Vol. 26... No. 6 TORCHBCC.COM MARCH 2018 2018 Flu Epidemic: What to Know JEREMY NIFRAS Staff Writer The 2018 flu season has statistically been the worst in recent years, with many Americans dying from the virus nationwide. Compared to past seasons, this year’s flu virus is a strain with an irregular resilience to the current vaccine, which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) says is only 36 percent The Republican effective. Tax Plan Widens As of February 2018, 97 children nationwide have died the Wealth Gap from the flu, and 48 states altogether have experienced widespread cases. pg. 2 The main culprit behind this recent epidemic is the This year’s flu season has led to many deaths across the country. // U.S. Air Force photo/ H3N2 influenza strain, which Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson is known to cause a strong reaction in the body’s immune going around simultaneously. current vaccine is not nearly the deadly epidemic may be system, and can even lead to Typically, the A strain as effective as in past years, slowing down. severe breathing problems and dominates earlier in the season skipping the shot is a risk you According to the CDC, inflammation of the lungs. before B takes over later on, shouldn’t want to take. deaths relating to pneumonia These cases may prove but the presence of both the A More ways to avoid and influenza fell nearly to be deadly if medical care and B influenza strains creates contracting the flu are 9.5 percent in the week of is not received quickly. The a highly problematic situation frequently washing your hands, February 3 compared to the H3N2 strain notably caused for many Americans at risk. coughing or sneezing into your previous week, and flu-related problems for many Australians So the question remains: elbows, avoiding sick people hospitalizations have steadily during their winter season in how can one prevent getting around you and cleaning your decreased in recent weeks. 2017. sick? work/study environments on a Despite these facts, you To make matters worse, The most obvious method regular basis. should still take certain this flu season has both of flu prevention is getting Although all of this precautions to make sure you influenza A and B strains vaccinated. Although this sounds scary, there’s evidence don’t get infected. Let’s Talk About DACA and its Effects on Immigrant Youth Feminism FARAH ALHABLAWI pg. 4 Contributing Writer In June 2012, the Obama DACA, and plans to slowly coming into the United States In June of last year, many administration introduced get rid of the policy are being illegally as children would be right-leaning states, such as the Deferred Action for implemented by the Trump protected from deportation for Texas and Arkansas threatened Childhood Arrivals (DACA). administration. some time. to sue the Trump administration This immigration policy According to DACA As of September unless steps were taken to end protected those who came into terms, those who can apply 2017, President Trump has DACA before the end of the the United States illegally as must have come to the United ended DACA, meaning the year. minors and were in jeopardy States before their 16th administration will not be Many senators and of being deported. The policy birthday and were under 31 accepting new applications, advisors felt that helping also made these immigrants years of age as of 2007. and those protected by DACA undocumented immigrants eligible for a work permit. Applicants must also will start losing their status find jobs, and protecting them DACA gives those who have a high school diploma or and work permits come March from deportation hurts the applied for an extended permit equivalent. These requirements 5, 2018. “America First” agenda that a renewable two-year period of make approximately 1.7 While March is the the Trump administration has deferred action. This deferred million people eligible, deadline, it was in September promised. action does not grant legal including many Bergen that the program ended. The Trump so far has used status, but means the applicants Community College students. six month period was meant the ending of DACA and have an indefinite delay on The policy came to life to give Congress time to come the amount of people it has The Benefits of their deportation. on June 15, 2012 when the up with a permanent solution protected as leverage to build Over 800,000 immigrant Office of Homeland Security for the immigrants living here the wall on the Mexican border. Travelling Abroad youths are protected by announced that certain people illegally. pg. 12

Powerful Players for Potential FIFA World Team? pg. 14 Protest in response to plans to phase out DACA in New York City on September 9, 2017. // Wikimedia Commons 2 News THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 NEWS Bergen’s Intercultural Conversation Partners FARAH ALHABLAWI Contributing Writer Coming out of your shell is always students, they really feel good about the speaking and listening. volunteer as they are always welcome difficult, even more so when you don’t experience. It pushes them out of their “Practice with native speakers and wanted. speak the same language as many of comfort zone,” said Professor Costa means they are going to build their Students will get a richer learning your peers and the people surrounding The program was started over confidence.” experience with cultures as it is done you. five years ago by Professor Lieb and The program usually takes place firsthand by speaking, and will gain This is the case for many of Professor Costa. It was meant “for ESL Tuesday through Thursday from credentials that look very good on a Bergen’s ESL students. That’s where students to give them practice in English 11:00 to 2:00 in the English Learning college transcript. the Intercultural Conversation Partners conversation with native speakers” said Resource Center. Program comes in. Professor Lieb, who is in charge of ESL Students are encouraged to The Intercultural Conversation Partners, or ICP program for short, pairs a native English speaker with a student who has English as a second language and is currently learning it. It helps the ESL student get a better grasp on the language since they are focusing on grammar in class. They learn more about American culture, slang and a more natural form of speaking as they are hearing it in a relaxed environment. Overall, it helps create a more friendly and culturally accepting atmosphere around Bergen, as it pushes people out of their comfort zone. It gets students talking to individuals they normally wouldn’t talk to because of the language barrier. The conversation partners get a whole new way to look at the world, learn about other cultures while helping the Bergen community, make new friends, improve their hearing skills and earn service learning credit from the college. Most volunteers initially think they would be too nervous to do well as conversation partners. However, as they get to talking and acquaint themselves with their partner a little more, they find it to be a very rewarding experience. “Many times students are nervous or hesitant at first, but when they see how much they help the international An ESL student and their conversation partner. // Professor Pongracz Republican Tax Plan Widens Wealth Gap OWEN MCCLOSKEY Copy Editor The news of the new tax plan, which passed over two months ago, has been completely shrouded by recent events. In the wake of the Parkland shooting, a gun-control debate needs to take precedence, but we must not let it distract us from the fiscal policies spearheaded by our Republican- controlled Congress. The passing of the tax plan seemed like a win for Congressional Republicans, who promised higher wages and cuts for the middle class. In an interview with NPR’s Steve Inskeep, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan argued that the average family would get an average tax break of over $1,000. However, this is not the case. Lily Batchelder of NYU looked over the Joint Committee of Taxation’s review of the plan, and noticed that nearly 100 million American households would get either no tax break, or actually pay more income tax. This is in a stark contrast to the corporate tax rate, which is cut from 35 percent to a measly 21 percent . Many Republicans would argue that the lowering of a corporate tax rate // whitehouse.gov would make the American market more competitive, thus drawing corporations past five years’ 87,000. taxation. The GOP wants to keep the make life harder for most Americans, back to the U.S. economy — but data So why cull the corporate rate? Estate Tax, which taxes 2 in 1,000 and they have already passed it, right from the U.S. Department of Labor’s It seems that it has done nothing for American households, of whom make under our noses. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) increasing business and has given less a very significant amount of income. Program found that since Trump took tax breaks to middle-class families. The Republican Tax Plan is going office in 2017, more than 93,000 jobs In fact, families with large estates to put more money in the pockets of moved overseas, a slight increase of the will see a significant decrease in wealthy individuals and is going to VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH News 3 Apple Slows Down Phones PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor Apple is common all around It is possible that iOS may manage people who went to different courts office after a consumer advocacy group the world now, but there are many the the maximum performance of some and denounced that Apple slowed down filed a complaint regarding the iPhone problems going on with their phones. systems dynamically, and this includes their phone without their permission. slowdown. Some people who were using iPhones the CPU and GPU, which will prevent Apple and its subsidiary were sued There was a law in Paris in which last year complained that their device unexpected shutdowns. by the advocacy group in South Korea. the lifespan of products could be would shut down suddenly even though There may be other types of There was a suit in which more than deliberately shortened that will allow there was still battery power left. problems with older batteries, including 120 people joined, and it seeked $2.2 consumers to buy new ones. A letter was published by Apple screen dimming, lower maximum million won in damages per plaintiff. A lot of students at Bergen apologizing for the misunderstanding speaker volumes and camera flashes. There was also a complaint that Community College have different of older iPhones being slow and When a lot of people thought that was filed by a group that included reactions on iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and wanting to make battery replacements Apple slowed down their iPhones, this prosecutors. There was then an iPhone 7. cheaper. Starting in late January news was a big data point confirming investigation launched by the police, Volodymyr Kucher had the iPhone through December 2018, the company that for Apple. which was being overseen by the 5 for two years and he thought it was is offering customers with an iPhone 6s Some other countries also prosecutor’s intellectual property amazing. or higher battery replacements for $29. complained that Apple slowed down crime unit. “iPhone 7 has better upgrades such According to an article from The their phones. According to CNN, in In Paris, there was an inquiry that as the camera and headphones. During Verge, “Apple Apologizes for iPhone the United States there were about 30 was opened by the public’s prosecutor’s the summer, iPhone 7 gets overheated Slowdown Drama,” Apple will offer and turns up. The screen of the iPhone $29 battery replacements, and they are 7 could also break easily because also promising to add features to iOS. iPhone 5 was dropped twenty times It will provide more information and it never broke,” said Kucher. about the battery health, and will debut Yessica Mejia thinks that there is in early 2018. When iPhones first no difference between iPhone 6 and came out a decade ago, Apple said that iPhone 7. batteries did not have to be changed, “Sometimes the screen would but now there is a significant change freeze on the iPhone 6. Downloading toward iPhone batteries. the apps and the screen seems to be Most iPhone owners believed that faster on the iPhone 7,” Mejia said. Apple slowed down older phones to Destinee Silva had the iPhone 6 for drive new sales. As the iPhone 6, 6S, SE a year, and the battery kept dying. and 7 got older, they had much slower “I got a new battery for $84.00 and peak performance, so the battery was within a month it was having the same then not able to provide as much power problem. When the iPhone 8 came out, to the processor. I got it right away and the battery lasted A year ago, an announcement was longer,” said Silva. made by the Apple company regarding Overall, it seems that Apple the change to performance associated slowed down customers’ iPhones with iOS 10.2.1. on purpose, yet they are trying to There were unexpected shutdowns redeem themselves by offering cheaper with repairs to problems of the iPhone replacement batteries. 6. It was then expected that older If customers say that their iPhones batteries could not provide enough are still going slow with the new power to the processor. battery provided, they should complain Apple thinks that it’s not the to the Apple company. They could also slow down of phones, but could be go to court and explain what’s causing with managing phone performance problems on their iPhones. to maximize the lifespan of iPhone batteries. // pixabay.com Demi Lovato to Give Free Therapy to Fans DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor Demi Lovato has a lot in store for Although some may argue that concert-goers this coming spring, when elementary school children shouldn’t she kicks off her Tell Me You Love Me be subject to the reality of mental Tour. She’s also planning something illness, others will note that mental else for fans - free therapy before the illness doesn’t discriminate with age. show. “This should start at any early age - Lovato spoke with Robin Roberts as early as a child can begin to provide on Good Morning America in late any care for themselves,” Dlugos said. January about her upcoming tour, Noting that this varies from child which starts on February 26 in San to child, Dlugos believes introducing Diego, CA. During her interview, she the topic at an elementary school level revealed that she’ll be giving back to is a good start but feels “we need to be her fans in a big way. lifelong learners in this area.” The Grammy-nominated singer Lovato has been an advocate for will be offering free therapy, speeches mental health since 2011 after being and wellness workshops preceding her diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and concert. suffering from depression, an eating This isn’t the first time she has disorder, self-harm and the aftermath offered these services. In 2016, Lovato of years of bullying. teamed up with CAST Centers for the Talking to Robin on January 24 Future Now Tour, her shared tour with Lovato said, “I think that it’s important Nick Jonas, to precede the concert with for me to use my voice for more than the same counseling. just singing.” Bergen Community College The singer and activist has Professor of Philosophy Peter Dlugos been more than open about her own believes that Lovato’s involvement in diagnosis with bipolar disorder and an mental health awareness is extremely eating disorder. beneficial. Lovato’s newest album, “Tell Me You Love Me” reached the top 10 in many “I just know how important it is to “There is still so much stigma countries including the United States.// Wikimedia Commons use my platform to help others and to surrounding mental health problems, share my story in hopes that it inspires and as a consequence, we tend to avoid Professor Dlugos shared a statistic care of themselves.” people to either get into recovery or learning about them and acknowledging that “20 percent of all Americans have Aside from the offered counseling better themselves. Whatever it is, I just them in our own lives,” Dlugos said. a diagnosable mental health problem.” and workshops, which are not want people to know they’re not alone “She is not just talking about the He also shared that in some mandatory but are encouraged, the and I’m here for them,” Lovato said. issue, she is going a step further and estimates, “this number doubles when singer shared that there will be speakers She told Roberts that the stigma of actually providing the services,” he it comes to late teens and young adults.” from all over the world and booths mental illness needs to be broken. continued This lack of communication about where charities will be raising money Professor Dlugos offers meditation However, Lovato isn’t just helping mental illness and the importance of for different international issues. practice every Thursday from 12:30- her fans to recognize their struggles, caring for oneself affects what Dlugos Lovato described it to Roberts as an 1:15pm in C-315. she is also helping them to recognize mentions as “mental health literacy.” “incredible, very moving and inspiring Demi Lovato’s Tell Me You Love the struggles of others: their family, Lovato is working to normalize the experience.” Me Tour kicks off on February 26 in friends, classmates and neighbors. conversation of mental illness and raise When considering the range of San Diego with guests DJ Khaled and But why is it important for students awareness of these problems. ages Lovato attracts, one wonders what Kehlani. to be subject to the benefits of therapy By doing so, Dlugos said this could age young adults should begin being and wellness? “get people started on the path to taking taught about self-care. 4 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6| MARCH 2018

OPINIONSThe Torch The Torch THE TORCH, a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Let’s Talk About Feminism College Media Association, is the LESHAY JONES official student newspaper of Bergen Editor-In-Chief Community College. The purpose of THE TORCH is to report on the events I am going to be shouldn’t feel uncomfortable then he is a feminist. “I wouldn’t only because at BCC and the local community, and completely honest here. I have walking down the street past Now, I said that women of tradition. In Spanish to offer the BCC community a forum for not always been a feminist a group of men catcalling. I want to be equal in most, culture, the men propose,” expression. The opinions expressed and I did not even know what shouldn’t be objectified. aspects, and I cannot stress BCC student Natalie Rosario in THE TORCH are not neccessarily it really meant until about two With that being said, as this enough. said. those of THE TORCH. All the materials years ago. a feminist, it is important to Most, if not all, women What about when it submitted to THE TORCH become Yes, I said it. There were take into consideration that, want to be equal to men comes to bills? Should the property of THE TORCH. times when I would claim to believe it or not, these things when is comes to pay, job man be responsible for the be a feminist and I didn’t fully happen to men, too. I am more opportunities and so on. for most of the bills, while LESHAY JONES Editor-In-Chief understand what it meant. than willing to admit that However, there are some the woman takes care of the I used to just think, “I’m a many women do objectify traditions and stereotypes that housework? ADRIANNA CARABALLO woman. Feminists are women. men. women carry with them. I had a debate with my Co-Editor Therefore, I am a feminist.” Another common One example would older sister a few months ago However, I quickly misconception is that men be marriage proposals. about this situation. To her, OWEN MCCLOSKEY learned that this syllogism of cannot be feminists, which I Traditionally, men propose the man should be responsible Copy Editor mine was very flawed. I had believe is complete nonsense. to women, and though there for the mortgage while she a vague idea of the concept of The goal is for women and are some cases where the takes care of some of the DERRIAN DOUGLAS feminism. men to be equal in most roles are reversed, it is very smaller bills and housework, News Editor According to the aspects, and if a man supports rare. Would women at BCC such as cooking and cleaning. dictionary, feminism is “the this idea and is an advocate, YOO RA KIM propose to a man? I, on the other hand, Features Editor advocacy of women’s rights completely disagree. When on the basis of the equality of you are living with someone, PURNASREE SAHA the sexes.” and when you are married, it Sports Editor It seems simple enough, is a partnership. Everything right? Women should be should be equal. CHARLIE LEPPERT equal! We want equal pay! Let’s come up with a Layout Editor We can be CEOs, doctors and compromise to split the presidents, too! expenses evenly. Whoever AMANDA BARANDAS However, I learned over gets home first cooks dinner, Online Editor the years that feminism is or let’s cook dinner together.

ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT much deeper than that. Not I feel like if women want Ad Manager all feminists are men-hating equality, it has to be in every crazy women. Feminism is sense of the word. We can’t EDRIEL FIMBRES not just about equality for want to be equal in some Photo Editor women; it’s equality for all of areas and not in others. the sexes. Feminism does not have PROF. LEW WHEATON So, yes, women want to be a negative thing. We can Advisor equal pay, we want to be all strive so that we are equal Corrections recognized for our hard in all aspects of the word The Torch strives for the highest work, we want to rid of the no matter our gender, race, journalistic standards and accuracy. stereotypes of women in the ethnicity or whatever else you Readers are encouraged to contact kitchen and, most of all, we can think of. us if they find any mistakes in any want respect. At the end of the day, edition of the Torch I shouldn’t be afraid to we are all human and we all walk home at night with the deserve to be treated with the Editorial. and fear of being assaulted. I // unsplash.com same respect. Opinion Pieces As an open public forum, The Torch welcomes guest opinion pieces and letters to the editor from any member of the Bergen Community College community. Materials should be More Security at Bergen submitted to [email protected] or delivered to The Torch office, SC-111. TIFFANY MARIE VELEZ Such submissions must include Contributing Writer the writer’s name, contact informa- tion and affiliation with the college. On Valentine’s Day, a land, several halls and many Students should include their major; day dedicated to spreading students and teachers. Police faculty and staff should include love, the news broke across presence is on-site, but more campus title or position. Opinion the nation that the eighteenth needs to be done. Prevention pieces are limited to 600 words and school shooting of the year for tomorrow will make for a letters to the editor to 200 words. The occured in Parkland, Florida. better today. Torch reserves the right to edit and to “Congress needs to According to Everytown refuse publication of any submission. do more,” said Melissa for Gun Safety, a movement Falkowski, a teacher at dedicated to fighting for The Torch offices are located Marjory Stoneman Douglas reforms on gun violence, in Room SC-111D, High School, “not only do seven children and teens (age 400 Paramus Road we need stricter gun laws, we 19 or under) are killed with Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 need more security on school guns in the U.S. on an average 201.493.5006/5007 campuses.” day. [email protected] There are more mass There’s always a routine shootings in the world today that follows after a school than Kylie Jenner lip kits. shooting: thoughts and Gone are the days of being condolences are given to the innocent and naive for victims’ families from across children. the world, the government Sadly enough, safety isn’t stays silent and refuse to promised anywhere, so hug mention guns but will bring your loved ones and tell them up mental health. how much you love them After a few days, less while you have them. conversations are had about Taxes should be taken the tragedy and nothing ever out of every person’s pay in changes. the United States to provide American schools should students with a safer and more be a safe haven for students secure campus. and teachers. Something needs to be // pixabay.com There’s so much work that done! The same security used needs to be done to reach that to board a plane should be College, as soon as a student in. point, but as a country we are enforced in schools. Guns walks in, they should be Metal detectors should eager to see that happen. and knives are not on the 2nd required to scan their student be implemented in the After all, the United grade school supplies list. IDs, and if they bring a guest, school. Bergen has a fairly States of America is home of At Bergen Community they should have to be signed big campus with lots of the free and land of the brave. VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 5 Safe Spaces: A Blessing or a Blight?

Safe spaces are inhabiting college campuses. Are they beneficial or detrimental to students? // pixabay.com

DAVID JOO Contributing Writer According to Merriam-Webster, Why must students, professors Is it not ironic, then, that these to students who wish to cover their a safe space is “a place (as on a and faculty members be silenced in an places promote against the very eyes from reality. college campus) intended to be environment where the core concept ideologies of colleges and universities: After those four or more years end free of bias, conflict, criticism or of that place is to enrich, educate and academic freedom and learning? in college and a student has to take the potentially threatening actions, ideas express ideas and opinions? Considering that a majority first step into the working world, how or conversations.” Why must one side be subjected to of enrolled college students are resilient and mature will one be if one While some have lauded the being suppressed while the other side between the ages of 18 to 24, how are spent time seeking escape rather than concept, there are others who abhor has the authority to do so? students supposed to transition from stepping forward onto new ground? it. I stand on the side of the latter, Essentially, colleges, universities adolescence to adulthood if they block While I may not be in the because the concept of a safe space on and other academic institutes that out the very knowledge and lessons position to make a statement to college a college campus is not only immature, condone the creations of “safe spaces” that would help them mature? authorities, I heavily implore, as a but also detrimental to a student’s are allowing students to sit in a day- Dealing with situations, patience college student and as a person living college education and transition from care center with the only difference and open-mindedness are vital skills amidst a confused and constantly adolescence to adulthood. being that this one requires one to pay in the workforce that can only be changing generation: abolish safe I feel that the University of up to numbers as high as $40,000 to cultivated by involving oneself in an spaces from colleges and universities. Chicago worded my stance best in $60,000 every year. environment that tests those abilities. Give students the tools to progress its letter to its incoming U.C. Class I am not against the concept of Learning and evolving to create intellectually and maturely through of 2020 stating, “Our commitment support groups. They are necessary one’s own “safe spaces” is a skill that situations, not sanctuaries that will to academic freedom means that in the incessant torrents of life. I am will further students’ learning and only limit students’ drives to manifest. we do not support so-called ‘trigger not against the idea of finding peace maturity as they leave college and Do not silence voices merely for the warnings,’ we do not cancel invited and comfort from friends, family enter the working world. fact that they sing different tunes to speakers because their topics might members, professional help or even Rather than creating safe spaces, others. prove controversial, and we do not solitude. would it not be more beneficial for Show students worlds outside condone the creation of intellectual However, I do have a problem students to attend counseling sessions of the ones they live in and let them ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can when academic institutions cater to where they learn life skills and habits explore and inhabit them. retreat from ideas and perspectives at students and create “safe spaces” for that they could incorporate into It is your responsibility, as odds with their own.” them in order to shield them from the their daily lives in order to face and educators, to give students the In short, the letter is stating that, in harsh realities of life or from differing overcome adversities? necessary tools to create a more an academic environment, knowledge opinions and ideas. Whether it be a matter of sexual civilized and more educated world. should not be suppressed by those who How does the creation of safe identity, gender identity, religion, world feel that the content may be deemed spaces advocate for the growth and views or something else, safe spaces “controversial”. development of students? will be more harmful than beneficial

ONE OF THE TOP 25 COLLEGES NATIONALLY WHERE GRADUATES CAN EARN Connect To: SIX-FIGURE A Higher Salary SALARIES njit.edu/visit - Money Magazine 6 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6| MARCH 2018 Technology Takes Over Kids and Affects Toys R Us KAYLEE ALZAMORA Staff Writer Do you remember growing up 5-year-old niece’s Back-to-School and going to the store to play with the night for kindergarten and having to toys? Or maybe when your parents hear the principal tell the parents to went to the store to get something and make their kids leave their cell phones you saw the toy section, you would run at home because it was a distraction in to it and say, “5 minutes please, I’ll be class. quick?” Who doesn’t remember a time At 5-years-old I was thinking when toys were all the rage? about the newest Barbie at the store, That’s something I remember with not the newest cell phone on the rack. clarity; watching all the infomercials It’s sad to see how kids at such on TV just to see what the latest toy a young age become so reliant on was. Or waiting for the weekend to technology that they don’t get to come around to get the newest Toys experience the real world. The only R Us booklet just to see what was in childhood they have is based off a it and circle my favorite things to add screen. And because of this, stores to my list for when Christmas or my like Toys R Us are being forced to birthday came around. close because kids aren’t having that Those are things that many “let’s go to Toys R Us to look at the kids nowadays don’t really get to new toys” craze anymore. Rather it’s experience, and probably never will. “let’s go to Apple to look at the newest Toys R Us, one of the most well- phones.” known toy stores amongst adults and Toys R Us closing down. // flickr.com Whether or not you’re a parent kids of all ages, filed for bankruptcy of young kids, you have probably back in September of 2017 and is now feel old when I say it, but seeing how wearing makeup” stories, but they’re heard a younger kid say “that was in closing down 182 of their locations things are in this generation, I really great stories you can now tell. your time, you’re so old school.” We nationwide, including 14 in New York do believe that those were the golden We didn’t have as many things even do it to our parents nowadays, and 12 in New Jersey. days. that kids in this generation have now but when it comes to this generation This is devastating for many I can say that I spent more time and we survived. And quite frankly, versus ours it means a whole lot more people- adults and children - because outside enjoying everything around me they were better and easier times. because there was a huge leap of this was a place where adults would than inside stuck on technology. If things had to be said they were improvement and advancement. go and buy their gifts for kids and Growing up, cellphones really said face to face and not behind a It’s sad to see that these kids never where kids could have their “I’m in weren’t a thing, and if you had one you screen, we actually talked to one really got to experience everything we toy heaven” experience. Although not had a flip-phone which you can call another rather than just sending a text did growing up and see how you didn’t all locations are closing down, it will from and at most send a simple text, with a bunch cute emojis to have a need all the latest technology to have make it harder to find one close by for and we were fine. We had landlines conversation. fun. All you needed was a ball and some people. where we would get our calls from, This is why stores like Toys R great group of friends, and you were Hearing this just adds to the huge brick-sized computers that Us are closing down, because kids set. realism of how the generation took ages to load and barely had any nowadays would rather be behind Technology is great, don’t get is changing, and how the newer storage. a screen playing games, watching me wrong, but when it’s used for generation is losing all that fun Back then, we didn’t have the videos, listening to music, etc. than go advancement not backtracking. interactive stuff that our generation ability to log on to our computers, outside and get some fresh air. These kids shouldn’t have to feel had. It seems that kids are turning go on Netflix and watch the movies Not too long ago, I went back to so reliant on their devices that they to technology more and more for that we wanted.You had to go to the the place where I grew up. A place can’t move forward or live without entertainment. store and rent the movie for a certain where when I was young, was a buzz them. They are the newer generation, It’s sad to see how the newer amount of time and then return it. We of joy and laughter of kids playing the ones that will keep moving generation spends their time opposed didn’t have YouTube, where we could outside, catching fireflies at night. But forward and bettering the world. to how we spent ours. look up how to do things or watch hair now, it was nothing but isolated front But how do expect them to make I was born at the very end of the or makeup tutorials. yards and an empty park. this world a better place when we are 90’s, but I still got to experience what This is why many women have Not only that, but back in depriving them from the real world it was like to play with toys and go those horrible “when I first started September I remember going to my and sticking them in a virtual one? outside and play with other kids. I Music as a Commodity OWEN MCCLOSKEY Copy Editor I’m a musician, I play piano, worths of hundreds of millions. records, this is the sole source of harder due to the fact that recording sing, write songs and I listen to a However, this is no longer the income for artists. is not cheap by any standard (it can lot of music. From McCoy Tyner case. When was the last time you You might be thinking, “But cost $125 for a day in the studio), and to Radiohead to Anderson .paak, I bought a song or an album? When was artists aren’t doing so badly! Taylor without an influx of album sales, it is love all types of music and nothing the last time you actually paid $8 to Swift has a net worth of 230 million nearly impossible to make any money else gives me a warmer feeling than buy a combination of songs by your dollars!” writing a full studio album. listening to a perfect song. favorite artist? The truth is, Taylor Swift has This brings me to my next point. I’ve recorded two studio albums The truth is, streaming providers probably billions of plays cumulatively How often have you listened through and I’ve spent years practicing, playing like Apple Music and Spotify are throughout her discography, but if she a full album? For a while, most artists shows and learning music, but my slaughtering the music industry. were selling albums, she would make have gained popularity and money interest in music has since subsided. Artists make money through a lot more money. through one hit song. Recently, I’ve taken an interest streaming services per play, meaning Big artists like Drake and Taylor Every artist has one song that most in journalistic writing and editing, that Spotify nor Apple Music actually Swift make most of their money people want to listen to. If you think because the music industry is no pay the artists anything but their per- touring, selling merchandise and doing of Drake, you think “Started From the longer merit-based, nor is it talent- play streaming salary. advertisement deals. The money is Bottom.” If you think of The Killers, based. An artist makes (literally) less simply completely diminished on the you think “When You Were Young.” An increase in technology has than one cent per play on a streaming topic of album sales. Many people just stream one song brought a newfound necessity for service, and because nobody buys Startup musicians have it much from artists, which diminishes their instant gratification, and I believe this revenue flow. Most artists only make is reflected directly in all types of money off of one song, and it used to media, not just music. be that people would buy the entire However, this is not going to be album to listen to that song. an opinion piece that chimes “all new However, now that streaming music is trash” over and over again. services have taken the forefront, Rather, I’d like to inform the average having only one single is detrimental reader or music listener on how to the whole business. After all, who being a musician has changed in the can make their money from the plays Information Era. from one song? Technology has changed the music Technology hasn’t all been bad industry drastically, and it is the sole when it comes to music. It has helped factor in why musicians are losing artists create amazing sounds, beats,] money. and songs. From the 1940s all the way up to It has expedited the recording the early 2000s, most musicians made process. However, streaming services their money through record sales. If have absolutely dismantled the you wanted to listen to a song, you had industry, and artists are finding it very to buy a full CD, and the artist you difficult to make money doing what purchased the CD from would make a they love. large percentage of the sale. Music is dying, so please, if there For decades, this is how musicians is an artist you want to support, buy made their money, it’s why artists such their album instead of streaming it. as Paul McCartney and Diddy have net // maxpixel.com VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 7 Irish Dance is Still Irish - Just Add Sparkle KATY TEMPLE Staff Writer What began as simple to ensure that they grab every judges’ with. gymnasium. dresses, curled hair and traditional attention for enough time for them This rightfully sparked outrage As for choreography, basics are choreography, has evolved into to be given a high placement. What from the community, as Merideth still the most important thing. Turned costumes encrusted with crystals, wigs better way to stand out than with a strictly focuses on the surface level out feet, crossed legs, elevated heels accessorized with tiaras, and tricks glitzy dress and big hair? No one of competition, without a basic and straight knees, are an absolute that are designed to walk the line wants to be washed out or invisible knowledge of what goes into it. necessity, as they were in traditional between impressive and unsafe. on stage, so that’s where tan legs and There’s nothing traditionally Irish times. Competitive Irish dance has makeup come into play. about Swarovski crystals and orange But, as dancers get better, taken a new form that incorporates Fionola Merideth of the Belfast legs, but the idea and general style of choreography gets harder. Jumps just as much performance as it does Telegraph published an article entitled, dresses- long sleeved and short with get higher, footwork gets trickier, athleticism, and people on the outside “Vulgarity of Irish Dancing Culture a high neck and triangular skirt- has rhythm gets louder and dancers work are skeptical. Takes Away From the Terrific Talent remained untouched. on performance just as much as they The community often faces on Stage” in which Merideth compares The emphasis on legs and leg work on their steps. criticism for the pageantry aspect of young dancers to drag queens, and muscle has stayed in tact; it just so The main question that dancers the sport. What people don’t see is questions the traditional roots that happens that judges can’t see pale always have for the individuals who how these costumes and other norms Irish dance has supposedly lost touch legs on a lit up stage the size of a wish to undermine their passion within the sport have become dire remains the same; if a football player necessities given the circumstances has a helmet, a soccer player has under which dancers are competing cleats, ballerinas have their costumes with. and actors have their makeup, why is At competitions, dancers are Irish dance subjected to such criticism on stage with at least one other when other athletes are essentially dancer, sometimes two. At major doing the same thing? competitions like the regional, national That “thing” being using the and international championships, equipment they need in order to be the stages are large and elevated with best athlete they can be. hundreds of lights pointed directly at Dresses, wigs, makeup and tanner competitors. all seem like superficial things that Five judges sit below, taking take away from traditional Irish up the entire width of the stage, culture, but the fact that Irish dance and cameras are often broadcasting has evolved into a more mainstream competitions on monitors to ensure sport is something to be proud of in that the audience can see. and of itself. With that kind of stage on that After an unimaginable lengthy high level of competition, there’s no time of oppression of Irish culture in doubt that every dancer competing has America and in Ireland, it’s a breath the skill and technique to be the best. of fresh air to see the modernization When that happens, it comes down and pure existence of Irish dance stay to who can hold the judges attention relevant. the longest. If a dancer has perfect These competitors are dancing on technique with beautiful choreography, an olympic level, and preserving the but goes unnoticed by the judges, her Dancers in the 21-23 year old age group at the All Ireland Championships in Killarney Ireland compete to qualify for the 2018 World Championships in culture of Ireland while doing so, just technique doesn’t matter. with a little more sparkle. Dancers have all of two minutes Glasgow Scotland. // Katy Temple We Need To Talk About Suicide KARISSA ROSEN Contributing Writer No one ever likes to address the “From 1999 through 2014, the age-adjusted suicide rate husband in Brooklyn. elephant in the room, but we need Ms. Jackson said, “being clean to talk. We need to talk more about in the United States increased 24% from 10.5 to 13.0 four years and going to therapy has suicide and how it’s an epidemic not been a lifesaver. The man who saved only throughout our country, but per 100,000 population...” my life that night and brought me to throughout the world. - the National Center for Health Statistics the hospital is now my fiancé and he Suicide is a choice with a taught me how to live, love and work permanent and disheartening ending; lives could’ve been the ones to cure eventually found herself on the streets hard. I see my boys every week and not only for the ones who choose that cancer or the next all-star basketball with her son. She would leave him on I love my job. God has truly blessed path, but for the family and friends players, but we will never know a street corner with a blanket while me and has given me a second chance. who are deeply affected by such a because they didn’t know that they she went around prostituting herself To anyone who is suffering out there, tragedy. had someone out there to simply listen for money, drugs and food. know that you are not alone in this Life is tough and we all hit rock to them. After seven months of world. Reach out, it’s okay to ask for bottom, but we all need to realize and Suicide is not something new, but working the street corners in New help. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s reassure one another that it’ll pass, and it’s something that is, unfortunately, York, she ended up pregnant with her not okay to end your life because that that life is already too short as it is. becoming more and more prominent second son. She lived in a shelter until isn’t up to you to decide.” According to the National Center amongst people. There are hundreds she had her second son and ended up Ms. Jackson, a 27-year-old mother for Health Statistic, “from 1999 of thousands of suicide attempt stories getting clean in her first trimester. of two with such a horrific past is now through 2014, the age-adjusted suicide and you’re about to read one of them. Once her second son was born she a happily engaged strong woman with rate in the United States increased Ms. Jackson, a 27-year-old began job hunting and had realistic a story. 24%, from 10.5 to 13.0 per 100,000 mother of two, is a former drug addict goals in mind like renting a room and Ms. Jackson’s story is just one population...” and the rate is still and prostitute on the cold harsh streets saving up to buy a car. She applied to of thousands but she truly represents rising. in the Bronx. eight different bodega jobs and didn’t hope, and and the thought that with Suicide is the 10th leading cause Ms. Jackson was born and raised land one of them. willpower and someone who cares, a of death in the United States of in the Bronx and lived her whole Ms. Jackson said that was the tragic ending could be a happily ever America. Just about 45,000 Americans childhood under the poverty line lowest point in her life. She couldn’t after. commit suicide annually, and for every with no father figure in her life. Her seem to find a way to pull herself out Everyone deserves a happily ever attempt, there are 25 deaths. mother was the one who essentially of this deep, dark pit. after. Keep in mind nothing is perfect, That means on average there introduced her to heroin when she was After three weeks of endless job but no one should ever have to feel are around 123 people who commit at the young age of 16. hunting and no luck, she went back to like death is greater than living life. suicide per day on U.S. soil. Ms. Jackson had four brothers and her old ways of shooting up dope and No one should ever feel like they’re That’s 123 deaths per day that one sister, two of her brothers died prostituting. all alone in this world, because they’re could’ve and can be potentially from drug overdoses and her sister has She would leave her sons at a not. stopped, which is why we all need to been and still is serving a 20-year jail church in the Bronx and go out at No one should ever have to get talk. sentence for possession of narcotics, night to get high and make money. The to the point of even thinking about All one needs to do is reach possession of illegal firearms and drugs covered up all the pain she held suicide, and we as a human race can out, listen and respond. Make sure another charge which Ms. Jackson inside until one night the pain was just prevent this awful mindset and tragic everyone that crosses your path knows refused to mention. too unbearable to handle anymore. endings by simply reaching out to one that they aren’t alone in this world. The struggle, loss and heartbreak She bought $60 worth of heroin another. From depressed middle school in Ms. Jackson’s life lead her down a and decided to shoot up as much as Dig deep,listen, show you care kids with their whole lives ahead of road of drug abuse and prostitution. she could until she passed out. The and be a shoulder to cry on because them to veterans with major PTSD, She saw her own mother shoot up next thing Ms. Jackson remembers is everyone needs that and no one needs no act of suicide is justified and we almost every day throughout her waking up in a hospital two days later. to die before it’s their God-given time. shouldn’t just block it out because it’s childhood and even though she knew Ms. Jackson overdosed and nearly Talking, we all do it every day, so real, and it’s happening too frequently. it was wrong and ugly, she decided to died. all we need to do is talk more about Since 2016, death by suicide has start shooting up as well at the age of Fast forward five years later, the subject of suicide. rapidly increased from ages 15 to 85. nineteen. she has been clean for four years, has By simply being there for someone The increases in deaths are decreases She moved around from house to both of her sons in her life, has a job and raising awareness, we can change in our future as a whole. house with different boyfriends who at a local dry-cleaning store and rents the world one step at a time. We need These people who have taken their were addicted to drugs as well, and an apartment with her soon-to-be to talk, and we need to start right now. 8 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6| MARCH 2018

FEATURESThe Torch BCC Greenhouse: A Hidden Gem LIZBETH LAGE Contributing Writer When you hear the word plants, you of the school. immediately think about the old tree in Every student at BCC is required front of your house or those things you to take a natural science course to water to keep alive and green. graduate, and while many enjoy the Aside from the aesthetic traditional Biology lecture, many environment that plants establish, many others don’t and Bergen’s Horticulture people are unaware of the beneficial Departments offer students a people factors of growing and handling plants, plant relationship class Botany course not just in their homes but as well as in that satisfies a natural science course. their workplace. The class is taught by professor Dr. In a world where some live only Fischer and Dr. Birnback as a natural on a dollar a day, so much produce science class on Campus that provides and fruits become in demand and two professors in the classroom at without the branches of agriculture and the same time, a psychologist and a horticulture, it would not be possible to horticulturist. supply. As Dr. Birnback, Psychology If you didn’t know it already, professor stated, “you get a science that horticulture is the science of cultivating is practical for everyday behavior”. and handling vegetables, fruits, nuts, This is a course that redefines flowers and ornamentals. interdisciplinary skills for people and Bergen Community College offers teaches you how to be a person. a Horticulture program, ranging in During the spring semester, the a variety of classes. The horticulture greenhouse at Ender Hall located in program began 40 years ago alongside room E-186 hosts an annual spring Dr. Fischer, a Botany professor. orchid sale and Herb sale where Over the course of four decades, students and staff members are the Horticulture department located allowed to hand pick from a number of at Ender Hall has provided students beautifully healthy and pocket friendly a state of the art computer controlled plants. greenhouse on campus that has given The Horticulture Department students the opportunity of hands The Greenhouse welcomes visitors to stroll for a look inside. // Edriel Fim- has been super beneficial for Bergen on labor with floral design, botany, bres Community College the past 40 years, landscaping, etc. that not only has serving as a fundraiser and laboratory enriched the minds of the students but house a collection of plants for both students, it stands out for its weekly for classes. provided the hands on experience that Botany and Horticulture classes, and to participation in providing the school While you’re at Ender Hall, Dr. has helped many find jobs straight out provide the school a source of plants. with numerous arrangements for Fischer permits students to visit the of BCC. While the Horticulture department different events held on campus and greenhouse with the guidance of The Greenhouse on campus was offers a number of classes for its source of plants for the interior decor Landscape technician Garrett Planten installed to serve two purposes; to and student Interns located at E-186. The Name of This Generation KAROLINE SANTOS SOUZA Contributing Writer The action of naming a generation a brand like Apple? Others believe started years ago when people identified the government should stop naming members from the same family by individuals as if they are objects. knowing their last name. The problem with the name and After that, the use of naming a ages go deeper than this. generation was associated with a social We are living in a century where contest, where the government could people do not want to be treated as have more control over the civilization. numbers or labels anymore. We are The word “generation” includes not a mere letter. We are not after individuals who were born around the something and we are definitely not same time, or individuals that passed defined by a technology company. through the same situations and tend to This generation is changing have some particular similarities. opinions, stereotypes, standards For example, being a Baby Boomer and politics. These individuals are meant that you were born between expanding communication, breaking 1946 and 1964, during the Civil Rights chains and opening borders. Movement in the United States. We are the generation that no Countries can usually have longer accepts the rights and wrongs different names for each generation, of society. We do not accept disrespect, based on what this group of people racism, sexism, homophobia or other have in common. types of discrimination. In the United States, we have We want to destroy walls, not build around 10 generations names, starting them. in 1890 to present day. We want to see people being The most recent generation, known whatever they want to be, doing what as Generation Z, is comprised by those they love, going where they want to. We who were born between 1990 and want to see them being happy. We want 2000. However, neither the name nor to use the technology in the best way to the year of this generation is official in bring people together. America. The government can still try to Our generation is a big question define us, stamp our skin and label our “Speech iS power: Speech iS to perSuade, to convert, to compel.” ~ ralph waldo emerSon mark for sociologists, scientists and nation. But we are not going to change. Competition: April 12, 2018; Pitkin Education Center, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. even the government. This group of We are the change. The world is far young adults is associated with internet, from being a good place to live, but we Final Round: April 26, 2018; Room C-211, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m social media, technology and much are the generation that wants to alter Awards Ceremony: April 26, 2018; Room C-211, 5:00 p.m. more tolerance. that. Our generation does not have an Institutions can call us whatever all currently enrolled students are invited to present a official name yet, but some speculations they want to, but we do not have to six-minute informative or persuasive speech. are being made. For instance, the term accept this name because we do not Students are encouraged to discuss contemporary issues of significance. ‘millennials’ has been thrown around have only one name, we do not have For more information or to register, please visit www.bergen.edu/speechcompetition or A-336 in person. for a while. one face, one body, one language and The deadline for registration is April 1. For general inquiries, please contact Kathleen Williams at [email protected]. The letter Z came about because one culture. the two earlier generations were Gen Even though we were born in X and Gen Y, or Millennials. But not the same time period, we are not one everyone has agreed with these names. person and we never will be. We are a Some people call this generation generation, but we will not be one with iGen, which is nonsense; why should a label. Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Division of Humanities and the Department of Communication a whole nation be associated with VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 |MARCH 2018 THE TORCH Features 9 JCPenney Casualty of Online Shopping PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor JCPenney has closed down 138 reaction toward online shopping. could sell free items and I feel excited gifts and most products such as clothing, locations, and closed on March 10, “Whenever I need something, I for the closing sale at JCPenney” said accessories and shoes online. JCPenney 2018 at Westfield Garden State Plaza would go to JCPenney and see the Vonlenger. was busy during Black Friday weekend after sixty years. department store. I feel that it’s a loss Maitte Lugo saw on Facebook that because customers wanted to get a ten- The company will try to help to retail since a lot of people shopped JCPenney is closing down, where her dollar coupon, so the line was so long, roughly 160 employees find work there. Online shopping depends on mother would always go shopping for that it went outside of the door. outside of JCPenney. what I need,” said Daneiah Nasser, a the sales. Before JCPenney closes down, it According to the New Jersey writing tutor at BCC. “ I feel a little upset because there will probably be extremely busy due to website, like most brick-and-mortar Brenda Vonlenger used to shop at were good deals and it was a good store the promotions that will be offered, so stores, JCPenney has been hurt by JCPenney as a child with her mother for men, women, babies and household if a customer needs anything, just order online competition, especially from and there were a lot of brands that she stuff. JCPenney should come back online instead of feeling stressed by Wal-Mart Inc. and Amazon Inc. could choose from. because I do online shopping for standing on a long line. In 2014, JC Penney began closing “Online shopping has its parts. clothes sometimes” said Lugo. stores nationwide. The company Some companies, such as Sephora, It is easier for customers to purchase announced that it has plans to close down 31 more stores across the country. Retail stores are going out of business because online shopping is easier than in-store shopping. According to the article, “Online Shopping Has Exploded Is Taking Down Retail—Here’s How You Benefit,” from the capitalism website (www.capitalism.com), 50 percent of the 1200 malls across the US are expected to close by 2023 and 1200 retail storefronts are expected to close in 2018 alone. The explosion of online sales allows customers to shop easily. Customers have an in-depth understanding of their goals, fears, frustrations and desires. Shoppers know their products and why it’s better to buy from one outlet instead of a competitor. Online shopping provides friendly and competent support and continues to expand. This is changing e-commerce for the better. Convenience is important for customers; they don’t have to wait on long lines, especially during the holidays when parking is also a huge issue. Online merchants offer discounts, promotions and rebates. Free shipping is becoming more common, and gifts can be sent directly to friends and family no matter where they live. Shopping online rids of the temptation to spend more money at a mall, restaurant or a fast food place. Many students at BCC offered different opinions on their feelings about JCPenney closing and their // flickr.com We May Be Living in a Simulation ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager Life and consciousness are two and computers are evident in our of the biggest mysteries that humans processes. Like computers, humans have yet to figure out completely. All have memory, can transmit and receive we know is that we were born into data and have electrical signals. this world with almost no guarantee of Computers have antivirus, humans MEET AND GREET BERGEN SALON knowing where it all came from. have an immune system. HONORS FACULTY & STUDENTS III Science tells us that everything If humans are in a simulation, it WHEN & WHERE: came into existence after the Big Bang. might also explain why intelligent life 12:30PM - 1:30PM A CONVERSATION ABOUT The Big Bang Theory states that the on other planets in our solar system *STUDENT CENTER COMMUNICATION universe was so hot and dense that it have yet to be found. COMPETENCE LED BY expanded violently. The end game of The Fermi Paradox states that our DR. KATHLEEN WILLIAMS LECTURE BY this theory is when the entire universe own galaxy could be traversed by an SEAN WILENTZ (READINGS AVAILABLE is so spread out and cold, it will be alien race in only a matter of a few PROFESSOR OF HISTORY IN ROOM S-347) lifeless and end in the Big Freeze. million years. This number seems big, AT PRINCETON AND A way to avoid such a catastrophe but compared to the age of the universe, THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHER — or delay it significantly — would be which is almost 14 billion years, it’s OF BOB DYLAN WHEN & WHERE: to put consciousness into a quantum quite a short amount of time. WHEN & WHERE: 12:30PM - 1:30PM computer. Yes, this sounds like In the Milky Way Galaxy alone, 12:30PM - 1:30PM *ROOM C-313 something you would read in a science there are billions of stars and around WEST HALL, ROOM W-226 fiction novel, but considering the fact 100 billion planets. The probability that that we aren’t undoubtedly sure about one of these planets have intelligent life our existence, it could be possible. that could pursue interstellar travel are Think about virtual reality, or high, yet humans have never came into VISIT TO 8TH ANNUAL JKW SCHOOL OF games so realistic that it matches contact with any. RAMAPO COLLEGE HONORS CONFERENCE what we see in base reality. This It might seem strange to credit could fool anyone into thinking the simulation theory for this, but as ATTEND RAMAPO'S HONORS CONFERENCE BEGINS simulation is real; granted, they have a humans in an expansive universe, all CONFERENCE & TRANSFER AT 8:30AM. PANEL consciousness. Man could theoretically we can do is keep coming up with WORKSHOP. CONTACT PRESENTATION OF make this possible with more advanced answers that lead to more questions. [email protected] FOR STUDENT PAPERS FROM technology. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and TRANSPORTATION DETAILS. 9:00AM TO 12:15PM. LUNCH AND PRESENTATIONS To get to this point, mankind Tesla believes that there is a billion to FROM 12:30PM TO 2:00PM. would have to be much more advanced one chance we are in a simulation. This WHEN & WHERE: in computing and technological theory is growing in popularity, but WHERE: 2:30PM - 6:00PM knowledge. Computers are getting still needs to be proven. The argument ROOM C-313 RAMAPO COLLEGE smarter and the limit of a computers is based off of human potential. potential knowledge is likely unlimited Technology might be so flawless so long as they have humans to keep in the future that we might be able to *LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. using them. simulate ourselves, but this raises the The similarities between humans question, did we already? 10 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018

CONTINUE ON YOUR TRACK TOWARDS A HIGHER DEGREE AT A LOWER COST. BCC+FDU Bergen Community College and Fairleigh Dickinson University are partnering to offer you a more affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. Graduate with your associate’s degree from BCC, and you will be eligible to transfer to a FDU bachelor’s program at a significant tuition reduction. BCC-FDU Scholars Program benefits include:

40% tuition reduction for undergraduate Additional grants may be available programs, which may also be applicable for resident students, NJSTARS and to some master’s degrees at FDU students graduating with a 3.0+ GPA

Questions? Visit Almida Hernandez, FDU’s on-site advisor, Monday-Friday at the Pitkin Education Center, Room A126-b [email protected] or [email protected] 201-493-4088

LEARN MORE fdu.edu/bcc VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH Features 11 Mental Health Help: Hope in Medicine KARISSA ROSEN Contributing Writer Prescribed medications were Around 43.8 million adults in the scientifically created for multiple United States alone experience some reasons; like depression, anxiety, type of mental health issue annually, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ADD that’s just about one in every five grown and many more mental health disorders. Americans. Many people nowadays are against Not just adults, but one in five taking medication, but little do they children ages 13 to 18 will experience know that most people need medication severe mental health issues at any given to simply stay sane and survive. point in their lives and unfortunately, Not everyone needs medication, it’s becoming more and more common some might resort to medical among the youth. marijuana, mediation, praying or other If those numbers don’t trigger forms of “healing,” but those who need something in your heart, I don’t know medication will continue to use it. what will. Prescribed medication can Often times, young adults or pre- and will help people deal with their teens who are prescribed medication day-to-day life and prevent tragedies. are embarrassed but, just like water, The lack of proper treatment costs medication can be an essential part of the U.S. about $193.2 billion every one’s life. year. Not only does our country lose It’s okay to not feel okay. Everyone billions of dollars annually, but we lose needs help at one point or another our friends, family and peers by the in their lives so mental health and thousands. prescribed medication are nothing to Every single day, 18 to 25 U.S. be ashamed of. veterans will take their own lives, and Brilliant and famous people more than 90 percent of children who have battled mental health issues commit suicide have a mental health for hundreds of years. Abraham disorder. Lincoln was diagnosed with clinical So many lives can be restored and depression and anxiety, yet he became saved by the simple task of going to a the sixteenth president of The United professional and getting prescribed the States of America. right medication. Vincent van Gogh, a Dutch painter Although medical marijuana, in the top five of the world’s most meditation, praying and other forms of famous painters was believed to have “healing” work, prescribed medication depression, bipolar disorder, epilepsy works as well and if one does need it, and schizophrenia yet he is in every it shouldn’t have to be an embarrassing single art history textbook and created task. amazing masterpieces. People with mental disorders, just Having a mental health disorder is like anyone else needs to be supported, not embarrassing nor should it prevent cared about and loved. Just because one from succeeding his or her full someone takes medication with their potential and goals. morning cup of coffee and you don’t, Mental illnesses are extremely does not mean you are superior to them. serious and should not be taken lightly. Never feel ashamed to seek out the Suicide and suicide attempts are one of proper treatment in order to feel okay the tragic events that stem from mental and live life like one is intended to do. health issues. // unspalsh.com A Different Kind of Pleasure in Technology LIZBETH LAGO Contributing Writer For many years now, technology has been at the forefront of many of the greatest discoveries in science. It has taken us on a ride through history’s greatest achievements that have shaped and changed the way we view and use technology, not just in the work environment but also in our everyday lives. Over 90 percent of Americans who own cellular devices fall into the 77 percent that own smartphones. 69 percent own televisions, and 77 percent own desktop computers or tablets, the other percent own idiosyncratic and strange technological devices. While Apple releases their new iPhone and Samsung releases their virtual reality consoles, companies like Realbotix have invented a sex robot that now provides the user a different kind of pleasure in technology. // flickr.com The cultural phenomenon in the world of technology derives from the past few years due to the fact that influence of society. While the influence the technology manufacturing has of selfies led companies to create tools increased over the past few years. like tripods, selfie sticks and drones in As it has been passed onto the order to obtain better quality selfies, hands of several manufacturers, the continued subjugation of women in Realbotix has gone beyond the norm in history has sadly brought evolution as technology and will even be releasing far as sex robots. an app that allows you to control the Realbotix released Harmony, an robot yourself as opposed to the buyer anthropomorphic invention whose performing all the work. main function is to perform sexual acts, As new technological as of January 2018. advancements like Harmony rise, the Although Harmony is considered a continued engineering of more sex sex robot, the piece of technology that robots will be placed on the pedestal of Christopher Trout exposed to the public technology. cannot function like a normal woman. While the prices do vary Some disadvantages of Harmony depending on the manufacturers and include her inability to walk, respond location, converted to American U.S. to any physical acts, or perform any dollars, Harmony ranges from $13,000 chores. to $14,000. The app will be released in Aside from Harmony, sex robots early April. have been on the come up for the 12 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 The Benefits of Traveling Abroad DERRIAN DOUGLAS News Editor It’s so easy to talk yourself out of yourself into another culture. into the curriculums of international As a potential employee with a traveling internationally when you’re But, you must remind yourself to schools. background in traveling and the ability young. think with an open mind even before By being sensitive to another to speak another language that is not You think you’ll have a lifetime to you arrive. country’s culture, you’ll gain a better your own, employers will be begging visit the Sistine Chapel, or see Big Ben BCC Professor Win Win Kyi is understanding of international affairs you to work for them. in person or take a canal tour through the daughter of a UN official; it is no and conflicts. This past winter break, I traveled Amsterdam. But your youth is actually surprise she travelled and lived abroad Traveling will most definitely teach to England by myself for three weeks. the perfect time to travel. for most of her life, and throughout her you more than that World History class I’ve wanted to go to England my whole During your youth, you’re still years of visiting other countries has ever did. life, and I decided a year ago that I was learning to navigate the world while realized that “the world, we are one.” Finally, having traveling experience going to transfer to a school in the UK simultaneously trying to find yourself. In her eyes, she believes that if is extremely appealing to employers. after leaving BCC. Deadlines are knocking at your door; every student went to another country Employers look for well-traveled As someone who has never traveled the uncertainty of your career path is with that same idea, they will be employees with an understanding of internationally, doing it for the first breathing down your neck. considerate of the culture with which international affairs and business. time alone was a huge test for me. Even though traveling may seem they’re experiencing. You get bonus points for knowing I wondered how I’d learn the tube like a foolish way to utilize your time You also need to have a sense of more than just your native language as system, how I’d navigate myself around while needing to make such crucial cultural sensitivity. well. the bustling streets of London and if I’d decisions, you’ll find that traveling is Wherever you are traveling, be No matter what field you wish to go make it obvious that I was a tourist. able to teach you something nothing aware of the cultural norms of that into, employers enjoy having someone I was hoping to prove to myself else ever could. community. Understand why they do who has witnessed the customs of other that when I got into a school abroad, I The most obvious benefit is that what they do, dress the way they do, countries because you will mostly would be able to hold my own. I didn’t traveling internationally will uproot speak the way they do, hold the roles likely need to travel at least once no understand how much I’d gain before you from your comfort zone. that they do. matter what your job description is. leaving. Students are so accustomed to their In high school, American students Globalization is a large part of a Traveling from the north of regular routine that they rarely venture are rarely taught of international news company’s expansion, especially now England to the south was the most eye- out to experience something new and and affairs, whereas American history in a world that is so technologically- opening experience of my life. I proved different. and current affairs are embedded driven. my independence while learning about Your ability to navigate yourself a place that I thought was so similar to around a foreign country will bring you my native country. a new sense of confidence in yourself. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Amparo Codding, a BCC England is unlike anything I could International Student Counselor have imagined. I came back with open and Study Abroad Advisor, says it’s head-space, a broader understanding important to travel because “you need of international cultures - England is to learn how to resolve problems on a massive melting pot, rich in different your own.” ethnicities - and the confidence in While abroad, you’ll be faced with myself that I knew would stick with everything from different languages, me for a lifetime, whether I ended up to street signs, to public transportation studying abroad or not. schedules, and you’ll be forced to A month after returning from navigate yourself through those England, I got accepted to Cardiff obstacles. University in Wales, UK. I can’t wait When you’ve overcome that hurdle, to become a Cardiff University Dragon you will learn to appreciate the cuisine, this fall. the mannerisms, the norms and the When I spoke to both Professor lessons of the country you’re visiting. Codding and Professor Kyi, they both Embrace the discomfort. Explore the advised that students “be the observer, unknown. not the observed.” Have you ever heard of the saying, With that advice, I encourage “open mind, open heart?” everyone to venture out of their comfort This isn’t just a yoga mantra, people. zone, observe the locals, ask questions, This is a traveling mantra as well. One be curious. of the greatest benefits of traveling Radcliffe Camera in Oxford, England. Many scenes of the Harry Potter fran- Dive into the beauty of the internationally is the open-mindedness chise were filmed in Oxford. It’s quite a magical place. // Wikimedia Com- unknown, you won’t regret it. you return with from immersing mons Fifty Shades of Predictability YOO RA KIM Features Editor Fifty Shades Freed was incredibly The main appeal of watching an compliment Jamie Dornan for his predictable and hilariously overdone in erotic film such as Fifty Shades Freed exceptional figure. His toned back terms of the sex scenes. are obviously the dramatic sex scenes. muscles and rippling torso are on I tried to view the film with an open Let’s not kid ourselves. That’s why display for a substantial portion of the mind, seeing as I already watched the people line up at the theater and pay film, which I have no qualms about. first film and half of the second one. money to go see these kinds of things. The scene starts off innocently The Fifty Shades of Grey series There is a particular scene enough, with Ana teasing her husband is known for its overtly sexual and where Ana and Christian are racing with spoonfuls of ice cream. Then BDSM-themed plotline. I knew I was through the streets of Seattle because things start escalating fast, ice cream about to witness a ton of cliche scenes it is revealed that the couple is being going in places where ice cream isn’t when the movie started off at Ana and followed by an unknown person. intended to go. Christian’s wedding. When Ana finally manages to They ultimately end up going full Before I begin to dissect the film, dodge the stalker, she parks in a random throttle on the kitchen table, and this let me enlighten those of you who may parking lot with her husband sitting in scene might make you lose your sweet not be familiar with the Fifty Shades the passenger seat. tooth for a while. movies. She proceeds to go over to the The movie didn’t strictly focus on They are essentially about a young, passenger side and let’s just say things sex, there is also some action involved. brooding billionaire named Christian got hot and heavy in the most uncanny Ana’s former boss, Jack Hyde, is out on Grey with a traumatic past. He meets manner. bail and is back for revenge. a woman named Anastasia Steele (Ana Maybe it’s the fact that they had a He takes Christian’s sister as for short) who is the definition of docile near-death experience that made them hostage so that Ana will show up and shy. so worked up, who knows. Either way, without backup. Without giving Their fates intertwine when Ana this movie confirmed that just about away the ending, there is an intense has to go interview Christian in the anything can get Ana and Christian in showdown at the end of the film that place of her close friend. Once Ana the mood. Even a high-speed car chase only bolsters the couple’s love for each meets Christian, her life takes a kinky in the middle of the day. other. turn when she realizes that the man There was another scene where If you’re looking for something she is fond of actively partakes in the Christian takes Ana and a few others that will make you laugh and cringe BDSM lifestyle. to his house in Aspen. They go for a all at the same time, then Fifty Shades BDSM stands for bondage, // flickr.com short vacation and, from a cinematic Freed is the movie for you. discipline (or domination), sadism and viewpoint, to provide a different locale. Jamie Dornan’s unchanging stoic expression and Dakota Johnson’s poor masochism. From there, the pair’s Ana is wearing a typical white gown, During the Aspen trip, Ana finds unusual and unrealistic romance takes that she cannot sleep at night so she acting skills definitely make the movie- Christian is wearing a regular suit, and watching experience less enjoyable but off. the two exchange vows as if they are finds comfort in a pint of ice cream. The first scene at Ana and Christian just so happens to stroll if you don’t want to watch something a normal couple. However, as the film too serious, I would recommend this Christian’s wedding was sweet, but goes on, they prove to be anything but. into the kitchen without a shirt on. presents the viewer with nothing new. Cue the eye roll. Although, I will film. VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH Features 13

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Register Now: drew.edu/bcctransfer 14 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6| MARCH 2018 Korea United at 2018 Olympic Games ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager Olympic fans from around the from Kim Jong-Un to show the rest of world were excited to finally witness the world the power and unity of North North Korea and South Korea compete Korea. together as one team in the 2018 Winter If this is the case, South Korean Olympics. president Moon Jae-in would rather Despite the fact that most North combine teams for the games in his Koreans were able to view the own country and let North Korea flex competition, South Korea spent around their muscles in order to have a peaceful $2.5 million so that North Korean 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Olympians could participate. According to BusinessInsider, Combined, both nations had 35 in an exclusive interview with Suki competitors for only one event — ice Kim, a Korean-American writer, who hockey. South Korea had 23 Olympians went undercover in North Korea, these compete, while North Korea only sent women did not volunteer to cheer on over 12. the Korean Olympic team. The unified women’s ice hockey “They’ve been chosen because team lost to every team in the the regime put some selection criteria, preliminary round, and finished which has to do with young age, bottom of the table, unable to make a looking pretty, whatever they consider, quarterfinal appearance. from a good family, having loyalty to While this isn’t the first time the party and of a certain height, about North Korea has been in the Winter 5-foot-3 at least,” said Kim. Olympics, it is a first for the regime to She then went on to compare the partner up with its neighboring country selection process of these “army of in the competition. beauties” to a beauty contest. An interesting showing by North The women are not even in the Korean “cheerleaders” was displayed beauty industry, in fact most of them as the women all wore the same clothes are young students who just happened and were synchronizing the movement to fit the specific criteria made by the of the flags to near perfection. regime. This could be a political move // Wikimedia Commons Vince McMahon Revives the XFL Powerful Players for the Potential FIFA World Team? PURNASREE SAHA Sports Editor Between June 14 and July 15, the Thiago Silva and Neymar. 2018 Fédération Internationale de Luan, who was an olympic gold Football Association (FIFA) World medallist at Rio 2016, has since focused Cup will take place in Russia. 32 squads his efforts for the World Cup series in from around the globe will compete in Russia. At age 18, he started to enjoy football’s most notable competition. sports and desired a future in football. According to the article “Revealed: According to the article “Luan: When all 32 World Cup 2018 Squads We’ve Got Every Chance of Winning will be Announced” from the Goal The Trophy” from the fifa website(fifa. website (goal.com), 20 teams will com), there was a competition that Luan make back-to-back appearances; and had a memory of and it was helping this includes the reigning champions Brazil climb to the top of the podium from Germany. This is the first World and then earn the gold metal. This was Cup in which Iceland and Panama are considered to be surprising, because competing. Brazil never won the gold medal in the Rafa Marquez, a Mexican Olympics. defender, qualified for Mexico during After earning the gold medal in the Confederations Cup last summer 2016, Luan was considered to be the and then entered the World Cup best in 2017 by collecting the award for tournament for Russia 2018. the tournament’s most valuable player. According to the article, “Mexico’s A year later, Luan received a Rafa Marquez, 39, still targeting World runners-up medal that appeared during Vince McMahon CEO of WWE, and co-founder of the XFL. // Wikimedia Cup amid legal issues.” the FIFA World Cup. With all the effort Commons According to ESPN, Marquez and hard work that Brazil showed was accused by the U.S. Treasury during the game, Luan thinks that his STEPHEN MIGNANELLI Department on August 9 for links to team will win the trophy. Staff Writer drug trafficking, which he has since Toni Kroos, a German player, leads The XFL is returning after a decline, there could be an audience for denied. Marquez has since changed the team’s midfield position. While he 19-year absence. In 2020, Vince the XFL. his focus from soccer to fighting the was in high school he was better than McMahon, the co-creator of the XFL, McMahon doesn’t want the XFL to charges. He viewed himself playing on any of the boys who played soccer. is bringing the league back. be involved in politics. the national team and visualized that it Today at 28 years he is still an amazing The original XFL was a league “As far as our league is concerned, was going to be important to his career. player and is part of the team going to owned by the WWF and NBC, in 2002, it will have nothing to do with politics Coach Tite of the Brazil the World Cup. when the original league debuted and and nothing to do with social issues,” team announced the fifteen starting Kylian Mbappe, a French player the ratings were very strong. said McMahon. players of the team. According to the who is eighteen years old was According to Ronald Blum of ABC In the current political climate article, “Brazil Coach Tite Reveals 15 considered to be a talented player Sports, “the XFL debut game was this could dissuade some players from players of his World Cup” from the in the FIFA World Cup. During the watched by 54 million people.” joining the XFL. For a new league in ESPN website (espn.com), Tite took UEFA Champions League last season, Ratings after the debut game a sport struggling to retain viewership, the unusual step in an interview with Mbappe scored six goals. declined fast, and the league ended they shouldn’t be narrowing the pool of UOL Esporte, revealing a partial squad These talented people are hoping after one unsuccessful season. potential players. led by four players from Paris Saint- to succeed by making it to the final This new version of the XFL will The pool of potential XFL players Germain: Daniel Alves, Marquinhos, game and winning the trophy. be owned by Vince McMahon’s new was again narrowed by McMahon. company, Alpha Entertainment. The “If you have a DUI, you will not reinvisioned XFL will begin during play in the XFL,” said McMahon. the spring of 2020 and will have eight According to USA Today, as of teams. February 11, “881 NFL players have During the announcement event, been arrested since 2000.” McMahon said, “We’re going to give While most of those players have the game of football back to fans.” retired, there are still plenty of active He didn’t specify how he is giving players that have arrest records. When football back to the fans. starting a new professional sports The market for the new XFL isn’t league, limiting the pool of players is entirely clear. The viewership for the risky. NFL has been trending downward for It should be very interesting to see years now. how the league preforms in 2020. The In an article from Sports Illustrated, original league was unsuccessful, and writer Richard Deitsch said, “When it with the NFL’s ratings declining in comes to viewership: The numbers are recent years, it’s hard to see the new heading in the wrong direction.” XFL being successful. With NFL viewership on the Who qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup so far? // whitecapsfc.com VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 THE TORCH Sports 15 Chief Wahoo No More! Are There More To Follow? JELSON MONTERO Staff Writer The Cleveland Indians have The term “redskin” is a slang word recently made news around the baseball that inappropriately represents Native world, announcing that the team will Americans because of their use of paint no longer wear the Chief Wahoo logo on their faces. or sell team merchandise that has the The question remains to why it has chief logo printed on it. taken so long for this football team to The Cleveland Indians have been change their name, but it seems that the around since 1915, and have always Cleveland Indians actions to eliminate worn the Wahoo logo on their caps and their Chief Wahoo logo will impact the jerseys. decision for the Washington Redskins. Not to the surprise of many, the Many students at Bergen logo will finally be discontinued from Community College feel that the use in 2019 because of the offensive Cleveland Indians made the right meaning it has behind it. choice by taking action. The logo is a caricature of a Mariah Calvano, who is a student painted red face that is suppose to in her first semester at BCC said, “ I represent the team name, which is the don’t know much about sports, but I do Cleveland Indians. However, with great know that this was long overdue. The push back from Native Americans and team logo was offensive and should sports fans, the logo has been classified have been taken down years ago. as a stereotypical mark on Native Hopefully other teams or schools with Americans. offensive names can think about the The elimination of the Chief impact they have.” Wahoo logo can have a huge impact Erimir Vargas, a student in his on other sports teams and universities fourth semester at BCC said, “ It’s with offensive team names or logos. surprising that it took so long for the In fact, the Washington Redskins logo to be eliminated. Having a logo and Florida State Seminoles have two that has a painted face and certain color of the most offensive team names and to portray a race or group of people is logos towards Native Americans. simply wrong.” The Florida State Seminoles The Cleveland Indians are the first football team acquired their name from to take action; however there can be the Seminole tribe that originated from more to come. Florida. The Washington Redskins and Although the Seminoles have tried Florida State Seminoles are now on the to honor the tribe and stay away from clock and have an easy choice to make offensive terms, their mascot does not from the eyes of students, sports fans seem to grasp the concept. and Native Americans. The Seminole mascot rides around The decision made by the Cleveland on a horse with white and red paint // flickr.com Indians should not only impact those around his face portraying a Native teams, but any other team or school American from the Seminole Tribe. what the type of initiative the university had a long lasting battle with the public across the country with an offensive The University’s mascot remains takes. and Native Americans regarding their name and logo attached to them. offensive, and it would remain to see The Washington Redskins have team name. Overwatch League Stage 1 Closes, Shanghai Dragons Sign First Female Player

Overwatch, Poznań Game Arena, Poznań 2016 // Wikimedia Commons

NICHOLAS CONTRERAS Contributing Writer in 2016, Geguri’s performance with Blizzard Entertainment’s latest success in sales, but also large eSports spectators and analysts expected team not only a non ‘meta’ character at the gaming phenomenon, Overwatch, is organizations like Cloud 9 and Team roster changes and announcements in time, but ability overall was so good a purely online team-based FPS that Solomid beginning to form rosters, the downtime before the competition she was accused of hacking and using draws elements from other genres. signing prominent and in-game ranked would commence to Stage 2 on third-party services to give herself an Launched in 2016, Overwatch has Top 500 players to compete, the February 21st. Unexpectedly, but advantage. The claims, however, were had a meteoric rise in popularity since, Overwatch team themselves formed a receiving much praise and positive very quickly found to be false, and hosting 35 million players online daily, Blizzard-sponsored competitive league. reaction, the Shanghai Dragons signed her accusers even resigning their pro- according to Blizzard Entertainment. Composed of the best players Kim “Geguri” Se-Yeon into their team. careers in shame after. With previous promotional of every respective server region Geguri (both her ingame Much of the excitement around hype, constant content updates on top (many who formerly competed for moniker and social media username) is her introduction into the Overwatch of an incredibly well-done base game eSports organizations prior), the a South Korean professional player who league is due in part to her unbelievable to always better the overall experience, Overwatch League is made up of 12 originally competed for a minor team skill, her triumph over false accusations the Activision-owned company clearly city-based teams that battle for in-game called UW Artisan, has consistently following her debut into a pro circuit designed the title to take the gaming dominance over a course of several topped in the Korea region’s rankings, and more simply because she’ll not only community by storm and to keep them games of varying game modes. which is nearly a league in itself and be the first female competitor in the engaged for as long as possible. As the five-week Stage 1 whose incredibly technical ability even Overwatch League, but a professionally A competitive scene was came to a close on February 10th became a point of controversy. signed female competitor in the realm inevitable. Seeing not only its global with a victory for the London Spitfire, When Overwatch first launched of eSports. 16 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 26 ISSUE 6 | MARCH 2018 The Torch

BergenSPORTS Wrestling Update ROBERT C. MCDERMOTT Ad Manager The Bergen Community College wrestling team competed in the NJCAA Championship at Council Bluffs, Iowa. Anthony Romero qualified at 133 pounds during the National Championship and went 1-2. The team is looking solid this year with a variety of competitions already finished that took place in many locations. The team currently has six athletes on the roster. This is a small, but tightly knit group of players who consider each other family. Wrestling coach Chris Disanto believes the athletes are driven with the will to succeed. “Bergen has a long tradition of wrestling. The program has been around for over 25 years. Each year has to ups and downs pertaining to the roster. We are a community school, so kids aren’t here to specifically wrestle. The kids that do wrestle have been committed to the sport during their years at Bergen and after they Anthony Romero with Coach DiSanto. // bergenccbulldogs.com graduated from Bergen. We as coaches do our best to make practices fun as Coach DiSanto stresses the of the team. The team does not have a outside of training. well as have a serious attitude during importance of conditioning and special diet, but are encouraged to eat the season,” said Disanto. technique as the most important aspects healthy foods and have daily workouts 2018 MLB Season Predictions STEPHEN MIGNANELLI Staff Writer With every Major League Baseball National League. The NL West had team currently in spring training, it’s three of the five teams make the time to predict the season. playoffs in 2017. Last season concluded with the The Dodgers won the division and Houston Astros winning their first the Diamondbacks and Rockies played World Series against the Los Angeles in the wild card game and this could Dodgers. Both the Astros and Dodgers easily happen again. could make it back to the World Series, The San Francisco Giants have but teams in their divisions have made trades for Andrew McCutchen improved. and Evan Longoria, which makes them The Astros will probably win the another possible playoff team from the American League West. The Angels NL West. are the most improved team in the AL The National League Central got West and pose the biggest threat to better this offseason. The Chicago the Astros. They signed highly touted Cubs added Japanese ace Yu Darvish. Japanese hitter and pitcher Shohei The Milwaukee Brewers added Otani. He helps solidify their offense Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich, and pitching staff. The Angels should two of the best outfielders in baseball. be in the AL wild card hunt this coming While the Cubs have dominated September. the NL Central since 2015, the Brewers The next division is the American and the always playoff relevant St. League Central. The AL Central is a Louis Cardinals could also win the very weak division. division. The Cleveland Indians are probably If the Cubs do win the division, the going to win the AL Central. They had Brewers and Cardinals have a chance of the best record in the American League taking one of the two wild card spots. last season with 102 wins. The final division to predict is the The second best team in the central National League East. The Nationals was the Minnesota Twins, a team that won the division the past two seasons was 17 games behind the Indians in the and have a good chance of repeating in division. The Indians didn’t make any 2018. major roster changes during the winter, The Braves, Marlins and Phillies but they are still a very good team. are still rebuilding, but the Mets have a The American League East will Chase Utley in the batter’s box during spring training. // Wikimedia Com- chance at winning the NL East. be the most competitive division in the mons With the Mets, it all depends AL this season. The division has three on the health of their pitchers. Noah teams that could make the playoffs. improved their team though. The National League will be much Syndergaard and Jacob DeGrom are The Boston Red Sox, New York The Yankees and Red Sox have more competitive in 2018. While the regarded as two of the best pitchers in Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays one of the oldest rivalries in American American League has teams that the sport. could all win the AL East. professional sports, and the team that dominate their divisions, the NL teams If they can stay healthy and the The Red Sox won the division last doesn’t win the division will have a are closer together in the standings. offense preforms, they have a good year, and could repeat winning the really good chance of playing in the The National League West is chance of winning the division or the division. The Yankees have drastically wild card game. the best example of the competitive wildcard. JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D