INSIDE
Campus News...... 3 Profile...... 7 Scepter Entertainment...... 14 The Students’ Voice Fashion...... 8 Kingsborough Community College December 2017 The City University of New York Townhall Raises Tall Concerns
Photocredit: Kiara Clarke-Knight From left to right: Norman Wagstaffe, Danielle Barrow, Darcean Edwards, Sharnette Collins, and Suzie Marder.
By Kiara Clarke-Knight and self-reliance,” Danielle Barrow, LAC Vice using when you apply for classes as well,” Edwards President, and panel moderator said. “We aim to said. “If you go to another CUNY [school], you will This semester the Kingsborough Student support student clubs and organization activities and have the same advisement system, so SGA along Government Association hosted its first “Annual programs that benefit the student body academically, with CAB could put workshops together for students Town Hall” at the KCC Diversity Symposium. In socially, intellectually, spiritually, physically, and to learn how to use DegreeWorks.” an effort to encourage student involvement and culturally.” The Liberal Arts Council’s plans involve a career activism, representatives from Business Council, The councils discussed the elementary stages day for liberal arts majors, trips to liberal arts Public & Health Council Council, Liberal Arts of some of their events and advocacy plans. Public colleges and a finals week morale mural. Normally Council (LAC) and the Campus Activities Board and Health Council recently worked with Public the council has more events lined up, but this year (CAB) addressed student concerns. Safety and Student Life to create a map of all the the council was delayed by a string of internal The Rotunda was scantily filled, students were emergency phones on campus. Wagstaffe hopes to conflicts. scattered all over the room, including some who have this plan implemented by fall 2018. While the other councils are mostly responsible were in attendance because their professor made Business Council is working with KCC for student advocacy, CAB, which is an independent it mandatory. The panelists, CAB chair Darcean administration to reform the advisement system. This entity, boosts student morale mainly through hosting Edwards, LAC representative Sharnette Collins, reformed advisement system would pair students events. The organization hosts about two events Public & Health president Norman Wagstaffe and with advisors that cater to their specific majors from a month. In September and October, it hosted the Business Council Vice President Suzie Marder the minute they first register at Kingsborough. Halloween Party, Game Night and Broadway events. updated the attendees of their whereabouts. “It would be better to just teach the students how Next spring the main event is a spring concert with a “We promote the development of students' skills to work DegreeWorks because that’s the program featured artist. STEM Council was not present. in leadership, promotion, communication, initiative, that our advisors use. That’s the program that you’re Continues on page 3 Campus News Scepter December 2017 Giving Tuesday Scepter By Kiara Clarke-Knight the past two years to help students in from Single Stop, the Wellness Center, Editor-In-Chief need. Counseling Services, New Americans Isabell Rivera On Tuesday, November 28th, This year, 24 teams—including Center, the Urban Farm and many other Kingsborough Community College, in Enrollment Management, ASAP, resources on campus depending on Production Editor conjunction with #CUNYTUESDAY the Office of Student Affairs, the their individual needs. This assistance May Khin and #GIVINGTUESDAY, celebrated President’s Office and a number of is available to all students regardless #KCCSPIRIT Day. Faculty, staff, academic departments—sold raffles of their residency status- meaning that Managing Editor administrators, retirees, and students and made donations to raise monies for undocumented and DACA students are Kiara Clarke-Knight sported blue shirts with white font that KCC students. The event was hosted eligible to receive these funds too. read “#KCC Spirit,” participated in a by the Office for College Advancement. This year, Kingsborough raised Assistant-Managing Editor campus-wide scavenger hunt, and played Dr. Elizabeth Basile, Vice President almost $44,000 from over 70 donors, Kevin Bonilla a variety of games in the Gym—a fun- for Institutional Advancement said, distinguishing us as the top fundraising filled way to culminate a month-long “We raise money so that we can community college in CUNY and the Staff Writers effort to raise almost $44,000 for KCC provide for students when they run into sixth CUNY college fundraiser overall Kiara Clarke-Knight emergencies, need metrocards, money for #CUNYTUESDAY. In total, Naosha Gregg student scholarships! Kevin Bonilla S o m e b a c k g r o u n d : G I V I N G T U E S D AY for textbooks, etc. The funds are CUNY raised $819,195 this year on Santos Montanez is an annual nation-wide day of giving also used for scholarships and student #CU N YTU ESDAY. Karelle McKay that is held on the Tuesday following awards.” There are many ways to donate, Asheka Muschett Thanksgiving. On this day, various To receive this assistance, students including visiting the Office of College Rebecca Baez Gabby Mateo organizations raise money for worthy can go the Office of Enrollment Advancement (M-243) in person or Susan Carpenter causes. Kingsborough Community Management (A217) to complete an donating online via Kingsborough’s Svitlana Kovalenko College has been raising money in their application. In addition to receiving official website at www.kingsborough. own version of #GIVINGTUESDAY for financial support, they may receive help edu/donate. Business Manager Simon Goldman
Photographers Kiara Clarke-Knight Susan Carpenter Svitlana Kovalenko Naosha Gregg Rebecca Baez Karelle McKay
Production Design May Khin Isabell Rivera Kimberly Padilla
AIDS/HIV Info Session; Director of Student Publications and Advisor KCC Health Club Levy Moore Office Manager and By Isabell Rivera schools or any other setting. It could be a doctor’s office, so a lot of people come to Production Advisor barber shop, it could be a church, it could the mobile-unit, get tested and within 20 Robert Wong reparing for World AIDS Day be a precinct.“ minutes they’ll get their results and then which falls on December 1, Established in 1997, the organization we navigate them from there.” Evening Staff Kingsborough Community works closely with the HIV/AIDS CAMBA is also always in the search Kenly Dillard P prevention pill PrEP that helps the for volunteers to help stop the spread College hosted an info session on HIV/ AIDS prevention at U220, on Tuesday, immune system be resistant against the of the HIV virus in New York City. 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Room M-230 November 27. Which was hosted and AIDS virus but has to be taken daily Therefore, CAMBA pushes hard for PrEP Brooklyn, NY 11235 provided by CAMBA, a non-profit until one decides not be sexually active to be known. Telephone: 718.368.5603 organization who distributes free anymore. “If they [people] want to work with us Fax: 718.368.4833 PrEP however only works on an HIV- as volunteers, they can contact CAMBA condoms for women and men. Email: [email protected] The event took place from 11 p.m. until negative person is advised to be taken itself or what we do is usually send out 3 p.m. with different parts, that included in combination with condoms, since it requests or just like a notice to a lot of videos and info on PrEP and how to use doesn’t protect from STDs or pregnancies. the colleges and high schools in the area, a condom, male and female, the correct Interesting enough majority of students let them know that we are looking for way. don’t know what the time frame is to take volunteers,” Jones said. “What happens Scepter is a publication of the students of Kingsborough Community College. It is CAMBA, which is located in Flatbush, a HIV test, which is three months after is, they send us the names back, we’ll not a college publication, therefore, the New York hosts events throughout the the last intercourse since it takes time contact the volunteers, they come in, do college is not responsible for its contents. city. for the virus to be visible in the human an interview, get them set up. They train All articles in Scepter remain the “My role and responsibility are body. About 50, 000 people get infected with us and get ready to get on the job sole property of Scepter. To obtain reprint permission, please contact the to perform higher-risk outreach to with HIV throughout the U.S. every year, within a few a weeks.” editors. individuals throughout the borough of according to whatisprep.org. Many don’t “CAMBA has been around for the Scepter welcomes letters to the Brooklyn or the city,” Jerome Jones even know they have the virus. last 40 years, it’s based out of Flatbush editors and opinions from the entire Kingsborough Community. from the Young Men’s Health Project “We do a lot of mobile-unit-testing, it’s but now we have offices all throughout of CAMBA said. “ [At] Colleges, high more confidential,” Jones said. “It feels a Brooklyn and we have a few in Staten lot safer to people, versus going into a Island and in Queens as well." 2 December 2017 Scepter Campus News Townhall Raises Concerns
By Kiara Clarke-Knight question after question- most about food, some about advisement. Continued from page 1. The only thing that students said could be improved was exposure. One student, liberal arts major Dayvon The setting sun matched the hot tensions in the Alford, only knew about the symposium because of room as students vented their concerns. Cafeteria his professor. prices, food quality, the absence of halal food, the “I feel a lot more connected with my campus,” he advisement system, and accessible water fountains said. “I feel like there’s a lot about my campus that I were all on the long list of grievances. The list became did not know [but there weren’t] as many people here so extensive that eventually, a professor volunteered as I thought they would be.” to jot the complaints on a nearby whiteboard. At some point, administration's transparency with The tone of the town hall quickly shifted from students and faculty was also a discussion point. an uncomfortable unfamiliarity to a reassuring Students nodded their heads in silent agreement and camaraderie as freshmen, recurring and transfer furrowed their brows in brooding contemplation as students spoke up about their concerns. One student, Dr. Katia Perea preached zealously. Pinar Kanzy’s primary concern was extended hours “Perhaps what student government could do is for the cafeteria. say, ‘Students want to see where their money is being “They close [the cafeteria] at five or six. There’re spent.’ So does faculty,” she said. “As faculty, we can plenty of night students that come here, speaking only do so much. But as student government, believe of myself. I have class from six till nine,” she said. it or not, as our representatives you can do more than “If you’re on break, you go to the cafeteria and it’s even I can do as faculty.” closed. Is there a way there can be an extra time? The room exploded in applause as she spoke. For example, for night students, at least by seven or “Democracy is crumbling under our feet,” Perea eight so that night students can have an opportunity continued. “You have so much power as students. to grab something to eat before coming to class?” Student government, you also have a lot of power.” The councils responded by encouraging students to continue to talk to them. Pretty soon, there was Instagram: @kiarack Photocredit: Kiara Clarke-Knight Join Scepter Scepter is always recruiting new team members to contibute to monthly editions of the paper. If you are a Kingsborough Student and are interested in writing, photography, layout design, or copy editing, talk to us in M230. You can also email your opinion or letter to the editor to: [email protected]
3 Campus News Scepter December 2017 Inclusion and Diversity at Kingsborough Highlighted at International Conference
By Susan Carpenter Carpenter originates from. CUNY is participating in a “The State of the Art” conference prestigious 5-year federal grant to in Syracuse in November afforded develop a comprehensive transition the opportunity for an inclusive program for students with intellectual collaboration between Prof. Susan disabilities in partnership with U Carpenter from the Department Rochester, the JFK Jr. Institute for of Behavioral Sciences’ Education Worker Education, AHRC NYC and Program with Dr. Stella Woodroffe, NYC DOE (District 75). Kingsborough Director of Access Ability, Autumn is a key player in the development Hester alumni of the AHRC, Melissa of this program across five of the 24 Riggio Program (for students with CUNY campuses: The College of intellectual disabilities) and Toni Staten Island, Borough of Manhattan Abreu Honors student in the education Community College, Queens College program. This diverse and dynamic and Hostos College in the Bronx are our team presented on the benefits of partners together with AHRC, District including students with intellectual 75 of the NY City Board of Education disabilities in the arts in education and the University of Rochester. courses at Kingsborough Community CUNY is preparing to launch a College and beyond. program for students with intellectual The conference brought together disabilities: CUNY Unlimited. faculty, staff and students from across Students will obtain a CUNY the world to learn, collaborate and credential and be fully included in advocate for extending opportunities college life, auditing classes supported for students with intellectual disabilities by a mentor, becoming members and Photocredit: Susan Carpenter (ID) to attend college and hence gain officers of clubs, and gaining job From left to right: Dr Sue Carpenter, Toni Abreu, Autumn Hester and Dr. Stella Woodroffe employment. Unemployment is more experience through internships. than twice as high for people with For many years, Prof. Carpenter has commitment to their study are palpable Autumn Hester who is also intellectual disabilities. Internationally seen the benefits for the students with in the courses I teach,” she said. ”I planning a career in education came speaking, there are currently far higher ID but more so for the undergraduates also see it as an opportunity for the into her own at the conference with education opportunities in the USA and college campus as a whole. pre-service teachers to experience an conference attendees asking her many than in Europe. For example, there are “These students often end up inclusive environment which they can questions about her college experience. no higher education opportunities for helping and become role models for then replicate in their own classrooms “I will ever remember this golden students with ID in the UK where Prof. undergraduates. Their enthusiasm and in the future”. opportunity” she commented- not least of all her first experience flying! ”Students like Autumn, make me feel really comfortable when I collaborate and learn alongside them in my courses,” Toni Abreu stated. ”They ask me about myself not just whether I had completed the assignment!” Stella Woodroffe concluded that there is a need to further understand and support inclusion, to develop equity within our colleges and beyond. Prof. Carpenter lead presenter invited the three co-presenters to contribute to the presentation which is funded by the grant. “I hoped that it was an example, a microcosm of a friendly, diverse and inclusive collaboration we hope to see more of at Kingsborough, in our communities and society,” she said. “It was truly a pleasure! For further information on college opportunities for students with ID across the USA go to the Think College website: https://thinkcollege.net/. And for further information or involvement in CUNY UNLIMITED at KCC feel Photocredit: Susan Carpenter free to contact Prof. Sue Carpenter at Autumn right, participating in the EDC2200 Art in Education workshop. [email protected] 4 December 2017 Scepter Campus News KCC Ta l k s; W h at i s Yo u r Favo r i te Wake-Up Jam and Why?
Photos and story by Svitlana Kovalenko
Plato once famously said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Whether your morning begins with biscuits and gravy or egg whites and yogurt, music is what puts you in the right mindset for the whole day. Either you are a morning person or a night owl. You might prefer upbeat hip-hop, rhythmic reggae or sentimental salsa while your neighbor would wake you up with brutal heavy metal. Instagram: @svit_lana2
In this edition of KCC talks, we talk to KCC students to find out what music gets them going in the morning. “I don’t have anything specific I listen to. But I listen to a variety of genres such as Hip-Hop, Trap, Electronic, Trends, R&B. Honestly, anything that sounds good. This morning I listened to this song called ‘Run Away’ by Galantis. It is very, I’d say, the heartwarming song about two people meeting together, finding a significant other and bonding with them. I think it is a beautiful way to start a day, honestly. I think when you listen to the music and you are actually trying to concentrate on it – on the lyrics, the melody, the rhythm, the beat, it takes you away to another world. Not literally, of course, you know what I mean,” said Eric Mei, 22, Biology.
“It definitely depends on the mood. Lately, I have been really digging the song called ‘Can I Be Him’ by James Arthur. I like very emotional music because it kind of “I listened to Black Sabbath this morning. empathizes with the people and kind of put yourself in other I usually bike over here, I have an eight- people’s shoes or putting other people in those shoes. It is a.m. class so this is a good way to wake up like making scenarios in your head for the rest of the day. before I start my class. It’s usually rock. Anything emotional. I even listened to the song ‘Suicide’ But sometimes I take it completely opposite by James Arthur. It is nothing terrible. You kind of want way – sometimes it is super pop. Like last to figure out where your day is going. Not necessarily in a week I listened to a lot of Katy Perry when I negative way but just finding the pain in someone else to biked here. It depends on how much coffee I brighten your day,” said Amanda Lau, 20, Mental Health. had. If I’m already kind of awake I’d go with something a little bit softer, but if I hadn’t had my coffee yet, you need something to get that blood flowing,” said Joseph Horowitz, 18, Marine Tech.
“I don’t like to listen to the music in the morning, to be honest, I just like having a quiet morning so I can organize my thoughts. I prefer to sit outside, drink my coffee, listening to sounds of my backyard, I guess,” said Thomas Donovan, 25, Computer Science. “I like Yo-Yo Ma. It’s relaxing to start a day. He plays the violin, it keeps me calm. There are no lyrics but it is relaxing. I just put on my YouTube playlist, I play until it stops and then I get ready and go to work. Also, ‘Move You’ by Kelly Clarkson and “You Will Win” by Jekalyn Carr. It is motivational,” said Celis Hinds, 26, Biology.
5 Campus News Scepter December 2017 A Day With Public Safety
By Kiara Clarke-Knight Almost everyone who enters the campus comes shorter. The tension breaks when Dieudonne through those gates, so there are usually two officers approaches- the student is friendly with Dieudonne. posted at each booth. What those officers miss (and He’s quickly able to diffuse the situation. they don’t miss much) hidden security cameras This is a typical course of action for Dieudonne. don’t. It’s like this all over the school. You may not His “regular one" student, Tiffney Mitchell, describes see all officers on guard- that’s because a number of Dieudonne as one of the best people she has come them are incognito. Specialist Chung, one of the few across. certified EMTs on campus, is one of those few. “Everybody loves him,” she said. “He takes his “I’m always in plain clothes. You may see me job seriously, no doubt, but he’s also funny. He’s mad put on my suit like D, but most of the time, my cool.” walkie-talkie will be hidden and [turned] down Dieudonne walks for about three hours. He low,” Chang said. “You’d be standing right next to spends all day on his feet. He constantly moves, me doing whatever, thinking I work in an office or partly because it’s part of his job and partly because something, but I’m there. I’m an officer just like it’s cold outside. D. I’m everywhere. It’s like the White House. You As with most jobs of this nature, there is a long don’t see every single secret service agent when period of nothing before a dramatic something. It’s you pull up to the White House. They’re discreetly quiet. The sky is overcast and there is a chill in the air. placed around the White House, but there’s security It’s around 3 p.m., the end of an 8-hour shift. Officer in every corner. Just because you’re not seeing us Dieudonne is silent, looking at the auburn leaves that doesn’t mean we’re not there.” fall to the ground outside the library steps. Today is Unlike the White House, Kingsborough has quite a slow day. a few gaps in its security systems. The stairwells “A good day,” Dieudonne says. “At our school, a and elevators, for example, lack security cameras slow day is always a good day.” and the roofs are fairly accessible. This is all due Almost in malicious contradiction, there is a to budgeting, Chang says, and the department is screech. Static. A patchy, almost undetectable voice Photocredit: Kiara Clarke-Knight planning on implementing dozens more cameras floats from the walkie-talkie. Officer Cyrus Dieudonne around the campus. “Suspicious package in the C stairwell.” The day starts off slow. Gate activity ebbs and Dieudonne looks at his watch and heads inside. You usually hear them before you see them. The flows. On the desk in the hut is a radio, visitor log, His countenance immediately switched to detective static screech of a walkie-talkie usually gives you unused computer, and Gate Alert book. The Gate Alert mode. His legs were taking a meter’s stride with enough time to make whatever you were doing look book has images and descriptions of all the people every step. He met Officer Stroble at the bottom of unsuspicious before black boots and a shiny badge who are not allowed on Kingsborough’s campus as the stairwell and they turned in unison as if they’d around the corner. You notice them talk to a student well as the reason they are banned. Offences vary marched together with their whole life. Together they or lean on the half-wall of the cafeteria and avert from as mild as soliciting to as dangerous as assault. bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time. your attention as they silently watch for unmanaged The morning tour can be brutal, especially during They meet a posse in the stairwell. They surround mischief. Kingsborough’s campus security is the the cold months. To get to work on time, Officer the ‘package’. After some poking and prodding, it pinnacle of Kingsborough’s safety but what they do, Dieudonne has to wake up at 5 a.m. every day, even turns out to be brownies. All is well. all day and night is a mystery, to the school. on his off days when his second job starts at 10 a.m. “I feel like I make a difference in people. I feel like In the four years that Officer Cyrus Dieudonne has His breakfast consists of a bagel and coffee. He used my presence here makes people very comfortable. been at Kingsborough, he’s seen fights, scandals, and to not eat anything at all, but as he got older his body I met a lot of people who stop me and say, ‘I like outright ridiculous scenarios. His job is to be seen demanded he fuel it more often. seeing you here, I feel safe’. I feel like coming here, I and unseen- to be as unnoticeable yet essential as the He’s a stickler for fitness. You have to be when make a difference in somebody’s life. I want to be an pillars that hold up the cafeteria. Officer Dieudonne, your job entails running from point to point on officer that people can come talk to.” or DD as he is known colloquially, does not always campus or sprinting upstairs with heavy medical Students certainly feel like he is. One student, adhere to these rules. Students know him by his kits. PT tests aren’t enforced in the department once Tiffney Mitchell, describes Dieudonne as one of the 5’7” frame and musical Haitian accent. He almost the officers finish their basic training, though. best people she’s come across. never stands still- he paces up and down the school’s Around 11 a.m. outside begins to heat up a little “Everybody loves him,” she said. “He takes his campus and usually greets students and staff on his and the officers switch duties. Officer Dieudonne job seriously, no doubt, but he’s also funny. He’s mad rounds. His hand reflexively grabs his walkie-talkie gets foot patrol. He heads from the locker room to cool.” when he’s making a point. the North of the campus, which is the V buildings, Twitter: @ki_arack The day begins before the sun. The morning tour’s T-buildings, and high school. The south is the roll call is at 6:45 a.m. in the front of the library. At cafeteria, clusters. The MAC is in-between. this time of day, the campus is quiet. No students are The north is quiet. It usually is. Public Safety around, although some may be waiting outside for also patrols the high school, which is connected to the gates to open. The officers assemble in the library Kingsborough’s gym. The clusters, the height of hall. Daylight has just broken; the halls are quiet and student activity, can simultaneously be the best part echo with every step. Officer Dieudonne rushes in of an officer’s day and the bane of their existence. For just after roll call. “Traffic was crazy,” he said. article Dieudonne, it’s one of the best parts of his day. The officers were given a paper on the events There’s a noise complaint in the clusters. Nothing of the week. This week, it’s a couple of tablings, new. Today, another officer, Desil, is already on the graduation photos, and a few scattered events. scene. He’s been at this job for a few months. As he Sergeant Rodriguez debriefs the tour before they go tries to address the complaint, a student curses and to get their radios. shouts at him. She is surrounded by her friends who Each officer is assigned a radio and an area of the watch her mouth off to the officer with amused looks school. Today, DD gets the front gate. The main front on their faces. gate is the cusp of all incoming and outgoing traffic. Officer Desil remains stoic, but his fuse gets Photocredit: Kiara Clarke-Knight 6 December 2017 Scepter Profile Born To Teach; The Passion ForMagic
Photocredit: Rebecca Baez
Professor Steven Okulewicz in his element.
By Rebecca Baez explaining. Plus he knows magic.” expenses such as airfare, food, and the cruise are Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, free. In addition, he gets to bring a companion along BROOKLYN, New York –– He walks into the Okulewicz had always aspired to be a geologist at no cost as well as a lecture from the bridge of a room wearing a maroon shirt tucked into khaki pants from a very young age. When he was seven years ship. with a rainbow fish tie. He greets his students as he old, his father took him to a place in Staten Island “This summer I did seven cruises to Alaska via the sets his briefcase on the desk. What’s with the tie? near St. George to collect some rocks. When he was Inner Passage, lecturing on the gold rush in Alaska, “I don’t know,” said liberal arts major Natalie getting ready for dinner that night, he figured he Alaskan marine life, and Alaskan earthquakes and Heras, breaking out into a smile. “He always comes would use the soapstone he had found earlier to wash volcanoes; all in 55 days,” said Okulewicz. “I had a in with weird ties.” his hands. Much to his surprise, nothing happened. great time seeing several different glaciers, taking a For those who don’t know Professor Steven Confused and frustrated, he turned to his father for helicopter ride and landing on the Mendenhall Glacier Okulewicz, he currently teaches Earth Science an explanation. in Juneau and taking a float plane in Ketchikan to see and oceanography at KBCC and planet Earth, the “What’s the deal here, there’s no soap,” said young the Misty Fjords National Forest from the air.” Geology of New York City and geochemistry at Okulewicz. “I don’t know,” his father replied. “Why Sounds like a pretty good gig, doesn’t it? But that Hofstra. He has taught geology and oceanography don’t you become a geologist and find out?” is not the only highlight on Okulewicz’s resume. As for 35 years but what most people don’t know is that And that’s exactly what he did. if teaching at two universities, traveling around on he is also a magician. After graduating from Port Richmond High cruise ships for weeks at a time and skiing were not As a child, Okulewicz was introduced to the School and attending what used to be Staten Island enough, Okulewicz, has also appeared on HBO and world of magic when his father would show him card Community College, Okulewicz earned his associate MTV. He performed magic at the First Rock & Roll tricks. As he got older, his sister’s then-boyfriend degree and later attended Brooklyn College where he New Year’s Eve party on MTV when it first came who knew magic brought Okulewicz to magic shops graduated with a master’s degree in Earth Science out and did short magic segments on HBO as fillers in New York City where he purchased a few tricks and began teaching. when shows or movies ended at odd hours. and began performing at magic shows. From there he Although teaching takes up most of his time, Okulewicz has also worked for the United States joined the Society of American Magicians in NYC in when Okulewicz is not in the classroom, you can find Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Where 1975 as well as won an award for “Best Magician” at him on cruise ships such as the Viking Star, Royal he would search for “Superfund sites” which are a magic convention in Pasadena, California in 1980. Caribbean and Silver Seas giving presentations about areas that contain illegally dumped industrial and “I started doing magic in class in 1979 as related whales, dolphins, glaciers and the origins of beaches hazardous waste from gas stations and petroleum to what I was teaching,” said Okulewicz. “ I thought and volcanoes. manufacturing companies. it would keep the students interested, it worked.” “I’ve been doing this for about six years,” said Since childhood, magic and geology have had an Whether it's making a volcano appear and erupt Okuelwicz. “The presentations I do on the ships are enormous impact on Okulewicz’s life as well as his out of cloth or producing and vanishing a cube of edutainment, so they are not as serious as done in wardrobe. His ties capture the essence of his identity gold, Okulewicz has continued to perform magic in the classroom. I give them lots of information, show and passion for his occupations. the classroom, captivating his students semesters at them pretty pictures and close each presentation with “I enjoy what I do, which is why I do the stuff on a time. a magic trick.” the cruise ships,” Okulewicz said. “I get to meet lots “He’s honestly one of my favorite professors,” Typically on the cruise ships, Okulewicz will of interesting people and see lots of Alaskan cities said Christian Caban, a liberal arts major. “He really get anywhere from 75 to 200 people that attend his and Alaskan geology. It’s a tough life but somebody knows a lot about geology and does a great job of presentations. Although he does not get paid, all has to do it.” 7 Campus News Scepter December 2017 KCC's Fall Fashion Show 2017
Photocredit: Robert Wong & Joseph Laine
8 December 2017 Scepter Campus News KCC's Fall Fashion Show 2017
Photocredit: Robert Wong & Joseph Laine
9 Profile Scepter December 2017 The Almost Athlete By Naosha Gregg breaths, he pulls the band towards him, creating a “When I fell I was really pissed off,” he said. tomato red imprint on his rough feet. His shoulders “That was the end of the season and for me, it was a Almost. A feeling that all humans will experience rise and his muscles tense after ever pull, his triceps good year.” during their lifespan. To succeed at anything, one and biceps practically eating at his clothing. The smell of green tea dances around the room as must possess passion, dedication, and stamina to His breathing heavies as he begins squats the high pitched violins play softly in the background, be a player in the cruel game of life. Student-athlete with the thick elastic band. Various depictions of adding an ominous suspense to his sorrow. The room Gelson Shoy knows this experience all too well. A determination flicker across Shoy’s face as he bends stands still as the How-To video plays silently on his student by morning and soccer player by afternoon, down, stretching the band to reach both sides of the computer, and the scattered chemistry textbooks and Gelson fights for his chance to be accepted into a room. He practices without his brace this time, as the flyers grace his desk. Behind his chair, his single Division Two School for soccer. However, Shoy strength of the knee gets better. The scars from the crutch and KCC Wave flag sit tucked into a corner. faces one challenge standing between himself and surgery still shine bright like neon paint against his “I was in a good place physically.” he reminisces. the goal: a torn meniscus. chocolate skin. “I was pissed off and saddened because that was the 22-year-old Gelson Shoy is an end of the season. For me, as a engineering major at Kingsborough player, I was training the entire Community College. Alongside his summer vacation and spring I desires to become a chemical engineer was fit and had started peaking one day, Shoy also plays soccer. just before the season and was Amongst being a soccer player, Shoy in a good place physically. is also the president of the Science, All of that was snatched away Technology, Engineering, and Math from me.” (STEM) Council at Kingsborough. Shoy puts on a good front “When I was four years old I think, for his situation but it is visible my father sent me to a coaching school to anyone that his defeat in Trinidad,” Shoy explains. “I used to stretches beyond the frown on go for just fun but then that’s when it his face. turned real for me. I realized I loved Despite medical textbooks, football.” all of Shoy’s colleagues and He seeps back into his quilted desk co-players still have faith in chair, his facial expressions softens, like him. milk and honey, as the nostalgia kicks “When I first heard about in. the injury, my first thought was “It was the last few remaining ‘he can’t play’,” says Norman minutes of the game and I shot the Wagstaffe. “I was devastated. I ball and while landing back on my feet knew he loves soccer and this I came down hard and I felt my knee year I know he really wanted wobble and I heard a loud pop,” he to play the championship with said. “From there it was immediately Photocredit: Naosha Gregg the team. He was expecting swollen so I knew something serious this year to be his year.” was happening.” Wagstaffe, a close friend Shoy’s injury worsened a torn meniscus that After five sets of ten stretches, it’s time for a break. of Shoy’s ponders his thoughts before answering. A turned into a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). “I do some stretches when I sit down,” he says genuine look of sincerity and hope colors his face In typical sports, a torn ACL means little to no as he pulls out the knee brace from his camouflage and he roots for his friend. chance of ever playing again. backpack and wraps it tightly around the injury. You “Of course he will be able to play again!” The 22-year-old starts his day promptly at 9:00 can hear the winding of anxiety as he tightens the Wagstaffe rejoiced. “I think he’s thinking about it a.m. Black winter coat, comfy sweatpants, slippers dial to match the appropriate amount of compression. being a setback. As soon as the six month is up and and camouflage print backpack slugged over his He pulls up a grey and red chair directly in front of after rehab he’s going to go back to training and back shoulder, he begins to lop to class. You can hear the him and slowly places his right leg on it. “You see to playing. He won’t be the same, he’ll be way better. tapping of the metal stopper on his single crutch on the when you put your leg up the knee is supposed to be A new, improved Trini.” brick-lined floors, indicating that he is approaching. straight.” A look of uncertainty flashes across Wagstaffe’s He doesn’t let his injury break his spirits- he leans He places his leg at a peculiar angle not straight face, suggesting that even though he believes Trini on the crutch as he stops to dab his friends, giving but not completely bent either. He proceeds to will be able to play again, there is a huge possibility smiles and daps. attempt to straighten his knee but the pain is evident. that he might not. “His injury is self-inflicted,” says Ashane Walker, With every movement the muscles in his leg quiver “I want to go to City Tech,” Shoy explains. “I a teammate of Shoy’s. “Why I say that is the fact he as he attempts to regain strength, making it hard to want to become a chemical engineer.” did not spend time assessing the injury at first and believe that it's the object that is supposed to heal it. He pauses for a brief moment and looks at his when out and push it, thinking it was at one hundred “I find that this workout method works the best. injured knee, wrapped in the embrace of the cast. percent strength which it wasn’t, now he’s back to It's more effective than pulling, what I’m trying to do Despite all setbacks and hardships, Shoy continues square one.” is strengthen by the calf also,” he explains in his thick to work to strengthen his knee, and dedicates to Shoy hops to his office and collapses on the Trinidad accent. “Cause the thing with surgeries is schoolwork, staying on campus as late as 10:00 spinning desk chair. He takes a deep breathe as everything is always weak after a surgery.” p.m. sometimes cramming for chemistry classes or he starts to unwind and get comfortable. The look Shoy hops over to the fridge to receive his ice pack. working to rejuvenate his knee. The almost athlete. of perseverance paints his face, as he pulls out his He wobbles back into his inner office and collapses “Just a boy, a dream and a fucked up knee. Big black elastic bands to start his stretches for the day. into his desk chair. Shoy’s spirits are still high, but mon things.” He wraps the band around the ball of his foot, his you can taste the slight disappointment in the air. He Instagram: @naosharichellexo hands twitch in search to get a good grip. After a few indulges in the sour memory of his almost success. 10 December 2017 Scepter Profile Thomas Eaton: The Man Behind The Drawing Board
was written and directed by Nina Paley. A black and across CUNY. He hopes it will become an annual woman figure dancing in a heap of yellow flames event where his students can showcase their work. while a red three faced male stood behind her. “The amount of creativity we get from our “This character has been a great character for me students here is just amazing,” said Eaton. “It’s to try new things,” he said. really inspiring to me as an artist to see all the work As he opened the door to his office, the life-size people create here and sometimes they’re not even cutout of The Bugman stares back at him. He is ready art majors.” to welcome the ideas that flood his brain and would His fellow colleague and friend Janice Farley had then find itself on the blank page. nothing but praise for Eaton because he cares about Eaton took a seat in the black chair and grabbed a his students and made the animation department medium sized sketch pad with a pencil from the desk. what it is today. He ready to create something fun and enjoyable for “Thomas is one of the most wonderful faculty his next comic strip. members I have ever had the privilege of working “It’s such a limitless potential for the medium,” with. He is patient, smart, kind and very funny, he said. which makes him a wonderful person to have as a For a few minutes, the creative side of his mind colleague and friend,” said Farley. “He is one of the drew a blank. So, he decided to take a walk. department’s assets and everyone just loves having He thought of the "Bug Zapper" and how he him here. If you weren’t interested in animation enjoyed comics that were similar to the character before meeting Tom, he will open these wonderful while in high school. He enjoyed the superhero spoof doors of appreciation for you.” called "The Flaming Carrot." He also enjoyed the Thomas Mintz, whose another friend and animation style of the 90s Batman cartoon. colleague, has known Eaton for 15 years. “I was always interested in art, drawing, comics, “He has a calm, sort of confident presence. That’s and animation,” said Eaton. “Luckily it was what it takes to encourage students to approach something to get into.” software they’re not familiar with,” said Mintz. “He While Eaton grew up in Newtown, Connecticut, thinks in terms of other people. In a way, I find that Photocredit: Karelle McKay he always drew comics as a kid and continued to do warm and genuine.” By Karelle McKay so in college. At the time, he was an English major Eaton thinks about his future plans besides "The at Penn State and decided to take an animation Bug Zapper." He wouldn’t mind other art forms, but With crystal blue eyes and a smile that belongs in education class. in the end, it would lead back to animation. He would a Colgate commercial, Thomas Eaton doesn’t fit the “It definitely encouraged me that it was something like to create a sculpture version of a Zoetrope, which animator stereotype. But make no mistake, bringing I really liked to do,” said Eaton. “There’s a lot of is like circular, movable version of a flip book. art to life is indeed, his life’s work. artistic fulfillment and expression. I really just love “I think that’s something that’s really fascinating. Eaton teaches animation in the Kingsborough the medium of animation. There are so many things It’s like you’re in a room with animation in real life,” Community College's art department. He has done you could do. It’s such a creative outlet.” he said. a range of short films, comic book strips, and band After graduation, he worked for different studios, At that moment, it was as though a white light music video covers. He published his first comic book like on the Mo Willems Nickelodeon special titled bulb shone above his head. He had an idea. Eaton titled “The Bug Zapper” last year and is currently Off Beats: "Valentine’s Special." Then he worked on walked back to his office and opened the door. He working on the next chapter. a show for Cartoon Network called "Living in the took a seat in the chair, at the desk and started to Inside his office, one could step into the mind of Big City." His mind settled on the thought of the sketch. His canvas was no longer blank, it now had an animator. With a life-size cut out from his comic hardships he experienced while in the field. color. book series "The Bug Zapper," it shows a male “A job in animation isn’t the most stable. There’s “It’s an exciting field for sure and that’s the great dressed in a yellow superhero costume and black a lot of competition and instability,” said Eaton. “But thing about it. I won’t say an animation studio is shoes. While he wore a yellow mask that covered his I think a lot of people who do art do it because they always fun, it’s obviously a lot of work. But, I will white eyes, the middle of his costume shows a black love it.” say I always enjoyed that. It was a place I like to be.” winged fly. Eaton’s mind went to how he organized the first Behind the cutout, lies a poster from the 2008 animation festival at KBCC. "The Rarebit Animation Instagram: @karellemc_ animated film called "Sita Sings the Blues," which Festival" consists of student work both from KBCC
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Join Odyssey Gravesend Brooklyn Female preferred Odyssey is looking for graphic designers and photographers. Private room If you are a Kingsborough student and are interested in Share kitchen & bathroom Near all photography and/or graphic design, please talk to us in M-230. $750.00 includes all Call: 203-523-9773
11 Feature Scepter December 2017 Non-ProfitOrganization SleepOut To Help The Homeless Youth of NYC
By Isabell Rivera the while and helps thousands of children and teens. the lives of others. Whereas other young adults her “The first year I did it was during a blizzard, it age, are selfish and self-centered, Corley is selfless As the temperatures drop, most people dig was very cold,” Corley said. “I got pretty sick after. and ambitious. Oftentimes, the Jersey girl from out their winter clothes and insulate their home Certainly made for a sleepout to remember.” Freehold would wander the unfamiliar streets of to prepare for the freezing season. New York City All kids are welcomed at Covenant House and New York City, during her lunch break to find lunch winters are long and brutal, with temperatures in they will get provided with a warm meal, clean for a homeless person, instead of herself. The risk to the lower ‘20s. A time where being homeless can clothes, a chance to take a hot shower and get a pair get lost while doing so, she greatly took. But that’s be challenging. Especially for kids and the youth. of fresh clothes. Volunteers at Covenant House teach nothing in comparison to the “sleep out” events she’s New York City has about 45,000 homeless children, the kids how to prepare for interviews, as well as been hosting since she started. Sleeping out during according to coalitionforthehomeless.org. Most how to write a resume and prepare to take the GED the toughest and darkest season of the year; winter. of them are survivors of human trafficking and since most kids are high school dropouts. In a neighborhood known for drugs and hidden domestic violence. “For the kid's an average day might look something prostitution. Corley showed no fear. The Covenant House, located in Hell’s Kitchen at like they wake up, depending on the program they “We slept out by the shelter in Hell's Kitchen,” 460 W 41st St. serves close to 400 runaways daily. are in within Covenant House, they might have Corley said. “I didn't really know what to expect Established in 1972, by a priest named Bruce Ritter, their own responsibilities to attend to. Throughout when it was my first year. I wasn't concerned about and continued by Adrian Gately, Patricia Kennedy, the day they will either be out working or going to my safety because we were with a really good group and Paul Frazier, Covenant House is a non-profit class,” Corley said. “At Covenant House, [the] staff of people and we had security.” $160 Million organization, which 80% is privately tries to ready them for life on their own while giving Corley’s goal, as well as that from Covenant funded. The shelter mostly depends on volunteers them the fundamental tools to be able to get there. House, is to lower the rate of homeless kids and and donations. Kirsten Corley is not just a volunteer Teaching them things like basic skills, cooking, teens in New York City, and throughout the country. and mentor, she’s also a board member, who tries to laundry, job interview prep, saving a percentage of Covenant House has multiple locations within the raise awareness and money for the troubled homeless every paycheck.” United States, and greatly accepts donations by youth of New York City. When these teens first come to Covenant House gifts, clothing, food and volunteer work, like that of “I had a friend who was involved and got me they start their first responsibility around the shelter. Corley. Fundraisers, like the “sleep out” event, gives roped into it. But what made me really love the As they progress to the next level, they have to take individuals the opportunity to experience what it organization was the people behind it,” Corley said. upon the responsibility to get a job and with the means to be a homeless person, but as a child. Alone, ”Everyone I met was so kind and so inspiring. I money they earn, they are required to take a certain hungry, scared and cold. It encourages people to wanted to be more like them and I watched the work percentage to put into their savings account. Then take a greater risk for an even greater benefit, that of we were doing was really paying off.” the money they put aside is given back to them by helping an unprotected child be protected from much The mission is clear. To help the homeless the time they leave the shelter. The next step is to greater danger, like death. youth have a better future. The work is hard. To move into one of the Covenant House apartments. “I think every time anyone walks into a shelter be a volunteer takes a lot of patience and the right They learn to be on their own, in a responsible and to meet these kids you are acting as a mentor and attitude to convince people why they should donate healthy way, with extended supervision and help if role model,” Corley said. “It's your job to listen to money. If you are active on social media and use they needed. them and build relationships and tell them someone videos to explain your mission, just like Corley, you The author might be young, but her attitude believes in them. Our end goal [is] to end youth have a better connection to the people. But raising a is mature and full of confidence. She wants to be homelessness because no child should be on the certain amount of money doesn’t happen overnight. able to make a difference in society and mostly in street." Oftentimes, people get discouraged and feel like they failed to help. Corley has a big fan base, thanks to her social media accounts and her constant posts how to help and why it’s important. Corley has been with Covenant House for three years now and raised $15,000 due to her engagement of fund raiser’s like the “sleep out.” Every year the editor for thoughtcatalog.com does a fundraiser, where she and other volunteers sleep out on the rough and cold streets of NYC, to raise money for the homeless youth. “My duties include volunteering and raising money every year for these kids,” Corley said. “Then I do the sleep out where together we will sleep on the streets of NYC to raise awareness and money that youth homelessness is a problem we can fix if we come together.” The first time the 25-year-old did a “sleep out,” she convinced more than a 100 people to join her on a freezing night in March. It brought in $1000+ donations. But this was just the beginning. Corley, like many other volunteers, uses their personal social media to publicly announce their mission. It takes patience and time to establish a follower base and people supporting shelters like Covenant House and volunteers like Corley. But the wait and work is worth 12 Feature December 2017 Scepter The Irish American Pub: The Hidden Gem of Manhattan’s Financial District By Asheka Muschett service and most importantly, the food. on special for that day," explains Smallwood. "Then on Thursdays, the construction workers come in for a ooze, basketball and a side of baby crab THE FOOD beer or two after work, around 4 p.m.," he continued, cakes sum up a night well spent at "The Their menu boast dishes that are an amalgamation “and we can't forget the local businessmen who Irish American Pub, off John Street of a famous Irish cuisine with a splash of come in for ‘meetings', and are constantly expecting and Broadway in the Financial District Americanized touches eliminating the famous a discount." of Manhattan.B " blandness associated with the Irish cooking culture. Summer months are not as profitable at “The "The Irish American Pub," most commonly known Just like most restaurants, they have a wide selection Irish” primarily because of the location. Summer as "the Irish", is the place where what happens there of appetizers, salads, burgers, wraps/sandwiches, and temperatures usually average in the 80-degree range on a Friday night with you and your boss after work, entrees. They are most known for their wings, which on a hot day in NYC. This along with the city's stays there. The Irish also plays the role of being the can be served fried spicy, fried regular or barbequed. humidity propels people to remain above ground or local chill spot for friends to argue over what teams "The wings here never fall short of keeping up partially submerged under water in an effort to keep should win in the next game. with their reputation," said Melissa Autar, 21, who cool. As a result, underground pubs like “The Irish” In spite of its oddly discrete underground location works in the area and frequents the Irish on Friday suffer economically in warmer seasons. – almost totally overshadowed by the Walgreens and nights. Every bar has its fair share of bad experiences Toasty's that ‘sandwiches' it – It, has been the place to and so does this one. Despite the efforts to keep the be for FiDi locals. Judging by the stunning reviews THE PEOPLE environment safe and the atmosphere open to all and majority four to five-star Yelp ratings, this "We try to hire skill and personality, which is crowds, there are those patrons who cannot keep hangout venue seems to have a lot of happy campers pretty much all you need to flourish in a business like away from trouble – or at least keep the trouble away on board. this," explains Smallwood. from themselves. "I once had a girl come in as a customer and we Smallwood expressed multiple instances THE HISTORY needed help for a big event we were hosting. After where patrons had to be escorted out as a result of “The Irish American Pub” was founded in 2011 being impressed by her charming personality, I misconduct. Some customers are even brave enough as part of a chain of Irish bars in NYC. Despite asked her to help out with that event and now she's to attempt to indulge in intimate affairs behind slot its connection to bars like “Carraghers,” “The one of our very best." machines and in bathroom stalls. Barleycorn Pub,” “The Mad Hatter” and “Tara Bar It does not take much to be hired at the Irish, but "At the end of the day, no matter how you look Pub,” “The Irish” stands as the only one of its kind. that doesn't make it any easier to get a job there either. at this place or by whatever name you want to call Being a bar open to the entire family and offers more As with any other service job, customers can get it,” Smallwood said. “It is still a bar and people will than just a drink and football. Timothy Smallwood, really difficult but the staff, being personally hand do whatever the devil tells them to do once they are an English-American actor, and businessman has picked by Smallwood himself, are well prepared to under the influence." been the manager for over four years and says that handle whatever comes their way. Regardless of minute misconducts, this eclectic there is no bar quite like “The Irish American Pub.” While every day is different at “The Irish,” hub of spontaneity is very much loved by the "The idea behind the Irish was not to create each day has its own unique set of expectations community around it. No matter what goes down just another place, but more so to create an overall and challenges alike. Because of the nature of the below the street lights of John Street, Wednesday experience," explains Smallwood. business, some days carry more opportunity for to Friday traffic continues to grow during winter profit than others. Sundays to Tuesdays are open until months. Also, the energy and zest for hot crispy fried THE CULTURE AND PURPOSE 2 am and are the days that attract less foot traffic. wings, deafening squabbles about sports, and the Upon entering the grungy building, one can Wednesdays to Saturdays are most promising and as bitter taste of Guinness never dies. expect to be greeted by the rustic aroma emanating a result, is left open until 4 a.m. "Never forget that each human being is embarking from the bar to the right of the entrance. This might "On Wednesday afternoons, we have our on a tremendous journey - which at some point will be the smell of heaven for most alcohol enthusiasts Secretaries that come in for their three servings of become stressful," said Smallwood. "When that popping in to have a drink with friends. Those who Blackened Chicken Over Caesar Salad with the drink happens, stop by and let's have a drink." are stopping by just to take part in the Irish cuisine are more attracted to the warm homely feeling they get from the staff. "I was visiting my daughter and her family for Thanksgiving and they took me here for supper," said Andrea Newton, 73, as she spoke about how she discovered the Irish. "My granddaughter Susan suggested that we eat out and catch up as girls." Mrs. Newton was unapologetically open about her first impressions of this place. Being somewhat hidden underground, “The Irish” gave her a reminiscent feeling of the Anne Frank era, as though patrons were hiding from the Nazis. She expressed that the dark stairway leading to the entrance of the pub gave her a mysterious vibe. After a good 10 minutes of basking in the ambiance, her impression began to change and was more so molded by the 13 Entertainment Scepter December 2017 Shen Yun Review By Gabby Mateo tune, sounding almost otherworldly and limitless. “The whole program tonight was very well They proved, by being on stage, as well as from the choreographed,” Gary Opaltree, a Shen Yun fan Carnegie Hall is abuzz as the audience anxiously looks on the audience's faces, that years of discipline said. “I thought it was really fantastic. I like Carnegie awaits the start of the Shen Yun Symphony and practice to be where they now have truly paid Hall— it was a wonderful evening.” Orchestra’s performance. As the musicians walk off. Moments later, Erhu players Xiaochun Qi, Lu As a result, composers Jing Xian and Junyi Tan’s on stage, applause immediately echoes off the Sun, and Linda Zhen Wang strode onto center stage arrangement of instruments captured their essence walls throughout the audience. All that awaits is in pink Chinese traditional dresses. All three have beautifully. Even if this music is not a part of your the prestigious conductor Milen Nachev to enter been playing this unique instrument since they were culture, when you exit the concert hall leaves you and instruct the musicians in playing the traditional very young. The folk-like tunes flowing from the with the feeling that you’ve learned and witnessed Chinese classical music. song “Divine Elegance” could not have been lovelier. something indescribable. Listening to this type of music today is much different from what is heard on the radio. pop music is great for singing when driving and for being embarrassed when stared at when stopped at a red light. The goal of Shen Yun’s music is to make listeners feel a wave of tranquillity that could hypnotize anyone listening. Until 2012, Shen Yun’s music was played only during dance performances. This explains the meaning behind the title “Shen Yun” — which translates to “beauty of divine beings dancing.” D.F. is the Artistic Director, as well as the founder of Shen Yun, which began in 2006. Ever since, the company has toured over 30 countries, spreading its music and receiving critical praise. Intermission marks the only time the audience's attention wanders from the instruments. Many people think only older men and women listen to classical music. However, a quick scan of the audience reveals millennials rustling in their seats. Isabelle Bautasta, a 14-year-old girl studying vocal classical music, sits with her family celebrating her father's birthday. “It’s simply amazing! I love this music,” Bautasta said.” It just fills my heart with joy.” This performance proved fascinating for people of all ages. The room immediately lit up with astonished faces as the voices of tenor Tian Ge and soprano Haolan Geng sang solos with the instruments playing in harmony. Their voices hugged every "The Children's Hour" Review
By Kiara Clarke-Knight through with this performance- the two bounced off a two-dimensional character whose sole purpose was lines off each other with an honest ease. to catalyze the plot of the play. The Children’s Hour, written by Lillian Hellman The pace of the play builds to a crescendo. It The play wasn’t about lies. It was about how and directed by Paul Ricciardi, is a dynamic, begins quite slowly, with scenes that could have been the best ones have a sliver of truth in them, and tension-filled play with interweaving details that are cut short and others that were cut too soon, such as sometimes the only way for that sliver of truth to somehow easy to follow. The play focuses on two Mrs. Tilford (played by Helene Eisenberg) slowly come out is through the outbreak of a terrible rumor. boarding school teachers whose lives are wrecked phoning practically the whole neighborhood to tell It’s also about the strength of blind love and when one of their students lies on them. them of the lie her granddaughter Mary had told her. loyalty- Mary’s lies and antics were thin-veiled. Words like “row” to describe arguing and “sour” After the lie is spread, things suddenly go rapidly, They could have easily been disproven had her to indicate a person’s countenance quickly unveil with the bypassing of several weeks happening in grandmother applied a little common sense. Mrs. that the play was set in the 1930s. The majority of about 30 minutes. Tilford is the most dangerous kind of bigot- the one the play takes place in a quaint room in a rural girl’s Noemi Lopez, who plays Mary Tilford, the spoiled who thinks that she is progressive. She thinks that boarding school with a rustic farm bell, antique troublemaker, flounders, and tantrums her way into telling the whole planet the lie was for the good of looking wood furniture and an oldish white desk getting what she wants all the time. Lopez executed the children, but failed to talk to the teachers- in fact, take centerfold. Daraja McCullough and Kimberly the role with the precision of an experienced actor- Karen and Mary had to seek her out themselves. Aragon play Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, the Mary Tilford's actions and thoughts were sloppy, The play was an hour and a half of intense two boarding school teachers who own and teach ungraceful and reckless, as they were intended to be. play-by-play. The chemistry amongst all the actors at the school. These two are no strangers to the Even though Mary is the one who told the lie and was flawless. It may not jerk you to tears, but its stage, having both appeared in many Kingsborough has her teachers fired, she is not the sole cause of the underlying themes will have you brooding for hours productions. Their ease and comfort onstage shone misfortune that fell upon Karen and Martha. Mary is after you’ve watched it. 14 December 2017 Scepter Entertainment Twisted Dark Review: Redefining Comics
By Kevin Bonilla were looked over in the short stories, allowing them The disturbing images and insane characters to chew even deeper on the endings of the stories like are what draws readers to the book, reading and re- There’s something about graphic content that spearmint gum. reading story after story to see if they missed any draws curiosity from viewers. We see that in television obscure details. shows, comic books, novels and short stories. What An interesting part of the book is that in the isn’t unique is how they deliver suspense, gore, and foreword, it is mentioned that “Twisted Fate” is storytelling. Neil Gibson’s “Twisted Dark: Volume oftentimes referred to as an anthology. Gibson doesn’t 1” has a mind-blowing story structure that sets his necessarily say that this statement is untrue, but it is dark comic book style apart from the rest. implied that the book is more than an anthology. The stories consist of characters with unique In a short story, there is a start and a finish to a personalities and melancholy storylines. The text followed by an interpretation of what the story protagonists are dynamic in their mannerisms and symbolized. In the “Twisted Fate” series, some of the thoughts, varying from a delusional man named characters return in later volumes to continue their Asbjorn who was lost in the grief of his son to the story arcs and dynamic developments in personality. maniacal business tycoon named Rodrigo, using a Gibson speaks of his passion for comics well, calculated method of destruction. expressing how he feels happy when he sees people The stories are grim, yet tempting in nature reading comics in public or when he witnesses the which leaves readers flipping through the pages in The protagonists in each story also have staff’s success when they look back at later volumes anticipation of what the characters might do next. similarities in that they all possessed issues that were to see if their connections from earlier stories are The twist endings are a dominant feature in the rooted psychologically within them. Readers would painstaking. book, hence why the book is titled “Twisted Dark.” see an interesting character in Rajeev, a power- “Twisted Dark” is an intriguing horrific, The endings of each story are subtle, clever and leave hungry sociopath who used deception as a means of nail-biting page-turner that will leave fans of the the readers turning back pages to find details that domination. psychological thriller genre satiated with interest. Super Mario Odyssey Review: A New Classic
By Santos Montanez Thankfully, Cappy is implemented beautifully same tasks fourteen times. Though this is the case, into the control scheme. Using him almost these tasks don't make themselves mandatory for pin the wheel and take a chance on a immediately feels just as natural as jumping. completing the game, as said tasks are only to be brand new ‘Super Mario’ adventure, Abducting enemies at each level brings a level of completed if you want to collect more Power Moons as Mario takes his second step into the variety and satisfaction that mops the floor with than necessary. Nintendo Switch’s growing library, with every other secondary mechanic introduced in any This can, in fact, give completionists an easier his first title being “Mario + Rabbids: Mario game to date. time to collect every Power Moon because they KingdomS Battle”. “Super Mario Odyssey” is the first When controlling the classic Italian plumber, know which tasks they have to look out for, and trust sandbox “Super Mario” game since 2002’s “Super you’ll find that his movements have never felt better that there is a lot to do. The fact that there are so Mario Sunshine,” and the story isn’t too far off either. in any Super Mario game to date. The movement many ways to go about jumping the highest cliffs, ‘Bowser’ brings a whole new theme to capturing combinations recall “Super Mario 64." The visuals solving engaging puzzles, or even choosing whether ‘Princess Peach,’ as in this game, he is dead set on are impressively beautiful, running at 900p (pixels), to collect more than enough Power Moons, is a good marrying her and has held a wedding using treasures and 60fps (frames per second) when the Nintendo indication of the game’s vast target demographic. stolen from fourteen different Kingdoms. Now you Switch system is docked, and 720p in handheld Anyone can pick up the game and play it as they like. must collect Power Moons to enhance your Odyssey and tabletop mode. One minute you’re exploring “Super Mario Odyssey” is a beautifully gift- and advance toward Bowser’s airship. The story is the vibrant and colorful environments of the wrapped present to seasoned “Super Mario” fans pretty typical for a Mario game; it isn’t anything to Luncheon Kingdom; talking to spatulas and fighting who’ve been playing the classic platforming series write home about. pan-throwing Koopas and the next minute you’re since “Super Mario 64." The game offers a wide However, as with most “Super Mario” games, the walking through the dark, colorless and lifeless variety of gameplay options, with a few exceptions story isn’t what we play these games for. Ruined Kingdom. These different environments regarding tasks. The expectations were as high as Each “Super Mario” installment attempts at give the player a significant sense of scaling as if the tallest buildings you can explore in the Metro creating new mechanics to further diversify the you’re actually exploring an entire world, and that Kingdom, and rest assured, these expectations are gameplay and keep the franchise feeling fresh after is what this game is all about. The creators expertly certainly met. The amount of exploration and post- thirty-plus years of gaming history. “Super Mario designed the game around their intent on having a game material offers more replayability than any Odyssey” does this better than any other ‘Mario’ world for you to explore, and it works swimmingly. game in the franchise to date. game to date with a new character, ‘Cappy,’ and If there was one accurate way to describe this Simply put, this is one of the best Mario games is simply a hat-based creature that lives inside game, it's that it has the freedom and exploration we have seen in a long time, and that is quite a ‘Mario’s’ signature cap. With this new mechanic, of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” and statement considering the franchise’s winning you can attack enemies, prolong and lengthen the collection gameplay of “Banjo-Kazooie.” As streak of amazing games. When you’ve beaten the jumps, and most interestingly, abduct enemies and incredibly dense each Kingdom is, it's a little bit game’s story, and the first question that pops into certain objects. The most important requirement for of a shame that you're given similar to identical your head is, “what can they possibly do next?” then introducing a new secondary mechanic is having it tasks between these Kingdoms. There are fourteen you know you’ve done your job as a well-respected feel second nature. kingdoms and you'll find yourself completing the development team. 15 Op-Ed Scepter December 2017 Can Women Change Men's Behavior with a New Policy?
By Isabell Rivera move instead? Would that be less of a harassment? and still is, something that has been going on for Isn’t sexual harassment nothing more than abusing centuries. But nobody talks about it. Women grow If society switched to a policy that makes females power and treating someone without respect because up thinking, they have no power against men. Their entirely responsible for initiating contact with males, that person is “beneath” the predator? Isn’t that what fathers, uncles, boyfriends, coworkers, and bosses. would male to female sexual harassment be reduced? powerful men in different occupations praise? Like But this has changed. Not just in Hollywood. But we Would female to male sexual harassment increase? Trump once said, “And when you’re a star, they let see it across the industries. After the Harvey Weinstein allegations, Roy you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the However, if they was such policy that would Moore, and Donald J. Trump, just to name a few, pussy. You can do anything.” What does that tell make females entirely responsible to initiate contact powerful men in politics and Hollywood seem to us? That sexual harassment has nothing to do with towards men, would that make men stop harassing fall down like dominos. One after another is coming sex really or with emotions, it’s like rape. It’s about women? Or will that increase the struggle for power out. Seems like the poem “I am A Nasty Woman” by having power over someone. And since women are even more so? I believe, that such policy would do Nina Donovan caused women to fight back. considered “the weaker sex,” it’s easy to have power little and perhaps add more problem to the situation Women like Rose McGowan already have an over them. But what if women gain that power back? trying to tame wild animals. However, if women stay army rising with her popular hashtag #rosearmy. And By approaching men the same way, men approach strong and are “nasty,” in reference to Donovan’s Meryl Streep used her Golden Globe speech to talk women. Cat calls, grab, harass. poem, we’ll conquer the constant excuses and the politics. But what if we change the way we deal with I believe that sexual harassment became almost in downplay in regards the seriousness of sexual sexual harassment? What if women would make the like a trend over the past year, although it sure was assault.
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