October2015

The

The Excalibur is Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Springʼs student-run newspaper.

All students are invited to participate.

IN THIS ISSUE Artist Spotlight: George Lorio The Quarry Tavern NASA visits MC Kanye for POTUS 5 Myths about the Constitution

Montgomery College - Takoma Park/Silver Spring - October 2015

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A Celebration of Resilience:

MC Remembers Hurricane Katrina 10 Years Later

By Sara Phillips

MyMC switches to Blackboard

By Ginette Nzoyem

New technologies and applications have become part of people’s everyday lives. Those new tools are designed to help people manage their tasks more efficiently at work, at home, and at school. Blackboard is one of those applications used in schools today to help institutions manage their courses Bb Continued on page 5

The Raptor’s watching! register on time!

Calling all Veterans

11:59-Don’t Be Late!

By Vanessa Anzures

By Hannie Ta

Life of a member of the armed forces is fast paced and stressful almost all the time. There’s the mandatory job, duty to stand watch over fellow service members in the command, and the physical fitness requirements to maintain all year. College can be stressful and demanding as well.

While there are some similarities between service and college, the differences are profound. The transition from service to college is a daunting one, and it’s a unique type of stress that is hard to explain to people who have never experienced it. MC’s Combat 2 College

Combat continued on page 4

Security Tips

T

his semester, Montgomery College implemented a new enrollment process: On-time Registration, part of the comprehensive Student Success Policy. The Student Success Policy is designed to enhance learning outcomes and achieve higher success rates. As for the new policy, students had to register online for classes by 11:59 pm the day before their courses began.

After that time, online registration was closed, and students had sign up for another class that had not started yet.

According to Darrin Campen, Collegewide Dean of Education and Social Science, the idea for the new registration policy was sparked after a 2012 article written by Terry O’Banion, senior advisor at Walden University. The article

analyzed the achievement rate between two groups of students: early registrants and late registrants. Dr. O’Banion’s article indicated that course registration time had a direct correlation to student performance and course completion.

As measured by final grades, 17% of on-time students were unsuccessful compared to 44% of students who registered late. In a 2010 study, 79% of transfer-oriented students who registered timely completed the course while only 60% of late registrants did. In addition, Dr. O’Banion emphasized that the first day and the first week of classroom instruction were very significant.

During this period, instructors make connections, introduce course materials, and engage students with their classmates. As observed, often by instructors,

late-comers limit these engagement opportunities and interrupt the orientation of the class as a whole. MC students who registered one week late attained an average GPA of 2.4, compared to 2.8 for early registrants, based on data provided by Dr. Campen. Also, late registrants gain fewer hour credits than the other group. “Students tend to have lower GPAs, fewer number of credits, and are more likely to withdraw,” said Dr. Campen. With all the given data, the Registrar’s Office designed and introduced On-time Registration this year to comply with the Student Success Plan and to improve student success. Even though all of these changes have been made to help students, some suffer On Time Continued on page 3

When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the streets of New Orleans ten years ago, the whole country was in a state of shock.

Victims of the storm were left stranded on rooftops, wading through the water that had taken over the dilapi-dated structures that, days before, were their homes. Mayor Ray Nagin (who has since been convicted and jailed for unrelated corruption charges) delayed emergency evacuation until less than a day before the hurricane’s landfall. As a result of the short notice and insufficient supplies, residents and evacuees were left without shelter, food, and water. Hundreds of school buses that could have been used for transporting 10 years continued on page 6

“Straight Outta Compton:” A Commentary

By Vaughn Cloud

It has been almost two months since the release of the film “Straight Outta Compton,” a biopic based on members of the rap group NWA (Niggas With Attitudes). The film centers on the group’s early days and their rise to fame along with their highs, lows, and ultimate disbandment. It also profiles the very real aspects of police brutality and of life growing up in the streets of Compton, California. With electrifying musical NWA continued on page 5

LAPTOPS

BACKPACKS

FIRE ALARMS

Don’t leave your laptop computer unattended or in plain sight. Mark or engrave your laptop computer with a traceable phone number. Record the serial and model numbers of your lap ntop computer and keep them in a separate, secure location.

Store your backpack and briefcase in a secure place when not in use. Don't carry cash, credit cards or other valuables in them. Do not leave your backpack or briefcase unattended, while at lunch or using the rest room.

Never assume a fire alarm is false. Follow the established fire plan and evacuation proceudre for your building if alarm sounds. If you see a fire, activate the nearest alarm and evacuate the building, call 911, & alert Campus Safetey & Security at (240) 567-1600.

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THE EXCALIBUR

EDITORIAL STAFF

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sara Phillips - Editor in Chief Rachel Johnson - Assistant Editor Jose Sorto-Guevara - Layout Coordinator / Visual Art Coordinator

Writers Chidima Nkemdirim - Reporter Hannie Ta- Reporter Ginette Nzoyem- Reporter Sara Phillips- Reporter Daniela Monreal - Reporter Fatoumata Bah- Reporter Emmanuel Olorunyemi - Reporter Amari Eaglin - Reporter

Emily Hynes - Reporter Vanessa Anzures - Reporter DeAnne Lopez- Reporter

Kevon Barnes - Reporter Benedict Kim - Reporter Vaughnell Cloud - Reporter Mendy Phillips- Reporter Senait Zewdu - Reporter Pedro Flores-Rivas - Reporter Alesha Butler - Reporter Luis Machuca - Reporter Francis Aukee - Reporter Pedro Flores-Rivas - Reporter Kevin Birungi - Reporter

Visual Arts

Jose Sorto-Guevara (pg 10 pg 9 ad, bag pack icon credit goes to www.flaticon.com.)

Shervon Inglis - Photographer Siobhan Quinn - Photographer

Faculty Advisor

Professor Miriam Simon The Excalibur is Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring’s student-run newspaper. All students are invited to participate. To become a member of the staff please attend meetings on Monday afternoons at 2:00 PM in ST219 in the Office of Student Life. If you would like to contribute an article, letter to the editor, photograph, illustration or news tip for next month’s issue, please send submissions or suggestions to mc.excalibur. tp@gmail.com.

October MID-TERM STRESS RELIEF TABLE October 14 ST Atrium 12pm BLOOD DRIVE October 20 HC 201 10am-3:30pm WRITE A NOTE TO A SOLDIER October 21 ST Atrium 10am-1pm NACA DRUNK DRIVER SIMULATOR October 22 Front of ST Building KARAOKE October 26 12pm-2pm ST Dining Hall BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT October 27 3pm Gym

By Jose Sorto-Guevara

Letter from the Editor

Hello Montgomery College!

My name is Sara Phillips, and I am very excited to be editing the Excalibur this semester. I would like to thank everybody on the Excalibur team for their hard work on this first edition, especially my phenomenal colleagues on the Editorial Staff and Faculty Advisor Professor Miriam Simon.

Our goal at the Excalibur is to engage the student body here at Takoma Park/Silver Spring with the many opportunities the campus has to offer. In addition to that, we believe that highlighting national and international news is important, too. We live in a day and age where information is everywhere, but what you choose to do with it is up to you. This abundance of information demands participation from all of us. Whether it's by writing, protesting, learning, or simply doing your best at what you're studying, we all have something to offer and some way to participate.

Ethiopian history electrified by the Krar Collective

By Emily Hynes

On Sunday, September 27th, the Cultural Arts Center came alive with the melodic sound of the Krar Collective, a London based 3-piece Ethiopian musical group. Fronting the group with prodigious vocals, Genet Assefa led the audience soaring through a visual tour of Ethiopia’s rich history and cultural diversity through her myriads of ornate, vibrant costumes, and the depth of the range in her voice itself. Her performance was bolstered by Temesgen Zeleke on the Krar Harp; the harp-like, traditionally acoustic instrument was electrified, creating an intoxicating

sound with an edgy modern twist. Stimulating beats from the Kebero Drum, played by percussionist Robel Taye, resonated throughout the theatre, creating hypnotic beats; making it easy to understand why the group has been referred to as the Ethiopian White Stripes.

Mr. Zeleke mentioned that the trio was used to playing for far larger audiences, but that did not affect the high energy levels of their intimate show at the Cultural Arts Center. Mr. Zeleke interacted frequently with the audience, while Ms. Assefa led the crowd in rhythmic claps while performing mesmerizing displays of traditional Ethiopian dance, which consisted largely of complicated

footings, vigorous shoulder popping and frantic head movements. While all songs were sung in Amharic, Mr. Zeleke explained that their songs were about love and beautiful places in Ethiopia.

The Collective uses publicly available traditional Ethiopian songs and makes them their own with their edgy, modern use of traditional instruments. The trio met through the non-profit ‘Genna Ethiopian Arts and Theatre Group’ in the early 2000’s, gaining real momentum after a performance at WOMAD festival (a music festival held annually in England devoted to celebrating the world’s many forms of dance and art). Since the release of their first album, ‘Ethiopia Super Krar’, the group has been touring Europe, the United States and much of Asia, performing their unique take on an ancient Ethiopian tradition.

So let's all participate- no story is too big or too small for us to tell!

Wishing everyone a great semester, Sara Phillips, Editor-In-Chief

George Lorio, scultpor and former New Orleans resident. Photo taken by Sara Phillips

Artist Spotlight: George Lorio at the Cultural Arts Center

November SEXUAL ASSULT PROGRAM November 2 2pm CM 211

By Kevon Barnes (Left to right) Temesgen Zeleke, Ms. Assefa, and Robel Taye. Photo taken by Siobhan Quinn

SPANISH FESTIVAL November 5 12-2pm ST first floor MCCADA CONFERENCE November 6 8am-5pm Fredrick Community College

Have an Upcoming Event on Campus?!

Let Us Know!

Be kind, recycle this paper in any of the blue bins on campus!

October 2015 3

THE EXCALIBUR

Email us at: mc.excalibur.tp@ gmail.com

On Time from page 1

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from the new restrictions: students are not able to register for courses after the deadline, and professors cannot sign late students as they could in the past.

However, the registrar can sign students into courses after the midnight deadline if they meet one of four criteria.

Two exceptions that need to be documented include technical error by computer system or college staff and a medical emergency that prevents students from registering on time.

Another exemption is if the College cancels courses too close to the start date and students don’t have enough time to register for alternative courses.

And lastly, if an instructor’s assessment determines that a student should enroll in a different section, the Registrar’s Office will sign that student into the appropriate course.

Approval for overrides is vetted by campus registrars and needs to be signed by the Dean or designated

Department Chair along with the course instructor’s consultation. In adapting the new change, a question that should be asked is whether there are sufficient late starting classes for last-minute students. The number of late-start courses has increased significantly this fall.

For instance, there was a 60% increase in late-start offerings in the Social Sciences department, confirmed

by Dr. Campen. Some departments were able to add more than others due to space restrictions and/or instructor availability. Courses with labs such as Biology had challenges adding late-starting courses, according to Melissa Gregory, Chief Enrollment Services and Financial Aid Officer. The majority of the feedback from the faculty is positive.

Siobhan Summers, registrar associate at the Rockville campus, said, “It is a little bumpy because it’s the first semester.

The volume of new students coming in makes it hard to explain the change,

but still, that amount is equivalent to last semester. I think it is working out and the registration is up.” However, Muchlas Amirinanto, a student at the Rockville campus, felt frustrated when he found out about the new policy. “I had to drop Computer Science II at the last minute due to my work schedule, and I was not able to sign in again, and it was the only available class for this semester! I wish the College allowed more exceptions.”

The fall semester is in full swing, and Montgomery College is waiting for feedback for future adjustments to this plan.

Early registration allows more time not only for students to prepare, but also for College faculty to do their best to keep a professional and educational learning environment. “Once students know about the new policy, they will look ahead to the next semester to get more information and register earlier,” Ms. Summers concluded.

From August 17 through October 23, Montgomery College honors the people of New Orleans, and others greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina, with an ongoing art exhibit.“Surviving the Storm: Hurricane Katrina 10 Years Later” is located in the Cultural Arts Center on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus at Montgomery College.The exhibit gives visitors a glimpse of numerous works of art inspired by the events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

One artist, George Lorio, is a sculptor and former New Orleans resident. His work, a painted and carved wood piece titled “FIRE/FLOOD,” was influenced by the hurricane: it is a reflection of the memories lost in the fires and floods of the storm. The sentiment is something not only his family, but everyone who weathered the storm, experienced.

“I was thinking about the idea of home, and what happens to ‘home’ when it’s washed away by a flood, or when it’s burned down, and how traumatic that is,” said Mr. Lorio.

“People’s homes are their investments; it’s the security of their children…so

there’s a whole bunch of stuff connected with ‘home’ and ‘house.’ That’s what I was thinking when I built this piece… actually, it’s ironic that I grew up in New Orleans, and some of these motifs of this wood frame house are close to probably washed out or burned up in the ninth ward as a result of the over wash of the levees. ”Though Mr. Lorio is no longer a resident of the city, he still has family there who lived through the storm. “I was visiting my brother and sister in New Orleans,” he continued. “We were in a restaurant three months before Katrina hit and my question [to them] was, what are [they] going to do when the big one hits? And my brother glibly said, “Ah, we’ll get through it, it’s not going to come. The levees will hold, the new pumping system will be secure. And they didn’t.”

The city of New Orleans that Mr. Lorio once knew may be gone, but the memories remain. Mr. Lorio’s work, and many other works of art inspired by Hurricane Katrina, can be found at the Cultural Arts Center until October 23.

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THE EXCALIBUR

Black holes and galactic cosmic rays: NASA visits MC Drs. Terri Brandt and Ann Hornschemier talk about space, discovery, and their journey as women in a male-dominated field.

By Benedict Kim

Montgomery College hosted two NASA scientists on campus to give lectures about their research, as well as career advice for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students and prospective scientists in the audience. Dr. Terri Brandt and Dr. Ann Hornschemeier are both distinguished researchers at the NASA Goddard Flight Center here in Maryland, where they study phenomena such as galactic cosmic rays and black holes.

The lectures were a part of the Faculty 51 Seminar Series, which features prominent women and minority scientists in STEM fields. Women have historically been underrepresented in the scientific community, and the Faculty 51 Seminars seek to highlight the contributions and research of female scientists such as Dr. Brandt and Dr. Hornschemeier.

Dr. Brandt began the lecture with a quick introduction on galactic cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are extremely high-energy charged particles that

pierce the Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. They have been known to exist for over 100 years, but have remained obscure until more recently.

Our understanding of cosmic rays has increased exponentially with tools such as the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope Large Area Detector (Fermi LAT) and the balloon-born, Antarctic TransIron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER).

Dr. Brandt described how cosmic rays most likely come from supernovae and their remnants. So in other words, these galactic particles in our atmosphere may have come from exploding stars.

According to Dr. Brandt, “cosmic rays are hard to track because the galaxy is a gigantic electromagnetic field and rays bends in electromagnetic fields.”

Dr. Brandt’s research has created the first comprehensive study of cosmic rays using Fermi LAT to survey the entire sky.

Dr. Hornschemeier described her research on X-ray emissions from galactic star formations and the billions of black

The Quarry House Tavern ByDaniela Monreal

College students are often criticized for their food spending addictions, especially when so many great restaurants surround the TP/SS campus. Steps away from the Silver Spring metro, The Quarry House Tavern, located on 8401 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, is a great option for students who want to grab a bite without breaking the bank.

The Quarry House Tavern offers “half-off Mondays,” when students can eat America’s favorites for half price.

The restaurant is a sweet spot for crispy tater tots and a mean, juicy burger.

Depending on the customer’s appetite, there are the options of 1/3 Pound, 1/2 Pound, or even a Vegetarian burger.

Diners can choose their own combination toppings with the options of American, Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheeses. Those who want to get really crazy with toppings can add

bacon, mushrooms, or grilled onions.

Top if off with a dressing: ranch, bleu cheese, BBQ sauce, or 1,000 Island.

Or, try a Quarry Tavern signature combination, such as “Pepper jack Pico De Gallo” or “Bacon, Swiss, BBQ.” The Quarry House Tavern has referred to itself as a longtime basement joint, until a fire destroyed parts of the building, forcing them into a new location across the street.

Its new location is not in a basement, but the design replicates a relaxing basement atmosphere. When the sun starts to go down, the Tavern opens its bar and starts its happy hour. The bar in the back is where people mingle and enjoy some drinks by the bar. For those who are over 21, go meet the Quarry Tavern regulars. For those who are just stopping by to chow down on a classic burger, no ID’s are necessary.

What more do you need? Don’t forget to Like Quarry House Tavern on Facebook, Photo taken from: https://www.facebook.com/QuarryHouse

holes in the universe. She described how X-rays can pierce through matter and give scientists a way to see what’s going on in the galaxy. She also explained how X-rays can also “capture the hot and volatile light of the universe,” which often compose the most beautiful and telling pictures we have of outer space.

Often, these pictures are composed of light that took millions and millions of light-years to reach us. Because there are millions of X-ray sources in outer space, studying them yields a lot of rich information about our universe. Most X-ray sources in the universe are black holes; super massive black holes that consist of between millions and billions of solar matter, and some even reside in the center of galaxies. Dr. Hornschemeier is able to track these black holes in photos of distant galaxies.

After the brief summaries of their research, Dr. Brandt and Dr. Hornschemeier talked more about their personal journeys to become scientists, especially as women in a field dominated by men. Dr. Brandt recalled how more than 30 fellow students in graduate school dropped out or changed majors, particularly the women, who were often steered into more education-centered majors. Many of these women were passionate about physics and science, but were diverted into other career paths, often because of their gender.

Historically, the scientific community has been driven by men. Of the 199 Nobel Laureates in physics, only 2 have been women. Though this male driven culture in science has changed in recent years, there are still obstacles that women face in the general culture of many STEM fields. Both Dr. Hornschemeier and Dr. Brandt overcame their own hurdles in their careers as female scientists.

Dr. Hornschemeier related how she had been the only woman in astrophysics in her graduate school, and talked

briefly about the male dominated culture of science, but was very optimistic for the future role of women in STEM. Dr. Hornschemeier is the Chief Scientist for NASA’s Physics of the Cosmos, and Dr. Brandt is a well-respected and published researcher.

They both encouraged those with a passion for science to become scientists, and mentioned NASA Goddard’s Summer Internship as a good option for those students interested in making science their career.

grades appear as the course progresses, a tool many students appreciate. According to Mika Kamuza, an MC student majoring in Business Administration, Gradebook is a useful supplement for students because they can consult their courses Gradebook online before the next class, and frequently even before instructors return students graded papers. Another student mentioned the fact that Gradebook stores grades, so students can go to check their grades any time, and see which level they are at according to their own final objectives for the courses.

Blackboard also offers an update link and a calendar, both of which can be used for reminders. The update link shows a number to signal new announcements for students, such as new files added or new messages. The calendar acts as an agenda, to remind students about the date and time of a specific due assignment. Professor Couch added that Blackboard “allows more options for students and faculty than just the regular MyMC.” Blackboard tools is the compilation of ‘Blackboard Courses’ and ‘Groups.’

The ‘Groups’ tool refers to staff or students who belong to a group, such as Alumni groups, student clubs, and employee groups. According to the ELITE calendar, Blackboard tools will go live

by October 5, 2015. Although some instructors are still receiving training for Blackboard, others are already working with the new tool and using it proficiently. In time, it is likely that the switch from My MC to Blackboard will be viewed as a necessary one.

Francis: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. How easy or hard is it for international students to work on campus?

Distance Learning: The wave of the future

By Francis Aukee

Francis: Hello Samuel, nice shirt you have on. First things first, could you start by introducing yourself? Where are you from? Declared major? Your likes and dislikes, and then describe yourself in four words.

Francis: Quick one, who is your personal favorite between these two soccer superstars, Ronaldo or Messi?

Sam: Cristiano Ronaldo for me.

Francis: Why?

Sam: Ronaldo has been consistent for so long, at the very top, and he is also the reigning World Player of the Year.

having a place to ourselves where only veterans can go and enjoy each other’s company without loud crowds. Loud crowds don’t settle well with me,” said one student who preferred to remain anonymous. Another asset is the knowledge that Ms. Starling and Mr. Franklin have, and are willing to share, about any aspect of college life from a military perspective.

Ms. Starling and Mr. Franklin revealed that last year the school reported roughly 700 students were involved in the Combat to College program.

If any veteran students wish to learn more about this program, they can go to www.montgomerycollege.edu/C2C, which is also the best way to contact Ms. Starling and Mr. Franklin. Takoma Park’s Combat 2 College office is located in the Resource Center, Room 210.

Students can request information before applying to Montgomery College, or after completing any semester. No information about veterans is released, making this an anonymous and volunteer-only program with no membership requirements. “This has been an overall surreal experience being able to help wounded warriors begin their college dreams and see the gratitude on their faces,” says Mr. Franklin. “I want to give back to these who fought.”

MyMC tools. Students expressed that compared to MyMC tools, Blackboard appears alone in a separate window and has no connections or direct links with other tools such as Health science, Register and Pay, Financial Aid, and Counseling. In addition, the disposition of the different shells such as course content and announcements, with a larger view, makes Blackboard look more attractive and up-to-date than My MC tools. In terms of content, both My MC Tools and Bb contain approximately the same tools, including announcements, messages, and courses, which have the same functions in Blackboard as in MyMC tools. However, the tool message in Blackboard is only used for classes’ email while the link “Email” in My MC page is for college’s messages.

As a result, MC users have to check both their college email and Bb email.

In terms of the use of Blackboard, some instructors are still receiving training. Those who have already used it can teach their students at the beginning of the semester how to access Blackboard and the different shells. Instructors can also remind students to send them an email if they have any difficulties accessing files, course content, or grades.

Professor Joseph Couch, an English Professor at MC, said that Blackboard “requires technical knowledge and know-how, but in this day and age, it is not asking too much,” so staff and students should not have difficulty with the use of Blackboard.

Gradebook is a new tool used by instructors to grade and store students’ scores.

When set up by instructors, the student’s

Sam: I do not have a choice. It’s not that easy, but you just have to make sacrifices. When you receive good grades, rewards, incentives from work, it just encourages one to continue working harder and it shows that the sacrifices are not for nothing. It is stressful, but you just have to endure.

It is that time where we get to meet us and know a little more about a student on campus. Our student under the spotlight is Samuel Olaniran, who is in his final semester in Montgomery College. So what did he be talk about? Samuel discussed balancing college work, working on campus, leisure time activities as well as tips for students. Let us get straight into it.

Sam: In my leisure time I watch a lot of sports and I also play soccer with my friends. It is a good way to relax.

veterans,” Ms. Starling stated. C2C was designed to aid veterans to settle into the life of a college student in all aspects of the term, not simply preparing for classes. Meetings are set up for any and all veterans who have completed boot camp and have received a form stating they have been officially separated from the military, known as a DD 214.

These meetings educate veterans on academic opportunities, various benefits, identify counselors for academic advising, martial arts training, activities, financial assistance. They also offer gathering spaces for veterans and service members. There are also benefits for veterans such as specific gym hours, lounges to relax and meet other veterans, and a Veteran’s Affairs (VA) specialist on each campus to help veteran students apply for their college funding, known as the Post 9/11 GI bill after the military. Veteran students can go to the lounges anytime during class hours and relax, drink coffee or tea, do homework, or whatever they wish, as long as they are currently enrolled at Montgomery College.

The lounge allows student veterans to have a place away from the craziness of campus to get to know other veterans and do homework. “I thoroughly enjoy

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and communicate with their students.

Montgomery College has decided to bring a new change in its program this year by replacing MyMC tools with Blackboard. In 2010, the Distance Education Program Advisory Committee recommended that Montgomery College switch from MyMC Courses, where instructors were previously posting files, to Blackboard Courses, where instructors can manage classes as well as post files. The committee stated that Blackboard allows instructors to work more on students’ accomplishments with new learning and studying approaches.

In fall 2011, Dr. Michael Mills, the Vice President of ELITE, (E-Learning, Innovation, and Teaching Excellence) talked about the transition to Blackboard for the Distance Education and Learning Technologies in his welcome message. According to Dr. Mills, “The Blackboard Resource Center, which was built as a course in Blackboard, contains documents and tutorials to help faculty who may get stuck along the way.”

According to ELITE, Blackboard Courses, compared to MyMC tools, is a “supplement at a capacity beyond MyMC course tools,” because with Blackboard, people “can take additional training, learn to create and administer online tests (Bb Assessments), maintain an online Grade Center (Bb Grade Center), and use robust communication tools, such as Discussions and Blogs (Bb Communication tools).” In addition, in terms of architecture, most students and staff find Blackboard more modern than

Francis: Great, so what do you do to unwind during the weekend from school and all?

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(C2C) is a veteran specific program that seeks to help students with this transition from service to college and to provide resources to veterans just starting college.

Joanna Starling and Jason Franklin currently manage the program, with the assistance of some student veterans, and devote time and resources to make sure all veteran students who reach out are taken care of.

C2C begins with policies and philosophies vested purely in research.

Common issues for veterans, such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, as well as research on statistics of veteran’s success in the school system, were relied on when the program was being designed and better equip the school to help veterans coming off of active duty.

After these policies and philosophies were put into effect by MC, Walmart Corporation conducted a survey of all the colleges and universities in the Montgomery county area based on how they helped veterans, ranking Montgomery College one of the top schools. In light of their success with their student veterans, Walmart awarded Montgomery College a grant.

“This landed Montgomery College’s veteran’s program $100,000 for taking outstanding care of college oriented

Excalibur : Student Spolight

Sam: Thanks. My name is Samuel Olaniran, often called Sam by my peers. I come from Nigeria, West Africa. My declared major for now is Life Science but I intend to go further and study Medicine. I have interest in sports, specifically soccer, basketball and tennis. I also like reading and studying. I dislike American football, boxing and dishonesty. I am easy going.

Drs. Terri Brandt and Ann Hornschemier. Photo by Benedict Kim.

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Francis: As a student like you, balancing school, work and social aspects is always a bit difficult, but how do you manage to do it?

Sam: You just have to keep checking and checking for job openings in various places. If you do not search you will not find.

Francis: Working experience and interns do help a great deal and they are very effective. Any dream job/ambition?

Sam: Medical Doctor. I have a deep passion for Medicine. I would like to give a few words of advice or encouragement to other students, before we close. Study hard and remain focused.

Also remember as students why you are here. You have a purpose!

Francis: Thanks a lot Sam, and all the best this semester!

Sam: Thank you.

Samuel Olaniran. Photo by Francis Aukee.

By DeAnne Lopez

Anyone who has recently returned to the education circuit may have found that there are endless opportunities for someone who wants to return to school.

Students returning to school who have children and work full time job need to find ways to fit education in with their other responsibilities. For these students, distance learning offers a solution. Being able to access education wherever and whenever has advantages. Someone stuck in a hospital bed can learn a new language or someone waiting for a delayed plane can take an online test. Additionally, weather is not a factor in classes being canceled.

The online class revolves around a more personal schedule, which one can use at their leisure. There are many reasons why distance education could be a large part of the future. Classes that are analytical or require students to think spatially, such as math and science, lend themselves to online learning. Many students already use the internet for homework assignments, which makes

it easier for professors to see where students are weak, and allows for daily lessons to target those weaknesses. With targeted lessons, class time is more efficient and concise for both the student and the professor. Much of the younger generation has already mastered the ways of the World Wide Web and the use of technology.

Being a novice in the information technology used in today’s world is a major disadvantage to the distance learner. Everything is online now: even filling out a job application requires some sort of computer knowledge. Use of cloud drives, for greater access to save and share completed assignments, is a learned skill. The days of face to face learning and peer interaction may be waning for coming generations, and the case could be made that losing face to face education would be a disservice to those generations. Not learning people skills could impact their empathy for others and hinder their social lives. Who would they reach out to if the internet

was down? Would they know how to communicate without a keyboard in their hands? How would they learn to read body language and understand emotions? Although these are valid points, a study done in 1999 by Carron Jackson of East Carolina University concluded, “Distance learning is as effective as traditional learning.” Distance learning causes many to have mixed emotions. Being able to hear someone’s accent and tone of voice along with their opinion can be extremely important when it comes to understanding those opinions. Seeing different cultures working together is something that can’t be seen on a screen.

In person, peer reviews are often superior to online feedback. The fact that there are advantages and disadvantages to distance learning is undeniable, but at the end of the day, distance learning does achieve its purpose: it gives students options, and expands educational opportunities to those who might not otherwise have them.

6 October 2015

THE EXCALIBUR

October 2015 7

THE EXCALIBUR

From High School Senior to College Freshman

By Senait Zewdu

People attend college to make their dreams come true, to become a better person, to have a better life than their parents, or to simply fulfill their parents’ desire. Senior year in high school is a time when students prepare to become independent, and make decisions about their futures. Finding the time to complete scholarship applications while maintaining good grades is one of the biggest challenges seniors face. Many see community college as a great place to make a fresh start and mature while saving money on tuition.

The fact that the class sizes are small is an advantage for students to have good student-professor relations. Unlike most four-year universities, Montgomery College is not a research-based institute, so the faculty’s main objective is educating students. This semester, Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/ Silver Spring campus, one of the most diverse of the three campuses, has welcomed many students who have just graduated from high school. Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president of the college, was present when students took their first step through the doors of Montgomery College, walking around the campus and welcoming students with a warm smile.

Freshman Yakedia Wilson, an accounting major, shared her first impression of the college. “I thought the college was way bigger, and I was scared that I would get lost.” She continued, “Thank God all of my classes were close by the main building.” Ms.

Wilson talked about how college is different from high school, stating that she feels “like college is way easier in some aspects than high school, because you have a lot of time to study and work, and I get to take classes that are important for my major.” Another student, Subhana Badenga, an elementary education major, claimed, “I liked the people and professors around here and how welcoming they are.” Latona Smith, a pre-nursing student, expressed, “I like the environment around Montgomery College...it’s full of trees and cute picnic benches. I have visited other campuses outside this college, but I fell in love with the MC campus, and I am already experiencing lots of things.”

Yen Vu, a Pre-Med major, said, “It is funny how we were seniors back in high school but now we’re freshmen all over again.” She added, “I like it a lot, and I am excited.” In order to help students become familiar with the college, The New Students Orientation for first year students (either online or in-person) was mandatory this year.

Moreover, classes such as First Year Seminar were offered during the summer sessions, and some new students took the opportunity to learn about transferring and resources that are available to them, such as the Writing, Reading, and Language Center, Math Labs, Science labs, and the Academic Success Center. These resources offer tutors and other study materials to help students do well in their classes, and the seminar classes help students with their

Photo credit: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/909159

Millennials: a Shift in the Workforce

By Chidima Nkemdirim

Millennials are Americans born between 1980 and the mid-2000s, and they are those between the ages of 15-35. According to the Census Bureau, they are also the largest generation in the United States, representing one-third of the total U.S. population in 2013. In the decades to come, Millennials will be an integral important part to of the economy. According to researchers at Singularity University, Millennials are the most important demographic because of their different approach to

challenges in the workplace. They will cause a shift in businesses, companies, and corporations. This year alone they became group in the workforce. Their flexibility and ability to create are some attributes that make them unique and valued in the workplace. In order for executives, managers, and CEO’s to keep them on their team, they should be aware of their modes of thinking.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), an accounting firm, asked 4,000 international college graduates under

Earlier in August, Photo credit: “Yuri Kozyrev—NOOR for TIME” Taken from: http://time.com/4017928/hungary-border-fence-syrian-migrants/

A History of Violence In Syria

Photo credit: http://www.morguefile.com/archive/display/909456

organizational skills.

The Student Life faculty members offered various activities to welcome new students. The first two days of the school week, a table was set up outside of the main building welcoming new and returning students with refreshments and maps of the campus.

To help all students, especially newcomers, become involved in the community and in the college, a service learning fair and a club fair were held on September 8 to 10th. Ms. Wilson was appreciative and mentioned, “I believe it is a great way for us [students who just graduated from high school] to know what the school does offer.” These events helped students be part of the

college, and many clubs had their first meetings of the semester this week. Ms. Smith said, “Events like signing up for clubs were really fun and informative, and I enjoyed going to each table and interacting with the different clubs.”

The Welcome Center was also open for students to help with registering for classes and any other difficulties that they might have.

The Career Service Center is another resource available for students to use to find internships, work on resumes, and find jobs on or off campus. The transition from high school to college can be challenging if students are not aware of the opportunities they have around them. Student Life and other depart-

ments here at Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus are doing their best to help and guide these students. Going to college can be very exciting and distracting, because students can do whatever they want.

However, in order to achieve success, students must put their best effort forth, stay focused on why they are here, and take advantages of the support the campus has to offer.

Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus has kind and welcoming students and faculty members, and it is a great place to meet different people from around the world and learn about their culture.

the age of 31 what benefits they most valued. The top three responses were training and development (they want to learn), flexible hours (they want to be spontaneous), and cash bonuses (they want to have an upside in the value they are creating). Some Millennial traits cause challenges in the workplace. PwC points out that unlike Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, Millennials have an outward-looking perspective and go towards team-based work projects. They interact with a network of communities above their employer. Other generations that co-exist in the workplace see this as a lack of dedication or loyalty, because the methods of the Millennial may go beyond the workplace.

A study by American Express and Millennial Branding shows notable differences in how employers and young adults view one another. The study found approximately 50% of employers viewed Millennials as having “unrealistic compensation expectations and poor

work ethic.” However, the study also shows that “employers prize Millennials’ adaptability, facility with technology and entrepreneurial attitudes- and that they are willing to nurture these attributes.” Not all corporations have joined the bandwagon with accepting this new generation, but some do recognize their qualities. According to expert Piera Palazzolo, senior vice president of marketing at Dale Carnegie Training, “employers need to instill a sense of enthusiasm, inspiration, and confidence.”

Palazzolo goes on to say that “Gen Y individuals (Millennials) are inspired by role models that encourage goal achievement…” Despite some negative attitudes about Millennials, employers and corporations are intrigued by what they have to offer in the workforce.

“They will be the most high maintenance workforce in the history of the world, but they may also be the most high performing,” writes Bruce Tulgan, consultant and author of It’s Okay

To Manage Your Boss. Some of the negative stereotypes about Millennials can be turned into positive attributes if other generations learn how understand them. Millennials have a different set of goals than past generations.

Creativity is important when it comes to this generation: they aim to rise above challenges that come their way. Tulgan argues, “It takes a certain amount of innovation, and only Millennials could achieve that.” Not all employers seem to understand Millennial’s methods in the workforce because Millennials are considered by some to be “lazy.” Because they were brought up with technology that makes life easier, they have a different method of tackling challenges and assignments that come their way.

Even though there are negative perceptions regarding Millennials, employers should try to wield them into their businesses so that company owners could have new ideas that could make their business grow.

By Fatoumata Bah

In 2010, a breakout of protests in Tunisia paved the way for a revolution that would come to be recognized as the Arab Spring. It was not long before other countries in the Middle East

followed Tunisia’s lead in overthrowing corrupt leaders, including Syria. The people of Syria began with protesting for the freedom of political prisoners and democratic reform, and over time,

these protests escalated to a full on war against the government.

In 2013, top Syrian officials were accused of using chemical weapons against civilians outside of Damascus.

The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, condemned this act as “the worst use of weapons of mass destruction in the 21st century.” One of

the biggest turning points of the Syrian civil war was when militant opposition groups began to form, groups such as the Free Syrian army. The Syrian government and the militants fought daily over territory. The violent struggle for power resulted in attacks in towns and villages and the deaths of innocent civilians.

In May of 2012, the United Nations introduced a peace plan for the Syrian government and the Free Syrian army, but it was not long before the attacks resumed. In July 2015, the United States army stormed the home of Abu Sayyaf, the chief financial officer of the Islamic state, who seized a large amount of territory in Syria. International intervention was imminent. Frontline PBS reported that the CIA participated in arming the rebels in Syria, with the hopes that the rebels would defeat Assad’s regime. The critics of this type of intervention argue that eventually this could backfire, because the United States could unintentionally be supplying weapons to terrorist organizations.

Since 2011, there has been an enormous migration of Syrians into European countries. It is estimated that Germany took in 98,783 Syrian refugees. Sweden has taken in 64,685 refugees escaping a war zone. However, Hungary has publicly closed its border

Let’s make a deal Reactions to the Iran Nuclear deal

By Luis Machuca

July 14th 2015: The United States, in partnership with members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), comprised of the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, with Germany (P5+1) and the European Union (E.U.) reached an agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran on restricting its nuclear development program in exchange for a lift of the economic sanctions imposed by the major world powers. The deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has come after two years of intense negotiations in locations such as Lausanne, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria where at times it seemed as if the talks were going to fail. The foreign ministers of the states involved in the talks attempted to formulate a deal that would benefit each party. The deal was announced and signed in Vienna, Austria by the ministers. The deal forces Iran to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its sites to determine if there has been recent activity in the attempt to generate enough nuclear energy for weapons development. Reactions to the deal have varied, but a majority of the people and heads of governments

have hailed the deal as a step towards normalization of relations between a majority of the P5 members and Iran.

The relations between Iran and states as the United States, United Kingdom, and France have been strained since the Iranian revolution in 1979 that saw the over throw of the Pahlavi Monarchy, which the United States supported, and the installation of the Islamic Republic under Grand Ayatollah Khomeini.

The deal was praised by leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said in a statement that all partners involved in the negotiation deserve credit for having “been so close to an agreement preventing Iran from having nuclear weapons.” Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, also said in a statement, “…this agreement will lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation on the many serious security challenges in the Middle East. As such, it could serve as a vital contribution to peace and stability both in the region and beyond.” President Obama said that “the deal is not based on trust, but rather on unprecedented verification.” President Obama makes a point in saying that the deal is beneficial to all parties if Iran is able to

President Obama taking questions on the Iran Nuclear deal in early July. Photo Credit: (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

keep its end of the deal, such as inspections and discontinuation of its nuclear program. Dr. Syed Wasif, Professor of Political Science at the Takoma Park/ Silver Spring campus, agrees that the deal is not based on trust but rather on an understanding.

Dr. Wasif said, “The negotiations were an understanding to develop a formula to promote peace in the Middle East.” He also noted that the negotiations did not accumulate to a treaty, as the international guidelines or prerequisites were not met, and therefore, are more of an understanding between “the six developed states of the Security Council: France, Britain, China, Russia, United States plus Germany, and the developing state of Iran.” There have

also been negative responses. Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli Prime Minister, said that the deal is a “historic mistake” and will “lead to the destruction of Israel.”

Many in the Israeli Parliament, known as the Knesset, have also voiced their opposition to deal with some politicians such as Tzipi Hotovely writing on social media such as Twitter that it is “a capitulation of historic proportions by the West to the Iran-led axis of evil.” Both the Israeli Parliament and members of the United States Congress have voiced opposition to the deal. Some members of Congress have claimed that the deal threatens U.S. allies and interests, and have threatened to veto the deal. It may seem only Republicans in Congress are opposed to the deal, but several

and used police force to send a message that the displaced refugees are not welcome. The United States has accepted as many as 1,500 refugees as of March 2015, and President Barack Obama recently announced plans to allow up to 10,000 Syrians to migrate to the United States at the start of the new fiscal year. This plan has received critics from Democrats and Republicans alike. 2016 Presidential hopeful Dr. Ben Carson has been quoted saying, “I would recognize that bringing in people from the Middle East right now carries extra danger.” Dr. Carson goes on to warn that welcoming refugees into the United States could lead to another Boston marathon bombing.

Whether current President Bashar Al- Assad will resign or whether the opposition force will surrender is all up for debate. In the coming weeks and months, there will be more revelations concerning the Syrian migration crisis and the reaction of the international powers.

As former secretary of state Colin Powell put it, “when you decide to get involved in a military operation in a place like Syria, you’ve got to be prepared, as we learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, to become the government, and I’m not sure of any country who’s willing to take on that responsibility.”

Democrats are also skeptical about the effectiveness of the deal. Senators from Maryland were divided on their views: Senator Barbara Mikulski (D, MD), who supports the deal, was vital in blocking a veto attempt on September 2, 2015 that would have otherwise forced President Obama into overriding the veto. Senator Ben Cardin (D, MD) voiced his opposition to the deal, saying, “After Iran has received sanctions relief, it will be difficult to effectively re-impose sanctions to prevent a nuclear breakout…a nuclear-armed Iran would be a global game-changer that would increase instability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.” The White House ran a successful campaign to garner the votes necessary to block the veto attempt. The White House put every effort in persuading members of Congress to side with them on the deal.

Many see this deal as a step toward stability in the Middle East by many in the international community as many have witnessed uprisings brought on by the Arab Spring and the rise of terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State (IS). Iran’s economy will also improve, as many of the sanctions placed by the United States and its allies will be lifted as soon as Iran completes its part of the deal. The deal promotes peace in the Middle East and economic prosperity to a state which, for over thirty years, has been limited in trade with other states.

8 October 2015

THE EXCALIBUR

Justice for Freddie Gray?

publicity, the city’s destructive riots and the speedy $6.4 million settlement paid to Gray’s family make it impossible to find a fair jury in Baltimore. The judge’s denied pretrial ruling means defense attorneys and prosecutors will attempt to fill the jury seats with individually selected citizens throughout Baltimore

City. They will need 12 jurors, plus alternates, for each of the officer’s case.

In total, they will need 72 unbiased jurors. The judge could still grant the change of venue motion if he feels the jury pool has been tainted. According to prosecutors, the first officer tried will be Officer William Porter, who is

charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct and reckless endangerment. The Maryland judiciary case search website shows that his trial date is scheduled to take place on Nov. 30. Officer Caesar R. Goodson, who drove the van that transported Mr. Gray, faces the most serious charges, including second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, manslaughter/auto/boat, and criminal negligent vehicular manslaughter. Officers Brian Rice and Alicia White are charged with manslaughter, and Officers Edward M. Nero and Garrett E. Miller face the lesser of the charges.All six are charged with misconduct in office, second-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. A fair trial in a city that has seen its share of police brutality will be a challenge.

The officers involved will almost surely have their lives altered forever, whatever the final verdict is. Even if jurors wish to remain impartial, they are likely to harbor some sort of memory of what happened during the incidents.

Freddie Gray’s family, who has already endured months of grief, and the residents of Baltimore, who have lost parts of their city to the violence that followed the incident, along with city officials and the police force at large, will be on high alert during these highly publicized trials.

been speculation that Jay Gruden dislikes Robert Griffin III. During the pre-season games, specifically against the Detroit Lions, Jay Gruden left Robert Griffin III on the field after watching him take a beating by the Detroit Lions defensive line. Many people in sports media were questioning Jay Gruden’s decision to keep playing Robert Griffin III under center, especially without their best offensive lineman, Trent Williams.

Robert Griffin III was sacked three times

and hit six times before getting injured via concussion, and left the game. An anonymous Washington D.C football player was interviewed and said, “how do you keep sending him out there?

With Trent not out there, and other guys struggling, you pull RGIII, no question.”

This has led many fans of the Washington D.C football team to believe that Jay Gruden actually wants Robert Griffin III to get injured so he wouldn’t have to start him for the beginning of the 2015-

2016 NFL season. This is exactly what Jay Gruden did: he announced that Kirk Cousins was going to be the starting quarterback. Dan Snyder has since been behind Jay Gruden’s decision to start Kirk Cousins over Robert Griffin III. Many NFL experts believe that Robert Griffin III needs a fresh start somewhere else, and that he should have a change of scenery, because it seems quite clear that his head coach and his teammates don’t appreciate him.

By Mendy Phillips

The video footage of Freddie Gray’s arrest gained national publicity and made national news. His arrest was trending on all of the social media sites.

With all the publicity that his arrest and subsequent death received, can the six officers involved receive a fair trial in the city of Baltimore, Maryland?Freddie a year old African American man was arrested by Baltimore City Police on April 12, 2015, over what arresting officers thought was an illegal switchblade. Mr. Graya week later o 19 , which made a controversial two additional stops.accused of ing Gray’s death sparked various protests and uproars in the community. Many of the protests turned violent with arrests, looting and burning of local businesses.

Circuit Judge Barry Williams will preside over the high-profile criminal cases against the six indicted Baltimore police officers. Lawyers for the six officers requested a change of venue, fearing the officers would not get a fair trial due

25 year old Freddie Gray, vigil. Photo taken from: http://chicago.suntimes.com/nationworld/7/71/555839/riots-police-fires-baltimore-freddie-gray-looting-photos-video-updates.

to the publicity. On September 10, Judge Williams denied the defense attorney’s request for a change of venue. Judge Williams also ruled that each of the six officers will be tried separately. All six police officers have pled not-guilty to the charges. One of the defense attorneys argued that the pretrial

Is it time for a change of scenery for RGIII?

By Pedro Flores-Rivas

Is Robert Griffin III being treated unfairly by the Washington D.C football team? Many fans of the Washington D.C football team seem to think he is. So who’s to blame? In Robert Griffin III’s rookie year, he led the Washington D.C football team to a 10-6 record and sent them to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. They faced off against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field where Robert Griffin III suffered a tear to his ACL in his right leg.

Ever since then, Robert Griffin III has wanted to become a pure pocket passing quarterback like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Logically speaking, it makes sense because he is injury prone; he’s doesn’t want to keep being a dual threat quarterback, which puts his body at risk. But many experts and former NFL players agree that Robert Griffin III isn’t a pure pocket passing quarterback and that his strength comes from being able to run with the ball at any given moment, and Jay Gruden, the Washington D.C football

team head coach, also believes that Robert Griffin III isn’t a pure pocket passing quarterback. Dan Snyder, on the other hand, has always been behind Robert Griffin III as the franchise quarterback.

However, this overwhelming support towards Robert Griffin III has had negative outcomes. Many players of the Washington D.C football team feel the owner and the people at the top only care about Robert Griffin III, rather than the entire team. This has led to many fans of not only the Washington D.C football team, but the entire NFL, to speculate that players (specifically offensive linemen) dislike Robert Griffin III. It does seem that whenever Robert Griffin III is playing under center, he takes a lot more sacks and hits than his teammates Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy. Many players of the Washington D.C football team offensive line blame Robert Griffin III for the sacks because he doesn’t have the pocket awareness to avoid being sacked. There has also

Robert Griffin III suffered a concusion during a preseason match against the Detroit Lions. Photo Taken from: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ redskins/2015/08/20/robert-griffin-rg3-washington-injury-hit/32088193/ Photo Credit: Brad Mills, USA TODAY

October 2015 9

THE EXCALIBUR

Kanye for President: Pop culture meets politics

NWA from page 1

By Amari Eaglin

scenes such as the performance of the controversial song “F**k the Police,” the film is filled with music to remember long after leaving the theatre.

There has been no shortage of commentary about the film. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine argues that the movie “would be better if it didn’t sidestep the band’s misogyny, gay-bashing and malicious infighting...

But what stands is an amazement, an electrifying piece of hip-hop history that speaks urgently to right now.”

One might agree that the creators of the film had a very selective way of telling their story and many aspects of the members’ lives were omitted and could have been included. However, the film is not a documentary, and including such offenses mentioned by Travers could deter from the film’s overall goal, which was primarily to entertain. While director F. Gary Gray could not capture every moment of the artists’ lives, he featured the most significant details of their rise to fame and in this regard, he exceeded expectations. “Straight Outta Compton” is not a typical hip-hop film, so do not expect to see tons of violence or excessive drug use in the film.

The most violence viewers see is at the hands of police, when members of the group are harassed. According to what Variety magazine labeled as “gang-oriented subject matter,” combined with the racial injustices depicted

Kanye West at the 2015 MTV Music Awards; giving his acceptance speech. Photo taken from: http://www.mtv.com.au/kanye-west/news/kanye-for-president-readhis-full-vma-speech

There’s a famous moment in the classic film “Back to the Future” when Marty McFly is desperately trying to convince Doc Brown of his temporal predicament. Doc asks, “who’s President of the United States in 1985?” Marty responds earnestly, “Ronald Reagan.”

With shock and a healthy amount of disdain Doc responds, “Ronald Reagan?

The actor?”

On August 30, 2015 Kanye West announced his bid for presidency as he accepted the Video Vanguard award at MTV’s Video Music Awards. It’s too early to tell if West will follow through in a 2020 presidential election bid, but if so, he wouldn’t be the first entertainer to transition his efforts into the political arena.

Witnessing the interplay between pop culture and politics can still seem surreal to the public, even though in modern campaigns it has become commonplace. Candidates must at least appear to be tapped in to social media, entertainment, and trends, while having a strong opinion on domestic and foreign issues, clear policies to implement, charisma, and skillfulness as an orator.

When Republican candidates invoke Ronald Reagan’s name in this season’s primary, they are not speaking of his platform, but of his ability as “the great communicator” and his experience as an entertainer.

Are West’s aspirations any different than those of former television and film actor Ronald Reagan? Or those of current nominees Ben Carson and Donald Trump? Granted, before his two terms as President, Ronald Reagan took a strong interest in politics. He campaigned for Democratic President Dwight Eisenhower and nominee Richard Nixon before changing his party registration to Republican in 1961, and he served two terms as Governor of

California from 1966-1974. Like Reagan, Carson and Trump are both celebrity figures. What they lack in political experience they’ve gained in constant media coverage, and a lead in poll numbers.

Business mogul, reality-TV star, and current Republican front-runner Donald Trump has qualities that have aided past presidential nominees: he is relatable to his supporters, has a consistent theme in his speeches, and is confident in his message. With the added benefit of coming from outside a political process that many Americans are disillusioned with, Trump has positioned himself as a strong candidate.

Fellow Republican and celebrity nominee Ben Carson is another political outsider who has been gaining on Trump’s lead in the polls. Carson came to prominence in 1987 after leading the first successful surgery to separate conjoined twins. His work as head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, along with his philanthropic efforts as the co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund have earned him visibility and respect world-wide.

This has managed him a dedicated grassroots following to support and fund his campaign.

The idea of a celebrity president is not a new one. While public support and likability may not win a presidency, it defines each president’s legacy. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “fireside chats” beginning in 1933 helped to renew the trust of the American public during the banking crisis and Great Depression. Roosevelt’s calm demeanor and intellect brought him closer to the public who welcomed him into their homes seeking inspiration and comfort. This would gain him the only four-term presidency in American history.

Bill Clinton’s campaign of 1992 blended high entertainment value with

serious politics. He engaged younger voters, appearing on MTV’s ‘Choose or Lose’ special, and even had a guest spot playing the saxophone on “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Even current President Barack Obama references Jay-Z in his speeches with ease, is at home on talk show-tours, and is a born comedian who can laugh at himself. He is also even-tempered, logical, and personable.

Other than referencing Jay-Z in speeches, Kanye West has none of these qualities, at least on the surface. The political moment he’s most known for is his criticism of the media and the Bush administration during a TV special for Hurricane Katrina relief. He brought up valid points, but with little finesse, and quite a bit of nerves. West, outside of the preparedness and comfortability of the music he creates, is not nearly as engaging or effective as West the artist and entertainer. With a musical catalog ranging from 2004-2015, he has shared his thoughts on minimum wage (“Spaceship”) gun violence, drug policy reform, consumerism, capitalism, (“New Slaves”) and contemplated the costs and benefits of a college degree (“All Falls Down”, “Good Morning”).

Through these songs and more, he has a thorough public platform to campaign on, not to mention a devoted fan base.

In this regard, West meets the Presidential requirements, and has the some similar qualifications as other past and present frontrunners: business mogul and entertainer with a carefully crafted public persona. In recent years, he’s been more focused on reconciling celebrity with artistic expression and becoming a successful fashion designer, but it’s possible that the challenge of a 2020 campaign might cause him to focus his efforts more toward the political sphere.

in the film, there were concerns that this could result in escalated emotions for moviegoers. Some theaters in the Los Angeles area showing the film increased security and police presence. LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) spokesman Jack Richter told Variety Magazine, “It’s a combination of anticipating potential problems and responding to requests from theater owners.”

These precautions, however, gave the impression that a movie about a black rap group equates to possible violence.

Fortunately, no such incidents have been reported and this high-security atmosphere has not stopped moviegoers from flocking to see the film.

Despite such precautions, the film is definitely worth seeing. The numbers and ratings do not lie: the film stood at number one for three straight weekends surpassing its rivals “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation” and “Ant-Man.” It shattered its expected revenue by grossing over $60 million its opening weekend, and has since grossed over $150 million domestically.

Mr. Gray has officially become the highest-grossing black director of a single film in domestic sales, according to Vibe.com. “Straight Outta Compton” is, at its core, inspirational.

It depicts the group’s development through their struggle to continue to fight against the odds. As Ice Cube says, “our art is a reflection of our reality.”

The 5 members of NWA being portrayed by (Left to right) O’Shea Jackson, Jr.,Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr., and Aldis Hodge. Photo taken from http://www.entertainlynx.com/spoiler-free-reviewstraight-outta-compton/ Photo on Cover: http://www.complex.com/style/2013/11/rap-logos/ice-cube

Hello!

This is a call from MC students doing a volunteer service by collecting back packs for this year’s Homeless Resource Day which will be held on November 19th. We are doing the project under a leadership program called I Lead through Student Life. Your donation of lightly used or new backpacks will help the homeless people in our county. Please let us know if you can help, and we will collect them from you at the time and place of your convenience.

More details? please call 240-567-1491 (Student life office, Takoma) Or Lena Traore -240-421-6704 (tra.lena@gmail.com) http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/SNHS/HomelessResourceDay/HRDindexnew.html

10 October 2015

THE EXCALIBUR

“The Perfect Guy:” Not the perfect movie

By Alesha Butler

October and thoughts of Halloween bring thriller and horror movies to the silver screen. Indie Director David Rosenthal, who has previously made small films such as “A Single Shot” and “Janie Jones,” takes on the task of making a scarily good thriller flick with his new movie, “A Perfect Guy.” Playing the trope of Mr. Right turned Mr. Wrong, this film almost exactly plays out an age-old formula that leaves little room for surprise. With such a predictable formula, the writing should be top-notch. Screenplay writer Tyger Williams, who wrote 1993’s “Menace II Society,” unfortunately fails at this, giving the characters bland, one-dimensional personalities. Set in a gorgeous

Los Angeles backdrop, Sanna Lathan stars as Leah Vaugn, a successful lobbyist who’s looking to start a family with her longtime boyfriend, David (Morris Chestnut).

When the couple splits due to David’s commitment issues, Leah is left heartbroken until she meets a charming new suitor, Carter (Michael Ealy). However, once Carter reveals his violent nature, the budding romance quickly sours and Leah soon learns to fear someone she once considered her perfect match. The movie is packed with scenes of Carter’s obsessive personality, but instead of building up the suspense due to Carter’s erratic and dangerous behavior, the movie rushes headfirst

into stalker-mode, almost unexpectedly.

While Michael Ealy plays a believable villain in the movie, his character would have been a lot better were he given some backstory and time to build-up to the stalker persona. Sanna Lathan also plays her role wonderfully, but she isn’t given much to work with. Leah is such a flaky character that all of her decisions seem to be more reactionary instead taking more proactive, thoughtful measures in the face of being stalked.

Not until the end of the movie does Leah show any real strength, making it feel like a last ditch effort to give her character depth. The only character with any real personality in the film, other than to fulfill clichéd roles, is Morris

5

October 2015 11

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Chestnut’s character, David. However, we can barely appreciate his acting or his character since David is hardly in the film. “The Perfect Guy” takes three wonderful performers and shoves them into roles that play out more like lists of overdone horror movie character traits than actual fleshed out characters.

The best comment to make about this movie is that the background and styling is all high-quality. The sunny Los Angeles backdrop gives the movie a sleek, sophisticated vibe that provides a stark contrast to the tone of the movie.

The characters are all dressed in fashionable clothing and set in gorgeous locations, such as Leah’s modern home that features wall to ceiling windows and luxury furniture. In all, this movie is a shiny version of movies that have

been done a million times already— and were better at it, too.

Movie Poster for “The Perfect Guy”, Photo taken from: http://colorwebmag.com/2015/07/10/ casting-news-ghostbusters-and-star-trek-3-firstlooks-much-more/

residents were left unused, due to an apparent “lack of drivers.” Residents were left no other option than to try and find supplies in abandoned grocery stores. The same question rang in all of the survivor’s heads: where is everybody? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local law enforcement were nowhere to be found. Hundreds of residents, unable to find a way out of the city, died.

And where, indeed, was everybody? The local, state, and federal government have been widely criticized for their slow responses and dismal emergency preparedness in the wake of the catastrophic storm.

Ten years later, some of the physical damage has been repaired. But some areas, particularly in the lower income parts of the city, have yet to be restored, though one may not see this simply by looking to the evening news. George W. Bush, upon returning to the city to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the storm, commented in his speech

at Warren Easton High School that New Orleans was “back and better than ever.” The number of homes that still need rebuilding in the city of New Orleans indicate otherwise. These shortcomings and inconsistencies stress the importance of analyzing, critiquing, and remembering what the city went through ten years ago. The events that took place at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus in early September did just that. “Surviving the Storm,” a weeklong series of events, was created by sociology Professor Bess Vincent and history Professor Vincent Intondi in response to once being asked by an MC student, “What’s Katrina?” A Louisiana native herself, Professor Vincent remarked, “We have to be thinking about these things. If we don’t challenge our society to get better, then nothing does change.”The events began with a Street fair in Jesup-Blair Park featuring a live performance from the Dupont Brass band. The music embodied the spirit of the classic New Orleans “second line:” a tradition in which residents follow a

myths about the U.S. Constitution Thursday, September 17th was Constitution Day, which Montgomery College recognized with an informational table in the Student Services building. The U.S. Constitution is the grand norm of our country, and possibly the most important document in the history of the United States. Despite its importance, Americans have some misconceptions concerning its purposes and goals.

By Kevin Birungi

The U.S. Constitution, the articles of confederation and the Decleration of Independence are the same document and serve the same purpose.

The Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence are three distinct documents written at different times to serve different purposes. While the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 (ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4th) with the purpose of listing grievances against the British government and declaring the right to form their own country separate from British rule, the Articles of Confederation set forth ideas of how the newly formed country would be governed. The Articles of Confederation dwelt predominantly of the rights of the individual states and did not place much emphasis on a central government. On the other hand, the Constitution was signed in 1789 to replace the Articles of Confederation and gives the federal government more power than the Articles previously had.

The founding fathers wrote the U.S. Consitituion to restrain congress and limit its powers.

The U.S. Constitution explicitly states that there must be a separation of church and state.

The U.S. Constitution made the United States a democracy.

The United States is, in fact, a republic.

In a (true) democracy, all matters would be decided upon through a vote by the people whereby the majority would rule. The American public does not vote on all matters, at least not directly.

Instead, people vote to elect representatives that decide on those matters on the people’s behalf. Although there is a democratic process in electing our presidents, legislators, and other leaders, every single decision is not in the realm of the people, as would be the case in a true democracy.

The phrase “separation of church and state” is not found in the Constitution.

Even though the Constitution does not detach the church from the state, it also does not compel or prohibit religious exercise. For example, the First Amendment to the United States specifies that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Moreover, Article VI of the Constitution provides that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” Although the foregoing statements in the Constitution and judicial rulings by the Supreme Court have effectively directed that there be a separation of church and state, it is not plainly stated in the U.S. Constitution.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees everyone the right to vote.

The right to vote is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. However, the Constitution does provide a list of reasons why a person can’t be denied the right to vote. For example, one cannot be denied a vote on account of race or gender. States seem to have a lot of leeway in establishing criteria for voting. For example, in many states prisoners are not allowed to vote. States would never have been able to place such restrictions on voting rights if the Constitution expressed the right to vote as a right for every citizen.

The Constitution was written as a replacement of the Articles of Confederation and has served as the governing document of the United States for more than two centuries. It provides the framework of the federal government and defines the rights of American citizens. In addition, it divides the government into three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judiciary branch. The first three articles of the constitution cover these branches in detail. Article one describes and defines the powers of the Congress, which is the legislative branch of the government. According to Section 1 of Article I of the Constitution, “All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.”

Therefore, the Framers did not write the Constitution to limit Congress, but to give it powers and responsibilities.

The aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Photo taken from http://www.morguefile.com/archive/#/?q=Katrina

parade down the street dancing and having fun with family and friends Traditional New Orleans cuisine was also being served up, complete with gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets. The street fair was enjoyed by students and staff alike. Faculty member Kathy Awkard, a nursing skills lab instructor, said of the fair, “Historically, I just think it’s important because many people-young people-don’t even remember Hurricane Katrina. So to remind us of this tragedy I think is important, but to do it in a positive, upbeat, fulfilling way is also important.”

A Film Festival offered a slightly more somber perspective of the storm.

Featured films included documentaries such as Wade in the Water, Children, a film by Elizabeth Wood and Gabriel Nussbaum that reveals the raw testimonies of children and adolescents who experienced the storm and its aftermath firsthand. Spike Lee’s When the Levees Broke provides an in depth examination of the government’s response to Katrina. Faubourge Treme, written and

directed by Dawn Logsdon and Lolis Eric Elie, examines the history of the New Orleans’ Treme neighborhood and its deep cultural and historical roots. The events culminated with a panel discussion on the storm. Montgomery College President DeRionne Pollard gave the welcoming remarks. Guests included Mr. Bill Fletcher, an author and activist, the Honorable Donna Edwards, Maryland’s first African American Congresswoman, Mr. Dave Zirin, a political sportswriter, and Montgomery County’s former County Executive, Mr. Douglas M. Duncan. The panel, moderated by the co-creators, discussed tough questions that so many people were asking after the hurricane hit the gulf- questions of whether or not the government response was appropriate and how the city has changed since the storm. “ The disaster was not simply a natural disaster,” said Mr. Fletcher in an interview. “Katrina pointed to a negative example, in contrast to what we saw in the great depression, in terms of the role of government. In the face of these

disasters, we need government involvement. ”The dismal government response to Hurricane Katrina sparked an anger in the African American community which contributed to the urgency that led to the forming of the “Black Lives Matter” movement. “There’s a hurricane Katrina happening in cities across the country right now, with the ways in which people are feeling a great deal of pressure in urban America to resist some of the priorities of gentrification and police brutality,” said Mr. Zirin. “I think that there is a way in which some of the lessons of New Orleans-and the aftermath of hurricane Katrina-could not be more relevant for 2015.”

And what are the lessons of New Orleans? “Let’s talk about the hearts of America,” said MC Nursing student Lynette Thornton, originally from New Orleans. After citing the unused school buses and all of the residents who were unable to evacuate, she continued, “we go all around the world helping everybody else, and we can’t help our own.”

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