“Truth, No Matter The Cost” The Torch

BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENT NEWSPAPER IGNITING STUDENTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE VOLUME 26.. . . NO.3 TORCHBCC.COM NOVEMBER 2017 Gourmet Dining Negotiates New Contract ADRIANNA CARABALLO CO-EDITOR The cafeteria service hours at all locations have been changed due to a new contract between Bergen Community College and Gourmet Dining. The main cafeteria, Ender Hall Cafe, Bergen Pizza and Dunkin Donuts will all receive reduced hours as a result of the new contract, among other changes. According to Rosanne Aiello, ‘I’m a Lucky Man’ Director of Gourmet Dining, the A WW2 Veteran’s new contract was created because of a severe lack of business. Story “We were losing too much money. The school came to us and said ‘what can we do to pg # 3 keep you,’ and we said ‘we have to redesign everything, so that we’re not leaving,’” Aiello said. That was the compromise between the school and Gourmet Dining to keep their services and to keep them content. “We had to cut the hours, cut the staffing [and] create an environment where we’re not :[\KLU[ZPU[OLTHPUJHML[LYPHVU[OLZLJVUKÅVVY(KYPHUUH*HYHIHSSV losing our shirts,” Aiello said. is the only contract Gourmet “Yeah, we took that out warming light. This has been going on for Dining has with a community because it just wasn’t making As of right now, the cafeteria some time, and within this year, college. Aiello had stated that it any money. It’s very expensive to will not turn a student away, but Gourmet Dining has lost more is difficult to make money at a run that Sonos. It’s a lot of prep when the C Fresh Market comes, than they gained in profit. community college. work; it needs two people to run that will change. “In the year 2016 and 2017, In addition to the changed it,” said Aiello. “Once the C Fresh Market we lost a lot of money, over 400 hours, the Sono Mexican station Nevertheless, there are still comes, then the cafeteria will Social Media thousand dollars,” said Aiello. has been eliminated due to it pre-made burritos, which can be close every day at 2:30 p.m.,” Degrades Society Bergen Community College being too costly to maintain. picked up, that are put under a Aiello said. ...CONTINUED ON PAGE 2, NEW HOURS IN BOX LEADS Program at Bergen pg. 11

Review of BergenStages’ Hamlet pg. 12

Students and Faculty members attending Bergen LEADS Program. // Angie Goldszmidt PURNASREE SAHA FEATURES EDITOR over 40 students who completed The Orientation service is also Bergen LEADS is another Bergen Community College the online application, which going to last the rest of the program that is offered offers the College LEADS was due on October 6. Students year and will provide a general throughout the Bergen Volunteer program to all BCC students. had to answer short questions overview. Center, but this is a year long “The main purpose of while filling out the application. During the first half of the program that is offered for only this program was to promote This program is the first day, LEADS was providing professionals, not students. leadership on campus and class, and the college hopes leadership development and Professionals could be community outreach,” said Angie to promote civic engagement community. During the second from local banks, community Goldszmidt, Administrative and involvement with local half of the day, the program organizations and other Advisor of Phi Theta Kappa organizations. The first seminar was site visiting throughout the companies. Honor Society. was on October 13, which was county, which involves going to The Bergen Volunteer Center Students with any major a mandatory orientation and different locations and meeting reached out to Dr. William and without prior experience included a personal reflection community leaders. The sites Mullaney, the Vice President are capable of joining LEADS and leadership assessment. included Mevo’s Sustainability of Academic Affairs, who went because they are able to learn “After students completed Farm in Mahwah, Bergen through the Bergen LEADS throughout the program. the assessment, they were able County Jail and Holy Name Program and then created the BCC Men’s Goldszmidt is the coordinator to identify their leadership Hospital. College LEADS Program. Basketball Preview of LEADS, and the Office of strengths and complete activities Through Fall 2017 and T his is a hands-on exper ience Student Life helped design on community mapping,” said Spring 2018, there are going with great potential benefits for and promote the program for Goldszmidt. to be eight seminar sessions all students. Throughout various pg. 24 students. Community mapping on Fridays from 9:30 p.m. to 3 site visits, they will learn a Goldszmidt sent emails to involves reflecting and p.m. The last day is April 27th, multitude of skills needed not all BCC students and has put it identifying different components 2018, and it will end with a final only for leadership, but also for in the Bergen Daily. There were of the county and community. presentation and ceremony. job experience as well. Catalan Bid for Mindful Bergen Independence Workshop pg. 4 pg. 7

2 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3| NOVEMBER 2017

NEWSThe Torch Bergen’s Majors Fair Helps Students Find Calling

:[\KLU[ZSLHYUHIV\[KPќLYLU[THQVYZH[)LYNLU6^LU4J*SVZRL` OWEN MCCLOSKEY COPY EDITOR Associate Dean Jill Rivera finds it On October 10, Bergen Community one could see the excitement around the or had chosen something really general.” important to “have a connection to what College held its fourth Majors Fair, an Majors Fair, the excitement of one finding Professor Baldassare addressed the you want to do,” so that a passion can event dedicated to displaying the different their calling. imperativeness of being absolutely gung- coerce a greater drive to work in one’s programs that the college has to offer to I spoke with two of the heads of the ho about one’s major, and stated that it’s field. If students are unsure about what its students. Majors Fair, Associate Dean Jill Rivera okay to switch if a major isn’t exactly a they want to do, they can come down to The room was abuzz with eager and English Professor Amy Baldassare. certain student’s cup of tea. the BCC Majors Fair and attempt to find learners, accosting the heads of assorted When asked about why the fair was a At the fair, there were booths for their true calling. majors to learn more about their interests beneficial idea, Professor Baldassare said, Drafting and Design, Manufacturing Bergen Community College has a and potential future careers. “Well, it seemed that a lot of the students Technology, English, Criminal Justice, multitude of programs that can draw in The air electrified around wide-eyed have questions about their major, and Communications, Mathematics and many many potential students, and the Majors students as each thought about his or her maybe they had chosen something that more. Students spent the day poring Fair is definitely a fantastic outlet for future career. Looking around the room, they didn’t really want when they came in through the myriad of majors. helping those who are undecided. Gourmet Dining Negotiates New Contract NEW HOURS:

Main Cafeteria: Ender Hall Café: Monday - Friday Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dunkin Donuts: Bergen Pizza: Monday - Thursday Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday Friday 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 3LM[![OLUL^OV\YZMVYLHJOVM[OL7HYHT\ZJHTW\ZMVVKZLY]PJLSVJH[PVUZ9PNO[!Z[\KLU[ZHUKMHJ\S[`PU[OLZLJVUKÅVVYJHML[LYPH(KYPHUUH*HYHIHSSV *65;05<,+-9647(., The C Fresh Market is a substitute for changes. They personally met with best we could,” she said. to have customers,” Peca said. the cafeteria and will be accessible at all Gourmet Dining, more specifically SGA’s current president, Sibora Peca, The future between Gourmet Dining times. Aiello, every week last year to discuss sees both sides of the spectrum: the needs and Bergen Community College is “It’s a smart food market set up in the food options and lunch specials. of the students and the needs of Gourmet uncertain right now. As for the relationship back of the cafeteria, and it’s a bunch of “SGA really worked with me. We had Dining. between Gourmet Dining and SGA, vending machines that have fresh food, a lot of meetings, and I felt [that] we really “At the end of the day, even though Aiello hopes that their weekly meetings sandwiches, salads; it’s all self-serviced,” communicated well. They asked for more they’re Gourmet Dining, and they’re at continue. Aiello said. tofu, they asked for more vegan and we Bergen Community College, they’re a “I’m always willing to meet with SGA is not unaware of all these really tried to work with them and do the business. For a business to run they need anybody,” Aiello said. 3 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 ‘I’m a Lucky Man:’ A WW2 Veteran’s Story MARK GUCIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER Customers not only go to the Bloomfield, New Jersey Stop and Shop to shop, but also to chat with the nice elderly man who bags their groceries and leaves them with a smile on their face. This elderly man is former Staff Sergeant Bartholomeo Ficeto, or as he is locally known, Benny, 96, of Belleville, N.J. Benny recalls his life during WW2 as if it were yesterday - what he experienced and felt during the war never left him. “I was scared, I’ll tell you the truth; I was deathly scared of every single thing I did in the army, but the lord took me back,” said Benny. Benny graduated Bellville High School in 1938 and went on to a barber school in Newark. He was drafted in 1942. Benny was part of the United States Air Force 310th Bomb Group’s 428th Bomb Squadron. He was a radio operator, radio gunner and a belly gunner for B-25 bombers. The 310th Bomb Group was established right after Pearl Harbor by President Roosevelt. The 428th bomb squadron flew missions over North Africa, Italy, Southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Benny was a part of countless missions, including one that he recalls with extreme detail. The mission was to *SVJR^PZLMYVT[VWSLM[!3LM[)HY[OVSVTLV-PJL[V HNL*SPWWPUNMYVTHU\URUV^UUL^ZWHWLY9PNO[)HY[OVSVTLV-PJL[VHNL bomb a tanker with 1 million :[Hќ:LYNLHU[)HY[OVSVTLV-PJL[V»ZVYPNPUHS [O)VTI:X\HKYVULTISLT[OH[OL^VYLVUOPZQHJRL[;OL+HPU[`)HI`)HY[OVSVTLV-PJL[V»Z gallons of gas that was headed )IVTILYJVTPUNPUMVYHSHUKPUN6YPNPUHSWOV[VNYHWOLY\URUV^U7OV[VZJV\Y[LZ`VM)HY[OVSVTLV-PJL[V for Erwin Rommel to support know if they put the gas in the While reading over the really badly while cleaning You were gonna have to bail German troops; however it was bedrooms or... Well, how would death statistics of the 310th plexiglass. My finger was out (and) fuel in the engine, destroyed by the 310th Bomb you feel? You know what was Bomb Group, which lost 439 flapping. Later, it had swelled you don’t know if they gassed Group. protecting that ship? A cruiser, personnel, Benny comes to up, and the doctor was like, it up right,” said Benny. This earned Benny an Oak destroyers, (and) flak barges terms with his own brush with ‘you can’t fly like that.’ Now, in his late 90s, Benny Leaf Cluster Medal, which is have big guns on the sides. I death and how fate had another Middleton was a great guy; shares how he feels about that. a miniature bronze or silver have a good memory, boy; it idea. (Benny looks down) he used to “You (would) be surprised twig of four oak leaves with seems like yesterday,” Benny “May their souls rest in let me get away with anything how I’ve aged. Well, I’m over three acorns on the stem that said peace. That’s a lot of planes (a smile came back to his face 90, anyway, and I have all my is authorized by the United One of the other moments we lost, a lot of buddies went as he remembers his friend),” senses. People in their 70s, States Armed Forces as a ingrained in his memory was down. That’s a lot of men we Benny said. 80s; they just conked out,” said ribbon device for a specific when his squadron flew along lost. Can you imagine that? A It is believed that war Benny. set of decorations and awards a beach as they were returning lot of people, a lot of people. changes people in a way that So, why does Benny in the United States Army. to base from a mission. I’m a lucky guy,” Benny they are not quite the same decide to keep working? The mission also earned him “One day, I’ll never forget recollected. when they get back from He said,”It keeps your a picture in a newspaper along that day, we’re along the beach Then, Benny reflected on combat. According to Benny, mind going, your personality, with a story. right, and we’re coming home a somber moment from April, that is not the case. you don’t fall over.” “This was a must target, from a mission, and we’re still 1942. His plane, the Dainty It didn’t change me Benny is happy to share a thousand, a million gallons not flying high (be)cause the Baby and the crew, consisting in anyway physically (or) his story with those who will of gas for Rommel. You gotta fighters were after us. They of Benny’s two good friends mentally. Believe me when listen. His cheerful, comical sink that, come hell or high had these 20 millimeters that he remembers, Lieutenants I tell you.You see how I talk personality is infectious. There water, or else you bail out, shooting, and I was looking Middleton and Frost, was shot now? But I was deathly scared is not one person that doesn’t and the pilot will have to take on the beach, and I saw the down; the entire crew was lost. when I was flying, that I admit. gain from knowing Benny. His the plane into the ship. What shells. I was looking up, and Benny was not on that fateful And anybody say that they secret to longevity is kindness was that a million gallons? I was like ‘Holy Christ.’I told flight because of an injury he weren’t scared; once you start and laughter, something that That tanker was a big son-of- the pilot ‘put more gas into received days earlier. taking off, you don’t know if he is in no shortage of. a-bitch, you know it? I don’t it’(chuckles),”said Benny. “I cut my finger open your engines are gonna cut off. 4 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 Catalonia Suffers Backlash Amidst Bid for Independence

*H[HSVUPHUZOVWL[VNHPUPUKLWLUKLUJLMYVT:WHPU>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Catalan push for independence Besides the economy, this can has been stifled by the Spanish affect other aspects of life in the region. government; despite, according to the The professional Spanish soccer team Catalan government, 90 percent of FC Barcelona will have the option citizens favored the referendum. of moving to another league should On Oct. 8, Spanish police seized Catalonia gain its independence. ballot boxes, and over 800 people The team currently plays in the and voters were injured during the Primera Division, also known as La supposedly illegal vote. However, the Liga. If independence is formally Spanish government denies most of announced, Barcelona and other these accusations. teams in Catalonia could choose to If the referendum had gone through play in England, France or even Italy. without Spanish intervention, Catalonia However, the club can choose to stay in would be an independent nation and the Spanish League, and it seems more would separate from Spain. likely because they’ve been playing in Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano La Liga for almost 120 years. Rajoy urges Catalonian President More importantly, there will not Carles Puigdemont to act with ‘good likely be any formal negotiations sense’ in order to keep the autonomous between Spain and Catalonia because community a part of Spain. both sides refuse to come to an “I assume the mandate of Catalonia agreement. Puigdemont has even said should become an independent that he is willing to go to jail for his state in the form of a republic… I cause after the Spanish government propose suspending the effects of the threatened to send him to prison if he Declaration of Independence (in order) does declare independence. to undertake talks to reach an agreed The European Union are likely to solution,” Puigdemont said. stay away from this dispute but will be A little over 2 million Catalans supporting the Spanish constitution, voted out of the 5.3 million who were which deems this act of independence eligible, meaning only 42 percent of illegal. the region’s population voted on the According to CNN, Spain is set to referendum. take direct control of Catalonia under Having already declared Article 155 of the Constitution. This independence informally, Puigdemont would give Spain direct control of the informed members of his Catalan region and prevent self-governing of Democratic Party that he will formally Catalonia. declare independence if Spain suspends Spanish authorities arrested two their political autonomy. leaders of the movement that were Catalonia is an economic supposedly provoking Catalans to rebel powerhouse that Spain can simply against the Spanish government. not afford to lose. Twenty percent of With threats coming at every angle Spain’s GDP comes directly from and from both sides, and tension rising the autonomous community and in Spain’s most wealthy community, could suffer greatly if they declare many Catalans are left wondering what will become of their future. independence. ;OL*H[HSVUPHUÅHNÅPJRYJVT 5 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 6 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017

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Register Now: drew.edu/bcctransfer 7 N EWS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 Mindful Bergen Workshops PURNASREE SAHA FEATURES EDITOR At Bergen Community realized that across human with staff and faculty members semester having Mindful mindfulness practices benefit College, Mindful Bergen history and cultures people on campus. Bergen workshops and the them. Students will learn how workshops are offered for had been teaching techniques Mindfulness is rooted in goal was to make a space to get centered, how to relieve all students, staff and faculty on how to cultivate happiness. the Vinyasa Yoga tradition on campus where students, stress, have better focus and members on campus. “On a personal note, I and emphasizes stillness and staff and faculty members how have self-compassion. Professor Peter Dlugos, was asking myself what is focused attention. Meditation can learn about and practice Information on Mindful Chairman of Philosophy and happiness, contentment and and mindfulness are also mindfulness,” said Dlugos. Bergen sessions is available Religion and Professor Lori what makes a good life,” said being used in K-8 education, The first sessions were on posters around campus and Talarico came up with this Talarico. and have produced excellent offered during the spring of announcements in the Bergen concept. As Talarico began reading, results in students with 2017, and Professors Dlugos Daily. Success 101 students As a philosopher, Dlugos studying and meditating, she learning disabilities. and Talarico plan to grow the can use this as an out-of-class thought for many years about realized that this was what “In K-8 education, it program. Professor Richard assignment. what happiness was. she had to share with her addresses behavior issues, Cella is offering the first Drop-in sessions are 30-45 “What I came up with is students. Talarico started to calmness, focus and kindness sessions at the Lyndhurst minutes. Appointments are not that the quality of one’s heart teach mindfulness practices in and in high school settings it campus this semester. necessary. Check the Bergen and mind are most important,” Success 101. addresses the stresses of being Talarico insists that it Daily for the latest schedule said Dlugos. Students were benefiting a teenager, feeling anxiety and does not matter what students each semester, or email Prof. So how does one cultivate by learning these techniques. having focus,” said Talarico. major in; everybody is looking Talarico at ltalarico@bergen. a good mind and heart? Dlugos Talarico shared her experiences “This is the second for good quality of life and edu.

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The Use of Gun Control Do I Know That Kid From High School? pg. 10 pg. 11

OPINIONSThe Torch The Torch

THE TORCH, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the LESHAY JONESEducation is Key College Media Association, is the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RIÀFLDO VWXGHQW QHZVSDSHU RI %HUJHQ &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH 7KH SXUSRVH RI Education is important. I THE TORCHLVWRUHSRUWRQWKHHYHQWV mean, why else would we all DW%&&DQGWKHORFDOFRPPXQLW\DQG be here working our behinds WRRIIHUWKH%&&FRPPXQLW\DIRUXPIRU off in order to graduate, to H[SUHVVLRQ  7KH RSLQLRQV H[SUHVVHG move on and to live the best in THE TORCH DUH QRW QHFFHVVDULO\ those of 7+(725&+All the materials life that we can? VXEPLWWHG WR THE TORCH become My entire life, my parents have stressed the importance SURSHUW\RI7+(725&+ of education to me. I have LESHAY JONES not always been serious about Editor-In-Chief school. It wasn’t until I entered high school that I started ADRIANNA CARABALLO to take my education very Co-Editor seriously. It seems that the older OWEN MCCLOSKEY we get, the more we realize Copy Editor how important it is to have an \UZWSHZOJVT JULIANA OLEKSY education. Whether we want Yes, both are indeed new things every day, even if Betsy DeVos is currently News Editor to believe it or not, education important, but I have come to all of it is not applicable to our the Secretary of Education is one of the major keys to the realization that school is everyday lives. and is already making drastic PURNASREE SAHA success. not for everyone. Therefore, Education is something changes that arguably rids Features Editor Nowadays, it is extremely not everyone needs school. that has been very important of the progress that we have hard to get a decent job without During my two years at to the people of this county for made. CHRISTOPHER MOLINA some kind of degree. Managers Bergen Community College, I a long time. There have been In September, DeVos Sports Editor and CEOs want people who have met people who believe leaders who have tried to build discarded a part of the know what they are doing and that they are not cut out for the best education programs government’s policy of campus CHARLIE LEPPERT have experience. Layout Editor college. A friend of mine left for children, especially in the sexual assault that makes it We all know this deep Bergen to travel and she has public education system. easier for someone accused of AMANDA BARANDAS down; otherwise, we wouldn’t come across some fruitful There are people who have sexual assault to get away with Online Editor be here right now, struggling knowledge that one may not worked extremely hard to help it. to pass our midterms. get in a classroom. make the public education It seems to me like BRIYA GARDNER A lot of people like to Just because she is not better for students. Trump and his administration Ad Manager use the words “school” and sitting in a three-hour biology It does not help that are so focused on undoing “education” interchangeably. lecture, does not mean that she President Trump decided the Obama-era, they have REBECCA KARPINSKI You’ve probably heard “school is not getting an education. to appoint someone as the disregarded how their changes Photo Editor is important” and “education With that being said, Secretary of Education who will affect millions of people is important” in the same the classroom is also a very has never set foot in the public and not necessarily for the PROF. LEW WHEATON lecture given by your parents fruitful experience. We learn education system. better. Advisor and teachers. CORRECTIONS 7KH7RUFKVWULYHVIRUWKHKLJKHVW MRXUQDOLVWLFVWDQGDUGVDQGDFFXUDF\ 5HDGHUVDUHHQFRXUDJHGWRFRQWDFW XVLIWKH\ÀQGDQ\PLVWDNHVLQDQ\ edition of the Torch IAMANDA Wear BARANDAS Her Pink Ribbon ONLINE EDITOR  EDITORIAL AND Pink ribbons are here, OPINION PIECES there and everywhere! October $VDQRSHQSXEOLFIRUXP7KH7RUFK is known for frightful delights, ZHOFRPHVJXHVWRSLQLRQSLHFHVDQG but how many of you have OHWWHUVWRWKHHGLWRUIURPDQ\PHPEHU noticed pink ribbons popping RIWKH%HUJHQ&RPPXQLW\&ROOHJH up between the pumpkins? FRPPXQLW\0DWHULDOVVKRXOGEH These pink ribbons are VXEPLWWHGWRHLFWRUFK#JPDLOFRPRU for Breast Cancer Awareness GHOLYHUHGWR7KH7RUFKRIÀFH6& month. A few years back, I 6XFKVXEPLVVLRQVPXVWLQFOXGH used to see pink ribbons at my WKHZULWHU·VQDPHFRQWDFWLQIRUPD high school for fundraisers and WLRQDQGDIÀOLDWLRQZLWKWKHFROOHJH 6WXGHQWVVKRXOGLQFOXGHWKHLUPDMRU bake sales. Little did I know IDFXOW\DQGVWDIIVKRXOGLQFOXGH how much those pink ribbons FDPSXVWLWOHRUSRVLWLRQ2SLQLRQ would have an impact on my SLHFHVDUHOLPLWHGWRZRUGVDQG life and my family’s. OHWWHUVWRWKHHGLWRUWRZRUGV7KH To this day, this is one of 7RUFKUHVHUYHVWKHULJKWWRHGLWDQGWR the most devastating sentences UHIXVHSXEOLFDWLRQRIDQ\VXEPLVVLRQ I have ever heard: “I have cancer.” 7KH7RUFKRIÀFHVDUHORFDWHG Now imagine, if you can, it in Room SC-111D, coming from someone close to 400 Paramus Road you. In my case it came from Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 my mom. I was a sophomore 201.493.5006/5007 in high school and was about to play my first varsity soccer [email protected] game. I remember being so )HYHUKHZOHZH[H[[VVOVUVYPUNOLYTV[OLY-PYZ[*SHZZ7OV[VNYHWO` nervous, but knowing my mom I tell you my story not for chemotherapy which would give her a rose thanking her your sympathy, but to connect was coming after her doctor’s lead to her losing her hair; check up put my mind at ease. for all she had done for me to those who are currently in what little energy she had left throughout high school. With similar situations that I once When she finally showed, was gone. all was right in the world, or so everything she was going was in. That is why when you By my senior year, my through, it was the first time see me in the hall, just know I thought. I later found out that mother’s cancer had progressed my mother was diagnosed with I’d seen my mom smile in a I’ll be wearing my pink ribbon to the point where she needed long time. proudly for my mom, for you stage 3 breast cancer. help breathing through an For the next few years My mom was able to and for anyone this disease has oxygen machine. She was able see me start college, but, touched. There is hope, and I my mother was in and to see me graduate, and during out of hospitals. She got unfortunately, she passed away want you to know, you are not the ceremony, I was able to before New Year’s Day. alone. 9 OPINIONS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 Becoming One for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic families who passed down their love for their country to their kids. Many of the people you see protesting in the streets, fighting for Hispanic rights are young Hispanic kids who were born in the U.S. but are fighting for their and their parents’ rights to celebrate their culture here. The U.S. being such a diverse country helps unite all these Hispanic countries into one. Here in the U.S., it isn’t about individual countries but a large, united one. Where in your homeland, you can’t appreciate the other Hispanic cultures, but here you can. Here in the U.S., we are all brought together as one and can celebrate with our neighboring countries. One of the many places that this unification is enforced is here at Bergen Community College,where we celebrate what it means to be Hispanic. With such a diverse group of students, BCC is sure to celebrate the month that means so much to many Hispanics. BCC has been displaying the Hispanic flags and has been holding multiple events, where both Hispanic 4HU`UH[PVUHSP[PLZ^LYLYLWYLZLU[LKK\YPUN)LYNLU»ZJLSLIYH[PVUVM/PZWHUPK/LYP[HNL4VU[O2H`SLL(SaHTVYH students and students of all other KAYLEE ALZAMORA nationalities can come to celebrate CONTRIBUTING WRITER Hispanic heritage. There are multiple ways that we What is Hispanic heritage? For each country unique. If you go to the Not every Hispanic country as Hispanics can come together to some people, it’s just a month; but for countries down in the Caribbean or celebrates the holidays the same but unite. The most recent examples are many Hispanics, it’s way more than that. South America, even just for a little when the come to the U.S. it’s mostly the hurricane in Puerto Rico and the This month we celebrate everything while, you will see that each country celebrated the same. earthquake in Mexico. that it means to be a Hispanic in our has their own way to celebrar. With the exception of food, all This was devastating for both culture. We Hispanics have many different Hispanics here in the U.S. stay up until countries and for people both living in To many Hispanics, this isn’t ways of showing how unique we are midnight on the 24th to exchange gifts and out of the countries. Today, some something that is celebrated once a year and how we celebrate our culture that and celebrate with family. However, people are still trying to communicate but is appreciated and acknowledged include our clothing, dances, dialects depending on where you’re from, you with their families from Puerto Rico. daily. Whether it’s waving our flag at a and foods. will still add a touch of your customs to This pain was not only shared by parade or wearing our country’s soccer Some of the ways that each country your celebration. Puerto Ricans and Mexicans but also jersey, we Hispanics always find a way celebrates how unique they are is during Because we aren’t always fortunate by every Hispanic living in the U.S.. to show our pride of our roots and the holidays during Christmas. During living in our homelands, many Donation centers were put up to where we currently live. the Christmas season especially, Hispanics come to the U.S. to make a help out these countries, telethons were At the same time, we cannot forget each country has their own way of living and to have a better life. These made to gather up money to help out how uniquely diverse Hispanics are as celebrating it. people aren’t as close to their roots these people and Hispanics from all we celebrate this special month. When In Peru, Christmas is celebrated by or culture, but if you’re Hispanic, you over the U.S. came together to help out it comes to being Hispanic, there are no eating turkey, fruitcake and drinking know that doesn’t stop us. these countries that were in need. rules. There is no special way things hot chocolate. When it hits midnight Some of the biggest restaurants in Living in the US really helps you to have to be done because every country everyone goes outside to shoot the US today are owned by Hispanics, appreciate other people’s cultures and is different, and every person is just as fireworks up in the air and to hug their and we have award shows to celebrate to come together as one. It helps you or even more different. neighbors. our Hispanic actors and musicians; just see things not as an individual but as When coming to the United In Dominican Republic, it’s because we aren’t in our homelands, a group. States, we are all put into the category celebrated differently; they celebrate it doesn’t mean we stop showing pride. Now, I can tell you more sure than of “Hispanic”, as if we are all the by eating pulled pork instead of turkey. The pride and joy we have for ever that we Hispanics are united as same. However, this couldn’t be more They also don’t give out gifts Christmas our culture has been passed down one. We are our culture, we are one and wrong. Being different and having Day rather they wait until Kings Day, from generation to generation. Many we are Hispanic heritage. certain special qualities is what makes which is January 6, to exchange gifts. uprising Spanish singers come from Nobody Likes Nuclear Winter: Trump and Kim’s War of Words OWEN MCCLOSKEY COPY EDITOR there were no nukes in North Korea, the Kim Jong-Un, the North Korean United States would topple Kim Jong- dictator with a short fuse, is quickly Un’s regime in less than a few months. alienating adversaries and allies alike He knows he needs to keep his nukes with recent hydrogen bomb tests and for leverage, despite unsettling the caustic language towards United States majority of his geographic neighbors. President Donald Trump. Yi believes that the North Korean Trump and Kim have been going at people are “try(ing) to show the it on Twitter like a recently separated superiority of their (my) socialist teen couple; although the scenario gets system,” and are desperate for any a lot more apocryphal when the angsty solace from shame. teenagers have thermonuclear weapons. Many North Koreans believe in What will happen when two the Kim regime after Kim Jong-Un’s men who have access to the most grandfather, Kim-Il-Sung, eradicated destructive weapons created by the Japanese presence from the region mankind fight on Twitter like high after World War II. This is why Kim schoolers? Jong-Un will not stop spending money The geopolitical landscape of 2017 on his nuclear weapons and keeping his is proving to be quite volatile amidst .YHѝ[PKLWPJ[PUN2PT1VUNPRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ people subjugated. rising tensions between the United North Korea wouldn’t dare attack Rutgers. Yi describes the Kim regime He has a prestigious bloodline to States and North Korea. A hung four- the United States. As a mutual trade of North Korea as a “family enterprise,” continue and enormous shoes to fill in decade-long ceasefire has suspended partner of China and bearer of the and not necessarily a completely the wake of his ancestors. the countries in a state of paranoia, world’s largest military, the United ideological dictatorship, meaning that Trump and Kim Jong-Un can fire accentuated by an arms race and a cold States would be a terrible strategic the Kim family wants to completely spitballs at each other all day and night, proxy war with countries like Russia, target. consolidate their power. and Kim can have as many nukes as he China and socially democratic Europe However, with no way of winning Simply put by Yi, Kim Jong-Un’s wants. However, the most indispensable cutting into the fray. a land war, and the possibility of father, Kim-Jong-Il, saw what happens thing to Kim Jong-Un is his regime, NPR’s Bill Chappel reports that thermonuclear war bringing the when dictatorial regimes give up their and he can’t have such a regime if he North Korean Foreign Minister, Ri possibility of the end of humanity, why nukes. Saddam Hussein’s regime was engages in war with the United States. Yong Ho, amounted Trump’s anti- does Kim Jong-Un insist on building toppled by the United States in 2003, Let these two tubby tyrants sling North Korean tweets to a “declaration up the North Korean military? and Muammar Qaddafi’s in 2011, both their mud; there will be no war with of war,” continuing that North Korea Kil J. Yi is a decorated Bergen of them shortly after they dismantled North Korea anytime soon. Any sort will “shoot down U.S. bombers” who Community College world history their nuclear weapons. of modern warfare between large stray into the range of North Korean professor, with B.S. and M.A. degrees There is a reason Kim Jong- powers will devolve into thermonuclear anti-aircraft. from the State University of New York Un prioritizes military budgets over conflict, and no one wants a nuclear However, let’s be realistic here; at Albany, and Ph.D. degree from feeding and clothing his people; if winter. 10 OPINIONS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3| NOVEMBER 2017 Smoking Ban is Ineffective DANITA RUIZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER Hello, fellow Bergen Community College smokers, I’d like to talk about the “smoking ban” that has no purpose to us smokers. BCC banned smoking on campus about two years ago, and personally, I think it’s ridiculous. We all know that once you get out of class, you’re going to grab a lighter and smoke away, not thinking twice about the smoking policy. When BCC made the decision to have a smoke free campus, the administrators were only considering the non-smoking students and staff, not us who smoke. Instead, they should have implemented smoking areas, so that we can smoke our bogeys and non- ? smokers are not affected. Having a smoking policy doesn’t really make a difference because I know that at the end of the day, if I want a cigarette, I’m going to smoke one without a care in the world about what anyone else thinks. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. If you’re a student or staff member at BCC that does not smoke, I understand your concern about your health. Nonetheless, if you see someone smoking on campus, are you really going to say something to them, or are you just going to walk the other way? // Pixabay There’s no point in getting upset walk the other way. We smokers know Therefore, next time you get upset if you don’t want to be near it, then about your health because if smoking the consequences of smoking, but we about being near someone smoking, simply stay away from it and move on really bothers you, then you would just don’t care. remember that it is an addiction, and with your day. The Use of Gun Control

decrease in them. Also, there was an enforcement of gun control to only those who legally obtain their guns. This is not completely beneficial being that not all firearms are legally purchased, according to The Daily Wire. The Second Amendment in the Constitution states, “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” That being said, all citizens have the right to possess and to carry their firearms with the proper licensing. Taking away guns is against the constitutional rights of the citizens. Plus, it can be argued that by creating a more controlled gun policy, the types of mass killings would have to be more creative because not all killings are gun related. Gun control will possibly limit the number of mass shootings, but it will not stop all forms of violence or bloodshed. There have been plenty of mass killings and acts of violence or discrimination in the past with no affiliation with guns. A perfect example of this would be 9/ll. The first two planes struck both of the Twin Towers in the World Trade Center, a third hit the Pentagon and the fourth was downed in a field in Pennsylvania before it could reach its intended target in Washington D.C. Another example would be one that occurred before the 9/11 attack. The single deadliest, non-natural disaster in American history occurred on November 18, 1978 in Guyana. The ;OLKLIH[LV]LYN\UYPNO[ZHUKJVU[YVSOHZILLUNVPUNVUMVY`LHYZ>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ People’s Temple cult leader Jim Jones KAIDEN CILENTO ordered 912 men, women and children, CONTRIBUTING WRITER who mostly were American, to drink grape-flavored fruit punch that had There have been individual states were allowed to be removed if the and by 1993, the rate increased to 454 been laced with cyanide and Valium. that have attempted to have absolute owner had received permission from murders. Since then, the gun ban was The point is that it does not matter gun control laws. For example, back the D.C. Police, which was rare. struck down by the Supreme Court in how strict the gun control laws in a in 1976, Washington D.C. passed a The gun ban did not go as smoothly the District of Columbia v. Heller case. nation are. The strictness will not stop law that banned regular citizens from as one would think. According to Homicides steadily decreased after or decrease murder rates; people will owning guns, leaving only police Prosecutor Jeffrey Shapiro, the annual the gun ban ended to 88 yearly murders just be smarter and more creative. officers to carry firearms. homicide rate increased. In 1976, in 2012. Shapiro had admitted to there It will not be a cure for all the For the people who already owned the number of annual murders in the being other factors involved with the violence that occurs on a daily basis. guns, they were allowed to keep them United States was 188, but by 1988, decline in homicides. It can clearly be These laws may cut back in the number only if the guns were disassembled or they had risen to 364. seen that lifting the gun ban did not of mass shootings but certainly not the trigger-locked. However, trigger locks Unfortunately, it did not stop there, result in a rise in murders but instead a number of murders or mass killings. 11 OPINIONS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2017 Do I Know That Kid From High School? Shuttle Schedule Runs Amok JULIANA OLEKSY NEWS EDITOR shuttle. Watching people cut in front, Anticipating a shuttle shouldn’t lowers the chances of getting a seat generate so much anxiety. While on the shuttle. If you’re someone who waiting for the shuttle, words of cuts the line, your actions affect others. apprehension float along the line. Why What makes you better than anyone so much calamity over a shuttle? else? A recent problem that has Another issue is that the drivers arisen is that there are times that the don’t always make sure that the line shuttle has not been showing up when stays intact. If no one is monitoring scheduled. This situation happened on the line, then there’s the opportunity Thursday, Nov. 2. The 4:45 p.m. shuttle for people to be disrespectful and to didn’t show up until a little after 6 do whatever they want. Francesca p.m., leaving students waiting in line Monterrosa told me, “People still go outside for hours. There was no alert around the line when the bus pulls up given to those waiting that the shuttle (to the original bus stop, as opposed to wasn’t coming. Some students resulted the new sign).” in splitting an Uber to get home, which If a driver doesn’t take the time is costly. What about the students who to attempt to control the line, then can’t afford for the shuttle not to show chaos may occur. Unfortunately, this up, or those who can’t get to work or is not an exaggeration. It a norm that class due to a lack of shuttle? no one ever has any right to put their In addition, the afternoon hands on anyone else. The result of an shuttles going from Paramus to the uncontrolled line is people gathering Meadowlands never have enough in the street and running towards the Illustration by Edriel Fimbres seats. Therefore, a simple shuttle line bus, bumping their way to the front. Is RYAN BLAKE good.” The problem with this option is becomes the Hunger Games, and the being first really that important? Frank CONTRIBUTING WRITER that you might have to actually talk to line wasn’t even implemented until Argyelan reported to me, “Drivers I’m sure this title popped out at you the person, and both of you do not want recently. need to be aware of the lines, and because most college kids can relate. that. Those who want to be guaranteed (the) public safety office should be out Unless you went to school very far You both know you didn’t say more a seat on the shuttle race to the line at here, so there’s no shoving and cutting. away from home, there’s a good chance than five words to each other in high least 45 minutes in advance. Bergen Someone almost scraped her knee you’ve had this awkward experience: school, so speaking now would be fake. recently added a sign to signify because someone pushed her.” Imagine you’re walking in the The conversation would be awkward, where the line starts, so the seats are This is a problem that must be hallway with your earphones in, and you both would be trying to slip out distributed on first-come-first-serve monitored physically because people not wanting to be disturbed. From of that conversation, as if you’re being basis. However, during some shuttle are willing to go to desperate measures a distance, you see a guy you know strangled by a giant poisonous snake. times, the line means nothing to those to get a seat on the shuttle. Some from high school that you’ve barely Interacting with the other person willing to run and cut to get on first. suggestions of solutions, after talking talked with. The only time the two is not my favorite option. My go-to Sometimes, as people walk to the to multiple people about the issue, are of you communicated was during a strategy is to keep my head down and shuttle line, they count the number for public safety to keep a watchful eye sophomore year English class, when to keep walking as if the other person of people waiting in line, so they in case a driver doesn’t, more shuttles you were forced to work together in a doesn’t exist. Some people might say know what number they are on line. to be circulated every half-hour instead group project. “OMG, that’s so anti-social” or “what’s The shuttle only has twenty seats, so of every hour or for the shuttles to be When you see him now, you both wrong with a simple ‘hi’.” knowing your number guarantees that larger in the afternoons instead of the lock eyes, look away and look back at Do not say “hi”, or else you’re you’re supposed to have a spot on the morning. each other for recognition. The second stuck for the rest of the year and must round of eye contact is the worst. acknowledge them every time you see You’re immediately like “oh no, this is them. not good.” Trust me, it’s best for the both of You can’t turn back now because you if you both do the “head down and that’d be bad. Those 10 seconds after act like you’ve never seen each other the second round of eye contact can before” move. Then, you won’t have to feel like a solid 30 minutes. worry, “Ugh, I’m going to have to say The awkward tension between you ‘hello’ on my way to Sociology.” and your acquaintance is strong; you If you say ‘hi’ a few times, it gets can feel it on the back of your neck. more and more awkward to the point There are a few options you can that you start to take a different route take in this type of situation, such as to class. If this happens to you, take my a simple dap up and saying “what’s advice and keep your head down and act like they’re not even there. :[\KLU[Z^HP[PUL_[LUZP]LSPULZMVYZO\[[SLZ1\SPHUH6SLRZ`

SocialJULIANA OLEKSY Media Degrades Society NEWS EDITOR For example, we “like” people’s selfie. How can we be so apt to can destroy your whole happiness by Social media dominates our society, photos whom we have feelings for throw away a friendship because of a overthinking the amount of likes you creating a way for everyone to know and get excited when the “like” is “like” on a picture, which won’t even get and who likes your pictures. every single detail about everyone else. reciprocated. Have we really devalued matter in a week? Social media does We place such high value on how In a single post, both good and ourselves to “likes?” Whatever have great benefits to it, but we have we are perceived on social media when bad news is shared. Scrolling through happened to the real pursuit where been conditioned as a society to let we hold so much worth than that. Instagram or Facebook, there’s news of people ask other people out on dates, interactions on it dictate and control You are way more than the likes and deaths of family members and pets, and and they talk instead of snapchatting? our relationships with other people and comments on your latest selfie. there’s news of births of babies. Seeing We also are so ready to disown ourselves. posts like this, how do we respond? a friend who doesn’t “like” our latest As a result of a single “like,” you Social media has made it easy by providing us a “like” button. Facebook even allows you to transition emotional responses through the push of a button, such as laughter or sadness. Therefore, we as a society have replaced communication with “likes,” which let people know that we have seen their post. That’s all the like button really represents in our minds. Messages like “happy birthday,” “congratulations” and “I’m sorry for your loss” are all gone because we are simply too dependent on a button to transmit that for us. However, it is not the same thing. No one looks at the notification of your “like” and feels the same amount of support. It’s not the same as taking the time out of your day to reach out to your friend to convey the message. No wonder why so many people have issues in relationships and friendships; social media has caused a total degradation in communication. We all complain about modern-day dating, yet still participate in social media flirting rituals. :VJPHSTLKPHPZTVYLWYL]HSLU[HUKTVYLKPZ[YHJ[PUN[OHUL]LYÅPJRYJVT 12 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 13 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 “To Hold a Mirror Up to Natture:” BergenStages’ Hamlet

CHARLIE LEPPERT LAYOUT EDITOR stage was pulled to the center Matthew Reellae as Horatio, father’s death and jealousy over BergenStages. At 7:00 p.m. on Friday, and opened into Ophelia’s grave, Angelina Aragoonao as Queen his mother’s new relationship, All the actors did October 27, people filed in to and the Ghost of Old Hamlet Gertrude and KristinaK Craig as impassioned without being commendable work, especially the Bergen Stages Black Box appeared behind a curtain in Ophelia all creaateda depth and melodramatic. considering the four substitutions Lab Theater for the very first one of the four entrances to the complexity in theirt characters Even the less impressive made from the original casting. showing of this falls production, theater. For their part, the actors through these chhoices.h aspects of the show did not The most notable of these Hamlet. were also able to avoid blocking Craig’s depicctionc of Ophelia dampen the emotional impact. substitutions would be Graham The immersive nature of off audience members, engaging was poignant butb not forced, Although Michael Rovito’s Frye as Claudius, who was cast theater created an interesting each surrounding side of the showing the sllowl destruction Old Hamlet felt at times one- in the role just a week and a half blend of modern and classical theater. of Ophelia’s psyychey through the dimensional, the passion and before the show began. theater, playing into the motifs The actors were, on the neglect of her lovvedv ones. fury of his performance was Overall, the passion, hard of theater and deception in the whole, very natural in their Dakota Librrescu’sr depiction impressive and effective. work and talent of everyone play itself. The scant furnishings delivery, and seemed very of Hamlet was stunningly raw Similarly, Joshua Noel involved in this production on stage centered plot and comfortable in their roles and and vengeful. UnlikeU the usual Pak’s Laertes’ could sometimes created an immersive and character, while the staging was with the language. Much of depiction of thet eponymous appear overdone, but his emotion exhilarating theater experience, cleverly utilized. the stage direction and acting character as morose and and delivery were impressive, taking the viewer into the For example, a portion of choices added to the characters brooding, Librrescu’sr Hamlet especially considering that emotional complexity and a platform on one edge of the beyond dialogue. is filled with rage over his this is his very first show with beauty of this classic tragedy.

*SVJR^PZL!*YHPN»Z6WOLSPHHUK7HR»Z3HLY[LZ[OLHM[LYTH[OVM[OLÄUHSK\LS8\LLU.LY[Y\KLHUK*SH\KP\Z/HTTSL[^P[O@VYPJR»ZZR\SS6WOLSPHSLHYUPUNVMOLYMH[OLY»ZKLH[O7VSVUP\ZKPZJ\ZZPUN/HTSL[^P[O*SH\KP\Z/HTSL[ HUK3HLY[LZ»K\LS(THUKH)HYHUKHZ 14 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3|NOVEMBER 2017 Harry Styles Are Selfies the New Charms Radio City Autograph? pg. 18 pg. 21

FEATURESThe Torch Bergen Library Introduces New System KATARZYNA ZURAWSKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER WorldCat Discovery Search is a new interface that is used by the Sidney Silverman Library at Bergen Community College. The system is the first step toward consolidated searching and is combined from previous searches that are available on the library’s website, students still can use it as they used it before. “Students can select which database to use, limit their search by library, format, database, author, year, language and topic,” said Lynn Schott one of librarians. By using the advanced search tool, students can narrow down their search to precisely what they are looking for. While searching for materials, users can meet obstacles and use “Search Help,” which is an explanation on how to use the system. The instructions are written in easy language. There is also online chat with the librarian. The chat is a very convenient tool, however some answers seem to be created by the machine. Library users can also request books from other libraries through WorldCat Discovery. There is interlibrary loan available and students can request books in multiple languages to which :[\KLU[Z\ZLH]HYPL[`VMYLZV\YJLZWYV]PKLKI`)**»ZSPIYHY`2H[HYa`UHA\YH^ZRH the library bought access. faster. Everything depends on the day, means students still have the possibility online as an e-book or on the free web. The current search results list time and the number of people who are to look in the books to find out what’s Still, the WorldCat Discovery is bigger than the previous system using it at a certain moment. there. Online search does not eliminate system doesn’t have access to all library because WorldCat Discovery searches Online searching can lead users to the use or need for physical books. Not collection of books, articles and more, more libraries, although it doesn’t work paper books as possible sources, which every book and its content is available but it is in progress.

JULIANA OLEKSY Adopt, Don’t Shop NEWS EDITOR November is National Adoption There are a ton of benefits to Month, a time of the year to increase adopting over shopping. For college awareness of adopting children and students, cost-analysis is a huge factor pets. The type of adoption most when making any decision, let alone associated with the month is child adoption. I recently interviewed the adoption, however, there’s another type director of the Clifton Friends of the of adoption that needs awareness as Shelter director Evelyn Ackley, who well: animal adoption. was just a volunteer when we rescued Nowadays, it’s so easy to buy a Teddy, about the debate of adopting pedigree puppy. I mean, how many versus shopping. I’m going to be times have you been at the Garden focusing on dogs in particular for this State Plaza and have been mesmerized article’s purpose. by the puppies in the puppy store’s “It is $200 to adopt a dog who windows? I know I have been totally is fixed, vaccinated, microchipped, taken by the cuteness of the puppies. heartworm tested, frontlined and Also, the windows of the shop are dewormed at a minimum. When always crowded. needed, we also cover groomings, As cute as puppies may be, dentals and cherry eye repair. We lose what about the dogs, cats and bunnies anywhere from $100 to a lot more than stuck in the shelter? Anyone who that on each dog we place. Our goal is rescues an animal from a shelter will to send out adoptable dogs in the best tell you how special they are compared health we can to give them greater odds to animals that are bought. of a happy life in their new forever It’s almost as if these animals know home. All of our guests leave with that they were hand-selected to be a part a goodie bag that generally includes of the family that they’re adopted into. food, toys, collar and a leash,” Ackley The love and loyalty that exudes from said. these animals is so genuine because According to forbes.com, a puppy they know what it’s like to be alone. bought from a breeder or shop ranges My Teddy, whom my family from $500 to $3,000. Notice how big of rescued from the Clifton Friends of the a price difference this is compared to a Shelter, was a part of my family for 10 rescued dog! years. He was an integral part of our Another factor to point out is the family until he recently passed. care and details the shelter puts into the I’ve never met a dog like him adoptions. The shelter is even willing in my life, and perhaps, I never will to lose money because they believe in again. When my family first adopted their cause. If you have any further him, he was cautious, but after a while, questions or interest, please call the he warmed up to us and loved to the Clifton Friends of the Shelter at (973) point that I’m sure he would’ve done 470-5936. anything for our family. 4HU`HUPTHSZHYL\WMVYHKVW[PVU1\SPHUH6SLRZ` 15 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 |NOVEMBER 2017 Bladerunner 2049: Pushing Boundaries of Sci-Fi.

9`HU.VZSPUNHZ6ѝJLY2PU)SHKL9\UULY ÅPJRYJVT TREVOR GIOIA CONTRIBUTING WRITER blade runner is someone who hunts Jared Leto and few newcomers who Officer K, and he flies over a solar The film Blade Runner 2049 dares down rogue replicates, which are actually held their own. power farm with a gray sky. to ask what it means to be human, in prohibited in this universe. Blade Runner 2049, pushed a The way this film was done the modern age we live in. This new sequel is directed by really good script by Hampton Fancher amazed me on how they mixed CGI This film is a sequel to the cult Dennis Villeneuve who gave us films and Michael Green. Fancher wrote the and particle effects. It’s definitely classic Blade Runner from 1982, which such as; Arrival, Prisoners and Sicario. original blade runner film with this makes a world that is believable in its is about a cop hunting down robots, He makes a film that is building on feeling like it but at the same time future. This is all thanks to great set also known as “replicants.” The year the world of blade runner while giving bringing a new flair to it. builders and Roger Deakins, but blade 2049 is a thriving world, but there are some new visuals. I would say the film is not for runner does have a big problem. It is many people who can afford to live off “New but not forgotten,” sums everyone. It is only for people who the runtime and how slow movie feels the world. A new breed of replicants the tone of Blade Runner 2049, which enjoyed the first film or want a really at certain points with only a few action has just come to obey and not rebel, is that of a run down city and a world insane morality movie almost like set pieces. made by the Wallace corporation. trying to survive. ‘Westworld.’ So for that, I give this movie a 4.5 Blade Runner 2049, takes place 35 Blade Runner 2049, is a film that The film is three hours long with out of 5.It’s a film that is perfect, but years after the original and with Ryan definitely is in the run for my favorite beautiful visuals and a great story that has one major problem for some people Gosling’s character Officer K, who is film of the year. The film has a great science fiction fans will love. One the and that is the runtime. current blade runner on the LAPD. A cast; with Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, best scenes is when you first meet NBA 2K18 Game Review KEMRICK PETREE CONTRIBUTING WRITER 2K Games Inc., which produces many games from NBA 2K and even good on the court or to just look nice player would be able to experience on a college to meeting up with their WWE 2K, have consistently kept their on the street. many new features. This includes friends online to play in a virtual park audience happy. They have always Within past NBA2K games, the playing in high school and deciding and even competing with their own produced some of the best-selling created teams. games. This year though, in 2K18, even With NBA 2K18 out in stores now with them getting rid of the feature and the NBA season about to begin, of high school and college, the 2K the new 2K sports game sets its players developers allow more cut scenes and off in a whole new world in this year’s have even included real life up-to-date edition. media and social trends. Due to the addition of every The 2K MyCareer takes players NBA’s team All-Time, players can into the life of DJ who is a former get the chance to play with each of college basketball star, who decided to the franchise’s greatest players and leave the game to jump into the life of many more of the best teams in NBA music then later gaining interest again. history. This includes the most recently MyCareer mode allows you to pick high-powered 2014-15 Golden State your favorite team and become scouted Warriors and the powerhouse in the by them, instead of past versions where 2011-2012 Miami Heat. the player has to go through the drafting With all of the trades and signings aspect and play well. that went on this off season in the By the NBA changing up their league, 2K18’s gameplay from the jerseys and with the new partnership player’s movements to the player’s with Nike, the updated look around the tendencies is the most accurate that I league gives the NBA and the game a have ever seen in 2K. great new image which can possibly 2K18 allows the player to engage be one of the best that 2K fans have in real-life activities this year, such experienced yet. as walking to the barbershop so that IGN gave the new game a 8.4/10 your player can change their hairstyles. which was lower than 2K17 and 2K16, Also, walking to Foot Locker to get and those have had many mixed a new pair of sneakers to either look reviews. >PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ 16 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Dual Admission to Six Universities

// bergen.edu YOO RA KIM aforementioned colleges is practically William Mullaney said. section will most likely be referred to CONTRIBUTING WRITER guaranteed. In fact, the school was even In order to ensure that students as Transfer Central. Students will be Transferring to a four-year recognized by the NJ State Legislature have consistent access to information able to come to Transfer Central to institution after BCC can seem like a for the excellent program. regarding these six universities, it is acquire all the necessary information daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The BCC-FDU Scholars Progra, required that each of the schools must they need to have a smooth transfer. Students who plan on attending has been around since 2014. When have a regular presence on campus. “This program creates a sense FDU, Ramapo, NJIT, St. Peter’s, Bergen alumni choose to transfer to That is why visiting two times a week of security in your mind,” said Dr. Montclair or William Paterson once FDU, they are eligible to receive a won’t make the cut. Mullaney. they receive their Associate’s Degree, reduction on their housing costs and In order to encourage a regular Instead of worrying about whether can breathe a sigh of relief with the tuition. presence on school grounds, there will or not they will be accepted, students following program. “The number of transfers to FDU eventually be an area in the Center for can be assured of their acceptance to As long as a 3.5 GPA is maintained increased, which provided incentive for Student Success reserved for this very these universities as long as they meet and the individual in question graduates other colleges to hop on board,” Vice purpose. the minimal criteria. from BCC, admission into the President of Academic Affairs, Dr. According to Dr. Mullaney, the

TheYOO RA KIM Boston Girl Book Review CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant During her first trip to Rockport is about a Jewish woman born in the Lodge, Addie makes lifelong friendships nineteenth Century relaying her life with other striving working-class girls, story to her granddaughter. specifically Filomena, whose dalliance Diamant establishes a warm, with a married artist shows the pros relaxed tone in the opening paragraph: and cons of the new independence “‘I’m flattered you want to interview women are claiming. me,” Addie says. “And when did I ever Addie’s story goes on for a couple say no to my favorite grandchild?’” decades, highlighting somewhat Addie was born in 1895 to Russian mundane events: the funerals of two immigrants, the only member of her nephews in the 1918 flu epidemic, an family born in the States. Addie’s older unsuccessful courtship with a PTSD- sister, Betty, mortifies their parents diagnosed war veteran, and a run-in by living on her own as a saleswoman with a violent alcohol distributor. at Filene’s, and Addie disobeys by Her ambitious goals involve her attending high school and becoming a evolution as a secretary to a newspaper member of the reading club at Boston’s writer. Addie eventually meets her settlement house. future husband, Aaron Metsky, and a It is there she learns of a sanctuary brief conclusion of the years beyond called Rockport Lodge where young 1931 informs the readers that Addie ladies go to work on their skills. found a career as a social worker and The settlement house’s leader, Miss educator. Chevalier, helps Addie develop personal growth throughout the novel.

(\[OVY(UP[H+PHTHU[ZWLHRPUN[VYLHKLYZH[HIVVRZPNUPUN>PRPLTLKPH*VTTVUZ @VV9H2PT 17 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Why I Chose Bergen Community College and NJ Stars JULIANA OLEKSY NEWS EDITOR I wanted to go Bergen on the NJ Stars scholarship, despite comments that were made to me about going to Bergen Community College. Unfortunately, most people don’t even know the great opportunity the NJ Stars Program gives to students, because schools either discourage the program or don’t share students’ information about the scholarship because of the stigma formed around community colleges. For those who are unfamiliar with the program, NJ Stars is a scholarship that covers the tuition for an Associate’s degree in a student’s home county community college for those who are in the top 15 percent of their high school class at the end of either junior or senior year. For more information, please go to njstars.net. Even if you’re not a part of New Jersey Stars, Bergen allows you to get your money’s worth on an education. No matter where you attend your first two years of college, every single person follows a core curriculum of general education courses that are required before choosing an official major. In addition, some of our professors also teach at universities, so you’re also getting the same teachers who are teaching the same core classes. Another factor that influenced my decision to go to Bergen is that I feel that Bergen is a very student-centered 4HU`JVTL[V)LYNLUILJH\ZLVMP[ZYLSH[P]LHќVYKHIPSP[`ILYNLULK\ institution. BCC allows students to make a more flexible schedule, which lectures at Bergen include 36 students, in a different class or any of the many the students different opportunities to may ease students into the swing of but four-year schools can contain fifty clubs or events that Bergen offers. succeed and further themselves. college life and may even help students students in a single lecture. Despite any negativity received, I feel that Bergen is the stepping who work in addition to attending A smaller amount of students in coming to BCC is one of the best stone into the world of college school. a classroom allows professors and decisions I have ever made. I also feel academia. Now, I have personalized Also, our school is staffed with students to interact on a personal level, that coming here helped me with my learning experiences through Bergen’s advisors and professors who can readily leading to a more personalized learning transition to college. lower class ratios, while saving money assist with the transition into Bergen experience. During my first year, I attended the (compared to the tuition of four-year and the transfer onto the next step. Professors have an easier time Meadowlands campus and had great colleges and universities). Hopefully, in Another thing I love about Bergen learning who their students are and can professors who gave me tools on how the future, the negative stigma attached is that the class sizes tend to be more more readily give them any assistance to do well and learn. The professors I to schools such as Bergen can be erased. personal than in four-year schools. Most that they may need in a class. There’s have had so far really cared about their also the possibility of seeing a classmate students and took the time to even give

Each year, more than 100 students transfer to Saint Peter’s University and find success. Learn how we can be the right place for you, too! • Flexible degree completion options: Full-time Day; Part-time and Full-time Evening; On-line! • Small classes where faculty know your name. Saint Peter’s University average class size is 22 students with a student-to- faculty ratio of 13-to-one. • 50+ undergraduate programs including: Sports Management, Business (On-line available), Criminal Justice, RN-BSN (On-line), Education, Cyber Security, Psychology and Science and Technology Majors. Follow us on Instagram! • Mac Mahon Student Center featuring fitness center, game room, @SaintPetersUniversity student meeting rooms, campus café and dining hall. • On-campus parking or easy access to campus by public saintpeters.edu/transfer transportation. FREE campus shuttle! Saint Peter’s is ranked Scholarships available for Bergen Community College students! Up to $25,000 per year, plus additional housing grants, in the are available for qualified students.

Looking to continue nation your education in the evening? We offer flexible among#8 selective colleges for “Highest Mobility Rate” class schedules for for improving economic status. the Adult Learner.

Saturday, Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. at our Jersey City campus OPEN HOUSE saintpeters.edu/OpenHouse • (201) 761-7100 18 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Harry Styles Charms Radio City

/HYY`:[`SLZWLYMVYTPUNH[9HKPV*P[`4\ZPJ/HSS(S`ZZH)VYNLZ ALYSSA BORGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER “Hello, New York City. My name is Little Bit of Your Heart,” giving Kings Harry, I’m from England,” the 23-year- of Leon vibes to his version. old Brit says to his sold out crowd after During another brief speech his silhouette appeared on a millennial in between songs, Styles urges the pink curtain drop with flower petals audience, mostly in their late teens and on it as he started off with “Ever Since early or their late 20’s, to “embrace a New York.” stranger,” and made sure the crowd Wearing a burgundy brocade did so. He then urged them to “Please custom made Gucci suit, Harry do the same outside,” which doesn’t Styles proved he was a rockstar at the go against his motto printed on his Radio City Music Hall on Thursday, tour merchandise, “Treat People With September 28. Kindness.” “My job for the next hour and a While moving on to his most little bit is to entertain you. Your job is upbeat tune, “Kiwi,” he stops in the to have as much fun you could possibly middle of the song due to the lack of have, so please sing, dance, do whatever energy. it is that will make you happy,” said “You were good, I need you to be Styles. Without a doubt, that is what better and I promise you we will do it Styles and the crowd accomplished. as many times as it takes.” The second During the second song, “Sweet time was a success as it was performed Creature,” the fans raised up pink all the way through until the end. butterfly-shaped cut-outs as part of a As the night neared its end, Styles fan project while the venue lit up from started his four song encore with a cell phone flashlights. cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” Styles amped up the atmosphere Touching as many fans’ hands as he and the crowd as he put his guitar down could, he ran along the stage, up to the and began his upbeat tunes, starting side staircase of the venue during the with the raging rock riffy tune, “Only bridge of the song, getting closer to the Angel.” Striding, skipping and dancing fans in the balcony. across the stage, he grabs a pride flag Styles began to close the show from a fan along the front row and with his debut solo single, “Sign of the parades it along the stage, which makes Times,” but then hints another song as the crowd scream as loud as ever. a result to the crowds, upsetting tone to “I do apologize, I have ten songs,” the night coming to an end. Styles jokes before saying he’ll try and After performing his breakout be creative, making sure that everyone single, he mentions one more thing has fun. before he goes saying he would regret During this speech he continues it if he doesn’t. interacting with the crowd by asking “New York is where Columbia who’s from New York and out of town. Records is based and this is the label When a fan in the front row says she’s that I’m with. There’s a lot of people from New Jersey, he then quips that from my label that I like very much Jersey isn’t out of town enough and before I start. I’d like to thank them for looks for something further away. being with me tonight, but I would like Keeping his promise in being to tell you, I suggested that “Kiwi” was creative and making up for his ten songs, the next single [rather than latest single, he goes back to his One Direction roots “Two Ghosts”] … and I’d just like to by performing their first single, “What suggest it a little more. “I guess if we Makes You Beautiful,” with a rockier play it again...” and unique twist to his version. With that, Styles closes his set with He surprised the audience with the fan-favorite track, “Kiwi,” the third another throwback from his 1D days by and last time making the crowd even performing his sped-up, rocky tweaked more hyped than the first two times. version of “Story of My Life” making Could third times charm peer the crowd go even crazier. Styles also pressure Columbia Records into added in a cover of a song that he wrote making “Kiwi” a single once and for and gave to Ariana Grande, “Just a all? 19 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Dia De Los Muertos ANDREA RUIZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Día De Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead in English, is widely celebrated in Mexico. Although the holiday is celebrated in the month of Halloween and includes many unique costumes and images, people are suppose to think that it’s just Mexicans celebrating Halloween when clearly, it is more than that. Dia De Los Muertos is a two day holiday. On the first day, families take time to remember the children who have passed, and the second day is the remembrance of the adults. The importance of this holiday is that families are able to communicate with the ones who have passed away and vice versa. Family members leave food, drinks, belongings and calaveras for ofrendas (offerings). Celebrating the holiday includes music, dancing and parades all over Mexico. Usually, Mexico never celebrates having a parade for Dia De Los Muertos. Dia De Los Muertos was not known by many people, and wasn’t celebrated in some parts of Mexico. What hispanics do celebrate is Cinco de Mayo and other holidays. Although, it’s not about the dressing up or wearing costumes. Dia De Los Muertos is being able to be with our loved ones, especially the ones who have passed away.You could also enjoy your life and not feel sorrow about their deaths. Illustration by Edriel Fimbres High-End Theater Brings Ultimate Movie Experience

(4*HSZVV^UZ[OL[OLH[LYH[[OL.HYKLU:[H[L7SHaH>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ ALYSSA BORGES CONTRIBUTING WRITER goers arrive, they can also take a look the theater is limited, so that means not feel pampered, the only down side to The Shops at Riverside Square in at its modern yet classy light fixtures. every food item is being displayed. AMC Dine-In Shops at Riverside 9 is Hackensack, NJ recently opened up As for the food, there is a very Besides all the food items that this parking. their first dine-in theater. The relatively nice selection that ranges from chicken theater offers, they also provide extra Parking seems to be a challenge new AMC Dine-In Shops at Riverside wings to sushi. Other food options perks for every movie-goer. for moviegoers. To park in the parking 9 is an upscale, modern and spacious include flatbreads such as caperse and These perks include an overstocked lot near the theater, one would have to movie theater which gives movie-goers favorites such as chicken quesadillas. bar of endless drink options, a lounge park in the far back around the corner the ultimate movie experience. There is also salads, sandwiches area for relaxation, personally delivered from the newly, renovated Cheesecake The experience begins upon the and burgers. All these items cost food by the theater’s servers, reclining Factory. entry of the extremely bright theater around $20.00. For dessert, there are seats and movable tables with cup Though the parking is a challenge, with touch screens, which will allow doughnuts, milkshakes and brownie holders. It also has brightly lit large overall this theater has lots to offer movie-goers to buy and print out their sundaes and they cost around $8.00. numbers that indicate what location the and it is certainly worth it if you enjoy tickets as well as being able to select These food items can be found on movie is being played in. basking in upscale dining and movie their seats. When selecting your seat, the AMC Dine-In Shops at Riverside Even though there were many watching. make sure to sit in the correct seat that 9’s website. Even though this theater’s fantastic, extra perks that would make you were assigned to. When movie- online menu is extensive, the menu at every person who comes to this theater 20 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017

Do You Have a Story To Tell?

The Torch and The Labyrinth Literary Magazine want to hear it. One winner will be chosen for publication in the December edition of The Torch from those who enter a story, poem, personal narrative, or other creative work. Submit your story, poem, or narrative to [email protected] in form of a word document with the title “LastName 12/17 Torch Entry.” Poems may be up to 30 lines, prose works should not exceed 500 words. Feel free to e-mail bcclabyrinth@ gmail.com for more details.

LESHAYChild JONES Developement Center EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ver since its founding in 1982 and could Bergen Community College has not love it more. many useful resources for students “The best part is watching the and faculty to utilize. One of the children grow. This is a place where more hidden resources is the Child they learn about themselves and Development Center (CDC) located develop a love for learning. This is over in Ender Hall on the main campus. where it starts,” Dionisio said. The CDC is a laboratory preschool The CDC serves as much more that was founded in 1982 by Dr. Ursula than a preschool for the children of the Parrish Daniels who is currently the community. It also helps students gain Executive Assistant to the President of experience by volunteering through BCC. service learning. The center is open Monday The nursing and dental hygiene through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 students go in periodically to give the p.m., 11 months a year, and serves as a children a lesson on personal hygiene host of many resources for not only the and health, while education students staff and students, but also the Bergen get hands on experience with them. community. Student teachers from other It provides a safe and educational colleges have the opportunity to teach space for children while their parents the children lessons in order to get their are off in class or at work. The parents degree. For their final, the students are also welcomed to participate in must give a full lesson for the entire the activities and events that they plan morning. throughout the week. “Once they finish their coursework, In order to enroll your child, you they will be able to get hired and teach must complete the application process a full class and make an impact on and pay all required tuition fees. other children,” Group Teacher Shylah Tuition is discounted for those who are ;OL*OPSK+L]LSVWTLU[*LU[LYWYV]PKLZTHU`ZLY]PJLZMVYJOPSKYLU3LZOH`1VULZ the children are getting the quality they would not be able to go to school Oldano said. affiliated with BCC. The Child Development Center has The children are separated into education that they need, and parents and work if it weren’t for the center,” do not have to worry about them while Sally Dionisio Director of the Child helped to shape the lives of thousands two classes depending on their age and of children over the past 35 years and all of their lessons are theme based. they taking care of business. Development Center said. “People tell us all the time that Dionisio has been with the CDC continues to aspire thousands of BCC Everyday the staff make sure that students. 21 FEATURES THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 |NOVEMBER 2017

AreREBECCA KARPINSKI Selfies the New Autograph? PHOTO EDITOR Is the physical autograph dying at selfies to an autograph. than just showing someone a scribbled Jonas you ran into while shopping at the the hands of our smartphones? Before For years now, young fans have signature whenever you happen to see Willowbrook Mall last week might last the smartphone with a front facing developed a personal attachment to a them. much longer than a scribble he made on camera was introduced, the way people signed piece of equipment from their We value these coincidental the nearest clothing store receipt, but it proved that they met their most favorite favorite sports player, a signed Playbill moments because they provide content does come at a price. celebrity was with a handwritten from their favorite Broadway actor or we can share with people online all Rather than living in the signature on a piece of paper. Now fans a signed CD from their favorite singer. around the world, who we really don’t experience, our first priority is to often take a selfie with their favorite Our small items of unforgettable even know but yet consider them separate ourselves from that moment, celebrity. times are no more stored in actual “followers”. whip out our iPhones and post a selfie In more recent years, the autograph memory boxes for us to gaze at It’s as if our memories don’t online of our chance encounter. has morphed into the selfie. Many individually over time. Those moments actually exist or never actually We have become accustomed to people are coming in contact with their are now made available for the public happened unless we see it happening appreciate our memories only when favorite icons and heroes now pull out in an effort to craft our own image and first through our phone screens. Those they are all over social media on fake their phones and walk away with selfies show how amazing, exciting and cool digitized memories must be posted to walls. instead of signatures. our lives really are. multiple social media accounts to make As a result, technology is not only The presence of iPads and iPhones A selfie with RuPaul’s Drag Race them official. changing how we view the experience as well in a huge decline in cursive queen Alexis Michele at the Javits Center Media has transformed so fast and of chance meetings, it’s also impacting writing has played a role in the death of or Broadway actor Ramin Karimloo at dramatically it appears to have changed how we remember it. The selfie is the the autograph. Fans at sporting events, the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC will the way we process our memories. modern day autograph. concerts, etc., often favor impersonal get much more positive reinforcement Sure, that selfie you took with Kevin

2HYWPUZRPWPJ[\YLK^P[O(SL_PZ4PJOLSSL[VWSLM[HUK9HTPU2HYPTSVV[VWYPNO[0SS\Z[YH[PVUVM2HYPTSVVHUK2HYWPUZRPTLL[PUN9LILJJH2HYWPUZRP 22 SPORTS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Bergen Wrestling Continues to Grow CHRISTOPHER MOLINA SPORTS EDITOR With the winter season rapidly ambitions in order to advance the like crazy, but it pays off,” said wrestler 4th. Despite that, many of the wrestlers approaching, many sports team are group’s goals. Ariel Salazar. believe that their on the right track with preparing for the challenges ahead for “I believe the team chemistry Returning veterans from last their weight and nutrition. this season, and no other team feels the is really good; we’re trying to base season are Luke Bonn and Christopher Another positive aspect would be same way than the wrestling team. our program off of having an open Rosario, both of whom were national that are no major injuries affecting the With a history of success on the relationship with the coaches and qualifiers from last season. team including their grades, which are mat, the Bergen wrestling team would student athletes so we could work With the additional ten new guys important to every student athlete. like to continue that streak this season. together objectively to the goal of on the roster, all of whom have stepped “I’m pretty sure that all my wrestlers With practice already underway and a winning the region,” said Assistant up to plate and have shown a lot of are doing well in class. I’ve talked to highly-talented driven wrestling team, Coach Michael Fenner. promise to the coaches and their fellow them every day to see, about how they many are looking forward for this As for the wrestlers, team building teammates. are doing [and] how their progress is. upcoming season. is what drives them to become better. As far as challenges go, many feel I’ve reached out to their teachers to One of the reasons for the hype is “It’s great, [and] it’s more than a they are still a lot of things that can be make sure that they know who they are the team chemistry. This means that brotherhood. The wrestling team is improved but won’t know for sure until and that we’re on the same page,” said individuals suppress their personal amazing; they really make you work the start of the season on November Head Coach Christopher Disanto.

4LTILYZVM[OL^YLZ[SPUN[LHTWLYMLJ[PUN[OLPYZRPSSZPUWYHJ[PJL:[LWOLU.PVYKHUV 2017 Major League Baseball Season Wrap Up KEMRICK PETREE CONTRIBUTING WRITER With the powerhouse hitting of sluggers such as Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlin and Aaron Judge With the MLB Postseason in of the New York Yankees who both session and the League Championship surpassed the 50 home run mark, with series underway, we see the remaining Judge setting the record for most hits four teams competing for a World by a rookie with 52 and Stanton hitting Series appearance. 59. The remaining four teams, the Los But Judge was not the only rookie Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New who had a phenomenal first year. Cody York Yankees and the Houston Astros, Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers await what two teams will play for one also broke out and had one of the best of the biggest championships in major starts to his rookie season. league sports. With the regular season wrapped The 2017 MLB season, which had up and the postseason in motion, the many fans and viewers electrified from race for Most Valuable Player in the this year’s young stars to the powerful American League is interesting with hitting of the veterans, brought the Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros who game of baseball back once again with stands at 5 feet 6 inches (.340 BA, .410 an explosive dynamic. OBP, 32 SB, 24 HR, 84 RBI) and Aaron Whether it being the Houston Judge who stands at 6 feet 7 inches, Astros, who possibly may have one of (.284 BA, .422 OBP, 52 HR, 154 Run, the greatest offensive teams in MLB 114 RBI) the two matchups once again history, or the New York Yankees, in this seasons ALCS. who finally were able to get back to Whereas the National League front the League Championships after just runners include Giancarlo Stanton making the Wild Card again. Many (.281 BA, 59 HR, 132 RBI, .631 SLG), teams have shown their dominance Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona around the league. Diamondbacks (.297 BA, 36 HR, The Minnesota Twins made .422 OBP) and Nolan Arenado of the history in becoming the first team to (HYVU1\KNL^HYTPUN\WMVYIH[[PUNWYHJ[PJL,YPJ,UMLTLYV]PH>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ Colorado Rockies (37 HR, 130 RBI, make the playoffs one year after losing Series after last year’s lost to Chicago. streak of losing in the divisional series .586 SLG) who also may be seen as the 100 games;the Cleveland Indians Bryce Harper and the Washington once again with ace Max Scherzer, who best defensive player this season. are making another run at the World Nationals, who looked to break their posted 268 strikeouts. 23 SPORTS THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 Women and Sexism in the NFL

*HT5L^[VUH^HP[PUN[OLVќLUZP]LWVZZLZZPVUVU[OLZPKLSPUL>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ YOU HAVE -VYTLY6ќLUZP]L3PULTHU1VOU4Vѝ[[>PRPTLKPH*VTTVUZ KEMRICK PETREE CONTRIBUTING WRITER A VISION Carolina Panthers quarterback Sowers was being hired as an assistant Cam Newton received backlash coach for the 2017 season. This made FOR YOUR following an interview with reporter her the second woman in NFL history Jourdan Rodrigue, where Newton said, to hold a full-time NFL coaching “it’s funny to hear a female talk about position, and the NFL’s first openly gay CAREER. routes.” coach. Newton caused a lot of tension Jennifer Welter, who was hired by between himself and the Panthers the Arizona Cardinals back in 2015 organization on October 4. Rodrigue as an Intern Assistant Coach for the had confronted Newton after the preseason made a huge impact on the NOW conference, but Newton did not league, which technically made her the apologize for the comments that first female coach in NFL history. he made. A day after making those Welter responded to Newton’s remarks, Newton did apologize in a comments on FOX Business. MAKE video. Kennedy said, “I won’t stand up for “After careful thought, I understand what he said, it’s obviously wrong.” that my word choice was extremely She also went on to make comments IT A degrading and disrespectful to women. about the other players in the league of And to be honest, that was not my their respect for her . intention. If you are a person who “Those guys [NFL players] saw me REALITY. took offense to what I said, I sincerely actually as more of an insider and more apologize to you,” Newton said. similar to them and being alike than Rodrigue has had much experience different because they knew how hard it with covering the ins-and-outs of the was for me to get there. They were really You’re well along in earning your undergraduate degree, but you’re thinking about team’s offense, where she has been actually excited and supportive,”said ways to set yourself apart. The NYU School of Professional Studies Division of covering them for more than a year now Kennedy. “Though that comment Applied Undergraduate Studies can help you to gain a distinct advantage. Our and working with Penn State football Bachelors Degrees prepare you with the knowledge and applicable skills that can [Newton’s remark] is something we make your career aspirations a reality. Take charge of your destiny. It’s time to in the past. have to look at and address, I would say make the NYUSPS investment in your career, your future, and yourself. Over the years, NFL athletes that it is the exception, not the rule, at have been showing very little respect least in my experiences.” BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: Applied Data Analytics and Visualization (STEM) for women, which has caused many Former offensive lineman John Digital Communications and Media (STEM) • Healthcare Management domestic violence cases as well. Moffitt went on to stand behind Newton Information Systems Management (STEM) • Leadership and Management Studies They include cases with athletes, and his comments though, saying “it Marketing Analytics • Real Estate such as New York Giants former kicker was funny because women ‘don’t know BACHELOR OF ARTS: Applied General Studies • Humanities • Social Sciences Josh Brown, where the abuse and football,’” domestic violence were being covered Moffitt later went on to say,”Women up. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell don’t know football -- most guys barely VIRTUAL INFO. SESSION and Giants owner John K. Mara were do,” which he posted on Facebook. Tuesday, November 14, 7 p.m. suspected, once the Giants re-signed “Stop coming into male spaces OPEN HOUSE - Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. him after two domestic violence case and demanding respect...guys care Register - sps.nyu.edu/appliedUG/events74 run ins according to Sports Illustrated. about the substance of things not the During the offseason, San appearance,” Moffitt said. For information: visit sps.nyu.edu/appliedUG/bachelors74 or call 212-998-7100. Francisco 49ers announced that Katie New York University is an affi rmative action/equal opportunity institution. ©2017 NYU School of Professional Studies. 24 SPORTS TheTHE TorchTORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3 | NOVEMBER 2017 SPORTS 2017 BCC Men’s Basketball Preview CHRISTOPHER MOLINA SPORTS EDITOR

Since October 2, Bergen Community College’s men’s basketball better communicate on both ends of the team has been working on their skills floor, stressing to them about the little in time for the first game of the season things and taking plays off and doing on November 2nd. this the right way all the time,” said Many hours have been spent on Osbourne. the court, working on communication, But with things improving on the technique and team building. court, challenges still lie ahead of the Something that Head Coach Donald team, including keeping players off of “Ozzie” Osbourne has been looking any major injuries and getting their forward to since his hire last spring. grades in order. Coach Osbourne even Over these past couple of weeks, had to have one of his players to be sent many of the players have been training home because of class absence. in a very competitive environment, “We’re sending a message; you’re something that coach Osbourne here for your academics; you’re here to believes will be helpful in the season. be a better person, a better student, and ”They’re working hard, learning then the ice cream on the cake is that a new system, learning how to play you get the chance to play basketball,” basketball in multiple ways and not just said Osbourne. one dimensional. A lot of them never Team chemistry is important in played this style of basketball that every sport; it’s what helps drive a team we’re playing here, so it’s learning for to improve on and off the field. everyone,” said Coach Osbourne. “We mesh together very well, [and] Out of all the players on the roster, we all knew each other before the only a few played last season; four season started,” said Point Guard Robin sophomores played last year and the Williams III. rest of them are all rookies, some are With the regular season close by, freshman and some are transfers. The many of the players are interested in coaches are working with each and putting everything on the line each and every player in order to improve, and every game. with each and every practice, Coach “We just got to play together as a Osbourne has been stressing to take team, play hard every game as if it’s our everything into account on the court. last,” said Williams. “[I’m] trying to teach them how to 1HML[3HTV\[OWSH`PUNMVY[OL)LYNLU)\SSKVNZSHZ[ZLHZVUILYNLUJJI\SSKVNZJVT

CHRISTOPHERWomen’s MOLINA Basketball to Begin SPORTS EDITOR For the women’s basketball team, practice is already underway with many faces coming back from last season, as well as new faces that are coming in. A lot of work is going into each and every practice making sure that this upcoming season will go in Bergen’s favor. Many women on the team have been working both on and off the court by improving on their skills, communication and most of all trust. “So far, it’s going really well.The four of us are coming back from last year, so we’re already used to playing with each other, and then the girls that have started have been practicing really well with us too,” said Captain Grace Dannibal. Each practice is a chance for every player to improve on her skills before the start of the season. “Definitely defensively I want to be better because I know it’s something that we have to work on, and communicating with my teammates also,” said Dannibal. Despite the player to player challenges, Head Coach Tracy Green feels that having spent nine seasons as the head coach, she is confident in her ability to send her team in the right direction, by learning from their mistakes last season. ”The girls who were sophomores 7YHJ[PJLOHZHSYLHK`Z[HY[LKMVY[OL\WJVTPUNZLHZVU:[LWOLU.PVYKHUV last year did not realize how good they One of the challenges that the right now is the number of girls that commit,” said Coach Green. can be. We turned around and we beat coach is facing is not having enough of we have; we always have a tough time However, the staff and players are some pretty good teams towards the her players to come out to practice in because the girls always want to say willing to work through it out in order end of the season, and I think that kind time regarding problems facing off the that we have to work, [and] they always get the necessary improvement in their of got them pretty excited for what we court. have to concentrate on their studies; skill as a basketball player. can do this year,” said Coach Green. “One of the major challenges for so sometime it’s hard to get them to JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D