OCTOBER 2012
observer THE OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE
THE STUDENT VOICE
SINCE 1968
Block The Vote? New Voter ID Laws May Affect the Course of the Election “...It’s a concerted effort to disenfranchise Democratic voters...” --Cathy Cohen, co-author of Turning Back the Clock on Voting Rights: The Impact of New Photo Identification Requirements on Young People of Color.
By Jonathan M. Williamson Layout Editor
With the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in the rear view mirror, many Americans are looking to the November Presidential election for the chance to confirm which candidate they feel best represents their vision for the future by exercising their right to vote. But the legal landscape has changed in the four years since Barack Obama became president. After a record-breaking voter turnout in 2008, more than 30 states submitted voter suppression legislation in 2011; of which 17 have passed in time to impact this upcoming election. When you head to the polls on November 6th hoping to cast a vote for your candidate of choice, will you be turned away at the ballot box? If you are, or will be, a registered voter in the state of New Jersey by October 16th: you’re okay. Though legislation was introduced in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Virginia, and many other states across the northeastern US, one can
vote without obstruction permitted they have their state’s usual forms of identification. But in other locations, like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and the south -- key battleground states -- it won’t be so easy. Republican officials across the country have introduced legislation that would impose stricter limitations upon who is able to vote, based on what is required to vote - a point of fierce contention between Democrats and Republicans. Claiming concern over people casting votes illegally, or under assumed names, the Republican party has launched a national campaign of voter regulation which has Democrats, minority groups, and civilrights organizations alike taking to the courts to fight back. Potentially restrictive laws designed to regulate who is eligible to vote are not new, nor are the claims of voter fraud which drive them. What makes the past two years of laws remarkable is their scope: If their state is one of those with new strict ID laws, even citizens who have been voting for their entire lives will be required to obtain photo identification. These new laws could potentially exclude millions of Americans from voting according to the Brennen Center for Justice; states will require photo identification that many college students, senior citizens, minorities, and people living under the poverty line are statistically less likely to have: identification that in many of these states is inconvenient to obtain. Conservatives defending the laws explain that free photo IDs will be issued to voters capable of providing proof of citizenship prior to Election day, but in many places, critics say this is yet another hurdle. The Brennan Center assessed that more than 10 million estimated voters live more than 10 miles from the nearest office issuing a state-provided free voting ID; which in states like Missiscontinued on page 5
Photo credit: Wintella Powell
Students React to Israeli / Iranian Conflict that Israel once meant a lot to him when he was a Catholic Christian. Since reverting to Islam, Faruq no longer thinks Israel is so important. “The only real importance there now is the Masjid [Dome of Rock] that is there, which is one of the best places to pray/worship as per Photo credit: Wintella Powell The Prophet Muhammad’s suggesBy Lev Zilbelmintz tion”, Faruq wrote in an email. The News Editor MSA President condemned the attack Students attending Essex on U.S. embassy in Benghazi, Libya, County College have a wide range of calling it “the work of extremists.” opinions about the possibility of war He also expressed concern about how between Israel and Iran. Some believe some people stereotyped Muslims. that we have no right to tell other “A lot of people think because you are countries what to do. Other students Muslim, you are an extremist. That is think that oil is the only reason the not so. The Koran is for all mankind,” Middle East has conflicts. said Faruq. Nasihah Faruq, President of Marios Georgiou, a senior the Muslim Students Association at majoring in computer science, told ECCO at this year’s Club Fair, “War Essex County College, told ECCO
A Pink Story -page 2
Wiccans Don’t Do Magic? -page 6
should not happen. It is all for the money, oil.” According to Dr. Mike Evans, a personal friend of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran has given the terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas 60,000 missiles. Hamas currently rules the Gaza Strip, while the Western-supported Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas rules in the West Bank. Hezbollah has bases in Lebanon, a neighbor of Israel. If war comes, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon will shoot a deadly rain of missiles on Israel. Other missiles could be shot from Iran. Although it neither confirms nor denies it, Israel is widely known to have at least 300 nuclear missiles. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel came very close to using nuclear weaponry against its Arab opponents. It did not occur because conventional
Hispanic Heritage Month -page 2
Essex County College 303 University Ave. Newark, NJ 07102
UPCOMING EVENTS For the Month of October October 3rd: SGA & SLAO Rock The Vote! Live DJ, Voter Registration, Comedy Show, and Presidential Debate October 4th: Mid-Day Matinee “The Avengers” Clara Dasher Student Center (Viewing Lounge) 2:30pm FREE POPCORN October 9th: Latino Fest Come experience the Latin Flavor : music, art, food and it’s all FREE October 18th: ECC LGBTQ Awareness Day Combating homophobia and heterosexism. Monroe France as a guest speaker. October 19th: ECC 1st Annual Wolverine Home Coming 5pm-10pm P.E.B Building Live DJ, Step Show, Alumni, Dunk Contest, Make Your Own, and so much more! October 23rd: Extreme Game Day 12pm-4pm Clara Dasher Center (MPR) Play X-box or PlayStation on huge screens. October 26th: Dave Kelly Leadership Training 3pm-7pm Student Center (MPR) Do you have what it takes to be a good leader? October 31st: Halloween Bash 12pm-4pm The Student Center. Dress up and win a prize. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE AND ACTIVITIES IN THE CLARA DASHER STUDENT CENTER Room 101, or call (973) 877-3208
The Case for the Presidency -page 5
PAGE 2
OCTOBER 2012
NEWS
A Pink Story: JOINING HANDS FOR BREAST CANCER
Photo credit: Wintella Powell
the next without an explanation. She was not concerned about any possible negative reactions to her new look. She continued her days with strong faith and a peaceful mind. After the fourth round of chemo, the area around the port inside her chest became infected and the doctors quickly removed it. Scott then continued to receive chemo through her hand. She admitted her nervousness of being administrated the
By Amber Rae Staff Writer
Adrienne Scott, a stenographer, was 53 years-old when she found a lump in her breast, several years ago. Her first thought was not breast cancer, but her primary-care physician encouraged her to meet with Dr. Pappas, a breast surgeon, as soon as possible. After their meeting, Scott visited Montclair Radiology for a sonogram. Within the next month, Dr. Pappas requested Scott to come into her office where she officially diagnosed Scott with breast cancer. I asked Scott how she felt when she was first diagnosed. She paused for a moment and thought back to that day. “I was at peace,” she finally said. As a devoted church member, she did not allow the diagnosis to sway her faith. After being diagnosed, Scott had a lumpectomy on May 1. Once the lump was removed, she had a mammogram to make sure the cancer was entirely gone. However, it was determined that she needed a second surgery to extract the remaining cancerous cells in her chest. Once the mammogram showed no sign of remaining cancer, it was time to begin treatment. Her doctor installed a port within her chest to receive chemotherapy. Scott’s treatment included six rounds of chemotherapy that lasted from July to October 2007. Side effects included fatigue, loss of weight, a shaven head due to hair loss, and her skin, nails, and tongue turned black. Some women undergo treatment and can continue their lives without anyone knowing about their cancer. Scott, on the other hand, could not appear in public with long, thick dreads one day, and appear completely bald
drugs through her hand, because if the chemo leaks it can burn the epidermis. Luckily, this never happened and Scott was able to continue her treatment comfortably. Right after chemotherapy, Scott’s next treatment included radiation five days a week from October to December 31. Radiation did not cause Scott any sickness, but her body still slowly recovered from the side effects of the chemo. The last day of radiation she celebrated by eating lunch with her daughter at State Street Grill in Bloomfield, NJ. During treatment, Scott and another source both agree that family support is the most important thing. Daughters, husbands, sisters, parents, and best friends can and have shown loving support during cancer treatments. “Even my church family sent lots and lots of cards,” said Scott. “People who I didn’t think knew me. Even when they didn’t call me, they still sent me cards.”
Scott continued to confess that she put a lot on her daughter’s plate that year. At 14 years old, Amber was withdrawn from her friends and social life to care for her mother. Scott felt guilty for the emotional memories instilled in her daughter. Amber then reassured her mother that taking care of her was not a burden, and admitted that she thanked God every day and is grateful to still have her mother in her life. Scott’s daughter was happy to help in any way she could that year and she does not regret a single moment. Besides the support of family and friends, Scott was also able to find a support group through Mountainside Hospital. Scott needed to talk to other women with similar experiences in order to vent comfortably. For some women like Scott, breast cancer support groups are beneficial circles where ladies are able to express their fears, concerns, and questions. “People need contact,” stated Scott. Communication with others is what helps patients know that there is someone in the world who cares and understands. Some people are afraid to get close to those who are sick. People are sometimes taught to allow space between themselves and others, but Scott encourages people to reach out to those who are ill. “It’s hard to understand what someone is going through without personal experience,” she said. An open ear and mind can be just the thing that person needs in order to feel uplifted again. The American Cancer Society recently estimated that there will be about 226, 870 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in the United States this year. Breast self exams are tremendously encouraged for women as young as in their 20s. Women over 40 years of age should have an annual mammogram screening each year to detect any possible signs of breast cancer. Due to early detection, Adrienne Scott is a five year survivor of breast cancer. If you are interested in learning more about breast cancer or contributing to finding a cure, you can call the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) or visit www.makingstrideswalk.org. You can also participate in the 2012 Making Strides of Newark New Jersey Walk, Sunday October 21 in Military Park at 10AM.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month By Karl Vetter Staff Writer Photo credit: Wintella Powell
Every year America honors and acknowledges the Hispanic contributions and presence in American culture by celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This month, which begins September 15th, extends through to October 15th. September 15th is significant as it marks the anniversary of Costa Rica’s, El Salvador’s, Guatemala’s, Honduras’ and Nicaragua’s Independence Day. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence in September . Hispanic Heritage Month originated as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. President Johnson issued Presidential Proclamation 3869 to designate an annual Presidential address to pay special tribute to the Hispanic tradition and contributions to America. In addition, it recognizes the work of early Spanish settlers and explorers. In 1988 President Reagan expanded Hispanic Heritage Week, into Hispanic Heritage Month. The Day Christopher Columbus first happened upon Hispaniola, October 12th, 1492, also falls within Hispanic Heritage Month. In 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, the Spanish established the first continuous European settlement; this was years before the English set up Jamestown. By the 1700’s the Spanish had settled all over the Atlantic and Pacific coasts; In addition, in 1763, under the treaty of Paris, all territories west of the Mississippi river were ceded to the Spanish. Hispanic Heritage month isn’t just for those of Hispanic decent, but for all Americans. According to the recent Census Poll, the Hispanic population is growing rapidly and now makes up about 16% of the population. Hispanic influence is entrenched in American culture. However their representation doesn’t reflect their level of shared history. Unknown to many, Hispanics fought in the Civil War. Like any American they fought for the side they believed was right, while still pursuing the American Dream. Yet today, many Americans and
Photo credit: Google
Hispanic Americans are unaware of Hispanic Heritage Month. Despite the fact that the month is a year shy of its 25th anniversary, it is lacking in coverage and attention. The 2012 election is around the corner and both political parties are pandering to Hispanics for the swing vote. This year, Hispanic Heritage Month should carry more weight and significance because this is a month where what’s important to the Hispanic culture can get the attention it hasn’t been given. The parties are more concerned with getting their vote than understanding what the community wants. As a result, attempts to sway their votes may back fire because they feel as though the parties are treating them like a statistic. They may feel as though no one takes the time to care if a Hispanic is Cuban, Puerto Rican or Dominican. The Hispanic voice is getting louder and more prominent in this election, and their culture with it. The Hispanic people are just as much part of the United States as any American. They have come to this country to seek opportunity and the same freedoms and liberties we all enjoy. America is a cultural melting pot, stewing together cultures from generations of immigrants to create the United States of today. Part of being an American is knowing about your heritage. So take the opportunity to dive into America’s historic origins and Hispanic contributions during this month. Several Museums and organizations have worked together to create http://hispanicheritagemonth.gov which has links to exhibits, digital media, information and events throughout the month. With resources on poetry, songs, art, early exploration; there is a vast culture at the click of a mouse of anyone interested.
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
OCTOBER 2012
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Student Life My Summer at ECC By Raymond Spencer Staff Writer
By Lev Zilbelmintz
Hop Student Association; the
Hundreds of students attended the Club Fair, held September 14, in front of Clara Dasher Center. As the band played, balloons swayed in the wind, students strolled around, enjoying refreshments and looking for an interesting club to join. Among the clubs that had tables at the fair were Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society; Math Club; Fitness Club; IPAW; Delta Gamma Psi sorority; Mu Beta Kappa fraternity; Rotaract; the Student Government Association; Fashion Entertainment Board; Cari Club; Intervarsity Christian Fellowship; the Dominican Students Association; Hip
News Editor
Muslim Students Association; the Engineering Club; and the Newspaper Club as known as ECCO. Those looking to find out what the future held for them could consult two fortune tellers that were on hand. With a crystal ball perched on the table, and various crystals in front of them, the fortunetellers looked rather inviting to many passersby. Sadly, due to the big demand, the fortune tellers could only devote a minute or two to each student. Students attending the Club Fair expressed satisfaction with how the event was organized. Marios Georgios, a Computer Science senior, said, “I see a lot of improve-
It was the month of April, and spring semester 2012 had just ended. Eager to register for Summer I semester, I felt disappointed to learn that there was no federal funding for Summer I semester. How was I going to pay Photo credit: Raymond Spencerfor school? Currently I pay for school with Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Government only awards funding for the Spring and Fall semesters. While trying to figure out how I would pay for school out of my own pocket, and coming up with no answers, I came across a poster in the school. The poster said, “SumPhoto credit: Raymond Spencer mer Bridge Program,” including free books, ment from last semester. A lot free classes, free lunch and a free T-shirt. The of new clubs, better organized program offered two courses; Math 100 and attendance, fortune tellers, Engineering 100. I did not need the engineerand games.” Redd, an active member of the Fashion Entertainment Board, voiced similar concerns. The Physical Education senior said that “it [the Club Fair] was good, a lot of people out. [Fair was] based on other clubs, getting students involved with other clubs.” Brent Rogers, a freelance photographer, said that the fair had a lot of students and a really good turnout. The only criticism came from Rogers, who said that “more engaging vendors and entertainment” would have been a good idea.
continued on page 8
Photo credit: Raymond Spencer
Organizational Opportunities: Balancing your Test Dates With your Date Dates By Alissa Lopez Staff Writer
With no time to waste in this ever advancing technological age, the workload of college students parallels that of tight rope artists as many learn to balance studies, extracurricular activities, sometimes more than one job, and much more. Through all of the courses Photo credit: Wintella Powell taken, from Psychology to Design, students continue to build their intellect and broaden their minds. And each student is advancing towards their chosen career while trying to steady the scale. During one semester, an individual may take at least four classes, as a full-time student, while also maintaining a part time job. Some have more on their plates than others: a single mother struggling to support her kids at home not only has to worry about their grades, but hers as well. In the face of necessities such as maintaining a job in order to provide and care for a family, studying for that upcoming Bio midterm can often fall by the wayside. Once a student becomes bombarded with the demands of jobs, life at home, and school, the last is usually the first to be put off. Though it is difficult to see through the fog of the workload, it is possible to find balance. Many people overlook the amount of time they waste upon unnecessary activities like watching television and updating Facebook and Twitter. Full time students, ages 15 to 49, who were enrolled at a university or college from 2006 to 2010, were surveyed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the American Time Use Survey. Data collected showed that on an average weekday, ‘students spent 3.4 hours engaged in educational activities, 3 hours working, 8.4 hours sleeping, and spent 3.6 hours on leisure and sports activities. Generally, the amount of time consumed by schoolwork matches that of a student’s job and still measured less than leisure time! This raises
questions as to whether education is being given top priority over shopping for the latest Ray Bans. One must first figure out their priorities in life and separate them from the other debris that can fall into the mix. When a person is able to define their priorities, the path to success can be paved more easily. Your wasted time can be recovered, and it’s easier when recycled into something productive. Some will find it harder to establish priorities when they are at a loss for what they want to do in life. Recognizing what is done well and enjoyed at the same time will eventually lead to the answer. Dr. Robert C. Spellman of ECC agrees, “Goal setting is most important. If you don’t have goals, you just exist.” Dr. Spellman teaches CSS classes at the West Essex Campus in Caldwell and explains, “The classes are designed to keep students from getting discouraged by obstacles that are meant to be overcome through encouragement and skill building by showing the importance of reading, thinking, and organizing clearly.” To achieve this task, students can look towards a number of strategies that will quickly produce great change in one’s schedule and productivity. Whether one chooses to use a pocket date book, calendar, setting up phone alarms or all of the above, assigning tasks in the proper order will start the day on the right foot. If you have a plethora of assignments to juggle, remember to write them all down while keeping everything in moderation. Be sure to include all events including test days, the upcoming tennis match, and that Saturday night date! Out of the classroom, finding a place that is comfortable and free of enough distractions
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
for studies will make it easier to get work done. Whether you are in a library or a park, notes and hand-outs are easier to understand in a comfortable space. If you choose to use color coated materials, separated binders and a filing system, acing exams will become achievable. This method provides a general overview of the upcoming week. Managing the amount of time one has in a day to finish off a seemingly overwhelming to-do list is key to getting things done. The rewards of prioritizing, being focused, and following through without distractions will in return create a balanced schedule for a person working towards a goal. With an organized life, Mr. Opportunity comes knocking.
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OPINION
OCTOBER 2012
Samhain is Halloween and Wiccans don’t do Magic?
By Tsahai General
Photo credit: Wintella Powell
Features Editor
The fall season has always had a crisp, but eerie “air” to it. The wind whistles a slow song, the leaves change and fade in color, and All Hallows Eve approaches. ‘All Hallows,’ actually or originally known as ‘All Saints Day,’ takes place on November 1st, but was, like many other holidays, celebrated on its eve. All Hallows Eve then eventually transcended into Halloween. All Saints Day came about when Christianity began to spread throughout Europe and into Celtic Land. Originally the Celts practiced Paganism, a wide spread religion with a general understanding that everything had a soul and spirit. The Celtic calendar began on November 1st and ended on October 31st, making the 31st their New Years Eve, also known as Samhain. The Celts would dress up Photo credit: Google in costume, have bonfires and leave offerings for the wandering spirits and the spirits of deceased loved ones able to cross over during the time of the Autumn Equinox and the Winter Solstice. Samhain is considered the highest holy day due to the cross quarter situated between the equinox and the solstice; it is the Day of the Dead, the final harvest, and the end of summer. This celebration was also held by some within the Mexican culture, ancient Egyptians, and even the Babylonians. So, everyone trick or treats! Halloween is more innovative in celebration, it is age old, but its worldwide popularity is fairly new. It is rooted, however, in Samhain based beliefs. The tiny mummified bodies wrapped
Illustration credit: Andrew Kirchner, Photo credit: Ayten Caliskan
in toilet paper could represent the spirits and the “trick or treat” probably represent the offerings. Several connections lie between the “trick-or-treaters” and the phrase “trick or treat,” but sadly the little people running around with plastic pumpkins isn’t one - Samhain is a European based holiday and pumpkins are a North American based crop. The easiest connection lies with the superstition that faeries would dress up as the homeless during Samhain and ask for donations. Those who refused would be “tricked” or find the crop and offerings ruined. There is another Pagan based Religion that follows the same Celtic calendar. In this religion, Samhain holds the same importance and is practiced in the same way, along with 7 other holidays called Sabbats. Samhain is defined as a magical gap when the laws of time and space are suspended and the shroud between worlds is lifted and communication with ancestors and the deceased is made possible. This religion is called Wicca. The religion’s 8 Sabbats revolve around solar cycles, solstices, and equinox. The origination of the name is said to be among the Celts; and Wiccans, like the Celts, celebrate the Earth and believe that all living things have a spirit. But like All Hallows Eve, Wicca has also been molded and reshaped. There is a common misconception that
By Khadijah bint Costello
Wiccans practice Witchcraft. Some Wiccans do practice the craft, but not all because Witchcraft is not a part of the religion. Many Wiccans do not believe in witchcraft because of their use of Magick, so no, the Wiccan religion does not include cauldrons, toad stools, and pointy hats. Even the portrayal of the past and present witch is inaccurate; it is merely a costume for Halloween. A witch is depicted as both beautiful and as a crone because the witch represents life through the young and death through the old. A witches control over life giving, or birth, and delivery of punishment, or death, is what was most feared and led to their “persecution.” Wiccans, on the other hand, do not believe in punishment. They feel that everyone must find their own path to spirituality and all methods are acceptable as long as no one is harmed in the process. Wiccans also deny the existence of evil, only imbalance and negative energy exist. The Wiccan religion believes in the worship of a supreme divine power called “The All.” The All is not separate from the universe, but a part of it and all creatures within have a life force. An excerpt from the Wiccan Rede, or guideline for one’s life choices states, “Bide within the law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust. Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.”
An Islamic Perspective: UNITY THROUGH INTERFAITH
Marketing Director
The fall is here with new clubs and old clubs. One of these clubs is the Muslim Student Association, (MSA) whose mission statement this year will be interfaith and Essex County College students. Interfaith refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions and spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels, especially in growing a relationship with all faiths. This will bring our differences together as strength, so we can be united. Unity will become our primary goal. The MSA’s primary mission statement was, and still is to educate non-Muslim students
Photo credit: Khadijah bint Costello
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
about Islam. The MSA was established in 2003 by ECC’s Muslim student body. ECC History Professor Michael Nash, Brother Abdul Bari and Sister Jamilah Smith-Ziegler were among the first MSA members. Professor Nash became the first faculty advisor for the MSA. Brother Abdul Bari was the first MSA president and sister Jamilah is one of the original members of the MSA. The MSA established a prayer room for the Muslims at ECC. The prayer room was created for the Muslims to have a place to offer the five daily prayers while in college. Even though there are several Masjids by the area, they are not close enough for the students who don’t have a long break between classes. The prayer room is located in the yellow area at ECC. The MSA helped to raise Islamic awareness, as well as volunteer at the different community activities such as the health fair. I would like to thank Sister Jamilah Smith-Ziegler, Sister Alisha Ali (vice-president of the MSA), and Brother Nasihah Faruq, (MSA president) for giving us the opportunity to know about the MSA beginnings and some of the new goals this year. I will also like to thank Professor Michael Nash MSA advisor, for his help in keeping the MSA going. Brother Nasihah stated, “We are beginning a new semester and currently we are renewing and registering the club. The MSA goal this year will be to reach more students and people in the community and initiate healthy dialogue between the students and the Muslim Student Association. This year we would like to integrate non-Muslim students into the MSA as a way for them to learn more about Islam and to teach others. Islam is about unity, and right here is where it starts, with interfaith relationships and the MSA. We want to include, not exclude the students on the campus.” Until next time Salaams to all.
OCTOBER 2012
OPINION
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like Mississippi, Alabama, and Wisconsin is more than 30% of the voting aged citizens. And in rural locations, or poorer city areas where public transportation isn’t readily accessible, the burden on voters without drivers’ licenses rapidly becomes prohibitive: especially if these voters don’t already have a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, which run from $15 to $30, depending on the state and $345 respectively – costly prerequisites for a “free photo ID.” As it happens, the vast majority of those that would be disenfranchised traditionally vote Democratic, including young people, African Americans, and Latinos, who turned out in record numbers in the past two elections. “I think it’s a concerted effort to disenfranchise Democratic voters, and those voters that won’t have these types of ID,” remarks Cathy Cohen, professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and co-author of a report called Turning Back the Clock on Voting Rights: The Impact of New Photo Identification Requirements on Young People of Color. The report estimates as many as 700,000 young minority voters risk being barred from voting as a result of these laws – and that’s the low estimate. Though some might say the Photo ID requirement is burdensome enough, other voting law changes headed by the Republican party are more questionably egalitarian: thirteen states have introduced bills which would affect attempts to register to vote, including purging of registered voters by claiming they are dead, or shortening early voting days – or scheduling them so they don’t fall on Sundays, which many black churches have historically used to bus voters to the polls. This has not gone unnoticed by the Justice Department, under the direction of Presi-
Speakers and Administrators at the Essex County College 8th Annual Congressional Law Day. From Left: Dr. Mamie Bridgeforth, Professor Linda Carter, speakers Donita Judge, Esq., and Junius W. Williams, Esq., President Edythe Abdullah, Professor Patrice Davis, and Dean Steplight-Johnson. Photo credit: Wintella Powell
dent Obama and Civil Rights groups, like the ACLU, National Urban League, and Advancement Project— which have successfully blocked Voter ID initiatives in Texas, South Carolina, and Alabama. Early voting was restored in Ohio, and Florida efforts targeting Latino voters were struck down, amongst many others. And in Pennsylvania, Many agree that informing the public of the laws are just as important as the victories at the court. The Criminal Justice program of Essex County College welcomed Junius W. Williams Esq., Director of the Abbott Leadership Institute of Rudgers Newark and tireless advocate of rights for minorities in Newark, and Donita
Judge Esq., lead attorney for the state of Ohio for the Advancement Project. The 8th Annual Constitutional Law Day, headed by ECC Professors Linda Carter and Patrice Davis, served both as a forum to inform potential voters of past and present voter suppression attempts, but to celebrate recent victories. Judge, in her closing remarks to the packed auditorium remarked “… to me, Election Day is the great equalizer. It is the one day that if all was right with our democracy, it wouldn’t matter whether you were black, white, Latino, young, old, educated or not… we’d all have the same power.” Come November; we’ll see.
Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney 2012 The Case for the Presidency
By Juniel Spruiel
Photo credit: Google
News Editor
The next presidential election is approaching and we students need to get out and vote. If you do not know what our President has done in the past four years, read further, but also conduct some of your own research so you can vote Tuesday, November 6th. Solely relying on the media to fulfill an understanding of politics or even vetting the candidates will not leave you well informed. The term “fact-check” has been used abundantly during this election cycle to call into question the statements President Obama and Mitt Romney have made. As President Barack Obama defends his role as leader of the free world against former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, the focus on the debates and attacks are mainly about the economy. Many believe that Obamas’ economic policies have not furthered our country. Admittedly, by the current administration, the economy is the weakest point of the present administration. The Obama administration also maintains the stance that recovery is going to be gradual. Unemployment rates when Obama took office in January 2009 were at 7.7 percent. The lowest unemployment rate was in 2010 at 10 percent. These numbers alone are enough for people to overlook other accomplishments and vote solely on this issue. One of President Obama’s
most unpopular economic moves was the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in 2009. It is a $787 billion dollar stimulus plan that cut taxes and provided benefits for middle-class families and businesses. It funds entitlement programs (unemployment benefits), and provides funding for federal contracts, grants and loans (recovery.gov). He also bailed out the auto industry, which his opponents opposed, but his faith in the system and his plan paid off with an economic turnaround for the American auto industry. Education, secondary and post-secondary, has also been a priority for President Obama. The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 essentially takes steps in reforming funding for higher learning institutions. More money is now appropriated to community colleges (like Essex County College), historically black colleges, and institutions serving minority students. The student loan repayment system has been revamped. Starting in 2014, loan forgiveness can be shortened from 25 to 20 years and loan repayments will be capped at 10 percent and 15 percent of the borrowers overall income. Mitt Romney released his education plan that he believes is the best for America in May of 2012. His proposal calls for the repeal of
the policies President Obama has put forth. Romney wants to give Pell grants to those college students whom are most in need, which means reducing the number of students eligible to receive the grants. President Obama has increased the Pell grants incrementally over several years. Romney believes as quoted from his release “we must provide families with abundant school choice.” In contrast, President Obama wants to focus on correcting the educational system as a whole, by providing many quality schools vice funneling children to cram high performing or private schools. Romney’s education plan purports that “a flood of federal dollars is driving up tuition and burdening too many young Americans with substantial debt and too few opportunities.” He intends to funnel federal dollars out of higher education and let private financial companies back into the student loan system. This is a reversal of Obama’s education reform, which took private financial companies out of the student loan process, and the Department of Education took over. The private banking industry is only aimed at making money. Their basic principle is at odds with trying to reduce the cost of education, especially higher education.
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
Romney’s success as governor of Massachusetts has not been highlighted in the campaign trails. As governor, he reformed the healthcare system of Massachusetts to mandate coverage for everyone in the state, minus residents below a certain poverty level. Anyone who did not get coverage was essentially penalized with a tax. The reform he passed is just as socialist as the Republican platform calls Obamacare. Now in his presidential campaign, Romney can no longer boast of his greatest accomplishment of healthcare reform, because it is obviously identical to the policy of his opponent. The Democrats and Republicans truly want what is best for the country. Both party platforms are anchored deeply in the innate morals and values and generally cannot be uprooted. The two dominating political parties believe in two very distinct paths for America. Both believe that their courses will bring forth a truly balanced and prosperous America. If you listen closely, both parties want the same end goals. Better education, better economy, better roads, better America. How we get there is what divides us. The first step towards making this country better is getting out to vote.
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OCTOBER 2012
arts
Get Ready For the Next Battle! Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Have you been wanting to experience a high quality fighting game in the year 2012? Well, look no further; Tekken Tag Tournament 2 was just released September 11, 2012. This is the seventh iteration in the main Tekken series. This game features over 50 playable characters, over 7 game modes, and supports up to 4 players. Photo credit: Bandai Namco Tekken Tag 2 is a great game for veterans of the series as well as newcomers alike to enjoy. The game is the successor to Tekken 6. There were many mixed feelings about Tekken 6 when the game was first released. It added a bound feature that would allow players to extend air juggles. Tekken 6 also added new characters and a rage mode. Rage mode is a power boost that activated when one player is about to lose. Rage mode made it that the losing player would receive a damage boost to give them a chance to even up the playing field. Aside from these new features, there was nothing really new to the game. The rage and bound systems weren’t well received by the fans either. Tekken Tag 2 has remedied this situation. It still keeps the mechanics of Tekken 6, but expands and fleshes out the mechanics. Tekken Tag 2 also has tagging. You can now use 2 of your favorite fighters in one match. The game play features include the standard 2vs2 format, but also has a 1vs1 and a 1vs2 mode. The game adds a mechanic known as Tag Crash, which allows your character to escape dangerous situations at the cost of some health. The game also adds Tag Assault, which allows you to use both characters in a combined attack for some flashy combos and serious damage. The game has plenty of game modes. You have the standard arcade mode, vs. mode and training modes. You can play the game over the net, and the online features a new mode titled “Tekken Federation”. Tekken Federation
Photo credit: Screen Gems
Resident Evil: Retribution 3D By Alissa Lopez
Just when you think it’s over, the red queen never fails to strike back, even after four sequels. As the fifth addition, Resident Evil: Retri-
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By Tashawn Cald Contributor
allows you to create clans and team up with friends to rule the internet and become the best Tekken players online. Tekken Federation keeps stats and track of your character usages, rank, and win/loss ratio. This is what the mode is supposed to do; but I have not tried this feature myself because the feature hadn’t been connected to online yet. You can go into customization mode and alter the appearance of each character to your liking. You can change anything from the hair to the items they can hold, some of which can even be used during a match. The customization is very deep from what I’ve seen; even more so than Tekken 6. One of the best modes is the Fight Lab. The Fight Lab basically teaches you the ins and outs of the system, but in a fun, interactive way. I find that this mode is really helpful to get beginners up to speed and familiarize veterans with the new mechanics quickly. The game also features Tekken Tunes. This feature allows you to change the music on any menu or stage. If you can’t stand a certain song anymore or like a song so much you want to hear it everywhere, you can customize it so that it can be played anywhere. The soundtrack in this game is primarily a techno/rock hybrid. It blends well with the graphics and flow of the game. The game is also in 1080p and you can even play it in 3d mode if you have a 3d TV. Overall, the game doesn’t have any glaring flaws. The thing that I noticed is that maybe the damage scaling is off. The game also has a lag issue. Also, when you unlock achievements, the game tends to lag. This I can confirm on the X Box 360 version as it has happened to me. The PlayStation 3 version I have not confirmed but heard from other sources that this is also the case. Tekken Tag 2 had a GameStop pre-order bonus. By pre-ordering the game you got 4 additional characters, a Tekken poster, bikini swimsuit costumes for the females, and online content to view the Namco office in Japan. It is a very good game and you can see all the effort put into it to make it a good one. I recommend picking up this title if you enjoy fighting games or just something that is different and fun to play. Get ready for the next battle!
bution lives up to its name throughout a seemingly unending battle between mankind and a lethal legion of zombie mutations. Director and writer Paul W.S. Anderson continue Sony’s video game based franchise alongside his wife, Milla Jovovich, who doubles as the main character and a one woman wrecking crew, Alice. Watching the film in state-of-the art 3D just adds to the already stunning special effects and dialog. During the saga’s progression, Alice evolves from a troubled amnesiac to a heroine that is soon recognized as the much needed Savior of humanity. Over the course of a decade, Jovovich has embraced her alter ego to the highest peak in Resident Evil, RE: Apocalypse, RE: Extinction, RE: Afterlife, and now, RE: Retribution. As the only being to positively bond with the T-virus that gradually overtook Earth, Alice developed superhuman abilities that matched and often overpowered her undead enemies. The problem lays not only in the mutations themselves, but their maker, the Umbrella Corporation. The scene opens by backtracking where Alice left off in RE: Afterlife, struggling to live during a heavy attack by the establishment upon remaining survivors of the plague on board the Arcadia vessel. The attack is led by none other than Jill Valentine, a former ally and friend before the red queen had gained control over her and the T-virus. Free will means nothing in the face of the dangerous and quite evil computer entity. Alice is last seen plummeting through water as the ocean abyss swallows her. The warrior awakens in the heart of Umbrella Corp, which had focused heavily upon bioengineering pharmaceuticals before
the incidental outbreak. Once the T-virus became airborne, the corporation’s computer system, the red queen, instinctively went into a lockdown that would result in the deaths of workers, and soon, most of life on the planet. Spreading from the United States to Europe, humanity became closer to extinction with the exception of a small number of humans left outnumbered and fighting for their lives. Among these were some familiar faces and newfound allies that aided Alice in her escape, though few made it out alive. The well-known actress and model noted that being stripped of her superhuman abilities in RE: Afterlife was critical to the characters development as a heroine. Without her powers, Alice must readjust to human limits and learn to depend on those around her. Powers or no powers, not once does the protagonist submit to vulnerability. Alice continues to fight harder than ever as a new power emerges, self-acceptance. She is forced to reconsider all that she had acknowledged as truth and so gains a deeper connection to her identity. Mysteries of her past continue to surface as the group is faced with bizarre simulations and flesh-eating monstrosities most could not imagine. In pursuit of those responsible for the T-virus epidemic, the hunt takes Alice from Tokyo to Moscow as she delves deeper into the conflict. At $700 million and counting, the Resident Evil franchise grows more successful with each film. So far, the picture has staggered $21.1 million in box offices worldwide. Thus, it is safe to say that Resident Evil: Retribution is a must see flick for 2012.
Fall Hair and Makeup Trends By Kiana Anthony
Many people associate Women’s Fashion with clothing, hats, jewelry, and bags, but Women’s Fashion also includes hair and make-up. Great hair and makeup application are huge components in the fashion industry. Hair and make-up actually define certain celebrities. For example, the model Amber Rose is well-known for her platinum blonde shaved head. Many people try to refashion this hair-do, but Amber Rose will always be known as the mastermind behind this unique style. Every season of every year boasts different hair and make-up trends. The most popular hair trend of Fall 2012 is definitely the high bun. This hair style has been trending amongst celebrities like Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Demi Lovato and Jennifer Lopez. These hairstyles really accentuate cheek bones. In the fashion industry, especially, high cheek bones are greatly desired. They are looked upon as an element of classic beauty. That is why contouring is such a huge fashion trend this fall. Contouring is basically applying blush to give cheekbones great definition. Contouring is mostly used when hair is pulled away from the face. MAC make-up has a new “Office Hours Collection” coming out for Fall 2012. These blush products are perfect for contouring; they are high fashion, light, and long-lasting products, perfect for neutral and
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nude styled make-up looks. MAC’s Office Hour blushes are extremely versatile in their pastoral pinks, beauteous beiges and browns. Be on the lookout for these great new products, and contour your cheekbones for the amazing and admirable accentuated appearance. Although MAC products may be all the rage this Fall, some of their trendy products are too expensive for unemployed or even employed college students. After asking around campus, I find that many people are very fond of drugstore cosmetics. Drugstore makeup consists of L’Oreal, Black Radiance, CoverGirl, Black Opal, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Revlon, Elf and many more. These makeup brands are affordable. They all have great quality and are highly rated. I came to the conclusion after doing a small survey, that most Essex County College students wear CoverGirl and L’Oreal. This is great because students are still up to date with the Fall 2012 make-up trend. CoverGirl has not come out with any new blushes, but they do have an amazing Cheekers Blush Collection which can really help achieve a natural, neutral, and contoured look that will be perfect for this Fall. The price range is about $3.99 - $4.99. It is extremely affordable and has outstanding quality. I would highly recommend L’Oreal Colour Caresse by Colour Riche. These lipsticks are light weight, non-sticky makeup products.
ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
Photo credit: MAC
L’Oreal lipsticks have gorgeous colors that would please many. The price ranges are about $6.99 $7.99. These impressive makeup brands can be found in your local drugstores such as Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target or Walmart. The last fashion make-up vogue would unquestionably be MAC’s Middle Eastern Lipstick Collection for Fall 2012. These lipsticks are very worthy of purchase. They give lips a full and voluptuous look. The colors are inspired by the fierce, lovely, and luscious tones of the Middle East. Neutral colors consist of the most beautiful browns, milky mochas, and pleasant pinks. These lovable lipsticks can be shown off during the day, and flaunted during the night. Keep these fashion trends in mind when shopping for new must-haves this Fall!
OCTOBER 2012
SGA INTERVIEW WITH ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE HEAD CAFETERIA MANAGER IVAN & HIP HOP STUDENT ASSOCIATION STUDY GROUP By Tarrick Tucker
Student Government Association Senator Hip Hop Association Treasurer
Today we had an interview with Essex County College’s Head Cafeteria Manager, Ivan, to answer a few questions that several students had here at the college. The first question was, “Why don't we have a PIN pad to make purchasing convenient for students?” Second, “Will the food cost become more student friendly and if so how?” Also, many students want to have a meal card. The meal card would have the remaining balance of their financial aid and used for food purchases. Ivan replied that PIN pads were too expensive to do business. According to Ivan, students would be charged an extra $.17 per transaction. Currently, specials are being run for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but he is open for student suggestions/involvement. Ivan supports meal cards for students, but unfortunately, he is not in charge of that process. In conclusion, I believe that $.17 per transaction is more affordable than a surcharge from an outside bank. We should create a marketing plan with student input. This will allow students to aid in creating a revitalized menu. Last but not least, we need to talk with Essex County College administration, Dr. Joyce Harley, Executive Director of Administrative Services. Working together with Dr. Harley we can help in executing a meal card process. SGA will help create a process in which the students will be a part of the campaign. Respond back immediately with your suggestions or implementation so we can give our opinion as a collective voice within the Student Government Association.
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arts ECCO’s Roving Photographer By Wintella Powell Photo Editor
Hello Essex County College students Faculty and those who are new to ECC, we welcome you and for those that are returning, welcome back! My name is Wintella Powell, also known as “Quin,” and I am a senior this semester! When I first attended ECC, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in photography. So, during registration, I asked a faculty member that was assisting with the process about the different types of programs that ECC had to offer in my chosen field. She suggested that I meet with Professor Jennifer Wager, who is the Academic Advisor of Communication and New Media Technology. I found Professor Wager to be resourceful, insightful and she has a very calm demeanor that I liked a lot. She was easy to converse with and provided encouragement and information while I considered a major. She informed me that they have a new program called New Media Technology, which includes instruction in photography and how to create and edit videos, plus much more. After a couple of weeks of school during 2010, I was asked to join the Fashion Entertainment Board (FEB). This opportunity has developed me in so many ways. It taught me about time management and how to be organized, and how to keep a good working relationship with the students and Faculty. Continuing to shoot here at ECC, I have developed my eyes for great detail and I have learned what type of shoots I prefer, which are fashion action shoots. That opportunity has lead me to also work on the ECC Observer staff. I now shoot all over the campus and also off campus in the community. So get involve and see what opportunities open up for you. As photography is my passion, I decided to make New Media Technology my major in order to incorporate videography into my current photography business. This path has opened many more experiences for me. Professor Wager suggested that I take the Film 110 class with Professor Joseph Ryan; this course taught me a lot about camera equipment, how to film with different angles, edit videos in the lab with appropriate transition, and how to work with a large group of people. My group even produced an independent film called “Open your Eyes,” which
was shot in various parts of New York City. Professor Ryan is a very knowledgeable teacher who cares about his students. Prior to taking his class, I had little experience, but studied hard and did all my assignments. Ultimately, I received a decent grade. The Photo credit: Wintella Powell skills I developed in that class will always be with me. Throughout out my Television Production class with Professor Wager, we learned how to operate the big stand-alone cameras in a sound proof studio, how to use the teleprompter, sound system, graphic machine, and microphone. In additional, we were able to assume different roles to see how well we could manage various positions. This experience was invaluable as we not only learned about the subject, but how to successfully function in a group. I now shoot pictures for the ECC Observer (AKA ECCO) which is our school newspaper, and I must admit that I have incredible fun. I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Eileen De Freece, Associate Professor of English and Co-Advisor to ECC who has helped me immensely. Last semester, I had an opportunity to do my first live interview with her in the studio on her dissertation for her Doctorate degree. I am currently taking her Journalism 141, Writing for the Mass Media, so you may see me around campus taking pictures for a story that I may be covering. I also feature student personal stories and their perspectives as students here at ECC. So if I stop you one day and ask you about your life here at ECC, you may be featured in one of our next issues. For New Media Technology students, last semester was our first student event in which all of the work had to be original and approved by a committee to be showcased in the art gallery. The exhibit was amazing. So, anyone who would like their work to be displayed must remember when doing class projects that only original work will be accepted. You will hear about the details at a later time.
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ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE OBSERVER
PAGE 8
OCTOBER 2012
SHAWNA BARR, AIDs Week Coordinator
By Wintella Powell Photo Editor
Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting panelist/speaker Shawna Barr during the AIDs Awareness event that was held here at Essex County College. I had an opportunity to interview her and she gladly agreed to allow me to share her personal story. Shawna advised that she views it as an opportunity to help others to begin the healing process through counseling or other means because she is able to identify with their pain. Here is a brief look at her journey at ECC. When Shawna first started at Essex County College she felt a little uncomfortable because most of the students were fresh out of high school and some of them were the age of her own children. She remembers taking a very challenging Math class and although at times she felt discouraged, she quickly learned to block out all negative emotions in order to stay focused and successful in her courses. This decision served her well not only in the classroom but in her personal life as well. When she suffered the tragedy of her son being shot at the age of eighteen, her grades began to slip, but her determination to not allow anyone or anything stop her caused her to press on through her grief. Her son later recovered and is now planning to attend ECC in the spring as well. Shawna majored in Criminal Justice and started developing contacts with noteworthy people such as Professors Linda Carter, and Dr.
Photo Editor
Students Respond continued from page 1
weaponry and military tactics allowed Israel to win the war. Iran currently has an underground uranium refinement facility at Fordow. Western governments and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) claim that Iran is using its nuclear facility to build an atomic bomb. Iranian leaders insist that their program is strictly for peaceful purposes such as energy and medicine. However, U.N. inspectors have repeatedly been denied access to Iranian sites. The Israeli government estimates that half of the Israeli population does not have adequate protection from missiles. Nor do enough people have enough gas masks. The only gas mask production center in Israel was shut down for lack of funds, Evans wrote in his Jerusalem Prayer Team newsletter. Faruq explained that he accepted Israel’s right to exist as long as they could support themselves without any help from any other country financially or militarily. At schools across the country, many Muslim students do not support Israel because of the Palestinian question. The current Middle East political instability became more pronounced after the Arab Spring of 20102011 deposed dictators in Tunis, Egypt, Libya. With the iron hand of the dictators gone, protests turned deadly. According to Time magazine, democratically elected governments cannot resort to shutting down Internet access or using the security agencies to nip the protests in the bud. This is because democratic governments are still uncertain how to use political power. The eruption of a war in the Middle East could have profound ramifications for schools across the country. Tuition could go up to offset security costs. Additionally, there could be more stereotyping of Muslims, similar to that of Japanese Americans during World War II. Landia Lane, President of the 2012-2013 Student Government Association, did her best to reassure students. Columbine High School had a deadly shooting in April 1999, while Virginia Tech had a similar shooting in 2007. Similar shootings by lone individuals took place in Old Bridge, New Jersey; in Manhattan, NY; and at a movie theater premiering Batman earlier this year. Asked whether a terrorist attack could happen in
Photo credit: Wintella Powell
Margret Stevens of the Urban Issues Institute . Shawna remembers having to do a research paper for her class and during that time had such a heavy heart about her son and her own childhood memories that she decided to use it as a topic and tell her story. Shawna took on the life-changing task of writing about her experience of having been molested as a child. Although extremely difficult, it was the beginning of the road to emotional wellness for her and she even had the courage to discuss it in front of her classmates even though she had not even shared the story with her family as yet. The Professor called her to the desk and said she has never received such an excellent paper. Shawna was shocked by the comments and also received an A+ for her work. One of Shawna’s best friends, James Boyd, had no idea about the childhood trauma so he was amazed that they chose the same topic. Shawna had never disclosed her experience with her family but believes that they were aware that her sister, Taraja Barr, experienced the same thing but refused to acknowledge it. When she finally told her story, it spread like wild fire
and she then realized that the behavior went back for generations in her family. She found out that her aunt’s husband was the cause of multiple attacks on other girls in the area and he also forced the boys to become drug dealers. She believes that this was the cause of her cousin Caliph, being killed by an Irvington police office by the name of Hogan on January 3, 1990. Caliph was only fifteen years old and her aunt’s only child. All of this caused her family to spiral out of control; her aunt’s husband eventually went to jail and died in Northern State Prison, but had impregnated her sister and given her the HIV virus as well. Her sister was only ten years old when her abuse started and Shawna was eleven. Taraja contracted the Aids virus when she was sixteen and died at the age of twenty-four leaving three children behind, one who contracted the virus but is now almost twenty years old. Shawna and her sister’s molestation caused her to have long term issues with men. Due to her and her sister’s past, Shawna became involved with HIV programs, the homeless programs as well as Immigration and Health and Wellness. She received an opportunity to speak with Professor Carter, who is an attorney, in reference to her ideas regarding young people and the homeless living with the virus. She is determined to help as many people as she can and was put on the path to become one of the panelists for the Ring the Alarm Aids Week in 2011. From there, she did other voluntary work with National Black Hiv/Aids Day. Now she is located here at ECC in the Urban Institute on the 4th floor and she is the coordinator for Aids Week, November 26th – 30th. Please look for flyers around campus. She can be reached at 973-877-3239, Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 5:30.
OBSERVER The Student Voice of Essex County College Essex County College 303 University Ave. Newark, NJ 07102 eccecco@gmail.com Editor-in-Chief Christie Marie Avila Managing Editor Christian Blair Features Editor Tsahai General Student Life Editor Lev D. Zilbermintz Photo Editor Wintella ‘Quin’ Powell Staff Writers Amber Rae Karl Vetter Alissa Lopez Raymond Spencer Marketing Director Khadijah bint Costello Kristen Williamson Layout Design Editor Jonathan M Williamson Contributors Tashawn Cald Kiana Anthony Tarrick Tucker Humanities Faculty Co-Advisors Dr. Eileen DeFreece Jennifer Wager
Newark, Faruq, the Muslim Student Association Some ECC students were skeptical of getting involved in a Middle Eastern conflict. Redd, a computer science senior, said, “I try not to involve myself in those [international politics] aspects. There are a lot of problems in this country.” Brent Rogers, a freelance photographer, said, “It is not our place to go in there unless we have concrete evidence they [Iranians] will wage war.” Rogers admitted to being unaware that the Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, presented evidence at the United Nations demonstrating Iran’s warlike intentions.
My Summer at ECC continued from page 3
ing class but Math 100 was my next math class to take. So I applied for the program and I was accepted. The program, headed up by Professor’s Meimi Gao, Carlos Castillo and Alkis Dimopolous. The Technology Building is where the classes were held. The National Science Foundation’s Summer Bridge Program for Essex County College Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,(STEM) students is a part of a NFS grant awarded to Essex County College. The Summer Bridge Program was a truly great experience. We went on field trips and we completed two projects. Our field trips were to New Jersey Institute of Technology to see all of their sophisticated laboratory equipment that applied to engineering. The two projects were really cool. One was a paper bridge contest, in which I took 2nd place. We had to build a paper bridge out of three manila folders, only using Elmer’s Glue and nothing else. The bridge had to support at least 35 pounds. My bridge supported 50 pounds. The 2nd contest was a solar project. We built small solar powered cars and then took them outside of The Center for Technology building to see if the cars actually worked. This brought out the kid in all of the participants of the program. You should have seen us out there jumping around and chasing those little cars across the concrete.