Vol 43 issue 10

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utLook STUDENT PRESS Vol. 43 Issue 10 February 14, 2011 Outlookpress.org

Features 4 “I have compiled a list to cure your boredom...Rockland County isn’t as boring as you might believe.”

Nicole Arzoomanian, Student

Rockland has some excellent hangouts where you can make lasting memories.

Riders boarding buses and awaiting their rides at the bus stop outside the Cultural Arts Center.

SATIRE 7 “No one can predict the weather,

and certainly no one knows what is responsible for the strange climatic shift that is occurring in this planetexcept for me..”

Victor Coreci, Student

“Snow-pocalypse” joins comic strips and more in the expanded Satire section.

TOR Asking for Higher Fares, Service Cuts Weekend service would be cut by half; Haverstraw route would end earlier Ian Mauro

Managing Editor

Under proposed fare increases and route changes, RCC commuters may have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets and alter their schedules.

The Rockland County Department of Public

Transportation is proposing changes to all of their Transport of Rockland (TOR) bus routes, along with an overall increase to fare rates, including senior citizen and disabled fares.

Of the ten service reduction proposals, half of them will result in complete weekend service cancellations. Others are simply terminating the early

Letter from a Westchester School Raises Eyebrows, and Ire Josh Blachorsky News Editor

SCIENCE 16 “With just a little planning and a few minutes of time, it is possible to put together healthy snacks and meals that are convenient and delicious.”

Monica Powell, Student

Replace the vending machine snacks with healthy and delicious recipes.

Marcy Rosa/Outlook Student Press

Jesse Strauch

Style & Entertainment Editor

Former Solomon Schechter School of Westchester (SSSW), and current SUNY Rockland students, have expressed outrage and disappointment over a recent e-mail that the high school sent to the Schechter students from Rockland and their parents.

The e-mail, which Outlook obtained and verified as authentic, discusses RCC’s early admission and Sam Draper Mentor/Talented Honors programs.

The e-mail characterizes

them as being poor choices for its students, particularly those who wish to attend Ivy League schools.

“Most Ivy League schools have not accepted transfer students from anywhere for several years now; a few have very limited transfer opportunities,” the letter states. “The retention rates at these schools are so high that they cannot easily accommodate transfers.”

The letter then states that those RCC students that transferred to Ivy League schools were helped by their ethnicity: “minority student recruitment may have helped with these acceptances.”

SEE LETTER PAGE 2

morning runs, which take place from midnight to 1:30 a.m.

Some of the planned eliminations will cut short schedules by a few hours, such as the TOR 95 into Haverstraw, which may be ending its eastbound trips into Haverstraw from the RCC campus, at 3:20 p.m., instead of 6:20 p.m.

Under the changes, riders,

regardless of the route, would pay more for each trip, including up to $1.00 more on the normal cash fares. The Tappan ZEExpress would cost $3.00 instead of $2.00, while the normal TOR and TRIPS cash fares would increase by 50 cents.

SEE TOR PAGE 3

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February 14, 2011

Snow Ravages East Coast, Extends the Semester Katherine O'Neill

Contributing Writer Killer icicles, black ice, and buried cars. These are just some aspects of the dark side of the snowy winter that the Northeast, especially Rockland County, has experienced.

With a near-record amount of snow falling on the tri-state area, many SUNY Rockland students are finding it difficult to adjust to a new academic semester.

The repeated heavy snowfall has caused RCC to close several times during both the winter and spring semesters, and while students certainly are not complaining, there seems to be an exasperated feeling of “enough already” pervading the campus.

“I like days off as much as the next person,” remarked sophomore Ilana Grant, “but it’s just getting excessive.”

The decision to close school or cancel classes is made by Executive Vice President Mort Myers, who is contacted by the nighttime grounds crew when there is word of an impending severe storm.

The conditions of many roads, not just local ones, need to be taken into consideration when determining a school closing, students say.

Sophomore Dayna Schutz remarked, “The administration should take into account that there are students from all over the county driving to RCC.” In her opinion, if there is any snow

Campus grounds staff clear and pile snow in a student parking lot.

accumulation or ice whatsoever, the school should close.

“Just because it is snowing moderately at school doesn’t mean it is not bad in other places. My road was not plowed at all and my tiny car does not do well in the snow. I was sliding everywhere!”

The task of clearing snow from campus falls to the grounds keeping squad of the maintenance department, led by Kenny Bachert.

“I think it [the snow removal]has gone excellently, when you get an ice storm,

>> LETTER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “We've gotten students into Columbia regular, Georgetown as well,” said Dr. Clifford Garner, Professor of English and Director of the M/TS Program. “And I can tell you they were accepted on their own merits.”

“We’ve gotten students into Columbia regular, Georgetown as well. And I can tell you they were accepted on their own merits.”

Professor Cliff Garner, Director of M/TS

The letter, signed by Barbra Leifer-Sarullo, the school’s Director of College Counseling, and Aviva Walls, the Associate Director of College Counseling, also references a conversation with an RCC recruitment specialist about the opportunities that RCC’s Early Admit and Honors programs offer students.

The letter quoted the recruitment specialist, who was not named in the letter, as saying that “for most kids, senior year is a waste” and that the Early Admit Program is designed for “kids who are really done with high school.”

The letter then stated that Schechter’s senior year was integral to its programs, and that Early Admit students would have to “sit” for the GED exam, since by leaving Schechter before senior year, they would not receive a diploma from the school.

“Students don’t sit for the GED. Upon completion of 24 credits they just apply for the GED, there is no exam,” said Professor Garner.

Oscar Arias, identified as the recruitment specialist Schechter

representatives spoke to and quoted in their letter, said that his quotes were taken out of context from a “casual” conversation he had with Ms. Sarullo, the school’s Director of College Counseling.

He said he was not told that he was going to be quoted for a letter.

Mr. Arias said the Schechter letter is “all about the money.”

Discussions with Schechter officials indicated that a number of students have been trying to transfer from their school into RCC, though no exact numbers were provided.

With a price tag of $28,910 for senior year students, Schecter families may be looking to save on cost by enrolling especially given the economy and the current unemployment rate in New York State.

While many students are at the school on a scholarship, the loss of students must certainly mean a loss of income for the school.

Some students from the private Jewish high school are upset by their administration’s actions.

“By creating a hostile view on the RCC honors program, the SSSW faculty have, in fact, reversed what they thought would ensure the retaining of certain students to their senior year of high school program, and have instead propelled these students to go to RCC,” said Schecter student Elan Weinberger.

"Schechter's college counselors claim that they have our best interest in mind, but by sending out a fallacious email trying to convince us out of what is best for us they prove that they’re solely focusing on their own interests," said Schechter student Stephanie Nelson.

To view the full text of the letter Schechter sent, visit outlookpress.org.

it’s hard to break though and the guys have done a great job,” Bachert said.

While the grounds crews have been working long hours to keep the paths cleared, there have been some issues with the roads.

On Jan. 29, a day where the campus had a two hour delay, an entire parking lot by the field house was not yet plowed and a percentage of the back lots were in the process of being plowed. These issues made the usually chaotic commute even more treacherous.

Ian Mauro / Outlook Student Press

The total snowfall this winter has surpassed most years in recent memory.

According to the Weather Channel, on average there is about 22.2 inches of snowfall in New York City annually.

This season, the state has received an exorbitant amount—a whopping 56.1 inches of snow to date.

Because of the snow and the closings, the Spring 2011 semester has been extended from May 13, to May 20.

“It’s a necessary evil,” said freshman Justin George.

Sigma Chi Eta Honor Students Travel to San Francisco Josh Blachorsky News Editor

On Nov. 14 the students of Sigma Chi Eta (SCE), the National Communication Speech Honors Society, left for San Francisco to attend the annual National Communication Association (NCA) Convention.

Students Victoria Mansoor, Sholom Gable, Cody VanCampen, and SCE Advisor Professor Bob Axelrod were RCC’s participants in the conference.

At the Convention, Mansoor was elected President of the SCE national committee.

The idea to attend the convention was the brainchild of RCC SCE president Theresa Tumminia. Tumminia was inspired by Professor Axelrod, who put together a proposal for the SCE to take an extended trip to the NCA convention.

“I think the trip really instilled in us the ability to appreciate that communication is the cornerstone of the future,” said Cody VanCampen.

To fund the trip, the group used a combination of SGA funds, funds from student involvement, and money from a fundraiser in which they put together a video about speech and had businesses sponsor the event.

Tumminia worked over the summer on a presentation that was presented to John Marra and Debra Balestra of the Student Involvement office.

According to Marra, it was the

“newness of the trip; the fact that no one had done this before” that led to the large amount of support they received. Also, Marra added, “the amount of funds that they raised off campus” helped secure support.

“It was a big accomplishment that we were able to get there and get all the support,” said Mansoor. “It really was an achievement for all of us. We didn’t have any blueprints to work off.”

The theme of the conference was “Building Bridges.” In the conference the students were able to attend and participate in many lectures, discussions, and panels.

“To see different workshops and forms of communication from school to home left a big impact on me, ” said Sholom Gable.

In addition, they were able to talk and interact with thousands of other speech students from hundreds of other schools.

“It was really great to be there as undergrads” said Mansoor. “We were able to absorb a lot while being able to participate.”

And participate Mansoor did.

At the conference, Mansoor was elected President of the national Sigma Chi Eta fraternity. According to her, she was able to distinguish herself from her opponents by “being able to concentrate on national issues.”

As her first order of business, Mansoor wants to build a foundation for funding, work on a national organization.

“We don’t get any funding from the national organization, so to work on that is a challenge.”

February 14, 2011

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>> TOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Some students expressed concerns about this raise in fairs and cut in routes.

“As a working person, I will have to work an extra hour. It’s money I could

make but [will have to] use instead on the bus,” said student Jose Juarez.

“The late buses for 95 should stay running,” said student Brian Salcedo.

“Usually I don’t know when I’ll be getting home. Now I don’t know if I could.”

The Department of Transportation said they were receiving dozens of calls every hour with questions on the matter.

When asked about the focus of the calls, they said that the majority of people more often asked about the services being eliminated, than the fare increases.

The Department also sought to reassure RCC and Dominican College students that under the proposed changes, they would be receiving the best possible service. Many of the routes make stops to the campus frequently, enough to qualify riders for student discounts and semester packages.

Due to the current real estate market conditions, and related mortgage recording taxes, the Department said, Rockland County is now receiving fewer revenues than they did in the past, prompting cost-cutting measures.

According to the Department, only around 20 percent of the revenue used to run the buses comes from the fares that they collect. The other 80 percent comes from state and federal subsidies, which is why the decreased revenues brought by the mortgage recording tax hits so hard.

The Department said even with the fare increase, the county is still well below the industry standard when it comes to percent of the cost paid by riders.

A public hearing regarding the changes is being held on Feb. 15 in the Palisades Center Mall, during which people are allowed to express their

concerns. Additionally, comments can be submitted as late as Feb. 28 for review by the county.

The Department said it is relying on the public feedback to determine the final changes, which are still tentative.

If the cut backs must be made, making them where the least number of riders are affected, is the goal, the Department said.

Indivisible Children The heritage of African-Native American people is revealed at a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Rebecca Gross

staff Writer In celebration of African American History Month, “Indivisible: AfricanNative American Lives in the Americas,” a new Smithsonian exhibit, has come to Rockland Community College.

This exhibit, on the second floor of the Technology Center, represents a widely researched effort by several museums to preserve and communicate an important aspect of American history.

These include the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

The African American Historical Society of Rockland County, as well as RCC staff and faculty, have also helped organize the event.

“I hope that, after seeing this exhibit, students and the general public will understand the, often times unacknowledged, yet close connection between these two groups. The committee hopes that people will celebrate this relationship and understand that it was not always easy…yet they survived,” said Mrs. Wylene Wood, president of the African American Historical Society of Rockland County and the event’s coordinator.

“It’s a complicated yet uniquely American story.”

The exhibit has had reach beyond RCC: 332 middle school students from

local elementary schools came to view the panel, as well as to participate in a special program. It has also been featured on the local news.

“Indivisible” describes the dual heritage of African American and Native American people.

Through illustrations and illuminating captions, the exhibition showcases the group’s trials with policy-in slavery, selfdetermination, and Native American exclusion.

It explores the problem of belonging, in terms of community, discussing both Native and African roots. The exhibit details the attempts of these group members to connect with their ancestor’s culture.

The exposition also discusses various attempts of resistance against slavery, at first, and then the struggle for civil and sovereign rights later on.

According to the exhibit, “Out of their struggles and triumphs, AfricanNative American people have created cultural innovations by bringing together sensibilities from two ancient and beloved continents.”

“Indivisible” also focuses on the blended culture of the African – Natives.

It shows the shared ideas of “land stewardship,” and ends with the final question that these people face: identity.

The exhibit runs through March 26.

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February 14, 2011

Never Have a Boring Weekend Again: Fun Places to Go in Rockland Nicole Aroomanian Staff Writer

“There’s nothing to do in Rockland!”

I’m sure you’ve heard that a hundred times from your friends, your siblings or your co-workers. You may have even muttered those words to yourself a time or two. Fortunately, I have compiled a list to cure your boredom in Rockland County that consists of a variety of great local hangouts many you would never have thought of. Rockland County isn’t as boring as you might believe it to be.

If you come down with a case of spring fever, you need to head over to the Piermont Pier. Located in the village of Piermont, the pier is a great spot when the weather finally warms up.

The pier is open year round from 6Am until 9Pm. However, durning spring

and summertime this area is the most beautiful, as the flowers and plants are in full bloom. There is a long paved path alongside the water. If you like to fish, this is a great area for that as well. The pier has an awesome path for riding a bike, rollerblading, running, or walking.

Why run on a treadmill, which gets so boring, when you can go to the pier and run alongside the Hudson River? In this rural and beautiful area the outdoors has never looked so good.

Going bowling is always a simple and fun fix for a boring day. Pearl River Lanes is local and definitely a good time.

At a low price of $5.00 per game, and $3.00 for shoe rental, you can bowl with friends for a bargain and enjoy yourself.

Open seven days a week, Pearl River Lanes also has a café to satisfy your hunger pains and a pro shop to satisfy any bowling needs.

Located in the Rockland Plaza on

Route 59 in Nanuet, there is a Starbucks coffee shop. If you want to grab a cup of coffee in a cozy place, you have found the perfect match. With an extensive menu including many snacks, desserts, fruit platters, salads, panninis, wraps, juices, smoothies and of course, strong and bold coffee, Starbucks can quench any desire. This place is relaxing, enjoyable and overall a cool local hangout in a convenient spot. Every Starbucks location also has free Wi-Fi for your laptop or iPod! So, if you want to do a project with a group of friends while sipping on some delicious caffeinated beverages, you should head on over to Route 59.

In Nyack, on Main Street and South Broadway, there are many restaurants and shops to browse and explore. If you’re looking for a great bite to eat, the Amazon Café, Temptations Café, The Strawberry Place and O’Malley’s are

just a few of many options open to you.

There are also many original shops and boutiques lining the streets of Nyack.

Christopher’s Antiques has unique pieces of furniture and housing items to browse through. Just a few of the many clothing shops are Lifestyle Jeans, Maria Luisa Boutique and Great Dames Boutique.

ML Gifts & Accessories also has a grand selection of all sorts of jewelry and other knick-knacks. Spending a day in Nyack is always relaxing and fun.

For any movie lovers, there’s a great theater close by. Located at 202 South Main Street, the Clearview New City Cinema 6 always has a plethora of newly released movies, and it’s much easier to approach than the Palisades Mall cinema. New City’s theater is always less crowded than the mall and slightly less expensive. If you’re bored and want to see a new film, head over to this Clearview Cinema for a change.

Organization is of the Essence: How to Manage Your Time Well Chris Barker

contributing Writer

Being able to organize and manage your time is an important quality to attain. Time management helps everyday life, whether it school, the work field, or personal life related. But with most people, especially college students, this task is easier said than done.

The power of being able to resist temptations and distractions in order to get work done is one that comes with great difficulty. Putting the cell phone down, stopping the web search, and not going out to grab a bite to eat with a friend are challenges that you have to conquer in order to ensure that you get your priorities straight. Being at the age where you make

your own decisions only makes it harder to complete what needs to be done on time. No one is going to be standing over your shoulder ensuring you do your assignments, or reminding you to go to work. Unfortunately, these responsibilities are no one’s but your own.

Procrastination is the college student’s biggest rival. Do not wait until the last minute to start or finish an assignment.

Procrastination is the first step in people failing to manage their time and not completing their assignments and responsibilities on time. Get your work done ahead of time so you don’t have to stress about doing it later, and you can enjoy the rest of the day. I personally recommend investing in a planner or

calendar, where you are able to log and write down all assignments and objectives.

Having an agenda or planner allows a person to view what needs to be completed and by when, so it’s easier to get to work.

Another issue that many students have is that they overload themselves with classes, having a job, and participating in extra-curricular activities. If you reach the point where you are constantly stressed, lacking sleep, and are handing in low-quality work due to not enough time, you have overloaded yourself. Set up your schedule so you can balance school, work, and any extra-curriculars you might participate in.

Organizing time is important to an individual’s health. You want to organize

your schedule so you get the appropriate amount of sleep, succeed in school, but also have a social life. Many students on campus have breaks throughout the day in their schedules. Take advantage of those breaks by utilizing the time to complete assignments and get them out of the way so you don’t have to stress over doing the assignment last minute. By utilizing your time efficiently, you can allow yourself to enjoy your time outside of class.

Organize your time so you can complete your responsibilities without making those responsibilities affect your social life or other enjoyments. Once you can grasp the concept of time management, improvements in your everyday life will arise.

February 14, 2011

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A Survivor’s Guide for Singles On Valentine’s Day Elizabeth Maze

Staff Writer

As the month of February kicks into gear, the single person’s arch nemesis begins to take form: Valentine’s Day. Whether it is the brightly colored hearts or plush stuffed animals that declare undying love, us single people are bombarded by this corporate love fest no matter where we turn. The simple task of going to CVS

becomes a battle against the heart-shaped candies and chocolates that walk a very thin line between tasteful and tacky. As you fight your way through the bushels of roses, love colored confetti, and the hoards of affectionate couples, keep your head held high and a disgruntled yet justified scowl on your face. Though this ‘holiday’

is overwhelming, single people across the world need to band together and overcome the couple love fest with pride and finesse.

By following these four simple steps, you too can overcome this cliché love attack with the grace of a gazelle and the agility that only comes with being single.

First and foremost is avoidance. You know what a calendar is, hopefully, and now it’s finally time to use one.

As the fourteenth rolls around, single people should be wary of dating hot spots. The idea of out of sight- out of mind, will push you through this twenty four hour period of relationship-based awkwardness. Though it seems simple enough, we single people tend to roam without any concept of time, space or reality. By avoiding dimly lit restaurants, scenic overlooks, and other candle lit areas it’s easier to be away from the threat that is embodied by happy couples.

Va l e n t i n e ’s Day is a day to celebrate couples and relationships so as a rule of thumb, avoid their common watering holes. If you are adamant about your disdain for Valentine’s Day take heed to this avoidance technique and be aware of your surroundings.

Nothing is worse than being a single person surrounded by a hoard of kissing couples, yuck.

Though that scenario may seem ‘farfetched’ to some, be ready for the unexpected and unfeasible.

It is best to stay indoors and avoid the outside world till the fifteenth if your local surroundings a r e couple infested and intoxicated by love.

The next technique for this day would be self appreciation.

Instead of calling it Valentine’s Day, maybe try something like Personal Day or Ice Cream and Sweatpants. It doesn’t matter what you call it, just do it.

By appreciation I mean be your own Valentine. It may sound odd when you first hear it but don’t be afraid to treat yourself to gifts and other assorted

candies. There is nothing wrong with loving yourself. I’m not saying that you should become the epitome of narcissism, but don’t be afraid to go to your local Hallmark and buy yourself a card, or if you’re feeling festive, flowers and chocolates, even candy undergarments if yourself feels frisky.

After this, it is best to present yourself the gifts you have purchased in a regal

and a string of successful distractions.

Alone, a single person stands weak and defeated, but a tribe of single people united under the fear of being alone is a force to be reckoned with. This is not a suggestion to storm the streets with war paint and tribal cries, (though that’s not a bad idea,) but rather a day to just hang out with other single people. Call up some single friends and order in some food or watch a bunch of movies together that stray far away from the romance department.

Horror movies are a sensible time killer on this day of coupling. As a single person, it is never a good idea to sit alone on Valentine’s Day. You’ll sit in silence and stew in your own thoughts and that can never end well.

So call a friend, get some food, and watch some movies while shamelessly mocking this ludicrous love extravaganza.

Now that you have avoided, gifted, and bonded it is time for the final step of acceptance. No matter what you do, the day all of us single people dread will fall upon us like the darkest night. Instead of looking at being single as a negative, look at being single as a huge positive.

Being single is something to enjoy not persecute. Do your own thing for a while and maybe next year you’ll be part of that couple at the fancy restaurant or that mountainous scenic overlook. You’ll have plenty of time to be in a relationship and now is just the occasion to sit back, enjoy the single life and die a little inside.

and outlandish way. You deserve it. That sounds fair and fun. So go out and get

that movie you’ve always wanted or that Costco-sized bin of petroleum jelly that you’ve been eyeing.

After you’ve successfully avoided the couples and bought yourself something nice, next would be the idea of single unity

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Music & Studying Skills

February 14, 2011

Does listening to music while studying improve skills?

Ruhee Sutar

Contributing Writer

Now, more than ever, in the age of iPods, Pandora, and Cloud music, listening to music seems to have become an integral part of our lives, which is something that we can no longer distinguish from natural reflexes like breathing and defecating. But what happens when the music craze finds its way into students’ academic lives? Is it really possible for students to both focus on studying and enjoy their music simultaneously? Spoiler; yes.

The truth is that despite the endless research on the subject, no one is really sure if listening to music while studying is harmful or beneficial. Perhaps this is because all of us have varied learning styles, that can be broken down into three basic types: visual learners, auditory learners, and kinesthetic learners. Listening to music while studying is going to have a different impact on people with each of these learning styles.

Still, no matter what their learning style, many students have claimed that listening to music while studying makes them more productive, and allows them to get more done than if they had been studying in silence. Why is this? Some students insist that music helps to block out the distracting world around them, while others, like freshman Sam Gelman, are positive

that the music puts them in the right mood for studying.

“I do listen to music while studying it gets my learning muscles all jazzed up” stated Gelman. “I prefer something that’s fast and upbeat because it gets me in the zone.”

When speaking to students about the music they listen to when they study, one thing becomes clear; the type of music listened to is of the utmost importance in deciding how beneficial it is when studying. Most experts claim that mellow and lyric-free music is best for studying.

While mainstream music may be ideal when spending time with friends or trying to relax after a long day, music of the classical genre may be more favorable for a study environment.

According to Chris Bewer, author of the book Music and Learning, “music stabilizes mental, physical, and

emotional rhythms” to create a mental state in which “large amounts of content information can be processed and learned.”

Sophomore Tom Battaglia presented one method of using music as a study aid by trying to associate specific songs with certain topics. Battaglia stated “I try to listen to a song when I’m studying a certain topic so when I’m taking the test I can recall the song and some of the information I related to it.”

Listening to music or not while studying comes down, essentially, to being a matter of personal preference.

While some students may swear that they would get nothing done if not for the headphones blaring in their ears, others insist that the traditional method of silent studying will always trump any other method. Still other students, like Battaglia, have a mixed sentiment, feeling that sometimes music can be useful in studying, while other times, complete silence is necessary.

Birthright Israel: A Trip to Remember Ruhee Sutar

Staff Writer

For many people, Tuesday, Jan. 11. 2011, may have just been another day, another date on a calendar. But for me, it was the start of a life-changing experience. On this day, fellow Rockland Community College students, other Jews from Rockland County, and I was fortunate enough to embark on a trip to the land of my people, the land of Israel. Run by an amazing organization called “Taglit- Birthright Israel”, the trip was designed to enhance Jewish pride, knowledge, and identity, as well as to form a connection between American Jews and Israel. I can say with confidence that this goal was successfully achieved for me.

Led by campus Rabbi and Hillel Director, Dov Oliver, our group spent ten magical days on what became our homealso known as Bus Number 443- traveling from city to city in the beautiful Holy Land with its variety of people, places, cultures, and climates. Israel is so diverse and deep, with highs and lows of rich history.

Every minute of this trip was well spent and worth the effort. Whether it was the great, exhilarating climb up the summit to Massada- the site of a Jewish battle against the Romans- or floating in the highly concentrated salty water of the Dead Sea, the country has something to offer. For others, the highlight of the trip could have been sleeping inside the freezing Bedouin tent, touring parts of the rugged desert by jeep, or riding camels that eventually gave us back problems the next morning. In addition, Rabbi Dov’s Torah talk and the numerous guest speakers rounded out this enriching experience.

This trip would not have been complete if I didn’t mention the visit to the Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, or our numerous interactions with Israeli soldiers. Visiting the Kotel was a very special experience. At the Kotel, we prayed, welcomed Shabbat (Friday night Sabbath), and several participants who had not had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (the celebration of coming of age of good deeds) before were

given the opportunity to have this rite of passage.

Like Jews throughout the centuries, we scribbled our hopes and wishes onto scraps of paper and stuck them into the crevices of the stones of this wall.

Just imagine a wall whose cracks are l o a d e d with rolled up paper f rag ments representing the hopes of millions of people. Interacting with the Israeli soldiers and getting to know what their life was like as members of the army was a memorable experience. Life of a soldier includes: manning a checkpoint in the West Bank, flying an aircraft over Gaza, learning the several precautions the military must take in times of danger, or training fellow soldiers to use a tank. Although the army is required of all 18-year old Israeli men and women, the honor of serving not only comes with great service, but also with great risks.

The entire trip had a profound impact on many aspects of my life. Reading newspaper articles and watching the latest news reports about Israel is one thing, but actually visualizing the faces and the places behind the media is another. In such

a short period of time, my identity as a Jew has changed and my connection to Israel have been strengthened. The only way for anyone else to realize how significant the emotional changes are is to experience the trip first-hand. Birthright provided me with a trip that widened my eyes, opened my heart, and deposited a wealth of information that will stay with me forever.

If you are Jewish, between the ages of 18-26, and have never gone to Israel on an educational trip before, this is a trip that you cannot afford to miss. For more information, contact Rabbi Dov Oliver at (845) 574- 4422 or doliver@ sunyrockland.edu before it is too late.

The deadline for the summer 2011 trip is February 14th.

This was my first time leaving the United States, and I could not have thought of a more remarkable place to visit.

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utLook

ON PAGE 10

Ken Grand-Pierre

Contributing Writer

“Jeepers! Does so-and-so need to get some, or what?” You’ve heard it before, you’ve said it before, and it may have been said in regard to you once or twice. It is commonly understood that the absence of sex

in one’s life can cause personal and social anomalies, but there was little scientific proof until now. Psychologists now attribute this strange phenomenon of aberrant behavior to a condition known as No Sex Dementia (NSD). After a prolonged period of sexless existence, the human brain becomes chemically

imbalanced and its owner will begin to show signs of the early stages of NSD. Some common behavioral patterns associated with this affliction are, but not limited to: irritability, depression, unrealistic increase of standards for potential mates, and the loss of a sense CONTINUE ON PAGE 9

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SEE SNOW PAGE 9

What The Government Isn’t Telling You? PAGE 8

SEE FEAR PAGE 8

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Dear Outlook Readers,

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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

As you may have noticed, the satire portion of the newspaper is no longer a section, but an entire pull out of comedic articles, puzzles, comics, and more. The Outlook team decided that this section would function better as its own entity, which is why it contains a separate cover.

the editor.

Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Outlook editors or staff. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.

On the web: Outlookpress.org Facebook.com/outlookpress Email: Outlookstudentpress@gmail. com Office: Student Union Room 3200 Phone: (845) 574-4389 Fax: (845) 356-6261 Snail mail:Outlook Student Press Rockland Community College 145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901 Professor Fuentes, Advisor

Satire Staff: Robert Chamberlain, Victor Correci

Cartoonists: Brittany Flynn, Justin Hubbell, Paul Carlucci, Alyssa D’Anna, Robert Chamberlain

SatireNot

The main reason behind creating this pull out is mostly to provide creative freedom for the writers, graphic artists, and cartoonists to channel their talents in an entertaining fashion for readers.

FUNNY ToYOU?

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The function is purely to entertain. The topics for the articles are fictional-based, and only serve the purpose of making the SUNY Rockland students laugh, or perhaps provide light reading material during breaks in between classes.

Hopefully this short disclaimer will clarify the goal of this new addition to the Outlook newspaper, and also inspire students to display their own take on comedy through submitting articles or artwork to the paper.

TO US www.facebook.com/OutlookPress

www.twitter.com/OutlookPress

Robert Chamberlain

Contributing Writer

Look up. Do you see them? Can you feel their otherworldly eyes probing and dissecting your body?

I can assure you that they are there, hovering just above us in waiting,biding their time until the perfect moment comes to infiltrate our world. Scientists will have you believe that aliens are nothing more than a wild fantasy concocted to sell comic books and dime novels.

As a lad, I often fantasized about flying into battle in my rocket-sled and giving these hideous creatures a taste of their own death-rays.As an adult however, maturity has granted me the clarity to see beyond the Hollywood veneer and recognize the very real danger lurking at our doorstep.

With the scientific community’s denial of the enemy’s very existence, the burden of proof falls upon the shoulders of American citizens.

We must take it upon ourselves to keep a watchful eye on our surroundings,document any questionable activity and report it to the proper authorities.If presented with the proper evidence, I am confident that our government will take steps toward securing our

way of life Photographic evidence has surfaced time and time again, revealing unexplainable phenomena and unearthly shapes captured by the camera’s lens. In the past fifty years there have been countless terrified videographers shakily these recording images.

Unfortunately, too many gloryseekers have forged “sightings” of extraordinary beings and have done irreparable damage to the credence of any legitimate photographic proof.

With the advent of the camera phone, practically every citizen has become a possible source of verification, yet strangely the frequency of photos depicting. anomalous occurrences have dropped The only logical explanation could be that they have learned our ways and they are

adapting.Even more alarming are the reports that not only are these extra terrestrial invaders present, but that they have taken a firm hold upon our society and culture as a whole. Many claim that these beings have already entered the workforce, earned places on our sports teams and even starred in our films.

If this is truly the case and the invasion has already begun, do not lose hope. With diligence, I believe that we can oust these trespassers and restore our way of life. Henry proclaimed;“The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active and the brave.”

Please do not be fooled into welcoming these devils-in-disguise into your communities and homes.

Do not let their vaguely humanoid appearances the strong alone; it is to the vigilant,the active and the brave.”

Please do not be fooled into welcoming these devils-in-disguise into your communities and homes.

Do not let their vaguely humanoid appearances and ridiculous attempts at replicating the English language lull you into a false sense of security.

The Canadian scourge is real and they are among us, waiting to strike.

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Victor Correci

Contributing Writer

The weather is a curious thing. No one really understands it, and no one can fully predict it. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it turns on you.

Soon, you’re trapped inside your house under a mountain of snow, or your car hits a patch of black ice on the highway that sends you careening off the road into a snow-filled embankment.

We are powerless against the might of Mother Nature, servants to the whim of a planet in chaos.

For all of their blusters and hyperboles, “meteorologists” don’t seem to have a clue, which can make on wonder: is global warming responsible for the extreme weather conditions that have plagued the Northeast over the last five weeks? And don’t even get me started on the uneducated, insane people that seem to think that the recent weather patterns are somehow tied to the fact that with each passing month creeps closer to the “end of the world,” or “2012. All of it is pure and utter foolishness. No one can predict the weather, and certainly no one knows what is responsible for the strange climatic shift that is occurring in this planet- except for me.

I know exactly what is responsible; or should I say “who.” Cobra. That’s right. Cobra.

For those of you unfamiliar with Cobra and their nefarious activities, allow me to explain: Cobra is a ruthless, worldwide terrorist organization, determined to rule the world.

Years ago, Cobra was transparent in its goals- a bumbling fool of an organization that was bent on supremacy, but lacked the means and the leadership to achieve it. But now, in an age where a new global threat emerges almost every day, Cobra is more dangerous than ever- a serpent lying coiled in the grass, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Perhaps that time is now. In the past, Cobra has turned to many different methods in order to achieve their goal of world domination, most notably in the areas of science and technology.

The origins of Cobra’s use of technology as a means of control date back to the early 1980’s, when they constructed a mass device.

The Matter Transference Machine (MASS) is a teleportation system that can be used to move people and weapons in large quantity from one place to another. After several failed attempts, Cobra scrapped the idea of using teleportation as an

efficient means of travel, due mostly the cost of the project and the scarcity and expense of the three elements needed to power the machine.

They have also dabbled in the areas of genetic experimentation and cloning, and at one point even combined the DNA of deceased historical figures- mostly that of feared tyrants and genocidal maniacs, to create a super being of unparalleled intelligence, charisma, and sadism, aptly named “serpentor.” However, Cobra’s crowning achievement in technological warfare has been in the area of weather control.

While it is well known that the organization has been capable of producing the technology required to control the Earth’s weather for over two decades, the technology was believed to have been lost when the first “weather dominator” was destroyed by America’s Special Missions Force, or as it is popularly known G.I. Joe, more than 25 years ago. However, the recent changes in the Earth’s weather patterns suggest that a second, even more deadly version of the original weapon may exist. If Cobra does possess a new weather dominator, it’s doubtful that we will actually know about it before something can be done about it.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the

contrary, many government officials refuse to publicly acknowledge the existence of Cobra, and they dismiss the notion of a weather control device as “madness.”

Instead they make outlandish claims that blame global warming, or an ancient Mayan calendar for the strange and unexplainable weather we have been experiencing over recent months.

But I’m not fooled. I refuse to believe the unsubstantiated ramblings of Al Gore who is most certainly a highly placed Cobra agent, or the calendar of a group of people who couldn’t even save their civilization from a common cold.

‘

N.S.D. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

of humor about his/her missing sex-life. However, the most common sign that someone is suffering from this disease is the assigning of priority to aspects of life that don’t usually warrant such extreme priority. Examples of this include; accomplishments within online multiplayer video games, the careful arrangement and cataloguing of collections (DVDs, crystalline unicorns etc.), undying devotion to a musical group that until now had only merited a casual interest, and the altering of wardrobe and a being friends with someone who suffers from NSD can be an arduous task and your initial reaction may be negative, but without outside help, a sufferer can go decades without relief. In order to help, you must find a way to re-introduce sex into his or her life. This can be accomplished either by finding a new mate for your friend or by becoming your friend’s new mate (not recommended).

Once sex has been successfully re-integrated, a condition known as Head Vampire Syndrome (HVS) will begin to manifest itself and rapidly dismantle of every negative effect that NSD had previously inflicted.

You should begin noticing the effects of HVS immediately. Your friend will begin to prioritize their lives in a much more reasonable and logical fashion. His or her sense of humor will return and they will again approach life with the hope and vigor that they did before NSD. However, HVS is not a permanent solution.

Only by constantly maintaining a healthy sex-life can the evils of this disease be kept at bay, but with recognition and diligence, you can make sure that you and your friends are kept safe and rational.

Clues: Across 1. Former Secretary of State Colin 6. General trend 8. Land of the free 10. Marx’s brainchild 11. iPhone rival 12. Peter’s TV pet 15. Braun’s “friend” 16. Still alive to many

Down 1. Rosie the Riveter for example 2. Thoughts of one’s self

8. Senior’s Org.

3. Secretary of Defense during Vietnam

9. Sword that Arthur pulled out

4. Like many security guards

11. Russian President _____ Medvedev

5. Professor who is theme of puzzle

13. Org. seen by many as wrong

7. Heroes who resp. to 911

14. Fireman Ed’s obsession

SEE ANSWERS ON OUTLOOKPRESS.ORG

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Don’t Play With Fire by Paul Carlucci

Owe My Soul by Robert Chamberlain

by Justin Hubbell Monkey by Paul Carlucci

www.justinhubbell.com

Captain Banana’s Awesome Guide For The Economically Challenged by Alyssa D’Anna www.alyssadanna.com The Many Adventures of Poit the Cat by Brittany Flynn

February 14, 2011

Reel reviews: oscar edition

Black Swan Jonathan Mallon Staff Writer

Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) has diligently danced her way to ballerina perfection.

Her beautiful craft is seen by director Thomas (Vincent Cassal) as he picks her for the lead role in a new rendition of “Swan Lake”.

However, Thomas needs her to play both the pureness of the White Swan and the sinful, “seductive” qualities of the Black Swan.

Along with his questionable methods to break Nina’s child-like innocence, Nina’s own obsession for perfection, and the arrival of a new dancer who’s qualities are Nina’s opposite, she embarks on a psychological

Jonathan Mallon Staff Writer

After years of production hell and training, Mark Wahlberg comes out swinging alongside this gritty new boxing drama set in 1991.

Walberg plays “Irish” Mickey Ward, a boxer and stepbrother to Dick Ecklund (Christian Bale), a former boxer who briefly hit it big before his crack problem.

Boxing is also the family business, with Dickey training Mickey in boxing and their mother (Melissa Leo) arranging matches. What follows is his slow rise to boxing success, overcoming the

journey that challenges her own perception of reality, as well as the audience’s.

Just the word “ballet” could make almost anybody roll their eyes, but “Black Swan” uses the stress associated with an art’s perfection as the insight for it’s story. Because of this, the uniquely artistic and almost surreal elements make for a pretty unpredictable story.

The characters and their qualities run parallel to characters in the ballet, while their qualities are also expressed in their clothing, backgrounds, and residences.

Among all the great acting and talent present, Portman

shows how hard she can work in a role and how well she can perform.

Horror isn’t the focus of this thriller, but the creepy moments that mingle with Nina’s reality are genuinely creepy and sometimes disturbing. In it’s entirety, it’s like an old, but more explicit episode of the original “Twilight Zone”, minus a big twist ending.

Black Swan stars Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, and is directed by Darren Aronofsky.

pitfalls and decisions that affect him and his family.

The story is linear and the ending feels slightly inconsistent with the characters’ interactions throughout the film, but it’s otherwise enthralling to watch unfold. Like “The King’s Speech”, it’s the characters and actors that will leave impressions on audiences. Wahlberg is good, Successfully displaying a quiet gentleness outside of the ring and real determination within, but Bale’s performance is what everyone will be talking about.

He shows dedication to his art by losing the weight necessary to pull off this character, as well

as learn the tiniest details of the real Dick Ecklund to pull off this colorful character. Melissa Leo’s acting, including the other supporting cast, also add grit and roughness to an already tough drama.

This film is undeniably good; it can’t replace “Rocky”, but it’s just as effective as an underdog story for this genre.

The Fighter stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and is directed by David O. Russell.

The Fighter

The Kings Speech

Jonathan Mallon Staff Writer

A little known fact about King George VI; he had a speech problem. This is explored in a British film that is certainly an awards contender, starring Colin Firth as former Duke of York Albert, before Europe fought WWII. With a stammering problem traced back to his childhood, Prince Albert always had a difficult time with public speaking.

None of the accredited and accomplished specialists in Britain could help him overcome his problem until his wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) is recommended

to see a low-key speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush).

With an unconventional method of therapy, Logue helps Albert overcome his problem over the next few years, well into the beginnings of his kingship.

The story is slow, but unique and character driven, showing some great performances by Firth, Carter, and Rush.

Rush isn’t as nutty as the coming attractions make him, nor is he un-quirky either, but he displays experience and patience to Firth’s frustrated and uptight Albert Despite those last two details, Albertis a sympathetic character, explaining his past and

immediate problems that have created and continued his stammering problem.

This big focus on performances and acting seems intentional, but that primary focus makes other elements of the film seem too subdued by comparison.

Aside from the pacing, spots of dry dialogue and a score that makes an already classy film feel even more classier may turn off some viewers. The King Speech stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, and is directed by Tom Hooper.

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Style & entertainment

February 14, 2011

Red Carpet Fashion for the Oscars!

Lindsay Buteux

Contribting Writer

W

ith 2011 firmly underway, the anticipation for the Academy Awards show grows every day. Most entertainment shows and magazines are dedicating more and more time to the biggest event in Hollywood. While the awards themselves are the main attraction, just as much attention is paid to the styles and outfits that will be walking down the red carpet.

The trends making their debuts lately might give us some ideas of what to expect on the high glamour and hot fashion red carpet this year.

Belts and sashes are all the rage. Even with some of the most exquisite gowns, actresses are accessorizing with thin belts. This simple addition to a dress creates a lovely slimming effect at the waist. At the SAG awards, Lea Michele wore a silver Oscar de la Renta gown cinched at the waist with a skinny belt.

Hints of a colorful spring are splashed here and there, especially with floral prints.

Claire Danes wore a Louis Vuitton dress covered in a blue floral print, a refreshing and youthful look. She kept it young while modeling the fashion-forward style of a black belt.

Mila Kunis, the high rising young actress, continues to blow everyone away with her distinguished sense of style. Her vivid red floral Alexander McQueen gown was also worn with a slim belt. She glided across the red carpet at the SAG awards in this flowy strapless number.

Emerald green has thus far been a popular color to wear. Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis, and Catherine Zeta Jones were dressed in this rich color at the Golden Globes. Soft tones such as beiges and nudes are also some favorites. Most of Valentino’s spring gowns are in this collection of colors and can be expected to be seen at the Oscars.

According to Pantone Inc., there is a new color debuting this year: honeysuckle pink. The pretty pink hue adds a vibrant touch to the red carpet. Stars have already begun to experiment with the pink fad, such as Claire Danes at the Golden Globes. Designers such as Nanette Lepore and Badgley Mischka are incorporating this color in their collections. It is safe to say that honeysuckle pink will be chosen by at least one star at the Oscars.

Is youth really wasted on the young? Not if you’re Hailee Seinfeld! This 14-year old remained young with her cute smile and simple ponytail, while wearing a sophisticated Marchesa gown at the Golden Globes. Her colorful Prada dress, which she wore at the SAG awards, lit up the room. But Jennifer Lawrence, the newly discovered 20-year-old actress, should flaunt her youth more. Her hot pink Oscar de la Renta gown worn at the SAG awards and the black ruffled Louis Vuitton dress worn at the Golden Globes were not her best choices. If she combines her dramatic taste with a more youthful flair, she will be a knock out at the Oscars.

There are simple do’s and don’ts for the Oscars. For the ladies: a flattering silhouette is everything! It doesn’t matter who you are: if the dress doesn’t fit your body, it will not work. Even though Valentino has a whole line of sheer dresses, it would not be appropriate to walk down the red carpet in overly revealing attire. Hopefully, those dresses will not make an appearance. And to the dashingly handsome men: please tame that mane! No one likes to see unkempt hair, especially at the Academy Awards. Jake Gyllenhaal, Matt Bomer, and Mark Wahlberg looked especially sharp in their tailored suits and neat hairdos at the Golden Globes. Keep it clean and classy!

Each year, the Oscars provides an opportunity for the stars to reveal the latest trends and their unique tastes. But the key to a beautiful red carpet show is keeping classic glamour alive with simple silhouettes, sparkle, and ultra elegance.

Style & entertainment What Clever Theatergoers Style Icon: Clara Bow Know: Avoiding Overpriced

February 14, 2011

13

Tips on how to achieve Bow’s retro look with a modern touch

Dena Kopolovich

Brittany Flynn

Contributing Writer

Staff Writer

Clara Bow was the quintessential silver screen flapper, the original Hollywood “it” girl. Born in 1905, she rose to stardom at age 16 through an annual acting contest. Her first film was 1922’s “Beyond the Rainbow,” and her career skyrocketed from there.

Bow captured the hearts of American movie-goers who were looking for a new icon in an age where women were no longer content to be silent, wilting wallflowers.

Always brazen and sometimes shocking, Clara Bow perfectly captured the spirit of the roaring 20’s, and with her persona of the feisty dancing, drinking party girl, she is largely responsible for the iconic image of the free-spirited flapper that has carried through to the modern age.

She was famous for her red hair, and when she explained that she dyed it with henna, sales of the product jumped. Beyond this, her daringly high hemlines, sooty eyes and dark lipstick gave women the courage to experiment with fashion and makeup in previously unseen ways.

Want to incorporate this fashion pioneer’s look into your own without looking like you’re headed for a 20’s themed costume party? Here’s how:

Fashion:

Let’s start from the top and move down. During the 20’s, hats were very popular accessories and this was partially due to Clara Bow. There was even a “Clara Bow cloche,” which could be ordered through magazines. Try finding a cloche with an asymmetrical brim for a modern twist. Alternately, headscarves were also in style, so grab a scarf (the thin, silky kind, not the holy-crap-it’s-really-cold-out winter ones), fold it into a rectangle, wrap it loosely around your hair like a headband and tie it in the back.

The iconic 1920’s silhouette is the drop-waist dress. A drop-waist dress is when the waistline seam is much lower than your natural waist, instead of sitting around the hips. This gives the illusion of the straight, tube-like body shape that was the ideal during that era. Geometric prints as well as florals were the norm for the period, but if you’re feeling daring, sequins also capture the sparkly spirit of the gilded age. In her youth, Clara Bow was a tomboy, so if you’re looking for something a little more androgynous, you can pull from that side of her style. However, Clara’s androgyny wasn’t the sleek, tailored kind. It tended to lean towards over sized men’s clothing. Try getting a pair of men’s pants that are a size too large and belting them to create a “paper bag” waist effect and pair them with a slim top and a blazer, so as not to lose your shape entirely in a sea of fabric.

In terms of footwear, the 20’s were all about round toes. Anything with a round toe is your best bet. Extra points if they have either an ankle strap or a t-strap. However, if running around in heels isn’t exactly your cup of tea, you could also go with a simple pair of flat Mary Janes.

Makeup:

-Face: In the 1920’s, cameras were primitive in comparison to today’s digital HD, so actors and actresses alike had to wear excessive amounts of makeup in order to get their features to register on film. Due to this fact, foundations tended to be rather matte.

Luckily, due to the advancement of makeup formulas, you can achieve this flawless matte look without having to cake on layers of product.

Recommendation: M.A.C’s Full Coverage foundation or Makeup Forever’s Mat Velvet. Make sure to set your foundation with a mattifying powder, such as Urban Decay’s De-Slick Powder or M.A.C. Blot Powder.

-Eyes: Clara Bow’s most iconic feature were her massive, round dark eyes.

For an updated version of her look, first swipe a grey-brown eyeshadow across your lids and blend it out smoothly through your eye’s crease, and then place the same color under your bottom lash line from the outer to inner corner.

Recommendation: M.A.C. The next step pencil eyeliner or black top and bottom lash aren’t naturally large, tend to close them up or beige eyeliner and bottom waterline, which of larger eyes. Finish of mascara on the top and eye makeup can range from sheered out for a more neutral,

-Lips: The classic burgundy-red, bordering The shape usually differed lip line, being drawn impression of a smaller, Clara’s particular was known as the or simply the “Clara sure to cover your lips beforehand, in order to edge of your lips with more modern version, using Clara’s deep, but if you’re a little color, you can just dab on and blot it with a

Thrifty Theater going: inexpensive ways to go to the theater.

eyeshadow in Bark. is to smudge black eyeshadow along your lines. If your eyes all this black can a bit, so take a white run it along your will give the illusion it off with a coat bottom lashes.

This intensely dramatic or be everyday look.

20’s lip was usually a matte on purple or even b l a c k . dramatically from the natural within the lips to give the more rounded mouth. heart-like style “cupids bow” Bow.” Make with concealer blend the natural your skin. For a stick with just opaque lip shades, shy of so bold a lip the deep lipstick tissue for a sheer,

It‘s Feb. 13, you’ve been crying in your bed for about three and a half hours after realizing you’ve just dropped $300 for you and your date to see a production of “The Lion King” that has been playing consistently for at least ten years. And after considering the weeks of unavoidable guilt and financial pain that will soon follow, you vow never to purchase tickets to a play again, thus living a life so full of sorrow that simply IS the lack of theatre!

In many cases, deciding whether that ticket is worth the money comes with experience. Here are a few options that will help you make that decision on your own without sacrificing a meal to compliment your show.

If you absolutely insist on seeing the, most expensive shows: never pay full price. Many of these hit shows, such as “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” and “Chicago” are in production for years at a time; so paying $130 for a ticket may not be worth it if you’re looking for a unique theatre experience.

Websites such as www.theatermania.com always offer shows at discounts and the TKTS discount booths have three locations in NYC, where you can purchase day-of tickets at significantly lower prices (assuming you have the patience to wait in line, of course).

On the other hand, if you’re looking to see a play that will only be showing for a limited amount of weeks, make sure to book early because they sell out quickly. The best times to book these are the first few days that the tickets become available to the public, so mark your calendar and know exactly what you’re looking for.

These shows are usually where you’ll find the best quality in terms overall performance, and they often star the most talented names in the acting biz, as well as wonderful companies coming from Australia and England.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music generally holds dramas like these with topquality acting; and if you book early enough, you can purchase tickets from as low as $25.

And you know there’s nothing like a live tear-jerker to get your date all warm and fuzzy!

If you’re thinking Off-Broadway, or even Off-Off Broadway, productions put on by acting studios, such as the T. Schreiber Studio, often provide innovative new plays and great acting for under $20. The perk about these studios is that their theatres are small, giving you the best seating arrangements from any other theater in NYC.

Now finally, if you’re looking for an offbeat theatre experience, the New York Neo-Futurists is a performance company that runs shows every weekend. Their signature play, “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind” is an interactive experience in which the actors attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The plays are constantly changing so you will always get something new, no matter how many times you go. The general admission price is $17; an amazing bargain considering the amount of fun you‘ll have.

Smart theatergoers know when to dish out the big bucks on plays, but you won’t always necessarily find a great deal on the show you’re itching to see. If you just found out that your favorite actor is playing for only a few weeks and you know you won’t be able to find a better price; go for it. Theatre can truly be a once in a lifetime experience and often, the theatre experience itself makes up for the cost of the ticket. If you love something pursue it, but certainly pursue it smartly!

Style & entertainment

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February 14, 2011

A Chat with Cartoonists An inside interview with the Outlook’s comic artist.

As you may have noticed, Outlook has created an entirely new satire section. One new addition that we are most excited about here is the comic portion, which is revamped and slightly more crazy. In order ton kick things off, we decided to gather our new group of artists and have an informal chat about the craft of comic making, as well other interesting facts about themselves.

BC: Scott McCloud. He wrote/illustrated a series of books that completely break down the mechanics of comic storytelling. I lent his 1st book Jesse Strauch: So I guess “Understanding Comics” to Brittany like 2 months we should start off with the ago and she hasn’t read it yet. Just sayin’.

introduction....

Justin Hubbell: My name is Justin Hubbell. I have two jobs: making comics and dish washing.

Only one of these jobs provides financial and emotional stability. I draw from my life, and the lives of other people, and if I can fit in some kind of message than that’s totally boss. (editors note: Justin runs a web comic/blog www.

JustinHubbell.com that is updated twice a week) Bob Chamberlain: Bob Chamberlain. I used to work in a comic shop, then I briefly owned a comic shop, now I once again work in a comic shop. My comic strip is called “Owe My Soul” and it’s about demons working in an office in Hell. It won’t be as derivative as it sounds. Eh, it might.

Alyssa D’Anna: My name is Alyssa D’Anna and I’m really glad the word “freelancer” exists, otherwise I would be a mostly unemployed painter, photographer, and graphic designer. I have business cards! My comic strip is called “Captain Banana’s Awesome Guide for the Economically Challenged” and it will graphically chronicle cheap DIY projects that will improve your life. Also there is a talking banana. (editors note: to see more of Alyssa’s artwork check out http://www. alyssadanna.com) Paul Carlucci: My name is ‘<- that guy’. I am an aspiring musician and wannabe chef. I have two comic strips, one simply titled “Monkey” which is about a monkey getting into crazy hi-jinx and giving advice on pointless topics. The other is “Don’t play with fire” which is an abridged version of an online comic called “Pyro of Suburbia.” Where as the online comic is telling a story, the newspaper comic is the main character, Seth, solving everyday problems his way: with fire.

Brittany Flynn: I’m Brittany Flynn and all these introductions make me feel like I’m in group therapy. People tell me that I’m an artist and I like to think of myself as a writer, but neither of these things has proven to be lucrative as of yet. My comic is “The Many Adventures of Poit the Cat” and it’s about a hapless cat and his accidental deliquesce.

JS: Where do you guys find most of your ideas come from when creating your comics?

JH: If I try to think of an idea, that idea usually ends up being pretty terrible. I find that ideas just sort of happen, the real challenge is doing something about it.

BF: For this? It’s a pretty simple equation: Cat+drugs=hijinks.

JS: As far as drawing styles, who do you think has influenced you the most?

PC: Garfield. The End. No questions asked.

BF: Once upon a time, I wanted to be an animator and, for a while, I was obsessed with the guys at Disney, like Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston and Milt Kahl, Andreas Deja and Glen Keane. My interest in animation led me to a forum run by a Cal-Arts student, Aimee Major, and she was another big influence. Around the same time, I found Faith Erin Hicks’ website and her stuff is another huge contributor to how I draw.

JS: What medium do you use to draw your comic and what, if any, other mediums have you worked in?

AD: I draw comics straight on the computer with a tablet. Outside of comics, I use acrylic paint, pencil, ink, house paint, spray paint, watercolor, photography, super saturated salt, and just about anything else.

BF: The production value of Poit is pretty low. Its schtick is that it doesn’t look polished, so just with a mechanical pencil and a mix of micron and ballpoint pens. For other prettier comics, I use blue colerase pencils, mechanical pencils, a wacom tablet and the technological wonders of Photoshop and Illustrator. I’ve also used various kinds of markers, watercolor and acrylic paint, pens, colored pencils, ect. Basically, I like to play with art supplies.

PC:Pencil. Ink. Gouche. Blood. Seamen.

Acrylic paint. Digital interfaces. Mashed Potatoes. Markers. You name it, I’ve played with it.

JS:How did you originally start drawing BC: A couple Sundays ago, you were all: “Hey! Wanna do a comic strip for the paper?

PC: I started from doodling in high school wishing something interesting would happen in class.

AA: I tend to think in doodles more than words. Occasionally, I’ll try and try and find a logical train of thought in a doodle and turn it into a comic.

JH: By popular demand. Growing up everyone wanted me to make comics for them. I got so sick of it that I vowed to never consider drawing cartoons for a living, despite the fact that it was more or less the only thing I was capable of drawing. I was whining about life one day and what I should do when my best friend (now girlfriend) said, “why don’t you just do comics?” I didn’t have a real reason for that one.

BF: Boredom in high school leads to a lot of odd conversations. With the constant availability of paper and pens, it was only a matter of time until those conversations became illustrated. Alyssa still has some of those, actually, such as the classic “Alyssa’s Lesbian Sister.”

opinion

February 14, 2011

Outlook Student Press Susanna Perlov, Editor-in-Chief Babita Persaud, Production Manager Demi Moore, Art Director Josh Blachorsky, News Editor Sari Ugell, Features Editor

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Egypt’s Fight To Establish Democracy Marvin Matthew

Contributing Writer

length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.

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The search for democracy leads back to the plot to murder of Julius Caesar, a ploy to create a democratic and free society, but instead created an empire.

Every part of the world has experienced an idea to overthrow government for the sake of establishing the freedoms found in democracy.

With a series of overwhelming and unexpected clashes, protesters near Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt quickly join Damascus, Syria and others cities as this century’s examples of the people’s quest for a life of freedom.

Recent pictures and videos from students studying abroad and CNN’s footage show the devastating nature of these protests and how unruly these protestors can become.

As a multi-cultural citizen born after the American Revolution, suffrage movements, and the Civil Rights movement, I haven’t had to take a stand against my own government to fight for a right.

All my life I’ve had a right to express opinions, and never had to deal with the prospects of starvation and poverty, which are privileges that our friends in Egypt haven’t experienced.

I feel every man and woman has that right and minus the violence, protesting for the freedom of democracy is a great and honorable quarrel. Democracy in

Egypt is a great step for the Egyptian people and the world spreading the American idea of each person’s right to choice.

In 1789, the beginning of American democracy, the most powerful idea of human history, led to our strong federal government. This idea continues to inspire citizens from many nations to fight as our forefathers did, with hopes to mold their countries into what we know as a democracy.

Unfortunately, history provides many failed attempts of the establishment of democratic principles, which sourly turned into a power that was a dictatorship or monarchy such as: the Peoples Revolution in China, the French Revolution in 1791, the Russian Revolution in 1905, Fidel Castro overthrowing the corrupt presidency in the 1950’s, and the Islamic Revolution of the 1970’s resulting in Iohtolah Kohmenis absolute dictatorship.

The United States is one of the few countries that was able to build and sustain democracy for as long as it has, As the United States gets more involved with proposals for President Mubarak’s resignation and a transitional government led by Vice President Suleiman, I hope the Egyptian people get to experience the hope and peace that many of us are born into.

I hope that this new search quenches their thirst for a revitalized economy and satisfies their literal hunger for food.

The Future of Light Bulbs

What new technologies will do to the environment Jeremy Pardo Opinions Editor

Light bulbs are not usually at the forefront of our minds. However, incandescent light bulbs might not be available in the near future. The Canadian province of British Columbia has already ordered all retailers to stop restocking the most popular sizes of incandescent bulb ahead of a national ban that will go into effect in nationwide in 2012. The United States will implement a similar ban in 2014. National bans on incandescent bulbs are being implemented due to their incredible inefficiency. Much of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is converted to heat. As a result, incandescent bulbs are hot and wasteful.

Since they require more electricity, they create more emissions, which are bad for the environment.

Incandescent bulbs also have a relatively short life. So, even if they are cost effective initially, the frequency with which they need to be replaced offsets the cost of other longer lasting bulbs.

In most cases, compact florescent (CFL) bulbs will replace the old incandescent types, with mixed results for the environment.

According to the Energy star program, CFL light bulbs use approximately 25% of the energy of an incandescent bulb. A savings in energy translates into reduced carbon

emissions. According to the EPA, if 30 incandescent bulbs where replaced with CFL bulbs, the resulting reduction in carbon emissions would be equivalent to taking two small cars off the road. That savings in energy, however, comes at potential harm to the environment. CFL bulbs contain mercury. While the mercury in the bulbs is

for producing a poor quality of light. Most CFL bulbs are incompatible with dimming switches, causing consumers to choose between a lower energy bulb and one whose consumption can be varied according to need. Improvements in the technology have resolved performance issues to some extent, but many still feel that CFL are inferior to

unlikely to harm anyone while the bulbs are in use, it may become a problem long after the bulbs have burned out. If not properly disposed of, mercury may leach into the groundwater contaminating drinking water for millions. Some cases of large CFL bulbs exploding, releasing mercury into the environment, have also been reported.

In addition to the environmental concerns, fluorescent bulbs have a reputation

incandescent bulbs.

Obviously incandescent bulbs are not the perfect light bulb but neither are CFL bulbs. So why is the government banning incandescent bulbs? In my opinion, the bans have little to do with the reality of the situation.

Incandescent bulbs are portrayed as “bad” for the environment, while CFLs are considered a green alternative. Global warming and the carbon emissions that contribute to it

has become the premier environmental issue. By banning incandescent light bulbs, governments appear to take action to improve the environment without having to address bigger issues such as the use of oil and coal to generate the energy we demand.

Incandescent light bulbs should not be banned, despite their inefficiency. While they are much less energy efficient than CFLs, incandescent light bulbs have no danger of mercury contamination. However, CFL light bulbs are still a better alternative when used appropriately. Although there is a considerable threat of mercury leaching when bulbs are not disposed of correctly, handled appropriately it is possible to reuse the mercury, making the bulb harmless.

There is also no need to compromise between incandescent and CFL bulbs. Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are even better environmentally and practically than either CFLs or incandescent bulbs. LEDs use as little as 10% of the energy required by an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. LED bulbs can last up to 10 years and the light they produce is of equal or higher quality then any other bulb. LED bulbs are also mercury free.

The catch, of course, is that they are almost three times as expensive as CFL bulbs, and six times the price of incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs can save as much as thirty dollars in energy costs over the life of the bulb compared to incandescent bulbs. LED light bulbs will save an additional ten or fifteen dollars over in energy costs compared to CFL bulbs. LEDs cost somewhere between fifteen and fifty dollars per bulb, thus the

Science & health

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February 14, 2011

Health Food Guide for a Student on the Run? Simple ways to maintain a healthy diet

Monica Powell

Contributing Writer

Maintaining a healthy diet while balancing the responsibilities of a college student can be quite a challenging task.

With the conveniences of vending machines and the school cafeteria, some may find it more “schedule-friendly” to grab a bag of chips than to prepare something ahead of time at home. The preconceived idea that “healthy” can’t be fast or delicious may detour yet others from incorporating more nutritious foods into their diet.

Whatever one’s reasons are, with just a little planning and a few minutes of time, it is possible to put together healthy snacks and meals that are convenient and delicious.

Below is a simple recipe that can be made in a snap. Whole-grain oats and raisins, for instance, both contain loads of fiber that keep our bodies feeling fuller longer and promote sustained energy levels.

Dates are a good source of potassium and are naturally sweet, making them a great substitute for refined sugar which actually suppresses the body’s immune system. Combine these three ingredients with cinnamon, an aromatic spice that has been proven to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and the result is a tasty treat that can be enjoyed any time of day!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: 1 cup oats, old-fashioned or steel cut 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ cup pitted dates, preferably Medjool ½ cup of raisins 1. Combine the oats and cinnamon in the food processor and process into small pieces. Add the dates and process to mix well.

Add the raisins and pulse to mix.

2. Press about 3 tablespoons of the dough into cookie cutters on a sheet tray lined with parchment, or roll the dough into balls and flatten.

3. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container or bag.

Will keep for a week at room temperature or for many weeks in the refrigerator or freezer.

Thaw for 15 minutes before eating.

Note: If you don’t own or have access to a food processor, a high-speed blender should work just as well.