals Co-Editors Alex Kitzmann and Holly Lyons shared a dubious look. After watching the assemblage grow, Kitzmann started to nervously pace the walkway, wondering if he had seen to all the details requiring his attention. Lyons watched his curious behavior, and shook her head as she rolled her eyes, glad she had double-checked everything she needed to.
During the second semester of every year, Cymbals creates an event for students to showcase their numerous talents. This year, the event was moved from its usual location in the Auerbach Student Union to a true underground location—The Colen Conference Center. Kitzmann and Lyons put their livelihood into making the event an extravaganza that would be remembered for a long time afterward.
Since they were children, both editors yearned to create a venue especially for Jewish students, an occasion where they would bestow upon their friends and peers a moment in the spotlight.
The Cymbals team knew that only the best people could put together a successful event. Without the help of the rest of the Cymbals team, made up of Moises Hernandez, Leah Kaufman, Nicole Keller, Isaac Mell, and Alicia Sikorski, the Peer Mentoring Program, the Psychology Association and numerous others, there would have been nothing for AJU students to sing about. But all responsible parties brought their best to the event, and it showed. Almost half of AJU’s undergrad students showed up to support their peers.
A large troop of AJU students audibly munched on kosher snacks awaiting entertainment. The stage, lights and backdrop were set. Musician and vocalists made appearances, producing an eclectic mix of special talents. Poets shared insightful glimpses into the personalities of the familiar faces we see every day at school.
All who performed were infused with enthusiasm and verve and the crowd was cheerful and very receptive. David Fasman engaged the crowd with mesmerizing tones from his thumping bass guitar, but would not play the Seinfeld theme (despite numerous requests from fans). Nico Smith breathed life into the air with her witty and eloquent verse. Steve Stoker performed a moving song he wrote from experiences from the past year and a half. There were also guitar solos, duets and trios. Distinguished vocalists, poets and storytellers rose from the audience to enchant those they regularly sit beside in class.
Karl Rove at Lecture Series
By Erica Miller
Senior Editor
On Monday February 25, Karl Rove made his appearance at the Lecture Series held at the Gibson Ampitheater. It was an evening with minimal partisan politics coming into play. Rove opened, making recommendations on “how to run for president.” He then sat down for a Q&A session with University President, Rabbi Robert Wexler.
Gadi Levi welcomed Rove, reminding everyone that, “Responsibility to listen comes with freedom of speech,” and that whether individulas “Agree or disagree, [we can] learn something valuable nonetheless.” He then reminded us that we “must hear all of the perspectives, not just ones that make us happy.”
Rove came out to applause and initially offered some facts tying presidents together. He commented that to be President, it helps to be, “Born in October (6 presidents), born in Virginia or Ohio (15 presidents),be Episcopalian or Presbyterian (21 presidents), a Harvard alumnus (6 presidents), or in the Fraternity DKE (5 presidents).”
Rove then offered almost twenty bullet points to aid those who find themselves in the primary race leading to the candidacy for President of the US. Utilizing his mental database of political history, he cited many previous campaigns. He opened with the fact that, “Running is like The Emperor’s New Clothes, they’ll see it all, the masses are not asses.”
He noted that one should not listen to Nixon and the old-party notions of running from the extreme end in the Primaries; voters will remember if you are much more liberal/conservative the second time around they go to the polls. Speaking about technology, he made sure to emphasize that, “Ad makers used to be supreme and now internet specialists matter most.” He also mentioned concepts that one might not think of much when entering the political arena. Staying healthy and speaking from your heart are more important to voters than previously thought.
When it comes to the General Election, Rove offered almost twenty more bullet-points for the audience. Some of the most interesting ideas he offered included: attacking an opponents weakness that he/she sees as his/her strength, money alone will not settle a contest, attacks that are fair and factual will be perceived as useful contrast, and that it is better to launch the first attack quietly and position yourself to repulse and counterattack. Also, Rove spoke about the importance of the Electoral College, and if one wants to dispute that, they can “Ask President Gore.”
He commented that if one is lucky enough to be elected, they should make their inaugural address short. He noted that William Henry Harrison died from cold exposure during his long speech and, “Make it short or you may be short.”
Then, President Robert Wexler came out to interview Rove. Rove began proudly showing the crowd his new favorite gadget. “Did I show you my iPhone?” he asked Wexler, to which Rove was told that this is not a commercial. He also plugged his book.
Wexler asked on such topics as Wisconsin’s primary and Hillary Clinton’s campaign, John McCain, the Republican love affair with Reagan, Barak Obama, Vice President choices, Mike Huckabee, Ralph Nader, and a small bit about George W. Bush.
He noted that in terms of the election, “Every party is a coalition of groups and they must be able to knit these groups together,” to become the candidate for that party.
In discussing the Jewish voting bloc, Wexler said, “I can imagine our people are a tremendous source of trouble to you… ignoring the Jesus issue, which I’m not sorry about.”
Rove sat quietly for a second, He responded with asking if the Jewish vote is frustrating because “it’s small?” Rove notes that like many people, Jewish people tend to vote as their ancestors voted, and that “change comes in slowly.” In terms of his policy towards Israel, he has unwavering support for the state, noting that “Truman got grief by recognizing Israel but he did it, and it is still the right thing to do.”
All in all, the evening was an eye-opening event for the audience . Rove opened up to showcase his political knowledge and spoke candidly about the current political arena. If you, reader of the Casiano Chronicle, are looking to run for president, Rove leaves you this recommendation: “In the end, it’s about strategy, candidate message, and execution of tactics.”
The annual Prejudice Awareness Summit at AJU was held on February 26. Attendees were from three different middle schools and several AJU students volunteered.
Learning to stop prejudice
By Isaac Mell
Staff Writer
Informed and aided by a community of volunteers, children from three local middle schools met at AJU to participate in the annual Prejudice Awareness Summit (PAS).
The summit, now in its tenth year, sprang from the efforts of Jewish Women International to address the issue of prejudice during the psychologically important stage circa adolescence. When Jewish Women International came to the UJ, students decided to improve upon the idea of a Prejudice Awareness Summit by becoming personally involved.
“It’s become a student tradition,” said Dr. Sue Kapitanoff, the chief of the event. “After the training and the arranging of materials, the students coordinate the day.”
Students learn from research culled by the Anti-Defamation League, the Beyond Bias Program and Operation Respect in addition to AJU and Jewish Women International. The foundational class, Psychology of Prejudice, developed concurrently, presenting theories as to why people turn to prejudice and how others may change this mindset. The Prejudice Awareness Summit became the course’s service learning component.
Senior Meagan Yudell said, “For me, having gone through the class, it gave me more of an understanding of what to do. We were handed down the tools and educated very well.”
The facilitating students lead discussions and activities to launch the participating students into addressing their own feelings. The Prejudice Awareness Summit volunteers strive to give students the knowledge and confidence to overcome prejudice both inside and outside of school.
“This includes the kinds of things you can say to someone who is making a prejudiced comment,” said Dr. Kapitanoff. “The [Anti-Defamation League’s] Prejudice Pyramid shows that each step leads to the next. It starts from the development of attitudes, and when authorities do nothing, that leads to the next, and to the next, and eventually to genocide.”
Yudell said, “The goal for the students is to educate not just their fellow students but everyone that surrounds them so that it does not lead to genocide.”
Senior Gavrielle Siegal-Eisman said, “I think we provided a good opportunity for students who have gone through prejudice to express their feelings, so people could share, understand, learn and grow.”
A key part of summit, Dr. William Gregory Sawyer spoke to students, receiving praise from participants and facilitators alike.
“He gets down on the student’s level,” said Dr. Kapitanoff. “He’s animated and very dynamic—with his use of language and background in theater, he really responds to them, and as African-American man he’s had his share of prejudice. Other teachers who attend the summit ask for him to speak at their schools.”
“It was beyond excellent,” said Yudell, “very moving. [After Dr. Sawyer’s lecture,] one student brought up how nice you can be to someone who’s prejudiced, and, by doing so, stand up to them. Sometimes people just need the niceness to overcome whatever remark they were going to say.”
By the end of the day, participating students received bags and packets. Poems attached to bags of M & Ms, as passed out by volunteers, had the message of diverse individuals all living in harmony.
Dr. Kapitanoff said, “The students who volunteer [when asked] are always gracious. Together with those who take the Psychology of Prejudice class, the students are wonderful facilitators. They make the day with their interactions. I hope that they come back with the feeling that they’ve made a difference. I hope they feel more empowered.”
Senior Bozhidar Bozhinov said, “It was an incredible experience for me to teach students not to judge other people and not to discriminate.”
Siegal-Eisman said, “I liked being involved because I felt like I was able to make difference and provide a safe environment even for a short time.”
“Schools are normally subjected to a lot of negativity, like physical violence,” said Yudell. “When the children don’t understand and repeat remarks of their prejudiced parents or teachers, it’s up to a few people themselves”—like the participants in the Prejudice Awareness Summit—“to understand who they’re targeting. We gave them the tools to educate their friends and teachers and parents.”
The theory behind the PAS The PAS employs Gordon Allport’s Contact Hypothesis.Dr. Kapitanof explains the theory and how the PAS followed it. “If you want change, you have to get people to interact. 1. Put everyone on an equal status basis 2. Work towards a common goal 3. Cooperate 4. Receive the sanctions of authorities Get all those characteristics together, and you can see change.” |
How other PAS goals were met Increased empathy is correlated with lower levels of prejudice. [ Discussions about causes, empathy-building (Kids share what prejudice is, their experiences with prejudice, etc.) Three parts to attitudes: Cognitive, emotional and behavioral (“What you believe, what you feel and what you do”) [ Activities target those aspects Inter-ethnic anti-prejudice training is tried and true [ See if the inter-ethnic model translates to anti-prejudice training regarding the handicapped For the highest effectiveness, awareness of prejudice must be shared and disseminated [ Ask for leadership classes to attend the summit, with student leaders who will spread their knowledge Middle school children may not understand high concept [ Rephrase the material during discussions |
“A Community Effort” “It is truly a community effort,” said Dr. Kapitanoff. “I would like to thank my Cal State Northridge Colleague, Dr. Witting, for helping to plan the event. She was here to observe, and three of her students came. Kristy Caplan spearheaded getting the donors for the t-shirts and the bags and making sure that we had them. The women from the local chapters of Jewish Women International always like to come up and help, manning the tables. Everybody pitches in. We have so much cooperation—from the university itself, to Rusty, to teachers who let us move their classrooms for one day, to the kitchen staff—they’re really all so helpful.” |
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