Vol. 45 Issue 13

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utLook STUDENT PRESS Vol. 45 Issue 13 April 22, 2013 Facebook.com/Outlookpress

Features 3 “Since every individual is different and every injury is different, the treatment program is created based on an individual assessment. ” OT Program, Students

Occupational therapy practitioners bring a holistic perspective to their patients.

Henry Fuseli’s “The Nightmare” (1782), inspiration for Mary Shelley’s classic Romantic novel “Frankenstein.”

Monsters and Maidens

Kristen Loretoni & Melissa Mone

Editor in Chief & Social Media Editor

Science 17 “Lyme disease frequently mimics the flu or mono, and typically reduces your immunity. ”

Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” is regarded as the epitome of the Romantic ideal. According to Dr. Nancy Hazelton and Professor Emily Harvey, however, Shelley’s life was anything but ideal, despite

the tendency over the centuries to idealize her and her experiences.

The Center For Excellence in Teaching & Learning presented Dr. Hazelton of the English department and Professor Harvey of the Art department, in a lecture and art discussion focused on women in Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” The lecture, offered by the Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series in cooperation with the Women’s History Month committee,

gave insight to the realities surrounding the depiction of women in Shelley’s masterpiece.

When Mary Shelley wrote “Frankenstein” (1818), she was nineteen years old and England was in the Romantic era. Romanticism was a period when people idealized nature and emphasized the individual.

It was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe. Dr. Hazelton focused her portion

Sports 20 “Rob Mcivor slugged a three-run homerun to center field in the bottom of the first.”

Devon Keane, Student

RCC baseball has bounced back and is currently competing for the number one seed.

SEE FRANKENSTEIN PAGE 2

“There Was a Holocaust, and I Was There”

Gennifer Rollins, Student

With the onset of Spring, Lyme disease becomes more of a concern.

of the lecture on the literature, while Professor Harvey used art to convey Romantic ideals.

In Dr. Hazelton’s portion of the lecture, the roles of women in the novel were described. Shelley used women like Elizabeth, who becomes Victor Frankenstein’s wife, as both angels and victims.

She pointed out the fact that both Shelley and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft were both

Melissa Mone

Social Media Editor

Rockland Community College had the honor of having filmmaker Paul Galan speak to students about surviving the Holocaust as a child. He spoke bravely to a full lecture hall about the tragedies and challenges that he faced during the Holocaust.

Galan is from the former Czechoslovakia, which is now divided into two independent countries. In 1939, he lived in a small town that soon became occupied Nazi territory.

He explained how he had to follow the Nuremberg Laws, wearing a yellow Star of David on his arm. His family consisted of his mother and father, his two twin sisters and himself.

In 1941, he saw young boys who were not married marched to the railway stations, and shipped out by the Nazi soldiers. Then in 1942, when he was seven or eight years old, he witnessed major deportations of the Jews in his town. The majority of people were taken and led to the school’s athletic field, where he described hearing screams and cries, and seeing “very vivid” beatings that he still remembers to this day.

Galan’s family was released from the field because his father was given a safe pass, due to his occupation as a businessman. But then, the Christian man Galan’s father was in business with, said that he no longer needed the “Jew” (Galan’s father). Galan’s uncle threatened the Christian

man, making him withdraw his statement, so that his family could be saved from the fields.

Paul then went on to say that his father went to a liberal minister and got his entire family baptized as Lutherans to try and keep them alive. However, this did not help them, because six months later,

it was announced that any Jew who converted after 1939 was not considered Christian, but remained Jewish. The Jewish population of his hometown shrunk from 5,000 to perhaps 200, he said.

He talked about two camps in Czechoslovakia, one being Novaki. When the soldier came to their house the first time and told the family that they were being relocated, one of his twin sisters was at a friend’s house. Since the soldiers could not find the other sister, they locked the family in the local jail until they found her. The search turned out to be unsuccessful, so he, his mother, father, and sister, went to the camp without her. His father labored at the camp, while his mother and sister worked in the sewing shop. He said that “fear of the unknown was our greatest enemy” because the people at his camp did not know whether they were going to live or die, or what SEE HOLOCAUST PAGE 2

News

April 22, 2013

Mary Shelley and the Romantic Era FRANKENSTEIN FROM PAGE 1 strong women. However, in Frankenstein, Shelley shows women who were “domestic angels” like Victor Frankenstein’s mother, and Elizabeth.

During Shelley’s life she lost three of the four children she bore during her marriage to poet Percy Shelley.

She then wrote “ F r a n k e n s t e i n ,” which not only has an interesting psychological background, but also has three narrators, all male.

One of them, Victor Frankenstein, gives “birth” to a monster. The monster wants Victor to create another monster, a female, to accompany him, and in return he will leave England forever and go to South America. Victor refuses, which angers the monster, and this makes the monster kill Elizabeth on her and Victor’s wedding night as revenge.

Professor Harvey uses the novel and

Henry Fuseli’s painting “The Nightmare” (1782) to portray the influences of Romanticism on both. The painting shows an impish figure sitting on a woman dressed in white, vulnerable on her bed, with a horse head peering out from the red

curtains.

Harvey pointed out that on the left there was a bottle of laudanum, that was taken in those days as aspirin, which can cause hallucinations. There is another interpretation that Professor Harvey describes in which Fuseli sees himself as the monster deity. Fuseli wrote a letter to a friend where he describes his rejection by his first love, and had a dream

when he possessed this woman in bed.

He sees himself taking revenge in t h e object of his love. Dr.

Hazelton and Professor Harvey related this back to “Frankenstein” by having Elizabeth, dead on her honeymoon draped over the bed, with the monster on the woman’s belly, as representative of women’s roles.

Both professors showed the connections between the women of “Frankenstein” and the art during that time. Dr. Hazelton discussed Victor Frankenstein and the consequences of creating the monster on Elizabeth and their happiness, and

Professor Harvey discussed Fuseli’s paintings and how they related to the story.

Dr. Hazelton and Professor Harvey teach a course here at RCC specifically on 19th century Romanticism. If you are interested in the topic, register for

their “Rebels and Romantics” Literature Seminar, which they co-teach.

Holocaust Survivor Shares His Story

HOLOCAUST FROM PAGE 1 was going on at the camps in Poland.

In the summer of 1944, part of the camp was in an uprising, which he called the Great

Slovak Uprising.

This caused part of the camp to be liberated and he and his family left. They were free for about six months in the capital of Czechoslovakia when German planes were overheard killing people in the streets and the town square.

His father had forged documents saying that they were Christian, and he had saved up some money before they fled the capital.

His family and 100 other people headed for the mountains, where the weather was not in

their favor. The group walked for days on end, and with each day, Germans were catching up to the group, shooting as they got closer.

When Galan and his family were running, they looked back to see that his sister, Eva, was not with them. It was pouring rain, cold and muddy when they were calling out her name with no reply. Then just the three of them were forced to go on without her and went up the mountain looking for a village. Thankfully they came to a little village with about 15 houses. Every house turned them away but one, a farmer. The farmer assured them that the Germans would not come to the village because it was so far up the mountain, but he was wrong, and eventually they showed up going from house to house looking for Jews.

When they came to the farmer’s house, they accepted the forged papers saying Galan’s family was Christian.

A German soldier with two other Germans knocked on the door and required a place to sleep, Galan said. Galan, his mother, and his father, attempted to fit in one bed, but then the soldier offered to have Galan sleep with him saying, “let the boy sleep with me.” Galan could not express how scared he was, and told us how he held his mother’s hand all night, not sleeping.

The next morning however, the soldiers just left, saying “thank you.”

One night, another soldier came in, saying

that he knew that they were all Jews and he told them to try and leave the village. They did, and they went to a different village with a different family, and this time, they hid in the potato cellar of the home. On December 30, there was a German invasion at this village, where all the men were required to go outside and be identified. All the men came back except his father, and they allowed him and his mother to stay until March.

There was a Jewish woman from their hometown that came to the safehouse and told Galan and his mother that Eva, his sister who had been lost in the mountains, was found and was staying in another safe place.

The woman came back in March, Galan said, saying that they had to leave because there Russians had liberated some parts and the Germans were on the move, and would most likely stop by this village.

They joined a group and headed for the mountains. There was a blizzard that developed and everyone was blinded by the snow and the wind, but they kept walking in the dark. Galan slipped, and his mother went after him. All he wanted to do, Galan

explained, was sleep. His mother knew however that if he went to sleep, he would not wake up. That next morning, it was only the two of them, and when they continued over the mountain, they saw not one, but two arms sticking out of the snow; both were people from the group they were with, frozen.

When they came out of the mountains they saw a village with smoke in the woods and it happened to be a Russian Pa r t i s a n , who gave them food and water.

Galan said that he and his mother slept for 13 to 14 hours.

When they woke up, the Russian Par tisan told them that their hometown had been liberated in November, and he was going to show them the way to get there so they could go home. They got back to their hometown where they met up with Eva, 10 days later. Not long after, in June, Paul’s father showed up, and in August, his other sister and his aunt came back.

Out of the 5,000 Jewish people in his hometown, only 250 survived. He and his family were the only family that was still intact in the end. He and his family then left Czechoslovakia. His two sisters went to Israel, and he and his parents came to the United States. He ended his story by telling us, “There was a Holocaust and I was there. It did happen, despite all the non-believers’ stories.”

April 22, 2013

Features

The OTA Program at RCC Umer Tahir, Khashayar Hakhamaneshi, & Barbara Anne Bauer Contributing Writers

What is Occupational Therapy?

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, Occupational Therapy helps people across all lifespans participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational

therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Occupational therapy services may include comprehensive evaluations of the client’s home and other environments (e.g., workplace, school), recommendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and education for family members and caregivers.

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.

What is the difference between OT and PT? Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve and adapt in all aspects of their life.

The very word “occupation” means an activity which “occupies” our time.

Some examples include; A child in grade school has the occupation of learning, and playing, a senior may want to continue driving safely in order to stay active in their community, a husband may need to keep track of all his medications as well as his disabled wife’s medication. All of these tasks are occupations and participating in them is vital to maintaining overall health and wellness, satisfaction and security, function and ability. OT practitioners also work with those affected by the aging process, developmental disabilities, and address health and wellness. Occupational therapy is focused on the person, the task and the environment. The focus is on enabling the client to perform the everyday tasks they need or want to be able to do.

The environment includes the physical surroundings, the caregiver, and the communication of the healthcare team.

A physical therapist also treat patients whose movement and physical abilities are impaired by aging, injury,

surgery or disease. They will mainly use manual physical manipulation and joint mobilization techniques, supervise and suggest specific exercises and implement a course of treatment to reduce pain, maximize mobility and increase the physical fitness of their patients.

What is a COTA? A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is an individual who helps with physical, cognitive, emotional or developmental challenges. Occupational therapy assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist in treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

They help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

What is the difference between what a COTA can do and an OT? Occupational therapists perform the initial evaluation. They do this by testing a number of factors to determine things like your range of motion, strength, sensation, coordination, and other elements that may apply to your particular injury.

Once the evaluation has been performed, it is up to the occupational therapist to develop an individual treatment program. Since every individual is different and every injury is different, the treatment program is created based on the individual assessment and evaluation. An occupational therapy assistant implements the occupational therapists intervention plan by working directly with the patients, teaching them exercises, and monitoring their progress.

What is the job outlook for COTA’s and OT’s?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 201213 Edition, Employment of occupational therapy assistants is expected to increase 43% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase 33% from 2010 to 2020. Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral palsy, autism, or the loss of a limb. Demand for occupational therapy assistants is also expected to come from occupational therapists employing more assistants to reduce the cost of occupational therapy services.

Why OT? Occupational therapy is a vibrant, growing profession that makes it possible for people to achieve independence and to enjoy life to its fullest. By choosing a career in occupational therapy, you will make a difference. You will be able to improve the lives of people, from newborns to the very old. Students today can look forward to dynamic careers working in multiple settings with people of all ages. And the employment outlook for occupational therapists is bright. Recent information published by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that the job outlook for occupational

therapists will improve substantially in the next several years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Specifically, it states that “employment of occupational therapists is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014.” Occupational therapy is a career for individuals who care about people and have a desire to learn, achieve, and contribute their best to society and the profession.

What is the average salary for a COTA and OT? According to, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor:

COTA=$47,500 from 2010 COTA in NY=$46,970 / NJ=$62,560 OT=$72,000 from 2010 What areas/setting do COTA and OT’s work in?

Occupational therapy practitioners are employed in a variety of work environments including hospitals, rehabilitation & developmental centers, schools, home health, hospice agencies, community agencies, community mental health facilities, assisted living, extended care

facilities, and long-term care facilities.

How does the COTA program at RCC work?

RCC accepts up to twenty two students each fall and twenty two students each spring. Most courses include hands-on labs that are collaborative, challenging, yet flexible. The OTA program requires Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences.

Level I fieldwork is completed throughout the program, which ties what is taught in class to actual experiences students have with clients in treatment settings.

Level II fieldwork is 16 weeks fulltime and experienced at the end of the program when all the academic courses are completed. RCC also offers an OT Club that sponsors guest speakers, and provides community service projects with the elderly and people with disabilities.

Graduates of the program are able to apply for the national certification examination for the OTA administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Most states require licensure and passing of the NBCOT national certification exam.

Picture Credit: studenttherapy.com

Features

April 22, 2013

Learn to Ride a Motorcycle at RCC Melissa Mone

Social Media Editor

What is it about a bike with an engine that gets people excited? Perhaps it’s the power they feel when they ride, or the open road that gives them that sense of freedom.

Now is the perfect time for you to go out and get the motorcycle license you have always wanted. The riding season is here and it is better to be prepared so you can have fun in the sun! If you are one of those people that likes power and freedom, then check out the SmartRider Motorcycle Safety Program at Rockland Community College.

If you are interested in getting your

motorcycle license or just want to lower your insurance, then this program is for you. When you register with SmartRider you get to work with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified, experienced RiderCoaches. If you have a valid New York driver’s license and a valid New York motorcycle permit, you are eligible to take their Road Test. If you take their road test, then you are waived from taking the DMV road test as long as you are successful in completing the course.

Upon taking the course, you do not have to worry about materials. There are motorcycles that are provided to you to learn hands on riding, and they also provide helmets. However, you do need to wear proper riding gear which includes long pants, gloves, long sleeved jacket, and protective footwear. The course structure is about 1/3 classroom time and 2/3 riding time, meaning you are riding the motorcycles most of the time because MSF believes that hands on training is the best way to learn. When riding, you learn basic riding skills such as straight line riding, turning, shifting and stopping

efficiently and quickly. Once you accomplish these basic skills, you then move on to cornering, swerving, advanced and emergency braking, speed selection and much more.

When you ride, there are only a few people in a class so you get very good teacher to student attention. The sessions are from 15 hours to 20 hours. The registration fee is pretty pricey, but for $350.00 you can avoid taking the road test with the DMV and at the same time you can get helpful and safe tips from very experienced riders. Also, you can be confident with the motorcycle controls and have some experience with riding before you go out on the road.

As a student that has taken this riding course I enjoyed the course and learned a lot from it. The instr uctors were very polite and helpful in making sure that I know e ve r y t h i n g about riding a motorcycle

safely and efficiently. They made sure that I was fully confident and prepared when leaving the course. Each course has two people who help in teaching the other riders how to ride by themselves and in a group, which can come in handy if you have a family or a group of friends that have motorcycles or scooters.

If you are interested in this course, you can find more information on our school website www.sunyrockland.edu and there is the SmartRider website which is www. smartridermsp.com. On the website, they provide phone numbers as well as more information on the course. Remember, enjoy your ride, respect your ride, and ride smart!

The Revolution of Pay it Forward Gennifer Rollins

Photography Editor

Opportunity presents itself in many manners here in Rockland County. One of the more inviting opportunities is the chance to volunteer. In terms of colleges and careerlife, volunteering looks great on any resume.

Apart from its qualitative properties, volunteering offers the ability to fill one’s life with varied and rich experiences.

Volunteering can provide a new skill, peak unacknowledged interest, or give a deeper understanding to an already admired field.

Rockland County is littered with places to begin the great revolution of paying it

forward.

Hi Tor Animal Shelter has been a longstanding entity in our vibrant county. It is home to many breeds of cats, dogs, and other furry friends. It offers the service of adopting or caretaking of an animal that would be otherwise homeless. Their website gives details about volunteer opportunities

for groups, and for individuals. Group opportunities include money drives, such as lemonade stands, tag sales, and car washes. Other drives are also included like can/bottle recycling drives, shelter planting and cleanup, and dog and cat toy drives. If you are interested in working with or for the benefit of animals, Hi Tor is the place to go. It is located in Pomona, NY, and is in great need of volunteers right now. With the current economic situation at Hi Tor, they could really benefit from as many advocates as possible. Help our furry friends get back on track, by reaching Hi Tor through their website, http://www.hitor.org/ or by phone, (845) 354-7900.

If you are looking for a career in environmental sciences, or just like to get your hands dirty, look to Cropsey Farm, located on South Little Tor in New City.

Cropsey is one of the last remaining farms in New City, and in Rockland. Due to the sublime efforts of the Rockland Farm Alliance, Cropsey has now become a community farm, which means it is open for all of the public to participate in and benefit from. Volunteer opportunities range from community outreach, to hands-on farming,

to working administrative positions. These jobs are not strictly for those intrigued by the environment. Business management,

political, and ecological pursuers all have means by which to grow, on this farm. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, check the Cropsey Community Farm website

at http://cropseyfarm.org/, or email them at volunteer@rocklandfarm.org.

Those entering the field of Psychology, or those interested in Deaf Studies/language therapies, may find opportunity at the Rockland Psychiatric Center. Located in Orangeburg, Rockland Psychiatric Center holds many volunteer options to volunteer for the Deaf, engage in the details of organizing medical information, be a companion to those dealing with mental challenges, or simply drive patients from place to place.

There is an opening for nearly any type of career-oriented fieldwork here, sure to keep any college student busy. Further information can be found at this website: http://www.volunteer-center.org/HOC__ Volunteer_Opportunity_Search_Page?Org =001F000000ljKgnIAE&p=orp.

If you can’t volunteer, due to time, personal inclination, or any other reason, there are still many oppor t unities to pursue your interests while bettering the world. No one’s permission is needed to pick up garbage on the sidewalk, lend a helping hand, or spend an afternoon acquiring a new skill. In addition to what you can do in your own time, many of these organizations also accept donations. Where time fails, money often helps, for areas that benefit the community.

Opinions

April 22, 2013

Robot Readers Gabriela Gonzalez

Opinions Editor

Whether you’re a student who made a smooth transition from writing in high school to writing in college, or a student

who always suffers from writer’s block after the first word, at one point or another we’ve all written that dreaded thing called an essay. It’s always been the same; we write an essay, either at home or in class, hand it in to a professor, and then wait for our grade. Some seem to believe that this method of essay grading is a thing of the past.

What if, after finishing a college essay, you wouldn’t have to wait a few days for a grade given by a professor, but instead you could click the “send” button and get your

results instantly with a grade given to you by a computer. In addition, you could immediately revise it and re-submit it for a chance to get a higher grade.

A recent New York Times article reported on the introduction of a computer software that can grade thousands of student’s essay questions in as little as twenty seconds.

The software was created

by EdX, the nonprofit enterprise founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, and has been made available to any school that wants to use it. It is already currently being used in a number of universities and it’s expected that other schools will soon follow. But leaving artificial intelligence to evaluate written work has gotten much opposition.

The way the software works is through imitation. A human teachers or grader would be required to grade one hundred essays, and then the computer would use machine-learning techniques to learn to do the same thing as the professor, only faster. The professor then serves as a guide for the computer software. But is this really reliable? Without a human grader, can a computer really grade much besides spelling, grammar, sentence structure,

and organization? In this sense, this kind of program is made to reward formulaic writing: conformity.

My eleventh grade English teacher used to always quote Robert Frost who said, “No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” All of us that were in her class were encouraged to break the rules- to think outside the box and be creative with our writing.

For example, who

says your thesis statement has to be in the first paragraph? What would happen when a computerized grading system gives a lower grade for an “error” like this that was actually intentionally made for effect? It would in fact be punishing creativity. If students wrote the way they were encouraged to do so by state writing tests, then wouldn’t all writing be bland and predictable? Wouldn’t it be easier to replace students altogether and substitute them with robots programmed with themewriting software?

Maybe it wouldn’t be too terrible to use the software as an aid to a human person.

It could help serve as a second opinion and help evaluate the conventions of writing.

But if there is no human involved, we would basically be training a generation of imitative and uninspired robots.

Are Unpaid Maternity Leaves Fair?

Jouberte Durandisse & Gabriela Gonzalez

Contributing Writer & Opinions Editor

I am not a mother, but I am a woman, which makes me understand those who are

a little better. I can put myself in their shoes and see the injustice in unpaid maternity leaves. Why is it wrong?

Well, imagine what it would be like to be at the end of a pregnancy or just after giving birth. After going through this long, painful, and exhausting process of creating a new human being, you’re going to need time to heal, rest, and connect with your child. With an unpaid maternity leave, a new mother somewhat gets that chance but with a cloud of worry and stress hanging

over her head.Many mothers in the past have had to leave work after giving birth, unpaid. These women find themselves in difficult circumstances, and this could’ve been prevented. Back in 1919, the United States almost signed an International Labor Organization agreement that was also supported by thirty three other countries.

It was an agreement that stated women

workers would receive cash benefits with a job-protected leave for twelve weeks in the period surrounding childbirth. Since it was never signed by the United States, women now only get an unpaid leave.

This is unfortunate because women may believe that they have to be increasingly independent and self-sufficient in the twenty first century.

Modern families in today’s society often consist of single mothers and breadwinning women who could’ve benefited

from this agreement.

Think about how expensive babies are.

The truth is, you don’t have to be a parent to know the high cost of providing for a newborn child. Parents have to spend money on new fur niture, clothes, and other items for their baby.

Most of these items are completely over pr iced , and on top of that, there are things the child will quickly outgrow, not to mention the everyday things like diapers, medicine, and formula.

Due to these facts, women often don’t take the full average twelve weeks of the unpaid leave given to spend time connecting with her child because they have to make a living, which shows how hard and unfair it is for them after giving birth. They have a child and have to rely on the money they have saved up or the money they get from a spouse or family member who supports them.

Those who do not have that luxury have to immediately go back to work; they simply cannot afford time off. It’s also unfair because you’re depriving that child of their time with their parents.

That time that women need to recuperate is also critical for forming the bond between child and parent. It’s also when

their child needs attention and affection the most. It’s just unfair to the mother and to the new infant.

In some cases, women have a right to use their sick or holiday time in order to get paid while on maternity leave, but what if they already had a child and had to use some of that time for them and won’t have enough to use for her newborn? So honestly, I think we all can agree that some of our policies need to be changed to make it fair to new and old mothers.

They’re excuse from work is real and not paying them is just not fair.

As mentioned before, it will give the mother more time to connect with her child, heal from labor, and have a better chance of affording the essentials for her child. Solutions and compromises need to be made, such as a semi-paid maternity leave. But having to leave work for a maternity leave with absolutely no pay is simply wrong and unfair to the mothers.

April 22, 2013

opinions

Unfriendly Competition David Strinkovsky Staff Writer

Many people may be familiar with the saying “It’s just a game” when talking about sports. Usually after someone says the cliché phrase, another person might respond, “Life is just a game.”

But what happens when sports become more than a game?

What happens when people lose themselves and who they are all for the sake of a sport?

How can a variety of games that bring people so close together and create a form of healthy competition ultimately lead to self-destruction?

You might have asked yourself these questions in the past, and there is no shame in doing so. Know that you are not alone. Sports can be a world where every hit you take in a football game could be the hit that paralyzes you for the rest of your life, or the shot you try to block can lead you to fall and break your leg in two places, or have your bone pop out of your body, and where kids can grow to hate their parents because they are pushed too hard. People need to understand that

sports may be more than a game, but it cannot be your life.

For anyone that thinks they know better, I urge you to find more information on former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed after suffering a hit on the field. Or Louisville’s Kevin Ware, who just had surgery repairing his broken leg. I urge you to go to a JCC or YMCA basketball game and witness the kid who misses the free throw that would win the game suffer the harsh loss of more than a game; the loss of his parents treating him as a child but rather as a work horse.

What you are reading may seem as if it has too many questions and not enough true sports analysis, but the questions are things that many people have forgotten to ask themselves along the way both in life

would happen if sports aren’t taken seriously enough anymore. In the NFL, everything a player does seems to be a penalty, and every time a coach or a player says something in the NBA, thousands of dollars are nailed

and in sports. One of the questions that seems to nag almost everyone in the world at one point or another is how much is too much? That’s what everyone should ask themselves-and it applies to everything.

How much texting is too much? Is it too much focus on your job when it tears you away from what you love? Is it too much focus on what you love when it tears you away from your job?

How much sports is too much?

I recently went to a fourth grade youth league basketball championship game of a family friend and witnessed a kid who was overweight and could not lift his arms over his shoulders properly. When he shot free throws, he had to make an extra effort; he shot underhanded with two hands because he simply could not complete the free throw motion the way most people do. This same boy missed a game winning free throw, right before a boy on the other team hit a buzzer beater to win the championship.

After the game, the boy who missed the free throw was in tears as his parents were shouting and demanding how could he let his team down. Other players and parents were laughing at how the boy shot free throws. It seems as though people have lost track of what is really important. How could parents yell at their child in the moment when he needs care the most?

At the same time, many may wonder what

off of their salaries. In contrast, there are many youth leagues where everyone wins a trophy- not just the champions. One could obviously say that is to help encourage kids to participate and make everyone feel like a winner, but in the big scheme of things it’s only making the pain worse. People lose in real life too. The girl you love may not love you back. The job you thought you were a sure lock for may suddenly be given to someone else, and the favorite hangout spot you went to and loved so dearly may no longer be around.

If people did not have a sense of what it means to lose something, what would

winning even mean? Winning would then be meaningless.

A recent “Sports Illustrated” issue caption, “Winning takes care of everything,” was listed next to a picture of Tiger Woods. The next question that should be asked is, “Does winning really cure everything?” For some the answer may be yes, but for most it would be fair to say the answer is no. If you keep winning games, but meanwhile a member of your athletic department is molesting a young child in the team locker room, do you think anyone gives a damn what the score of the game is? Winning is meaningless if you cannot go out into the world and be a responsible person.

Many people use sports as an escape, which is great if you are taking out stress or something of that nature. However, when sports becomes your getawaythe only world in which you can escape from things such as knowing someone molested a boy in the team locker room or people who cheat others of what they deserve then you are ultimately escaping the person you are and what your conscience knows you can be. You know something has gone very wrong

and that winning is only a delusion to the loss of yourself and you are the one really suffering.

Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The very same way that sports is meaningless unless it is able to impact you for the better in your life or the lives of others. Though there are so many devastating injuries and various grade changing and recruitment scandals, there are also many moments such as runners giving up their lead in a race to carry an injured competitor across the finish line. There are moments where kids with autism are allowed the chance to play in basketball games; there is something that still makes people feel that sports can be a teaching tool or an opportunity to really develop proper morals and respect. It just all depends how you allow yourself to understand the significance of what you are doing.

I’m not saying lose every game you play because it will make the guys on the other team happy. I am asking you to recognize that there is more to life than sports and winning, and when we lose track of that, sports itself becomes meaningless and serves no purpose but deluding ourselves from the reality we face.

Opinions

Outlook Student Press Kristen Loretoni, Editor-in-Chief Amanda Van Ryn, Managing Editor Julie DeVito, Production Manager Gabriela Gonzalez, Opinions Editor

Devon Keane, Sports Editor Marina Watts, Style Editor Gen Rollins, Photography Editor Anuj Chokshi, Assistant Photo Editor Melissa Mone, Social Media Editor

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April 22, 2013

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T U O B A K N I H T U O Y O D WHAT Y MUSIC? COUNTR

Melissa Mone

Amanda Van Ryn

Gabriela Gonzalez

Marina Watts

As a person who surrounds myself with music 24/7, country music is definitely one of my favorite genres. Country music can be soothing or up beat, and can be enjoyed any time of the day outdoors or indoors. There are no two songs that are the same, and some even tell little stories. There are people who think that judge you if you listen to country music, saying that the songs are generally the same and talk about the same things, but if you listen to the lyrics they definitely do not. The instruments vary in country music as well so it shows that the country artists are musically inclined and can play multiple instruments. Also, country music is the least auto-tuned genre of music today. In my opinion, it is true music with catchy beats and creative lyrics. I will always be a country listener because I actually like listening to the words to a song and be able to sing to it rather than singing to a machine.

Personally, I love country music. I don’t get what all the hate is about. Country music is my all time favorite genre of music. I think this is mostly due to the people that are in the country music community, which is more like a family. The people are so real and relatable. Most people in country music did not come from fame; they worked hard for most of their lives to achieve it. They come from the same places and types of families we do. The songs are about real life and are the best songs to listen to when you are feeling happy, sad, or anywhere inbetween. When I am driving my car with my windows down on a summer day, country music blasting out the windows is sure to make my day a little bit better.

My mother is a big fan of country music and would play it all the time, so i grew up loving country music. Country music has become one of my favorite kinds of music. It instantly makes me feel happy and very energetic. I love other genre’s of music too, but there is no better way to get in that summertime mood than playing some Brad Paisley or Zac Brown. Some people think it’s odd that I listened to it, specially as a New Yorker, but sometimes it’s good to break away from the mainstream songs we hear everyday.

Country music is my least favourite genre of music. I am open-minded to all types of music, ranging from the swanky jazz of Artie Shaw to contemporary rappers like Drake. I cannot stand country music though. It’s completely overrated. I don’t care if it’s summer and that means ountry music season. I will go on with my Beach Boys. To me, every single song sounds exactly the same. I am not one for “red-necking� and wearing cowboy boots and hats, and those shirts that look like tablecloths. The fact that there is an entire radio station dedicated to such a genre bothers me. It gives anyone I am with an opportunity to play all their hoedown tunes whenever they want! Disgusting! Definitely not a fan and could live without country music and all that “summertime country music with the windows rolled down.�

Prayers for Boston Gabriela Gonzalez

Opinions Editor

The members of Outlook Student Press are devastated to learn of the recent tragedy in Boston. Our sympathy and our hearts are with the victims, their friends, relatives, and all others affected by this terrible incident.

The morning of Monday, April 15 began as ordinary as any other day; no one was expecting the catastrophe that occurred later that afternoon.

The Boston Marathon, an event that has brought people together in good spirits for over a hundred years, became the site of fear, distress, and loss of life.

Three hours into the Marathon, two bombs were set off simultaneously, near the finish line. Many videos taken by spectators and news crews that were present at the event, show the confusion and fear on people’s faces, as they reacted to the chaos.

Immediately, police, medical personnel, and first responders were on site, directing people out of danger, and helping those who were injured. At the same time, the rest of the world was learning about it through news reports and social media sites, inciting a wave of anger, sadness, and sympathy for the victims.

The bombs claimed three lives, and wounded over 170 people.

Hours after the bombs went off, President Obama addressed the nation stating, “We still do not know who did this or why.” He warned people not to “jump to conclusions” but promised,”We will find out who did this, and we will hold them accountable.” His speech confirmed, to any that still wondered, that it was not an accident.

It was in fact, deliberate and came from malicious intentions. Since then, this event has been ever-present in our minds.

We are all wondering who is responsible for this and what would cause them to do something so terrible. We are also worried that it might happen again; our safety is now at the forefront of our awareness. In crowded areas everywhere, there are increased safety precautions and vigilance, and higher numbers of security personnel.

The national spotlight is now on federal law-enforcement authorities as we wait to hear news on their investigation. It seems they are making brisk progress in identifying the type of materials used to kill and wound so many regular Americans.

All we can do now is put our faith in our authorities to do their job; to find out who was responsible, and bring them to justice.

Style & Entertainment

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Spring Time 10

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Gennifer Rollins

W

Photography Editor

ith the arrival of spring, RCC has renewed itself as an incredibly active campus. There have been a number of guest speakers, fun events, and a lot of student enjoyment of the great weather.

Olympian Samyr Laine (below), stopped by to give an empowering presentation, and sign autographs for students. We also had our SGA elections, securing the Student Government for next semester. Nothing has lit this campus up quite like the many days of sunshine. Students can be seen playing chess, mingling in the courtyard, and studying in the relaxing new climate. We look forward to a fruitful end of the 2013 Spring Semester.

April 22, 2013

Style & Entertainment

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At RCC

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April 22, 2013

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Style & Entertainment

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April 22, 2013

What to Wear on a First Date Guys

Girls Marina Watts

Style Writer

The cute guy you had your eye on finally asked you to go out with him Saturday night for dinner and a movie!

If waiting for him to show interest wasn’t

hard enough, next comes the predicament of how you should look.

An overall pointer would be not to try too hard. A first date is no place for the dark smoky eye make-up or those six-inch platform heels paired with a tight mini-skirt.

No matter what your normal make-up habits are you should put some on. I recommend foundation and mascara at a minimum, along with lip-gloss. Foundation will make your skin look smoother and diminish blemishes. Mascara will make your eyelashes look longer, thus drawing attention to them. Lip-gloss will make your lips stand out and glimmer a bit. If you want to go a step above that, I recommend some eyeshadow and a bit of eyeliner. Finally, as long as your nails don’t look dirty, you’re already ahead of the game.

A nice restaurant is no place for a messy, u n kempt b u n thrown together last minute that could pass for “I just rolled out of bed to make it

on time.” At a minimum, run a comb through your hair. But in all seriousness, do something. Or keep it the same but fine-tune it. Put mousse in it. Straighten it. Tease it. Pin flowers into it. Put it back in a NEAT bun. Don’t make it look like you spent hours on end to make it look perfect though.

For clothes, no sweats or athletic-wear will be an option tonight.

It’s your time to make an excellent first impression outside of school.

My recommendation-a step above the norm overall. A pair of nice jeans and a nice shirt (NOT a T-shirt) would be an acceptable option.

Nothing too low-cut, you’re going to want your date to keep his eyes level with yours. If you find jeans are the norm for you and you feel like a dress or a skirt is more ideal for your night out, then go for it! Jazz it up with stockings or leggings if it’s chilly out. Nothing too tight or short, you must retain some level of class.

Shoe choices appropriate for the night would be fashionable/stylish boots, ballet flats, or fashionable sandals. If you are feeling daring, heels or wedges are okay to wear. If you are going to wear something with a lift, make sure you can walk in them. The last thing you need is to fall walking to his car; it’s a major disclaimer for the graceful young lady you are.

Like the song from Annie says, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile.” Many guys find a confident facade complete with a bright smile attractive. Nothing says “even though I’m a nervous mess, you can’t tell” like a smile. Now you’re ready to take on the world, one date at a time!

Ian Quinn

Conrtibuting Writer

Deciding what to wear on a first date may prove to be a challenging task for anyone, including those who are entirely confident in their image. For those who are not, the problem is only augmented.

In my own personal experience, the issue is not quite as daunting as it may seem to be at first.

U l t i m a t e l y, there is no set standard that dictates the acceptability of any given attire.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I’m some sort of fashion guru/trend setter of the century kind of a guy. In truth, I actually consider myself to be relatively modest in the way that I dress. It’s important to dress in a way that will best reflect the most becoming attributes of your character. In my case, I try to choose clothing that will look both laid-back and tasteful, possessing no traces of ostentation or ‘swag’. While my own tendencies lean towards an appearance of minimalist humility (perhaps a dark V-neck t-shirt with blue jeans), this is by no means a standard to be accepted by all.

Two of the most important factors that should determine how one is to dress on a first date are who you are as a person, and who you are going on a date with. If you don’t know the person too well, it might be better to hold back a bit if your style happens to be extravagant. Once you become better acquainted with your date, you can show them more of who you really are. In my experience it is preferable to gradually reveal the extremities of your personality, as opposed to bombarding your date with visual statements of your individuality that

may overwhelm them and, in effect, scare them away. If you’re really into the idea of potentially developing a relationship with this person, it may be best to play it safe.

First impressions, while not counting for

everything, are not to be taken lightly.

What must also be considered is whether the date is to be a more casual or formal occasion; an evening meal at an elegant restaurant or a romantic comedy at the local movie theater. Obviously the formal would require one to incorporate a little more sophistication when deciding

what to wear. Personally speaking, I would choose to wear black jeans, a blue or beige button-down shirt, and a black pea coat to top it all off. If it was an exceptionally high class sort of place, I suppose I wouldn’t mind throwing on a tie as well. For a casual date to the movies, I would probably wear something along the lines of what I previously described, a black V-neck with blue jeans, and perhaps a sweatshirt if its cold.

Keep in mind that a casual outfit doesn’t necessarily mean that you should put no thought into what you wear.

It is respectful to your date if you show up looking like you’re put together.

Casual does not equate to disheveled, minimalist doesn’t mean careless, and modest attire will not mark you as a boring person, but lack of conversation might.

Above all else, just be honest and have fun. Being pretentious in what you wear and how you act will inevitably lead to uncomfortable interactions, especially if it’s your first time out with your significant other. You don’t have to try so hard to have a good time, just go with the flow and see where your time spent

together takes you.

There is no need to worry, I mean, this person obviously liked you enough already, considering that they have agreed to go on a date with you, right?

Style & Entertainment

April 22, 2013

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Movies That Touch the Soul Marina Watts

Style Editor

The message that lives between the scripted words is the most valuable thing one can take away from a film. It can lift you up to new heights. With the stressful final weeks of the semester approaching, an excellent and easy escapism to ease one’s mind would be to watch a good-vibe generating film. A can-do attitude is the perfect remedy during

bouts of the infamous spring fever epidemic coupled with overwhelming anxiety, and you’ll feel invincible soon enough.

Here are some spirit-lifting films to get

you through research paper season.

Silver Linings Playbook.

The most recent of the films listed, “Silver Linings Playbook” made waves during Awards Show Season. Based on Matthew Quick’s novel of the same name, I immediately felt inspired after seeing it.

It has a positive message overall. After seeing Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence’s characters overcome woes beyond the norm, you find that no matter how hopeless you find life, “If you stay positive you have a shot at a silver lining.”

Crazy, Stupid Love.

This film has become my go-to romanticcomedy. Starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, “Crazy, Stupid Love” is Shakespearean in nature. It is filled with misinterpretations, miscommunications and everyone falls for the wrong person. It starts out with Emily (Moore) asking Cal (Carrell) for a divorce because she had an affair. Cal’s whole world gets thrown into disarray until Gosling offers him a chance to rediscover who he is. You

laugh, you cry, you root for Steve Carell and then wish him hell. But like all Shakespearean comedies, this movie reminds you that love perseveres all.

Julie & Julia.

What could be more adorable than a movie with Amy Adams AND Meryl Streep?

“Julie & Julia” is a duo-biopic about two extraordinary women-Julia Child and Julia Powell.

Based on Powell’s novel of the same name, the film follows the titular characters as they break through the mold of normal and become something more than what they are. Powell (Adams) is looking to become something beyond a temp worker in post 9/11 New York. She embarks on a mission to cook every meal in a cookbook penned by Child (Streep), who faced obstacles as a female chef in 1950’s France. Filled with its quirks, you will feel inspired by what they have done and will probably go make yourself a fancy French meal as the credits roll.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. A classic John Hughes film (and what I

think is his best), “FBDO” stars Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck and Mia Sara. If you went through high school without seeing this film, you have missed out.

The story is classic. Not a line is wasted, and the message is timeless. Like the typical teenager looking for a personal day to get away from academic pressures, Bueller feigns illness. With his best friend and girl by his side, he embarks on an unforgettable romp through Chicago. Every time I watch it, I want to go out and be Ferris Bueller. Who wouldn’t want to, after all? The message of the film is to live life to its fullest and not to let it pass by; “if you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”

Style & Entertainment

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April 22, 2013

Ready For Love­—Not This Tragedy Suzanne Peguero Staff Writer

On April 9, 2013, a catastrophe occurred. A new reality T.V. show called “Ready For Love” aired.

The premise of the show is to find a romantic partner for each of the three eligible bachelors. The producer, Eva Longoria (really, Eva? Really?) carefully handpicked three men who, according to our society, were in need of romantic partners. “Eligible” females applied to the matchmakers Amber-Keller Andrews, Tracy Adams, and Matthew Hussey, who, in turn, proceeded to choose twelve women per bachelor. The intent is that, as the season continues, each bachelor finds his soulmate. While the show stresses the importance of how the men and women are not “forced” to fall in love (as it is with other reality matchmaking competitions) it’s clear that at some point, one or all of the men will, at some point, have to fall in love with a contestant.

The structure is somewhat bizarre.

Let’s compare it to the aggravatingly successful show “The Bachelor”; in the season premiere, you meet the host, then the delusional bachelor, then the delusional ladies trying to compete for said bachelor’s hand. In “Ready For Love” we saw the executive producer, then the hosts of the show, then the musician who’s ready for

love, then the doctor who’s ready for love, then the do-gooder that’s ready for love, then the matchmakers, then the girls who are “auditioning” for the matchmakers, and then, finally, the girls that matchmakers picked. And for some reason, this whole reality television ceremony comes equipped with live audiences (really, Eva? Really?) and a set that looks like several reality shows combined into one. Finally, there are glass elevators that lift the women onto the stage and give you the impression

that beneath the extravagant set, there are battlefields of women with tight, bright dresses, extensions, and psychological issues. In a nutshell, it’s unwatchable.

To be fair, it didn’t seem to attract a large amount of people. Only 3.8 million tuned in to see the show, with 1.6 of them in the 18-49 demographic. If you compare that to The Voice’s 13.64 million audience, it’s a pitifully small amount. There’s a definite reason why.

Firstly, while it tried its best to

be original, it was an unsuccessful mash-up of several different reality shows. While the format may have been different from other shows, the premise wasn’t. We already have enough voyeuristic shows that enable us to watch other humans find their “soul-mates”; fortunately, America seems to have recognized we don’t need another.

Secondly, even though Eva Longoria says that this show will change the way women are humiliated on television, it still recycles the formats of other shows, and effectively manages to change nothing. And thirdly, while I was able to explain the plot of “The Bachelor” in one sentence, it took me a paragraph to describe this wonderful new show. When you make the structure a silly T.V show, you don’t want it to be too complicated.

This is reality T.V., not Sherlock.

I would like to finish with a quote by a woman who reviewed this show, Sonia Saraiya. She called the show “pure evil.” I agree, Ms. Saraiya. I agree.

My rating: F-

Celebrity Profile: Andrew Allen Kerianne Mulqueen

Contributing Writer

If you’re a regular movie-goer, interested in independent films, and you’re looking for some “new meat” or “fresh blood,” then you should definitely keep an eye on Andrew James Allen. Allen is a twenty five-yearold American television and film actor from Redmond, Washington. At the age of nine, Andrew started acting for television commercials. His mother, Susan, decided to move from Seattle to Los Angeles to help Andrew start his career, and at fifteen,

Andrew made his first mark on television.

In 2002, Allen landed a role on an episode of “Charmed.” Here, Allen portrayed Kevin, a vulnerable thirteen-yearold artist, who is given the ability to make his drawings come to life. An individual by the name of Arnon manipulates Kevin into drawing him a destructive, not-sosuper hero. Kevin, in turn, creates three female “protectors”—which are the three lead characters of the show—to destroy the

Aggressor. Because the boy is protecting everyone else from evil, the Elders (what we might call the higher powers) instill in Kevin their powers.

It’s a confusing show, and not just a confusing episode.

For the next few years, Andrew made guest appearances on popular television shows, such as “Reba,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “7th Heaven” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Each role put Allen’s talent to the test, as he got further and further experienced.

Allen also starred in Michael Grais’ short film Lakeshore Drive in 2006. The roles he had prepared Allen for the following year, 2007, which was a big year for him.

“E.R.,” “Monk,” “Shark,” “Cold Case” and “Bones” are just some of the television shows AJA appeared on. When I tweeted him asking what his favorite role to play thus far had been, Andrew answered “My favorite character so far is a hard one, but probably the cannibal I played on ‘Bones.’” He is onscreen for less than three minutes, and I was freaked out after I watched the episode!

AJA’s first real silver screen appearance was in Peter Jackson’s “The Lovely Bones” (2009), as Samuel Heckler, Lindsay’s boyfriend (played by Rose McIver). Later on that year, Allen was featured in an episode of “CSI: Miami.” Heath Lansing, a normal teenager, becomes enraged when he finds his father cheating on his mother. Even more infuriating, Heath’s father has a child with this woman, and the child ironically

enough, is Heath’s pregnant girlfriend!

Things go wrong, and it ends badly, but you’ll have to see for yourself!

As time progressed, more opportunities were presented to Allen. In 2012, AJA acted alongside Caitlin Gerard and Shane Dawson in Michael J. Gallagher’s dark thriller “Smiley.” A month after the film’s release, Andrew was a supporting role in an episode of “Criminal Minds.” This was actually the first time that I’d seen him act

in anything, and I found him to be wonderfully talented and quite handsome, also.

After watching just about everything else he has been in, “Criminal Minds” was my favorite.

Unlike most celebs in Hollywood, Allen will more than likely favorite a tweet that you send, or even tweet back. Through the interactions I’ve had, it seems to me that he is a very sweet and modest person. He is very photogenic, and has done various photo shoots with Diana Ragland and Tyler Shields. One of Andrew’s closest friends is the lovely Kate Nash, a British pop artist, who was recently spotted with a shirt that had AJA on it!

Be sure to shoot Andrew a tweet or follow him on Instagram (@AndrewJAllen). And don’t forget to check out some new films that Andrew is a part of as well, including “Bad Behavior,” “Syrup” and “Dark Power,” all hitting theaters this year!

April 22, 2013

Style & Entertainment

Why We Love...

Kristen Loretoni

Editor in Cheif

Essie: Muchi, Muchi Essie never fails to please me with their Spring colors. Muchi, Muchi is very feminine and the perfect shade of pink.

It is very similar to Fiji, another Essie favorite of mine.

Muchi, Muchi is a great color for any skin tone, and can be worn with anything because the color is pale.

It also looks great on toes, which doesn’t happen v e r y often for me w i t h l i g h t colors. I usually go with dark colors on my toes but Muchi, Muchi is a dark enough pink to look great too.

Maybelline: BABY LIPS Anyone who knows me knows how crazy I am about my chap sticks. Baby Lips is my new absolute favorite! It’s not only great for moisturizing lips, but I find that it also makes them look f uller

and just better looking overall.

T h e y come in all different flavors, but my favorite is the Pink Punch.

It smells yummy and will make your lips really smooth.

Jergens: Natural Glow Moisturizer Spring arriving is great and everything is beginning to bloom, but unfortunately, we’re all still pale. I have probably tried just about every sunless tanner on the market, and have been disappointed by all but

one. Jergens Natural Glow is awesome because you won’t turn orange if you do it right! Instead of looking like you just stepped out of a Willy Wonka factory, you’ll look like you stepped right off the beach. I use it right after I get out of the shower and let it dry for about fifteen minutes before putting on any clothes. The key is to not put too much on. Use it sparingly, but make sure it’s a thin enough layer to dry within a reasonable amount of time. Within a week or two, you will notice the lotion working.

However, if you are planning to wear white shorts, take that day off from using it to avoid staining your clothes!

Suave Professionals: Keratin Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner Color Care I love highend hair products, but unfortunately, I can’t afford them! Suave has a new line out, Keratin Infusion shampoos and conditioners. They are absolutely fantastic.

My hair dries flat and virtually frizz-less.

The best part about the whole thing is that not only do they work great, but you can’t even believe how cheap they are! If I were to go into a salon and buy products similar in quality, I’d walk out with an empty wallet.

You can find these shampoos and conditioners at any local supermarket or drugstore.

Lollia Hand Cream: Lavender and Honey Every time I walk into the store Anthropologie, I head straight to the perfumes and lotions section. They always have a great selection and the Lavender and Honey hand lotion that Lollia makes is to die for. I love hand cream, but don’t always love how slippery my hands get after putting it on. This cream goes on soft and smooth, and completely infuses into your hands, with no oily residue. Lollia hand cream is a little

pricey, but I think it’s totally worth the splurge! Lavender is one of my favorite

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scents and the mix with honey is amazing.

Aromatherapy: Pillow Mist: Stress Relief Okay so whether you’re a student or a faculty member, you’re feeling the stress that goes along with approaching finals. I am always looking for products that promote relaxation and stress relief. I walked into Bath and Body Works a few weeks ago and found the Aromatherapy Stress Relief Pillow Mist. This is one of the best things I have ever tried. I used to have a pillow mist when I was younger that had a lavender scent to help me sleep, but now I found the grown-up version! It is designed to help relieve stress and promote healthy breathing and sleeping. Anyone who knows me knows that this product is right up my alley. I recommend it for whoever feels taken over by the madness that is finals.

Turbie Twist Towel Hair Wrap Okay ladies, I am fairly positive that I just found your new favorite accessory. The Turbie Twist Towel Hair Wrap is pure genius. I hate going into the shower if my hair doesn’t need to be done. This allows you to protect your perfectly done hair and not have to worry about the humidity ruining it! Or, if you are washing your hair, you can use this as a dryer.

Wrap your wet hair in the Turbie Twist and let it air dry while you do makeup, or pick out an outfit. You won’t realize how convenient it is until you get it, and then you’ll wonder why you didn’t have it sooner! You can get one online or in Bed Bath & Beyond.

Yankee Candle: Beach Walk My love for great candles came from my mom, and I’m glad I got it! Yankee Candle makes some of the best smelling candles ever. Beach Walk is one of my all time favorites.

It smells good in a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and even bathroom. It is not specific to any time of year, because let’s face it- who doesn’t want to smell the beach in the winter! After Christmas is over, Christmas Cookie needs to be put away.

Beach Walk smells clean and fresh, and will transform any room into a tranquil oasis.

April 22, 2013

Science & Health

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Bullseye: How to Begin Healing from Lyme Gennifer Rollins

Photography Editor

Lyme disease can be very illusive. It is often indicated by a tick bite from an infected tick, or the notable “bullseye” marking at the site of the bite. However,

not everyone who becomes infected manifests their illness in these symptoms.

Often times, Lyme disease, especially chronic Lyme disease, is identified by symptoms of weariness, extreme lethargy, headaches, body aches, joint soreness, muscle stiffness, or cognitive impairment.

It commonly mimics the flu or mono, and lowers immunity, so one may appear to be getting sick frequently, although the cause is a sole virus.

With the onset of Spring, Lyme disease becomes more of a concern. Ticks are more prominent in warmer weather, and hide out in the tall grasses where many of us spend our sunny days. If you find yourself suffering from any of the aforementioned symptoms, the first step towards healing, is getting checked. Go to your doctor and request a blood test, or if you have the tick that bit you, you can also have the tick checked for the Lyme virus. If you have recently contracted Lyme disease, intensive diet or a round of antibiotics may do the trick. It is important to note, however, that not everyone reacts to these antibiotics the same way. Even if the doctor stops prescribing them, or your symptoms subside, the Lyme may not have dissipated fully. The best way to

know for sure, is to have a second blood test when the round of antibiotics is finished. It is also wise to take a probiotic while undergoing antibiotic treatment, to protect your stomach (antibiotics can be harsh on the body) and keep your good bacteria alive.

If you have not recognized your symptoms, did not have proper treatment, or have lapsed back into the symptoms of Lyme disease, you may be experiencing a more chronic strain of Lyme and Lymerelated illnesses.

After obtaining a diagnosis from a physician or Lyme specialist, there are many steps that can be brought to action. The first is acknowledging your needs.

Often times, we get caught up in the world, putting things like work, school, and social callings, in front of our wellbeing. This may be necessary at times, but in fighting this debilitating disease, one must recognize it before being released from it. The symptoms become increasingly heavy as time passes in the chronic stage, and may result in trouble concentrating, development of chronic all-over body

pain, digestive issues, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, excessive lethargy, and mental and psychological impairments (depression, insomnia, trouble with shortterm memory, etc.).

The lethargy makes it difficult to remain awake during normal daily activities. One of the methods that helps this, is sitting upright, as straight as comfortably possible. The elongation of the spinal cord aids in blood flow, allowing blood to circulate to the brain better and keeping you awake.

Frequent exercise is also a very important factor in healing from chronic Lyme symptoms. Anaerobic exercises, such as running, biking, interval training, jump roping, or weight lifting, are suggested. These intensive activities will help boost immunity without compromising your body’s ability to fight infection. Talk to your doctor about what may be of most benefit to you. It is best to begin with at least fifteen minutes of exercise on one day, and 3-5 days of rest in the following days.

Remember, even though you need to exercise to get better, your body is fighting a major

infection, and needs time to truly rest.

Resume activity after your rest days, and gently increase your exercise days as you become more able.

Once you’ve established a regular schedule with exercising and resting, it is vital that nutrition be acknowledged.

Food plays a major role in all aspects of life. What you put into your body will help determine your ability to fight infection and heal.

Many people develop allergies as a result of Lyme, so it is important to stay away from highinflammation foods, such as gluten, sugar, milk, eggs, alcohol, and generic/processed foods, as much as possible. These will further compromise an already compromised system. Vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and salad greens, are great for nurturing the body. Cooking with cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and oregano (not all at once), will also improve your chances in retrieving optimal health. It’s best to keep it simple, using ingredients with minimal additives, and low sugar content. If you’re eating meat, poultry and fish are typically better options than red meat. Berries, certain nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, whole grains, like brown rice, and spices with a kick, will keep and restore your vitality. This is no easy task, though. The psychological and

biochemical holdings of Lyme disease can cause intense cravings, or intense repulsion to certain foods. Try to exercise willpower in these moments, and know that the powers of Lyme will subside as

your health increases. Weigh the pros of momentary satisfaction, with the cons of long-term suffering, as best you can. But remember, you are human.

Psychologically, it can be difficult to maintain an identity within the suffering of Lyme disease; you must remember that you are not your pain. An entire person existed before the Lyme, and still persists within it, even if that person gets a little lost. Smile. It truly makes a difference.

Even without motive, the action of smiling sends a message to your brain to release endorphins, making the smiling person a little happier than they were a moment before. Make time to do things you enjoy. All of these tips may seem like soft solutions to a hard problem, but it is the mind that cages more than any illness ever can—so it is important to release the mind of any and all setbacks.

Technology

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April 22, 2013

Will Social Media be the Downfall of Our Generation?

Arlene Quiñones

Contributing writer

Social networking, the internet, and texting. What do these three information and communication outlets have in common?

Convenience.

In 2013, everywhere you turn you see people with eyes glued to their iPhones or smart phones, either texting, surfing the web, or on Twitter/Facebook. We are so in contact with one another at all times of the day, that if someone doesn’t respond to your text in less than a minute, we become impatient.

Communicating with friends and family has also never been easier.

However, is the growth of social networking causing us to forget how to communicate with one another? When I asked my friend Regina her point of view on the topic, she replied, “The growth of social networking, the internet, and technology overall, is both a blessing and a curse.” It seems as though it is more convenient to communicate with your friends via texting, than to seek face-to-face interaction, and some of my fellow students at Rockland Community College would agree.

When I asked a few students which source of communication do they use on a daily basis with friends and family, eight out of 10 students said either texting, or a source of social networking. When asked which source of communication

was favored, seven out of 10 said texting, while the other three said face-toface interaction.

As a generation, we are losing sight of basic communication skills that allow us to relate to one another. In exchange, we hide behind a laptop or a phone screen. For some reason, people feel more comfortable being themselves when no one can see them, possibly in fear of being judged.

Face-to-face interaction can be intimidating with a stranger, or during an interview, but it’s as though no one is even trying anymore.

Many of my friends would say that they tend to avoid face-to-face interaction if possible. My friend Melanie says, “If I see a good looking guy walking down the hallway, I’ll avoid eye contact.

I’d rather talk to him on Facebook, where I feel more comfortable.” I would assume most people are frightened due to insecurities they may feel inside, but becoming a confident speaker is one of the best ways to ease insecurities and feel good about yourself.

According to socialnetworking.procon. org, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit public charity site, “A study found that the percentage of less face-to-face time with family in their homes rose from 8 percent in 2000 to 34 percent in 2011.” I am sure many readers can relate that as technology becomes more advanced, more people are sitting at the dining room table texting or on Twitter, instead of talking to who is in front of them.

In my generation, social networking and texting are essential in the beginning steps of any friendship or relationship.

First, you meet a guy on Facebook, you like each other’s pictures, then you send a message, exchange numbers, and text for weeks, trying to get to know one another before you even meet. Then once you meet, you continue to text and the partners revolve their whole relationship around Facebook and the texts they send each other all day.

Carl Henegan, author of “Darkness Left Undone,” feels as though “life was so simple when apples and blackberries were fruit, a tweet was the sound of nature, and Facebooks were photo albums.”

Socialnetworking.procon.org says that “10 percent of people younger than 25 years old respond to social media and text messages during sex.” That statistic shows the impact these outlets really have.

Texting, the internet and social networking will continue to play a role in our lives, and the role will become larger as the years go by, and technology becomes more advanced. However, my advice, put down the phone and the laptop for 20 minutes, and talk to your family or friends in person. Twitter, Facebook and texting will still be there. For pros and cons of social networking, visit: socialnetworking. procon.org

April 22, 2013

David Strinkovsky Staff Writer

Every year after watching the NCAA March Madness Tournament, most people say to themselves that this was the year that they got to see it all. However, I’m not sure if seeing it all will ever be possible due to the fact that the “it” factor has no true definition. The closest an NCAA tournament could come to having “it” all would be this year’s NCAA tournament.

The nation witnessed some of the most incredible plays ever seen in the world of sports as well as nearly unprecedented occurrences as well.

In the first round, of the tournement Florida Gulf Coast University knocked off Otto Porter and the mighty Georgetown Hoyas, and then continued to show San Diego State the door home too. As if a number two seed winning was not enough, the number thirteen seeded Harvard Crimson defeated heavily favored University of Arizona, despite not having its two best players all year due to an

Sports

academic cheating scandal. Wichita State turned what seemed to be a simple eight vs. nine seed upset into a final four run, and Syracuse managed to take its zone defense and sporadic consistency to the final four as well. To top it off, one of the biggest headlines was about the team that didn’t even make the tournament, the former defending NCAA champions, Kentucky Wildcats, who got upset in the first round of the NIT tournament this year by no other than Roger Morris University.

However, this year’s tournament also had a few more improbable moments in addition to the infamous runs of Florida Gulf Coast and Wichita State. The name Kevin Ware does not seem like a name that will be forgotten anytime soon either, as the nation saw that no one, and I mean no one, is immune to injury. Kevin Ware suffered a freak of an injury as the sports world has ever come across, and to think it happened on a play where he was simply contesting a three point shot. However, Ware was not the only player that suffered a catastrophic loss, as Syracuse’s Michael Carter-Williams had his home burn down

to the ground while he was playing against Indiana.

There were more happy moments though as two historic universities, Louisville and Michigan, finally made their way back into the biggest game of them all, but only one could come out as the king of the court. Though each team did things their own way, Louisville found a way to ultimately put an end to Michigan’s redemption run. For the first time since 1994, Michigan made it back to the Final Four and was only a few baskets away from walking away victorious. However, many analysts and fans have criticized the lack of playing time National Player of the year Trey Burke received in the first half and have pointed the loss as a result of that. Ultimately, Louisville deserves their fair share of credit, as they were able to overcome the loss of Kevin Ware to injury, continue to constantly pressure the ball, and knock shots down from all over the floor. Coach Rick Pittino after just being named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, came out and coached an outstanding championship game, even

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showing a favorite player of his, Russ Smith, that there is no such thing as being immune to the bench.

This year’s tournament was truly an eye opener, and will probably be one of the most spoken about tournaments for a while. I don’t think there is any better way that the Louisville Cardinals could have finished the year, as they won the final Big East conference tournament, and ultimately on the NCAA championship for the last time in the existence of the, once prominent Big East conference. Though the conferences, teams, players, coaches, and referees change, the magic and drama of the tournament are what all college hoops fans wait for every year, and this year definitely did not disappoint. For those who think that college basketball is over just because it’s the off season, believe me it’s not. Just look what’s unraveling at Rutgers University, where former Coach Rice has been fired for being abusive. I hope for the best for all the schools in the nation both on and off the court, and next March, just you wait and see what unfolds, beware the madness of March.

The Knicks Continue to Push for a High Playoff Seed Christian Cataldo

Conrtibuting Writer

“We’ve just got to figure out what we’re going to do and try to stay consistent,” Knicks Coach Mike Woodson said, referring to the Knicks in the second half of the season.

The New York Knicks started off the season hot as they went into the All-Star break second in the Eastern Conference, right behind the Miami Heat, and first in the Atlantic Division. But with the oldest team in the NBA their early success took a toll on their health.

Going into the All-Star break, Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby, two pivotal role players off the bench, were nursing injuries while Knicks star Carmelo Anthony also came into the break banged up as he nearly missed the All-Star game due to a bicep injury which occurred on February 13th while playing the Toronto Raptors.

Rasheed Wallace has been dealing with a fractured left foot since Mid-December and surgery will have him sidelined for up to 8 weeks. Marcus Camby suffered a strained plantar fasciitis in early January and although he has been on the bench dressed, Coach Woodson has yet to put him into the game.

The Knicks’ schedule after the All-Star break is the toughest in the NBA. 18 out of their 29 games are against teams with current playoff seeding. Their second half schedule was headlined by a 5 game west coast road trip in which they lost 4 out of the 5 games.

The road trip dropped the Knicks to

third in the conference, falling under Indiana. They recently regained second place in the conference due to their late season surge, which continues as they are on a 12 game winning streak.

The loss of Knicks star Amare Stoudermire has made the final stretch tougher as, according to NBA.com, will miss six weeks due to knee surgery.

Carmelo Anthony was sidelined with a stiff right knee since he suffered a blow to the knee in the March 4th game in Cleveland. Anthony, who is averaging 37.8 minutes per game, was given a chance to heal up and it has proved to do the Knicks wonders.

The emergence of JR Smith as a consistent scorer has propelled the Knicks

“I feel for the young man because he put so much time and hard work in, but we’ve got to go on,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson said.

This was thought to be a devastating blow to the Knicks especially right before the west coast road trip. But the return of Carmelo Anthony, which had his right knee drained March 15th, has proved otherwise. They have been on a tear, looking like the Knicks of the beginning of the year.

back up to the second spot in the Eastern Conference. Smith earned the honors of Player of the Week in early April as he was averaging 29.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals for the week.

Carmelo Anthony won the same honor a week after Smith as he averaged an astounding 41.8 points per game for the week. Anthony and Smith have seemed to find a rhythm and it has affected the whole team as they seem to be playing more inspired.

Coach Woodson is faced with a tough decision as he can either play his stars their usual high minutes to stay atop the Atlantic Division and fight for second place in the Eastern Conference, or give them limited minutes to ensure a healthy team for the playoffs in exchange for a lower playoff seed.

According to basketball-reference. com, Carmelo Anthony is 5th in Free Throw attempts, which means he is getting fouled quite often.

This can cause injury scares before the playoffs which they simply cannot afford.

Also according to basketballreference.com, Tyson Chandler is ranked 7th in Win Shares per 48 minutes, which is an estimate of the number of wins contributed by the player per game. Giving these two players fewer minutes will clearly affect the Knicks’ record negatively.

The Knicks have found their rhythm as they have just come off a twelve game winning streak.

Resting starters can affect this rhythm that is desperately needed for a Knicks team that has failed to get out of the first round since the 1999-2000 season.

Local fan Philip Cataldo said “They just need to rest up for those physical matchups come April.” Harrison Baker also a local fan said “Although a lower seed would affect their title hopes, an injured Knicks team has no chance of coming out of the Eastern Conference.”

The Knicks’ fan base seems to agree that Coach Woodson needs to rest his star players. We can only wait and see what Coach Woodson has in store for the rest of regular season.

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Sports

April 22, 2013

RCC Baseball’s Strong Comeback Year Devon Keane

Sports Editor

The RCC baseball team is wrapping up their regular season which is scheduled to finish April 28 as we approach the final few weeks of the Spring semester.

RCC is famous for their baseball program. They are known for being one of the top competitors in their conference and are expected to be good each and every season. Although they had a down

year last season, finishing with an overall record with 12 wins and 20 losses, RCC has bounced back and is currently competing for the number one seed in the Region 15 Playoff Tournament.

In an interview with Matt Matcovich, RCC’s pitching coach, he mentioned how the team was motivated to work hard during the offseason to improve from their down year and did a lot of different drills over the fall and winter that needed to be addressed.

Offensively, the team spent a lot of time taking batting practice. Defensively, they worked on communication in the field and practiced and organized different plays. A talented group of freshman led by county players came in this season, followed by sophomores who really stepped it up to make RCC a competitor once again.

A notable returning sophomore is pitcher and first baseman Dominck Kulbaba, who was the winner of last year’s Rockland County Player of the Year award.This year, Kulbaba is also putting up very impressive numbers, batting .364 in 21 games, with two home runs and impressive 22 runs batted in.

Currently, the Hawks are 14-10 overall and 9-3 in their conference. They were riding a three game winning streak heading into their home game against Bergen Community College on April 16. Regarding Tuesday’s matchup, Coach Matcovich said, “Although it’s an out of conference game, Bergen is always here to compete.

Practically being right down the road, it’s sort of like a local rivalry. They bring the same attitude to win that we have.”

Unfortunately, RCC lost to Bergen by a score of 10-5. Starting pitcher James Veltidi went 6 and 2/3 innings and gave up 3 runs and got a no decision. Rob Mcivor slugged a three run homerun to center field in the bottom of the first to put RCC up on top by a score of three to one. Anthony Barbetto had an impressive outing, going 3-3 with three runs scored.

The Hawks has a tough schedule for the end of the season, with two games at Dutchess Community College on Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th.

Over the weekend, the Hawks matched up with Dutchess again for a home doubleheader on Saturday and played an out of conference doubleheader against the County College of Morris on Sunday.

Just like Bergen’s baseball team, Coach Matcovich stated, “Dutchess will always

bring their A game - We are kind of like the Yankees; everyone loves to beat up on us so they will definitely play hard.”

Although Dutchess is on a downslide, they will definitely put a test to RCC’s hot streak they are on.

The ultimate goal this season is to win the Region 15 Playoff Tournament.

They want to be the hottest team when entering the playoffs, because the fourteam tournament is double elimination; where the winner will represent Region 15 in Districts.

The last and only time the Hawks won Districts and made it to the NJCAA World Series was in 1993, so making a second appearance would be a monumental achievement for this program.

Come support the RCC Baseball team in their last home games as they square off against Westchester on April 25 and 26, both at 3:30, and on April 28 when they play a doubleheader with Suffolk beginning at noon to finish the regular season.

Roll, Boulders, Roll!

Devon Keane

Sports editor

The Rockland Boulders’ regular season is just around the corner, and this year brings even more excitement compared to the last two years. The Boulders’ inaugural season began in May of 2011 when they joined the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball,

or the Can-Am League. They play at Provident Bank Park in Pomona, just behind the Rockland County Fire Training Center. The Boulders have attracted fans all throughout the Hudson Valley to every game and have been dedicated to entertaining their community.

When fans come see the Boulders play, they are not just seeing a baseball game; they are getting an ultimate experience.

Fans have been able to see former big leaguers play such as Howard Johnson of the Mets and Jose Conseco for the Worcester Tornadoes. This spring, before the regular season kicks off, the Boulders will play a free charity game against the

New York Police Department on May 11th . If you think that this is all there is to experience at Provident Bank Park, you are highly mistaken.

The Boulders organization holds some sort of promotional event almost every game. The most frequent ones are firework extravaganza, where fans can experience a post-game fireworks show, Boulder Beer Bash, where fans over 21 can purchase $1 drafts, and $1 hotdog night. Along with $1 hotdogs night, there is a hotdog eating contest on July 4th! Provident Bank Park has plenty of promotional giveaways, such as magnetic schedules, mini-bats, and team photos.

There are many events for the young ones in the community too. Children under 14 can participate in Kids Run the Bases and Kids Homerun Derby, which is held on July 15th.

There is Boy Scout Sleepover on June 1st and Girl Scout Sleepover on August 10th. These two events allow scouts in participating troops to camp out on the field for the night after the game. There is DARE Day and an on-field Family Catch event on Father’s day. Rockland Boulders are also holding their second annual anti-bullying day on May 22nd, with the appearance of Miss New York of 2011, Kaitlin Monte!

There are a handful of nights dedicated to specific themes where fans are encouraged to dress up in order to get into character. 80s Night will be held on June 28th, Sci-Fi Night on June 29th, and

the third annual Irish Heritage Night on July 27th. There will be more heritage nights added as the season progresses.

Along with these special events, there are different charity-fundraising nights throughout the season. Jawanio, Challenger Little League, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Hi-Tor Animal Shelter are just a few of the participating charities. You are also given the opportunity to support your favorite community-based group.

Fundraiser tickets are sold to support organizations such as Rockland County Volunteer Firefighting Association, Nyack-Valley Cottage Little League, larkstown Softball League, and many more.

There is a good chance that there will be some type of concert or music festival performance this summer.

Last year featured Gavin Degraw, Colbie Caillat, Gretchen Wislon, Big & Rich, Smash Mouth, and other big names.

Provident Bank Park offers full season tickets starting from $10 a game and 20-game and seven-game flex plans. In addition to these ticket packages, there are specials for the picnic area for a birthday party or a group outing. When seating at the picnic area, you and your group can eat from an unlimited buffet, which begins 30 minutes after the gates open.

If this level of entertainment isn’t enough to get you to a game this season, then I don’t know what is. Not only is it the fraction of the cost of say a Yankee or Met game, you are also experiencing much more enjoyable amenities, and hey, baseball is baseball!