Sun-Times outlook dire; break-up possible

The financial condition of the Sun-Times Media Group is far more dire than that any of the four newspaper companies that have preceded it in bankruptcy.The company’s bankruptcy filing today signals that management may be planning to break up the Sun-Times Group by selling a number of its 59 Chicago-area publications – if buyers can be found.Unlike the four other newspaper publishers that were at

By Surekha Ratnatunga
Published: February 20, 2009

Amidst the swelling crowd at Kimmel’s cafeteria Wednesday night, NYU Local’s Charlie Eisenhood began what has now become a legendary lesson in liveblogging with the prophetic words:

Somebody just asked me if I needed a number for legal counsel if I get thrown in jail. Looks like this might be a bit more than a dance party.

Just before 10PM, TBNYU! [Take Back NYU] barricaded the doors to the cafeteria and began reading out a list of demands, which included budget disclosure, making Bobst [library] public and giving aid/scholarships to Gaza. Half an hour later, NYPD had a small presence outside Kimmel. According to Charlie’s coverage, TBNYU! members were open to negotiating with administrators from the start.

Before protesters started taking naps around 3.30AM, the occupation seemed somewhat wholesome. Charlie got some great pictures of people dancing, painting posters and playing cards. One NYU Security guard was quoted as saying, “It’s not a barricade, we could tear that down anytime. Get something heavier.”. . .

Charlie's complete blogs with his photos and video: Day One, Day Two, Day Two Night, Day Two Late Night, Day Three

Click on sub-heads to continue reading the original articles from NYU Local. If your Feed Reader doesn't support videos, click on [Video] to open them on Youtube.




Day One, February 18, 2009 NYU Kimmel [Video] Occupation Starts

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local blogs live from inside:

9:54 PM - Doors barricaded. [3rd floor student center dining room] “This is now an occupied space!” . . .

10:04 PM - This is for real. A Take Back NYU student leader just read the list of demands. . .

11:14 PM - I sat down with Maria Lewis, a TBNYU member and major organizer (although she wouldn’t admit to that since TBNYU is a non-hierarchical group), a moment ago to discuss why the group decided to make such a drastic move. She told me that they’ve been trying to “work with the administration for 2 years,” and their letter writing, press conference holding, and calm discussion failed. They can’t understand why there is “no transparency with our tuition dollars.” She told me that, since being nice didn’t work, “[they] decided to take it up a notch.”

Lewis continued, “We want to be democratic participants in this institution of learning…We decided to physically reclaim the space, to take back the space.” She also stressed that they were doing this in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza strip. . . .

12:31 AM - Fearless prediction: The administration isn’t going to have any of this. . .

5:13 AM - Only a hardcore handful remain awake. The lights can’t be turned off so it’s pretty difficult to drift off, even at this hour. I’m wishing I could sleep, but prowling addictinggames.com instead. . . .




Day Two, February 19, 2009 NYU Kimmel Occupation / Balcony Liberated [Video] / Street Rallies

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside:

10:11 AM - The smokers are going crazy. They haven’t been able to smoke since around 9 last night. One guy just said to me, coffee in hand, “When I get a cigarette in me, I’m gonna pass out from ecstasy.”

10:29 AM - Negotiations beginning now.

10:35 AM - I have been informed by the girl who dislikes me (”fucked up” comment last night) that I am not allowed to listen to the negotiations because I am here as press and not as an activist. I did catch the first part - no concessions to open the balcony for smokers/press conference. Not a good start…

12:27 PM - The delay of the press conference seems to be caused by a desire to wait for more students to gather out front.

12:45 PM - Straight up ridick. There is a girl topless outside standing by the barricade. [Feminist Ninjas from NYU, "Show your tits for TBNYU! . . ."] Lots of people. No press conference yet. . . .

2:52 PM - BREAKING: Between 20 and 40 guards just entered Kimmel. Fear is setting in.

4:58 PM - Chant begins: “Disclose it/Get off it/Put students over profit”



5:02 PM - Conference underway. [Balcony Rally Video] “We will not stand for these scare tactics!” (referring to threats of expulsion). “We demand the administration negotiate with us now!”

5:09 PM - Protesters just asked for support from crowd all night, particularly at 1 AM at which time they are supposedly illegally here. . . .

Day Two Night, February 19, 2009 NYU Kimmel Occupation / Street Rally

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside

8:19 PM - This is the most negative I’ve seen the group tonight. I’m overhearing talks of failure and fear. People are worried about being arrested and/or expelled. A little tense in here.

8:23 PM - @Kristen: As long as they need to, they say. However, people keep leaving - that could end up causing trouble. Which leads me to @Avery: my current count is 33. It’s definitely dwindled.

8:37 PM - @Kate Turtle: I think you’re right. The people remaining here are brave; they are aware of the fact that this probably won’t end well. I’ve been thinking about what the endgame might look like. I don’t foresee negotiations - there hasn’t been even an inkling of a serious offer on the part of the administration to talk to the protesters. I think it could get rough. Discuss. . . .



8:57 PM - BREAKING: More people just busted in through the barricade [Video] to join the occupiers.

9:05 PM - Lots of people just got in. Takes a little time to post to YouTube but i’ll have it shortly. Not surprisingly, people are hyped again.

9:15 PM - Well over 50 people got in. Guards are pissed, Bob is red-faced angry. Guard broke (correct to: hurt) his arm too. Yikes. . . .

11:41 PM - . . . Fearless Prediction: This is all over by 2 AM. The more little snippets of conversation I hear, the more I think NYU’s just gonna bring in the NYPD at 1. Every “negotiation” put on the table by NYU seems to have a “You’re outta here by 1 AM tonight” provision.

11:46 PM - Overheard: “Let’s not get scared, guys.” ==> Get scared, guys. . . .

11:54 PM - “Negotiations about the negotiations” have begun. The administration offered, as a “favor,” a “safe haven” program which allowed students to leave and get only NYU probation. TBNYU rejected the offer. . . .

Day Two Late Night, February 19, 2009, NYU Kimmel Occupation / Street Rally / Police Scuffle / Take Back NYU Retreat

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside

12:24 AM - More confirmation of lots of cops on east side of Kimmel. Anastasia called me out in the comments as a fool — remains to be seen.

Also, fellow NYU Local staffers aren’t being allowed into the building, although WSN staffers are. Let the heat of 1,000 suns pour down upon the scuzball who decided on that policy. . . .

12:44 AM - What’s going to happen at 1 AM? Everyone has an opinion. Give yours.

12:47 AM - I’m sitting in my chair hearing the cries of hundreds of TBNYU supporters in front of Kimmel chanting, “Take! Back! NYU!” and catching vague clips of the TBNYU meeting I’m not welcomed into. All this while guards lurk to my right and cops are an eerie presence. The room is bristling with anticipation. 1 AM approaches. . . .

1:01 AM - The calm before the storm?

1:04 AM- We’ve been offered a chance to leave now. I can’t leave. I’ve been following this story for over 28 hours straight. I know you all are waiting to hear what happens. I got you. I’m in it for the long haul.

1:09 AM - Violence in the streets [Video]. People are actively fighting cops.

1:17 AM - Definitely follow the twitter feed but it’s now 1:16, there’s ACTUAL rioting in the street i have video of everything it’ll go up as soon as i can put it up. Negotiations seem ongoing here in the room with Bob.

NYU students face arrest and expulsion I’m hearing.

1:21 AM - Documents were just handed out to everyone. They are “safe harbor” agreements that suspend any disciplinary charges for the remainder of student’s tenure at NYU. Photo coming.

1:27 AM - TBNYU is having another secret meeting. More in a second.

"NYU Occupation Riot and TBNYU Scurry Away" [Video]

2:08 AM - Correction: They will be allowed to stay the night but there will be NO amnesty and NO negotiations. They have no safety net. They can be fully prosecuted by NYPD and NYU. (at least for now)

As for me, this must end my time as a liveblogger here at Kimmel. I absolutely need sleep. But we’ll be back tomorrow with the final story of what happens to TBNYU.

Day Three Kimmel Occupation Ends

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local Wrap-up

12:13 PM - Hey, all. Charlie here. I just spoke to Emily Stainkamp and she informed me that administrators and security guards raided the 3rd floor and rounded up the remaining protestors. They are all being suspended.

The team of five negotiators (before this raid) went to negotiate and were apparently detained and suspended as well. It’s currently unclear if any negotiations actually took place.

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local Final Thoughts
Published: February 23, 2009

Three days have now passed since the end of my long stay inside the barricaded Kimmel dining hall and I’ve finally had a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts about the experience. I have some information to share that I couldn’t publish during the occupation (for various reasons) and ideas about why the response from the NYU and outside community has been resoundingly negative. . . .

Other NYU Local Stories on Kimmel Occupation Ends and [Index]

No Arrests Made, No Demands Met

By Cody Brown
Published: February 20, 2009

The third floor of Kimmel has been cleared and no arrests made. None of the 13 demands of TBNYU! have been met and there were never any extensive meetings with the administration about meeting them. . . .

Only Student Arrested Speaks Out

By Surekha Ratnatunga
Published: Feb 24, 2009

Alexander Deschamps, Steinhardt ‘09, was the only NYU student arrested during the occupation of Kimmel last week. He was charged with unlawful assembly, inciting a riot, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration after climbing a ‘No Parking’ sign outside of Kimmel late night Thursday, according to NY Daily News. . . .

Protesters to Lose Housing

By Jessica Roy
Published: February 20, 2009

After emerging breathlessly from her 3rd day spent holed up in Kimmel, TBNYU!’s Farah Khimji had much to say concerning her epic ordeal. Alongside New York City Councilman Barron, Khimji made claims of security guard brutality, including “3-4 big men throwing [her] to the ground.” She explained that all TBNYU students that remained until Friday (an estimated 10 students) were to be suspended and kicked out of NYU housing.

According to both Khimji and James Devitt of the NYU Public Affairs Office, the protesters will be escorted by security to collect their belongings, but they are not allowed back into any NYU buildings, including their dorms. The administration will be offering those without a place to go “alternative housing” for a period of time, but Devitt would not go into specifics with me. Some students accepted this proposal, while others declined. However, all students involved who were suspended have lost their housing. . . .

OPINION: The 7 Errors Take Back NYU Made in Their Occupation

By Surekha Ratnatunga
Published: February 20, 2009

Amidst the swelling crowd at Kimmel’s cafeteria Wednesday night, NYU Local’s Charlie Eisenhood began what has now become a legendary lesson in liveblogging with the prophetic words:

Somebody just asked me if I needed a number for legal counsel if I get thrown in jail. Looks like this might be a bit more than a dance party.

Just before 10PM, TBNYU! [Take Back NYU] barricaded the doors to the cafeteria and began reading out a list of demands, which included budget disclosure, making Bobst [library] public and giving aid/scholarships to Gaza. Half an hour later, NYPD had a small presence outside Kimmel. According to Charlie’s coverage, TBNYU! members were open to negotiating with administrators from the start.

Before protesters started taking naps around 3.30AM, the occupation seemed somewhat wholesome. Charlie got some great pictures of people dancing, painting posters and playing cards. One NYU Security guard was quoted as saying, “It’s not a barricade, we could tear that down anytime. Get something heavier.”. . .

Charlie's complete blogs with his photos and video: Day One, Day Two, Day Two Night, Day Two Late Night, Day Three

Click on sub-heads to continue reading the original articles from NYU Local. If your Feed Reader doesn't support videos, click on [Video] to open them on Youtube.




Day One, February 18, 2009 NYU Kimmel [Video] Occupation Starts

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local blogs live from inside:

9:54 PM - Doors barricaded. [3rd floor student center dining room] “This is now an occupied space!” . . .

10:04 PM - This is for real. A Take Back NYU student leader just read the list of demands. . .

11:14 PM - I sat down with Maria Lewis, a TBNYU member and major organizer (although she wouldn’t admit to that since TBNYU is a non-hierarchical group), a moment ago to discuss why the group decided to make such a drastic move. She told me that they’ve been trying to “work with the administration for 2 years,” and their letter writing, press conference holding, and calm discussion failed. They can’t understand why there is “no transparency with our tuition dollars.” She told me that, since being nice didn’t work, “[they] decided to take it up a notch.”

Lewis continued, “We want to be democratic participants in this institution of learning…We decided to physically reclaim the space, to take back the space.” She also stressed that they were doing this in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza strip. . . .

12:31 AM - Fearless prediction: The administration isn’t going to have any of this. . .

5:13 AM - Only a hardcore handful remain awake. The lights can’t be turned off so it’s pretty difficult to drift off, even at this hour. I’m wishing I could sleep, but prowling addictinggames.com instead. . . .




Day Two, February 19, 2009 NYU Kimmel Occupation / Balcony Liberated [Video] / Street Rallies

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside:

10:11 AM - The smokers are going crazy. They haven’t been able to smoke since around 9 last night. One guy just said to me, coffee in hand, “When I get a cigarette in me, I’m gonna pass out from ecstasy.”

10:29 AM - Negotiations beginning now.

10:35 AM - I have been informed by the girl who dislikes me (”fucked up” comment last night) that I am not allowed to listen to the negotiations because I am here as press and not as an activist. I did catch the first part - no concessions to open the balcony for smokers/press conference. Not a good start…

12:27 PM - The delay of the press conference seems to be caused by a desire to wait for more students to gather out front.

12:45 PM - Straight up ridick. There is a girl topless outside standing by the barricade. [Feminist Ninjas from NYU, "Show your tits for TBNYU! . . ."] Lots of people. No press conference yet. . . .

2:52 PM - BREAKING: Between 20 and 40 guards just entered Kimmel. Fear is setting in.

4:58 PM - Chant begins: “Disclose it/Get off it/Put students over profit”



5:02 PM - Conference underway. [Balcony Rally Video] “We will not stand for these scare tactics!” (referring to threats of expulsion). “We demand the administration negotiate with us now!”

5:09 PM - Protesters just asked for support from crowd all night, particularly at 1 AM at which time they are supposedly illegally here. . . .

Day Two Night, February 19, 2009 NYU Kimmel Occupation / Street Rally

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside

8:19 PM - This is the most negative I’ve seen the group tonight. I’m overhearing talks of failure and fear. People are worried about being arrested and/or expelled. A little tense in here.

8:23 PM - @Kristen: As long as they need to, they say. However, people keep leaving - that could end up causing trouble. Which leads me to @Avery: my current count is 33. It’s definitely dwindled.

8:37 PM - @Kate Turtle: I think you’re right. The people remaining here are brave; they are aware of the fact that this probably won’t end well. I’ve been thinking about what the endgame might look like. I don’t foresee negotiations - there hasn’t been even an inkling of a serious offer on the part of the administration to talk to the protesters. I think it could get rough. Discuss. . . .



8:57 PM - BREAKING: More people just busted in through the barricade [Video] to join the occupiers.

9:05 PM - Lots of people just got in. Takes a little time to post to YouTube but i’ll have it shortly. Not surprisingly, people are hyped again.

9:15 PM - Well over 50 people got in. Guards are pissed, Bob is red-faced angry. Guard broke (correct to: hurt) his arm too. Yikes. . . .

11:41 PM - . . . Fearless Prediction: This is all over by 2 AM. The more little snippets of conversation I hear, the more I think NYU’s just gonna bring in the NYPD at 1. Every “negotiation” put on the table by NYU seems to have a “You’re outta here by 1 AM tonight” provision.

11:46 PM - Overheard: “Let’s not get scared, guys.” ==> Get scared, guys. . . .

11:54 PM - “Negotiations about the negotiations” have begun. The administration offered, as a “favor,” a “safe haven” program which allowed students to leave and get only NYU probation. TBNYU rejected the offer. . . .

Day Two Late Night, February 19, 2009, NYU Kimmel Occupation / Street Rally / Police Scuffle / Take Back NYU Retreat

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local still blogging from inside

12:24 AM - More confirmation of lots of cops on east side of Kimmel. Anastasia called me out in the comments as a fool — remains to be seen.

Also, fellow NYU Local staffers aren’t being allowed into the building, although WSN staffers are. Let the heat of 1,000 suns pour down upon the scuzball who decided on that policy. . . .

12:44 AM - What’s going to happen at 1 AM? Everyone has an opinion. Give yours.

12:47 AM - I’m sitting in my chair hearing the cries of hundreds of TBNYU supporters in front of Kimmel chanting, “Take! Back! NYU!” and catching vague clips of the TBNYU meeting I’m not welcomed into. All this while guards lurk to my right and cops are an eerie presence. The room is bristling with anticipation. 1 AM approaches. . . .

1:01 AM - The calm before the storm?

1:04 AM- We’ve been offered a chance to leave now. I can’t leave. I’ve been following this story for over 28 hours straight. I know you all are waiting to hear what happens. I got you. I’m in it for the long haul.

1:09 AM - Violence in the streets [Video]. People are actively fighting cops.

1:17 AM - Definitely follow the twitter feed but it’s now 1:16, there’s ACTUAL rioting in the street i have video of everything it’ll go up as soon as i can put it up. Negotiations seem ongoing here in the room with Bob.

NYU students face arrest and expulsion I’m hearing.

1:21 AM - Documents were just handed out to everyone. They are “safe harbor” agreements that suspend any disciplinary charges for the remainder of student’s tenure at NYU. Photo coming.

1:27 AM - TBNYU is having another secret meeting. More in a second.

"NYU Occupation Riot and TBNYU Scurry Away" [Video]

2:08 AM - Correction: They will be allowed to stay the night but there will be NO amnesty and NO negotiations. They have no safety net. They can be fully prosecuted by NYPD and NYU. (at least for now)

As for me, this must end my time as a liveblogger here at Kimmel. I absolutely need sleep. But we’ll be back tomorrow with the final story of what happens to TBNYU.

Day Three Kimmel Occupation Ends

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local Wrap-up

12:13 PM - Hey, all. Charlie here. I just spoke to Emily Stainkamp and she informed me that administrators and security guards raided the 3rd floor and rounded up the remaining protestors. They are all being suspended.

The team of five negotiators (before this raid) went to negotiate and were apparently detained and suspended as well. It’s currently unclear if any negotiations actually took place.

Charlie Eisenhood NYU Local Final Thoughts
Published: February 23, 2009

Three days have now passed since the end of my long stay inside the barricaded Kimmel dining hall and I’ve finally had a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts about the experience. I have some information to share that I couldn’t publish during the occupation (for various reasons) and ideas about why the response from the NYU and outside community has been resoundingly negative. . . .

Other NYU Local Stories on Kimmel Occupation Ends and [Index]

No Arrests Made, No Demands Met

By Cody Brown
Published: February 20, 2009

The third floor of Kimmel has been cleared and no arrests made. None of the 13 demands of TBNYU! have been met and there were never any extensive meetings with the administration about meeting them. . . .

Only Student Arrested Speaks Out

By Surekha Ratnatunga
Published: Feb 24, 2009

Alexander Deschamps, Steinhardt ‘09, was the only NYU student arrested during the occupation of Kimmel last week. He was charged with unlawful assembly, inciting a riot, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration after climbing a ‘No Parking’ sign outside of Kimmel late night Thursday, according to NY Daily News. . . .

Protesters to Lose Housing

By Jessica Roy
Published: February 20, 2009

After emerging breathlessly from her 3rd day spent holed up in Kimmel, TBNYU!’s Farah Khimji had much to say concerning her epic ordeal. Alongside New York City Councilman Barron, Khimji made claims of security guard brutality, including “3-4 big men throwing [her] to the ground.” She explained that all TBNYU students that remained until Friday (an estimated 10 students) were to be suspended and kicked out of NYU housing.

According to both Khimji and James Devitt of the NYU Public Affairs Office, the protesters will be escorted by security to collect their belongings, but they are not allowed back into any NYU buildings, including their dorms. The administration will be offering those without a place to go “alternative housing” for a period of time, but Devitt would not go into specifics with me. Some students accepted this proposal, while others declined. However, all students involved who were suspended have lost their housing. . . .

OPINION: The 7 Errors Take Back NYU Made in Their Occupation

Pro-Palestine euphoria and accusations of anti-Semitism echoed across campus last Wednesday after students voted to support the Gaza Crisis victims at an Emergency General Meeting last week


By Girish Gupta
Published: February 16, 2009

Attracting over 1,000 students, the meeting maintained quorum even after a last-minute mass walkout in protest against the “Gaza Crisis” motion. Following the successful vote, there were renewed attempts by those in favour of the motion to occupy the University’s John Owens Building, but they were thwarted by Campus Security’s quick decision to lock all gates. Some protesters did, however, climb over the fences, chanting in support of Palestine and calling for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Alan Gilbert.

A week of occupations, rallies and speeches around the University of Manchester had brought student enthusiasm to fever pitch, seeing them queue throughout the Union building to get into the meeting. Academy 2 was filled with 500 people, while a similar number spilling over into Biko’s Café next door. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 16, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Jewish Students Targeted On Campus

By Susannah Birkwood
Published: February 16, 2009

Hate mail, abusive e-mails and spitting are just some of the acts of anti-Semitism experienced by Jewish students on campus since the start of the new semester.

Tensions have been particularly wrought between pro-Palestinian students and their Jewish counterparts since the recent conflict in Gaza. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 16, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


The Meeting That Never Was

By Girish Gupta
Published: February 9, 2009

The emergency General Meeting last Wednesday missed reaching quorum by just a handful of students, causing frustrated activists to take to the streets in protest.

Supporters of the motion claimed that the doors had been locked during the quorum count to verify the presence of at least 500 students, preventing seats from filling up. Members of the Jewish Society were accused of blocking entry to prevent the vote on the motion in support of
Gaza from going ahead. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


University Under Occupation

By Susannah Birkwood
Published: February 9, 2009

More than 150 students staged a sit-in protest outside the University Vice-Chancellor’s office last week to demand a stronger and more proactive position from the University on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Opinion: What’s the point of this occupation?

Aileen Quinn, 24, MA Cultural History

“I’m protesting today because I’ve been outraged by the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza . . .

Sara Mahmoud, 21, Physics

“We’re here today to show solidarity with the people of Gaza . . .

Matt Scholey, 20, Politics & Modern History

“For every one person that has died in Israel, 100 children have died in Palestine. . . .

Mohamed Ghalaieny, MSc Environmental Science

“We’re protesting because we’d like the University to take a stronger stand . . .

Continue reading student opinions on Gaza from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Palestine Protest Disrupts Exams

By Alena Eis
Published: February 9, 2009

A pro-Palestine demonstration culminating in the 27 hour occupation of a university building has sparked controversy because it was held during the busy exam period.

Action Palestine protesters teamed up with Socialist Worker Party students to highlight the plight of Palestinians, while condemning Israel for their attacks on Gaza. University administration was also criticised by the protesters for its continued support of firms known to be involved in arms trade with Israel despite official policies to the contrary. . . . --NewsHammer 2/19/2009

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.

Pro-Palestine euphoria and accusations of anti-Semitism echoed across campus last Wednesday after students voted to support the Gaza Crisis victims at an Emergency General Meeting last week


By Girish Gupta
Published: February 16, 2009

Attracting over 1,000 students, the meeting maintained quorum even after a last-minute mass walkout in protest against the “Gaza Crisis” motion. Following the successful vote, there were renewed attempts by those in favour of the motion to occupy the University’s John Owens Building, but they were thwarted by Campus Security’s quick decision to lock all gates. Some protesters did, however, climb over the fences, chanting in support of Palestine and calling for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Alan Gilbert.

A week of occupations, rallies and speeches around the University of Manchester had brought student enthusiasm to fever pitch, seeing them queue throughout the Union building to get into the meeting. Academy 2 was filled with 500 people, while a similar number spilling over into Biko’s Café next door. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 16, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Jewish Students Targeted On Campus

By Susannah Birkwood
Published: February 16, 2009

Hate mail, abusive e-mails and spitting are just some of the acts of anti-Semitism experienced by Jewish students on campus since the start of the new semester.

Tensions have been particularly wrought between pro-Palestinian students and their Jewish counterparts since the recent conflict in Gaza. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 16, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


The Meeting That Never Was

By Girish Gupta
Published: February 9, 2009

The emergency General Meeting last Wednesday missed reaching quorum by just a handful of students, causing frustrated activists to take to the streets in protest.

Supporters of the motion claimed that the doors had been locked during the quorum count to verify the presence of at least 500 students, preventing seats from filling up. Members of the Jewish Society were accused of blocking entry to prevent the vote on the motion in support of
Gaza from going ahead. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


University Under Occupation

By Susannah Birkwood
Published: February 9, 2009

More than 150 students staged a sit-in protest outside the University Vice-Chancellor’s office last week to demand a stronger and more proactive position from the University on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Opinion: What’s the point of this occupation?

Aileen Quinn, 24, MA Cultural History

“I’m protesting today because I’ve been outraged by the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza . . .

Sara Mahmoud, 21, Physics

“We’re here today to show solidarity with the people of Gaza . . .

Matt Scholey, 20, Politics & Modern History

“For every one person that has died in Israel, 100 children have died in Palestine. . . .

Mohamed Ghalaieny, MSc Environmental Science

“We’re protesting because we’d like the University to take a stronger stand . . .

Continue reading student opinions on Gaza from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.


Palestine Protest Disrupts Exams

By Alena Eis
Published: February 9, 2009

A pro-Palestine demonstration culminating in the 27 hour occupation of a university building has sparked controversy because it was held during the busy exam period.

Action Palestine protesters teamed up with Socialist Worker Party students to highlight the plight of Palestinians, while condemning Israel for their attacks on Gaza. University administration was also criticised by the protesters for its continued support of firms known to be involved in arms trade with Israel despite official policies to the contrary. . . . --NewsHammer 2/19/2009

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from the University of Manchester's Student Direct.

Nokia ready to change its fortunes in the U.S. market

NOKIA HITS US MARKETS.....
Nokia has steadily lost ground in recent years, watching its market share shrivel to single digits.
Nokia hopes to reverse that trend. On Mar. 30, AT&T (T), the largest wireless carrier in the U.S., plans to announce it will soon carry Nokia's e71x, the thinnest smartphone available in the U.S. The phone is similar to traditional BlackBerry devices in looks, but is a sleeker 0.39 inches thick. It has a Qwerty keyboard, allowing for Web browsing and corporate e-mail access via regular wireless networks and Wi-Fi hotspots at cafés and airports. The device also has a built-in Global Positioning System, a music player, a video camera, and a memory card slot. The Nokia e71x is expected to hit the U.S. market in May and should cost $100 after rebate with a two-year contract.

"We believe this is a great opportunity for Nokia," says Hugo Hernandez, Nokia's head of E-series marketing for North America. "We are bringing in a device with the right [features] and the right price point."

Investing more in the U.S. market
To gain back market share and prove it's serious about the U.S. market this time, Nokia needs to follow up the e71x with comparably promising phones. In particular, the company needs to develop more phones with the CDMA wireless technology used by Verizon Wireless and Sprint (S). "It'll be difficult [to increase their market share] due to their [near] lack of CDMA presence," says Hughes De La Vergne, a principal analyst at Gartner (IT).

Who’s watching the statehouse?

Repeated budget cuts have gutted news coverage in state capitals across the country, creating the potential for what Paul Starr called a “new era of corruption” in this must-read article in the New Republic.Dunstan McNichol, who took a buyout at the Newark Star-Ledger in December after a 30-year career in newspapers, describes in this guest contribution the collapse of coverage in New Jersey. He

Love, betrayal and stress are all feelings that present day university students face during their university years

By Roman Auriti
Published: February 12, 2009

William Shakespeare understood this when he wrote Hamlet and managed to express these emotions in a very human way that, literally, people of all ages could relate to in some way. The University of Calgary drama department will channel his words Feb. 17-28 as they embark on their own version of the play.

U of C has never attempted one of Shakespeare's four big plays (Macbeth, King Lear, Othello and Hamlet) and director Patrick Finn says they're adding in a twist.

"It's an all female cast," he explains. "Calgary is loaded with brilliant female actors. There are a lack of roles for all of these brilliant women. I can't imagine why anybody would stage a Shakespeare play without doing gender-blind casting. I said that anybody could try out for any role, and when you do that, what you find is that you have so many brilliant women actors that you're going to be able to stage just about anything as long as you give them the chance to do the roles."

Finn also explains they decided to stage everything in the original time period as well as alter all of the University Theatre for their purposes. Hamlet is also getting its own unique score written right here at the U of C. . . . --NewsHammer 2/17/2009

Continue reading the Feb 12, 2009 article from the University of Calgary's Gauntlet.

Love, betrayal and stress are all feelings that present day university students face during their university years

By Roman Auriti
Published: February 12, 2009

William Shakespeare understood this when he wrote Hamlet and managed to express these emotions in a very human way that, literally, people of all ages could relate to in some way. The University of Calgary drama department will channel his words Feb. 17-28 as they embark on their own version of the play.

U of C has never attempted one of Shakespeare's four big plays (Macbeth, King Lear, Othello and Hamlet) and director Patrick Finn says they're adding in a twist.

"It's an all female cast," he explains. "Calgary is loaded with brilliant female actors. There are a lack of roles for all of these brilliant women. I can't imagine why anybody would stage a Shakespeare play without doing gender-blind casting. I said that anybody could try out for any role, and when you do that, what you find is that you have so many brilliant women actors that you're going to be able to stage just about anything as long as you give them the chance to do the roles."

Finn also explains they decided to stage everything in the original time period as well as alter all of the University Theatre for their purposes. Hamlet is also getting its own unique score written right here at the U of C. . . . --NewsHammer 2/17/2009

Continue reading the Feb 12, 2009 article from the University of Calgary's Gauntlet.

Newspaper sales slid record $7.5B in ’08

Newspaper advertising sales in 2008 fell by a record $7.5 billion, or 16.6%, according to yearend figures reported today by the Newspaper Association of America.Print and online ad sales for the industry last year totaled $37.8 billion, as compared with a bit less than $45.4 billion in 2007.Sales declined at an accelerating pace in each quarter of 2008, tumbling nearly 20% in the last three

SeattlePI.Com, starting up from behind

The closely watched online incarnation of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer is starting its new life with a number of disadvantages – and almost certainly well in the red.Crisp and rapid execution, including an aggressive sales effort abetted by an uptick in the economy, will be required to enable SeattlePI.Com to reach its full potential. At best, that would seem to be about $7 million a year in

T-Mobile felt the time was right to roll out its new webConnect USB Laptop Stick.

WebConnect USB Laptop Stick on T-Mobile ..

Manufactured by Huawei Technologies Co., this small, portable modem lets you connect to the Web on your laptop using T-Mobile's 3G network or Wi-Fi, and comes with built-in T-Mobile Connection Manager software to automatically detect the best available Internet connection.
In addition, the WebConnect laptop stick offers tri-band 3G connectivity (HSDPA/UMTS 1900/AWS/2100), so you'll be able to use it on compatible networks overseas. If you're in an area where there is no 3G coverage, it is compatible with GPRS/EDGE networks, so you're not left to search out a Wi-Fi hot spot as your only option of getting online.
Aside from connectivity, the T-Mobile WebConnect laptop stick can also double as a portable storage device. Similar to the AT&T USBConnect Mercury, it's equipped with a microSD/SDHC expansion slot that can accept up to 8GB cards. The accessory features a swivel USB design and measures 3.5 inches tall by 1.1 inches wide by 0.4 inch thick and weighs 1.5 ounces.

The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick will be available in select T-Mobile retail stores and online starting March 25. There are various pricing options available: $49.99 with a two-year contract after rebate; $99.99 with one-year contract; or $249.99 with no contract.

Bridge to nowhere: Non-profit press ownership

Thanks but no thanks, Sen. Benjamin Cardin. Congress doesn’t need to pass a law to allow newspapers to be owned by non-profit organizations.The St. Petersburg Times and the Christian Science Monitor already are owned by non-profits and they are struggling as much to make ends meet as most of their commercially operated peers.The Poynter Institute, which owns the St. Pete paper in a trust

Program termination one of three short-term suggestions outlined in panel assessment report


By Jane Switzer
Published: February11, 2009

The University has moved to immediately terminate the Intergroup Dialogue Program following a recommendation from a report assessing its usefulness in residences.

The program, created by Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Arig Girgrah, consisted of six trained student intergroup facilitators who lived in residence and whose mandate was to engage students living in residence in discussions and activities related to diversity.

The report was written and submitted to Vice-Principal (Academic) Patrick Deane [photo] by a panel made up of Rector Leora Jackson, professor emeritus John Meisel and law alumnus, former MPP for Kingston and the Islands, former Ontario cabinet minister and former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Keith Norton. . .

The report acknowledges the program was the subject of widespread criticism by national media outlets such as the Globe and Mail, who wrote about the program in a Nov. 20 editorial, saying “The nanny state has hired the KGB” and calling the intergroup facilitators “spies.” Deane said it’s obvious that a program that attained so much negativity would find it difficult to achieve its goals. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 11, 2009 article from Queen's University's The Journal.


Media with a grain of salt

By Jeff Fraser
The Journal / Opinions
Published: February 11, 2009

With so much sensational reporting, it’s the responsibility of the press to ensure news is accurate.

I’m not sure which was harder to watch last semester: the Globe and Mail vilifying six average undergraduates for nothing worse than trying to teach first years about diversity, or the number of students who bought the hyperbole. It’s still a mystery to me why we’re so willing to accept an image of our Alma Mater as a democracy-hating master of puppets, but I did learn one thing from the experience: even the national media is looking for a flashy front page. Gone are the days when good reporting was the mark of a good newspaper. Sensationalism is now the only way the corporate media can keep readers’ attention away from the Internet. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 11, 2009 article from Queen's University's The Journal.


Beware the campus thought police

National Post
Published: November 20, 2008

Just who is Queen's University trying to kid? The school may call its new political-correctness cops "facilitators." It may insist they will not be eavesdropping on private conservations, "preaching" to students they overhear using "offending terms," serving as "disciplinarians" or being judgmental. But administrators are simply deluding themselves with euphemisms if they swallow their own tripe. . . .

Continue reading the Nov 20, 2008 article from Canada's National Post.


Another Orwellian Program Shouted Down.

By Margaret Soltan
University Diaries
Published: February 12, 2009

Happens all the time. This one happened in Canada. As long as decent people exist, these programs will die on the vine. But eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

Calling it “incompatible with the atmosphere required for free speech,” Queen’s University in Kingston yesterday scrapped its controversial “dialogue facilitator” program.

It caused a scandal last year when it was revealed the six student “facilitators” were mandated to intervene in private conversations to encourage discussion of social justice issues and discourage offensive language. . . . --NewsHammer 2/15/2009

Continue reading the Feb 12, 2009 article from Margaret Soltan's blog University Diaries.

Program termination one of three short-term suggestions outlined in panel assessment report


By Jane Switzer
Published: February11, 2009

The University has moved to immediately terminate the Intergroup Dialogue Program following a recommendation from a report assessing its usefulness in residences.

The program, created by Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Arig Girgrah, consisted of six trained student intergroup facilitators who lived in residence and whose mandate was to engage students living in residence in discussions and activities related to diversity.

The report was written and submitted to Vice-Principal (Academic) Patrick Deane [photo] by a panel made up of Rector Leora Jackson, professor emeritus John Meisel and law alumnus, former MPP for Kingston and the Islands, former Ontario cabinet minister and former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Keith Norton. . .

The report acknowledges the program was the subject of widespread criticism by national media outlets such as the Globe and Mail, who wrote about the program in a Nov. 20 editorial, saying “The nanny state has hired the KGB” and calling the intergroup facilitators “spies.” Deane said it’s obvious that a program that attained so much negativity would find it difficult to achieve its goals. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 11, 2009 article from Queen's University's The Journal.


Media with a grain of salt

By Jeff Fraser
The Journal / Opinions
Published: February 11, 2009

With so much sensational reporting, it’s the responsibility of the press to ensure news is accurate.

I’m not sure which was harder to watch last semester: the Globe and Mail vilifying six average undergraduates for nothing worse than trying to teach first years about diversity, or the number of students who bought the hyperbole. It’s still a mystery to me why we’re so willing to accept an image of our Alma Mater as a democracy-hating master of puppets, but I did learn one thing from the experience: even the national media is looking for a flashy front page. Gone are the days when good reporting was the mark of a good newspaper. Sensationalism is now the only way the corporate media can keep readers’ attention away from the Internet. . . .

Continue reading the Feb 11, 2009 article from Queen's University's The Journal.


Beware the campus thought police

National Post
Published: November 20, 2008

Just who is Queen's University trying to kid? The school may call its new political-correctness cops "facilitators." It may insist they will not be eavesdropping on private conservations, "preaching" to students they overhear using "offending terms," serving as "disciplinarians" or being judgmental. But administrators are simply deluding themselves with euphemisms if they swallow their own tripe. . . .

Continue reading the Nov 20, 2008 article from Canada's National Post.


Another Orwellian Program Shouted Down.

By Margaret Soltan
University Diaries
Published: February 12, 2009

Happens all the time. This one happened in Canada. As long as decent people exist, these programs will die on the vine. But eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

Calling it “incompatible with the atmosphere required for free speech,” Queen’s University in Kingston yesterday scrapped its controversial “dialogue facilitator” program.

It caused a scandal last year when it was revealed the six student “facilitators” were mandated to intervene in private conversations to encourage discussion of social justice issues and discourage offensive language. . . . --NewsHammer 2/15/2009

Continue reading the Feb 12, 2009 article from Margaret Soltan's blog University Diaries.

Can WSJ pay model work at other sites?

Second of two parts. The first part is here. Proponents and opponents of paid content often invoke the subscription model at the Wall Street Journal Online as the reason for why their point of view is right.In the following guest commentary, Bill Grueskin, former managing editor of WSJ.Com, sorts through what he calls “a few common myths” to provide insights into why and how the Journal came to

The case for charging to read WSJ.Com

First of two partsProponents and opponents of paid content often invoke the subscription model at the Wall Street Journal Online as the reason for why their point of view is right.In the following guest commentary, Bill Grueskin, former managing editor of WSJ.Com, sorts through what he calls “a few common myths” to provide insights into why and how the Journal came to be the most prominent pay

Surfing the Web may soon disappear entirely from Georgetown classrooms, as a growing number of professors enact policies either banning or discouraging laptop use during lectures and discussion sections


By Kevin Suyo
Published: February 9, 2009

For David Goldfrank, a professor in the department of history, the turning point came at the beginning of a World History II discussion section in 2007.

“I started with a directed question, and the student replied, ‘Wait a minute, please. I need to turn on my computer where I have my notes,’” Goldfrank said. “[ … As a professor,] I don’t want to know what is in your computer; I want to know what is in your head.”

From then on, Goldfrank said, he has banned laptops from all of his classes.

With these sorts of policies, Georgetown follows an increasingly popular trend that has been documented at colleges nationwide, including Yale University and The George Washington University.

Georgetown Law Professor David Cole conducted a test in one of his courses that resulted in 80 percent of students stating that they are more engaged without their computers in class, 70 percent of students liking his no-laptop policy, and 95 percent of students confessing that they had used their laptop for purposes not relating to the course material, he said in a recent Op-Ed in The Washington Post. . . . --NewsHammer 2/15/2009

Continue reading the Feb 9, 2009 article from Georgetown University's The Hoya.