O
utLook STUDENT PRESS Chancellor’s Award Winners are Named
“Monday through Thursday the Testing Center is open from 8:15 a.m.to 9:45 p.m. However, on Fridays the closing time is reduced to 2:30 p.m.” Sara Birnbaum, Student
The Testing Center’s short Friday hours poses problems for some.
Opinion 10 “Charlie Sheen’s drug-related antics, incoherent banter, and home life have been sweeping more important events such as the crisis in Libya under the rug.” Marvin Matthew, Student
How media coverage and readership in America should improve.
Students recognized for academic success, campus involvement Rebecca Gross
staff writer
This year, Rockland Community College was privileged to have four students, Laura Duran, Student Activities Board Chair, Mario Frascone III, the Director of RCC-TV, Kimberlyn Frost, and Vanessah Raymond, the Secretary of the Student Government Association, win the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest award given by SUNY. “I love it. I always do a lot of work and generally I just get a pat on the back and have to keep going,” Frascone said. “This is everything I have worked for in the last two years so it is really exciting to be recognized for it.” According to the SUNY website, the award, which was established 12 years ago, is given to graduating students who integrate “academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement,” and have also “demonstrated significant contributions to the greater campus community.” The award is highly selective; in 2009, only 238 students out of nearly 400,000 SUNY students, were chosen for this distinction. Winners are selected through a rigorous three–part process. First, they must be nominated by faculty members. When selected, the nominees must submit a detailed application detailing their extracurriculars and leadership abilities.
According to Duran, the process was equally as rewarding. “It [the award] required me to reflect on my time here, reminding me how hard I have worked,” Duran stated. The students must show excellence in community service, arts, leadership, athletics, career achievement, and academics (although they can leave the arts and athletics categories blank.) They must include faculty recommendations, as well as pieces of writing and what they are passionate about in the application. “These last two years have been the most challenging and, simultaneously, the most rewarding two years of my life,” Duran said. “It is easy to take on so much and forget what it is that you are doing or how you are making a difference so I am glad that this process sort of slowed me down and made me reflect, which I believe is the best reward, whether I won or not,” she added. For Frascone, The Multi-Media Production Center and the MT/S Honors Program were two programs that were special to him, and while he gave much to RCC, he feels RCC gave back to him as well. “I couldn’t pass up going to school for a fraction of the value and be able to work in my field years before the average student, and get an Honors AA degree that will look amazing to transfer,” he said. The nominee’s application then goes to a campus selection committee. If it passes through that committee, it heads to SEE AWARDS PAGE 3
Vanessah Raymond and Laura Duran
Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
Features 5
Vol. 43 Issue 12 March 14, 2011 Outlookpress.org
Mario Frascone
Kimberlyn Frost
Survivor Recounts Horrors of Modern Slavery “Once the conflict has begun, the children could then “evolve” their creatures into more useful offensive weapons and escalate the struggle to a much more complex and destructive level.” Parents Outraged by Pokemon
Children turn their pets into real live Pokemen, and suffer the consequences.
staff Writer
On Monday March 7, Beatrice Fernando told of her experiences as a slave in Lebanon, to SUNY Rockland students and faculty. The event was presented by a joint effort involving the Women’s History Month Committee, Democracy Through the Eyes of Women, and the Anti-Slavery Committee, as part of a series to increase visibility on the problem of slavery throughout the world. “It’s amazing that she can come out and tell people about
her experiences because not a lot of people get that opportunity and can make it through that ordeal,” said Dena Kopolovich. Before telling her own story, Fernando spoke about the nature of slavery today and how it takes many forms in our modern world. She further described the four major categories used by the U.S. in identification of slavery, which are: chattel slavery, debt bondage, sex slavery, and forced labor. Fernando was a victim of forced labor, tricked by an employment agency that offered to move her to Lebanon for two SEE SLAVERY PAGE 3
Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
SATIRE 11
Louie Gaitan
Author Beatrice Fernando recounts the nature of modern day slavery and how she herself was forced to become a slave.
News
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March 14, 2011
Lindsay Buteux
Staff Writer
Scarce warm days, subtle indications of early springtime signal the approach of St. Patrick’s Day. Kicking off the month dedicated to the celebration of Irish culture, RCC held its first Irish event, the CrossRoads Ceili, in the Cultural Arts Center on the night of Feb. 24. As guests gathered in the atrium, they were greeted with the sound of Irish tunes being played by a few musicians. Some arrivers rested at tables to enjoy the music and watch step dancers, dressed in ornate competition dresses, perform several jigs and reels. Others browsed over elaborate jewelry from The Danu Gallery of Pearl River, a display of bracelets, earrings, and pendants of Celtic knots and gemstones. Escorted into the auditorium, all the guests were in for a night of music and dancing. Two opera singers from the Manhattan Lyric Opera, accompanied by a pianist, started the show. Their song selections ranged from entertaining tunes such as “Almost Like Being in Love” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” to the pieces of “Danny Boy” and “’The Last Rose of Summer.” Following their performance, the curtains were drawn to reveal a group of young musicians. Ranging from age ten to seventeen, these students were from the Martin Mulvihill Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann (CCE). As soon as they began, the audience was shocked by their musical abilities. Among the various instruments played were accordions, concertinas, fiddles, a cello, flutes, whistles, drums, and guitars. One of the youngest students, Katie Parnow, played a moving slow aire on her concertina. Interspersed within the tunes was singing. Neidin Loughran performed a song “In my Father’s House,” which spoke of a time in Ireland when there was no greater source of entertainment than music and dancing. During different songs, several girls left their instruments to dance jigs and reels. Catriona Furlong, an Irish step
dancing champion, performed a “hard shoe” step, trebling in perfect time to the music. Even at a young age, they have an abundance of experience. Most of them had traveled to Ireland this past summer to compete in the under 15 All-Ireland Ceili Band competition. It is no surprise that these rising stars took home medals for second place, a magnificent win for a young American group. Three of them stepped up to the microphone to perform tunes that they had played for solo competitions in the All-Irelands last year. Siobhan Parnow, a cellist and whistle player, played a slow aire on her low whistle. Fiddler Sarah Buteux, performed a lively reel that had won her second place in the All-Irelands as well. One of the youngest students, Kenny Vesey, astounded listeners with a vivacious reel he played on his whistle. He took first place in the All-Irelands, a rare victory for someone as young as he. Ten of these students have formed a new band called Ceol Milis, meaning “sweet music” in Gaelic. Although they haven’t even been an official band for a year, they have performed at numerous shows and events. The band explained how they were chosen to perform at Citi Field this past August on Irish Day, a day they will never forget. These kids have a unique quality that sets them apart from most of their generation: dedication. The Irish culture continues to survive because of people such as them who spend time playing these traditional tunes. A member of Ceol Milis, Deirdre Morgan, states, “There was a time when Irish culture almost died out because of a lack of appreciation for it. But this night keeps the culture alive and well today.” The evening came to a close with Kiera McGeever playing elegant tunes on the harp. All the musicians returned, and the O’Flynn and O’Sullivan family stepped out to do a few Ceili dances. The auditorium roared with cheers and clapping as these sprightly couples spun about the stage. Everyone left with a piece of Ireland, whether it be a favorite song or dance.
SGA Blood Drive Brings Huge Turnout The Student Government Association, held their second blood drive of the year, in the second floor of the Student Union building on March 10. Similar to the first blood drive in the
fall semester, there was a large turnout of students and faculty eager to donate blood. Helping out the staff were a number of student EMTs taking blood pressure and pulses. Photos by Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
Photos by Lindsay Buteux / Outlook Student Press
CrossRoads Ceili Opens Irish History Month
CrossRoads Ceili plays the Cultutral Arts Center in the kickoff to Irish History Month.
News
March 14, 2011
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Students (above and below) meet with representatives of colleges from around the country at the recent College Transfer Fair.
Photos by Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
Transfer Fair Brings Students and Colleges Together Chris Barker
Staff Writer
A number of colleges and universitis attended the recent College Transfer Fair, showcasing the opportunities they offer to students, in the Cultural Arts Building. SUNY Oswego, Oneonta, Binghamton, John Jay, and many others sent
representatives to the campus, as did William Patterson University, Columbia University, Berkeley College, Hofstra University, Five Towns College, and many more. “Attending the college transfer fair on Thursday allowed me to gain new information on universities, which will help me decide on what school I would like to attend upon leaving Rockland Community Colleg,” said first year student Kaylee
Conway. College fairs are a great opportunity for students to show an interest in a school. Many students also use college fairs as an opportunity to get advice, get noticed and receive the information required to make decisions on which school to transfer to. This week’s college fairs consisted of many booths to visit, and many eager admissions counselors/representatives
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards Winners Named >> AWARDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the campus president, who then forwards it to the Office of University Life in Albany for another round of review. If it emerges triumphant from there, it is then recommended to the Chancellor. Vanessah Raymond also found the
process, “more tedious than I expected, because you don’t really know what information you need to put in the portfolio, and what information would be superfluous.” The awards ceremony, where
the winners will receive a framed certificate and a medallion to be worn at commencement, will be take place on Tues., April 5 at 3:00 pm. in the Empire State Plaza.
ready to answer any questions students might have, ranging from what life on campus is like to which classes are offered. Student, Bethany Leon stated, “The college transfer fair this week was very helpful because it gave the opportunity to many students, including myself, the ability to ask specific questions to the college representatives, that I wouldn’t be able to find on the school website.”
News
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March 14, 2011
Students Fish for Parking Spots During Outdoor Exposition Outdoor enthusiasts rush to Expo, causing parking problems for students on campus Josh Blachorsky
news editor
The World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition took place in the Field House at SUNY Rockland from March 3-6, attracting hundreds of people from across New York State, but few students. This large influx of state residents coming to the school created a significant issue with parking on campus. “Coming to RCC on Thursday was a nightmare” said sophomore Ilana Grant. “I had to drive around until I finally found a spot in the row furthest away from the school and I was 10 minutes late to class. The expo, which started on a Thursday, cut into the schedules of students driving into the parking lots expecting to find a spot, as they would any other day. According to Public Safety officer Carl Jenkins, “There was a system in place that gave priority to students and faculty. If we were directing traffic, we would let a student or teacher in first, and only later the guests.” However, even with that system, many students found it problematic. Show director of the expo, L. Jonathan Sauers, called the parking issue “one that
we know is there, but something that we will have to live with.” He added, “We have off site parking and shuttle service, and are working to find new ways to alleviate the problem.” Aside from the troublesome parking, patrons appeared to be enjoying themselves in the booth-laden Field House. Hunter Bracker of Claverack, came with his two sons Cooper and Jack, on Sunday, the final day of the expo, which was also dubbed “family day.” “Everything here is great” he said. “Getting my kids into the outdoorsman lifestyle, there’s nothing better,” Bracker added. Sauers went on to encourage more RCC students to attend the expo. “I feel we need to inspire the next generation of outdoorsmen; if a professor approached me and asked to somehow integrate the expo into his/her curriculum I would definitely be for that.” He also added, “We’re also looking into giving discounted or free admission to RCC students.” Despite parking, the event went rather smoothly. Organized months in advance, the expo went off without a hitch, which has been the case for nearly every single one of the expos that RCC has hosted for the past 34 years. Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
News Blurb: RCC Students Featured on Front Page of Journal News Two RCC students were featured in the March 2 issue of the Journal News, a daily newspaper which covers the Hudson Valley. Marvin Mathew and Stan Morodokhin were featured for their work as the co-creators of the Water Justice Alliance, a student run organization which aims to provide drinkable water to developing countries. “It’s great that they were able to cover us,” said Marvin Mathew, who aside from being a co-founder of WJA is also the President of the Student Government Association. Mathew explained that he and Morodokhin sent out a press release to attempt to garner attention, and two weeks later a reporter from the Journal News called to set up an interview and photo shoot. Besides for providing publicity, the story has also helped the WJA with their fundraising effort. “All good publicity helps” said Mathew, “the story has definitely helped us towards our goals.” The goals outlined by the WJA are to raise $5000 and send over 350 water filters to Port- Au-Prince, Haiti. Mathew went on to recount a specific event where his Spanish Professor, Josephine Tarsia, brought in several copies of the issue and asked how she can make a donation towards the WJA. “It’s all about getting the word out” Mathew said. “The more people who know about what we’re doing, the more people can help us help people; and that’s what it’s all about”
Author Recounts Life in Slavery
>> SLAVERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 years to work as a housemaid for a sizable income that she would receive upon her return. Desperate for a better life for her son and her family, she agreed to go despite having little knowledge of the world beyond her town; let alone her country. “You know how you go to an appliance store to buy a vacuum cleaner or a washer machine, how you decide what you want to buy,” Fernando said. “That’s how they looked at us.” When arriving in Lebanon, Fernando recalled being forced to give up her passport, which is the first step in making someone a slave in the forced labor systems. Without identification in a foreign country a person is left helpless and at the mercy of his or her captors. During her time as a slave, Beatrice worked for two families. Although the first family was not abusive, she starved and was highly isolated, and beaten frequently by the second family. “It was very moving and inspiring,” said student Andrea Saravia. “Her story was mind-boggling and left me speechless.” Fernando is the author of “In Contempt of Fate,” a novel recounting her life as a slave. She also founded the Nivasa Foundation, an organization created to combat slavery in Sri Lanka and help former victims of slavery. The foundation helps victims by funding the education of their children.
Features
March 14, 2011
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The Friday Rush to the Testing Center Students in need of late Friday afternoon services may be disappointed to find the Center closed Sara Birnbaum
contributing writer
It’s Friday; the weekend is so close. One more test to take and you are finished for the week! You walk to the Technology Building, anticipating the test. You climb the stairs to the third floor and walk to room 8346. You are ready, but the door is locked. You check your watch. 2:30 p.m. You groan and wonder when you will be able to make up this test. You could be thinking, should I email my teacher, will I have to study again over the weekend, can I even take this on Monday? The Testing Center is crucial to Rockland Community College. It proctors students who need to take make-up exams, re-take tests and plays a significant role to students who are enrolled in Distance Learning Classes or are currently in other colleges. The only problem with the Testing Center is the Friday hours. Monday through Thursday, the center is open from 8:15 a.m.t o 9:45 p.m. However, on Fridays the closing time is 2:30 p.m. This creates a problem for the student body. Students are on campus at all times of the day and should be able to take tests
Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press
after 2:30 on Fridays as well. “I think it is very inconvenient that the Testing Center closes so early in the afternoon on Friday,” says Chris Barker, a student here at RCC. “This is specifically a problem for people who have classes
all day Friday and are not able to use the Testing Center because by the time they get out of class, it’s closed. I know some students work throughout the week in the afternoons, and are off on Friday. Since the Testing Center is closed at the time they
need it open, they are at a disadvantage.” When asked why Friday hours are short, Acting Director of Academic Support Services, Tom Dellatorre, who runs both the Tutoring Center and Testing Center responded, “Tradition. It has always been this way and does not have such a demand to be opened on Friday. The Testing Center is open for long hours during the rest of the week. There has been no request to stay open longer on Fridays.” No one has made him aware that extending the Center’s hours would be highly beneficial to students all around campus, Mr. Dellatorre said. If there were a high demand to stay open he would try to be responsive, but expanding the hours might come at a cost. Dellatorre stated, “If we expand hours, we need to find budget money to do so. It’s not magic or a secret to do it.” Mr. Dellatorre then posed a question. “How long would the hours be extended for? Five o’clock? Seven o’clock? How late are students requesting the center to be open for?” Mr. Dellatorre continued with a smile. “If there is a genuine need for it, we will meet it. It is our job!” The need will be met if more people express their desire for longer Friday hours.
“You Didn’t Like SUNY Albany?!” Brittany Coard
Contributing Writer
“You didn’t like Albany?!” seems to be the question that I get the most often with a certain level of shock, as though I had just said I didn’t like Disney World. Then comes the whole slew of questions about why I decided not to go back to school after winter break. I had initially left for the University at Albany with every intention of loving it. From my orientation weekend up until move-in day, it had been every graduating high school senior’s dream: new MacBook Pro, assorted things to decorate a dorm with, and parents waiting on you hand and foot in preparation for their own empty nest syndrome. Even though I am an only child, I don’t think there had ever been a period where I’d been more spoiled by my family
members than the summer of 2010. My transition to life in Albany went swimmingly, my roommates were fun and our residence hall was located perfectly between the dining hall and the lecture halls. We would get meals together, walk to the same classes together, complain about the same schoolwork, party together, and eat late night calzones together. Now I know you may be wondering, “What’s not to like?” Well, believe it or not, I got extremely bored. Being overly involved in multiple extracurriculars in high school, I only participated in Albany’s Student Press and nothing else. The rest of my time was consumed with the same cyclical behavior that I learned to hate, and I slowly started finding more things to complain about than just the dining hall food. To say that my professors in the courses I had actually wanted to focus on were incompetent, would be an
The straw that broke this journalism student’s back, so to speak, came when the university announced it would be cutting the French, Italian, Russian, Theatre, and Classics programs. understatement, and that’s putting it nicely. Through some research, I learned that a large majority of professors in these programs were adjunct faculty who taught because they had the extra time to and not because they were passionate about it. Additionally, most of the state’s funding for SUNY Albany went toward the science and pre-health career programs rather than the humanities. The straw that broke this journalism student’s back, so to speak, came when the university announced it would be
cutting French, Italian, Russian, Theatre, and the Classics programs by May 2012, but continuing with the projected construction of new apartment buildings for upperclassmen. And new fountains. This news made many students, like my suitemate, begin making plans to transfer to other universities that offered the courses they wanted. So where does Rockland Community College fit into all this? Well, I had never considered it to be a viable option while in high school but I realized that I could just get my general education requirements out of the way and save my parents the money until I ended up in a school that I actually wanted to attend. None of this is to say that you may dislike Albany, but just a thought to help you consider another perspective. If you’re considering applying for transfer to SUNY Albany for humanities, you might want to think of going somewhere else.
March 14, 2011
Style & Entertainment
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The albums that will rock you in 2011! Stay on the lookout for these exciting new releases Ken Grand-Pierre Staff Writer
Finding quality music has grown harder to obtain. People don’t watch music videos anymore or use MTV as a musical resource, but luckily for our readers Outlook is here to relieve that stress. Listed here are the albums coming out this year that you should be excited for and the reasons why. The Strokes: “Angles”(To Be Released: March 22) Their new single, “Undercover of Darkness” embodies everything you want from a single; catchiness, a moody demeanor, and the best part is that it all comes across as simple enjoyment. The album is called Angles and is one of the most anticipated of the year with a run time of only 40 minutes. If “Undercover of Darkness” is a prelude of what’s to come than “Angles” is sure to be a great ride.
Elbow: Build A Rocket Boys! (To Be Released: March 7) In 2008, Elbow released their fourth studio album “The Seldom Seen Kid,” which blew many people away. Tracks such as “An Audience with the Pope” and “One Day Like This” are orchestrated as borderline masterpieces and paved the way for the band to scoop the prestigious Mercury Award. So what does a band do after all of that? They return to their roots and treat their next release as just another release. On Dec.17, the band released a video playing the track “Lippy Kids” from their upcoming album, “Build A Rocket Boys!” the whole track proved that the band still knows how to create atmosphere (front man Guy Garvey’s whistles and Pete Turner’s foot tapping’s adds a lot of personality to the track).
The Joy Formidable: The Big Roar (To Be Released: March 15) The Joy Formidable are incredible. For three years, the band has been touring relentlessly and releasing single after single, amassing a massive fan base while
a debut album wasn’t even planned. This has changed now with the bands album rightfully titled “The Big Roar.” Tracks such as “I Don’t Want To See You Like This” and “Austure” promise to stay in your head days after you’ve heard them and the combination of Ritzy Bryan’s and Rhydian Dafydd’s vocals are sure to impress.
Coldplay: “TBA” (To Be Released: Summer 2011) Coldplay have never done anything wrong. The song writing has stayed simple release after release, while the production value simply got better and better. “Viva La Vida” proved that this was a band that wasn’t afraid to be who they were, while adding some creativity to it (see the video for “Strawberry Swing”). Front man Chris Martin promises a tale of two friends who go through hard times but reunite in the end through the power of friendship. The album is said to range from themes of hope, dreams, aspiration, depression, and addiction. The band are also set to headline Glastonbury Music Festival as a pure celebration for this album’s release and will feature a duet with Tim Wheeler (Martin’s inspiration to forming Coldplay) from Ash.
Sum 41: “Screaming Bloody Murder” (To Be Released March 29) It could probably go without saying that Sum 41’s last record was a disaster. The lyrics were solid and the three-piece structure worked for the most part, but majority of the bands fan base found the release to be a lackluster effort. So after many years of hiatus and the addition of a rocking new member (named Tom Thacker), the band are geared up to take over the world once again. Will they do so in a punk fashion once again? Most likely not, but the title track “Screaming Bloody Murder” (which is currently their new single) goes to show that they have learned from their mistakes and are truly back to form.
Young Legionnaire: “Crisis Works” (Released: May 9th) Paul Mullen (singer/guitarist of The Automatic) joins with Gordon Moakes (bassist of Bloc Party) to create harmonic melodies. This year will feature the band releasing their debut album Crisis Works, which is inspired by the frustration of the current state of financial and social issues that are being felt across the board. Such a premise mixed with the talents of such musicians is definitely going to be a treat.
Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Dr. Johnny Skinz’s Disproportionately Rambunctious Polar Express Machine-Head” (To Be Released: August 2011) Ridiculous titles aside, Red Hot Chili Peppers have been known to please their fans time and time again. Whether it’d be music videos filled with wild antics or mellow tracks to enjoy at the end of a long day, it’s definitely apparent that the music world has been missing them. As of now, any information on direction or song writing remains a mystery. The band refused to allow any of their songs to be used because they found the show to make songs feel “emotionally displaced.”
Arctic Monkeys: “TBA” (To Be Released: Summer 2011) The Arctic Monkeys are a band that currently have one of the most interesting careers in music. With two number one albums under their belts 2009, the band ventured into new territory with their third album “Humbug,” An album that submersed the listener in darkness while
still showcasing the creative talents of the band throughout the entire duration. Despite the Monkeys’ questionable new track “Brick by Brick,” the band has never failed to disappoint and hopefully this new album will follow in tradition. Miles Kane: “Colour of the Trap” (To Be Released: April 25) Talented singer, Miles Kane’s singles “Inhaler” and “Come Closer” go to prove that he’s a man hungry to impress with sing a long track that skit between stadium fillers and simple bar tunes. Some things to definitely look forward to are the tracks “My Fantasy” which features vocals from Noel Gallagher (ex guitarist/chief song writer of Oasis) and “Happenstance” featuring vocals from Clemence Poesy (the French actress who played Fleur Delacour in the Harry Potter films). Kane’s debut will be called “Colour of the Trap” and promises to be a debut that is sure to amaze.
Green Day: Awesome as F**k (To Be Released: March 22) Green Day will be releasing a live album entitled “Awesome As F**k,” which features the band playing two sold out nights at Saitama Super Arena (which holds a capacity of 37,000) in Saitama, Japan. The track listing consists primarily of tracks from the bands two most recent releases (“American Idiot” and “21st Century Breakdown”). With a venue of over a thousand screaming fans and a band filled with relentless confidence of their most recent works, “Awesome As F**k” is sure to be an album you will listen to over and over again.
Style & Entertainment
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Style Icon: Marilyn Monroe
Brittany Flynn
Staff Writer
Marilyn Monroe’s image, more so than the woman herself, is a cultural icon. Monroe isn’t so much remembered for her performances as for the looks she wore during them; most people probably have never seen “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” but anyone can recognize Monroe in the pink strapless gown she wore during “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Here’s how you can bring some of Marilyn Monroe’s immortal style into your look. Fashion: Marilyn Monroe’s style was all about sex appeal and the most important part of this look is emphasizing a woman’s curves. The first article of clothing that you’ll need is a classic black pencil skirt. You can pair this with a fitted sweater to perfectly capture Marilyn’s “sweater girl” look, but almost any fitted top will do nicely. Marilyn Monroe’s most iconic fashion moment is undoubtedly the white halter dress that she wore in “The Seven Year Itch.” You don’t have to go with white, but a halter dress with a fitted waist and an A-line skirt will instantly evoke the image of Marilyn holding down her skirt against the air billowing out of the subway grate. Heels are an absolute necessity. The shoes can be round toe or slightly pointed, closed or open toe, or even sandals or wedges, but for this look to be successful, heels are a requirement. Makeup: Marilyn Monroe’s look was a masterful work of makeup artistry and it is extensive, to say the least. This isn’t a look
you can decide to throw on 15 minutes before walking out the door, and you might have to put in some practice time. Face: First and foremost, moisturize your skin. Next, apply your foundation. Although Marilyn’s skin was relatively matte, use a foundation that has a natural or satin finish in order to retain her skin’s luminous look. Follow this up with a creamy concealer under the eyes and anywhere else you feel needs extra coverage. Now we’re going to move into contouring and highlighting. Basically, this means sculpting your face by accentuating its natural shadows and highlights. To contour your face, you’ll need a powder a few shades deeper than your skin tone. Brush your contour color onto your temples, along the hollows of your cheeks and around the edge and under your jaw line. Next up is highlighting. For this particular makeup, use a cream or liquid with a slight shimmer to aid in creating Marilyn’s glow. The highlights are going to go where light would naturally hit your face, so blend the product into the skin in the middle of your forehead, the crevices between your eyes and nose, down the bridge of your nose, the front of your chin and the top of your cheekbones. After this, lightly dust a light coral/pink blush onto the apples of your cheeks, then finish up the skin by setting it with powder. Recommendations: Moisturizer – Nivea Cream (It was Marilyn’s personal favorite.) Foundation – Makeup Forever HD Foundation Highlighter – Urban Decay Urbanglow Cream Highlight (I’ve heard this described as giving the effect of candlelight.)
Eyes: Start out by covering your eye from lash line to eyebrow with a matte off-white eyeshadow, then apply a mid-tone matte smokey brown shadow through your crease with a fluffy blending brush, concentrating the color in the outer corner and blending inward. Next, take a shimmery off-white shadow and place that in the center of your eyelid and just under the arch of your eyebrow. To achieve Marilyn’s signature eyeliner, run a thin line of black or deep brown liquid eyeliner, along your top lash line and wing it out slightly past your eye’s outer corner. Then, for your bottom lash line, use the brown eyeshadow that you applied to your crease earlier and with a small, stiff eyeshadow brush, make a soft, thin line from the inner edge of your iris to your eye’s outer corner, with a small downward flick at the end. When you’ve finished, there should be a tiny space between your top and bottom liner. Put a touch of white eyeliner in that space and along your bottom waterline. No Marilyn Monroe makeup would be complete without false eyelashes, but rather than using a full strip, cut the lashes in half and apply them only to the outer corners, then coat both your natural lashes and the falsies with mascara. Lips: To recreate Marilyn’s perfect red pout, you’ll need to draw a thin line above the top lip with a white pencil and smudge it into your skin, which gives the appearance of fuller lips. Next, line your lips with a red lip pencil, apply a classic, pin-up red lipstick and top that off with a dab of gloss in the center of your bottom lip.
March 14, 2011
Recommendations: Finding the right shade of red lipstick for your skin tone can be difficult, so I’d suggest going to a few makeup counters and swatching different reds until you find one that suits you.
March 14, 2011
Style & Entertainment
Artist’s Corner: A Conversation with Lucero
9
Jesse Strauch
Style & Entertainment editor
Hailing from Memphis Tennessee, the southern rock group called Lucero has gained significant recognition as of late for joining of folk melodies with punk rock angst all wrapped up in raging southern rock riffs. Their most recent album “1372 Overton Park,” which was Lucero’s first on the major label universal records has appeared on many top ten music lists for 2010. On their most recent tour, they took a night off from opening for Social Distortion to play a small intimate show at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Before they went on to play a three and a half hour set, singer and rhythm guitar player Ben Nichols was kind enough to sit down and talk about the music industry in the digital age, the differences between the South and everywhere else in the world and how ketchup from packets will never be as good as ketchup from a bottle. Jesse Strauch: So this is your first album on a major label, how are you guys finding the transition from an Indie band to more mainstream? Ben Nichols: Not too bad. When we told our friend about a year and a half ago, they all thought that we were going to be turned into some country western boy band but the guys at Universal have been really nice. They still treat us like a small time band from Tennessee, even though they’ve sent us all around the world. JS: Now that Lucero had its first taste of mainstream success.
has there been a difference in the way you’re received at shows? BN: If we’re within 100 miles of Memphis, my mom and all her church friends will show up... that’s a sight to see. But all jokes aside, we’ve been seeing a lot more people out at the shows and even a few know the words. JS: Recently I read in Spin that you own the rights to all your albums, which is different than most bands when their starting out. Has this had a positive effect on the amount of money the band sees? BN: That’s what we thought when we went through the tedious process
of owning all of our material. But that’s not how it worked out. If we were getting paid for downloads, we would be doing all right with album sales. Right now we make all our money from touring which doesn’t bother me any. JS: So I was instructed by Roy Berry (drummer) to ask you about your newly revised ketchup philosophy. BN: We were drunk one night on the long drive between Las Vegas and L.A, and we picked up some burgers. For some reason, we had a bottle of ketchup. Anyways I decided in my drunken wisdom to taste test the ketchup from a
bottle and from the packets. Somehow, I was able to equate the differences in taste to our conflicts in the Middle East.
The Rise and Fall of the Boy Band Craze Susanna Perlov
Editor-in-Chief
The start of the millennium initiated an end to an era of bubble-gum pop, but more importantly, the near extinction of the frosted tipped male musical groups known as boy bands. It’s almost impossible to remember those nostalgic days of pre-teen girls crying to the over-hyped love songs of the Backstreet Boys, ‘NSync, and 98 degrees, while their tears washed away their metallic, cotton candy flavored lip gloss. Although the boy band craze has fallen into the forgotten pit of tossed out J-14 issues, the pitchy sounds of our favorite band members will never be forgotten. Therefore, as a dedication to those lighthearted years of the 90’s, Outlook has outlined the rise and fall of boy bands. The rise of the frosted flakes: In The Rise of the Frosted Flakes
1996, the Backstreet Boys (BSB) who consisted of A.J. Mclean, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell and Nick Carter released their first album simply entitled “Backstreet Boys,” and helped create the painstakingly generic form of bubble gum pop. Coupled with the ability to carry a tune, perfectly pose in pictures wearing open-buttoned satin shirts, and constantly sing about fictional love interests whose hearts they would never break, the boys set a standard for that ever-growing genre. Along with BSB came the rise of ‘Nsync, a band that truly defined the genius of mixing music with marketing. With their choreographed dance moves, bleached hair tips, and themed outfits, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez sang about heartbreak under waterfalls while simultaneously melting the
cardiovascular systems of young girls everywhere. “Hey, I can do that too:” Along with the creation of ‘Nsync and BSB came the trend of less talented boy bands with equally pretty faces attempting to create a place for themselves in the world of pop. Bands such as BBmak, The Calling, 98 Degrees, Dream Street, and O Town infiltrated the music scene with songs that all literally held the same meaning about apologizing to girls that they’ve wronged in the past. Similarly to the top groups of the boy-band chain, most of these bands created music videos (always featured on MTV’s Total Request Live) about morosely following a female model through an empty street while scorning their romantic wrongdoings. However, not all boy bands followed the same suite in music. For example, LFO would simply write about their aesthetic appreciation
for girls wearing Abercrombie and Fitch and their disdain for Chinese food. “Going solo, catch you later:” Toward the mid-2000’s, many of the stand-out members of various boy bands decided to leave behind their “excess baggage” and start solo careers. Justin Timberlake successfully left ‘Nsync and established his musical independence with the album “Justified.” Unfortunately, with the rise of solo careers came the downfall of boy bands. Without the lead singers taking the stage, the “filler” members of the bands could not uphold their popularity. Although the boy band craze may have only lasted a decade, the dawn of the new decade has brought a resurgence of the architecturally sculpted facial hair. This summer, the original boyband New Kids on the Block will embark on a summer tour with their over achieving younger brother (BSB).
Opinion
10
March 14, 2011
Outlook Student Press Susanna Perlov, Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Pastorelli, Production Manager Ian Mauro, Managing Editor Demi Moore, Art Director Ken Grand-Pierre, Art Director
Josh Blachorsky, News Editor Sari Ugell, Features Editor Jesse Strauch, Style & Entertainment Editor Jeremy Pardo, Opinion Editor Zehra Sheikh, Science & Health Editor
Outlook Student Press is published every other week except during exam periods and summer. It is an independent newspaper and public forum produced by students and paid for by advertising revenue and student activities fees. Outlook Student Press invites you to submit your opinions and ideas for publication. We strongly encourage letters to the
Will Your Books Become Antiques? Will e-books replace paper?
editor. Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Outlook editors or staff. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.
Katherine O’Neill
Staff Writer
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Today we are in the midst of a paradigm shift when it comes to technology. As an avid reader, I am concerned about what impact it will have on print media. Many, including myself, love the feeling of a crisp, new book in our hands. Or rather, we love the worn binding and folded over pages found on a used, aged book that has been devoured by other readers. As I continue my undergraduate degree as a mass communications/ journalism major, this topic is directly relevant to my future endeavors. However, we must all pay attention to how we obtain our news because it seems that this will affect all of us in the next several years as the digital age continues to transform and overpower print media. Why buy the newspaper when you can press a button on your cell phone, connect to the web and find what you’re looking for? Papers such as The New York Times are catching onto this trend, and are investigating how to properly charge for online subscriptions. NYTimes.com is the leading site used to obtain news and is looking to pay users in the future, instead of providing free access to its readers. While this issue may seem like
Current Events, Anyone? Let’s take a break from Charlie Sheen and read about, say....Libya Marvin Mathew
Staff Writer
Charlie Sheen’s drug-related antics, incoherent banter, and home life have been circulating among most of the media networks and newspapers, sweeping more important events such as the crisis in Libya under the rug. Observing the reactions of students to Sheen’s behavior is even more daunting than his actions. Students could quote his ridiculous statements, but when I asked a fellow honors student what she thought about Muammar Muhammad al-Gaddafi and Libya, I was met with blank stare. Who cares about oppressed citizens in riots and rebellions when Charlie Sheen tweets about winning and tiger blood? Returning home that night, I flipped on the television and realized that it wasn’t completely her fault. The media cover what sells but in this, they lose their role as providers of news and information—a resource for us busy American folk to keep in touch with the world. When did mass media stop covering what actually matters to Americans and focus on the entertainment-related events that should be left to TMZ? Looking back, the media was quiet about covering former President Bill
Clinton for seven years, but in his last term, as Republicans looked to impeach him, the media seemed quick to notice. I learned more in his last term about his personal life, than I did about his presidency in the preceding six years. Years later, President Clinton has founded the Clinton Global Initiative, which is committed to philanthropic work around the world. He works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, collaborated with former President
Bush for the Clinton- Bush Haiti Relief Foundation, and continues a strong arm for social justice. It’s apparent that the President continues to be a great man of the people and has done a great deal for our nation and world. But the media hasn’t harped on that. In Libya, young protestors have gathered once again, like others did in Egypt, to gain freedoms from Gaddafi or “The Brother Leader.” But instead of taking away their Internet with Facebook and Twitter like Mubarak did, Gaddafi has fought back with violence, killing more than 1,000 this week, in clashes with government supporters and military forces. While Charlie Sheen’s recent antics are mind-boggling, the world continues to be faced with more pressing issues. Yet we continue to live in the shadows of ignorance and focus on things that really play no role in our future. Events have positive and negative reactions, what happens here affects other countries and what happens in other countries affects U.S. citizens. We are now, more than ever, a global community. As a democratic nation, it is our job to be aware of the events that occur in the world. It’s time for the media to act responsibly and play a part in how society delivers news, when and where it matters.
Matt Holland/ Outlook Student Press
purely a matter of preference, if one prefers a hard copy or a digital copy of a work, it will be relevant to all of us as we continue our education. For example, many college students are opting to purchase their online version of their textbooks for a lower cost, instead of spending thousands on the hard copies. Rather than lugging heavy books to and from class, their course materials can be found on their laptop. This luxury is desirable to many young adults. In addition, new inventions such as E-books contribute to the decline in the purchase of hard copy books. E-book readers like the Amazon Kindle, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook are flying off the shelves, especially this past holiday season, where sales of these gadgets boomed and interest in them spiked. I avoid staring at a computer screen in order to read. However, I have heard only positive things about these e-readers, which are specifically made with better lighting quality. These devices help to ensure that the reader will not get a headache that may ensue from staring at a screen for hours on end. Even though I may be more old school when it comes to what and how I read, I prefer the morning paper to my blackberry or laptop, although I am still hoping to receive a Nook for my birthday gift. I am curious to try it, and I am sure I will like it based on its easy accessibility to all types of reading materials and compact size. The time period in which we live is fast paced and ever changing and evolving. As consumers, we are constantly being bombarded with new technologies and are pressured to keep up with these advances in the fear of being left behind the times. Often, I look to the past nostalgically, viewing it as a simpler time, away from distraction and the importance of material gadgets. While this technology is exciting and time saving, I hope we never get to the point that there is no use for a bookstore or daily newspaper subscription. We have to wait and see what the future holds in regards to how we will access information. Will an iPad or iPhone take precedence over an antiquated book?
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utLook
ON PAGE 12
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Robert Chamberlain
Contributing Writer
“FLUFFY! I CHOOSE YOU!” The collectible card game mega-trends of the late nineteen nineties have taken a horrible toll on the moral attitudes of today’s young adults. The card games in question are specifically limited to the “My animal versus your animal” variety. The rules of these games would require the child to select and then send their warrior-animal pet into battle in an effort to defeat the chosen beast of a rival child. Once the conflict has begun, the children could then “evolve” their creatures into more useful offensive weapons and escalate the struggle to a much more complex and destructive level. The game is resolved when one child’s pet stands triumphantly in the glow of hard-fought victory as the other child’s furry gladiator lays beaten and bruised in defeat. This process, while on the surface appears to be a fairly innocent update to the century old “rock, paper, scissors” game, is actually a blueprint for the destruction of moral pet ownership. As far back as ten years ago, warning signs of this ghastly trend began to emerge. Elementary school teachers began to report witnessing new and unusual recess activities being practiced by their young students. Games, like kickball and freeze tag were being replaced by “worm versus ants” and “squirrel versus othersquirrel”. Swift disciplinary action was administered to any
student caught organizing such “games”. These pocketsize Don Kings were often required to attend animal rights seminars and volunteer at their neighborhood ASPCA in an effort to reaffirm their understanding of a human being’s proper relationship to the animal kingdom. While this early detection did indeed manage to stop most of the escalating problems in the schoolyard, it did little to eliminate the tournaments being held by neighborhood promoters after school. It was clear that the larger moral epidemic sweeping the nation would be no easy hurdle to vault. News stories began to emerge of organized animal combat tournaments being staged by teenagers and young adults, in which animals were augmented with upgrades and armaments not dissimilar to the “evolution” process in the battle-based card games of the past. These additions began simply with accessories such as armor and helmets, but escalated quickly to include offensive accoutrements. Stories of house pets being checked into veterinary hospitals with unusual injuries became quite common. Most recently, the
now infamous pooch dubbed “Rocket-Dog” made international headlines when he was launched onto the roof of a five story building, when the fire extinguisher lashed to his back in an effort to boost his speed capabilities was ruptured. The Welsh terrier had been competing against Dr. Kibosh, a domestic ferret trained to wield a dentist’s drill. As disturbing as these accounts are, they pale in comparison to the moral void the perpetrators of these crimes seem to maintain. Psychologists have seen little success in their attempts to identify a cure for the mental programming that years and years of using animals as slave gladiators has instilled in them. To stop this chain of events from reoccurring, the burden falls upon the parents of the newest generation of impressionable kids. Greater attention must be paid to the games enjoyed by children if the atrocities of this horrific fad are to be avoided. I shudder to ponder upon the evil fruit which the tree of Silly Bandz will surely bear.
DEAR READER:
12
satire
March 14, 2011
Monkey by Paul Carlucci
Don’t Play With The Fire by Paul Carlucci
Gamma Veldar, Prince of Space by Vinny Murphy
In Love Part Two Justin Hubbell www.justinhubbell.com
SCIENCE & HEALTH
March 14, 2011
13
Ensuring the Future of the World’s Forests As demand for food increases, so does the need to maintain our resources Vanessah Raymond Staff Writer
As worldwide population grows, so does the demand for more food. The global rise in the cost of food, affecting the world’s poorest countries the greatest, can explain why so many forests have been cut down. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) calculated that global food prices in February are higher than they have ever been—breaking a record set in January. The demand for food is forever increasing, but high food prices do not automatically lead to deforestation. Farmers can use agroforestry as a way to protect the environment while putting nutrienst in the soil. Some farmers in Africa have already started using this technique of intercropping trees with their farmland. The rate of agricultural advances, such as being able to grow more food out of every acre, is ending. Cutting down virgin forest has become the better option instead of using and improving degraded land. As the world needs more food, the need for more land increases, which often leads to the forests getting clear cut. The FAO has estimated that about 4.032 billion hectares of forest were still standing
in the world in 2010.Thanks in part to the reforestation taking place throughout Asia, the rate of overall forest loss has slowed considerably, dropping from 8.3 million hectares lost a year in the 1990s, to 5.2 million hectares a year. The U.N. created a system dubbed REDD, or Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. The REDD system would allow companies and countries to claim carbon credits for maintaining trees. But if farmers are clearing forest to make way for crops, the progress could be reversed.
Thanks in part to the reforestation taking place throughout Asia, the rate of overall forest loss has slowed considerably. The Director General of the Center for International Forestry stated, “In my view, 2011 is going to be the critical year, we will find out whether we’ll be successful or not.” REDD seems to offer the best way to generate the funding necessary to end deforestation. Unfortunately, the only monetary value that a forest has is the land that can be cleared out for farming and the trees that can be sold for logging. The reality is, if it comes down to forest or
food, all this progress could be lost. Most environmentalists believe that REDD is the best way to ensure that forest are safeguarded. REDD would measure and create a market for the countless amount of carbon being used, thus making it economically advantageous to keep forests.
The Director General of the Nairobi based World Agroforestry Centre, Dennis Garrity said, “Everyone has something to gain from REDD and agroforestry, people just have to realize this can be done.” The idea of REDD and agroforesty will help in the battle against deforestation and ensure in the preservation of nature.
A Guilt-Free Cookie Recipe Peanut Butter Cookies Monica Powell
Contributing Writer
Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love peanut butter cookies? Especially when referring to the homemade version, their sweet aroma and soft, gooey texture is something almost everyone craves. Some even claim them as a treat “to die for”, but what many don’t realize is that there is much truth in such a seemingly innocent statement. Unfortunately, most peanut butter cookies, whether store-bought or homemade, are devoid of almost all nutritional value yet contain unhealthy ingredients which can actually harm us. Take refined “white” flour, for instance. This staple ingredient in most cookies has been stripped of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and its only contribution to our bodies is a spike in blood sugar levels. Another common ingredient in cookies, refined “white” sugar, works very much the same way in the body and also lacks nutritional significance. Both the flour and the sugar have the potential to cause a considerable number of health problems, one in particular being diabetes. So why risk it? With a great variety of alternative foods to choose from, most of which are abundant in nutrients and flavor, there is never a reason that you have to sacrifice your health for a tasty treat. The simple recipe that follows proves
just that. The flaxseed and almond meals, both containing healthy fats and antioxidant qualities, serve as substitutes for refined flour, and agave syrup, being a natural sweetener that possesses a lowglycemic index, takes the place of refined sugar. In addition, sunflower seed butter is used instead of peanut butter, thereby avoiding any potential allergies some may experience with peanuts. As a whole, this recipe challenges the traditional peanut butter cookie with a boasting of delicious flavor and an array of good-foryou ingredients. And without any baking being required, it is in no time that you can make yourself a batch of these delectable as well as nutritious goodies. Now that’s something “to live for”.
“Peanut Butter” Cookies 3/4 cup golden or brown flaxseed meal 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter 3/4 cup almond meal 1/4 cup agave or maple syrup 1/3 cup pitted dates, preferably Medjool 1. Begin by placing the flaxseed powder, sunflower seed butter, and almond meal into a food processor and blend until mixed well. 2. Add the agave syrup and dates into
the food processor and pulse until all ingredients bind together into a dough-like consistency. 3. Scoop the dough by 1 1/2 tablespoons
onto a tray lined with parchment paper and either form into balls or flatten into cookies. Before serving, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Will keep for several weeks in the fridge.
sports
March 14, 2011
15
A Preview of the National League Headliners, flamethrowers—and pennant contenders Chayim Tauber
Staff Writer
The 2010 World Series served as the perfect prelude to the real drama in the 2011 regular season. Cliff Lee spurned the two favorites to land him, the Yankees and the Rangers, to form an all-time powerhouse rotation out in Philadelphia. They instantly become the favorites for the NL East and in most people’s books, for the World Series title. He’s joined in that rotation by Cole Hamels, reigning CY Young Award Winner Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Joe Blanton. The rest of the NL East depends largely on the play of the younger guys. The Marlins are led by ace Josh Johnson, star Hanley Ramirez, and sophomore Mike Stanton. They lead a young team that probably won’t make much of a dent in the pennant race but could still surprise people. The Nationals are still a joke though they have some nice pieces (Drew Storen, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman) while the Mets are the on the very opposite end of the spectrum. They are fielding an All-Star team (from six years ago) with so many bloated contracts, aging bodies, and off-field distractions that even Charlie Sheen would blush. The Atlanta Braves are the most
intriguing team in the NL East since their fate relies solely on the progression and impact of their youngsters. They are paced by sophomore phenomenon Jason Heyward and incoming rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman. Studs Jair Jurrjens, Tim Hudson, and Tommy Hanson are in the starting rotation. The Braves narrowly made the playoffs last year and are hoping to again impact the landscape of the National League. The NL Central is arguably the worst in baseball this year. The loss of Adam Wainwright immediately makes the
Cardinals an outside contender for the central crown. As usual, the Cubs and Astros are in the Central cellar and should quickly be on the market looking to sell their assets. The Central should come down to the Reds and Brewers in what may be the tightest race in all of baseball. The Reds are stacked with reigning MVP Joey Votto at first, All Star Brandon Phillips anchoring the middle, and 100-mile-an hour flame thrower Aroldis Chapman shoring up the bullpen. They are a tough out for anyone. The Brewers stocked up in the offseason
by acquiring starting pitcher Shawn Marcum and former Cy Young award winner Zack Greinke, to join future superstar Yovani Gallardo. Powerhouse Prince Fielder powers a lineup that includes fellow All-Star Ryan Braun and Rickie Weeks. They are another one of those teams that should compete mightily for one of the four available National League playoff spots. The National League West was last year’s most intriguing race with unheralded San Diego coming out of nowhere and pitching their way into contention. This division is as tight as any. Los Angeles has some young arms and young guns of their own with southpaws Clayton Kershaw and Ted Lilly pacing their rotation. None of the West teams, not even Colorado and their Ace Ubaldo Jiminez, is a match for the San Francisco Giants, who were last year’s “team of destiny” and National League Champions. Their rotation is stacked from top to bottom with flamethrowing young arms, namely, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner, and “The Freak” Tim Lincecum. (Predictions: I like the Giants, Brewers, and Phillies to win their respective divisions with the Reds taking the wild card. The National League Championship series will be won by the Phillies over the Brewers in six Games.)