Pennon - February 2011

FEBRUARY 2011

THE PENNON IS ONLINE AT: northshore.edu/pennon

Toward Arming Campus Police

Should I get a Verizon iPhone 4?

• A Monthly Publication For The Students of North Shore Community College, Danvers, Lynn & Beverly, Massachusetts •

BY NELSON BAKER

An officer is hired to protect others from danger and

campus police, but it is, of course, a controversial issue.

“Many colleges don’t arm their police simply because of the

are already trained through the state police academy, the next logical step may be to arm them.

When the shooter at

BY SHELLY PALMER

“Should I get a Verizon iPhone 4?” is the number one question I’ve been asked this week in person, via email, on the web, via smoke signals and by carrier pigeon. The short answer is, no. The long answer

is, if you love your existing iPhone 4 but really, really hate AT&T, then yes -- but otherwise, no. Here’s why: Verizon’s iPhone 4 is going to be almost exactly the same as AT&T’s iPhone 4. The key difference is the network.

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Extreme Winter Cold

BY CHRIS RICCI

secure a safe environment.

Their presence alone can help maintain order, and many believe that order and sense of safety would be greatly improved with the arming of campus police. Though many campus police officers still do not use firearms, the process is becoming more widespread, now even with Salem State University following suit. If things run smoothly, North Shore Community College could be next in line.

In a survey, NSCC students highly support arming

INSIDE:

NSCC Campus Police

symbolism of it, but for any employee, if we give them an assignment, we need to provide them with the tools to complete that assignment,” stated President Wayne Burton. “We are asking them to protect the safety of the college.”

Around the country, there seems to be an increase in campus shootings and related violence. “Right now, if there is a shooting on campus, our police are ordered to immediately exit the building and then call local police. That takes time,” President Burton explained. Since NSCC officers

The Risks of Medical Tourism Page 4

Virginia Tech chained all the doors shut, the police used a shotgun to destroy the chains and get into the building.

“Shortly thereafter, the shooter took his own life. The police intervention caused this to happen,” said Campus Police Chief Doug Puska. They ended what could very well have become an even deadlier situation.

Chief Puska has a lot of confidence in his team and in the school. “Generally speaking, we are a very safe institution. We have, in my opinion,

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Valentine’s Day Survival Guide Page 7

Every winter, Mother Nature seems to catch us off guard with the sudden change in weather. As of the end of January, New England has already been hit by four separate winter storms and has fallen victim to below zero temperatures and wind chills. Seeing that the harsh winter weather is common for us New England residents, one would expect us to be prepared for such a drastic change. However, as made evident every year, we are not as prepared as we think. Every year, dozens of deaths are reported that result from inadequate winter protection. Here are a few things to help you when the cold weather starts to set in.

The Top Albums of 2010 Page 9

For starters, it’s always good to have a few supplies handy around your house to combat the cold weather. An alternative heat source is a pretty good investment to make just in case the primary heating in your house dies out due to a power failure, such as a kerosene heater (however, you should only use one of these devices if you have a working carbon monoxide alarm, which will be discussed below). Other heating elements to help your current heating situation are also a good investment to make.

Portable space heaters are relatively cheap investments and can easily warm a room, and electric blankets are also helpful when it comes to personal comfort. However, one should be on CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

New Short Story: Wedding Day Page 11

Dean’s Corner

PAGE 2 – NSCC PENNON

This month’s Dean’s Corner features important information from three of the Deans in Student Enrollment Services.

News from the Dean of Enrollment, Dr. Joanne Light: Regardless of our very snowy and cold scene outside our windows, I urge you in the next couple of weeks to think sun and summer!!! By the end of February you will be able to peruse on the Web summer offerings here at NSCC. Registration will begin on March7th. Some summer classes fill in that very first week or two of registration. Summer classes will run from May 23rd through August 18th with opportunities to take classes during various sessions within these dates. For example, we offer six-week, eight-week, and ten-week sessions to allow for maximum flexibility. We also offer numerous online courses as well as morning and afternoon class times. This will enable you to find a class time and modality that meets your work, child care, and/or beach schedule.

Our Enrollment Team encourages you to consider summer courses seriously. This is an opportunity to prepare prerequisites for courses for the fall, to get ahead in your degree or certificate completion or to try a new discipline and explore new interests. Remember if you are a 12 credit full time student, you will not finish in two years at that rate. Summer is the perfect time to accelerate and move to successful completion in the two year time frame. Advisors are on hand to help you make sensible academic and financial decisions about summer study.

Be sure to read about new summer financial resources provided by the Dean of Financial Services and his colleagues; you may be surprise d that this year you can afford to enroll in the summer! As always stop by the Enrollment Centers with questions and concerns…

News from the Dean of Student Financial Service, Stephen Creamer: Attention North Shore students who are using Financial Aid! We have worked with the book store to extend the deadline for book store credit to February 11, 2011.

Remember that in order to use a book store credit you must have a complete file, either paid or waived your health insurance (if applicable), have completed an authorization allowing us to post a credit and finally have financial aid for the semester that is greater than your balance due for Spring 2011. We notify

eligible students by e-mail nightly as they become eligible.

Once the semester gets underway, your professors are required to report on your progress. In order to receive the financial aid you have been awarded, your professors must submit the first attendance alert which is due near the end of February 2011.

We are planning to communicate with those students who alerts have not been s a t i s f i e d .

To provide an opportunity for you to touch base with the appropriate professor(s) that may still need to satisfy this requirement. Financial Aid cannot be paid unless this requirement is met. The College plans to disburse financial aid awards in early March 2011 to those students who are eligible.

This is the year to enroll in Summer classes! The Government has Federal increased the Pell Grant Program to help students finish their degree programs sooner.

They call it, “Year-Round Pell.

As a result, if you are a Pell Grant eligible student, you may be eligible for one if you decide to enroll in the Summer 2011 semester. Stafford Loans are also available to students who have filed a FAFSA, but are not eligible for a Pell Grant. Both of these are great options to help students who wish to catch up on their degree requirements or accelerate the time it will take to complete your degree program at NSCC. Please stop by our offices on either the Lynn or Danvers campus if you have questions about how we can help you with Summer enrollment or with any other questions about your financial aid.

News from the Dean of Retention, Dr. Martha Brine: Don’t forget there are all kinds of Student Support Services to assist you and insure success in college. Go to www.northshore.edu and click on “Current Students” to see a page full of Student Services links that will lead you to more information on Advising, Tutoring, e-tutoring, Disability Services, career planning, transfer counseling, TRiO Student Support Services and more services available in both Danvers and Lynn. These services are free of charge to you and often play a major role in students succeeding in their coursework and reaching their academic and personal goals.

$F$ On the Money

By now, you have hopefully begun to gather your tax documents from 2010 and are preparing to renew your FAFSA for 2011-2012. North Shore Community College has a priority filing deadline of May 1,

cards, depending on when they applied for these documents.

Students also get married and may change, hyphenate, or add on to their existing name. You want to be sure to submit your FAFSA with your name as it appears on your social security card. This is the first place FAFSA looks when confirming your identity and your eligibility for financial aid. An incorrect

ping it altogether.

Not answering if you 5. plan to file taxes. The FAFSA can be done early enough when people may have not yet filed taxes for 2010. That is why they ask if you filed taxes already, plan to file taxes, or do not plan on filing taxes at all. Again, do not leave this field blank.

Indicate whether or not you plan on filing taxes, so FAFSA

2011. This also happens to be the deadline for the State’s Mass Grant programs. In this month’s column, we’ll outline some common FAFSA filing errors so that you can be sure you file correctly, avoid processing headaches, and receive your full eligibility in financial aid!

Last month, FAFSA launched a new and improved FAFSA on the Web (www.FAFSA.gov), which is modeled as a “onestop-shop” for FAFSA access.

The new design will provide all of your FAFSA options in one location, so that you can better navigate where you stand in the application process. You will notice the new look when you sign on to start your 2011-2012 FAFSA. But remember to avoid these mistakes: 1.

Forgetting to sign your FAFSA. In order for the FAFSA to be considered complete, it requires an electronic signature called a PIN, from both you and your parent (if you are a dependent student). You and your parent can each apply for one, or be reminded of an existing PIN, by visiting the FAFSA website. Once you have a PIN, keep track of it, because it will remain the same every year you apply for aid.

2.

Using the wrong name.

This item may seem selfexplanatory; however, students can have names that differ on their social security cards, passports, or permanent residency

name could result in a mismatch and a hold up in processing.

3.

Reporting wages equal to taxes paid. A common error for students entering tax information is to put the same dollar amounts for wages and taxes paid. When you think about it, you wouldn’t earn $10,000 and pay that full amount back to the government in taxes – you would only pay a portion in taxes and keep the rest. By reporting that you earned the same amount of money as what you paid in taxes, FAFSA would see this as an error and reject your application. If you are unsure, FAFSA gives on-screen instructions pointing you to the tax return line you should look at, for each question.

4.

Leaving items blank.

When FAFSA prompts you to answer a question, it usually prevents you from moving forward if you forget to select a required answer. However, sometimes there are questions where leaving the field blank will actually cause a miscalculation and result in a FAFSA rejection. An example of this is not reporting your assets if you filed a 1040 tax return. For questions like this, if the answer is zero, or does not apply, please enter a “0.” This way, the FAFSA processing center knows that you read the question and are providing a valid response, as opposed to skip-

understands where you are in the process. In addition, if a FAFSA is completed using estimates, students are required to go back and update the FAFSA with final data once their taxes have been filed.

6.

You think you “don’t qualify for financial aid.”

Remember that financial aid comes in many forms. While you may not qualify for Pell Grant funding, you may be eligible for federal student loans, or even institutional financial aid. Using federal loans can be cheaper than paying for classes with a credit card. If you do find out you do not qualify for grant funding, and decide to opt out of loans, at least you are making your decision based on your full range of options. It doesn’t cost anything to file a FAFSA, except your time, and you could benefit more than you realize.

BY ZACH ANDERSON

inevitable banning of smoking at all campuses. Both of these topics will have an impact on you the student, and the staff and faculty as well.

However, without the student giving his or her opinion, we find it hard to know exactly what their needs and concerns are. Admittedly, some of you took the time to complete surveys about the smoking policies here at North Shore, but less than 10% of the student body responded. I feel this is unacceptable. So in response we will be doing a lot of recruiting for senators for this semester and we will also be pushing for

more involvement on campus activities from our fellow students.

This is your college, your experience to learn from.

Take advantage of it and let your voice be heard if you are dissatisfied with something.

That is the purpose of SGA, we are here to aid you if you have a problem with what is going on at the college.

Student Government hopes to hear from you this semester.

By the way if you see us in the hallway, stop and talk to us. We wear the SGA sweatshirts and we don’t bite, I promise.

BY AMANDA ABREU

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month!

Even if you plan to attend a different school in the Fall, you still want to renew your FAFSA using your new school’s FAFSA code. You may even keep NSCC’s school code if you are unsure where you will enroll.

There is no penalty for submitting your FAFSA to more than one school. Just make yourself aware of each school’s financial aid deadlines, as these may vary.

North Shore’s FAFSA code is 002173.

A Word From Student Government

Welcome to North Shore Community College for the Winter/Spring semester! I hope you all got what you wanted for Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday you celebrated over break and had a happy and safe start to your new year.

Time to get back into the grind and back into class. With the start of the New Year there are also new issues that your Student Government will be taking on as well. Two of the major topics are the arming of Campus Police, and also the

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Eye Spy

BY AMANDA WORONECKI, MEGAN PEPIN, AND CHRIS RICCI

Eye Spy is an interactive exhibition that features the artwork of various artists that is open to the public June 19, 2010 to May 22, 2011. The work is created to challenge the perception upon viewing art and the world. Jane Winchell, the director of the PEM's Art& Nature Center, says, “Visitors to the

tured). The viewer must gaze into a crystal ball which mimics the human eye. It becomes clear that the spools make a portrait of a girl. This portrait is actually referencing Renoir's painting “A Girl With a Watering Can.” Sperber is commenting on how the impressionists worked with illusions. After

DEVORAH SPERBER’S “AFTER RENOIR”

exhibition will delight in the beauty of these mind-stretching objects.” Much of the artwork is not contained by a wooden frame and placed on the wall; there are dynamic sculptures made with metal that cast a shadow to the floor to create cohesive images. There is a video camera connected to a television on the wall that cleverly captures the movements of the viewer. However, the image is not so clear. The viewer transforms into millions of black and white dots as if the world has become a George Seurat painting, with a twist. The black and white dots spin around.

A large piece of artwork that is placed on the back wall behind the partition wall is a piece to marvel at. The artist, Devorah Sperber, created the work titled After Renoir (pic-

Renoir is playing off of a painting that was created during a time period that became the beginning of understanding that painting is an illusion. Through the way they used color and brushstrokes with large strokes of color, they make an object that blends into our eyes to create a solid image. They studied the effects of color and exaggerated the colors they saw, yet their paintings still had a very clear subject matter.

Artists have to become inventors to create something different in a world already filled with similar ideas and concepts. This art transcends the “norm” because this has the power to truly draw the viewer to become part of the artwork such as the piece with distorted mirrors.

DOES THIS PIECE MAKE YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ARTWORK? DANIEL ROZIN’S “SELF CENTERED MIRROR”

“Las Fallas De Valencia”

BY JOSEPH STERRETT-ALARCON

The “Fallas” is an international celebration where it is celebrated in some cities and towns in the “Comunidad Valenciana” from the 15th to 19th of March, in homage to the patron saint of carpenters, Saint Joseph.

The fallas are monuments which are formed by one or two gigantic figures surrounded by groups of smaller figures; these smaller figures are called “ninots.” They can represent a criticism of society such as politics, society, celebrities, etc. The main Fallas can reach heights of 65 feet and are made of paper mache, cardboard, or Styrofoam (Originally they were made of wax).

In Valencia, each town builds two fallas, one for children and one for adults and they have a contest for each category.

The winners from each category put one “ninot” and one falla from the adults into a museum where all can see the work done, and the others are put on fire (foc signifies fire in the dialect from Valencia).

It is traditional to walk through the city, eating snacks made of pumpkin and looking at the quantity of almost 400 fallas throughout the city, in each town square, and on every street.

Each one has some sort of sign which explains the fallas significance and personality.

They are written in Spanish and Valenciano, which is the dialect that is spoken in the Valencia Community.

On Saint Joseph’s day all of the Fallas are burned at night - this is also called “The Burning Night.” This is traditionally the way to welcome spring, with fire and explosions. (which is where the word “fallas” comes from). The city, at this point, can be seen plenty of bonfires burning. This is where the celebration ends. Shortly after, they begin to prepare for the coming year’s fallas. The people that want to participate in the coming years fallas begin their work a year in advance in order to have their fallas in next

years’ celebration. So when the time comes to burn their fallas, obviously there is some sadness associated with it. When the participants are ready to burn

la, sing, dance, and play games.

Tourists are more than welcome to participate if they want.

Valencia is known as the City of Fire. During the cel-

their fallas they put holes in them and pour gasoline all over their work. When they are ready to burn the them, the princess of the fallas (much like the grand marshal of Mardi gras) comes to set them ablaze. This is a sad moment for the “fallera mayor.”

The public is amazed by the sight of seeing a 65 foot figure being burned right in front of them. When the Falla has been consumed entirely by fire, the public waits to see it fall to the ground. When it does, the public shouts and applauds in awe.

After a few minutes all that is left of the fallas is ashes and its print on the ground. All of the participants celebrate the end and at this point more workers come to remove what is left of the Fallas.

The origin of the Fallas was during spring when carpenters built bonfires on the streets in front of their workshops to clean them of all the remaining cardboard, wood, and other materials. This is how the tradition of bonfires began. Time passed, and the society began to burn things in protest until the actual Fallas as you see now came to existence.

At each site where a falla is located, a group of neighbors have a tent where they make a little club during this 4 days. There they eat pael-

ebration the people from Valencia throw firecrackers into the streets. Furthermore, each day the town celebrates “The Mascleta, in the town square, precisely at 12 noon. What the “Mascleta” consist of is firecrackers and explosions that leave the city completely full of smoke. At 10pm, they light fireworks. The people of Valencia love the noise from all the firecrackers and explosions.

All of the events that happen are presented by the princess of the Fallas and her court. The court is for young girls and young ladies. The dresses that they wear are very heavy and are made by local seamstresses. Not only do the princesses and her courts wear traditional attire, it is not uncommon to see other people wear traditional attire during this celebration.

Much like the rest of Spain during a celebration, a “Corrida de Toros” (bullfight) is organized. Since this is a special event, only the best bulls and matadors (bullfighters) are presented.

All of this together with the joy and enthusiasm the people of Valencia give during this memorable week make it an unforgettable event that nobody should miss.

(http:// www.fallas.com/, http://fallasfromvalencia.com/, http://mural.uv.es/pareva/fallas.html, http://escuelai.com/spanish culture/fiestas espanolas/lasfiestas.html, http://usuarios.multimania.es/falla castellon/2002/historia1/historia.html, http://fallaslw.fallas.com/F-valencia.html)

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February 14-20 is

NATIONAL CONDOM WEEK!

At Health Quarters, we’ve heard many reasons for not using male condoms: “They slow things down,” “My partner won’t wear them,” and “They don’t feel as good,” are just a few. But there are some pretty compelling reasons to use them, too. In the spirit of David Letterman, here are:

THE TOP TEN REASONS TO USE CONDOMS!

10: Condoms are 98% effective when used correctly.

9: Condoms protect against both pregnancy and most STDs. The only other method that is this effective is continuous abstinence!

8: Condoms are ready when you are: You don’t have to start using them before sex in order for them to work.

7: Condoms can be used by anyone without any harmful side

effects. Choose polyurethane if you have a latex allergy.

6: Condoms come in all varieties. Experiment with your partner to find the one that suits you best.

5: Condoms do not have to interrupt sex – they can be incorporated into foreplay.

4: Condoms can be purchased without a prescription.

3: Condoms can help to extend lovemaking.

2: Condoms are thinner today and offer sensation and prevention at the same time.

And the number one reason to use condoms: They’re FREE at Health Quarters’ table on February 14!

1: Stop by, get some free stuff, and learn more about our reproduc-

tive health services at 19 Broadway in Beverly!

Birds Dying Around the Globe

BY NELSON BAKER

In an unexpected series of occurrences, birds have fallen dead out of the skies in large numbers. The event has happened not only in the United States, but in various parts of the world including Sweden, Thailand, Brazil, Italy. This is something that has happened before, only not in conjunction with as many other similar events. People are growing concerns as some have seen the ground become stained from literally thousands of blackbirds smashing into it from above.

Patrik Jonsson of The Christian Science Monitor noted that The US Geological

Survey listed 90 mass deaths of birds last year from June to December. In addition, “over the past 30 years, it counts 16 events in which 1000 birds or more suddenly died,” Jonsson wrote.

There are different reasons that these deaths happen. It could be from an unexpected cold blast of weather, from pesticide poisoning, or even from the mass killings from people who live in a state where this is not illegal.

It appears that the different cases that have been reported are unrelated. One of the first reports came out of

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Medical Tourism and the Spread of NDM-1

BY MIKE BORODA RICCI

AND

CHRIS

You’re standing at the mouth of a long and dark alley, staring at the black letters of newspaper. You look at your watch. In ten minutes you are to meet somebody in the belly of the alley. The sign is a series of barks arranged as the popular Christmas song “Jingle Bells.”

You try to convince yourself that you’re waiting for the bus in order to complete the illusion of ‘nonchalance’. Nine minutes later, you hear the sign and, thinking fast, release a monstrous sigh while eyeing your watch. Maybe you let loose an “unbelievable!” before tossing your hands in the air. Then you turn and slink into the alley.

You’re overcome with tunnel vision and deaf from your echoing footsteps in the cramped alley. Eventually you reach what can only be assumed as the halfway point, marked with an out-of-place lamp post that’s only missing a few decrepit, wooden signs jutting out from the sides. Next to the post is a metal door, discolored with rust and misuse. You knock to the tune of “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” and it lurches open before you finish, revealing a short and pudgy man clad in a tweed suit. He takes you down a spiral staircase into a hazy room with couches and operating tables. You tell him, “I’m here for the liver.” Though slightly exaggerated, this reproduction essentially describes medical tourism.

A term coined by the mass media and affiliated with travel agencies, medical tourism is all about travelling overseas for a view of the Taj Mahal and a new kidney on the side. With exorbitant healthcare costs, people have begun leaving the country on vacation to enjoy a cruise, spa treatment or a cheap rhinoplasty. It almost sounds like a science fiction novel. Fed up with your two left feet?

Come to Ecuador for new ones!

Of course, medical tourism isn’t a perfect business.

In most cases, the risks heavily outweigh the benefits. Overseas surgeons can often carry phony credentials or none at all. If working with another person

who will volunteer an organ, it’s very possible for that person to simply take the money and run.

Though relatively inexpensive by healthcare standards in America and the UK, there are certain necessary precautions

immune to antibiotics. There have already been a few cases in the United States, in addition to England. Why is the bug immune? When doctors constantly prescribe antibiotics as a means for treating all ailments,

one cannot overlook and most times with medical tourism, these precautions are, in fact, overlooked.

The UK has been experiencing problems first hand with medical tourism, especially from India and Pakistan. A new “superbug” gene has been discovered that is resistant to some of the most powerful antibiotics.

The gene, called New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase-1, or NDM-1, can jump from different bacteria strains, effectively immunizing them all. If that doesn’t sound horrifying, it gets worse. Scientists fear that NDM-1 may combine with another bacterium that is already resistant to other antibiotics. Quoted from the BBC online:

no matter how small, bacteria slowly gain immunities to that antibiotic, eventually leading to the development of more powerful antibiotics. Reuters on antibiotics:

NDM-1 (or more precisely the DNA code for this enzyme) can easily now jump from one strain of bacteria to another. Experts are worried that it may end up in another bacterium which is already resistant to many other antibiotics. Ultimately, it could produce dangerous infections that would spread rapidly from person to person and be almost impossible to treat. (Roberts)

An article on Reuters presents the problem very straightforwardly: medical tourism gives bacteria a chance to travel the world and see the sights, and now, become

Almost as soon as the first antibiotic penicillin was introduced in the 1940s, bacteria began to develop resistance to its effects, prompting researchers to develop many new generations of antibiotics.

But their overuse and misuse have helped fuel the rise of drug-resistant "superbug" infections like methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus, or MRSA. (Kelland and Hirschler)

Creating and prescribing new antibiotics becomes a photo finish after every superbug infection and there is often a long development period wherein the infection can quickly spread and harm hundreds.

In the movies 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, there is a similar situation when a virus is let loose in England, effectively turning those infected into very agile and angry zombies. Fortunately enough, the rage virus wasn’t spread by medical tourism, unlike NDM1. Food for thought.

The superbug gene was reported to have spread from people travelling back from India after undergoing

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Extreme Winter Cold Continued

the lookout for versions of these items that feature an automatic shut-off option; there’s a real possibility that you could neglect the convenience of these items and the last thing you want is a house fire in the middle of winter.

Batteries are also an important assets to have, as are battery powered items such as a clocks and a radios. Battery powered phone chargers are also a good thing to keep around in case of an outage. Most of the battery chargers average around twenty dollars and feature multiple outputs that can fit just about any phone.

The worst part about a winter storm is clearing out after it’s finished. There are plenty of shovels available but only about half are worth owning, especially if there’s a deep freeze. The best investment you could make is a steel-tipped plastic shovel.

The plastic body makes it easier for you to lift the snow up while the tip can easily break the ice beneath the snow and help thoroughly clear things up. Stocking up on excessive amounts of rock salt as opposed to one small tub is more worthwhile seeing that nighttime freezing is an almost nightly occurrence after a big storm.

When the weather is extremely cold, staying outside is always a risky thing to do because of frostbite. Frostbite is the freezing of bodily tissue (generally the extremities like the nose, the ears, and the fingers) which can range from a light numbing sensation called “frostnip” to a severe blackening of the skin which requires surgical attention and could result in amputation. Depending on the weather, the amount of exposure that can result in frostbite can range from a half an hour to five minutes. Generally when the weather is below zero, one should not be outside for longer than thirty minutes at a

time.

If you have to be outside during subzero tempera-

tures, layers of clothes that isn’t skin tight can provide insulation. Extremities such as your head and hands should be covered, seeing that heat exits the body quicker. A ski-mask is a good all-around form of coverage when it comes to your face while mittens work better as an insulator than gloves.

Pipes pose a major problem around this time of year. Water expands when it freezes and the compression caused by piping systems in your house could turn this expansion into an explosion.

Generally speaking, most piping systems in New England are located inside the building’s insulation, assuring that the pipes won’t freeze easily.

However, it will be in your best interest to have a good idea as to the location of the pipes in your house and the area surrounding them. Check if there are any holes in the walls and, if the pipes are exposed in the basement and/or the attic, check and see if both areas are insulated. If the pipes are exposed in uninsulated areas, a plumber could possibly re-route the location of the pipes. Though not entirely practical, this change could be beneficial in the long run.

Letting faucet’s drip during the winter months can help prevent a potential disaster with your piping. Contrary to popular belief, the drip of the

faucet does not prevent the pipe from freezing, but relieves the pipe of any excessive pressure

that could cause it to burst if it does freeze. The drip also doesn’t have to be a constant stream; so long as there’s some form of pressure being pushed through the pipes, you’re all set.

Another problem that is intensified during the winter months is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that is produced by any fuel burning source.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are similar to that of the flu; headaches, exhaustion, vertigo, fainting, vomiting.

Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can result in death and since it has no taste or odor, it’s very hard to tell if you’re being exposed to it. Due to our reliance to fuel sources during the winter, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure is heightened. Carbon monoxide alarms are the only way to detect carbon monoxide in your home. Be sure to buy one with a battery back-up just in case the power goes out. If the alarm sounds, be sure to exit the house immediately and call 911; you don’t want to risk anymore exposure.

Overall, though sometimes a pain, the winter months are manageable. If nothing else, they serve as a reminder that spring and summer are just around the corner.

Cold Weather Means Increased Risk of Dehydration

BY TANYA GREEN

Although associated with heat and summer months, dehydration is still a risk, even in cold weather. Those who exercise in the cold and/or work outdoors in the cold are at an increased risk for developing this potentially life threatening condition. Dehydration is more serious in the cold because the symptoms and onset are different than in the warmer weather.

In the warmer weather the first sign of potential dehydration is thirst, followed by feeling overheated, having a headache, etc. In the cold, our bodies struggle to maintain homeostasis (a consistent regular body temperature usually above 97 F). This struggle causes the brain to have to prioritize its duties. In doing so people do

not feel thirsty as quickly as they would in the summer. Due to the cold, people do not feel overheated, and a headache or any ill feelings are disregarded as those associated with just being in the cold, the first symptoms of a flu or other winter ailment.

According to a study at UNH the reason for cold weather dehydration is that the thirst sensation is both delayed and

altered. The thirst sensation is delayed because as the body struggles to maintain homeostasis, the brain does not send a message to the kidneys to reduce urine production.

Increased urine in the blood can help maintain blood volume at the core of the body, thus not signaling the hypothalamus to secrete AVP (the hormone that causes the thirst sensation).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

PAGE 5 – NSCC PENNON

North Shore Uncensored Question: I may have a sexually transmitted infection from a previous partner and I am not sure how to tell my current partner that I may have infected them. I am going to the doctors next week to make sure but I would really like the support of my partner and family. What should I do?

NSU: Thank you so much for bringing up this really important topic for North Shore Community College students, faculty, and staff. Potential sexually transmitted infections and communication with relationships, monogamous or casual, seem very difficult and advanced. However, you have already taken the right steps by making an appointment to see your doctor, which will already benefit your health and the health of your partner.

If you happen to find out that you have tested positive for an STI you should seriously consider telling all of

your past and current sexual partners. If you are infected with an STI that does not have a cure it is especially important to tell your future sexual partners about the STI before engaging in sexual behavior. Telling past and current partners can be hard, however it is very important that they find out so that they can be tested and prevent additional spread of the infection.

If you feel ready to talk to your partner, here are some suggestions:

Practicing: You may want to practice what you are going to say to your partner's possible reactions and responses. This can help you prepare for their questions and concerns.

Timing and Place: Telling your partner as soon as possible is important; however, you should do it at a time that is considerate by finding a quiet, private place and a time where you will not be interrupted can help calm emotions and keep the conversation respectful. Avoid telling your partner right before having sex.

Honesty and Sensitivity: Your

partner may express emotions such as distrust, self-blame, and anger when you tell him or her about your diagnosis. These are common responses so try to be sensitive and listen to your partner's concerns and fears. Try to think that if the role were reversed, wouldn’t you want your partner to be honest and sensitive toward you if he or she were telling you about an STI? Resources and Referrals: Your doctor’s office or NSCC Health Services should have brochures about your STI to give to your past, current, or future partners so that they have correct medical information. You may also want to give them an STI hotline number or the phone number to your doctor so that they do not delay making a doctor's appointment and they can get their questions answered. You may also want to offer to accompany your partner to the doctor's office to be tested.

Sexual Violence: If you feel

that a partner will be violent toward you if you disclose your STI status, you do not have to tell your partner. Or you may choose to tell your partner with the support of a family member or close friend whilein a public setting. If you are in an abusive relationship, you should consider contacting the National Domestic Abuse Hotline (1800-799-SAFE).

If you still do not feel ready to talk to your past or current partners about an infection you can: Send an anonymous letter, you can use the telephone or internet, or talk to a health professional. A doctor can ask the public health authority to take care of warning your partner. They won’t say where the information comes from, but that they need to be treated.

I hope this information was helpful to you and your partners, if you have any further questions about STI’s or talking to your partner, please visit www.birdsandbees.org for more information. For immediate care please call the American Social Health Association's Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hotline at (1-919-361-8488).

The North Shore Uncensored column in the North Shore Community College Pennon Newspaper provides educated harm reduction responses and alternative options to students who have any questions related to sex, drugs, alcohol or any other health concerns sent anonymously to (NSUncensored@hotmail.com). All responses concerning harm reduction, health, and safety follows NSCC’s commitment to their students and their well being. If you have any questions please send them to the column address. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone and you have the choice whether or not your question will be published.

“Imagine That”

PAGE 6 – NSCC PENNON

Lost and Found

BY NELSON BAKER

Sitting in the back row, purposely positioning himself so that he was mostly hidden from the sights of Mrs. Fisher, Edgar Rollins stared in disbelief at the long list of homework assignments that was handed out to the class. It was the first day of 11th grade for the students at Banesville High, and Edgar was already wishing he had spent the day on the basketball courts instead.

“How are we supposed to have time to do all this?”

Edgar asked his teacher.

glow dissolving until his eyes brought it into focus. It was a diamond ring. He quickly picked it up, making sure no one saw him. Jackpot.

Edgar knew a ring like this had to be worth some bucks. It was what his mother and her friends called a rock. He started to get excited as he thought of all the things he could buy with the money.

Finally, he could get some good clothes, instead of wearing shirts from two years ago. He did his best to fit in, but he was pushing it with his fading clothes and grungy looking

“It’s really not that much,” she answered. “Just do your best. That’s all I ask.”

Edgar shook his head.

It’s not that he was stupid. He wanted to be a good student – it was evident from his complaint – but it was difficult for him to admit it, even to himself.

The bell rang, and even though he was in the back, Edgar was the first one to leave.

He laughed with his friends as he crumpled up his homework list and decided it was going to be another year with average grades. It didn’t bother him, that much.

As his friends veered right, Edgar continued down the hall toward his next class. With the crumpled paper still in his hand, he noticed something shining on the floor. At first, he thought it was the sun beaming in from outside, but then realized he was in a corridor with no windows.

He approached it, the

sneakers.

A smile came over his face as he imagined maybe even having enough money for his first car. He would be the first of his friends to have one. His adrenaline was flowing, maybe more than it ever had. His first day of school was going to be a good one after all.

Jogging toward him, a woman he had never seen looked as if she was being chased. She had a look of horror over her face. She was looking left and right, and then scoured the floor. “Oh no. Please God.” Edgar quickly stuffed the ring into his jeans pocket.

“Did you see a ring anywhere by any chance? I think I dropped it.”

“Nope. Sorry.”

The words he said seemed to pierce into her, as her face crunched together even more.

As she continued to search, Mrs. Fisher came out of her classroom to help. “You lost

When the salt content (from the urine) becomes higher than the fluid in the blood, the body is slower to react to the change due to the other stresses it is placed under because of the cold environmental temperature.

This means that the hypothala-

mus secretes AVP at a slower than normal rate, which alters the thirst sensation. When the thirst sensation becomes extreme in the cold weather, the body is 10% to 20% more dehydrated than it would be in the warm weather with that intensi-

something, Ms. Green?”

“Yes, my engagement ring. I can’t believe this. He just gave it to me over the weekend, and now it’s gone.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure we will find it.”

Edgar was looking down as he slowly walked, listening to their conversation. He looked at his torn sneakers, while Ms. Green started crying behind him. Shaking his head, he stopped. I can’t do this, he thought.

He reached down to the floor, pretending to pick something up. “Hey, I think I found your ring.”

Ms. Green shouted so loud that it made him jump. “Oh my God! You’re kidding me!

My ring?”

Edgar felt a sense of loss, but overpowering that was a feeling of satisfaction from the happiness Ms. Green felt at this moment.

She carefully took the ring and gave Edgar a hug that was tighter than any he had ever known. “You’re a sweetheart. I owe you big. What’s your name?”

“It’s nothing, really,” he said, without telling her his name. Having almost walked off with her ring, he knew he wasn’t owed a thing.

The two teachers began a conversation that looked like it could go on for hours. Ms. Green described her weekend where her fiancé had proposed, and together, their emotions ran wild.

Edgar walked to his next class, not sure how he should feel about what had happened. He took the first vacant desk, without paying much attention to its distance from the teacher.

He knew one thing; he was happy with his decision.

With his hands on the desk, he noticed he still was holding onto the crumpled homework assignment he had planned to throw in the trash.

Somewhat reluctantly, he flattened it out as best he could.

Dehydration Continued

ty of thirst.

Although easier said than done, it is important to drink a significant amount of fluids when out in the cold, especially if working or exercising. It is important to drink when not thirsty in these conditions and as soon as the slightest bit of thirst is felt, get inside to a warm place and drink. Another important thing to remember is that both humans and animals can develop cold weather dehydration, so it is equally important to monitor a pet’s intake of fluids in the winter.

Thom Yorke’s Human Sculpture

BY CHRIS RICCI

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke posted an advertisement on his website asking for fan support for a different type of side project. The post on Radiohead’s “Dead Air Space” blog asked for “2,000 people who want to be part of a human King Cnut type image facing the sea that is visible from space as part of the Earth350.” There is a classic legend regarding King Cnut (A.K.A. Cnut The

Great or King Canute) that Thom believes fits the climate situation perfectly.

The story of King Cnut starts in Denmark where het decided to set his throne up next to the ocean. In an attempt to prove his power, Cnut tried to control the waves and prevent them from soaking his throne and his cape. His attempt failed and, taken aback by this, he wanted to “let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings, for there is none worthy of the name, but He whom heaven, earth, and sea obey by eternal laws.” He then took his crown off and never wore it again; showing that he, in reality, wasn’t the king of anything relevant in the world.

Thom’s project was a

part of the “350.org” movement who’s objective is to construct environmentally conscious and relevant images that are visible from space. The movement corresponds with the UN Climate conferences taking place in Cancun, Mexico.

Over 2,000 people showed up to participate in Thom’s project while braving the harsh weather in Brighton.

As significant as his project was, Thom’s wasn’t the only one occurring at that time.

Dozens of other human sculptures were formed across the globe and were photographed via satellite. The images will be on display soon at 350.org.

Thom used the image of Cnut on the cover of his 2006 solo album “The Eraser.” The image shows a Cnut-like figure trying to stop the waves which have consumed various historical landmarks including Big Ben and the houses of Parliament. Thom believes that the image of Cnut sums up our views on the environment and the issues we face perfectly; in a 2006 interview, Thom stated how “we’re all King Canutes, holding our hands out, saying, ‘It’ll go away. I can make it stop.’ No, you can’t.”

Bird Deaths Continued

Arkansas, where over 5000 redwinged blackbirds fell from the sky on New Year’s Eve. The International Herald Tribune reported that the initial testing results of the birds found that the cause of death was not disease.

One factor that could have played a key role in this particular event is stress. The Tribune’s Campbell Robertson wrote, “pyrotechnics are used to

scatter blackbirds for bird control, though only during the day, given the birds’ poor vision.”

Though very odd, there are always explanations that may at first be unseen, but are eventually uncovered.

Thousands of birds dropping out of the sky may seem surreal, but in actuality, events like these can usually be explained in the end.

PAGE 7 – NSCC PENNON

We need your written opinions to fill up this page.

Send us your opinion about anything! Up to 500 words. Preferably in MS Word Document. Send to pennon@northshore.edu or drop off at any Student Life Office or The Pennon Office (DM 124). It will be edited for spelling and grammar. Opinions and editorials are not necessarily those of The Pennon.

Valentine’s Day Survival Guide: For the All the Single (and Tentatively Solo) Ladies

BY BARBARA HAYES, MS, MFT

Valentine’s Day seems to create more distress for couples and singles than any other holiday. For singles it is an inyour-face reminder of their solitary status with hearts and cupids as far as the eye can see.

For couples there is often a rift, if not a chasm, between the partners’ desires and expectations.

One partner, often the female, may feel that it is the most important day of the year, or at least in the top five, and should be celebrated with elaborate rituals and gifts.

On the hand, the male partner may feel, with some justification, that it is a day that historically signifies little and is not in the same league as birthdays, anniversaries, or religious celebrations. The holiday was apparently inaugurated in a 1382 poem by Geoffrey Chaucer to commemorate the anniversary of the engagement of England’s King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia, both fourteen years old. Even if you find that a charming beginning for a holiday, Chaucer actually got the date wrong since their agreement of marriage was dated May 2. Oh, well. Needless to say, this gender-based difference of opinion about the day’s significance can be a recipe for disaster.

I know of cases where the female partner has ended a long-term relationship because of events involving Valentine’s Day. One middle-aged woman left her partner of several years because he asked if they could celebrate the holiday a day early due to pressing obligations concerning his family business. He had even planned a lovely dinner and had already procured a suitable present. I was taken aback when I heard this story. I thought that I might be out of touch with “normal” female sentiments since this situation would not even generate a small blip on my partner-transgression radar. So I asked a group of younger women what they thought. All of their responses were similar: “That’s ridiculous!” or “You’re kidding!”

From the very young to those of

my (middle) age, there seem to be a lot of women who are more pragmatic and down-to-earth than the hopelessly-romantic, advertisement-driven (oxymoron intended) media would like us to believe.

As grown-ups, we can choose what meaning we assign to events; we are not stuck having to think or feel the way that our parents, our friends, or the media dictate. It takes considerable thought, energy, and time in order to reframe our disappointment or dissatisfaction with the situation, but it can be well worth it. One way to change your view of this or any situation is to ask yourself scaling questions, which are one of the tools that therapists use when helping clients put their thoughts and feelings in a more appropriate perspective.

For almost any woman considering a long-term commitment, qualities like being a strong and stable emotional, financial, physical, and social partner would easily earn five to ten points on a ten-point scale of desirable traits in a partner.

These are the big issues that make or break a long-term relationship during difficult times.

The minor misunderstandings that get blown out of proportion should pale in comparison to having someone who: is financially responsible; is there for you in times of crisis (health problems, death of family or friends, etc); is a warm, attentive, and respectful companion; is committed to you; and lets you know he cares about you in his own ways. (Unfortunately, studies indicate that men show affection and caring in ways that

don’t always work well for women. Men feel close to their partners when they watch television with them, for example.

Men show caring by doing or fixing things for women. They express their feelings of closeness sexually!!) In ten or twenty years, you will remember if he comforted you at your mother’s funeral, but a tiff over Valentine’s Day will seem trivial.

If you have very strong, specific desires for your Valentine’s celebration, tell him!! Studies also show that not only are guys bad at reading minds (kind of like the rest of us), they are also not as good as women at picking up facial or verbal clues -- no surprise there!

If he has good reasons why he can’t accommodate your wishes even after you express them directly, realize that it should not be a deal-breaker as long as he meets your needs in truly important ways. A less-thanperfect Valentine’s Day is at most a two or three on serious scales of desirable traits. Try to focus on all of the other things that make you feel good about the guy. Pay attention to his signals that he loves and cares for you. (He let you control the remote for the evening! He fixed the garbage disposal – yay!)

For singles who feel sad on this day, think of all of the bad Valentine’s Days that you have had with Mr. SoWrong and all of the poor women who are having them now. Pamper yourself by staying home and luxuriating in silly soap operas, or taking a long bubble bath, or by doing any of

the things that you never did because your ex didn’t want to do. Remind yourself that the next relationship you get into will be with someone kind, caring, and considerate because you are committed to never again settling for Mr. Will-Dofor-Now. Then smile!! Research also shows that smiling sends a signal to your brain that you feel happy, which causes you to smile some more, which causes you to feel even happier, and so the cycle perpetuates itself!

So for women everywhere, have a very Happy Valentine’s Day (or “Chaucer’s Poem Day,” for the historically accurate)!!!

Barbara Hayes, MS, MFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She wrote this book to help women understand how to determine the difference between the petty issues that plague most relationships and the big red flags that tell you the relationship is headed for disaster. In doing so, she incorporates both Western and Eastern psychological disciplines into her work.

Hayes attended University of California at Berkeley and Dominican University of California. She is a proud mother, her ‘status’ is single and she currently lives in northern California. Hayes’ new book, Beware of Dogs: How to Avoid Dating Disastersis is available for purchase as an eBook, hard cover and perfect bound soft back through Borders.com, Barnes and Noble.com and other book sellers.

Medical Tourism Continued

medical procedures. Though purported to have begun in India, the gene has been popping up around England and may spread even more, due to the booming medical tourism industries in India and Pakistan (Huffington Post).

India, however, has labeled these claims as “malicious propaganda.” Indian members of Parliament have denied allegations regarding Indian hospitals as unsafe and argue the gene can be found in any environment around the world. There are layers upon layers of finger pointing and blaming. Who is really to blame? The bureaucratic pile of forms and regulations and laws is so densely packed that it

would be counter-productive to even attempt to censure a country, an industry or an organization. One could find foul in the high healthcare costs which lead to medical tourism, and one can also blame the superfluous application of antibiotics in treating small illnesses.

Though, it hardly matters now, since two of the most potentially dangerous practices have begun working together.

Medical tourism will not die down soon. In fact, the industry is growing rapidly. In case this becomes a new sensation; the least tourists and surgeons can do is exercise extreme caution and safety. In some cases, a decision including medical tourism can be a life or death one but for the case of cosmetic surgery it is an incredibly selfish endeavor. To go overseas in order to find a new nose for cheap and risk spreading a superbug should be illegal. Endangering oneself is one thing but to put thousands of lives at risk is practically murder.

WANT YOUR OPINIONS HEARD? WRITE TO THE PENNON AND BE INCLUDED IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE!

PAGE 8 – NSCC PENNON

The Cassette Revival: A Futile Effort

ly superior to that of CD’s.

Obviously, the audio quality of vinyl records is relative the quality of the speakers themselves but, with a good pair of headphones or speakers, the superiority of records is evident.

However, the only problem with records is the size of them.

Records are generally 12 inch LP’s and, at smallest, are 7 inch

EP’s, making them hard to carry around. Obviously, this means that vinyl records are strictly restricted to home use.

Unfortunately, enjoying music at home nowadays is a rare commodity. This restricts most of our music listening to various MP3 players. This is why the download culture is gigantic nowadays; people just want to grab two or three songs to throw on their player so they can take it on the go. The record companies don’t particularly care for this; major amounts of ways to listen to CD’s on the go (CD walkmen, car CD players) are slowly vanishing and priorities are shifting to the download market. This is something that the companies don’t particularly care for.

In response for the increased demand for portable music and as a means to combat the download culture, certain record labels are slowly beginning to release certain albums on cassette. The concept behind the release of cassettes has an interesting basis. For starters, cassettes are relatively cheap and are even cheaper to sell. The cost of CD’s average at around 12 dollars while the average cassette would cost around 7 dollars to the customer. Due to the minimal cost of cassette production, most artists are making them themselves. This assures that more money would go directly to the artist themselves.

Unlike a vinyl record, cassettes are portable and are less “high maintenance,” which makes them friendlier and more useable for the general public. The last major benefit that the industry sees is the industry’s belief that cassettes are a LOT harder

BY NICK STILIANOS New York: “The city that never sleeps” is also the place where numerous fictional catastrophes occur within City Hall. From the creators who brought you Family Ties, Spin City (1996-2002), revolves on Workaholic Deputy Mayor Michael Flaherty (Michael J. Fox) who is in charge of running the biggest cities of the world and trying to keep the mayor looking and appearing professional towards the people of New York and not a complete embarrassment to have been elected as mayor. Even if the mayor told a boy that there is no Santa Clause in front of the media during the holidays or

when a statue of “the bird” was constructed as a symbol of his administration and placed in the lobby of city hall, Spin City is still a laugh a second comedy that will have you laughing even harder on the outcome of every problem that is being solved.

The four time Golden Globe television show wining for best performance in a comedy/musical show by both Michael J. Fox (1996-2000) and Charlie Sheen (2000-2002) is coming out with even greater challenges to resolve and with a much bigger focus on Mayor Randall Winston (played by Barry Bostwick) when he decides to run for Senator. With something this important, they

BY CHRIS RICCI

The rise of illegal downloading has prompted the recording industry to figure out alternative forms of releasing music. Though “legal” downloads are steadily popular (even becoming more popular than CD releases), internet piracy has found plenty of ways around the “legal” digital releases. This has forced the industry into a tight corner; either impose stricter restrictions regarding online and CD releases, or start to release things in an alternative format.

In the past six years, vinyl records have become increasingly popular. A seemingly rustic way of listening to music has quite a few benefits; vinyl audio quality is surprising-

to pirate.

though Cassettes, invented in the mid sixties, gained severe popularity in the 80’s (a popularity that outweighed that of vinyl) due to the release of Sony’s Walkman. The size of the Walkman was about the same size as the cassette itself, making it more compact and convenient for the user if they wanted to take their music on the road. However, this revelation was short lived due to the release of portable CD players and, eventually, MP3 players.

Though the record company has some sort-of basis when it comes to their cassette argument, the cons of cassettes strongly outweigh their potential pros. As stated before, cassettes are relatively cheap to produce. One of the major reasons is because they aren’t using a Hi-Fi audio transfer. This makes cassettes relatively cheap in audio quality, similar to that of an audio file on Youtube, whereas the quality of CD’s is meant to be a higher quality transfer. Since CD players are slowly fading out of existence, it’s easy to assume that cassette players are fading out of existence at a more rapid pace. Even less cars have cassette players and a Sony Cassette Walkman is even harder to find than a CD player. Out of all the ways to

Spin City Season 4

must call Caitlin Moore (Heather Locklear), the new campaign manager for the Mayor; with this new addition to city hall that means either a new women to harass at work or to ask out.

Season 4 of Spin City is very special because it was Michael J. Fox’s final season before his farewell and was replaced with what was a clean and sober Charlie Sheen who lasted for only two seasons.

When Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease- a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination in 1991, he was scared of how it would be at

play music, cassettes are the ones that are the most susceptible to weather. Since cassettes are just a form of reel-to-reel tape, the thin tape can easily be warped in the heat and condense in the cold, making the music slower and causing strain in the cassette. Even though records are susceptible to wear due to excessive playing, cassettes are more so. The constant rotation of the tape causes the tape to slowly expand and, unlike the wear most records can face, the wear to cassettes is irreversible.

Lastly, cassettes are surprisingly easy to copy. Most cassette decks are compatible with some of the vinyl-to-digital converters, making the argument that converting cassettes and eventually pirating them is hard hold no merit.

Overall, it seems kind of ridiculous to revert back to an older median to combat a modern day problem. There are plenty of clever people fully capable of finding or making a device to easily rip a cassette to a computer and then to a download website. Fighting this culture is seemingly futile. The only way to fight the download culture is to focus more effort into legal downloading, not by dusting off the old cassette deck.

first to the public. Fact: if you watch him on this show you would notice that he would occasional hid his left hand in his pants pocket whenever the tremors started to set in his hand to hide any suspicion. In actuality, the real reasons for his departure from the show was because he wanted to spend more time with his family and also to promote further research for Parkinson’s.

In closing, Michael J. Fox will always be remembered on Spin City for his looks, personality, and comic relief on the show. The last season of Spin City starring him in full comes out in a 26 episode collection on February 15th.

The Top Albums of 2010

BY CHRIS RICCI

(In No Particular Order)

Dead Weather: Sea of Cowards

The sophomore release from this Jack White side project was a tad bit safer than their booming first album (2009’s Horehound) but still proved to be one of the best blues albums of 2010. The Dead Weather’s sound is a sort-of melting pot of all the members respective bands; the dingy garage rock feel of guitarist Dean Fertita’s band (Queens of the Stone Age), the well orchestrated and sometime over-the-top feel of bassist Jack Lawrence and drummer Jack White’s group (The Raconteurs) and the minimalism of Jack White’s first band, The White Stripes.

However, the member that definitely stands out the most on this album is vocalist and keyboardist Alison Mossheart. Mossheart is the primary vocalist for the indie-rock group The Kills and, as made evident by Sea of Cowards, is given more vocal freedom with The Dead Weather. Her whines and singing are reminiscent of Captain Beefheart (an obvious influence on this album) and competes perfectly with her vocal partner Jack, who has a similar vocal range. Sea of Cowards is more consistent than the previous album but, because of this, the album lacks the sort-of “surprise” feel that the previous one had. However, in the time between the first album and this one, it’s clear that the band became more comfortable playing with each other.

Gorillaz: Plastic Beach

It’s pretty hard to believe that a band that doesn’t technically exist can not only meticulously craft two albums, but also manage to score multiple Grammy nominations and reach platinum on both of them. With Plastic Beach, Gorillaz (the brainchild of Blur’s Damon Albarn) tried to push the envelope further and create something that could completely outdo his first two albums. To do this, Damon enlisted an impressive group of collaborators, ranging from rap icons Snoop Dogg and Mos Def, to classic rock giants like Paul Simonon (from The Clash) and Lou Reed. Unlike the previous albums, Plastic Beach decided to stay away from a harder rap feel and, instead, took up a more trip-hop feel. The album plays different than its predecessors; featuring more instrumental tracks and more borderline rock-and-roll tracks. The album overall is one of the most accessible that the Gorillaz have released and provides an incredible amount of replay value..

Arcade Fire: The Suburbs

Unlike most of the albums on this list, Arcade Fire’s third album is far from minimalist. Densely produced and incredibly glossy, The Suburbs’ is easily their most adventurous and pretentious outing. Every song on this album is masterfully crafted, each taking cues from their first two albums but, at the same time, keeping each song unique. Songs like “Surburban War” and “We Used to Wait” contain a strong David Bowie feel while the title track and “Wasted Hours” seem to be Neil Young tracks. The album was crafted in a very unique manner: each track was separately pressed to an acetate disc then replayed back, making the CD and the vinyl versions of the album sound almost identical. In the end, the album is easily the most interesting in their discography and, on the whole, has a similar feel to Radiohead’s Kid A or OK Computer, an adventurous genre-bending outing that could either make or break the band. Fortunately, this makes the band even more noticeable and only heightens the anticipation to The Suburbs’ inevitable follow up.

Grinderman: Grinderman II

With over twenty albums under his belt and three separate bands, Nick Cave proves that he isn’t too old to rock hard. Cave, now 53, went back to his punk roots in 2007 with the formation of his third band named Grinderman. This group, featuring members from his most popular venture (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds), is easily the loudest and hardest group Nick has played with in over twenty years.

Unlike The Dead Weather, Grinderman did not tighten their sound up for their second self titled album, and Nick wouldn’t have it any other way. The experimental insanity that is Grinderman II features some of the best lyrics Nick Cave has provided since the Bad Seeds’ 1997 album The Boatman’s Call. Focusing now on themes regarding mid-life crisis and other relevant ideas bothering him, Cave’s cynicism has grown increasingly funny. The unrelenting sonic assault on this album give Cave the white-hot rock and roll sound he’s been missing the past twenty years, feeling more like a Stooges album than an album from the guy who formed The Bad Seeds. One of the other things that makes Grinderman wholly different from other hard garage rock bands is the eclectic array of instruments featured on each album. You won’t likely hear a violin, a bouzouki, or a mandolin play louder and harder than a guitar on anything other than an album created by Grinderman.

The Greenhornes: Four Stars (****)

Modestly titled, the Greenhornes’ fourth album is defiantly one of the most memorable rock albums released this past year. The indie garage rock trio is better known for their sideprojects; The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, both of which also being projects of virtuoso Jack White. However, The Greenhornes prove time and time again that you don’t really need star-power to make an impressive album. One of the biggest draws to The Greenhornes is their truly unique sound; channeling some of the old 50s and 60s pop rock bands and blending the garage sound of The Ramones and The Stooges. “Four Stars” not only does this, but also sounds like it was produced by Brian Wilson. Impressive vocal harmonies give this album a retro feel while Craig Fox’s classic yelp brings this sound to the 21’st century. Incredibly produced and impressively played, “Four Stars” was a personal favorite album of mine last year, and it’s hard to imagine someone NOT liking what The Greenhornes bring to the table.

PAGE 9 – NSCC PENNON

The Black Keys: Brothers

The Black Keys have made a pretty strong name for themselves despite the fact that they’ve been around for less than ten years. Brothers, the band’s sixth album, is not only one of the best albums of the year, but is also one of the best albums ever put out by this band.

Guitarist and lead vocalist Dan Auerbach is at his best on this album, seeming to channel Howlin’ Wolf and John Fogerty on a number of tracks.

Patrick Carney’s drumming is intensified by the raw production provided by studio auteur Danger Mouse. The raw and minimalist feel of this album gives the Keys a more in-your-face sound while, at the same time, makes it seem like a full band is playing when in reality, it’s only a duo.

Neil Young: Le Noise

Neil Young’s most adventurous album to date is easily his strangest.

Dropping the classic feel of his other albums and taking up a darker sound, Neil’s “Le Noise” is as interesting as it is dark. The album’s producer, Daniel Lanois (whom Neil named the album after), definitely took creative control with this album and created an incredibly dense and impressively layered masterpiece. Lacking a proper band, Neil plays alone on this album. However, the way Lanois mixed this album makes it sound like there’s an entire orchestra backing him. The lyrical content is Neil’s most personal and is is impressively intensified by the masterful Production.

Kanye West: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is not only Kanye West’s magnum opus, but is arguably one of the best rap albums since Jay-Z’s “The Black Album.” The thing with Kanye is that he isn’t the best rapper ever; his quality is in his writing and his production. However, Kanye has matured over time and he’s finally at the point in his career where he can practice what he preaches.

“Fantasy” has a wide array of samples ranging from Black Sabbath’s

Iron Man to King Crimson’s 21’st Century Schizoid Man that, though incredibly strange, work flawlessly.

This album also features an incredible amount of guest artists including RZA, Kid Kudi, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj (who makes a memorable cameo on Monster), who give some of their best performances alongside Kanye. Lyrically, “Fantasy” is Kanye’s most cynical and maniacal; referring humorously to his incidents with Taylor Swift and Barack Obama while still retaining an impressive flow. Overall, “Fantasy” is the product of a brilliant madman who has finally reached the pinnacle of his craft and really doesn’t care who he’s offended along the way.

Of Montreal: False Priest

What started as a run-of-the-mill indie pop band has, over the past four years, turned into a schizophrenic pop/R&B/psychedelic hybrid with a sound unlike anything else. After 2007s “Hissing Fauna,” of Montreal has turned into a very funky and almost unclassifiable band. The band continues this interesting trend on their tenth album, “False Priest.” Much more accesable than 2008’s “Skeletal Lamping,” this album features some of their best work since 1999 and, at times, sounds like a completely different band. It’s very hard to directly pinpoint what makes “False Priest” such a good album; it’s definitely meant to be experienced as opposed to explained.

Cee-Lo Green: The Ladykiller

It’s a real shame that it nearly took CeeLo Green ten years to make a big name for himself musically. Though his work with Gnarls Barkley and The Goodie Mob is widly popular (resulting in a few awards), he never really made it big as a solo artist (though his previous two albums were incredibly successful critically). Thankfully, 2010 saw the release of his third album, “The Lady Killer,” which nearly made him a household name. This impressive album is surely his finest effort and easily rivals some of his group work. The album features an interesting 50’s soul vibe and, at times, plays like a doo-wop album. “The Lady Killer” also features some of the best singing Cee-Lo has ever done in his career. After releasing such an impressive homage to soul and funk, it’s a wonder what Cee-Lo is going to do next.

PAGE 10 – NSCC PENNON

Fires and Desires

BY NELSON BAKER

These things burn into me Body temperature rises sky high Face flush Holding back my fists so that I don’t go too far Can’t I pick and choose what to leave behind?

Why must I force myself to live among these miseries?

These things burn into me My heart is on fire My thoughts greatest desire Eyes carry the weight of the storm Can’t I spend all my time perfecting this?

Why must I push aside these dreams every single day?

POEMS BY JAMIE CICCIO

Still on our minds….

My thoughts suffer transgressions, yet My thoughts contain so much motivation It is so hard to follow my heart when it is picked at and smothered by the ones I am forced to walk beside

More than just a picture in a frame but a memory that shall never turn vague, Your voice still like a melody in my ear, Your jokes still laughed at as if you were still here, Still your name well known and respected, An angel looking down who allows me the ability to push forward in the right direction, Your passing we have now accepted, Though your not here in sight our love for you is endless.

I just want to live my life with my head high So that the fire does not consume me I want to angle into a new dimension Feeling the effects of my greatest achievements I want to live while I am alive Leaving behind all the rest

My other half…

I confide in he together it is we, I'm tangled in his web, he's a gift in which I was blessed, a portrait of pure bliss, riches in every kiss, Compatibility is in the air, My heart beats rapid without fear, Vivid is our direction, Deep in your eyes I see Heaven, This connection is our future, Until our time I'll keep it moving.

Look Beyond…

BY ROZI THEOHARI

ONE DAY AFTER ONE CENTURY (TEN YEARS AGO)

01.01.2000—Good Morning, New Century!

Under the cement-frame of my balcony—hang Long crystal icicles—like the tufts of the open curtain’s scenery Of the theater’s upcoming century.

All night—the TV set gave endless scenes of the New Year celebration, Around the globe—lights, applause, songs, cheers ,champagne…

In Times Square in New York—invaded by myriad people The ritual fiery ball climbs up…10-9-8…1—to “2000,” a bright number A thousand girls laughing and crying put on “2000” model sunglasses, The dizzy planet twirls around fast with “the masque ball” dance.

We all have dreams, visions and truths, We are all worth more than materials; like fancy clothes and pricey shoes, Make change don't ignite your own fire, At 10:00 AM—walking on the Atlantic Shore—I freeze with my camera Be who u wish to be not who they desire, The first-white-hazy- sun of the 21st century Praise one & cease all jealousy, Behind me , doing the same, Multilingual Boston residents As for your life it shall be fulfilled when u alleviate all grief, Are taking an uncompleted salutation from the sleepy Sun! Prosperity is a challenge and not destined for those who are not willing, Thank you orb, fireball, that will guide our world mind over matter & your circumstance is no longer overwhelming For another millennium!

In my pocket the radio broadcasts the church service From the little town of Bethlehem Where 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was born.

Later the sounds of the traditional Vienna Concert fill the skies.

New Year 2000!

A day full of hopes, good tidings, optimism and prayers The world goes straight, forward and up!

And Y2K came smoothly …no problems!

01.01.2000—I am not accustomed to writing the year!

A new hundred years—to build, restore ruins of generations.

Oh colors of the 21st century’ s face Please, don’t repeat the tears from the years of our ancestors!

Give a chance to the Icon of Mankind Bring “Fire” to the people— Take a vow and commit to civilization.

PAGE 11 – NSCC PENNON

A SHORT STORY BY SHANNON HORGAN

I arrived at this church with the purest of intentions; to set her free. For four years I’ve saved a place for her in my heart. I’ve carried her with me through my accomplishments and I’ve kept her with me for my failures as well. The space was constantly present, a void in my heart that never left but was occupied by hope instead. She looks simply breathtaking, as I always imagined she would. I picture myself standing up at the altar waiting for her and I try unsuccessfully to push this particular image to a dark corner in my head. I’m just torturing myself by being here and I know it.

She looks so happy without me; it hurts to associate that happiness with anyone but me. It was supposed to be us.

She has made her way down the aisle to stand beside her very soon to be husband. Sunlight filters in through the stain glass windows and illuminates the bride in all her beauty. Each curl of her hair sparkled in the warmth the sun was bathing her in. I can still remember the scent of her hair when it was spread out over my pillow. I could even smell it now in this spacious church as if I were standing right next to her. Her hair smelled of fresh strawberries and roses intertwined.

Memories start to play themselves like a home movie; the day I laid eyes on her, the day we moved in together, the day I failed her and the day I failed myself.

I was studying my class schedule to make sure I was in the right classroom, when a girl walked by me into the room. I took the seat next to her and smiled. She politely smiled back and went about getting out her notebooks. It was at this moment that I knew I could

Wedding Day

love her. Her eyes crinkled around the corners when she smiled and it was the cutest thing I had ever seen. The professor walked in, and to my embarrassment, never called my name during attendance because I was indeed in the wrong room.

She giggled a little as I left the room, realizing my mistake. I didn’t even care that I couldn’t find my own class because I knew I had just found the girl I could spend my life with. I eventually waited outside of her class one day and found the courage to ask her out.

My first apartment was with her. We had so much fun painting the rooms. Outfitted in some of my old clothes, she looked amazing. Even the paint

thing. The only difference now is that her stuff doesn’t live there anymore. Her heart doesn’t live there anymore.

I hid the ring in my section of the closet the day I brought it home. In a small satin-lined box, it glittered with a promise. It was a promise of forever with each other. A promise that had somehow gotten broken beyond repair. I was waiting for the perfect moment to ask for her hand in marriage.

I wanted her to have the pictureperfect proposal every girl dreams about - the kind of romantic moment that gets passed on in stories to our children. We never got to have that moment; we never made it that far.

smudges on her face just seemed to add to her natural beauty. We spent two wonderful years in that apartment. I’ve spent the last year living with a ghost in that same apartment. I used to come home to her studying in my old jersey or sitting, curled up on the couch, reading and waiting for me. Now I come home to a ghost; her ghost, her presence that I can still feel there. The ghost of what we used to be. I didn’t change a

She said I was never home. She said she didn’t even believe I loved her anymore.

Lies. All of it was lies. I worked extra hours to hide away money for the wedding I had hoped we would plan together. It would have been a wedding fit for a princess, because that’s what she was to me; a precious, beautiful woman who deserved to be adored like a princess. I had loved her more than anything in this world. I still do. It was the

worst to be away from her but I figured I could afford to sacrifice some time when we were going to have forever together.

The fights only got worse after that night. I tried everything in my power to make her stay so I could get down on one knee, but I knew better.

Everyone hears tales of love surviving anything that blocks its path; don’t let these tales fool you. I am a walking example that love doesn’t always survive anything. Sometimes love takes you places that you are unable to navigate your way home to and it is in those places that love is lost.

I could see it I her eyes, I had done irreversible damage.

I could tell that our love, which once was a powerful compass in our lives, was now lost. My heart broke that night. It broke the instant I saw the hurt that seemed to reside in every last piece of her - the hurt that I had caused. My intentions were never to hurt her; my intentions were to love her with every part of my being. Forever.

She left after that, of course. The part of her that I killed was gone for good - the part of her that loved me. I must have apologized a thousand times and begged for her to stay.

It was no use; she packed her stuff, left, and took a piece of me with her on her way out. The ring is still in the place I left it. I have never had it in me to get rid of it. I guess I was still saving it for our picture perfect story. I was saving it for the only hand it was meant to be worn on. I can still see the look on her face on the day that she left. I’ve tried for years to erase that look but I can’t rid myself of the memory.

My little version of a home movie stops and I’m still in the back of the church. I look up and once again admire her beauty in that wedding dress. I admire the man staring into her eyes, the same man who will

share his life with her forever, till death do them part. With each promise and vow they make to each other, my heart breaks a little. I sit on this church bench and it takes all of my being to refrain from shouting my feelings through the masses of people. I would stand up and step out into the aisle. I would shout her name across the church to catch her attention. I would give a brilliant speech to profess my love for her. I would make my way to her and take her face in my hands before leaning in to kiss her. I would win her heart in that moment and wisk her away in my arms.

Instead I keep silent and listen to them say “I do.”

I watched her marry him as everyone watched a piece of me fade away - a piece of me that would most definitely be lost for good. They turned toward the crowd and walked hand in hand out of the church towards their future. She passed my pew and I took a mental photograph of every feature on her face. This is how I wanted to remember her face; happy and excited, not hurt and sad. For a second, I could have sworn she made eye contact and if so, she showed no clear sign of it. I made my way out of the church and felt free.

I understand a piece of me is gone but somehow that doesn’t matter anymore. What matters now was the miraculous strength I seem to possess on this day. I had the strength to let her go, the strength to let her be happy, and the strength to watch all of this with my own eyes.

Now, I can move on and know this is what she truly wanted. I took a deep breath and made my way to my car. I think I’m going to find a new apartment, maybe something more small and cozy. Yes, definitely a new apartment. I’m sick of living with a ghost.

PAGE 12 – NSCC PENNON

NSCC Students Earn Certificate in Alzheimer’s Care

Twenty three Human Services students earned a Certificate in Alzheimer’s Care last semester in Introduction to Gerontology taught

by Brianne Duff, trainer for the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Care Certificate program provides an overview of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care and skill development, including communication techniques, tools to provide appropriate

L-R front row: Brianne Duff faculty, Katy Dion, Karen Derry, Samah Ragab, Crystal Smith, Ryan Santosuosso, Letita McGhee, Lisa Hall.

L-R second row: Desiree Ginepra, Ashley Sigmon, Yessica Fiorella Via, Ulaine Espaillat, Gislene Hart, Maria Ortega, Pricilla Brea, Jacqueline Reyes, Andrew Ulman. L-R back row: Daniel Bansfield, Richard Garcia, Yimi Alvarez. Not shown: Michael Hiland, Marie Valme, Vera Mazina

and compassionate care, and interventions to address disease related concerns. This additional training on dementia not only benefits the health care facility, it assists with job advancement. Congratulations to the following students: With the rapidly aging baby boomer population, the number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer ’s Disease (AD) is projected to rise dramatically.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association: • Approximately 140,000 people in Massachusetts and NH are living with AD • 1 in 8 people age 65 have AD • Every 70 seconds a new individual is diagnosed with AD • AD is the 6th leading cause of death • More than 5.3 mil Americans have AD • By 2050, up to 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s Disease

You’re Invited to Kitty’s Restaurant

You are invited to Kitty's Restaurant on February 5th 9 pm - Country Music Recording Artist Brandon Lepere will be playing locally at Kitty's in North Reading, MA. Brandon is from NH and he is excited to be back at Kitty's. Come out for a fun night of live music and hear songs off his upcoming album 'She Drives Me Country.'

For more info: www.brandonleperemusic.com

Student Government Association

SGA is the official voice of the student body. The Association encourages self-government, promotes responsibility, loyalty, and cooperation among students, faculty, and the administration. Meetings are open to all students and are held biweekly. Now is your chance to get involved or stop into a meeting and test it out. We touch on all issues from campus comfort to campus safety, whatever is on the minds of the students.

BY TANYA GREEN

Meetings are on the second and fourth Monday of the month @ 3PM The dates are as follows: 1/31 2/14 2/28 3/14 3/28 4/11 4/25 5/9

Attention Club Advisors and Members!

Information about your club can be featured here and on the club page!

If you want other people to know about your club or what your club is doing, then contact us!

PENNON

@NORTHSHORE.EDU

Program Council Goes to New York City

During winter break the Program Council celebrated a fabulous fall semester by going on a day trip to New York City. We left South Station at 6:00am and arrived in the Big Apple by 10:30am. Our day in the city began at Battery Park followed by a viewing of the Statue of Liberty and being able to see the coastlines of Manhattan and Staten Island.

Our next stop was the Empire State Building where we went on the New York City Skyride, a recently added attrac-

tion at the Empire State Building for parties of six or more people. During the skyride we learned about the history of NYC and all about the construction and history of the city’s greatest landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, The Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, just to name a few.

After the skyride we went up to the 86th floor where we were able to look down upon the city.

Afterwards, we had lunch in the theater district at Dallas BBQ. Dallas BBQ is a prime example of a NYC restaurant; it is two stories of dining with staff that communicate via

walkie-talkie. The food there is really something too, well worth checking out if ever in the city.

After lunch we toured both Times Square and Rockefeller Center.

Our night ended with a late dinner at the Hard Rock Café in Time Square. Following our dinner we ran eleven blocks to ensure that we would make it back to the bus stop on time for our bus back to Boston.

The trip was both exciting and educational. If you want to enjoy an experience like this one then come join Program Council. We are always looking for new members.

Time To Friend the Fasfa

Sallie Mae Assists Students With Videos, Tips and Online Chat Basking in the glory of having finally submitted college applications to your dream school, safety school, and a few others? Wait, there’s more. It’s time to get your financial house in order, too, and that means the FAFSA should be at the top of your list, says Sallie Mae, the only financial services company specializing in education.

Universally dreaded by college-bound students and their parents as a time-consuming and tedious financial chore, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is nevertheless a must-do for students looking to tap not only federal aid but also most state aid offerings. To help make it easier for students, Sallie Mae offers free tips and how-to videos at www.SallieMae.com/fafsa.

Sallie Mae will host an online chat with members of the

Financial Planning Association to answer your money questions on how to save the most for education and live by other smart money habits. The free chat, open to the public, takes place on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 9 to 10 p.m. EST. To participate in the live chat with Certified Financial Planners, visit www.Facebook.com/SallieMae. According to a national study from Sallie Mae and Gallup, 28 percent of families did not submit the FAFSA last academic year. Half said they did not complete the form because they were not aware or did not think they would qualify for aid.

While the form for the 2011-2012 academic year asks virtually the same 100-plus personal and financial questions as in the past, the Department of Education and IRS have made the form easier: beginning Jan.

30, families may transfer 2010 tax form data from the IRS to the FAFSA form.

Though the FAFSA requires students and parents to submit the information using 2010 tax information, families can use their 2009 tax info or other best estimate to get started and then later update the form once 2010 taxes have been filed.

This is important particularly because the IRS has recently announced that some taxpayers will need to wait till mid-to-late February to submit their tax forms because of recent changes to the tax code passed by Congress.

FAFSA deadlines differ by state, with the earliest on Feb. 15 in Connecticut, quickly followed by California, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland and Michigan in early March, to name a few.

PAWS Picks of the Month

PAGE 13 – NSCC PENNON

BY TANYA GREEN

Club Directory

A F R I C A N S O C I E T Y : LOVE MAYA A V I A T I O N : JOHN BOSCO B G L A D : TIFFANY MAGNOLIA B I O L O G I C A L S C I E N C E C L U B : SCOTT STIMPSON C H R I S T O N C A M P U S : JOHN TOBEY & LORA CONNELLY C I V I C E N G A G E M E N T : LAURIE MESSINA C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E : CONSTANTINE SOURIS & ANN KOSHIVAS E C O N O M I C S & F I N A N C E : MOONSU HAN E N G I N E E R I N G : MARY BETH STEIGERWALD F O O D S C I E N C E & S A F E T Y : ERNIE VIEIRA F R E N C H & S P A N I S H C L U B : IRENE FERNANDEZ M A R K E T I N G : PATRICIA MANNINEN M EDI A C LU B : J IM H A RR ING T O N M U L T I - C U L T U R A L S O C I E T Y : ESPY HERRERA & SUE DOWNEY M U S L I M A S S O C I A T I O N : YUSEF HAYES N U R S I N G C L A S S 2 0 0 9 : LORINDA LATZA P H I T H E T A K A P P A : FRED ALTIERI P H I L O S O P H Y C L U B : FRED ALTIERI P O E T S & W R I T E R S : JOE BOYD P S Y C H E D F O R P S Y C H : TBA R E S P I R A T O R Y C A R E : LEN LEBLANC S O T A : PATRICIA BANKS S T U D E N T A R T C L U B : JAMES CHISHOLM S U R F C L U B : SEAN HANLON V E T E R A N S : DAWN WENDELL W O M E N I N T R A N S I T I O N : MARGARET FIGGINS-HILL Y O U T H G R O U P U N I T E D : ALEXANDER GUZMAN

LE219 DB366 LW229 LW288 DB367 LW321 LW366 DB366 DB367C DB367 LW321 DH216 DB367A LE306 LE307 LW113 DB236 DB367B DH206 DB267H DB267H LE232

X.6693 X.5592 X.6622 X.6288 X.5585 X.6292 X.5512 X.5419 X.5418 X.5456 X.6650 X.4322 X.5442 X.6665 X 2159 X.6274 X.5529 X.5414 X.4427 X.5556 X.5556 X.6238

DH203 DH 203 DB366A DB367E DH106 DB366B LW157

X.4170 X.4174 X.5548 X.5467 X.4368 X.5515 X.6601

Organizations

P E N N O N : VICTORIA PASCIUTO P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C O U N C I L : MATTHEW WOODS P R O G R A M C O U N C I L : VICTORIA PASCIUTO S T U D E N T G O V E R N M E N T : VICTORIA PASCIUTO W O M E N ’ S C E N T E R : VICTORIA PASCIUTO

To find out more information about these and the numerous other pets that PAWS currently has up for adoption please call (781) 246-6111 or go to pawswakefield.rescuegroups.org. We can also be found on Facebook.

Please, give a deserving feline couple a happy home. In honor of Valentine’s Day I am doing a special couples edition of “PAWS Picks of the Month” featuring two feline couples from PAWS in Wakefield who must remain as such. Without further ado, it is time to meet the couples.

DB125 LW172 DB125 DB125 DB126 DB125

x.5471 x.6228 x.5471 x5471 x.5490 x.5471

Guinness Lordan and Murphy Lordan

About Us:

We are both: declawed house-trained, good with kids and other cats, 7 years and 1 month old (best estimate), male, and neutered MUST BE ADOPTED TOGETHER

More About Guinness

Species: Cat Rescue ID: C100139 General Color: Brown Tabby Color: white with brown tiger saddle, tail, head, white c / Tabby Current Size: 22 Pounds Catch Of The Day Love comes in all shapes and sizes. My love, like me, is defi-

More About Murphy

Species: Cat Rescue ID: C100139 General Color: Brown Tabby Color: brown tiger with black stripes, declawed / Tabby Current Size: 18 Pounds I Am Not Lost, But I Do Want To Be Found I appear to be the quiet type at first, somewhat reserved, but

nitely of the large variety. I am an outgoing teddy bear in personality … a guy who likes to live large and love large, it’s that simple. I consider myself a human being lover and a fledgling expert on human behavior.

I do know that if I show you my belly, there usually is a rub or two in it for me. I am an equal opportunity attention seeker and that is only for strangers. I do warm up quickly and happily.

I easily provide that safe, comfortable, relaxed feeling you get when you have met someone special. Being a simple guy with simple needs sometimes makes things work in the easiest way.

I am a strange combination of sports enthusiast and

Thing 1 and Thing 2

quite social with my human and related friends.

My hobbies are dining in, sunning myself, and working out. I particularly like wrestling with my brother, Murphy. I think I can beat him paws down.

It would be purrfect if we were adopted together. There is always something nice about family staying together.

affectionate lover as I will watch sports while I drape myself around your neck. Your favorite teams will become my favorite teams. I cherish the time we can spend together.

The only thing consistent in my life is my brother, Guinness. We are a bonded pair and do need to be adopted together.

We are both: spayed, house-trained females who are good with cats. We are both 7 months old (best estimate) and MUST BE ADOPTED TOGETHER. touching and sleep curled up storm the minute I see you walk More About Thing 1 together. I am not a loud lookinto a room. While I am not a Species: Cat rambunctious kitten, I do like at-me kind of girl but rather a Rescue ID: C100126 my playtime like any other cat sweet and gentle lady who has a General Color: Black in good standing in the feline big heart full of love for you. I Color: Black with white locket species. am not looking for a fairy tale / Solid I am very bonded with ending - just my dream come Current Size: 2.5 Pounds my BFF, Thing 2, and need to be true, which would be you, me Lady in Waiting adopted with her. Don’t worry and Thing 2.

I consider myself pretty friend… We don’t take up a lot of ly, and will definitely purr up a room as we are almost always

About Us:

More About Thing 2

Species: Cat Rescue ID: C100126 General Color: Gray Color: Gray with white locket / Solid Current Size: 2.5 Pounds Sugar And Spice and Oh So Nice Sweet and gentle gal with warm

heart and even warmer disposition is on the prowl for her forever home. I hold my closest friends dear to my heart and that is why I need to be adopted with my BFF, Thing 1. We are an extremely bonded pair that is always in tandem on things.

Once you meet us you will see what I mean. I enjoy a good catnap in the sun, a good

Sunday newspaper on which to perch while you attempt to read, and a good human to call my own.

If you are looking for happy, healthy and well-adjusted without the drama, then look up me and Thing 1; we will definitely be your type.

PAGE 14 – NSCC PENNON

BY LISA MILSO

The 2011 New Orleans Service Team would like to thank Dr. Wayne Burton, the Alumni Association, and the Council for International Education and all those who supported our fundraising activities. With your assistance we were able to raise over $8,000 toward the cost of this trip.

You may find yourself wondering, why New Orleans?

Almost six years have passed Hurricane Katrina since wreaked havoc in the Gulf.

Have not all of the houses, schools and businesses been restored by now? Eleven students, one faculty member and I were privileged to recently represent North Shore Community College and sadly discover through our service that although some have been restored, there is still a large amount of work that needs to be done.

Over the course of ten days from January 5th through the 15th we worked with Beacon of Hope, the Green Project and Rebuilding Together assisting residents, restoring neighborhoods and protecting the environment. We measured, drilled, sanded, nailed, painted,

A Valuable Trip to New Orleans salvaged and recycled. We listened, observed and learned just how resilient, optimistic and grateful the people of New Orleans are for not being forgotten. We also found them to be understandably frustrated and angry at the Federal and local government officials for their lack of preparedness, intervention and funding.

The following are a few excerpts from some of the student reflection papers. Their words capture the emotions and experiences we felt and encountered. Post-trip information sessions will be held for those who wish to learn more about our experiences, and see our photos which document the current state, traditions, and soul of New Orleans.

“My first time on the trip, it was very upsetting to tour the lower ninth and see that it was the only part of the city that seemed untouched. It was even more upsetting this year touring through the same part of the city with a majority of neighbors still missing and homes still untouched. The city of New Orleans definitely improved from last year. There are more cars on the road, more homes being built. The down side is that it took years to rebuild the city and to see the improvement.

We will never know how long it will take until the city is actually finished (Mirna Portillo).”

“I expected nothing from the city and it gave me back a life experience and a lesson that will influence every decision I make for the rest of my life…. Because I never expected anything in exchange for my service, every lesson became a great gift. I have confidence in the unknown reasons for our free service to the people we helped; be it simply giving a hand or a greater impact for some of us whose eyes are open to injustice and will fight it in the future (Sara Barrientos).”

“I was amazed by the enthusiasm of the people. We met a lady who we were not assigned to help. She told us her story and thanked us for helping. Her story was sad but she was strong and she kept saying, ‘it is alright, I am blessed. I learned to survive (Farah Ahmad).’”

“One of the things that had the biggest impact on me was not the large amount of houses that were destroyed, not the big empty spaces that look like baseball fields, but the hope people have… We got to talk to a woman who had her house affected by Katrina. She was saying that even when she did

Verizon iPhone Continued

AT&T uses a GSM (Global System for Mobile) network and Verizon uses a CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) network. This is ignorable geek speak except for one fact: you will not be able to browse the web while you are engaged in a voice telephone call on a Verizon iPhone 4.

Because these phones are substantially identical, you may be tempted to immediately switch from AT&T to Verizon.

After all, advertising and propaganda aside, the Verizon Network is known to be the best, most far-reaching mobile network and it rarely drops calls.

But, here’s what you need to consider:

1) AT&T is not letting you out of your contract without an early termination fee. AT&T’s wireless customer agreement says the fee is $325 minus $10 for each month of service paid for. The AT&T iPhone 4 came out at the end of June 2010, so do the math.

2) The aftermarket for your existing AT&T iPhone is going to be non-existent, so you will also be eating the cost of your $200-$300 iPhone 4.

3) Your Verizon iPhone 4 is going to set you back $200$300 depending upon which one you select.

4) You must make a two-year

commitment to Verizon -- and this is the big one -- REMEMBER -- the Verizon iPhone 4 is a3G, EVDO, CDMA device.

This means that is will work on the existing Verizon 3G network, but it is not 4G compatible.

Verizon has been busy shouting as loud as it can about LTE (Long Term Evolution), its new 4G network. It will not be long before Verizon starts to offer 4G mobile devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4G, Motorola’s Xoom, any number of Android smartphones and a ton of other 4G LTE stuff.

Which begs for the question: With 4G around the corner, why would you commit to a two-year contract in February 2011 for a 3G device?

It makes no sense at all.

If Apple continues its MO of one new iPhone per year, you can expect the iPhone 5 to debut this spring/summer. Will it be a 4G LTE compatible device? I hope so. If it isn’t, it will have no chance competing with the Samsung, HTC, Moto and other 4G LTE devices that will be everywhere by then.

When you look at the cost of switching, the cost of the commitment to 3G and the sunk cost of purchasing two iPhones that are obsolete, switching is not a great idea and signing up for a new Verizon iPhone 4 is,

well … dumb.

For those of you who are still not convinced that you should sit this one out, here are a few facts you need to know:

1) A Verizon version of Apple’s iPhone 4 will be available for pre-order on February 3, 2010

3) The Verizon iPhone will act as a five device mobile hotspot.

It’s like having a MiFi 2200 WiFi hotspot built into your phone. Awesome feature!

4) Pricing. The 16GB model is expected to cost $200, the 32GB model is expected to cost $300 (Both require a 2-year contract).

5) You cannot take your AT&T iPhone, walk into Verizon and ask them to switch it over, you must purchase a new Verizon iPhone.

6) If you switch, all of your apps will still work. Apps are a function of the iPhone and have nothing to do with the network.

If you cancel your AT&T iPhone and purchase a new Verizon iPhone, iTunes will just restore your apps to your new Verizon iPhone Shelly Palmer is the host of NBC Universal’s, Live Digital with Shelly Palmer

not have a safe roof, she was still grateful because she knew it could have been worse for her.

She said she has no volunteers helping her fix her house, even though it stills needs work, and she was thankful that others were getting help. This was not the only time I heard people saying this during the trip. The hope people have shown really helped me to get strength even when I was very exhausted during the trip (Gisell De La Cruz).”

“New Orleans was everything I expected it to be and more. I did not think that I would be as moved as I was. It changed my character and

helped change my already developing outlook on life….. I was not expecting the heartshattering pain that I felt when I saw the lower ninth…. I was not expecting to fall in love with New Orleans… It does not matter how we helped or who we helped, just that we helped and made a difference (Roberta Leal).”

With media and public attention fading from reports of newer disasters, we cannot again thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to continue our commitment to serve and assist the residents of New Orleans.

Campus Police Continued

the best equipped, the best trained, and the best staff of all of the community colleges out there,” he said. “We know the building, we know the people, and we are here.” If something went wrong in Danvers, Puska and his team have the skills and the tactics set in place to “neutralize the threat.” Being armed could ensure that the campus police could quickly initiate action and possibly prevent even the most extreme acts of violence.

One former NSCC student was caught with the trunk of his car full of weapons. He had reportedly drove to Madison, Wisconsin and waved a gun in a woman’s face because her son owed him money. The student had previously made some comments in class, which got the attention of the instructor. He had warned campus police about him, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Most of the campus shootings have been by a single shooter, but Chief Puska raises a good point. “They always talk to somebody,” he said. Either through an email, Facebook, a

conversation, or simply by hearing it in the background, you know when you hear comments that could lead to some sort of violence, just as the instructor did in class to keep the campus police aware of the former student’s possible intentions. It is important to report it, if not to the campus police themselves, at least to an administrator or a faculty member. If you’re not sure, just tell someone you trust.

No harm can come from that.

The world is always changing. Some of it is good, and some is inevitably bad. As long as we change with it, we will be ready for the future. If arming our campus police is recommended by the Board of Higher Education, voted on by over 80% of NSCC students, and backed confidently by Chief Puska himself, then maybe we are on the right track.

In all facets of life, we should be ready and able to move forward, even if there are obstacles in our way. “I want to be prepared,” said Puska. The best way to do this is to be one step ahead, at all times.

PAGE 15 – NSCC PENNON

February 2011 MON

SUN

TUES

1

Performing Arts Audition (Sign up in Student Life) LW 329 3:00pm-5:30pm

6

13

20

27

7

8

14

15

Program Council Women’s Center Meeting Meeting DB208&LE307 DB130 2:00pm-4:00pm 11:30am-12:45pm Queer, Straight Alliance Meeting DB130 1:30pm-3:00pm SGA Meeting DB208 & LE307 3:00pm-4:30pm P C M e e t i n g DB208&LE307 2:00pm-3:00pm PC Lecture Lynn Gym TBA SGA Meeting DB208 & L E 3 0 7 3 : 0 0 p m 4:30pm

21

28

2 Performing Arts Audition (Sign up’s required) HP109 3:00pm-5:30pm

Game Day DB129 10:00am-2:00pm

Game Day DB129 10:00am-2:00pm

22 Women’s Center Meeting DB130 11:30am-12:45pm

Important Numbers

CONNECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS: Lynn: (781) 593-6722 Danvers: (978) 762-4000 Beverly Cummings Center (978) 236-1200

Math & Writing Lab Lynn x6254 Danvers x5417 Hawthorne x1544 Computer Lab Lynn x6296 Danvers x5569

WED

Library

Lynn (781) 477-2133 Danvers (978) 762-4000 x.5526

Book Store

Lynn (781) 477-2127 Danvers (978) 762-4046

Weather Hotline (978) 762-4200

PC = PROGRAM COUCIL WC = WOMEN’S CENTER PTK= PHI THETA KAPPA SGA = STUDENT GOVERNMENT

PAC = PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL

Events are Subject to Change

9

16

23

THURS

3 Pennon Meeting (School Newspaper) DB208 & LE307 2:00pm-3:00pm Performing Arts Audition HP109 3:00pm-5:30pm

FRI

4

SAT

5

11

12

17

18

19

24

25

26

10

Game Day DB129 10:00am-2:00pm

Pennon Meeting DB208&LE307 2:00pm-3:00pm

Game Day DB129 10:00am-2:00pm

NSCC Spring 2011 Schedule

* Deadline to change from audit to credit or credit to audit Feb 11, 2011 * President's Day no classes Feb 21, 2011

* Deadline to petition to graduate to ensure name in May Commencement Program Mar 10, 2011 * Evacuation Day no classes Mar 17, 2011 * Spring Break Mar 21, 2011 to Mar 27, 2011

* Classes resume, day and evening Mar 28, 2011 * Final Exam Schedule posted under Pipeline Announcements Apr 15, 2011

* Patriot's Day - no classes Apr 18, 2011

* Deadline for IP Contracts from Fall 2009 Apr 22, 2011

* Last day to drop a course or withdraw from college with a "W" grade Apr 23, 2011

* Day classes end May 13, 2011 * Evening classes end May 16, 2011

* Final Exam period, day classes May 16, 2011 to May 18, 2011 * Commencement no evening classes (4 p.m. and later) May 26, 2011

* Memorial Day - no classes May 30, 2011

PAGE 16 – NSCC PENNON

Alumni Corner 1987

Alumni Author Sharon Love Cook

NSCC grad Sharon Love Cook ’87 is a woman of many talents who has found a way to incorporate her various skills and interests in her career.

An author, cartoonist and occasional stand-up comic, Sharon’s new mystery entitled “A Nose for Hanky Panky” combines these skills in a novel one reviewer described as “an entertaining novel about a murder in a quaint coastal community on Boston’s Cape Ann; a story punctuated by a witty undertone that will have you chuckling all the way to the climactic final chapter.”

Sharon’s book was released by Mainly Murder Press, a publisher specializing in mysteries by New England writers. Cook, a resident of Beverly Farms, also illustrated the cover. The book’s setting, Granite Cove, a “sleepy fishing village,” was inspired by Cape Ann where Cook grew up and

now has a studio at Gloucester’s historic Blackburn Building.

Sharon graduated from North Shore Community College in 1987. She is also a graduate of Montserrat College of Art, Salem State University and has an MFA in literature from Bennington College. In

addition to her work as an author and cartoonist, Sharon has taught writing at NSCC and is a volunteer and Vice President of Friends of Beverly Animals (FOBA), an all volunteer organization helping homeless animals.

Are you graduating? Need money to continue your education?

The Alumni Association awards $1000 scholarships every year to students completing a certificate or degree program and continuing on to a 4-year school. Awards are based on merit, academic scholarship and campus/community service. You must have already completed a program or be graduating in May or August of 2011 to be eligible.

Let us help you reach your academic goals! Scholarship information and applications are available now in Student Support, Financial Aid, and Alumni Office located at DB 330, as well as online on the NSCC Alumni webpage.

Application deadline is March 1, 2011. For more information, contac Sandy Rochon in the Alumni Office at (978)762-4000, ext 5481 or at srochon@northshore.edu.

Would you like to submit an article or interview for the next Pennon issue?

Do you have a cartoon, drawing, photograph, short story or poem you’d like to see in print?

EMAIL IT TO THE PENNON:

PENNON@NORTHSHORE.EDU