Wet noodles need apply

Thought Sacramento State didn?t have world recognition? A new scam has reached the campus all the way from Nigeria, according to campus police. The “419 scam,” as it is referred to in Nigerian legal codes, works like this: The victim receives a fax or e-mail from someone claiming to represent Nigerian officials. The “officials” say they are in search of a reputable business or individual whose accounts can be used to transfer excess government funds, usually $10 million or more. The victims are offered about 30 percent of this for their troubles. Naturally, problems arise (the con artists often cite Nigerian transaction laws) and the victims are required to front more and more cash in order to keep the transaction alive. Often, the victims are required to travel to Nigeria in person.

“We?re had about seven reports,” said Campus Police Investigator John Hamrick. As far as the police know, the letters have been confined to staff and faculty.

Needless to say, one would have to have the IQ of a wet noodle to fall for a scam like this. However, according to the treasury department, “a large number of victims are enticed into believing they have been singled out from the masses to share in multi-million dollar windfall profits for doing absolutely nothing.”In fact, the industry brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Apparently, there are enough wet noodles for an Italian banquet. But we at Sac State are a bit smarter than that. I hope?

To: The California Faculty Association

From: Josh Leon

Dear CFA,

I agree with your cause on many counts. A lighter faculty workload would allow more time for professors to spend with students, and allow you to conduct higher quality classes overall. An end to merit based pay would end much of the competitiveness that is so often complained about in your ranks. Finally, I believe that the California State University is not paying you the salary that you deserve (or that will attract more of your colleagues). However, in spite of your calls for a strike if you and the CSU cannot come to terms on your salary contract, you are faced with two problems.

One: If you try a traditional strike, the CSU can simply fire you; it?s in your contract. Two: The CSU administration is not afraid of you. Let?s face it: They?re meaner and more powerful than you.

As you know, gaining student confidence and support is essential to your cause. If there?s anything the administration does fear, it?s student action. However, as a student, I have found recent discussion on your part a bit disturbing.

Namely, the suggestion to not turn in grades at the end of the semester will rub many students the wrong way. After a talk with Academic Advising, I found that such an action would postpone my graduation if any of my professors were to go along with it. If the CFA pursues such a policy, than students could not, and should not, support you. I know you?re in a bind, but we need you, and you need us.

Sincerely,

Joshua K. Leon?

Keep it up

Graduate student Maria Negrila keeps a busy schedule. In addition to pursuing her master?s degree in social work, Negrila dedicates much of her time out of class to the growing Romanian community in Sacramento, which is now 20,000 strong.

She started a community center for this emerging population, where services include daycare and immigration help. Also, she started a community newspaper. And somehow she manages to work full time for Sacramento County.

She was recently honored with a Merit scholarship from the Faculty Senate. Negrila and the three other winners had to have a grade point average of 3.5 or better to qualify for the award.

“I will try to work a lot and deserve this in full,” Negrila told the Faculty Senate crowd. “Every single professor contributed to my education.”

Keep it up.

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