Volume IX Issue 6

Diverse city, Progressive opportunity November 2009

In This Issue Events ...... Pages 1-4 Opinion ...... Page 5 Feature ...... Pages 6-10 Health ...... Page 11 Engineering ...... Pages 12-13 Spirit Weeks ...... Pages 14-15 Sports ...... Page 16

The Student Newspaper of Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ PCCC Women’s Basketball Victorious vs. By Marlene Mendoza gave a speech was County Chairmen John Currie, Passaic County Sherriff MA Prep/Ramapo After thirteen years, former Jerry Speziale, Senator Loretta President Bill Clinton made his reap- Weinberg, and County Freeholder Ta- pearance in Little Falls, New Jersey on hesha Way who claimed “My last name Tuesday October 27th. Strict security is 'Way' so on Tuesday when you see measures were indeed taken as a long 'Right Way' in the voting sheets, you line of local residents passed through will know that 'Way' is the way to go. Nowriz Karashai Karashai Nowriz security checkpoints. The public was 'Way' is the only way, the right way!” made up of high school students, teach- Way stated her satisfaction to play a ers, the press, and many supporters of part in supporting Corzine’s campaign. Jon Corzine. The event took off with a To close the political event, number of speakers who were in favor former President Clinton reflected what of Corzine for Governor of New Jersey. Governor Corzine achieved. He cred- Commencing the political af- ited himself of his experience as a pre- fair, John Nikolai expressed his support vious President and reminded the com- for Corzine. The motivation in his voice munity that before he was President, he was enough to ensure everyone that was a governor for twelve years. Under having Corzine reelected was simply Corzine New Jersey was one of five essential for the well being of New Jer- states to have an increase in median Crystal Rose scores the three pointer that sey. income, the first state in the country to marked the turning point in the game. Other political figures who also Continued on Page 2

Full Story Page 16

Dr. Robert Zimmer, Founder of Passaic County Community College, Dies at 85.

On Monday, October 26, Dr. lege in Kankakee, Illinois in 1967. Dr. ton, MO as well as 8 nieces and 3 Robert Zimmer died in Williamsburg Zimmer then returned to the air force nephews. Virginia. He was a veteran of World where he was instrumental in accredit- A memorial service was War 2 who aided in the liberation of ing the Community College of the Air held at Williamsburg United Method- Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Force. He retired in 1981 as a Colonel ist Church on October 30 at 2 PM. In Austria. He received his doctorate in the Air Force Reserves and has been lieu of flowers, the family requests from the University of Chicago in a resident in Wiliamsburg since 1990. that donations be given to Williams- 1950, and shortly after became a re- He is survived by his wife, burg United Methodist Church or the serve in the United States Air Force. June Busch of 61 years and son, Wil- Shriners Hospital for Children in care He founded Passaic County Commu- liam R. “Chip” and his wife, Barbara of of Khedive Temple at 645 Woodlake nity College in 1971 as well as two Hagerstown, MD and daughter, Lucinda Dr., Chesapeake, VA 23320. other colleges: Allegany Community S. “Cindy” Stenger as well as four College in Cumberland, Maryland in grandchildren. He is also survived by Reprinted with permission of Zimmer 1961 and Kankakee Community Col- his brother, Martin T. Zimmer of Clin- Family

Page 2 Events November 2009 Weis Ecology Center Mixing Fun and Learning

By Ines Shahu

Do you know the wonders you can find on a hiking trip? We experienced it firsthand. We not only had fun but also Associated Collegiate Press learned about our environment. Visions Staff On Sunday, October 11, members of the Science Club along with advisors Professors Kala Mayur and Martin Editor in Chief Nowriz Karashai Baranowski set out on a hiking trip to the Weis Ecology Center in Ringwood, NJ. Fun in the sun. Managing Editor The students met outside the gym at 9:00 a.m. to take a Jerry Gutierrez 20 minute ride in one of the school vans, driven by Professor M. Professors Baranowski and Mayur gave interesting information Baranowski. After arrival, the group chose to follow the Hewitt- on the flora found in the area and how they all contribute to our Editors Sadia-Adu Philips Butler (blue) trail. Emma Castillo, President of the Science Club planet. Veronika Deckert led the hike. Following roughly two hours of climbing, the group Derek Teixera After a short level section, the trail began a steady finally reached the Wyanokie High Point. The trail culminated Walfrin Batista climb to the top of the mountains. The path was rocky and steep here atop a huge balanced rock with panoramic views of west, at several places. While taking pictures and helping each other east and north. Enjoying this breath-taking view, students and Photography/Design Editor climb up the rocky path, students learned to recognize moss, professors had lunch while sharing their experiences. “It has Abe Sharkas lichen, mushrooms, and ferns with the help of Prof. Mayur. It been wonderful so far; I’m just worried about the way back,” Staff was an invigorating walk and short breaks were taken where says Prof. Mayur, while laughing. Francisco Andrade Bernice Ballardo Miosotis Biondo Yota Daniil Maika Freyre Continued from Page 1 State, former President Clinton traveled Fernando Garay to Kosovo on November 1st, where the Fernando Guzman pass an Economic Recovery Plan and unveiling of an eleven foot statue of him Maria Harrera Mortgage Modification Plan, and New was erected by the Albanians to express Sashel Hinds Jersey is ranked first in the nation in their gratitude of the role he played in Keith Medina high school graduation rates and pre- their struggle for Independence and Lauren Mehra Ashley Mendoza school enrollments. He urged those in stopping the ethnic cleansing enforced Marlene Mendoza attendance to spread the word and on by Slobodan Milosevic of Serbia. Clin- Raymond McKoy Tuesday's election, to vote for Corzine. ton collaborated with NATO in 1999 Marie Ann Peguero There were no shoes thrown in this and launched air strikes ceasing the Ines Shahu Presidential appearance. massacres and atrocities committed by Virnel Simogan Building in Pristina, Albania. After departing the Garden Serbian military troops. Along with the Photographers Jessica Ortiz statue standing tall in Pristina, the na- Raheen Nelson tion’s capital, Albanians have named not Maria Herrera only a boulevard located in central Pris-

Cartoonists tina Clinton, but Klinton has become a

Maurice Cooper Mendoza Marlene popular Albanian name. Stacey Beason Though an astonishing team led the way for Corzine’s reelection Faculty Advisors campaign, including the backing and Elizabeth Nesius support from President of the United Dr. Christine Redman-Waldeyer States and Chairman of the United Na- Staff Graphic Designer tions Barack Obama, and former Presi- Anny A. Almonte dent Clinton, their efforts did not bring him to a victory. On Tuesday, Novem- Special Thanks ber 3rd, 2009, Corzine was defeated by Kala Mayur Richard Marranca the new Governor of New Jersey, Re- publican Chris Christie. Bill Clinton visits Little Falls, Passaic County.

The student newspaper of Passaic County Community College, One College Blvd., Paterson, NJ, 07505-1179, (973) 684-5288

Visions is an independent student newspaper. The staff of Visions tries to adhere to the standards and ethics of the Associated Press Stylebook and guidelines. Any errors are solely the responsibility of staff members and advisors. The opinions expressed in this publi- cation are those of the individual writers and are not necessarily representative of the college in any manner.

Visions encourages all members of the college community to express their opinions. Letters should be submitted to [email protected] or to Visions c/o the Student Activities office, and must include the name and phone number of the author to verify authenticity. If pos- sible, submit letters typed with a copy on a computer disk. Visions reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, spelling, and space considerations.

November 2009 Events Page 3

was outpouring with more talent. I myself recited an original work talking about the omnipresent

love of God. We were then Hinds Sashel treated to an intense and deeply By Sashel Hinds On Thursday October 15 in the moving, dramatic monologue by Paterson Room at 6:30 PM, The Chris- Trevena Palmer in which she There is something deeply al- tian Club presented Café Night for portrayed a Christian woman luring about the atmosphere of our Café Christ. It was a beautiful time of fellow- from Somalia who is persecuted night which was a get together to share ship as a variety of talent was displayed for her faith. In the monologue their talents in poetry and singing. As all for the glory of God. As we entered her character displayed great one experiences the intimate setting and the dimly lit room amidst a very inti- courage and a strong sense of sophisticated ambiance and hears the mate crowd and indulged ourselves with conviction and devotion to different melodies, one is immersed in a the different variety of appetizers, we Christ, even if it meant death. totally different world that transcends all were greeted by the hosts, Obie Hill and Another video presentation was time and space. There is something so Sashauna Dixon. The night started out shown, showcasing a poet en- spiritual about listening to the insightful with a passionate video presentation of a couraging us to really use our poetry, and allowing it to penetrate deep young woman reciting poetry. Her topic mental potential and really think in your soul. The beauty of it is that as was taken from the biblical account of about issues concerning us such one leaves they leave with a new sense the woman at the well. In her poem she as war, peace, relationships and of inspiration. touched on the topic of Jesus seeing her religion. He spoke about intangi- A night of spirituality and poetry for who she was as a person and not for ble things such as faith, love and the sins that she had committed. Fol- truth. At the end of his poem, he wanted and supremacy. This was proceeded by lowing the video presentation we were us to think about the impermanent a very humorous but substantial Ode to blessed with the poetic talent of Justin things transcending beyond this life and women in which he praised the attitude Kendrick Clayton, who sent a dynamic towards eternity. and gentleness of the fairer sex. message about his relationship with God In another video presentation The closing poem was an origi- and the never fading beauty of women we were exposed to the raw, powerful, nal one by Montea Williams entitled went forth like an arrow touching the soulful, poetry of Blair Wingo. In it she “Life is not a Movie”. In the poem he hearts of many. Two poems from Gloria stressed the importance of having a used a multitude of movie titles depict- Dennis were heard. In them she beauti- close, personal and sweet relationship ing his Christian walk and his earnest fully illustrated a passion for God and with Christ, rather than depending on desire to go to heaven. the evidence of his providential hand in empty religious rituals to pass you by. The evening ended with a vulnerable her life. She also touched on the differ- After that, we were tantalized with more and harmonious serenade by Sashauna ent perceptions that people might bring spoken words by Jason Glasglow. In his Dixon. As we left that evening we had a about others, like being ignorant of the dynamic rhythmic words he spoke about sense of renewal, and accomplishment. truth. As the night went on the event the person of Christ and his authority SGA Movie Night - What s Love Got To Do With It

By Francisco Andrade and lence? Is it when a husband hits his wife by singer Ike Turner plays. Ike makes a only hope that our numbers grow as part Maria Herrera or is it when a wife her husband? This nightly ritual of passing the microphone of our college experience includes out- answer is not completely clear. Many around the dance hall and on one visit to reach projects to our communities. On Tuesday October 13th The people may have domestic violence in the club Anna Mae grabs it and sings. In October, Dr. Phil spoke to Student Government Association from their home but they just don’t tell you. Soon Anna's whole life is in Ike's hands: women who suffered from domestic Passaic County Community College Most importantly, they even can be sit- he's changed her name to Tina and taken violence on one of his shows and gave a organized a movie night event in the ting next to you and you wouldn’t even total control of her singing career. list of signs women should understand Paterson Room. In observance of Do- know it. A lot of people hear stories Though he's artistically de- as abuse. mestic Violence Month, SGA showed a about men abusing their wives but they manding, she's fascinated by his forceful If the abuser calls his wife movie called “What‘s Love Got To Do do not hear of men getting hit by their masculinity, style, charisma and creative names, insults, or criticizes her all the With It.” The tickets cost three dollars wives in the 21st century. vision. But not long after their quick time, controls her with money, or ex- per student and it included a bag of pop- Now you may have noticed marriage, things turn really bad. Ike pects her to ask permission for every- corn and a can of soda or bottle of wa- that I’m talking about Domestic Vio- abuses Tina, who eventually struggles to thing, that is called “Emotional Abuse.” ter. All the money collected was do- lence but you may not know it relates to free herself of his psychotic reign of Another type of abuse is called nated to a foundation that helps women PCCC. This movie would touch your terror. She learns how to treat him dur- “Physical Abuse” which is when the that suffer from domestic violence. heart. The critics rates 96% on “What ing a fight in the car where Anna Mae abuser damages property when he is The movie “What‘s Love Got Love Got To Do With It?” One of the (Tina Turner) fights back and then goes angry, uses a weapon to hurt his wife, or to do With It” released in June, 1993 critics was Rob Vaux from, Flipside to a hotel where they were going to play hurt the children. documents Tina Turner’s life, a blues- Movie Emporium and I quote “A celeb- that day. She also learns to be scary and If you ever find yourself in any pop singer who suffered domestic vio- rity biopic rendered with heartfelt re- how to stand up for her self and that no of these situations, you should always lence because her husband, Ike, was spect; it never shies away from the ugli- one should abuse you in your life. Tina contact for help. There are many shel- jealous of all her fame and success. Like ness in Turner's life, but neither does it Turner kept her artist name and made ters that keep women and children safe most women, she could not abandon exploit it for cheap emotional effect.“ lots of money during her career despite when they are being abused. You should him because she was afraid, but at the In the beginning of the movie her abuse. also tell your problem to someone you end she got the strength she needed in Anne Mae was a child who sang very SGA’s efforts were organized trust, that way they would help you with order to free herself from her husband. good in church but at the age of 17 and their hearts in the right place as they anything you need, and finally, if you That is a good example that all women Anna Mae leaves the backwoods of attempted to raise money for women want to run away from home, make sure should follow if they are being abused, Tennessee for St. Louis to be reunited who suffer from domestic violence. It you have your car keys, and everything they should not be afraid, and they have with her stern mother and elder sister, was unfortunate that more of our student that you need ready in a safe place to seek help quickly. Alline. One evening, Alline brings Anna body did not participate. With only where you can remember so you can What is the meaning of Domestic Vio- Mae to the night club where a group led fifteen students in attendance we can leave your house quickly.

Page 4 Events November 2009

Veronika Deckert Veronika

By Bernice L. Ballardo also consider that a lot of people are a higher score can be achieved. If suc- was successful. In my opinion, donating naturally terrified of the presence of cessful the second time around, the stu- blood is not a big deal, though far too On October 28, at the south needles and blood. dent relaxes in a reclined seat. The nurse many people make it a big deal. What entrance in the main campus of Passaic Most people would think that then applies a yellowish-brown steri- goes around comes around, and this is County Community College, Commu- anyone can donate blood. However, lizer, Betadine, and tells the tense stu- good Karma for you and your loved nity Blood Services are found on the there are some exceptions. For example, dent to relax. In front of the reclined ones. I think we should have more peo- scene collecting blood from donors. if students recently have been tattooed seat, there is a big screen LCD televi- ple donating blood. 43,000 pints is the According to the American Red Cross, or have a body weight below a hundred sion set which attempts to grab the stu- amount of donated blood used each day every two seconds, someone in the ten pounds, they are not eligible. People dent's attention. The student is supposed in the U.S. and Canada according to United States needs blood. Let us also who are below 1.26 in blood iron levels to get involved with the movie so as to America's Blood Centers. We actually note that every one person who donates cannot donate either, but this test is con- be unaware of the nurse pricking him/ could be saving our own lives because can save up to three lives. ducted on site. These students, including her with the sterile 16 gauge needle. In we never know what could happen to us At the present time, blood do- those that are pregnant, all fall under mere moments, the intended blood flows later in life. nation is unusual among college stu- pertinent restrictions addressed in a pre- into a bag containing an anti-clotting I remembered a friend of mine dents. Out of the potential eight thou- screening questionnaire. After students agent. who had leukemia a couple of years ago sand students registered at P.C.C.C., meticulously complete the paperwork, As the student finishes up the and how it was so devastating to him. only around twenty-five attempted to they are ready for the next step. blood donation process, refreshments Visiting him in the hospital, I couldn’t donate. Out of these twenty-five, only Once inside the truck, a nurse will test are served and some recommendations help but feel hopeless. Days and nights fifteen were eligible for blood donation. iron levels and record temperature, are given. While enjoying cookies and would pass while donors were being Roughly one third of the participants blood pressure, and pulse rates. If the juice, the student feels good inside. The sought without any hope. When I saw have to be turned away due to lack of iron level falls below 1.26, the nurse nurse recommends not drinking any the bus, a tear ran down my cheek and I identification. For arguments sake, we'll will test the student once more and see if alcoholic beverages, not doing any exer- decided to do it. I was very scared and cises, and especially not lifting any nervous because it was my first time. As weights. The student will have to re- I filled out all the paperwork, my con- move the bandages applied by the nurse cerns grew. The nurse told me to just after a three hour period and drink as relax, and at any moment I could stop many fluids as they can, since 90% of the donation. This motivated me even blood plasma is made up of water. more not to give up. I told the nurse, These blood donations will be “Once I get into that truck, there is no going to hospitals in New York and going back. I’m not a quitter. I go all the New Jersey. The purpose is to save way!” The nurse, with a big smile on his lives; in surgeries, in births with signifi- face, handed me my completed paper- cant blood loss from car accidents, for work. With caution, I approached the children and adults with leukemia, etc. vehicle and slowly opened the door. The blood drive at P.C.C.C.

Continued from top of Page 7 considered a neighbor. Jesus then gave a simple yet monumental command to the to compensate him for the cost he will response: “Go and do the same.” incur by taking care patient, and thereby In conclusion, be cognizant of overlooked any thought that he could the fact that everyone is placed here on have been left with an unpaid bill. this planet for a special purpose. It does- Lawyers, also referred to as n’t matter if you were victimized, or if “teachers of the law” or “scribes” during you where the victimizer, rich or poor, the time of Jesus, were experts on the high up on the social ladder or at the Jewish Law called the Torah. The Law- bottom of the totem pole, multi-racial or yers’ job was to render skillful interpre- not, educated or uneducated; we have a tation and application of divine law in duty to serve one another wholeheart- every situation of life for the people. edly. We should take care of those in Lawyers would spend their time study- need and expect nothing in return. Set ing, interpreting, and expounding the positive short term goals that will bene- law and act as court judges. After Jesus fit someone other than yourself, even finished the story he asked the lawyer though you might be taking a full load “who was the neighbor of the man who of credits. To find out what your place is was beaten and robbed by the thieves?” in this world, do what Jesus commanded The lawyer, seemingly humbled, replied the lawyer do-go and show mercy to that it was the one who had shown your fellow human. Be a Good Samari- mercy toward the victim that is to be tan.

November 2009 Opinion Page 5

-37. Allow me to make a few observa- priesthoods had ceremonial and sacrifi- tions about some of the characters in the cial laws by which they must abide. One passage of Scripture to make a point— of the rules for the priest and the Levites bear with me. The victim in the story states “No one shall defile himself for a By Raymond A. McKoy The reason such a simple thing was a traveler who had his possessions dead person among his people, except as doing a good deed for the day may stolen, and was severely beaten by the for his relatives who are nearest to There is hardly anyone who seem so evasive is that one will not thieves. He was stripped, beaten, and him,” (Leviticus 21: 1b-2a), NASB. hasn’t given much thought as to why he make a profit, nor scoop up accolades if left to die. He was an innocent person This law may have been the reason the or she was placed here on planet earth. it is done in secrecy. The situation could on a distant journey who was victim- priest and the Levite chose to cross over Yet, as simple a task as finding out what become compounded especially if you ized, disenfranchised, and half dead. on the other side: to avoid defilement. It we are here to accomplish or what leg- are a college student who is burdened The thieves who robbed the man were is doubtful that spiritual leaders would acy we would like to leave, finding the with a full load of credits. No one is opportunists who preyed on the defense- involve themselves in the life a desper- reason for our being alive can be a twisting an arm to do something admira- less and unsuspecting traveler. Then ate individual, because they would vio- monumental undertaking. It may take ble; neither is it unethical to be re- there were the priest and the Levite who late their religious tenets in doing so. years, decades, and sometimes a per- warded to help a brother or sister out. are closely related, in that they can both However, the despised, half-bred Sa- son’s lifetime for the reality of his or her Your motive for doing things makes the trace their ancestry to Levi, one of maritan who was also on a journey saw true purpose in life to be realized. From difference as to whether you will morph twelve sons Jacob (Israel). The Levites the half-dead man and had compassion a personal standpoint, finding my place into a Hitler-like or Mother Teresa-like were the spiritual leaders of the nation for him. He could have been in danger in this world is a constant quest in char- human being. Nevertheless, if everyone of Israel. The Levites were the direct of being robbed, but stopped anyway. acter building. Each day a conscious on Earth would commit to doing a good descendants of Levi and assisted the He treated the man’s wounds and took effort is made to favorably improve a deed or something commendable, it priests in the menial duties of temple him to an inn. He used his own money personality trait by accomplishing a would make a world of a difference. worship. The priests performed the im- to pay the innkeeper, and promised to positive goal, or doing a good deed for A genuine “Good Samaritan” is portant duties in the temple. The priests repay the innkeeper for whatever extra the day. However, accomplishing posi- hard to find, but they are out there. Con- are direct descendants of Aaron, the he would spend for the man in his care. tive goals or doing good deeds is more sider the biblical anecdote of the Good brother of Moses, the first High Priest. The innkeeper had faith in the Samaritan complex than it may seem. Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke, 10: 30 Both the Levitical and the Aaronic Continued bottom Page 6 Midterm Anxiety Unavoidable By Veronika Deckert No.2 pencil can be enough to take us over the edge. Seeing the same question We've gotten this far; the half- we just had on a quiz a few weeks back Are You in Touch With It? way point of the 09 fall semester at (which was aced) could cause spontane- PCCC. It seems like just yesterday we ous student combustion. “This is my By Maika Freyre kids. The good thing about this country were stuck in Academic Advisement first semester back after 27 years. I'm is that every person with different color creating our schedules. Suddenly, taking 12 credits and have 2 midterms,” In America diversity in the skin, nationality and religion can “Sorry, I'm studying for midterms” is Erica Greene, an Accounting Major entire nation poses a challenge for new achieve these goals, if they work hard the common phrase our friends are get- frets. “I feel overwhelmed. Before the generations and immigrants. This is enough. ting out of us. If we've been attentively exam, I have a panic attack.” Our pro- because everyone has to accept different Third, diversity in the United listening during class and actively par- fessors can give us all the review sheets kinds of people to be part of American States introduces people to different ticipating, we should do fine. Still, that the copier can reproduce. We can study society. According to statistics from the religions. According to Pew Forum’s knot in our gut grows ever so tight. That ourselves to the point of becoming over- Census Bureau, diversity has been US Religion Landscape Survey in 2007, can’t be very good for our health. We prepared. There's nothing out there to growing in the entire nation; each per- the percentage of Christian and Catholic should advise our professors immedi- relieve the pressure of that midterm until son has meets someone different all the people was 78.4%, other religions was ately of the detrimental effects these it's over. At this thought, Erica smiles, time. Are you really in touch with the 4.7%, Unitarians and other liberal faiths hideous midterms are producing. “After the exam, I'm okay. It is what it broad diversity of American life? Have 0.7%.and Unaffiliated 16.1%. In Peru Whether we are good at taking is.” you really assimilated? there are only two religions: Catholi- notes or frequenting the tutoring lab, our Let's not forget those fellow First of all, we see people mov- cism and Christianity. Immigrants feel stress level can't help but increase. It students fortunate enough which do not ing to other cities all the time. One of lost for a while because they see differ- isn't bad enough we have to keep up have any midterms, such as Monica the biggest cities in NJ is Paterson, ent people with different religions and with the World Series of the MLB, Arrington, a Business Major. “This se- where we have an enormous variety of customs that they don’t understand. I worry about paying the bills on time, mester I'm taking 15 credits and no mid- people. The majority of people are Afri- remember my first job. A Muslim lady deal with family and work, on top of terms. I lucked out,” she happily in- can Americans and Hispanics. William was my boss. We did not have anything trying to squeeze in some leisurely ac- forms me. Its times like these that the Frey from The Brookings Institute in in common. I had been told that Mus- tivities. Now our professors hit us with rest of us really could care less how Washington mentioned that diversity of lim females were obligated to use veils, the midterm. “Today I had two.” I catch gorgeous, comical, great to be around, people is being seen in 49 states. He and have a little contact with the outside Gwendolyn Myers, a Criminal Justice sweet, or whatever else these lucky ones stated, “This is just an extraordinary world. But as the time passed, I had the Major with a 13 credit workload, as are. Right now, they're our adversaries, explosion of diversity all across the opportunity to develop a friendly rela- she's packing up her books in the li- and it feels weird that we are studying, United States.” This shows that Amer- tionship with her, and she explained the brary, “and I have some next week. I cramming, and stressing while others ica is growing with immigrants, who are reasons for her life style and beliefs. I work. I study an hour the most each are going out and about without a care changing neighborhoods all the time. was wrong to judge someone by their day.” she hastily fills me in on her hec- in the world. Some people don’t welcome this appearance or religion. tic schedule as she hurries down the Blinding highlighters, caffein- change. Our American lifestyle is hall. Augmenting the workload on our ated coffee – causing probable diabetic On a personal note, my Uncle wrapped with the belief of equality. Per- cranium, causing highly plausible aneu- episodes, and the over-the-counter gate- himself was born in Paterson and con- haps, for all of us it will take a while to rysms, can't very well be the goal our all way drug, Excedrin Migraine tempting trasts the differences in how neighbors accept new people, but everyone de- -knowing professors, which we greatly the ever-absorbent student, are the es- treat themselves. He feels more comfort- serves an opportunity to be accepted in admire for all their wisdom, want to sential tools for the rest of us ill-fated able in an Italian neighborhood since he American society. Different people liv- happen. souls. It is absolutely relevant we all understands the culture. ing together are not only the cause of Due to all this added strain our take immediate action, for heed my Second, most of the immi- some wars, but a prevention of conflict. minds and bodies are going through for words you favorable few, soon enough, grants have the same goals that Ameri- America could be a good example of a this tedious duration, mundane concerns we'll all be screaming, “It's the finals!” cans have. You know the deal: own a peaceful country to other nations that take on new extremes. An unsharpened big house, have careers, drive a brand cannot live in harmony. Only time will new car, get married and have a couple tell.

Page 6 Feature November 2009

By: Derek Teixera "He did a lot of the right things," set," and the meeting with college presi- Rose continued, "but sometimes the dents regularly to ensure their voices are Despite the overwhelming sup- right things aren't always the most popu- heard in Trenton. port NJ gave Democratic Candidate lar." While many schools were watching "It will be interesting to see how a Barack Obama in the 2008 Presidential their annual funding levels decline, Democratic Legislator and a Republican Election, their blue support turned a Corzine was able to keep PCCC's fund- in office will work together," com- shade of red on November 4th, 2009 ing at an even level from last year's. mented President Rose. when the Republican Chris Christie was This preservation of funding, in In regards to what President Rose elected state governor. What went addition to steadfast support of the Tui- feels are the problems NJ higher educa- wrong for Jon Corzine, and what will tion Aid Grant (TAG) program (a pro- tion is facing, he pointed towards the this change mean for NJ colleges? gram that provides 1/3 of NJ students lack of capital funding. "NJ is the larg- Many, including PCCC Professor with financial aid and awards) were just est out-migration state in the country. Martin Bookbinder, blame NJ's high some examples of how much of a prior- We force students out of NJ, into places property taxes. "The voters were just ity NJ's higher education was to Corz- like Pennsylvania to finish their educa- totally fed up with high, unfair and re- ine. tion because NJ cannot handle a large grow and flourish." This, he said, will gressive property taxes. New Jersey has Regardless of the reasoning behind amount of students. This is hurting our create more jobs, and help encourage the highest property taxes in the USA, the shocking election results, Christie economy, as studies show that many of young people to go to college in order to completed with Corzine's 7% sales tax." has vowed to bring big change to NJ - these students do not return to NJ once train for the current economic environ- PCCC President, Steven Rose, sees especially NJ's high education. finished with their education. We want ment. things differently though. Even with According to an article by the to keep these young, bright minded stu- Is President Rose anxious about the being the first governor to have a Huffington Post, Chris Christie's educa- dents here in NJ." new Governor Elect taking office? smaller budget when leaving office, than tion reform will include the enacting of Being given the chance to speak President Rose says, "He (Chris when entering it, Rose feels that in hard the "Putting New Jersey Back to Work" with the Governor Elect, Professor Christie) has said that if the funds are times like these Corzine was not able to program, which "connects community Bookbinder said he would encourage available, he will make higher education keep many of the promises he had made colleges with businesses needing to train the "enacting of public policies that en- a top priority. I will just have to take four years ago. new employees with a particular skill- courage small and big businesses to him as a man of his word."

A Step towards a Cure By Marie Ann Peguero

The wind driven system attacks and de- rain and cold winter air stroys the cells in the pan- didn’t stop over 1,000 creas that produce insulin. people to gather on Octo- Eventually, they com- ber 18, 2009 with one pletely lose the ability to goal in mind; walk to cure produce insulin. As a re- diabetes. Medco Health sult, anyone affected by Solution in Franklin this disease must follow a Lakes, New Jersey hosted rigid diet, constantly the 21st annual Juvenile Diabetes monitor their blood glucose levels, Research Foundation (JDRF) walk and administer insulin shots daily. for the Bergen and Passaic counties. I first became familiar with The teams resonated this diabetes when my seven year old year’s theme of getting “Wild for a brother Kenneth, was diagnosed Cure” with matching personalized t- with type 1 diabetes at age 4. He shirts and addictive slogans. A cloud tells me it would make him happy if of umbrellas stretched across Medco a cure is found because diabetes Health Solutions as friends, family interrupts everything he does. members, and even pets arrived early Although the walkers come Sunday morning. The distinctive from diverse backgrounds, many of tents were surrounded by proud them with different story to tell, they teams waiting to turn in their dona- are linked in their fight to reach a tions. A 10 year-old girl standing common goal. After months of fund- beside me astonishingly raised raising and preparation taking that 10,000 dollars on her own. final stride summons a feeling of Type 1 diabetes which af- realization. JDRF walk to cure dia- fects more than 15,000 children a betes, among other research organi- year is characterized by a deficiency zations, offers a glimpse of hope for in the hormone insulin. For unknown those affected with the disease. causes the person’s autoimmune

November 2009 Feature Page 7

By Ashley Mendoza Spanish has any- 30 and 31st both festivities and Roman Conquista- thing to Catholic masses are held in the memory It has been said that there is a d o r s do with who are no longer with us. On Nov.1st thin line between the known and the watched as “Day of and 2nd it is the day of “All Souls” in unknown. A door in what we could see the natives t h e the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, in and what we can’t. There is a step from mocked and Dead”. Mexico Nov.1st is to commemorate the life into the after life. In Mexico and celebrated More- passing all the infants and children. many other Latin American countries it death. It over, the Nov.2nd is distinguished for all the is believed that the dead come back for was as if “ H o l y adults that have passed. 7 days every year into this world. They they cele- Death” “El Dia de los Muertos” is a call this “El Dia de los Muertos”, or brated re- i s a day to enjoy and remember the moments “Day of the Dead”. This is from Oct.28 turn of symbol we once shared with our loved ones. It to Nov.2. The people have festivities those they of this is a day to reflect and imagine them personal altars, and festivals in memory loved. To day. It present as living matter. Even if they are of those who passed away into the after- this ancient repre- no longer here their presence and es- life. culture, this s e n t s sence are still upon us and remind us to “El Dia de los Muertos” is a day was considered a ritual compared to what happens to our bodies. For in- never forget the moments once lived festival or celebration to remember the way it is celebrated today as the “El stance, after the heart and brain stop with them. It is a day to cook on their those who are not in this world any- Dia de los Muertos”. functioning, we are more. Yet, you might think where does Many friends and family of the considered dead to this all come from? Well its origins deceased go to cementaries, or remem- the world. However, trace back to Mexico to the Aztecs, Ol- ber the life of their loved ones on this our souls never die mec, Mixtec, and Mayan tribes. They day. Some of the items placed but ascend to a place performed rituals and personal altars to on the altars or also called “ofrendas” out there where we their deceased. It is believed, that on this are candles, “pan de muerto”, and flow- all go after death, day the dead could communicate easier ers. You’re probably asking yourself believe it or not. The with the living. Around 500 years ago, what would the candles stand for? The afterlife is something candles we place on the altars symbolize that exists and to the light they many it is believed needed for a lost soul to guide itself that we come back through the darkness. It is the light and on this event to visit hope that they are back in this world. our loved ones. The flowers that we adorn the altar are There are the welcoming of them into this world specific days that the once again. It opens the gateways into dead return to the this plane of existence. “Pan de muerto” world. They are re- is bread that is made in memory of those membered on these who not us anymore. It is made of flour specific days depending on how and behalf, pray and wish them a better way and sometimes comes in different when they died. The doors to the other into the next life, because even if we shapes and sizes. The shape of the skull side open from Oct. 20-23. On these don’t believe it in the afterlife; “El Dia is particularly used to symbolize this specific days, all those who died in car de los Muertos” is a day to think about day. accidents and those who died in fires or those who do not stand in this world However, there was a question in pain come back on Oct.24-26. Those anymore and remember that memories someone had asked before; whether, the who died of diseases return on Oct 27- have never left us. “Santisima Muerte” or “Holy Death” 29. After these dates of their return, the

summer. They are both music majors sic.” here at PCCC and have a rough re- When asked what they liked cording called “Last Night.” about playing together, Bryan tells me During their performance of “usually, I come up with something their song called “Pretty Stranger,” there and Adrian follows up.” Adrian states By Walfrin Batista creativity. were many qualities heard and observed. that “he loves the way Bryan puts This issue we are showcasing Both Bryan and Adrian play with confi- music together.” They both seem to Music moves us in ways that two of PCCC’s very own students Bryan dence and communicated excellently have an instinctive notion that helps can’t be explained in simple words. Kivlier 18-years-old and Adrian Lopez when performing. Bryan, who for this them work together. From the struggle of poverty to the 20-years-old. On Oct. 29th these two particular song was the vocalist, has a These two artists have a feelings felt when you’re in love. It is young individuals preformed at the re- monotonic serenity in his vocals that sound that can win the hearts of many. the musical expressions of our souls. quest of music coordinator Samuel connects to his audience. The song Any PCCC stars out there? Here at Passaic County Community Ayala Jr. M.A. During Professor. “Pretty Stranger” carries a great melody Shine your light and contact me if you College we have individuals that Ayala’s presentation of the Music De- and even slight humor in the lyrics. or any of your PCCC classmates choose to dissect, produce and express partment’s new courses and require- Their sound provides a relaxed environ- write, produce, sing or even play mu- this art with the collection of sounds ments in the Paterson Room of PCCC as ment and their lyrics tell a great story. sic! Everyone from performing musi- in a rhythmic pattern. The human part of an invitation to the many other After their performance Bryan cians to MySpace Artists are wel- voice by far can be the greatest instru- options offered at PCCC such as Com- tells me that his drive for music comes comed. ment the worlds ever known due to its munications, Journalism and Acting. from the fact that “When we come up Until the next issue, keep listening to constant change and manipulation in Both Bryan who plays guitar with something new it feels really the sounds around you. tone and melody. The music depart- and Adrian who plays the bass have good.” Adrian tells me that what drives Contact info: Wal- ment at PCCC has a variety of young been playing for approximately one year his passion for music is his “love of [email protected] and seasoned artists with limitless and recently started their group in the being creative and enjoys playing mu-

Page 8 Feature November 2009

ons against vampires (not the ones used by By Fernando Garay Blade), dinosaurs, dinosaur’s eggs, mam- moths, a two-headed calf, a six-legged cow, A group of adventurous students of an albino giraffe, conjoined twins, meteor-

Passaic County Community College went to Garay Fernando ites, hairs that belonged to Elvis Presley and the world famous Madame Tussaud's Wax George Washington. If you are a lover of the Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not in bizarre (and I know you are. Why else would Times Square, New York City for the annual you be reading this?) You definitively have Halloween Trip on Friday, October thirtieth. to go. Ripley's Believe It or Not provides First the group visited the wonderful unbelievable excitement for everyone. exhibitions of the World Famous Madame Tus- “I liked the trip so much. It was sand's Wax Museum and appreciated the me- extremely fun and surprisingly educational”, ticulously fashioned wax creations that looked says Jennifer Keefer. “I think I liked the too real. Not one of us was without awe of the wax museum more. It had a lot more to do human like figures, especially me! because you take so many pictures but Rip- The day was filled with reminisces of ley’s baffles you a lot more. My favorite the movies, songs, and everything else each character in the wax museum is Shakira lol, wax figure reminded us of. My personal favor- but it’s hard to choose. I liked John Travolta ite figure was Michael Jackson. Once I saw and Angelina Jolie too. There was a lot of him in the wax, I saluted rest in piece King of Pop, you other celebrities. Capturing the cherecters in their own interesting and bizarre and unimaginable things I never will be missed. He looked really realistic. We all rushed time periods was refreshing. knew about at Ripley’s. For the curious people it is around each figure, and gathered ideas of how to better There were infamous personalities as well, like our Halloween costumes. Marxist Fidel Castro, tyrant Saddam Hussein, and In the Wax Museum I saw the Father of Mod- George Bush (just kidding!). ern Physics Albert Einstein, the neurotic Woody Allen, Celebrities in the wax museum are separated

filthy rich Oprah Winfrey, The Beatles, Jennifer Lopez by specific talent or time period; for example Napo- Garay Fernando (you know what she’s known for!), Marilyn Monroe, leon, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Barak Branjelina, Leonardo DiCaprio, legendary Bob Marley, Obama are in the same area. You can mingle with over Whoopi Goldberg, guitarist Jimi Hendrix, Paris Hilton 200 wax celebrities with something for every genera- (that’s hot), the talented Charlie Chaplin and many tion. It was fascinating to stand toe to toe and see how surprising how tall or short some famous people are. It was great. In Ripley's Believe It or Not I learned about the most bizarre things. It is like an adventure to the strangest world, where your curiosity is impacted by these rare treasures from all around the Earth, and sometimes be- yond, like an educational adventure. They have 500 exhibits of weird, bizarre and unusual items from around the world on display. The museum makes learning about world culture, art, sci- ence and history a fun adventure for all. SGA Fernando Garay with Michael Jackson in the Wax Museum. I saw and learned about how people were pun- ished in the middle ages (look up iron maiden, I can’t very enlightening. I’m definitely doing this again.” explain! It’s a school paper!), the tallest man and If you want more information of Madame Tus- women in the world, the Berlin wall, ship battles, saud's Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not you shrunken heads (ouch!) made by The Jivaro Indians of can go to www.madametussauds.com or Ecuador, ancient Egyptian mummified animals, weap- www.ripleys.com. Finally, I would suggest you go on your own to Madame Tussaud’s. You missed out on a great trip and I learned a lot from Ripley's Believe It or Not which was beyond belief. You can get the scoop of every school trip in room E101, talk to Iris. Fernando Garay Garay Fernando

Iris Miolan and Deeanne Hackett acting silly in Ripley’s.

November 2009 Feature Page 9

By Virnel Simogan the disastrous effects of the Great De- pression and the Dust Bowl era, during On a rainy Wednesday morn- the 1930s. It was a time of economic ing, October 28, 2009, Professor and environmental strife; farmers’ un- Redman-Waldeyer and seven of her employment, bankruptcy, and eviction students visited The Shakespeare Thea- rates skyrocketed while drought, dust tre of New Jersey located in Madison, storms, and famine plagued The Great New Jersey. Although the theatre is Plains region. Because of such tragic dedicated to Shakespeare’s canon and causes, many farmers and their families other world classics, the class witnessed migrated out of the Midwest, heading a play based on John Steinbeck’s west towards California in search of novel—The Grapes of Wrath . jobs with decent wages. The play highlights the struggle Steinbeck portrays the difficult the Joads family had to endure due to challenges these people dealt with Professor Redman-Waldeyer's class pictured with Director of Grapes of Wrath through the Joads’ family. They were marginalized by society as Okies (which of Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath . stage management allowed the play to meant ‘scum’) and were also called High quality performance was crucial run smoothly. Overall, the play was a M bums. They were victims of prejudice from the actors/actresses in order to big hit! “ an , and injustice, but they persevered to find capture all the different emotions in the Professor Redman-Waldeyer unlike any other thing ways to survive. When the Joads family novel. They varied in age groups— and her students’ visit to The Shake- had nothing else, they found the saving ranging from children to senior citizens. speare Theater of New Jersey was an organic or inorganic in the power of family to keep them sane. But They did an extraordinary job giving the outstanding learning experience. It is universe, grows beyond even strong family ties cannot overcome audiences a first person perspective of most certainly a theatre worth visiting, the inevitable death, so when a family the events that took place. especially for those who are fans of his work, walks up the member died it took a deep toll on the In addition, much credit can be Shakespeare. Founded in 1963 by Paul stairs of his concepts, Joads family. It is symbolic that the play given to the artistic staff for their off- Barry and Philip Dorian, The Shake- ended abruptly with a “death” scene, stage contributions. Director Joe speare Theatre of New Jersey is the emerges ahead of his because during the Great Depression Discher and his staff set the play’s state’s only professional theatre com- accomplishments.” and the Dust Bowl, there was no such moods with complementary lighting and pany dedicated to Shakespeare’s clas- thing as a “happy ending.” sound effects; the costumes, props, and sics. It is a great environment for people The actors/actresses and the stage designs satisfied the audiences’ of all ages to gather and witness the from The Grapes of Wrath artistic staff for the play effectively rec- imagination of the characters and set- work of a brilliant mind in William reated the plot, characters, and settings tings from the 1930s; and well-directed Shakespeare.

Page 10 Feature November 2009

There are some individuals, Many of us still have concerns however, who should not be vaccinated regarding the safety of this vaccine. Ac- such as: cording to the CDC, the vaccine has been very heavily tested in different • Those who have a severe allergy to communities and even in different coun- By Lauren Mehra tor’s office and can only be adminis- chicken eggs tries. It has been tested on diverse tered by state health departments. groups of individuals such as kids, Now that October is here our The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is • Those who have had a severe reac- adults, and pregnant women. thoughts turn naturally to all things au- available in two forms: the traditional tion to the seasonal flu vaccination Another concern has been the tumnal: Halloween, apple-picking, and flu shot given in the arm, and the nasal- use of adjuvants such as squalene. An carving jack-o-lanterns. Unfortunately, spray flu vaccine. The flu shot contains • Those who developed Guillain- adjuvant is added to the vaccine to help this is also the time when we need to an inactivated (killed) virus and will not Barré Syndrome within 6 weeks of stimulate the immune system, in effect think about the flu, or what those in the give you the H1N1 virus. It is used in getting a prior flu shot necessitating a lower dose of the vac- medical profession typically call healthy individuals older than 6 months, cine. The CDC is not expecting to use “seasonal flu.” In addition, 2009 brings as well as in those who have chronic • Children younger than 6 months adjuvants unless the H1N1 virus under- with it another concern: swine flu or medical conditions, and pregnant goes significant mutations and becomes what is formally known as the 2009 women. It is produced by the same • Those who have moderate to severe much more virulent. Squalene, however, H1N1 virus. manufacturers as the seasonal flu vac- illness with fever (they should wait is not approved for use in vaccines in According to the Centers for cine. until the symptoms have abated) this country. Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The nasal-spray vaccine is While the H1N1 vaccine is not H1N1 activity is now widespread, with made with live weakened viruses that do The side effects of the H1N1 mandatory, it would be a good plan of outbreaks having occurred in 41 states not cause the flu. It is referred to as a vaccine are the same as those of the action to speak with your physician to thus far. In fact, visits to the doctor are live, attenuated, influenza vaccine seasonal flu vaccine. They include sore- see if it is right for you. Winter and the equal to or higher for H1N1 than what is (LAIV). It is for those individuals aged ness, redness or swelling at the injection inclement weather that goes with it can usually seen at the peak of the seasonal 2 – 49 years who are not pregnant. In site, low-grade fever, and body aches. be depressing enough. Why add a bad flu season. We all know the importance addition, those with asthma should These will usually occur soon after the case of the 2009 H1N1 flu to your mis- of being inoculated against the seasonal never use the nasal-spray vaccine, either vaccine is administered and should dis- ery? flu virus, but many of us are still on the against seasonal flu or H1N1. It is appear within 1 to 2 days. fence as to whether or not we should get manufactured by the same company that the H1N1 vaccine. produces “Flu Mist®.” So, just what is H1N1? Despite It is generally recommended its moniker of “swine flu”, this virus is that individuals get two doses of the NOT transmitted from pigs. Scientists H1V1 vaccine, with the second dose refer to the 2009 H1N1 virus as a being administered 3 weeks after the “quadruple reassortment virus,” as it has first. At about 2 weeks after receiving two genes from viruses that normally the vaccination the immune system circulate in pigs in North America and should have started making antibodies Europe, avian (bird) genes, and human protecting against H1N1. This vaccine, genes. However, according to Dr. Anne whether given as a shot or nasal-spray, Schuchat, a chief scientist at the CDC, does NOT offer protection against the the 2009 H1N1 virus is so different seasonal flu. from other strains of flu viruses that the The H1V1 vaccine can be general public has virtually no immunity given at any time now. The U.S. govern- to it. Symptoms of H1N1 are very simi- ment has purchased 250 million doses in By Lauren Mehra lar to those of the seasonal flu: 2009 and these will be available as soon as they roll off the production lines. Pregnancy should be a time of joyous • Cough However, the availability may be lim- expectation, but as any soon-to-be mother ited at first. knows, it is often a time of worry. Unfortunately, there is another one to add to an • Fever expectant mother’s list of concerns and that is the H1N1 virus. So, who should get this vaccine? The Pregnant women appear to be especially vulnerable to getting the flu as • Sore throat CDC has identified 5 target groups who well as experiencing devastating complications. Why? Well, an immunological shift are at a higher risk for H1N1 or its com- occurs during pregnancy so that their bodies will not recognize the developing fetus • Runny nose plications. These 5 target groups are: as a foreign body and reject it. While this shift may not increase a woman’s likeli- hood of contracting H1N1, it can result in a more severe illness. • Chills • Pregnant women As a woman’s uterus grows, it pushes the diaphragm up, making less room for the lungs to expand, affecting a woman’s ability to breathe. While most pregnant • Body aches • Those who live with or care for women who develop the flu will suffer only mildly, there is a greater chance that infants less than 6 months of age any complications that do develop could be severe, even life-threatening. Pregnant • Fatigue women are 6 times more likely to have severe cases of H1N1 and/or bad outcomes • Health care and emergency services such as severe pneumonia and/or premature labor. • Diarrhea personnel Of the 45 deaths resulting from H1N1 reported to the CDC between April 15 and June 16, 2009, 6 (13%) were pregnant women. All had been healthy prior to • Vomiting • People 6 months – 24 years of age their pregnancies, and all developed viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress that required them to be put on ventilators. Most people will have at least • People 25-64 who have medical Brandezia, a student here at PCCC, is currently 7 months into her first two of these symptoms. However, just conditions that may put them at risk pregnancy. When asked if she would be getting the H1N1 vaccination, she replied because you have some of the symptoms for H1N1 complications that she was visiting her doctor that day. She said if the doctor recommended the does not necessarily mean you have vaccine, she wouldn’t think twice about taking it. H1N1. If your symptoms are numerous Once these target groups have been vac- So, if you start to experience flu-like symptoms, or if you have had close and severe, though, a trip to your physi- cinated, the CDC recommends that the contact with someone who has H1N1, it is imperative that you contact your obstetri- cian is mandated, who will then make a H1N1 vaccine be offered to everyone cian immediately. You will most likely be prescribed a lower-than-normal dose of decision as to whether or not your aged 25 – 64. Then those 65 and up an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu® or Relenza® for 10 days so that you don’t de- symptoms warrant further investigation. (who seem to suffer a lower rate of com- velop the flu. Be sure to follow you doctor’s instructions exactly to protect yourself H1N1 testing is not available in a doc- plications) should be vaccinated. and your soon-to-be-born baby.

November 2009 Health Page 11 Book Review: Movie Review: The Lovely Bones Paranormal Activity By Fernando Guzman dered his first born By Miosotis Biondo Sloat) start to experience paranormal and tries everything activities in their home. With the idea of The Lovely in his power to con- My Rating: 1 ½ stars caching this supernatural phenomenon Bones was written by vince the detectives Rating: R language on film Katie and Micah set up a video Alice Sebold. The story is and his family that Genres: Haunted house film, thriller. camera in their house without knowing narrated by a 14 year-old the man who took Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min. the consequences of what this could murdered victim, Susie away their prized Director: Oren Peli. bring them. This film looks more like a Salmon. She was raped by possession lives home made movie and doesn’t have her neighbor and then cut only a few houses After moving in together, Katie anything really scary on it. into little pieces. The away. (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Not recommended. story starts off with Susie Meanwhile, entering heaven and her Lindsey, Susie’s describing the different sister, finds herself souls she encountered, growing into a she also looks down on young adult and earth to find the ones she begins a serious loved trying to solve her relationship with a death and cope with their boy from her school. loss. When her family receives the news I rate this book as a 5 star must of her death they each take the news read. As you read into the book it is very differently. Her younger brother, Buck- hard to it put down because of the anxi- ley, is too young to understand the ety you feel when you don’t know meaning of death and throughout the what’s going to happen next. The movie book he tries to find its meaning. Her comes out in theaters on December 11, mother, Abigail, slowly drifts away 2009. I recommend reading the book from her family and becomes reclusive. before watching the movie though. Susie figured out the neighbor that mur-

With Jerry Gutierrez, Pre-Nursing A Good Night Sleep As winter approaches individuals need to keep their bodies healthy. The main source of a healthy body is the proper amount of sleep that one gets every night for the body to be well rested.

According to the Medical Heart Association, “research confirms that sleep helps your heart, arteries, blood sugar, immune system, skin and much more.” In today’s society thousands of people do not get enough rest and sleep.

Medical experts say that people should get 8 or 9 hours of sleep daily to be fully rested. If you do not get sufficient sleep health complica- tions can and will rise. Being deprived of sleep can cause problems like: • Inattentiveness • Inability to concentrate • Impulsivity • Moodiness • Learning problems • Health Problems • Prone to getting sick Everyone needs a good night’s rest for them to function in daily life. Here are some tips for getting a good night's sleep: • Avoid caffeine or alcohol in the evening • Avoid before bed snacking and during the night snacking • Avoid watching television before bed • Read something calming • Bedroom should be as dark as possible • Try taking a hot shower or bath before bed • Go to bed early • Try journaling before bed to release tension • Don't use a loud alarm clock • Keep the temperature comfortable

Everybody needs enough sleep to be healthy and happy. Make sure that you get as much as you need. As always if you have any troubles, questions, or concerns with sleep, contact you doctor or a healthcare professional.

Page 12 Engineering November 2009

Paper Cuts and All By Yota Daniil switched from hand outs to posting as- By Derek Teixeira browse a library of books (similar to signments and notes on the campus that of Apple iTunes for music), and You have probably noticed that cruiser so students can have access to With devices like the iPod then download their selection immedi- green is everywhere, in news, fashion, them anytime and to save paper. The Touch and Amazon Kindle, it will not ately. food and even technology. So why not thing is though students are printing be long before books completely In terms of education, accord- go green in our own school. The paper these notes, which consist of power emerge themselves along side music ing to Passaic County Community Col- usage on our campus has exploded, points and outlines which range from 5 and photography in the digital wave that lege Professor, Francisco Delacruz, digi- printers getting backed up processing to 35 pages. “There are ways to print all has begun. Despite the resources, man- tal books are the way to go. As a techno- documents, printed pages just sitting on these things and save paper, Ruth ex- power, and money that will be saved in logical educator, he can see the benefits the tray unclaimed, and printers getting plains, you can put 6 slides on one page this exchange many argue that an intan- that eBooks would bring to not only jammed. How many times have you instead of printing one slide per page gible, emotional connection between students wallets, but to the classroom as pressed print and have walked away and ending up with 30 pages. You can man and its oldest forms of record keep- well. “The University of Arizona and because you were in a rush and couldn’t also minimize fonts and change the mar- ing may be lost forever. Princeton are already implementing wait, have pressed print more than once gins so more information can fit on one It is an argument as old as time digital textbooks into every class. Stu- because you thought your document page.” itself: with the rapid progression of dents are able to purchase their digital hasn’t been sent to the printers, or have It’s not all about the money and technology emerging within each era, textbooks for half the price of a paper pressed print to a document consisting paper being wasted it’s about students many adopt new approaches, tech- version, and view them on their Amazon of more than ten pages? Well many stu- being irresponsible and not realizing niques, and ways of life while their op- Kindles,” he explained. In addition, dents don’t realize how much paper is how they affect other students when position fight to sustain traditional rather than having to purchase a new wasted in our Library each semester, but they decide to print their 30 pages at methods of doing things. Add in the version of the book with each update, if you stop and take a look by our print- once and at times walk away after press- modern rule of “Go Green or Go students will able to download an update ers you will find a big clear garbage bag ing print. As a student I have waited a Home”, and the opposition is hit even to their already purchased file. filled with wasted paper looking back at good fifteen minutes by the printer be- harder, but still many hope to hold onto Students will have new meth- you. cause another student decided to print a their stitch bound textbooks – paper cuts ods of covering the text as well, said Mrs.Ruth Hamann (PCCC Li- 40pg play. It is not fair to me and other and all. Professor Delacruz. As an alternative to brarian) was nice enough to sit down student to wait so long for our 3 pages, The Kindle 2 (a recent upgrade turning pages and pages of text looking with me and explain what the problem is it make us want to walk away and that is to the 2007 original), a wireless device for a specific term, students using a digi- with paper being wasted and what we when you find unclaimed wasted paper capable of storing and displaying text tal version of a textbook can make use can do to solve this ongoing problem. sitting on the printer tray. files and books, is best described as of their computer’s search feature, cut- “There are about fifteen computers per Next time you’re about to click “The iPod for bookworms” according to ting back on time spent leafing through printer; the printers are old and not de- print, stop and think. If there’s a way Shawn Donovan of life123.com. The textbooks, and more time with the infor- signed for mass printing jobs. We ask you can make your printing job smaller. thin, book shaped device features a 6” mation at hand. Many of these eBooks the students to limit their printing to ten Make sure you are printing 10pgs at a black and white screen which displays will include an optional audio version as pages at a time. So the students all get a time if you have a big printing job, and text in a style similar to that of the font well, meeting the demands of technol- chance to receive their papers and paper please don’t walk away when you have and layout of pocket sized book. Con- ogy’s portable music players such as the does not end up being wasted. We are sent a job to the printer that way your necting to the Internet, via the Sprint Apple iPod. willing to help students and teach them fellow students can receive their docu- network, the Kindle allows the user to “The biggest problem is not how to save paper; we just want to bring ments. Help make that garbage bag that with the technology itself,” said awareness on how much paper is being fills up with wasted paper each week Professor Delacruz. “But that in wasted,” Mrs.Hamann explains. slowly disappear! order to make use of these ad- Professors have recently vantages offered by digital text- books, users must first under- stand how to use the technol- ogy. Over time, as children “She (her mother) has often commented Iliad and The Odyssey?” begin to implement technology to me how touched she is when she Professor Andrew Pawelczak, a earlier in their lives, the digital opens one of his old books and finds his modern day Luddite (a term dating back divide will lessen, and the abil- comments written in his script in the to the early nineteenth century describ- ity to make use this technology margins. Not only does the sight of his ing British textile artisans who opposed will grow easier.” handwriting bring back fond memories the Industrial Revolution), supports this Despite all the reasons of him, but his notes conveyed some movement against the digital takeover. listed by forefront men of tech- very cogent points, not only having to Recently watching a group of students nology, those like Lauren Mi- do with the book's subject, but with read a story on a computer monitor, he hra, a student at PCCC, who life.” felt aliened, and described their actions believe that while it is impor- Smiling, Lauren expressed that as “Not actually reading, but more of a tant to be environmentally con- there is something about a book’s his- scanning of text.” science, there are certain things tory – its old dusty smell, previous own- Maybe twenty, thirty years that should not be touched – ers, and craftsmanship that can’t be rec- from now, the bookstores will be gone, one of which being books. Re- reated with something as intangible as a the printing shops closed, and the ink calling her late grandfather, an digital version of a book. “If it's an old wells dry, but there sitting on the late avid reader all his life who left book, is the binding different from what train home a man will turn the page of The Kindle, the modern book capa- a collection of books in the is used today? Just think of you might his treasured novel – dusty, leather- ble of holding libraries in your hand. hands of her mother, she said, have held an old copy of Homer's The bound and timeless.

November 2009 Engineering Page 13

Singularity and other Technological Advances By Derek Teixeira tegration DNA : As Wakes Up : As a result of Singularity, w i t h these car- civilization will no longer have limits Computers thousands of times nanotech- bon-based and will reach its full potential, where faster than the most intelligent of human nology, and compounds all “Matter and mechanisms of the uni- brains, mind uploading, and highly ad- a concept continued verse will be transformed into exqui- vanced nanotechnology which will cure known as to evolve, sitely sublime forms of intelligence.” and maintain the human body from the Singularity t h e y So what does this mean for our inside out. Although these ideas sound in books formed generation? According to Kurzweil the light years away, they are, according to such as The “ s e l f - rate in which our technology is pro- Ray Kurzweil, decades within reach. Age of replicating gressing is at an impressive rate. This Ray Kurzweil – inventor, au- Spiritual mecha- progress will lead to faster, more power- thor, and technological theorist has been Machines nisms, and ful machinery capable of producing making predictions like these for years and The life origi- brain scans that will produce knowledge and has thus far not been wrong. Since Singularity nated.” As of our inner workings that many scien- his childhood, growing up in Queens, is Near: t h e s e tists have only dreamt about. Being able New York, Kurzweil’s ambitions were When Hu- mecha- to produce these in-depth brain scans, strongly influenced by his surrounding mans Tran- n i s m s scientists will have better knowledge of family - his father being a musician, scend Biol- evolved, the causes and possible answers to cur- mother a successful visual artist, and ogy which DNA and ing paralysis, autism and other brain uncle who worked as an engineer for have helped other bio- related deficiencies. In addition to these Bell Labs. This strong eclectic mix of keep him in logical medical advances, a term known as influence in Kurzweil’s life would drive the fore- factors “brain uploading” will also become pos- him to work towards inventing a number front of formed sible. This term, as described by Kurz- of speech recognition, and visual aiding technol- which al- weil, will allow the scanning of our inventions. ogy’s rapid Ray Kurzweil lowed evo- brain’s “Salient details and then rein- According to Scientific Ameri- advances. In both books, Kurzweil has lution to begin at an alarming rate by stantiating those details into a suitably can , in 1965, at the age of only 17 years mapped out what he feels will lead to keeping record of “Evolutionary experi- powerful computational substrate.” No old, Kurzweil had already appeared on Singularity; a term in which he de- ments of this second epoch.” longer will be limited to audio re- CBS’s I’ve Got a Secret , where he scribes as “A future period during which Epoch Three - Brains : Evolu- cordings, photos, or videos that are cap- would reveal a program he had invented the pace of technological change will be tion among these organisms continues, tured video cameras or records, humans that after listening to a classically com- so rapid, its impact so deep, that human causing them to grow more complex and will have the ability to store any mem- posed piece of music would discover life will be irreversibly transformed.” in need of a brain to store and process ory on a computer and play it back at patterns and create its own songs using This movement towards impending Sin- (much like a CPU) the information they will. them. This invention would put Kurz- gularity, Kurzweil explains is driven by detect. This storing allowed these or- Mind uploading, Kurzweil ex- weil on the map among inventors – the constantly increasing speed of tech- ganisms to then apply this processed plains, is only the beginning of the pos- leading him to win a number of national nological advancement. The Singularity information to abstractly create solu- sibilities with the rapid progression of awards and the International Science is Near , explains that with Singularity tions to the problems within their envi- technology. Advances in nanotechnol- Fair . computers will soon grow thousands of ronments. ogy will give man the ability to inject With the success in his Pattern times more powerful than even the most Epoch Four - Technology : In manmade nanobots into their blood- Recognition Software, Kurzweil moved intelligent human brain – causing hu- order to meet these necessary changes, stream. This procedure, according to on to create various other inventions – mans to either evolve through nano- humans created technological solutions Kurzweil, will allow us to “Redesign during his time at MIT, he would design sized robotic implants, or be left to die which in addition to their own signs of and rebuild, molecule by molecule, our the Select College Consulting Program out in a world where the limitations of evolution – opposed thumbs for in- bodies and brains and the world with we which through comparing students’ biological human brain power and life stance, could now tackle these hurdles. interact.” This technology, predicted to questionnaire answers, would match cycles will not survive. Like human organisms themselves, be less than twenty years away, would them with colleges meeting their prefer- “The Singularity,” Kurzweil these technological inventions were able produce an infinite amount of possibili- ences. A program, that according to explains, “will allow us to transcend to store and process data, and when ties including “Robotic red blood cells”, CollegeMogul.com , he would later sell these limitations of our biological bod- given proper instruction by human made capable of allowing athletes to work to Harcourt, Brace & World. ies and brains. We will gain power over programs, could detect patterns and look harder and longer, the repairing and Kurzweil’s real fame would our fates. Our mortality will be in our for solutions. rewriting of DNA, and microbots capa- arrive with the invention of his Kurzweil own hands.” According to The Singu- Epoch Five - The Merger of ble of ridding the body of harmful Reading Machine – which according to larity is Near , this singularity will come Human Technology with Human Intelli- chemicals and cells. an article on MIT.edu was a device that about over the course of six epochs gence : This epoch will be the beginning The Singularity is Near is cur- required him to develop and design the (from the beginning of life, until The of Singularity. As Kurzweil puts it, “It rently being made into a movie set to be first CCD flatbed scanner and OCR soft- Awakening) where each epoch will in will result from the merger of our own released later on this year. If you would ware. The invention allowed the blind turn create the next: brains with the vastly greater capacity, like more information on Ray Kurzweil, to scan text into a computer, and have Epoch One - Physics and speed, and knowledge-sharing ability of or his theories on Singularity you can the written text read aloud to them. A Chemistry : As a result of the Big Bang, our technology. The fifth epoch will check out any of his popular selling first of its kind, the invention was the atoms soon formed which later became enable our human-machine civilization books or his website at size of tabletop, and immediately re- highly complex molecules – namely to transcend the human brain’s limita- www.KurzweilAI.net. ceived recognition from Stevie Wonder, carbon, which according to the text was tions of a mere hundred trillion ex- While many may disagree with who bought its first production model, “The most versatile … able to form tremely slow connections.” This com- what technology’s advancements have and was used to close a 1976 episode of bonds in four directions.” This, in addi- ing about of Singularity do wonders for done to civilization or with Kurzweil’s the Walter Cronkite Show – reading tion with the physics of our universe everyday life as limitations will quickly predictions themselves, it is safe to say “And that’s the way it is”. created a perfect scenario which lead to dissolve allowing longer life expectan- that having the ability to hand your In recent years, it has been the highlight of the next Epoch – life cies in addition to more creative, faster homework in via a mind upload, rather Kurzweil’s predictions with advanced itself. processing minds. than carrying around a USB flash or CD AI (Artificial Intelligence), medical in- Epoch Two - Biology and Epoch Six - The Universe -ROM will be quite the advantage!

Page 14 Spirit Week November 2009

November 2009 Spirit Week Page 15

Page 16 Sports November 2009 Men’s Basketball Claims PCCC Women’s Basketball Victory over Bronx/Berkeley Victorious vs. MA Prep/Ramapo

Joey Castro, with By Nowriz Karashai Eaton continues, “This game was the Kamar one of the play- one to find the five starting players.” ers able to play the ball Friday, November 6, 6:30 PM: When asked if the other team on the inside superbly. The Lady Panther’s won a victory was too intimidating, Coach Eaton re-

Nowriz Karashai Karashai Nowriz “Our team this against MA Prep 51 - 54 Friday night plied “Not at all. They were fundamen- year is very balanced despite being down twelve points during tally sound, very athletic, and they han- because we got strong the second dled pres- players both on the half, almost sure very inside and outside this risking defeat. well. But we year,” continues Coach The first half were deter- Virgil, “Other colleges by the Pan- mined.” who scout are more thers was Karashai Nowriz Player Sade oblivious to our style characterized Jones says Despite staunch defense, Bryant Lewis still scores. because our players are by failed “A lot of so interchangeable.” passes and mistakes By Nowriz Karashai Much like the Woman’s basketball missed shots. were made, team, the players still need more time to De- but we Thursday, November 5, 7:30 adapt to each others playing style if they spite being picked it up, PM: The Panthers defeat Bronx Friday hope to win the regionals. down twelve and concen- night 86 to 97 despite being down by “Losing is definitely not an points, “I did- trated on nine points around the second half. option. I got this attitude no doubt from n’t feel like The interception by Sade ‘Chicken’ Jones that most likely tightening Berkley was also defeated 65 to 74 on my time playing for the Sheffield Sharks losing,” says won the game. our de- Tuesday, November 3. Playing ex- in the British Basketball League (BBL). Coach Teya Eaton. “We were disorgan- fenses. We played the ball, drew our tremely aggressively, they managed to One of the toughest teams we face is ized on the court and out of sync. It took opponents in and tightened our defenses, keep the ball in their hands mostly by Sullivan, they’re good every year. But if some time to find the right combo of making those foul shots add up. We kept diving and passing efficiently. Not too concentrate on learning our styles and players to bring out that winning spark our confidence and communicated.” many shots were taken because of abilities, I feel like we can beat any- in the team.” Different abilities of the play- Bronx’s stringent defense. Being shorter body.” “There are only three returning ers give the Panthers an edge over the than the other teams didn’t stop the Pan- Says player Bryant Lewis, players, and since this is a two year competition. A diverse team with both thers from pulling a win. number twelve: “Dedication from the school, seasoned players are hard to strong defenses and offenses is neces- “Size and height wise the whole team, not just a few of us, is what obtain. There gone after two years. This sary in achieving victory. This is what PCCC team is not as big as most of our gives us the leaves a bit of a problem as all the play- makes the team different than others in opponents this year, but we’re more edge we need ers have to know more about each other their region. They very well have a good physically athletic,” Says coach An- to win. The to form a strong connection, that’s hard chance at winning the Regional Cham- thony Virgil. “Our team is exceptional more we to do in a short span of time.” Coach pionship. at defending the net, so turnovers are practice, the easy to force on the other team and we broader our Karashai Nowriz Men's Basketball Schedule capitalize on free throws.” opportunity PCCC vs Northhampton (Home) Tue Nov 24, 7:30 PM Indeed, despite our team being to win gets, PCCC vs Ocean (Home) Sat Dec 5, 2 PM shorter than the Bronx, the only slam and we prac- dunks performed that night were by tice all the Women's Basketball Schedule Panthers. There are a total of eleven time, not just Eddie Williams astonishes PCCC vs Hostos (Away) Sat Nov 21, 1 PM players, three of which are returning: at mandatory the crowd. SCHEDULE PCCC vs Northhampton (Home) Tue Nov 24, 5:30 PM Obinna Enemuo, Kamar Simmons and meetings.” BASKETBALL PCCC vs Bergen (Home) Tue Dec 1, 5:30 PM Men’s Soccer Season Closes By Nowriz Karashai made by the Panthers out of 61 for the

season, they finished with a twenty Karashai Nowriz Tuesday, October 20, 7 PM: seven percent win ratio of all games The men’s soccer team missed their they played and claim thirty one percent chance to compete in the regionals after of all goals scored. losing to Gloucester Community Col- “One of the main problems is lege 5 to 1 at Passaic County Technical getting a field to practice on,” says Head Institute (PCTI). With a total of 19 goals Coach Daniel Vasquez. “It’s hard to develop cohesion for the team when a meeting place is hard to come by.” Some players don’t drive themselves, so they are confined to a walking distance around the school, which only leaves the Nowriz Karashai Karashai Nowriz gym as an option. “Playing in the gym is not the same as playing outdoors. Players run less and don’t learn how to function Thanks for a great season. while being more exhausted, and passes are much shorter.” issue. While facing off against Bergen it of the game. The Bulldogs definitely Endurance is definitely not an got incredibly cold and snowed for most knew they were in a fight that night. Closing statements by Coach Daniel Vasquez.