utLook STUDENT PRESSO Vol. 45 Issue 3 September 24, 2012 Outlookpress.org

Rockland Community College held its bi-annual Club Fest last Thursday, bringing crowds of students and clubs to the main Quad for an afternoon of food, music, and activities.

Students gathered in the quad as many of SUNY Rockland’s clubs set up tables urging other students to join and get involved

in activities they enjoy. There was food, literature about the clubs, and the notes of a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz band over it all.

Monica Molina, president of the Criminal Justice Club, which is in its second year, said the day was a good way to meet new students and introduce them to what her club and others had to offer.

“We had fifty-three students who signed up at Club Fest and

only thirteen are already active members,” she said. “The event benefitted our club by increasing the awareness of the club itself and helping more students to be involved.”

There was a picture booth available on the Quad, where students could make their memories from the day.

Students showed their passions for the things they love doing by urging others to join their clubs. There are at

least forty clubs on campus for students to get involved in, and most of these set up tables and gave students many options as well as knowledge about all that RCC has to offer.

Jennie Brown, a member of the Student Activities Board that helped to organzie the event, mentioned that “Club Fest brings in a lot of new people to different clubs, which brings many benefits to the clubs.”

Club Fest Takes Over the Quad

The iPhone 5 has finally arrived, and it has big

improvements.

“Perhaps just as important as the hardware upgrades coming

for the iPhone 5 are the software upgrades. This year, iOS 6 comes

with improvements. ”

Eugene Levit, Student

Tech 16

Students at Club Fest take advantage and get involved.

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“Which candidate can help dig us out of the economic situa-tion we’re currently in, and which

candidate can take us to where we finally want to be?”

Eugene Levit, Student

News 2

The Democratic and Republican conventions gave Americans much

to consider.

“Saying the Pledge of Allegiance seems like a simple task in grade school. You hear, memorize, and

repeat. Hear, memorize, and repeat. In that action, where lies the value?”

Gen Rollins, Student

OpiNiONs 9

Young Americans regularly recite the

Pledge of Allegiance—but should they?

Kristen LoretoniEditor in Chief

Encouraging students to get involved

RCC Dedicates 9/11 Memorial Garden

To commemorate the 11th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Rockland Community College worked to find experienced individuals to design and create a memorial garden to pay tribute to the many mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and grandparents lost that day.

Rockland Community College Professor of Art Page Simon conceived a design for the garden which then became reality on the main Quad of the campus.

Eric Laxman, a resident of Valley Cottage, was enlisted to use steel I-beam artifacts from

the World Trade Center to create a sculpture to be the main focus of the garden. The result is a

seven foot tall sculpture entitled, “Spirit Rising.”

For many students, seeing

actual pieces of the World Trade Center in a work of art memorial, makes the events of the day seem more real.

The sculpture, weighing over half a ton, serves as the centerpiece for the memorial garden where students and members of our community can go to remember the heroes of that day. Around the sculpture are dedicated bricks that were bought for $100, with all funds going to the Rockland Community College Foundation to serve as scholarships to students in the fields of Fire Protection Technology, Emergency Medical Services, and Criminal Justice.

In addition to the dedicated bricks, Cathy McErlean-Goddard created a set of ceramic tiles that lay in the ground, surrounding the sculpture.

Amanda Van RynManaging Editor

The new 9/11 Memorial Garden on the Quad is dedicated to the memory of those lost on 9/11, and to the heroes of that day.

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News2 September 24, 2012

Earlier this month, spirits soared during the RNC (Republican National Convention) and DNC (Democratic National Convention). As Mitt Romney and Barack Obama officially accepted their nominations for the presidency, Americans were left the task of listening to the speeches of each party and deciding which path they wanted America to head in.

Day one of each party had the wives of each presidential candidates speak. Ann Romney was able to achieve her goal of showing the side of Mitt Romney that most voters don’t know. She portrayed Mitt as a caring husband and a loving father. Ann R o m n e y says, “I read somewhere that Mitt and I have a ‘storybook marriage.’ Well, in the storybooks I read, there were never long, long, rainy winter afternoons in a house with five boys screaming at once. And those storybooks never seemed to have chapters called ‘MS’ or ‘Breast Cancer.’ A storybook marriage? No, not at all. What Mitt Romney and I have is a real marriage.” Ann said that they are the everyday family, a family with real problems, and that Mitt can help, because he is the everyday

American.At the Democratic Convention, Michelle

Obama had a similar job as Ann Romney, and that was to humanize her husband. “When people ask me whether being in the White House has changed my husband, I can honestly say that when it comes to his character, and his convictions, and his heart, Barack Obama is still the same man I fell in love with all those years ago,” the First Lady said “That’s the man I see in those quiet moments late at night, hunched over his desk, poring over the letters people have sent him.” She said President Obama reads the letters the Americans send to him every day, the letters of the poor and

unemployed, the letters of people who are

s c r e a m i n g for help.

I n t h e

First Lady’s

s p e e c h , she said that

President Obama is a man who cares about the people, and is fighting to give them a better life.

For the second night of the RNC, Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan gave his speech. In his speech, he noted that in 2008 Obama spoke in Janesville, Wisconsin about a General Motors plant and said, “I believe that if our government

is there to support you, this plant will be here for another hundred years.” The plant was shut down later that year. Throughout the rest of his speech, Ryan seemed to make a lot of similar claims about the Obama administration, which were later fact checked by sites such as PolitiFact, and were proven to be false.

During the second night of the DNC, former President Bill Clinton formally nominated President Obama as the 2012 Democratic candidate. Clinton tried to convince the public that they were indeed better off than they were four years ago. Clinton noted that in 2008, the economy was spinning out of control, but “in the last 29 months, our economy has produced about 4 1/2 million private sector jobs.”

He continued to speak about the good that Obama has done for the United States, pleading for the American people to give Obama four more years.

When it came time for Mitt Romney’s turn to accept his nomination, and express why he is the right man for the job, he said about President Obama, “You know there’s something wrong with the kind of job he’s done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him.”

Romney claims that his promises gave

way to “disappointment and division,” referring to the all time high bi-partisanship under the Obama administration. Romney states that the people of the United States deserve someone better than Barack

Obama, and that he will indeed lead the country in the

right direction.On the final

night of the DNC convention, P resident B a r a c k Obama said “America, I never said

this journey would be easy,

and I won’t promise that now. Yes, our path

is harder —but it leads to a better place.” Indeed, it has not been an easy ride, but as Obama reminds America, there has been 29 months of straight job growth, and he plans on continuing that trend. He reminded listeners that it was under his administration that Osama bin Laden was finally captured. Obama reminded everyone that a larger percentage of people will have health care unde his plans. He argues that America is in a much better place than it was four years ago, and that four years from now, he could take us even higher.

After the two conventions, popularity soared for both Romney and Obama. While the two continue rallying and preparing for their presidential debates, Americans have been given a lot to ponder. Which candidate can help dig us out of the situation economic situation we’re currently in, and which candidate can take us to where we finally want to be?

Eugene LevitStaff Writer

Spirits Soar During National Political Conventions

In a highly controversial move by former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette, his book, “No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden,” hit bookshelves on September 4, 2012, one week before 9/11.

“No Easy Day” has become a bestseller, perhaps no real surprise due to the amount of coverage it’s received in the news. From the time the book was announced, The United States Department of Defense (DoD) panicked over any classified information Bissonnette might have revealed.

On August 30, the Pentagon released a letter written to “Mark Owen,” Bissonnette’s pseudonym, revealing two non-disclosure agreements that Bissonnette signed, forbidding him from discussing classified information. These non-disclosure agreements required Bissonnette to submit anything that might have important information to the DoD for review. Bissonnette and his publisher chose not to submit the book, a decision the Pentagon claimed was “the height of irresponsibility.” Chances are, Bissonnette knew the legal charges he might face going in, but he chose the risk rather than the

grueling process he knew his book would face from the DoD. In the past, books reviewed by the DoD were known to be heavily edited; deleting entire chapters and leaving the authors work unrecognizable and unpublishable was common, critics of the process say.

Admiral Bill McRaven notes “a distinct line between recounting a story for the purposes of education or entertainment and telling a story that exposes sensitive activities just to garner greater readership and personal profit.” Bissonnette notes that the book focuses more on the emotional aspects of the mission rather than the military tactics that the DoD is afraid of unveiling. He states “No Easy Day” is meant to enlighten the American public on the life of a Navy SEAL, not to spoil any secrets that the military has. Indeed, since the book’s release, it has been praised for the deep portrayal of the leading characters, with little mention from critics

about Navy tactics.The government wasn’t the only one

after Bissonnette when the book was announced. On August 24, his true name, age, and picture were posted on an official al Qaeda website, referring to him as “the dog who murdered the martyr Sheikh Osama bin Laden.”

One response on that site said, “O Allah, make an example of him for the whole world and give him dark days ahead.” This website urged people of the Islamic faith, particularly the ones in America, to kill Matt Bissonnette for murdering Osama bin Laden. A cyber security expert, Jeffrey Carr, said that “al Qaeda officials were adept at using

the Internet for recruitment, training and other searches,” and he expected them to target him now that his identity had been revealed. Carr worries that “Bissonnette’s family and former Navy SEAL colleagues could also be in danger if they could be traced through the Internet.”

With the book out, the Pentagon is still undergoing its official review of the material in it, and if it is found to reveal information that the Pentagon deems as highly classified, Bissonnette could be in for a world of trouble. Not only would the government be entitled to all royalties, but they could also press further criminal charges, with possible jail time for the former Navy SEAL.

The two major political parties make their case to the nation

Navy Seal’s “No Easy Day” Draws Immediate CriticismEugene Levit

Staff Writer

Scott Pelley of CBS News’ “60 Minutes” talks with former Navy SEAL Matt Bissonnette.

“No Easy Day” has become a bestseller, perhaps no real surprise due to the

amount of coverage it’s received in the news.

CBS

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FEATURES 3September 24, 2012

As the new school year begins, many college students are eager to take the first steps of the rest of their adult lives. They look back at high school and snicker at the memory of how grown up they thought they were on that first day of school four years ago. Now imagine a mom of five and grandma of two going back to school after thirty years. Looking back she sees the skinny, pimple- faced, gawky, big- haired girl she once was. Back then she thought she was in charge and knew it all. But as all of today’s young adults will soon learn, she found that life throws countless curves and the outcome of our plans aren’t

necessarily what we expected. She too wanted to go straight to college.

She dreamed of being a nurse. With the blink of an eye her life was changed by an unplanned pregnancy. There was no wondering what to do. She knew that she would be a young mother. Her desire to get an education took a back seat to the education of her children.

Life has been full of unexpected ups and downs, good and bad, trials and tribulations. She has worn many hats in her time. She raised five children, ran her own business, was a Girls Scout troop leader, Boy Scout den mother, was on the PTA board and has sewn a lifetime’s worth of costumes. Through all of this she still longed for an education and a college degree.

Now thirty years later, after three of her children have earned their college

degrees, it is her time to embark on the path of her lifelong dream. She is now a college student here at SUNY RCC working towards her nursing degree. She is ready to work hard and enjoy the college experience. The moral of this story is never give up! All women who for one reason or another have put their educations on the back burner: it is never too late. We as women make many sacrifices, and then we come up with many reasons or excuses not to pursue our dreams. We are our daughter’s teachers. We must lead by example. If, like the woman in this story, your daughters have already received their college degrees, you will then be your granddaughter’s coach. We must direct the young women of tomorrow. Our daughters and granddaughters look up to us. For this reason alone, we owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be and lead by example.

Daisy MoakleyContributing Writer

Mother of Five Returns to School

When you are an honors student, you have a lot of responsibilities to tend to. People in the honors program are looked at as “very smart” people, however we are just like any other student on campus with a few sprinkles of glitter. When you are on campus you can almost tell right off the bat that a student is in the MTS honors program here at RCC. If you are new to campus, here are giveaways when you know someone is an honors student.

If any of these apply to you, then you need to talk to Hannah Lowney!

You carry around more pens and pencils than needed in a little pencil case

Usually when a neighbor in class asks for a pencil, a typical college student has one utensil on them so they don’t have to worry about having too much. Not an honors student. Usually honors students have not one, not two, but an average of three to four different pens and pencils. Not only do they carry these utensils in surplus, but it is usually a perfect brand of pen or the famous mechanical pencil.

You visit your advisor just to chatStudents usually see their advisor

when they have a certain question about transferring or perhaps when they need

to get a quick signature for scheduling next semester’s classes. Not for honors students! Most of the honors students have very close one-on-one relationships with their advisors, and go out of their way to sit and have a quick chat during a break. They may even have insiders!

You have every color highlighter under the sun

Every honors student knows that the best way to study is color, color, and more COLOR! Honors students like to be diligent and organized and the best way to achieve that feeling of being neat would be colored highlighters. The brand mostly preferred is the Sharpie highlighters. From the original yellow to orange, pink, purple, blue—you name it, an honors student probably has it.

You have every color post-it’s ever made

Again, color is the best way to keep organized. When they carry books around campus there are usually little neon flags coming from their texts or notebooks, which is a dead giveaway of an honors student. Different colors of the tabs could mean different things, perhaps to study memorize or even little r e m i n d e r s . Whatever the case may be, it is always helpful to have Post-It stickers on hand.

Rearranging your location in the classroom so that you can get called on

Usually honors kids have a lot to say, but are never called on to say it. Most honors classes base their teaching on discussion and interacting with each other. However, if a student feels that their opinion is not getting noticed by the professor or they never get their word in, it is proven that that student will go out of their way to move their seat so that the teacher has a full view of them with their hands raised.

You carry around a re-usable water bottle

Usually honors students try to never let anything go to waste. Being at college is really expensive as it is; to keep buying plastic water bottles is a waste of money, and bad for the environment. Some students try to keep a BPA free re-usable water bottle so they can also use the Britta

filters around campus instead of wasting their money.

You have coffee or tea everydayCaffeine is already considered an

addicting product throughout the world. However, if you see a student carrying a ton of books but still have time to carry a large coffee or tea, then you know that is an honors student. Usually honors students spend so much time studying and doing homework that sleep is out of the

question.You gain arm muscle from

the books you carryEvery year

more and more p r o f e s s o r s

would like their students to bring

their textbooks to class for reading and

discussion. However, most textbooks today

are really heavy and if you have a lot of classes

in one day, carrying three or more texts could be hard

on your muscles. At the same time, you need to bring these

texts to class to make sure you are on top of your game. Being

prepared is the best thing an honors student can do.

You are in a ton of student clubs and activities

Being an honors student, you usually want to be involved as soon as possible into something that interests you so that you can make friends and put that specific club or activity on your resume when you transfer. Being able to hold up their 3.5 GPA and be in clubs and activities, are big positives for four-year colleges on the lookout for transfer students.

You wear a watchTime is of the utmost importance.

When class starts and when class ends depend on the professor, but usually honors kids want to make sure that they know what is going on with time, how much they have free to themselves, and how much time is left in a lecture. Watches are useful because you don’t have to take out your cell phone and keep checking the time during class which angers most professors. Also, taking out your cell phone takes time. Honors kids need to savor as much of their time as humanly possible.

You make sure you have a planner everywhere you go.

Like your life depends on itWhen in college, students try to make

sure that they are organized. Fortunately for the students here at Rockland Community College, there are handbooks that are freely handed out thanks to Student Involvement. However, if your school does not provide such a luxury, then most of the honors students make sure to have a planner. A planner is another great way to be organized and make sure that you know when things are due and when you have club and/or activity meetings. Honors kids tend to flag certain

days, schedule certain meetings, and make sure that they write down every homework assignment and reminders.

You talk about class outside of classFor students, the usual motto is what

happens in the classroom stays in the classroom. Not for the honors students. What happens in the classroom is typically used as a subject for a conversation with a relative or another classmate. Honors students learn and absorb a lot of information and they want to share that information with people around them. This not only will help them understand it better, but get the opinions of others on the subject.

As you can see, these are the top 10 symptoms of an M/TS Honors student. If one or more applies to you, and you feel up to the challenges of honors classes, then by all means go talk to an advisor! For those of you honors students out there, you do indeed set the bar for a student that is active, social, smart, and organized.

Melissa MoneStaff Writer

You Know You’re an Honors Student When…

FEATURES4 September 24, 2012

Recently, Instagram has become a must-have for many girls’ phones. If there is a pretty sunset in your town, you better believe within the next ten minutes, at least five friends will be Instagram-ing pictures of it! As Instagram gains in popularity, I have chosen my favorite user profiles, mainly based on the latest fashion trends.

1. girlsperfectionAs a ninteen-year-old girly girl, I

love finding new, bold fashion ideas. The girlsperfection page on Instagram is awesome for just that. I get so many new

ideas from their pictures of full outfits, hair styles, shoes and nail art. The looks they give are very mimicable, which makes me appreciate it more, knowing I could do it myself! I know that if I go into a store like Forever21, I can find these pieces and put together outfits similar to what is shown in girlsperfection.

2. nails_r_usI love nail color, and after seeing nails_

r_us’s pictures I am officially obsessed with nail art! From tribal prints, to polka dots, this user will fill your feed with new and inspiring ideas. As long as you have the picture in front of you, and nail art pens from your local drugstore, copying these prints is not difficult. I have just about zero artistic ability when it comes

to painting my own nails, so if I can do it, anyone can!

3. instabraidI have always loved seeing how braids

can be done in so many different ways. Instabraid is a great user because it shares photos of long hair braided in various ways. Many of them look so professional that they could be suitable for bride’s hair styles. My personal favorite braid they share frequently is the waterfall braid. It looks like a headband wrapped around the girl’s head but woven in and out of the hair that is down and styled. This look is so professional looking. It gives many the desire to bring up Google and search for instructions on how to duplicate this look, even for formal events.

4. fashionlivesonfashioonliveson is one of my favorite

Instagrams because of the many ideas it gives me for my wardrobe. I have been able to make many new outfits out of my older clothing. I love that this user doesn’t always post similar pictures. Each idea is far different from the next. My favorite aspect of this account is the earring style ideas. This weekend, I went into a local and affordable jewlery store in the Palisades Mall called Temptation. It had cuff earrings just like the ones I saw recently in a fashionliveson post. I would have never thought to pair the cuff earring with other earrings too but I love how it looks. I love seeing how different looks can be paired and fashionliveson does it very well.

Kristen LoretoniEditor in chief

Four New Instagrams to Follow

The most recent trend in desserts that has hit Rockland County is definitely frozen yogurt. An alternative to ice cream, frozen yogurt is a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth, that is if you choose wisely when visiting the toppings bar. The best part about most frozen yogurt places is that you get to “do-it-yourself” and get creative by mixing flavors and adding numerous combinations of toppings. With so many new frozen yogurt places opening up in Rockland County, its tough to know which ones are best, so here are my top picks!

Yo 2 GoYo 2 Go in Garnerville, has to be one of

the newest and best frozen yogurt places in our area. If you live in North Rockland, this is the place to go. As soon as you walk in the door, one of the owners is ready to greet you with a smile, and you are bound to see a familiar face inside as some Rockland Community College

students work here. For those who are new to this do-it-yourself frozen yogurt trend, someone is happy to explain how it works and even let you try as many flavors as you want. In Yo 2 Go there is vanilla, chocolate, and twist ice cream as well as a variety of frozen yogurt flavors, so even if you aren’t into frozen yogurt you can still satisfy your craving. Featuring many sugar free, fat free, and low fat flavors, Yo 2 Go has an option for everyone. Besides the yogurt, Yo 2 Go features an extensive toppings bar with anything you can imagine.

Now, while loading up on toppings does increase your fat and calorie count, sometimes you just can’t resist. Like most frozen yogurt places, Yo 2 Go gives its customers stamp cards so after every ten cups of yogurt you get one cup free! For someone who visits Yo 2 Go as much as I do, its easy to rack up those stamps. The location of Yo 2 Go has got to be the best part about it.

North Rocklanders who love frozen yogurt used to have to travel out of town to find yogurt and now it is easily accessible in a ShopRite shopping center next to

other restaurants and stores. A trend that I hope sticks around, frozen yogurt is now in North Rockland!

16 Handles16 Handles in New City, has certainly

made it’s mark as being a trendy new fro-

yo place. If you live in the New City area, I would definitely recommend going there with friends and family to enjoy a great cup of yogurt. Like Yo 2 Go, 16 Handles offers every topping you can imagine. The people in Clarkstown can have a similar experience as Yo 2 Go closer to home.

Amanda Van RynManaging Editor

Best Frozen Yogurt Places in Rockland

OPINIONS September 24, 2012

America is one of the only countries in the world where anyone from anywhere can come and make a better life for their families, it is truly a place where dreams come true. Our country is one of the biggest melting pots in the world and has a vast array of cultures and races. People from all around the world come here to live out “the American dream.” This is because we are the land of the free and home of the brave. Most immigrants who move to live this so called “American dream” often discover that it may not be as great as they thought it would be. Moving to this country is like moving to a different universe. It’s very hard to adjust, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you. One big reason is communication. English is one of the hardest languages to learn, but one can learn it by studying hard.

When immigrants move to America, they know it’s going to be hard, but they take the chance to discover a whole new life for themselves. Some people try to take shortcuts to get around working hard. Most immigrants move in with family at first to get settled. With this they might not learn English fast enough to survive in this country simply because they rely on their family and don’t learn the language as fast. Also when looking for a job, immigrants find jobs where they can use their native language to communicate. By not challenging themselves and taking these shortcuts, immigrants are not learning English. They are making it harder for themselves and it is becoming a big issue. One major issue that seems to be a problem in the U.S. is that the children of these families are going to school not knowing English. It is because of this language barrier they are held back.

Also, because of not knowing the language, parents are not able to help their kids with homework and are not able to communicate with teachers. The government is helping schools so that the

teachers are able to help the immigrant students and this is a problem because they should be working harder to teach English instead of using their native language to

communicate. Many might agree that American

citizens are not getting the attention they need from the government. According to many Americans, the government should treat everyone equally. Some might think that we are only helping some cultures and not all. Also, if an American were to travel to another country they would be expected

to learn that language and it should be the same for immigrants when coming to the United States. The peer-reviewed journal, Counseling Latino Immigrants in Middle School, notes another way that our government is treating immigrants unequally. In this article it states that the school hired a counselor to help the Latino students because there were too many of them who did not speak English and they needed some type of intervention to help them. Why did other cultures not get a counselor who speaks their language to help them? If the government is not going to be equal in who they give aid to, then they should not help at all and everyone should be required to learn English. Also, in almost every building in America where there is a sign or a poster, it’s often either an ad for something or an educational, informative sign. There is always the same one translated in Spanish right next to it. But where are all the other translated ones for every other language? There are so many places that you might see this going on, whether it’s in a public place like a bathroom or the back of a shampoo bottle.

Many people might not agree that immigrants have to learn English to survive in America. It is true that there have been many successful stories about people living “the American dream” without knowing how to speak English. Others might say that their children have gone to college and are very successful

even though they grew up in a non-English-speaking household. These success stories are great but what are the chances that every family that migrates to the U.S. will get to live “the American Dream” only speaking their native language?

“The American Dream,” is the reason that most immigrants come to the United States. America is filled with opportunities that most other countries don’t have. We live in a diverse country and many people that come to the US make their mark by creating areas like Chinatown, Little Italy and other places. Because of

this, Americans can learn about different customs such as their way of living, the clothes they wear, and the food they eat. This is a wonderful experience for them and for us, but because of this we may be losing the American tradition.

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Kristina NikolajSTAFF WRITER

LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN THE U.S

OPINIONS �September 24, 2012

Over the summer, several statues were placed in different locations around the RCC campus. The statues were installed in late August just in time to welcome the fall semester students. They do not have a description about what they mean or who the artist is. When I tried to find more information, no one seemed to know much about them. I guess this leaves it up to us

to interpret them for ourselves. Two of the statues are placed just

outside of the Technology building; one is of a fish, and the other is of a woman. The fish statue is simple, with a round smooth surface. At first glance you think

that the fish has a human face, but once you look closer, you see that the face is actually inside of the fish’s mouth. The face has a calm, peaceful expression; there is no sense of terror or danger in it. I find the piece to be interesting, yet a bit unsettling. This statue is actually my least favorite, not because of the way it looks, but because of the way it makes me feel. It makes me uncomfortable and uneasy. The statue of the woman is just a few feet away from the fish statue. The woman’s hair is blowing in the wind, she is unclothed, and she has one arm out and one on her chest. Her face looks surprised, as if she is caught in mid-action. She is a bit disproportionate, with large muscular legs and a small feeble looking torso. She seems vulnerable and a bit frightened.

This piece is more captivating because even though it’s rock solid, the statue seems to be moving. Her posture and her hair actually make her look like she’s capturing the wind.

Three other statues were placed behind Brucker Hall. One of them is of an abstract silver figure, the second is of two people sitting on a bench, and finally, a little girl and her dog. The silver figure holds a long sharp object which makes it look like some kind of soldier. It is tall and angular, as if it’s someone with perfect posture. It is very shiny and very powerful looking. The most interesting of all of them is the two people sitting on the bench. When I first saw them, I thought they were real people until I realized that they didn’t move. They are two thin people sitting in an at-ease

position on a bench, looking out in front of them. They have a rough surface with holes that cover them entirely.

All of these statues definitely give RCC more character. Where before there was only green grass and paths, now there are interesting art pieces to look at. After carefully examining all of them, I decided that they are not all by the same artist. They are all very different and don’t seem to relate to each other. I also decided that the silver statue and the bench statue were my favorites.

These statues are a bit hidden away, since most people never walk behind Brucker Hall, which is a real shame. It would have been great if the statues there had been placed behind the Technology building instead. That way, more people could see them. If you have some time between classes and are curious, I would encourage you to go take a look at them.

Gabriela GonzalezOpinions Editor

Have You Noticed the New RCC Statues?

People are drawn to vegetarianism for all sorts of reasons. From person to person, this reason could be very personal and unique. Whether it’s for ethical reasons, religious reasons, or health reasons, more and more people choose to cut meat out of their diets and commit to a plant-based diet instead.

I have been a vegetarian for a long time now, and while it was a bit challenging at first, it wasn’t anything a little determination couldn’t overcome. It makes me feel good to know that I am helping the environment and my own health. Making this lifestyle change meant that I had to get educated and creative when making food choices. At first I thought it was a hassle to research requirements and alternatives to the nutrients and vitamins I was taking out of my diet, but I knew it was completely necessary if I wanted to be successful and healthy. I realized that getting the proper nutrition wasn’t too hard if I did the proper research and planned my meals correctly. The most important thing I need to keep in mind is that along with protein, I need to pay attention to my intake of iron, and

Vitamin B12. Getting great-tasting

vegetarian food that allows me to meet my nutritional requirement is easy enough at home. There, I am able to buy all the necessary foods I need to make my

favorite vegetarian dishes and I

have the internet to help me when I need some inspiration and new recipes. Eating out, however, is an entirely different story. Sure,

there are many vegetarian friendly restaurants out there,

but the most common places usually have very limited options,

making it very difficult to enjoy a simple lunch or dinner out. The good news is that with practice you can learn how to eat almost a n y w h e r e , and still find a satisfying meal.

When eating at restaurants, I often find only one or two

vegetarian entrees. When I don’t, I ask the server what is

available. I’ve found that most of the time, they are more than

happy to whip

something up for you or adjust your plate to meet your needs. Sometimes, I make my own meal by putting together several of my favorite side dishes.

On the days when I sleep in and don’t have enough time to prepare my lunch, I end up at school with nothing but some money and an empty stomach. This is when

I resort to the school cafeteria for something to eat.

The cafeteria offers some meatless

options, but they are very few. I can choose b e t w e e n a bagel, a

salad, rice, a wrap, mozzarella

sticks, and pizza. Sometimes, not all of

these options are available at one time. They are also not exactly my favorites and they are not the healthiest. Occasionally, I refuse to buy food I don’t enjoy. I end

up getting a quick snack from the vending machine

or skipping the meal altogether.

However, I know I can’t concentrate in my classes without lunch, so I usually

settle for one of them anyways. In this

situation, bringing in my own food seems to be the best option. I’ve gotten used to preparing my own lunch and snack at home and bringing it to school.

Sometimes it’s frustrating that a simple meal takes extra effort. Yet I’ve learned that with just a little practice I can easily overcome the challenges vegetarianism brings.

The challenge of navigating through school and restaurants on a meat-less diet gets easier as I gain more and more experience.

Gabriela GonzalezOpinions Editor

Eating Vegetarian: Options at Home and SchoolPhotos by Gennifer Rollins / Outlook Student Press

OPINIONS September 24, 20128

The English alphabet prides itself on efficiency. With only 26 characters, it does maintain a measurable level of efficiency not found in many other languages. In comparison to the Chinese alphabet, which consists of 80,000 characters, the English alphabet is a pocket-sized guide to literacy. Considering this, the argument is within the text more than the quantity of characters. Although there are very few characters in the English language, the logical approach to spelling, and the juxtaposition of many words, is questionable.

Language is used as a descriptive platform in which communication meets understanding. Considering that the sole purpose of language is to form some sort of understanding, it is irrational to happen upon words with silent letters, or sounds that do not coincide with the letters being used. Take for instance, the word “alphabet.” As a rule of thumb in the English language, the letters “ph,” make an “f” sound when paired together. However, standing alone, those two letters have no relation to the

letter “f.” The English language is full of vocabulary which seldom makes sense to those who speak it, and creates challenges for those who are learning it. To combat the irregularities of English, some other alphabets and international languages have been developed.

One of the most globally efficient languages is the unifying Esperanto. With a minimalistic number of characters (28) it surpasses the test of quantity. In addition to its numerical qualities, Esperanto is culturally relative. It does not serve to replace any individual’s native tongue, but rather exists as a second language that is easily accessible to all. There are distinctive properties to

the characters in Esperanto. They mirror shapes and sizes of several standard alphabets, including Spanish, English, Polish, German, and others. However, this alphabet lacks the inconsistencies often found in other languages. In the English alphabet, for example, the letter “G” has two sounds, both a soft “G,” and a hard “G.” In Esperanto, there is the letter “G,” which is used in English for words such as good, or regular, and then there is the letter “Ĝ,” which makes a soft “G,” or “J” sound. This eases the qualms of spelling, knowing that anything with a “J” sound will only be spelled with one glyph.

With most concepts in life, one accepts

that more is better. When it comes to communication, however, less triumphs over more. Any dialogue that can evoke emotion, explain circumstance, or direct a pathway, is best said in simple terms. Irregular variations in spelling or pronunciation, stifle the ability for alphabets to build bridges. When an

alphabet is phonetic, such as Hangul, the Korean alphabet, it is easy to learn quickly. This makes for a fast exchange amongst people, and allows for quick immersion into a new society. Other languages, such as Mandarin, use characters which display different qualities for questions, statements, and male and female objects.

Similarly, logical languages such as Hebrew, have separate terms for male and female objects. The separation in terms and characters, makes description easier to discern. It is more common in romance languages to find exceptions to phonetic rules and descriptive language. Both logical and romance languages use their characters to initiate description.

Common knowledge tells us that this is only beneficial when the alphabet and language are easy to learn, posses few characters or letters, and make little exceptions to their rules. Perhaps no nation has found a functional use for such an alphabet, having been routed to their own languages for so long. If Esperanto does prevail, it may prove to be the most efficient for the current world, leaving diversity unharmed, and tongues un-mangled.

Do You Know Your ABC’s?Gennifer Rollins

Photography Editor

My flight landed at J.F.K. and yes, it was my first time landing in the United States, only six months ago.

I came from India six months ago to the U.S. as a permanent resident. I finished high school there and my parents sacrificed so much to ensure that I have a good future by resigning from their jobs in India. Now it is my responsibility to prove myself in a new country.

At first, I really didn’t miss my country, my great friends, family and other fun hobbies I had there, because I was enjoying visiting all the tourist attractions in New York. It was my childhood dream to live in New York, especially NYC. Finally, it was fulfilled, so I was extremely happy to be able to go. Once I finished visiting all the main places in New York City, I sat home and watched T.V. I really started to miss my family and friends back in India. I reminisced on all the fun things I did with them that I can no longer do.

But, I also noticed that the United States is the best place to socialize. New York City is perfect for a night out with friends. There is so much more freedom in American culture than what I was used to in India. People always compare the culture between the United States and India but there is no comparison between the two because India has maintained it’s original traditional culture, which is mainly orthodox. America has its own culture which is completely modernized compared to that of India’s.

In coming to America, I was attracted by the technology here. One thing that caught

my eye was the EZ pass toll. The speed of this and other technological advancements was amazing to me. I also loved the cars on the road in the U.S. because I have only

seen cars like them in pictures. I find people in America to be very

friendly and welcoming. I never feel uncomfortable if I find that I need help with something.

Being accepted to Rockland Community College makes me feel amazing to be a part of this community and college. I felt very nervous on my first day of college, but after meeting Kristen and Gen in Outlook, I felt a lot more confident about myself. Professor Fuentes inspired me to write this and become more involved. I would like to thank Outlook for giving me my first friends in college.

I am loving it here but I do miss my friends and delicious Indian food!

I Miss India, But I Love AmericaAnuj Chokshi

Assistant Photo Editor

OpinionsSeptember 24, 2012 9

There are several people who have voiced their opinions about the follies of memorization and standardized testing, one of them being the theoretical physicist, Richard Feynman. He traveled to Brazil to observe students and found some brilliant minds. Sadly enough, the term “brilliant” fit like a shoe two sizes too big. These students were lacking great understanding or any sort of insight into the world of science. They were brilliant on a rather shallow level, he reported, having the capacity to memorize and recite intricate scientific theorems, just

as they were taught to do. Feynman was deeply disturbed by what was considered acceptable knowledge for these students. “The students had memorized everything, but they didn’t know what anything meant,” he wrote. If he rephrased a question that these students already knew the answer to, they could not fathom its new connotation. This is not very different from students in America. One of the first things children are taught to do in school is recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The reason for this is to create loyalty to the country, instill disciplinary ideas in the children’s behavior, and teach them how to “learn.” An open minded outsider would probably view this act as something drone-like, establishing an odd group mentality that creative thought finds unacceptable. Very few students in the grammar school years know the meaning of the word “indivisible,” or the purpose of “justice for all.” This behavioral method of reciting and memorizing translates into other parts of a young student’s daily life.

It is vital for the sake of self-awareness, that a person develop their own allegiances. This is particularly important for the young, who rely heavily on social groups and approval of their elders. If taught at a young age that we must follow the ideals of our forefathers, without avail, that mentality will carry the youth throughout life. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance seems like a simple task in grade school. You hear, memorize, and repeat. Hear, memorize, and repeat. In that action, where lies the value? A child is whimsical and ever-changing. They don’t need to pledge their allegiance to anything beyond playtime and smiles. It is difficult enough for an adult to grasp the concept of country, let alone someone who has seen little more than their own backyard. On a grander scale, this repetitive action opposes the ideals of our forefathers, in a sense. They were men of great intelligence, provoking

change in the hearts of their peers. They encouraged free-thinking, and education allied with wisdom. These men may have established the nation we now know, but would not be happy to see its praise be turned to mandatory mumblings. Francis Bellamy, the writer of our American Pledge of Allegiance, wrote these words in passionate exaltation to a place he called his home. To give children these words, and the action of holding your hand over your heart, is not enough. Even the teachers don’t seem enthused with their nation’s prideful poem. No one offers an explanation to its sensory values, or how it must have felt in Bellamy’s heart. Such a bland offering of what we are meant to do every morning takes away its very

meaning. This trend of giving the information

but not the value or excitement behind it, carries over into many subjects of life. Students are asked to pick which subjects they like most, or have the best skill in. We are told to follow that path into the world of careers. Some exceed a bland existence, for a love of learning. But most go on to hate math, or loathe science, or be bored with English. In math, teachers seldom explain the theorems beyond proofs. They are even less likely to describe the passion behind Pythagoras, Einstein, or Plato’s discoveries. The subjects are dead in our classrooms, where they ought to be vibrantly growing. Life offers plenty of opportunities to go outside of the classroom (if you have time once you’ve finish your homework, and made your minimum wage) and seek further information on the subjects presented in school. However, if students come back to their teacher acknowledging personal disagreement with the Pledge of

Allegiance, they are greeted with dismay. Although it is not mandatory in most American schools, it is discouraged to step away from the Pledge of Allegiance. One socialist minister’s (Francis Bellamy) heart-wrenching words, born of his own love and enjoyment in our nation’s life, does not always resonate with the people

of today. Why force it? Why not let them create their own?

On the other hand, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance creates a sense of community. Not every idea given to a child is meant to be understood immediately, but rather to develop over time. You teach your kids to say “I love you,” and they say it with a smile. But they may not fathom the

concept of love until many years later. Thus the beauty lies in choice. Give a child everything you’ve learned, everything you know, but include the option of choice. Particularly in a nation where there is separation of church and state, chants with religious connotations should not be mandated, but rather, optional. It is nice

to have the safety net of a community, of home. One in which a person can depend on their entire life, one which binds you to your friends from elementary school, onward. But the beauty of America that’s always been (and hopefully always will be), is that people are different. We make different choices, live different lives, and sing different songs. Let it be.

Gennifer RollinsPhotography Editor

Where is Your Allegiance?

OPINIONS10 September 24, 2012

Getting involved on campus is extremely important. It helps you to make friends and learn more about the people you are in classes with. The people you meet while in a club may become lifelong friends. I can’t even count how many funny moments have happened while I was in a club. In many clubs and activities on campus you are also giving back to the community while having fun. This makes you feel good and it also helps the community. The clubs and activities you are involved in can also help you get into a good college when transferring. Colleges look for well rounded students when looking at applications, so getting involved on campus puts you ahead of the game. One of my biggest regrets is not getting involved on campus earlier. I started Outlook the spring semester of my first year at RCC and now I wish I had started in the fall.

I think that getting involved here at RCC is essential to the success of students. Being a part of a club is something that makes our school something better than just a place to come and take classes at. The smartest thing I have done so far here at RCC is joining Outlook. I am able to express myself in a creative way and it has given me so many opportunities outside of the classroom. I would encourage any student to think about getting involved in the various clubs here at SUNY Rockland. It will make your time here a lot more enjoyable, and looks great on your resume when it comes time to transfer. RCC has a lot to offer students and it is important to take advantage of these opportunities and get involved!

I think that getting involved at school is very important. Many students at RCC are so ready to transfer to four year schools that they forget to use their time here efficiently. They tend to go to classes and then go straight home without actually being a part of the student body. Joining clubs or doing sports is a really great way to get to know people. It makes time here a lot more enjoyable. It also looks really good on your resume; other schools really like to see that you are getting involved and keeping yourself busy. I find that I personally benefit greatly from joining clubs or sports. Leaving less free time for myself means that I will use the actual free time I have more wisely. It also allows me to have new experiences and make new memories with all different types of people.

Devon Keane

AmandaVan Ryn

KristenLoretoni

Gabriela Gonzalez

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT... GETTING

INVOLVED?I think it is very important to be involved in extracurricular activities at RCC. Not only am I sports editor for Outlook, I’m also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society club. These extracurricular activities look extremely good on your resume, and can also help your chances at getting into your number one school. Colleges these days do not look for students who only have good grades, they look for students who do well all around and are extremely involved. There is a club for everyone at RCC. The clubs vary from criminal justice to chess to even a shoe club. You can also meet other students with similar interests who attend here. If you can’t find a club that’s for you, why not start one? Clubs give you an opportunity to express yourself and spend time with something you really enjoy doing.

Outlook Student Press

Outlook Student Press is published every other week except during exam periods and summer. It is an independent newspaper produced by students and paid for by advertising revenue and student activities fees. Submissions and articles become the property of Outlook Student Press. Outlook Student Press invites you to submit your opinions and ideas for publication. We strongly encourage letters to the editor.Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Outlook editors or staff. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.

On the web: Outlookpress.orgFacebook.com/outlookpressEmail: Outlookstudentpress@gmail.comOffice: Student Union Room 3200 Phone: (845) 5�4-4389Fax: (845) 356-6261

Snail mail:Outlook Student PressRockland Community College145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901

Professor Fuentes, Advisor

Like to write? E-mail us at outlookstudentpress@gmail.com

Kristen Loretoni, Editor-in-Chief Amanda Van Ryn, Managing Editor Vanessa Pastorelli, Production ManagerGabriela Gonzalez, Opinions Editor

Gen Rollins, Photography EditorAnuj Chokshi, Assistant Photo EditorDevon Keane, Sports Editor

Contributors: Daisy Moakley, Ariel Kotch, Shaina Mathews

Staff: Kristina Nikolaj, Eugene Levit, Melissa Mone

Community College Transfers Welcome!

www.slc.edu/admission/apply/transfer

slcadmit@sarahlawrence.edu (800) 888-2858.

Community college transfers are some of our best students, so check out an SLC degree!

Visit the campus for one of our Transfer Days, February 11 and 18.

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www.twitter.com/OutlookPress

1.Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

There is something about good eyeliners that can transform any look. This is a great and long-lasting eyeliner that will take you from day to night. I love putting this liner on my upper eyelid. It is smooth and great for a smoky eye because it is smudgeable when first applied. It is a must have for every eye-liner-wearing girl out there!

2. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets

When I am out on a Friday night and I feel my face getting oily, whether from the heat or from being around too many people, I always use my oil absorbing sheets by Clean & Clear. They are perfect for giving your skin a break from the oily residue some makeup tends to give off. The best part about these sheets is the fact that they won’t ruin your makeup!

3. N.Y.C. Sparkle Eye Dust

I love using eye shadow but I rarely have enough time in the mornings to really try and make it look good. This eye sparkle dust is perfect for a quick pick-me-up for your sometimes not-so-rested eyes. It will give you a highlighted look that will make your eyes pop. It is so much less work than normal eye shadow because all you have to

do is put a little in the corner of your eyes, and below your eyebrows, for an awake look.

4. Tresseme Climate Control Hairspray If you have hair anything like mine,

then you know how difficult it is to tame. My wildly curly and frizzy hair tends to have a mind of its own, even when styled with the best tools made. When I want to make sure my hair stays in place, especially when I curl it with my wand, I always finish the look by using Tresseme’s Climate Control Hairspray. It is by far the best hairspray I’ve ever used and I won’t trust any others to do the job! This hairspray is also especially great because when it’s raining out, I don’t have to worry about my hair getting unruly. When they say climate control, they really mean it.

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seconds to brush my hair. They should rename it to the miracle brush!

STYLE & ENTERTAINMENTSeptember 24, 2012 11

Kristen LoretoniEditor in chief

WHY WE LOVE

STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT12

Who doesn’t love a night of Heavy Petting? Alright, I know what you’re all thinking—allow me to clarify. To describe it with all intentions of keeping things PG, I’m referring to my night spent jamming out to the raw rock tunes of the Goshen-native band, The Heavy Pets. Jamie Newitt, the band’s drummer gave me a break-down of the name’s meaning. “It has a few oxymoron’s. ‘Heavy’ could mean something deep and fundamental, and ‘pet’ has a more gentle sound behind it. And obviously there’s the literal meaning of ‘heavy petting.’ Take from that what you will!” he said with an embarrassed laugh.

Basically, the name sets up a nice representation of the band’s ability to sway their sound through the genres of 60’s-inspired psychedelic rock, jazz, blues, even hip hop (listen to the addictive tune “Girl You Make Me Stupid” if you don’t believe the last one) and also showcases an awesome sense of humor, all of which I was blessed enough to experience at the Catskill Chill Music Festival.

To say the concert had a certain life about it would hardly be doing it justice. I’ve been to a decent number of concerts, but the Catskill Chill brought forth its own unique, exquisite blend of experiences that left a significant impression on me. Before I talk about the music, I’d like to give an acknowledgment and thanks to the people behind the scenes. Concert employees can stereotypically be brash and rude, but from the moment I arrived the entire festival staff had a genuine niceness about them. It was about 50 degrees outside, giving Catskill “Chill” a very literal meaning. A woman on staff took off her own jacket to give to me! This happening between complete strangers in New York is so unheard of that it’s almost comical. This was a sweetly fantastic surprise for a girl whose last concert experience included being hassled for taking pictures “in the same spot for too long,” in the words of said hassling employee. I was approximately eight feet away from my seat at the time, but I won’t dwell on it.

Needless to say, my experience at Catskill could never be described in any

negative way. If the words “Ugh, that time I hung out with super nice people who played awesome music for me all night? SUCH a hassle” were ever uttered by me, I’d give anyone full permission to write me off as the biggest snob/liar in existence.

With that said, I can finally talk about the meat of any concert experience: the music. The Heavy Pets really make this review easy: I can simply say that they’re fantastic. Of course, with a band that good they’re deserving of an explanation of higher quality. The entire venue complemented the performance in the same way the music brought the stage to life. There were fire jugglers lighting up alcoves in the corners of the stage, beautiful lighting effects, and professional dancers as well as fans just groovin’ to the music. There was even an aerialist performing with aerial silks

to accompany a song. Aerial silks are the long streamers of silk (obviously) attached to a stage’s ceiling and used to perform acrobatic dances on. Think something circus-esque. As most could probably say, that was by far the most unique thing I’ve ever seen at a rock concert! Mike Garulli, lead vocalist/guitarist, makes up one half of the Goshen-born band members. His guitar solos juxtaposed with the afore-mentioned signature song “Girl You Make Me Stupid” made for a ridiculously adrenaline-filled vibe.

As it usually goes, his talent is met with a passion for performing. When I asked him what other careers he had considered in the past, he said “I always knew it was music. Ever since high school, even before that. If I wasn’t playing music, I’d probably end up touring through national parks or something. But as for a career, I knew music was the only thing I wanted to pursue.”

It’s safe to say that all the members of the band made the right career choice. Drummer Jaime Newitt played to perfection, without, well, skipping a beat. On top of being excruciatingly talented, he’s a genuinely humble and friendly person. Tony D’Amato popped, locked and slapped the bass all around the stage, and truly added his own cool groove to the performance.

I’ve always had a love for the piano, and Jim Wuest plays it with a funk and grace I could only pray for. Jeff Lloyd of lead guitar/vocals makes up the other half of the band’s Goshen boys, and delivered a

mesmerizing performance of one of my personal favorites, “Drenched,” a song off their self-titled 2010 album. He also has cool hair...just saying.

The band has put out eight albums since 2005, eight studio and eight live concerts. Their most recent album, “Swim Out Past The Sun,” has received rave reviews and includes a very prestigious list of credentials. Produced and recorded by Grammy and Academy Award-winner Scott Mathews and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Vlado Meller, it expresses a beautiful quality of sound that really is hard to come by nowadays.

As well as the first class production team, the album received brilliant outside musical collaborations. Mandolin player David Grisman, known for his long-time work with Jerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead, lent his experience to the well deserving project. Both Mike Garulli and Jaime Newitt both spoke highly of him, calling him “laidback” and “cool” when

it came to the recording process. Also lending her voice was Shana Morrison, daughter of the icon Van Morrison.

To summarize my thoughts as concisely as I can: this band is definitely worth seeing. The music is expressive and real, it delivers swift hooks of powerful sound while remaining capable of soft acoustic melody. Their fan base reciprocates this; its more expansive than rock-worshippers, and the connection with their fans extends beyond a classic audience-artist relationship. As clichéd as the analogy is, it’s not unlike a family bond. Each works, feeds, and is inspired by the another.

Their schedule of shows can be found on their website, www.theheavypets.com as well as albums available to listen to for free. If you’re really impressed, you can throw ‘em a purchase on iTunes. Hopefully I’ll see you at an upcoming festival, and as their song goes, “I’ll meet you where the music doesn’t stop.”

Shaina MathewsContributing Writer

“Heavy Petting” And Rock N’ Roll Go Hand-in-Hand

September 24, 2012

STYLE & ENTERTAINMENTSeptember 24, 2012 13

The 2012 Video Music Awards Don’t Disappoint

One of the biggest events in the music industry, the MTV Video Music Awards, also known as the VMA’s, took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA on September 6th. All of music’s hottest artists, such as Rihanna, One Direction, and Taylor Swift came out to see a show that they would never forget.

Comedian, Kevin Hart served as the host of the show and made an entrance that will go down in the record books. He entered the room as if he was a presidential nominee with bodyguards and won over the crowd.

Rihanna opened up the show performing some of her greatest hits, “We Found Love” and “Cockiness” featuring A$AP Rocky. The medley of the two songs was

perfectly executed and the dancing was superb. After Rihanna got things started, Kevin Hart called out some of the most recent scandals in Hollywood, including the Kristen Stewart cheating scandal, during his opening monologue.

The performances continued with One Direction performing their pop hit, “One Thing” and Pink with her song, “One Last Kiss”. Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj performed their most recent song “Girl on Fire” and even had Gabby Douglas, Olympic gold medalist, come across the stage performing her best gymnastics stunts.

Other performers of the night included Green Day, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Frank Ocean. Demi Lovato performed her most recent hit “Give Your Heart a Break” during the pre show in which she was also awarded the VMA for best video with a message for her song, “Skyscraper”. Calvin Harris deejayed the event and made each performance spectacular.

The majority of the night was watching all of the artists receive the awards they worked so hard for. “We Found Love”,

by Rihanna won a VMA for video of the year. The VMA for Best New Artist went to One Direction which also won the VMA for best pop video for their song “What Makes You Beautiful.”

Best Female Video was won by Nicki Minaj for her song “Starships.” Drake ft. Lil Wayne won the VMA for best Hip-Hop Video for the song “HYFR.” Best Male video went to Chris Brown for the song “Turn up the Music.” The VMA for best rock video was won by Coldplay for their song “Paradise.”

The fashion always makes the Video Music Awards a night to remember. Stars are always debuting their most creative and eye-catching outfits on the red carpet of the VMA’s.

As usual, Nicki Minaj wore something that Lady Gaga would be jealous of, a lace bodysuit and sky high heels with a police studded hat. Miley Cyrus showed up with her controversial new haircut styled in a mohawk that has been compared to Pink’s.

Taylor Swift changed things up this time and wore a white J. Mendel suit as opposed to the romantic ball gowns she usually wears. She also ending the evening performing her latest single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”.

Kristina NikolajStaff Writer

OUTLOOK WORD SEARCH

SCIENCE & HEALTH

When considering how to treat common problems we college students face everyday, such as stress-induced headaches, neck, shoulder, back, knee and overall leg pains, it is important to remember how beneficial chiropractic care can be. WebMD states that nearly 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually.

Dr. Jeffrey Schnapper, a local chiropractor in Bardonia, says, “Chiropractic is great for restoring normal joint function and range of motion. It allows the body to work the way it was meant to work.”

When you go for your first visit, the doctor will look at your medical history

and may use lab testing to determine if chiropractic care is suitable for the pain you have. Once you are seen as treatable, you will undergo one or more adjustments where the chiropractor will use force to give you an overall better range of motion in your body, which is possible because of how the doctor can manipulate your joints. If necessary, many times you will receive an exercise regimen to follow that will help your overall treatment plan. By doing this, chiropractic care aims to prevent injury.

I have worked for Dr. Schnapper for three years now. I continue to learn a lot about the practice itself and just how many

people’s overall well being has benefitted from treatment. Patients range from young children to the elderly. Although some patients get treatment because of accidents they were in that induced injury, there are many who have other reasons for treatment. Personally, I have known chiropractic care to be beneficial for me, mainly with headaches. If I have a headache and get adjusted, it almost immediately subsides. Instead of relying on drugs as relief, more people should opt for treatment by visiting a chiropractor. Since chiropractic care is known to be a natural form of care, it helps with avoiding the overuse of many drugs.

Some drugs have serious side effects and may be doing your body more harm than good.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “The goal of chiropractic adjustment is to relieve pain and improve your body’s physical function.”

Our bodies are constantly “bent out of shape” by the excessive work we put them through. Whether you are a professional athlete or a gym goer, you know how important it is to recover after working out. Some people have problems with joint activity, and chiropractic care can be a major source of relief for that.

Kristen LoretoniEditor IN CHIEF

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

As we drift further and further away from the warm summer days and get closer to the chilly days of fall and winter, many people would rather be laying in bed wrapped around in warm blankets while sipping hot chocolate. Yes, that does sound absolutely enticing, but if you are one of those people who have the desire to look fit, especially for next year’s summer, then you must have the willpower to get up and workout.

This week, we are focusing on one of the most important muscle groups in the body: your back. It’s important to hit all three areas of your back: your upper back, the middle back, and the lower back. Working out your back ensures ultimate muscle growth and definition, a nice physique, and posture. Back exercises can also prevent future back pains and injuries.

I highly recommend buying a weight belt, as this helps keep your back straight which is crucial when working out back muscles. While working your back has many benefits, it can also lead to undesirable results if not performed correctly. You must use perfect form with these exercises to prevent injury.

DeadliftsDeadlifts are definitely one of the

best workouts you can ever do. They work all parts of your back and also your legs. They are looked as that “magical” exercise that will maximize muscle

build. This compound movement is highly effective in shaping your body and should definitely be included in your workout routine. Be sure to get the form down before moving onto heavier weight. Remember to keep your back straight and use your legs as much as possible.

Pull-upsPull ups are one of my favorite back

exercises. This exercise really tests the strength relative to body weight of an individual. Some people have trouble doing pull-ups at first, but there is no shame in starting at the assisted pull-up machine until you are able to do them by yourself. Really squeeze your back at the top of the movement for maximum results. Also, mix it up with chin-ups and neutral grip chin-ups, as all three of these exercises target your back.

T-Bar RowsThis is also another favorite of mine

because not only does it hit your back, but you’re also getting an ideal bicep workout while doing this too. There are many different kind of machines for t-bar rows, but some gyms don’t have them at

all. If you have access to one, really take advantage of it because this exercise will really help getting a nice v-taper shape.

Lateral Pull DownsThere is a lot of variety to this exercise.

You can use a wide-grip or narrow grip. You can use a reverse grip or overhand grip. You can go behind your neck or to your chest. The possibilities are endless for this exercise, yet they all help develop a good upper back. Definitely switch it up between

those possibilities to confuse your muscles for better results. Make sure you don’t swing your back during this movement, you want to efficiently work your muscles as much as possible. Swinging your back may only cause injury.

Cable RowsI like to superset this exercise with

lateral pull downs because they are right next to each other at the gym and it adds intensity to my workout. This exercise really targets the middle back. Try not to rock with the weight to gain momentum, you will only be cheating yourself. Use good posture, and squeeze the middle area of your back.

I would recommend taking a light day at the gym or possibly an off day after working your back. It is such an important muscle that needs maximum recovery. You wouldn’t want to over train your body. I like to workout back with biceps because many back exercises work your biceps as well. These exercises are all very important and will definitely give you a better physique, just remember to perform them correctly.

Devon KeaneSports Editor

Effective Back Exercises

How it can affect your overall health

14 September 24, 2012

Drinking water in a healthy amount is vital to your health. No one would ever imagine that just by drinking the right amount of water each day, you would feel better inside and out. You will gain tremendous health benefits and feel awake and alert, which can easily increase your learning abilities.

Your body consists of about 90% water. Each living cell in your body needs water to keep doing their part in the human body. For example, your brain is about 90% water, so if you are dehydrated and do not consume the right amount of water daily, your brain may not function in the right way. That can result in migraine headaches. All it takes is eight glasses a day, 64 ounces of water daily. That is about eight Poland Spring water bottles, for those who grab a water bottle and go.

The list of the benefits of water can go on and on, however the top five reasons are as follows:

Reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies show that drinking the right amount of water daily may reduce the risks of bladder cancer as well as colon cancer. Water dilutes the concentration of cancer-

causing agents in the urine and shortens the time in which they are in contact with the bladder lining.

Better productivity at school and work.When you drink a lot of water, your body feels satisfied and therefore you are in a better mood. Since your brain is made up of 90% water, the more alert and concentrated you are in school and at your job.

Losing weight. Water helps you lose weight easy and fast. The water flushes down the byproducts of fat and helps to break it down. When you drink water, you reduce that feeling of being hungry so it suppresses that hunger feeling. Another fact is that water is zero calories, so you can just keep drinking it and not have to worry about counting calories!

Better exercise. When a person drinks water, the water regulates their body temperature. When your body is regulated then you will feel more energetic when you work out and therefore you will not have to take those ten minute breathers between work out routines. Also, when you exercise, if you are dehydrated, your heart may need to work harder tp pump blood to the other organs, making them exhausted, which in turn will make you tired.

Less likely to feel sick and stay healthy. When you drink a healthy amount of water, it can improve your immune system. Water when consumed regularly, can help fight against the common cold, flu, and any other ailments like kidney stones, heart attacks, and blood clots. Also if you add lemon juice to water, you can help with respiratory disease, arthritis, and many other diseases, some studies show.

So as you can see water has many benefits to your health and is one of the most talked about keys to a long and healthy life. Before you drink that can of soda, think about what your body needs and re-think the healthy route. For your own health benefits, please drink water regularly.

SCIENCE & HEALTHSeptember 24, 2012

Suzy’s Sunday Gravy

If someone asks me what my favorite meal of all time is I automatically respond with my mom’s Sunday gravy. Having this meal on Sundays is a tradition for many Italian-American families.

If you want to have an authentic Italian meal, follow this family recipe and you will be sure to WOW anyone who tastes or even smells it!

Serves: This family recipe is enough for multiple pounds of pasta and more to freeze and save for leftovers!

Ingredients: • 5 cans of Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce• Extra Virgin Olive Oil• Garlic• 4 links of sweet and spicy sausage• 1/4 cup of Chianti (Italian red wine)• Basil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions: 1. Brown garlic in olive oil on stove top.

Don’t be afraid to add a lot of garlic....The more, the better! Make sure you are watching the stove top because it is important not to burn the garlic.

2. Brown sausage in pan...Once the gravy is started, the sausage will be added into the sauce with meatballs

3. In a large pot, add 5 cans of Tuttorosso Crushed Tomatoes.

4. Add one cup of water to tomatoes. 5. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire

sauce.6. Add ¼ cup of Chianti (or any other

good Italian wine you like)7. Add basil, salt, and pepper to taste. 8. Cook on medium heat for 3 hours.

Stir often.Buon Appetito!

Kristen LoretoniEditor in Chief

The Benefits of Drinking WaterMelissa Mone

Staff Writer

Buon Appetito!

15

TECHNOLOGY

The iPhone 5 is finally here, bringing quite a few long awaited features. To start off with the most noticeable, the fifth generation iPhone now has a four-inch Retina Display with a 1136 x 640 pixel resolution. Some may wonder how it compares to the 3.5 inch screen that the 4 and 4s had. To put it in perspective, the new iPhone will be able to hold an additional row of icons. That’s five rows for the iPhone 5.

Along with a larger screen, the new iPhone is also sporting a faster A6 processing chip. Apple is claiming that the A6 is twice as fast as its predecessor, the A5. Along with a new chip, comes a bigger, longer lasting battery. The battery will have enough power for the phone to surf the Internet on 3G for 8 hours, on 4G LTE for 8 hours, and on Wi-Fi for 10 hours, and up to 225 hours of standby time. In addition to the speed and energy boost, the iPhone 5 is now louder. Apple added an improved speaker and a third microphone. Now there is one on the front of the device, one on the side, and one the back of the phone. This is not only to aid audio, but a third microphone also helps with noise cancellation during phone calls.

Perhaps just as important as the hardware upgrades coming for the iPhone 5 are the software upgrades. Last year, Apple unveiled iOS 5, bringing new features such as the Notification Center, iMessage, iCloud, and most notably, Siri. This year, iOS 6 comes with improvements. Siri received a much-needed upgrade;

now it can look up the score of the latest Giants game, search times for the Friday night movie you’re trying to catch, or even launch a game of Angry Birds for you. The Maps app now features turn by turn navigation, a feature that all Androids have had for years.

Ever since the release of Facetime, iPhone users who wanted to video chat were limited to Wi-Fi connections. With the upcoming iOS, people can now Facetime over 3G and 4G LTE. Unfortunately, AT&T is charging an extra fee for this feature, but Verizon users have lucked out and can video chat with friends and family free of charge.

Facebook has now taken a prominent roll in the new iOS. Within the redesigned App Store, users can show love for their favorite apps by giving them a Like. Facebook also syncs with Contacts and Calendars, so you’ll never miss another event, or forget to say “Happy Birthday” to a friend.

Many will be thrilled to find out about the huge upgrade to sharing photos. Previously, iPhone users had a very limited way to share their photos without the use of third party apps. Options were limited to texting photos, tweeting them, or emailing. Now, not only can users post their photos to Facebook without opening the Facebook app, they can create a shared Photo Stream with their friends who also have an iDevice running iOS 6 or Mountain Lion (the new Mac operating system).

So now the only question about the iPhone 5 is when you will be getting it. You might want to hurry up, because online sales ran out 20 times faster than the previous iPhone.

Eugene LevitStaff Writer

The Wait is Over— iPhone 5 Announced

The future has arrived, and it comes in the shape of a pair of glasses. Last April, Google unveiled a pair of eyeglasses with the functionality of a smart phone. If John says, “Call mom,” the pair of glasses will indeed start calling his mother. If Jane politely asks her pair of Google Glasses to text her boyfriend, the glasses will obey. Not only do the calls and text message actually take place, but the user can also see it happening in the see-through lens. Google Glasses shows all notifications, texts, and maps right on the glasses.

In a concept video released on YouTube earlier this year, a day in a life of a manwearing these glasses can be seen.

The video starts with the man in his house, going through his morning routine, eating a bacon and egg sandwich while replying to a text message, telling his friend that he’ll meet him at Strand Books. As the man then goes outside and walks towards the subway, his pair of glasses alert him that the subway is closed, and displays an alternative walking route, which he then proceeds along. As he’s strolling, Google Glasses present any future turns he will need to take.

On his way to the bookstore, a poster for a Monsieur Gayno concert catches his eye, and he tells the glasses to remind him of the concert later on that night. Once arriving at Strand Books, he asks his glasses, “Where’s Paul (his friend)?” The glasses let him know that Paul is merely 400 feet away. The two friends meet and

make their way to a coffee cart called Mud Truck, where he checks in online via glasses. After their cups of coffee, the man and his friend part ways, and as he sees an interesting display of street art, he decided to take a picture and share it with his friends on Google+. He then proceeds to climb to the top of a building, where he video chats with his girlfriend. He plays the ukulele for her, and shows her the sun setting over the city.

In this video, viewers were able to see many of the functions that Google Glasses will be able to perform, including making calls, sending and receiving texts, video chatting, viewing maps, getting directions, checking into favorite places, setting reminders, and taking pictures. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been seen several times wearing these pair of glasses. In one interview on “The Gavin Newsom Show,” Brin exaplined, “The idea is that you want to be free to experience the world without futzing with a phone.”

In a second video made in June, the glasses are seen in action as a package is delivered to Brin from an airplane. The package starts off in the hands of a skydiver, who is video chatting with Brin via Google Hangouts, a video chatting service that the skydiver is using on his pair of Google Glasses. The man jumps from the airplane, and a couple of minutes later makes his way down to the building where Brin is holding his press conference. The package is then taken

by a mountain biker, who makes his way

across the building to a third man. This man is attached to a rope as he repels down a building, landing on the third floor where he gives the package to one final biker. The final biker then delivers the package to Brin and the audience applauds, as they just witnessed the whole thing happening live on Google Hangouts.

No release date has been confirmed, although Sergey Brin is hoping to have Google Glasses available to developers in early 2013, with a price tag of $1,500. He’s then hoping to have a consumer friendly version available by the end of 2013. So how much would you pay for a pair of these glasses? Or are they a piece of technology that’s a bit too far ahead of its time?

PROJECT GLASS

16 September 24, 2012

Eugene LevitStaff Writer

SPORTSSeptember 24, 2012 1�

The Five New Rookie QuarterbacksThis season is the first time in NFL

history where five rookie quarterbacks started opening week. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there have been no more than two rookie quarterbacks starting in week one since the AFL-NFL merger in 19�0. These five rookies, number one draft pick Andrew Luck for the Colts, Ryan Tannehill for the Dolphins, Russell Wilson for the Seahawks, Brandon Weeden for the Browns, and Robert Griffin III for the Redskins, all started week one this season.

There were high expectations for all of these rookie quarterbacks, as their debut was a year after Cam Newton’s record breaking 4,051 passing yards, surpassing Peyton Manning’s record.

All but one rookie quarterback struggled in week one of the NFL, and that is RGII (Robert Griffin III). Griffin was 19 for 26 with 320 yards and two touchdowns as the Redskins dominated the Saints by a score of 40-32. Griffin’s debut proved that he has tremendous talent and great decision making. He quickly gained confidence, which helped him rain on New Orleans’ defense.

Griffin’s game in week two was definitely not as impressive. He threw his first career interception and his team lost to the Rams 28-31. He threw for 206 yards with one touchdown and didn’t get much help from his team. Overall, it has definitely been a superb start to a career for RGII.

Andrew Luck would definitely like to forget his week one debut for the Indianapolis Colts. The number one draft pick did not play as well as Griffin, as he went 23 for 45 with 309 yards and one touchdown. Luck threw an upsetting three interceptions, which resulted in a 41-21

loss to the Chicago Bears.Luck significantly improved during

week two. He was 20 for 31 with 224 yards and two touchdowns. He definitely looked like a player who can help this team win some games, which fans are desperately craving. It will definitely be hard for Luck to fill Peyton Manning’s shoes, but this rookie has a lot of talent and potential.

Ryan Tannehill struggled against the Houston Texans during his NFL debut. He went 20 for 36 with 219 yards and another terrifying three interceptions. The Miami Dolphins got embarrassed by

a score of 30-10.Tannehill also improved in his second

week game against the Oakland Raiders.

The team won by a score of 35-13, as Tannehill completed 18 out of 30 passes with 200 yards and one touchdown. He scored his first career touchdown on an 80-yard drive on his first series of the game.

Brandon Weeden also did not have an impressive debut for the Cleveland Browns. Weeden completed 12 of 35 passes for just 118 yards and an even more terrifying four interceptions. The Browns

lost to the Philadelphia Eagles by 1�-16. The Browns’ defense kept the game close and gave Weeden many chances, but he let

the team down each time. After a dreadful first week, Weeden’s

performance in week two was much more like a first round draft pick. Weeden was 26 for 3� with 322 yards, significantly improving over last weeks 118 yards.

Russell Wilson’s debut wasn’t too shaky. He could not capitalize at the end of the game when he made three incomplete passes in the red zone at the four yard line. Wilson was 18 for 34 with 153 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Seahawks lost to the Arizona Cardinals by

a score of 20-16.Wilson’s performance was almost

identical compared to last week, throwing 15 for 20 passes with 151 yards and a touchdown. He seemed to be more comfortable playing in week two as opposed to week one. His team beat the Dallas Cowboys 2�-� and improved to 1-1 on the season.

While all five of these quarterbacks had their ups and downs, they seemed to impress their fans whether it was in week one or two. These quarterbacks will likely continue to improve with more experience as the season goes on.

Devon KeaneSports Editor

SPORTS18 September 24, 2012

During week one of the 2012-2013 NFL season, Peyton Manning threw his 400th career touchdown pass, becoming the fastest quarterback to ever reach this feat.

After missing a full season due to neck injuries, Peyton Manning didn’t miss a beat in the season opener against Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 12 of 16 passes with 1�8 yards and two touchdowns.

Manning became only the third quarterback in NFL history with 400 touchdown passes, joining Brett Favre, who has 508 career touchdowns and Dan Marino, who has 420. It only took Manning 209 games to throw 400 touchdowns, while it took Favre 228 games and Marino 22� games.

Tom Brady and Drew Brees are both the closest active quarterbacks to become the fourth and fifth members of this elite club. Brady has a little over 300 touchdown passes while Brees has close to 300.

Manning is arguably the best quarterback of his era. He has all the statistics, awards, ratings that he

needs to prove this argument. Since his debut in 1998, Manning has thrown over 55,000 yards and has led his teams to 142 regular season victories.

He has appeared in the Super Bowl twice, in 2006 and 2009, winning the championship in 2006 against the Chicago Bears. Manning has received four NFL MVP awards since his debut. The 36 year old will most likely be admitted into the Hall of Fame soon after his retirement.

If Manning continues to succeed the way he has his whole career, I do not think there will be any arguments opposing the idea that he is the greatest quarterback of all time.

Devon KeaneSports Editor

Manning Throws 400th TD

An interview with Coach Green reveals his insights about the RCC Men’s soccer team.

Last year RCC either won or tied nine out of the 13 games they played. However, Coach Green thinks the odds are going to be bit different this year. He has high hopes for his team and high confi-dence in his players.

This year, Coach Green wants to win the regional tournament.

“We have the talent, we can beat anybody, there’s no reason to be afraid of anyone. We played Nas-sau, one of the top teams in the re-gion and we beat them last year and they won the regional tournament so we can compete with anybody.”

However, the team suffered a dis-appointing defeat earlier this month.Rockland lost the Nassau soccer game 6-2 on Saturday, September 15 at Garden City, New York, set-

ting up a challenge for Coach Green and his team as they work for the rest of the season.

“The way you wanna play in a game is the way you gotta train,” he said.

The teram is highly motivated, Coach Green said. Individuals with motivation typically work harder

and perform at higher standards. . “I feel they’re motivated always be-cause they want to play the game. They’re already motivated. The fact that they don’t like to lose is very important to them.”

For a team to be effective and work together ,they need good communication skills. “To commu-

nicate with each other is one of the biggest problems we have,” Coach Green said. “Kids are coming in from all over and they have never really played together and their to-tally new to everyone so assume that they can mesh and communi-cate that the most important thing right now.”

Ariel KotchContributing writer

Soccer Drops Match to Nassau, but Practicing to Win Coach Green reflects on the team, and the game

Joins Favre and Marino as only the third QB to do it