NEW YORK–Just a month ago, a bubbly Jennifer Hudson–who had been striking gold with just about everything she touched–was running down the list of all the projects that she expected would soon dominate her life.

Already an Oscar-winning actress, the 25-year-old was about to release her first album, which would become an instant best-seller, and a new movie, The Secret Life of Bees. But the entertainer saw so much more in her future.

“I am planning on touring,” she said, rattling off a list of her upcoming priorities. “There’s more films and more music and stuff like that … I want to start a fashion line as well, start writing music.”

There were also plans of a big wedding to new fiance David Otunga.

“It’s gonna be a production,” she gushed. “I have so many visions for it right now–I get to put that together.”

But on Monday, Hudson’s priority was to identify the body of a child believed to be her 7-year-old nephew Julian–apparently the third victim in a killing spree that had already claimed her mother and brother. She had identified their bodies a couple of days before.
Her Hollywood goals now seem a world away, and after suffering such a devastating blow, it’s unclear when–if ever–she will reclaim them.

“This is really something no one can really deal with, and you never fully recover from something like this,” said Harvey Mason, who has written and produced songs for Hudson and considers her a friend. “But she’s a very strong person, and she’s got a great heart, and I’m just sad something like this has had to enter into her life.”

Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson, were killed in the family’s home in a homicide police have described as domestic in nature. Her sister Julia’s 7-year-old son, Julian, was declared missing, along with a white truck taken from the scene.

On Monday, after a weekend of pleas from both Julia and Jennifer Hudson–who had offered $100,000 Sunday for information leading to the boy’s safe return–police found the truck and the body of a 7-year-old child inside who they later said was Julian.

Police have been questioning William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson who is in custody. Balfour is not the boy’s father and has not been charged in the slayings.

Although Hudson has spoken out from her MySpace.com page, thanking fans for their support, she has been in seclusion in Chicago. All public events that she had scheduled over the next week or so have been canceled, and a planned video shoot for her new single “If It Isn’t Love,” which was to take place starting Monday in Los Angeles, was also abandoned.
The triple homicide came as Hudson’s career continued on the white-hot streak that began with her Oscar-winning role in the movie Dreamgirls. The singer had first come to prominence as a big-voiced finalist on American Idol in 2005, but floundered in her career.

Without a record deal and only no-name producers to work with, she even began to wonder if a music career was ever going to happen for her.

“After Idol, I didn’t have a manager, I didn’t have an agent, none of that,” she said. “I just had random producers.”

That all changed when she was cast in the movie adaptation of the classic Broadway musical. The movie’s stars included Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx, Beyonce and Eddie Murphy–but it was Hudson who stole scene after scene, and landed an Academy Award in 2007 for best supporting actress for the portrayal of the troubled singer Effie.

After that, Hudson also appeared in summer hit Sex and the City, and has a supporting role in the movie The Secret Life of Bees, in theaters now. Meanwhile, she was at work on her self-titled album, which debuted at No. 2 on the charts earlier this month and has spawned the hit single, “Spotlight.”

In addition to those achievements, she also was selected to sing the national anthem before Barack Obama’s historic acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in August. She called the experience “the most overwhelming and meaningful thing to date that I’ve done.” When asked if she was registered to vote, she laughed and said: “I’m registered definitely–my mom would have it no other way!”

Hudson was particularly close to her family, and members were usually on hand during the major milestones in her career, including her Oscar win.

“They came out for a lot of awards, things like that. The family was a very close knit family, as far as I can tell, all very sweet and supportive,” said Mason, who recalled meeting her family and how proud Jennifer was to introduce them to people. “Jennifer’s family seemed to be a big part of her support structure.”

Mason has yet to speak with Hudson, but said he had extended his support and prayers, along with a host of other celebrity friends and supporters.

The songwriter and producer, who worked with Hudson on the Dreamgirls soundtrack and also her new album, said he’d never encountered a situation where a celebrity had endured such a tragedy, so he couldn’t imagine how it might affect her career.

Hudson said last month that she didn’t have a specific movie project in the works, and talks of a tour were preliminary–no dates have been set. A representative for her label, Arista Records, said it was too early to talk about how the tragedy might affect the promotion of her CD. The label released this statement of support: “On behalf of the RCA Music Group and Arista Records, we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jennifer and her family during this difficult time.”

“I think it could affect her career; It’s going to take some time for her to get back on the road, back in promotion,” said Mason. “She’s definitely not going to feel like doing too much phone interviews, radio interviews. I just think it’s going to take her a minute to recover, but as I said, she’s a very strong person, and she’s very talented. It’s hard for me to guess how it would impact her in the long haul.”

The battles have been waged, the games have been won, and a champion has been found for each division of every sport. How We Doin came out on top in fiddle stx beating Team Dynasty in the final and ending Season One with an undefeated season. Acme Roofing was the victor in men’s volleyball and finished the season with an 8-1 record after beating How We Doin in the finals. The team 261+1 took the trophy in women’s volleyball triumphing over the Hot Tamales and finishing with a 5-1 record. In co-rec volleyball, Bangin’ Bulldogs spiked their way to the top conquering Team Two Hands in the final and ending the season with a 7-0 record. Inter Milan reigned victorious in men’s soccer with a final record of 5-1 after the final against Jon’s Lunch. Co-rec soccer winner, Bandits, have a 6-1 record and beat the Banana Pancakes for the championship.

Another champion will be crowned at Midnight Madness. Last week I mentioned a 3-point contest that resulted in four finalists who will then compete in another 3-point contest at Midnight Madness. Who are these finalists? The skilled four are James Farris, Paul Jefferson, Zach Guglielmo, and Christopher Chin. Good luck in the final competition!

With the finals for Season One all done it is time to give due to Season Two sports. RECSports offers 3 v. 3 basketball, flag football, kickball, team handball, and tennis in Season Two. Sundays, as in the age old American tradition, will still be dedicated, in part, to football as RECSports starts Season Two off with flag football and kickball on Sunday, Oct. 26. Kickball will finish up its weekly games on Monday’s and Monday night basketball will certainly be a great way to start the work week. Tuesday’s are all about basketball as the week’s games finish up for that sport. Wednesday and Thursday are team handball nights! Tennis will be played on the participants’ schedules. Finally, the racquetball ladder is still up and running so if you couldn’t get into a Season Two sport, sign up for racquetball at the Equipment Services Desk.

Season Two promises to be amazing as the turnout was enthusiastic. If you are not participating you should consider coming out to watch the games. The games are often highly competitive and entertaining. In fact, if you are participating, I know it gets competitive, but don’t forget to have fun.

Speaking of competitions, the Quest for the Charger Cup is still going strong. As of Oct. 23, the Bangin’ Bulldogs are in the lead with 142 points. Team DieNasty follows with 112 points and Jon’s Lunch is in third with 106 points. For the complete listing stop by the Rec Center and check out the RECSports bulletin board.

Last but by no means least: congratulations to Bangin’ Bulldogs this week’s participants of the week.

COLCHESTER, Vt. -The University of New Haven men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the Northeast-10 Cross Country Championships on Saturday hosted by Saint Michael’s College. The men’s team totaled 214 team points en route to an eighth place finish, while the women’s team totaled 248 team points to finish 10th.

UMass-Lowell swept both the men’s and women’s races to claim conference team championships.

The New Haven men were led by sophomore Patrick Leach who finished 34th in a time of 27:19.9. Other top Chargers finishers were Ryan Freitas in 35th (27:20.7), Alaric Best in 44th (27:44.8), Mathew Dunham in 45th (27:49.4) and Mark Kirchar in 56th (28:16.8).

For the women, junior Ashley Hardy led the way with a 23rd place finish in 19:46. Other top Chargers finishers were Lauren Dimitruck in 28th (19:53) and Melissa Tempesta in 34th (20:11).

WEST HAVEN -University of New Haven men’s soccer player James Hilaire returned to Kayo Field Saturday afternoon for the first time since he suffered a head injury in a game on September 23 against Merrimack College. Saturday was Senior Day for the Chargers who recognized the team’s four seniors, including Hilaire, prior to their game against the College of St. Rose.

James surprised his teammates, coaches and fans with his appearance Saturday and approached the field in a wheel chair pushed by his sister and father as his teammates were warming-up for their battle with the College of St. Rose. As James made his way closer to the field, his teammates gradually started to realize he was there. They all sprinted towards him and welcomed him back.

James eventually made his way onto the field for the remaining few minutes of the Chargers’ warm-up and was introduced with his fellow seniors during a pregame ceremony.

Throughout the entire game James and his family sat together on the grass surrounding Kayo Field, despite threatening rain storms and very windy conditions. The Chargers fell 3-1 in the contest, which seemed to take a back seat to James’ appearance. The roars from the crowd became louder and louder on each Charger possession as the game wore on. UNH scored in the later part of the second half and loud cheers erupted from the section where James and his family sat throughout the game.

Shortly thereafter James got on his way and returned to Gaylord Hospital where he is rehabilitating. Men’s soccer head coach Josh Krusewski and many family and friends continue to visit James and his family throughout the week as he continues to show progress.

Oliver Stone takes a great risk with W. It is different from previous depictions of presidencies directed by Stone. Unlike Oliver’s Nixon and JFK, W. is the story of our current President of the United States. With that being said, the film should have exposed an increased perception of occurrences during President Bush’s time in office. Not only was this superior understanding absent, but major events in our recent history were not covered up to par as well.

This film is a biography of President George W. Bush. The screenplay, written by Stanley Weiser, follows two paths. One is young George’s wild college years leading up to his campaign for Presidency in 1999. The other track deals with the Iraq War and takes place in 2002 and 2003. Scenes alternate between these two tracks throughout the film. Stone depicts Bush as a man who makes a living primarily through family connections and remained drunk until the age of 40. The Iraq War is portrayed as an unnecessary involvement of our country caused by President Bush.

Josh Brolin’s interpretation of George W. Bush was suitable. All aspects of George’s life shown in the film were brought to life by Brolin’s performance. A truthful, perturbed mood sets in while watching George deal with his addiction to alcohol. This film may also, unintentionally, cause one to gain a new respect for George W. Bush after watching him transform into a faithful follower of God or witnessing his love and devotion to the lovely Laura Bush, played by Elizabeth Banks.

James Cromwell does an exceptional job at illustrating George H.W. Bush, although he does not physically resemble the former president. He plays a man who is completely ashamed of his eldest son, George W. Bush. Cromwell’s character is not afraid to confirm this either. He advises George W. Bush not to run for governor at the same time as his younger brother, Jeb. George W. Bush is underestimated by his father throughout the entire film.

There were two major issues that were scarcely brought up in this film: the attacks of September 11, 2001 and the “too close to call” Florida electoral votes in the 2000 election. Both of these events impacted George W. Bush’s life and presidency. They should have been addressed in more depth by both Weiser and Stone.

This film gave a brief recap of George W. Bush’s life from his college years to his controversial verdict to participate in the Iraq War. W. succeeded at portraying George as a sloppy individual and president. At the same time, this movie makes you feel bad for him. His father had doubted George his entire life and the American people didn’t trust his decision to get involved in the Iraq War. In reality, George is just a normal guy who makes mistakes just like everyone else.

The Anchorage Daily News, with a circulation of over 71,711 issues daily and over 89,423 issues on Sundays, is the most popular and widely-read newspaper in the state of Alaska. The Anchorage Daily News has won the Pulitzer Prize multiple times, an honor that no other Alaskan newspaper has ever received.

Recently, Alaska has entered a highly memorable event in their fiftieth year as a state. Their governor, Sarah Palin, was nominated as the Republican vice presidential candidate to run with Senator John McCain. For the first time ever, a serious nominee for national office is from the state of Alaska. In this event, Governor Palin brings attention and recognition to both herself and her state.

Regardless, the people of Alaska seem to look beyond their governor being nominated the Republican vice presidential candidate. After all is said and done next Tuesday, Alaskans recognize that this race is not about Sarah Palin-in fact, it is beyond even what John McCain can offer the country.

This past Saturday, the Anchorage Daily News kicked Sarah Palin’s proverbial ass (or elephant?) by endorsing-get this-Senator Barack Obama for president of the United States. This comes after a week of endorsements including National Review conservative writer Christopher Buckley, former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, and former Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, General Colin Powell.
Suck it, Sarah. Hey, Anchorage Daily News, what do you think about Sarah Palin? Is she really a risk to the American people?

“Yet despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.”

With six days until Election Day as of the printing of this issue of The Charger Bulletin, Sarah Palin is not in a good place-thus putting Senator McCain in a terrible place in the polls. In fact, senior McCain aides are clashing with Governor Sarah Palin. Several McCain advisers and high-ranking aides have “become increasingly frustrated with what one aide described as Palin ‘going rogue.’ [...] McCain sources say Palin has gone off-message several times, and they privately wonder whether the incidents were deliberate.”

It’s starting to become evident not only to myself, a staunch Obama supporter, and not only my friends and family-but to the millions of Americans who will be voting this coming Tuesday, Nov. 4, for what will undoubtedly be the most important day that this country has seen in politics in decades.

If you’re still undecided in this election, it’s time to start paying attention. You shouldn’t vote because I want you to vote for Obama anymore than you should vote for McCain because that’s what your parents are doing. But read up on the issues, read up on the candidates, and get out and vote. In the words of the twenty-sixth president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, a vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.

People are so sawyed by the media (in both positive and negative ways). With the amount of attention Palin has received since the very beginning, it is difficult to know whether people are fascinated with her in the circus freak way or if they seriously see her as a worthy leader. All I ask is that you take all the facts thrown at you and ask yourself this: do you honestly think that Sarah Palin could run the United States efficiently?

The International Student Association would like to give a response regarding the issue of the Charger Bulletin that was published on Oct. 15, 2008. In the “Advice Corner” on page 9, an international student was seeking advice about his/her language problems when communicating with his/her professors. The first response that you gave was so positive and useful that we do appreciate that very much. However, we felt upset about your second response and we found it to be an offensive and discriminating one.

We understand that you want to give both positive and ‘negative’ replies to the question of the week. However, we really think this ‘negative’ response was unnecessary. We also have doubt whether the question is real or fake too. Anyway, we know that you want to make the ‘negative’ response sound funny and humorous to students, but we just do not agree with or appreciate this intention.

Regarding the second response that you gave to the international student, here is what was said:

“You should have probably learned to speak English before you came to the United States. Either learn pretty quick or go back to where you came from!” We are really disappointed and upset with this answer.

Being international students living in the United States, we need to work harder than the U.S. students. Everything is new here, the people, the culture, the environment and even the food! During our stay in the United States, we learn a lot and our English has improved a lot too! Although our spoken English is not as fluent as the local American students, we still try to express ourselves to other people.

Think about this, do you think the average American can speak a foreign language when they visit other parts of the world? Some of them do, but most of them do not. So how can they communicate with the foreigners? Please think about this question deeply before you write such an offensive response to an international student. We, the international students, are proud of ourselves because not only can we speak English, we can speak one or two more languages as well! We respect your culture, your country, and the people here. Thus, we also wish to get the same respect from the Americans.

The University of New Haven has more than 400 international students from 50 countries. The presence of international students at UNH helps make the University a truly global village: A small campus, but vast in cultures. Racial and ethnic discrimination should not exist. We really hope that the Charger Bulletin can give more positive responses to students’ questions in the future.

-The International Student Association and The Chinese Student Association : Kaycee Fu, Ankit Sharma, Jasmine Vong, Susan Yu, Josh Low, Kanthi Kosaraju, Omar Alabdulqader, and Jelena Benak

Last week the USGA, under the direction of USGA Vice President and Community Relations Chair, Wilfred Burrows, organized a community service event where students went around campus and into the surrounding community to pick up trash. The event started at 6:00 p.m. behind the Marvin K. Peterson Library and students traveled up and down Ruden Street from McDonald’s all the way to Forest Hills. With a total of over 40 student participants, the USGA was able to collect several large trash bags full of garbage.

The event coincided with the University’s Sustainability Day where the university highlighted steps that are being taken to make the campus much greener. These steps include Zip Cars that will hopefully be on campus starting next year, the installation of florescent lights throughout campus and the installation of light sensors for offices. The university is also looking into adding control measures for the heating systems in the buildings which draw the most amount of energy. Several buildings on campus require a worker from facilities to physically turn on and off the heat in the buildings. With more effective controls the university will be saving energy and money that can then be turned into more student oriented projects.

Name: Heather Brown

Senator Since: Spring of 2008

Major and Year of Graduation: Criminal Justice: Investigative Services & 2010

Why did you become a USGA Senator?: I wanted the opportunity to represent my fellow students. I have been a part of the USGA since my freshman year and I saw the great things that can be accomplished through being a Senator. I wanted to be a part of that.

What have you done so far as a Senator?: Last year I served on the Budget and Points Committees. This year I am again serving on these two committees as well as the Community Relations Committee and the Residential Relations Committee. I am currently the chair of the Residential Relations Committee. I also help out with many of the USGA sponsored events.

What would you like seen done at USGA or at UNH?: I would like to see the continued success of the USGA. The organization does many great things for the students, but there is always the potential to do more. I would like there to be more communication between the university and the students. While renovation and new landscaping is great, the students are the ones who must live with it. A greater level of input from students would be a good thing.

Is there anything you would like to tell the student body?: I am here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any other member of the USGA if you have suggestions, issues you would like to see addressed, any questions about the USGA, or just want to say hello!

How can students get in touch with you?: I am available through e-mail at either hbrow2@newhaven.edu or usgaresidential@newhaven.edu. My contact information can also be found at www.chargervoice.com. I am also available during my office hour every Tuesday from 12:15 to 1:15 in the USGA office on the third floor of Bartels.

WEST HAVEN–In the beginning of November, two students will be saying goodbye to UNH, friends, and family as they embark on lifelong goals of serving their country in the Marine Corps.  
Jay Peter Foley was born on July 13, 1989 to Elaine Sanborn and James Foley.  He is a native of Wallingford, Conn. and went to Notre Dame High School, where he holds the record for most tackles on their football team. He attended UNH last year as a freshman and majored in Criminal Justice. He will be starting boot camp in South Carolina on Nov. 3. After basic training he will be serving in the First Battalion Bravo Company.

Stepan Mykola Halkowycz was born on July 28, 1989. He grew up in Teaneck, N.J. with his parents, Olena and Zane Halkowycz. Stepan attended UNH as a freshman and majored in International Justice and is fluent in five languages. He enjoys traveling, working on his motorcycle, and hanging with friends.

Jay and Stepan were both active on campus; Jay was a member of the CJ Club and Stepan was on the hockey team earlier in the year. Both were also active brothers of the Delta Chi Fraternity. All the brothers wish them success in their future, and a safe return home.