“Truth, No Matter The Cost”

Vol. 27... No. 3 TORCHBCC.COM NOVEMBER 2018 Blue Wave Ripples Through Suburbia Featured KATY TEMPLE Features Editor Articles: two particular races that ended Rumors of the “blue with upsets left the country wave” were running rampant disappointed and worried. A Veteran’s Tale throughout the country in the Beto O’Rourke (D) ran months leading to the 2018 against incumbent senator midterm elections. As polls Ted Cruz (R) and lost by 2.6 were closing and ballots were percent. After his defense of counted, the entire country star athletes kneeling for the stayed glued to their televisions national anthem, O’Rourke to wait for the great blue picked up national exposure, wave. traction and became the DNC’s What looked like a ripple star candidate. on election day rose to a wave As someone who a week later, with Democrats supports the legalization flipping many seats from red of marijuana, opposes the Page 2 to blue and taking control of influence of corporate money the House for the first time in Washington and views since 2011. healthcare as a basic human Key races in Virginia’s right rather than a privilege, When You Give a second and seventh district O’Rourke encompasses indicate that suburban everything young people are Girl a Glock civilians who previously voted looking for in a politician. Republican have switched to While O’Rourke has a the blue side. Elaine Luria (D) national presence and Texas defeated the incumbent Scott // Wikimedia Commons Taylor (R) by about 6,000 swayed more blue than it has in votes in district 2. Similarly in the past, Cruz still managed to opportunities, enforcing gun- the first two Native American district 7, incumbent (R) Dave clench on to his Senate seat by safety and anti-discrimination women to serve in Congress Brat has conceded to Abigail the skin of his teeth despite his laws, reforming our criminal along with the first two Muslim Spanberger (D) by less than 2 past falters. justice system and providing women: Ilhan Omar (D) from percent. In Georgia, Stacey Abrams affordable health care were all Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib Of the seats up for grabs, had the opportunity to become topics of discussion throughout (D) from Michigan. This 35 had flipped from red to blue the first black female governor Abrams’ campaign trail. Even wasn’t just a win for minority by mid-November, with six in the United States. Abrams with Oprah’s endorsement, women, Colorado elected the races still not called. That’s the became the first woman to lead Brian Kemp (R) came out on very first openly gay governor, biggest Democratic gain since the Georgia General Assembly top with 50.3% of the vote. Jared Polis. the wave election that followed in 2010, and the first African- Despite a few major upsets, According to CBS, this was Watergate. These victories American to lead for Georgia in this midterm was a success the first year that the number were great, but weren’t nearly the House of Representatives. for women and minorities in of voters exceeded 100 million Page 5 as monumental as the DNC had Like O’Rourke, Abrams politics. For the first time, over at a midterm election. Analysts hoped, this is a step in the right ran a campaign focusing on 100 women have been elected now say that Democrats have direction towards the actual big ticket issues young people into congress. flipped 33 seats and will finish ‘The Hate U Give’ Review blue wave we may see in 2020. are eager to reform. Making Deb Haaland (D) in New with between 36 and 40. What Small victories are great, but housing more affordable, Mexico and Sharice Davids in looked like a ripple on election creating quality educational Kansas have been elected as day is now a definite wave. Hate Breeds Hate: A Holocaust Survivor’s Story Page 10 DANIEL CURRIER unaware that she was the sole Staff Writer survivor of her family. It is often said that by After many grueling refusing to learn from the months of hard labor in various ghosts of our past, we are camps, she was packed into a inadvertently doomed to repeat cattle car with other survivors. our mistakes. This is the In a last ditch effort to hide message that Trudy Album, the truth, the Schutzstaffel PTK and Honor’s a Holocaust survivor, was (soldiers employed by the Nazi conveying on October 30 in a party) lured many Jews to their College Spotlight walled off section of the Moses deaths with promises of hot Family Center at 10:30 a.m. food. She was a member of the “If we forget the past, then lucky few that did not leave the we will lose the future,” Trudy cattle car, and was rescued by emphasized. the American Army. Trudy spoke of her life She survived her ordeal before the German occupation. with the aid of good Samaritans along the way. She credits She was born in Czechoslovakia Trudy Album tells her story to fascinated students // Daniel Currier to Modern Orthodox parents. these people for her survival According to her account, her and survival of many others, in her town were ordered to chimneys were belching black including some of her friends childhood was peaceful and smoke, an orchestra was everyone lived in harmony. take their belongings and move and their mothers. to a ghetto. The next order always playing and, according She spoke of a physician Page 11 However, there were to Trudy, there were “skeletons rumors stirring in the early was the demanding of able- that saved her life by treating bodied men over the age of 15 wearing human skin” walking a sickness she developed while 1930s: rumors of what would about the camp. later be known as “The Night to be drafted into a segregated she was working. If she were Vegan Thanksgiving labor force known as the Werk It was at this point that to report to the infirmary, she of Broken Glass.” Rumors of she came face to face with Dr. Jews being shipped to ghettos Kommando. This was the last would have been killed and time Trudy saw her father. Mengele, the notorious “Angel it was through the power of arose as well, all of which of Death” who conducted would be proven to be true. Another order came in human compassion that she which led her and her family deadly human experiments was capable of telling her story. In their own time, the throughout the duration of the Wehrmacht cut their way to another ghetto, which she Trudy, currently 89 stayed in for two days. It was Holocaust. This was the last years old, looks back at her through Eastern Europe and time Trudy saw her mother, both into Trudy’s homeland. With at this point that she donned experiences and urges students the infamous Jewish star on sisters and her grandmother. to speak out against hatred. the new German occupation, She, along with several of her everything seemed peaceful at her clothing. Initially, she wore “If you see something, say it gladly, because she did not friends, were taken to Birkenau something,” she said. At first, first, but regulations were soon understand its significance at concentration camp. put in place, such as not being the time. Despite all this, Trudy still the students were aloof, but by able to own businesses and Later, she was sent had faith in humanity and God. the end they were a captivated jewelry. to Auschwitz, which she She promised herself, ”I would audience. By the Spring of 1944, that not be the only one who dies,” peace was broken. All the Jews described as frightening: Page 14 2 News THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 NEWS ‘Trump of the Tropics’ Assumes Power in Brazil Rohingya Refugees Sent Back To Myanmar Despite Persecution

OWEN McCLOSKEY Editor-In-Chief

The Rohingya are a group of displaced people who have lived in the Rakhine region of Myanmar for centuries. The ethnic group developed from tribes in parts of southeastern and southern Asia and have lived in the Rakhine for generations upon generations. However, the Rohingya – a predominantly Muslim group – are targets of persecution by the Buddhist- majority Burmese (Myanmar) government. In 2015, a group of researchers from the UK-based International State Crime Initiative reported “sporadic massacres” and “ghettoization” of the Rohingya people. After quelling the voting rights of the Rohingya people, the government of Myanmar responded to an attack by Rohingya militants with what has been reported by watchdog groups as “ethnic cleansing.” Military troops are systematically being sent into Rohingya neighborhoods, firing upon // Flickr.com men, women and children. government of Myanmar is targeting Muslims amongst Burmese laypeople. as a country recovering from a civil Surveys conducted by Médecins Muslims, as there is an enormous Despite all of this, the governments conflict of its own, its citizens feel Sans Frontières (MSF) in refugee distaste for Islam in a country that is of Bangladesh and Myanmar the need to turn to a scapegoat for the settlement camps in Bangladesh largely Buddhist. The demonization (Bangladesh has the largest Rohingya fundamental problems in Myanmar. estimated that at least 9,000 Rohingya of Muslims is a common trope in refugee population in the world, at If this deal goes through, hundreds died in Myanmar during the August Myanmar, and this has been exacerbated 655,500) have made a deal that will of thousands of refugees will be sent and September of 2017. Since then, the by a surprising factor: social media. repatriate the Rohingya refugees in back to a country that is currently number has increased to a staggering A Facebook post from a page Bangladesh. participating in the genocide of their 43,000 missing Rohingya who are controlled by the Myanmar army called The United Nations has issued people. presumed dead. the Rohingyas “subhuman” and said, a warning against this, stating that Many of the refugees in Bangladesh Despite this, the Myanmar “we need to destroy their race.” the conditions are inadequate for the believe they will be killed if they return government has reported an unlikely Facebook is enormous in Myanmar, Rohingya to go back to their home to their homeland. Despite this, plans estimate of 400 Rohingya dead since and is mainly used to spread anti- country. to repatriate 2,600 refugees are to be the beginning of the crisis. Rohingya sentiment. Because of this, The anti-Islam sentiment in the enacted this month. It is not surprising that the there has been an increased hatred of country of Myanmar is too great and, Bombed and Bound: A Veteran’s Tale I joined the army as a cook. I just PATRICK CAO had to to do something.” Staff Writer During his time in the army, Meli would serve his fellow men canned Between bombs booming in the ears corn beef, a small piece of bread, and, of innocent and malnourished children as he describes, a serving of “very scavenging the streets for crumbs, it is bland soup.” an average day in the life of Vincent The hunger made Malta a desperate Meli. and hostile place. While on a break Born in the small town of Sliema, with other soldiers, Meli was caught Vincent Meli was one of the many stealing figs from a local farmer’s tree. Maltese citizens who endured the The farmer came out and aimed his travesties that World War II unleashed shotgun at the soldiers, but lowered it upon them. when he saw that at end of the barrel, Due to Malta’s importance to there were just some scared kids who Britain’s offensive front, Axis Power looked like they were wasting away. air forces had attempted to resolve the “When he saw how skinny we issue through starving and bombing were, he put down his gun, and told us, the island and destroying significant ‘have whatever you want. Just ask, next ports, cities and Allied ships providing time.’” it with supplies. Their hunger would soon be “It was truly horrible,” Meli said. “I forgotten as a damaged oil tanker called remember one time when I was home the SS Ohio docked on Malta’s shores. as a boy, I was sleeping when another Due to several attacks from Axis fronts, set of bombs dropped. I’ll never forget the tanker sent from the U.S. was badly when that noise was heard. My family damaged as it carried supplies for the bolted out of the house in fear and Vincent Meli, 19, in his corporal cook uniform. suffering Maltese people. But despite my siblings yelled at me to wake up, its extensive destruction, it still made it ‘Vincent, Vincent, get up, get up!’ But “My Maria [Vincent’s wife] was shipments that would come to Malta’s to its targeted location and made Malta I tell you, I was so tired and was just younger than me. When I was already ports, many were left to starve. hopeful once more. so used to the sound that I went back in the army, she was still in school and “The hunger was the worst part of “That ship was a miracle. A true to sleep.” she would tell me that whenever there the war. Just seeing everybody become miracle. It didn’t solve all our problems Bombings were such a common was a bomb threat, they would just hide like railings and waste away was what but it sure as hell helped.” occurrence in Malta that children were under their desks.” true horror was. I mean, I came from Soon after the war, Meli moved to trained from an early age on how to But bombings were the least of a family filled with 10 siblings and to the U.S. to find opportunity and is now wear gas masks and act accordingly Malta’s troubles as each day, its people’s see them grow so thin killed me on the waiting to celebrate his 98th birthday whenever there was a bombing. plates started diminishing. Since the inside.” He then continues, “Since I this coming February. Axis Powers began bombing any was the oldest out of them, VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH News 3 ‘Trump of the Tropics’ Assumes Power in Brazil

KAROLINE SANTOS SOUZA Staff Writer

On Tuesday October 28, Brazil elected Jair Messias Bolsonaro as the 42nd president of the country with 55.1 percent of the votes while Fernando Haddad, Bolsonaro’s opponent from the Workers Party, got 44 percent of the votes. Bolsonaro won what is described as “the most violent election in the history of the country” after 94 percent of the votes were counted. Bolsonaro, from the Partido Social Liberal (PSL) or the Social Liberal Party, took the country out of the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) referring to the Workers Party, after 13 years of presidency with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, his successor. The new president started his victory speech by praying, thanking God and mentioning a passage in John 8:32 from the Bible which states, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” This was considered unfamiliar for a president since Brazil is considered to be a secular country. Jair Bolsonaro (on the left) and Fernando Haddad (on the right) // Wikimedia Commons This is the first time since 2003 Trump innumerable times for his gratitude towards his ancestors and not only for being from the Workers that Brazil is governed by a completely racist, homophobic and misogynistic how he would always be there for his Party, but also for his beliefs in a free different power. For most Brazilians, comments. He told a congresswoman country regardless of the elections country for different genders, religions this was the opportunity to take the she would not be raped because “she results. and political parties. Workers Party out of control after so doesn’t deserve it.” He’s also said “ His final words were related to not This year, the elections brought many years of crime and corruption. (he) would be incapable of loving a fearing the future. “We are together,” Brazil a scenario of polarity. The However, the election was also an homosexual son … (he) would prefer he said, “don’t fear because we are chaos took control over the situation opportunity for Bolsonaro to repress my son to die in an accident than show holding hands, be brave, life is built in minority groups such as the black up with a mustachioed​ man.” bravery.” and millions of Brazilians have been community, women and LGBTQ+ Their similarity is so notable that Haddad was the mayor of São left unsatisfied with the final decision. since he is a conservative person who Trump personally called Bolsonaro to Paulo, one of the biggest cities in the Right now, the only thing the nation favors traditional family values. congratulate him in his victory. world with 12.1 million residents. He can do is keep their eyes on the horizon Bolsonaro was compared to Donald Fernando Haddad talked about his was a strong opponent to Bolsonaro for a better future.

Saint Peter’s University Comes to You at the AT THE MEADOWLANDS Meadowlands Campus OPEN HOUSE Saturday, November 17 9:00 a.m.

Join us on Saturday, November 17th to learn about Saint Peter's University at the Meadowlands. Complete your bachelor's degree right here on the Lyndhurst Campus. We offer easy, generous transfer policies, terms starting every 8 weeks, multiple programs available and much more.

9:00 a.m. Check-in, Refreshments and Family Carnival 10:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions

RSVP (201) 761-7100 • SaintPeters.edu/Meadowlands 4 Opinions THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 OPINIONS Trump Administration The Torch THE TORCH, a member of the Attacks Legal Immigration Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association, is become citizens. However, this isn’t a Accessions Vital to the National OWEN McCLOSKEY the official student newspaper of Editor-In-Chief bad thing. Interest (MAVNI), and it made it When babies are born into the much easier for incoming immigrants Bergen Community College. The U.S. and granted citizenship, they are to apply for citizenship if they are purpose of THE TORCH is to report It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone obligated to pay federal income tax as interested in enlisting for the U.S. that President Trump’s administration is on the events at BCC and the local adults. Every U.S. citizen needs to pay military. However, in contrast to Bush’s community, and to offer the BCC clamping down on illegal immigration. income tax, and having a stimulus of policy, President Trump has made it Wall prototypes at the border, the birthright population would only mean much harder for immigrants to enlist. community a forum for expression. deployment of up to 15,000 troops to more tax revenue for the government. Trump’s administration has since The opinions expressed in THE the southern border of the U.S. and Most immigrant mothers have severely limited MAVNI, on the a harsh family separation policy are TORCH are not neccessarily those the plan of returning to their home grounds of creating a more “specialized of THE TORCH. All the materials clear indicators that Trump is trying to country and simply want their children program.” Due to this, it’s been much staunch the flow of migrants across the to have the opportunity to receive a U.S. harder for immigrants who want to submitted to THE TORCH become southern border. education. Usually well-off immigrant enlist to actually join the military. property of THE TORCH. Without getting into the mothers are the ones bringing their The last and most vicious ploy of fact that many of the refugees from children to the United States, and don’t the federal government is the increased the southern border are women and try to apply for green cards because tendency to denaturalize American children who want to legally seek their children can only sponsor their citizens. asylum, it makes sense for a sovereign applications after 22 years. This tactic was used in the U.S. nation to keep its borders secure. Who are the This takes such a long time that before during the era of McCarthyism, Too much immigration could lead most immigrants don’t even stick when people were stripped of their to destitution amongst those who come around to become full-time citizens. citizenship due to fears of growing here illegally because the government I personally know many second- communism and Nazism in local may not be fiscally prepared to deal Torch Editors? generation American students who communities. with such an influx of new people. study hard, get degrees and eventually The current administration is OWEN McCLOSKEY But what about the immigrants get great jobs – and they could thank stripping citizenship from immigrants who have waited years to get their the 14th Amendment for this. who have applied legally for fear of Editor-In-Chief visas and go through the immigration Besides trying to scrap birthright fake birth certificates. This has led to a process normally? citizenship, the current U.S. government curbing of rights from predominantly- LESHAY JONES On multiple occasions, President has made life in the States harder for Hispanic immigrant communities in Trump has said in interviews and Co-Editor legal immigrants. the U.S. speeches that he wants immigrants to A Washington Post article featured So why is President Trump have the opportunity to work in the the interview of a Brownsville, Texas cracking down on legal immigration JEREMY NIFRAS United States and vie for citizenship, immigration attorney named Jaime despite his vocal defense of policies Copy Editor but there have been many policies that Diez, who reported that over 20 of his that protect them? The only reason I his administration has codified that clients (all U.S. citizens) were sent to see is subversive racism, because these DAVID JOO sequester the rights of immigrants. detention centers. Think about that. suppressive policies are most certainly Birthright citizenship has That’s 20 legal citizens who were not based on reason or rationale. News Editor caught the ire of the President recently, sent to immigration detention centers We don’t want to be remembered and he’s tried to do away with it against their will, and that’s only a small as a country who targets their citizens through an executive order. Birthright KATY TEMPLE portion of those detainees reported. with no objective reasoning. We’ve Features Editor citizenship is a policy in the 14th Civilian immigrants aren’t gone through that with McCarthyism Amendment of the U.S. Constitution the only ones affected by federal and we’ve implemented it after Pearl that grants automatic citizenship to any immigration policies. In 2002, George Harbor. JELSON MONTERO child born on US soil. Bush introduced an “expedited Those were dark times in Sports Editor President Trump has decried naturalization” program to help bolster American history, and we are surely this policy, saying that immigrants military recruitment for the conflicts in doomed to repeat them if we do not IAN ARDELLE come to the country illegally and have the Middle East. stop discriminating against legal U.S. babies simply so that their children can The action was called Military citizens. Layout Editor

ASHLEY SMITH Online Editor I Don’t Care About Your Playlist EDRIEL FIMBRES FRANCISCO CAMACHO Photo Editor Staff Writer Picture this: you have a test in two ROBERT C McDERMOTT hours and you’re trying to study in the Ad Manager Student Center. In the distance, you can hear music blasting while you’re trying PROF. LEW WHEATON to concentrate on your books. You decide that instead of asking Advisor whoever is playing the music to lower the volume, you leave and go elsewhere. Corrections Bergen is facing a problem: there The Torch strives for the highest journalistic are people who feel that it’s okay to standards and accuracy. Readers are encour- assault your ears with their music. Like // Karoline Santos aged to contact us if they find any mistakes in most people, I love music. someone else is disturbing the peace? accepted, and we should demand more any edition of the Torch I am not here to advocate against There is a time and place for everything, from the students on campus. After all, listening to music. I am merely stating and a learning institution is definitely respect is one of the main pillars of Editorial. and that no one should be forced to listen not the place for you to play your music the student code of conduct, and every Opinion Pieces to it because someone else wants to for the world to hear. time someone turns up their speakers, As an open public forum, The Torch welcomes use their brand new JBL speaker. It’s I pay tuition like everyone else they are disrespecting other students. guest opinion pieces and letters to the editor rude and disturbs people who are in the - I should be able to go anywhere on I am calling upon the administration from any member of the Bergen Community student center trying to do other things campus and not have to worry about to take action; this blatant disrespect College community. Materials should be submit- like study. being disturbed by the sounds of DJ for students needs to stop. ted to [email protected] or delivered to The What possesses people to think Inconsiderate. Leave me and my ears The Office of Student Life, Public Torch office, SC-111. Such submissions must alone and keep your music to yourself. Safety, The Board of Trustees and include the writer’s name, contact information that everyone will like what they’re and affiliation with the college. Students should playing? No matter what time it is, I I am tired of waking up in the anyone else should make this a top include their major; faculty and staff should am not trying to listen to your workout morning – already dreading coming priority. Changes must happen so include campus title or position. Opinion pieces playlist. to school – knowing that my ears are we can preserve the sanctity of this are limited to 600 words and letters to the edi- Most phones nowadays come with going to be attacked by someone’s learning institution. tor to 200 words. The Torch reserves the right to headphones, so use them. These repeat playlist. The worst part about the Do not let this blatant disregard edit and to refuse publication of any submission. offenders act with a complete disregard situation is the fact that no one is doing for other students continue any longer. for other students who don’t want to anything to stop it. Stop these individuals who continue to The Torch offices are located in Room listen to their music. How can a first-class institution take away from what makes BCC great SC-111D, If your answer to this is, “why like Bergen Community College - an environment which helps a student 400 Paramus Road don’t you just go somewhere else,” continue to allow this to happen? learn, not disturb them. Paramus, NJ 07652-1595 you’re part of the problem. Change needs to happen sooner than I am calling upon you to make a 201.493.5006/5007 My question is why do I have to later. All neighborhoods have noise change and let students thrive in a [email protected] leave? Why do I, who is not disturbing laws, so why shouldn’t BCC? peaceful, noise-free environment. the peace, have to leave because This behavior should not be VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 5 When You Give a Girl a Glock KATY TEMPLE kids not guns” popsocket in hand (the times- it’s literally impossible to think Features Editor employees loved that), I waltzed my about anything else. That means for With it being peak midterm season way into Gun for Hire in Woodridge, one whole hour, I wasn’t thinking about (politically and academically), I’ve New Jersey. Ten minutes later, I wound what was stressing me out so much. realized that working myself to death up with a little 9mm glock that had a lot Now, do I think those feelings for three weeks straight and taking more kick than you’d expect. are grounds to own 20 guns and have a day off after I’ve reached mental I was terrified. Walking into a unlimited access to automatic weapons breakdown territory is not an effective tiny space with 10 weapons that could and bump stocks? No. But, do I think stress management method. literally kill you if misused or even that there’s still a gray area between all The entire point of self care, which misplaced, and then actually hearing guns and no guns? Absolutely. I have apparently missed, is to take the sounds of shotguns, assault rifles I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, breaks before having a panic attack, not and automatic weapons being fired was and I’ll probably say it 100 more times in the middle of one. enough to make anyone’s knees weak, in the future- There is always a gray Between exam one and research even with ear protection on. area when it comes to gun control. paper two, I realized I needed to step The first time I pulled the trigger You’re allowed to have an interest in back. I wasn’t sleeping, I wasn’t eating was the first time I had actually relaxed guns and still support gun control. and I could feel my heart start to race in at least four weeks. It’s not like I had You’re allowed to respect people whenever I thought about all of the much of a choice, shooting a glock quite who have gun collections while still things I had to do. literally requires all of your attention. holding on to your own beliefs about It wasn’t until a coworker of mine The adrenaline kicked in and I was America’s gun problem. mentioned that he could tell my stress absolutely hooked. My enjoyment of recreational was at an all-time high that I realized I I never really saw the appeal of shooting doesn’t mean that I’m needed to revisit my stress management guns before this moment. I never suddenly running around screaming and coping mechanisms. understood why people were so about “leftist snowflakes” wanting to After I laughed in his face when determined to hold on to their firearms, take my guns away, and it doesn’t make he told me to take up knitting, he even if giving up some of them meant me a hypocrite either; I still think we’re suggested target shooting. possibly preventing another gun related in dire need of gun control. I paused and used the three brain tragedy in America. That’s not to say that people who Gun For Hire offers a wide variety of cells I had left to think about whether I probably still don’t fully shoot as an actual hobby are saying guns and ranges to accommodate all or not I’d be comfortable going to understand the gun community, but the that either. It may come as a shock, but skill levels. // Robert C. McDermott a shooting range as a young, liberal important part is I’m trying my best there are actual people hanging out in college student who’s been very to learn because uninformed opinions the middle of this issue. lucky enough to have found a hobby outspoken about gun control and lack don’t contribute to constructive I’m also not suggesting that anyone that will stay a hobby, and not turn into of common sense gun legislation in this discourse. in the middle of a panic attack should another form of competition to stress country. On a basic level, shooting is fun. It have firearms as their go-to coping about in my life. It took me a minute to warm up to makes you feel powerful, it gives you mechanism. Panic and guns aren’t We’re indoctrinated to think that the idea, but after thinking about how a nice dose of adrenaline, and it helps always the best mix. But what I am we can be one thing or another; smart much I love adrenaline and how much I you take your mind off of literally saying is that breaks and hobbies are or pretty, athletic or feminine, happy didn’t want to study for my psychology everything that’s occupying your important to maintaining a relatively or sad. There’s no reason to be so midterm, I decided that if I was going thoughts. stable mindset throughout the semester, polarized. to continue to write about gun control, With so many things to remember- and that you should be educated on the That goes for politics, social issues, I should maybe be more familiar how to load, how to keep your thumbs things you choose to write about. emotions, personality and hobbies. The with guns and the communities they down, to keep your finger off the I’m lucky enough to have people world isn’t as black and white as we cultivate. trigger until you’re ready to shoot, to around me who notice when my stress make it out to be, so let’s stop acting With credit card and “protect point the gun down the range at all levels are higher than usual, and I’m like it is. I Miss the Old Kanye FRANCISCO CAMACHO Staff Writer Great Again” hat. No, Mr. West, you are a supervillain. He has assigned himself the role of a I miss the old Kanye West; the Kanye prophet but he speaks nothing but lies. that made millions of black kids revere He is a man who calls himself “Yeezus” and idolize him. I miss the Kanye that because he believes that he is a god, but gave us the classic hits like “All Falls doesn’t realize that he is just a pawn. Down” and “Jesus Walks.” It’s disturbing to realize that Nowadays, it feels like that Kanye someone who was once your beloved no longer exists. Instead, we have an hero is nothing but a farce. That’s not impostor who claims to be Kanye but just how I feel, but how many more can’t possibly be. people who grew up listening to him This new Kanye doesn’t care about feel. black people. This new Kanye implies We are witnessing the murder of a that black people were complicit in their once beloved icon. Kanye has truly gone own slavery and it hurts to hear him say off the deep end, and I don’t believe we that. will be getting him back anytime soon. A man who was once lauded for The man who once said that George being one of the most prominent Bush doesn’t care about Black people is musical geniuses of our generation is no longer with us. In his wake stands now viewed as a moron: someone who a man disconnected from the world; a would rather live in ignorance instead man who forgot what being black in lives without educating himself and America is like. listening to people’s opinions. His rhetoric is dangerous and he He has decided to be used by the masks it by calling it free thought. He Trump administration as a photo //illustration by Edriel Fimbres is not a free thinker, but more of a free opportunity. He has become its token Kanye claims that he wants us He has betrayed the memory of what idiot who no longer has any idea what black guy - and he is okay with that. The to all get along but, at the same time, he once was - a man who understood the he is talking about. man who claims to be a free thinker and associates himself with a man who plight of African-Americans. Kanye I have given up on Kanye and I’ve person who asserts that he will not let doesn’t care about anyone but himself. used to be the people’s champion; he tried to understand his methods but himself be controlled is nothing more Kanye has become a caricature of was this generation’s Muhammad Ali. I can’t. The man who once meant so than a mere puppet. himself. He claims that he feels empowered much in my life is now gone. Kanye has aligned himself with a As a long-time fan, I am disappointed by Trump. I wonder if he feels I’ll continue to treasure memorabilia man who clearly panders to bigots like in his incomprehensible behavior. empowered by Trump because they are like my “College Dropout” CD but I Donald Trump. How do you listen to He has become too caught up in his both huge narcissists and believe that can’t continue to support a man who someone who couldn’t even denounce illusions of grandeur and has forgotten they are larger than life itself. no longer cares about the culture and white supremacy in the wake of the that he was once a kid from the inner- He says that he feels like a superhero people who got him to where he is Charlottesville rally? city just like me. when he wears his red “Make America today. I really miss the old Kanye. 6 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 Hate and Fear Run Rampant in America CHRISTOPHER GAGLIARDI Staff Writer As I began to write this commentary, I read about evil in the history books and saw it in pictures. But never before has our country seen such evil manifesting on such a large scale. Recent events including the attempted attacks on key political figures, attacks on the free press (CNN specifically) and the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, exemplify how much work this country needs to do in terms of acceptance and tolerance. 2018 has been one of the darkest years our nation has ever seen, especially the last few months when the fire of such hatred and bigotry ignited across the nation. The shooting in Pittsburgh was one of the most sinister and anti-Semitic hate crimes. But, this isn’t new at all. In fact, hate crimes have been going on since the early years of our independence, and hate crime laws have a long history in the United States. The first hate crime laws were passed after the American Civil War, beginning with the Civil Rights Act of 1871, to combat the growing number of racially-motivated crimes being committed by the Ku Klux Klan during the Reconstruction Era. Throughout history, the struggle for acceptance and inclusiveness kept marching on. The modern era of hate- crime legislation began in 1968 with Protesters March in Washington D.C. // Flickr.com the passage of federal statute, 18 U.S. 245, part of the Civil Rights Act which States. The number of hate crime of such evil, I take solace with the words spread without fail.” made it illegal to “by force or by threat incidents increased from 5,850 in 2015, of a 13th century Buddhist philosopher It is time for this nation, to banish of force, injure, intimidate or interfere to 6,121 hate crime incidents in 2016- that have given me strength. the darkness of hate and fear, and for with anyone who is engaged in six an increase of 4.6 percent. Among In times like these we must take us as individuals to be accepting and specified protected activities, by reason the most vulnerable are minority them into consideration even now. They loving people, making sure every life of their race, color, religion or national communities such as the Jewish come from the 13th century Buddhist matters. origin.” community, the LGBT community, philosopher Nichiren Daishonin, who Let’s make America a place to However, “The prosecution of such the Muslim community, the African- wrote in a letter to his followers called welcome all people from all walks crimes must be certified by the U.S. American community and the “Great evils and Great Good”. “GREAT of life because I have always said attorney general.” indigenous nation community. events never have minor omens. When “America is for everyone!” Love has a According to a November 2016 The images of violence against great evil occurs, great good follows. place here in this nation, hate does not. report issued by the FBI, hate crime people of any nationality or religion is Since great slander already exists in Let’s be a nation of inclusiveness and statistics are on the rise in the United beyond reprehensible. Yet in the midst our land, the great correct Law will not exclusiveness. What Does Brett Kavanaugh’s Confirmation Mean For Politics? JEREMY NIFRAS action, LGBTQ rights and more. Copy Editor As Kavanaugh was officially sworn into the Supreme Court in October, Back in July, Brett M. Kavanaugh thousands of women across the was selected by President Trump to country, especially victims of sexual be the new Associate Justice of the assault, took the confirmation as a sign Supreme Court, in order to fill the of defeat. vacancy left by retiring justice Anthony Despite Dr. Ford’s detailed Kennedy. testimony, where she claimed she was When Kavanaugh was announced “100 percent” certain that Kavanaugh as Trump’s Supreme Court pick, he tried to rape her, many Republican was already a fairly controversial lawmakers chose to disavow her words, choice; his stances on issues such as in favor of a politically-motivated immigration, women’s rights (including conspiracy theory. In other words, his opinions on Roe v. Wade) and race Kavanaugh’s victory felt like a slap in were already being called into question the face to sexual assault victims across by Democrats, who felt he was unfit to // Wikimedia Commons the nation. sit upon the nation’s highest court. bring me here today are ones I will unethical sham since I’ve been in Looking back on Kavanaugh’s Several months later, a woman never forget,” Ford said in her testimony politics.” nomination hearings and subsequent named Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a to Congress. “They have been seared Support or opposition to Dr. Ford’s confirmation, both sides view the whole professor of psychology at Palo Alto into my memory and have haunted me claims were mostly divided among ordeal as one of the most shameful University, went public with sexual episodically as an adult.” party lines, with Kavanaugh’s final events in modern American history. assault allegations against Kavanaugh, Following Dr. Ford’s testimony, confirmation in the Senate being a very One side considers it an claiming he tried to rape her at a it was time for Kavanaugh himself to close 50-48 vote, the smallest margin unnecessarily long, drawn-out process college party during the 1980s. Two take the stand. It could be argued that in Supreme Court history. which was hindered by political other women came forward with their Kavanaugh’s testimony was just as To make matters even more severe, own allegations against Kavanaugh, all intense and emotional as Dr. Ford’s, as Kavanaugh’s confirmation pushed the opportunists, while the other side of which he firmly denied. he passionately and defiantly denied Supreme Court towards a conservative views it as an example of the political These shocking, disturbing claims her allegations. slant for the foreseeable future, as the radicalization our country has been added fuel to the growing political However, Kavanaugh eventually recently-retired Anthony Kennedy was heading in for quite some time. fire Kavanaugh’s nomination sparked turned his attention not just towards known to be a crucial swing vote on the As Kavanaugh awaits his first case within Washington, and exposed the Dr. Ford, but the Democratic Party bench. With a conservative majority, upon the Supreme Court, a seat he deeply-rooted partisan divide in our as a whole, and claimed that her future Supreme Court cases may have holds for life, both sides of the political country’s government. allegations were “revenge on behalf more predictable outcomes based on Most, if not all Democrats sided of the Clintons,” insinuating that her Republican ideology. spectrum remain tucked away on with Dr. Ford, and supported her as she testimony was a political attack in For Democrats, the idea of a opposite sides of the conversation, with gave an emotional testimony detailing retaliation for Hillary Clinton’s loss in conservative-dominated Supreme little hope of unity in sight. her allegations. Many Republicans, the 2016 presidential election. Court could mean either lack of If President Trump’s election first however, did not believe her words Many Republicans felt the same progress for party goals within the exposed our deep, fractured divisions to be genuine, and viewed her claims way. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of Court, or even the rolling back of as a country, Brett Kavanaugh’s as a tactic to derail Kavanaugh’s Kavanaugh’s most staunch supporters many legal victories on issues liberals confirmation only further cemented nomination. on Capitol Hill, said Dr. Ford’s have championed in the past, including “The details about that night that allegations were part of “the most abortion, the death penalty, affirmative them. VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH Opinions 7

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 an FDU bachelor’s program at a significantly reduced tuition rate. 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 A 126B [email protected] or [email protected] 201.493.4088

LEARN MORE fdu.edu/bcc 8 o pinions THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 Should This Generation Vote Younger People Into Office? ASHLEY SMITH to their daily lives because the older Contributing Writer you get, the more you depend on social Before the 2018 midterms, there security, health insurance, retirement were many appeals to the country’s and assisted living. Any disruption of youngest voters. this poses a threat for older generations. The survivors of the Parkland In the 2018 midterm elections, shooting in Florida launched a Wisconsin elected 19-year-old nationwide voter-registration drive. Democrat Kalan Haywood to the MTV and many celebrities pleaded for state Assembly, making him the younger voters to go out and vote. youngest state legislator in the U.S. Taylor Swift, who was silent Haywood’s proposals include requiring throughout the 2016 election, urged students to vote when they turn 18. her millions of Instagram followers to Haywood told the Milwaukee Journal research their candidates and cast their Sentinel: votes. Uber even offered free rides for “Being young is going to play well voters to go cast their votes at their with some people, but there will also local polling places. be people who doubt me because of my It must have worked, because there age, which is fair — it’s new. My age is was a spike in the youth turnout at the my biggest asset.” 2018 Midterm elections in several key “The state Legislature as a whole states. In Texas, where young voters — they are missing a young person’s have rallied behind the Democratic perspective,” he said. “I want to make Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, early sure MPS (Milwaukee Public Schools) voting numbers increased for voters gets proper funding — I am a proud aged 18 to 29 - five times as many MPS graduate.” young voters turned out early in 2018 New York also elected 29-year-old as they did in 2014. Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Young adults have always had the who is now the youngest woman ever worst turnout of any age group in every in Congress. Her campaign centered election since the U.S. Census Bureau on a progressive platform advocating began keeping track of voter-age data for Medicare for everyone, a universal in 1978 for the midterm races and in jobs guarantee, abolishment of ICE, 1964 for the presidential races. 18- and immigration and criminal-justice to 29-year-olds usually make up the reform. lowest percentage of overall voters. If only the rest of America can see Our generation faces many issues that having our generation in office in the U.S. that usually go unheard of. side-by-side with our electees can Since the youth would better understand be beneficial for everyone of all age Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez encouraging voters to vote on November 6. groups. other young people, the best way to // Alexandria Ocasio improve political participation in this We’re trying to establish a better generation would be through having who can differentiate the good from so why not have them in office? Our way of life and thinking for our younger people in office. the bad, that our generation is impatient generation mainly focuses on our future. With the result of this election Politicians and voters aged 35 and and less experienced and that it is a bad education system, reducing war costs, and having such a diverse House over do not think our generation is idea to give us control of our country. increasing minimum wage, ending gun of Representatives can result in the capable of understanding what this The only people who fully violence and hate crimes in America, change and opportunities that America country needs. They believe that understand what the younger generation and saving our environment. mature politicians are the only people needs are in the younger generation, Elders believe that we pose a threat needed. BULLYING AND ‘BULLYCIDE:’ An Urgent Appeal to Save the Next Generation

CHRISTOPHER GAGLIARDI Jamey was bullied because he was we have achieved success in making Staff Writer gay and the emotional abuse was so sure all students here and in colleges horrific, both on social media and in across New Jersey are welcomed. More public, that he was emotionally broken. must be done sincerely. Why more, you I am one among many. Phoebe Prince, a young lady from ask? These statistics I am about to share A survivor of such unimaginable Ireland, was bullied due to a “dispute” here will make broaden your mind. horror that no one wants to talk about. over a person she met. Phoebe was My hope is that these stastics It’s something that many youth have teased, taunted and hit with an empty inspire individuals to help get their faced throughout their years of being can, which caused her to end her life. congress members and senators to young, yet many people will not deal The bullying DID NOT stop when make Bully-cide, when incidents of with it because they think it’s “just a she died. Even on social media, they bullying become so intolerable that passing fad” and that “They will grow kept taunting her until comments were the victim ultimately commits suicide out of it.” removed. by taking their own life, punishable. However, this kind of behavior Lastly, a college student named According to Bullying Statistics (http:// and conduct has reached such Tyler Clementi, who was the victim of www.bullyingstatistics.org): unprecedented and frightening levels the most sinister form of bullying,when 1) Suicide is the third leading that sometimes, the only thing that he was spied on by several students cause of death among young people, // Pixabay.com people want to do is unthinkable– and teased about being in love with resulting in about 4,400 deaths per ending their own lives. another male.It reached a tragic point year, according to the CDC. For every high rates of school absence; physical This issue gets so bad that it reaches on the night of September 22nd when suicide among young people, there illness. a breaking point where victims are Tyler sent his last message on his are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over In addition to these, There are other saying, “I’d rather not be here,” or other social media, saying that he was going 14 percent of high school students things that can cause the person to things that make them feel defeated to jump off the George Washington have considered suicide, and almost 7 think about ending their lives and the and broken. Bridge. Seven days later, Tyler’s lifeless percent have attempted it. signs are: showing signs of depression I am speaking about the subject body was found. 2) Bully victims are between two (ongoing sadness, withdrawal from because I, a person with special needs, The families of those people, are to nine times more likely to consider others, losing interest in favorite have endured such a painful chapter in now dealing with the heartache of suicide than non-victims, according to activities, or trouble sleeping or eating), my life. However, I am someone who losing someone very precious to them, studies by Yale University. talking about or showing an interest in wants to bring this to the consciousness to such a dark and despicable pandemic. 3) A study in Britain found that death or dying; engaging in dangerous of every single peer, especially with the The names of these victims and so at least half of suicides among young or harmful activities (reckless behavior, power of the written word. The subject many other victims cannot be forgotten people are related to bullying. substance abuse, or self-injury), giving I am speaking about is bullying and in our hearts and in our consciousness 4) According to statistics reported away favorite possessions and saying “bully-cide” in our country and around because they are those who tried by ABC News, nearly 30 percent of goodbye to people, saying or expressing the world. to speak up on such a nightmarish students are either bullies or victims of that they can’t handle things anymore; For years, I have read stories about scenario. bullying, and 160,000 kids stay home making comments that things would be people ending their own lives and Nothing was done, nothing except from school every day because of fear better without them. remember their names sincerely as if in the state of New Jersey. As a former of bullying. With so many people facing the they were standing before me. Names advocate to Assemblywoman Valerie What does that do to our youth? consequences of bullying and bully- that we cannot forget include Jamey V. Huttle, it was my great fortune to bullying or cyberbullying canhave cide, there needs to be a more conscious Rodemeyer, who ended his life seven make sure that we had the toughest anti- many negative effects on young people effort to pass legislation to prevent years ago on the 18th of September. bullying bill in the United States. So far, including low self esteem; anxiety; these tragedies. VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH o pinions 9 Study Shows Most UK Citizens Want Brexit Due To Immigration OWEN McCLOSKEY Editor-In-Chief The name “United Kingdom” is starting to sound a little ironic in the wake of the British exit of the EU. There are a multitude of issues with this deal; the fact that EU citizens live in Britain, that British citizens live in Europe, that Britain will need to rely on the unstable pound as its currency and that a multitude of new tariffs have been placed on EU goods imported to Britain. The Brexit vote on June 23, 2016 was a landmark decision that had many U.K. citizens reeling. There were even reports that many people asked for a second referendum, going back on their initial votes. Without even going into the fact that Brexit supporters and politicians in the U.K. government falsely claimed numbers about payments to the EU that Britain made, a lot of public influence was garnered by fear mongering employed by the far-right Ukip party. The Brexit decision was steeped in massive populist sentiment. Britain’s far-right Ukip party has been // publicdomainpictures.net lambasted by critics for having some intolerant and bigoted views about A recent poll showed that most UK support. perpetrated by the far-right party of British immigrants. citizens who were proponents of Brexit However, the United Kingdom Britain. The current leader of the Ukip only held their beliefs due to fear of doesn’t necessarily even take in as many The racism exacerbated by populism party, Henry Bolton, has been attacked immigration. This is a stark parallel to migrants as other European countries; in the U.K. is terrifying, but it also by critics for racist comments made by the anti-Central American sentiment while the number of asylum-seekers follows a world trend of those traits in his girlfriend about American royal accepted has decreased from the years many other first-world democracies. A that is currently being spread in the U.S. of 2016 through 2017, the numbers racist ideology cannot live in a world Meghan Markle. Civil conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Nigel Farage, the former leader of of those admitted by Italy, Germany, that is becoming more globalized each Ukip, had to resign amidst growing Sudan have left millions of displaced Spain and France have increased. and every year. pressure about his comments on migrants searching for a new home. So if the U.K. already isn’t admitting The U.K. needs to get their act “immigrants clogging up the train.“ Countries like France and Germany as many refugees as its neighbors, why together and stop a plethora of economic Nigel Farage even admitted to wanting have spearheaded the effort to take in would there be a need for a sharper problems that will arise from Brexit, to make it permissible to put up signs asylum-seekers, but their numbers are decrease in refugee admissions? The for these problems are only resultant of that say: “No dogs. No Irish.” too great for such small countries to answer is simple – xenophobic ideals fear mongering and lies.

// Jeschelle Manansala

CommunityCollegeAd_2018OpenHouseTransfer_4.9x7.5.indd 1 9/6/18 9:52 AM 10 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 FEATURES ‘The Hate U Give’ Shines Light on Police Brutality Against African Americans LESHAY JONES Co-Editor step of the way, and I could understand It is important that we get our Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give” her insecurities. act together when it comes to police is an eye-opening book that shines a There are many people who do brutality against African-Americans. bright light on the difficulties African- not understand the effects that police There are too many cases where Americans face within the U.S. justice brutality have on minorities like unarmed black people are treated poorly system. African-Americans, and “The Hate U and unfairly by law enforcement. There The book follows 16-year-old Starr Give” will help others see those effects are too many cases where excessive Carter, who witnesses her childhood through another lens. force is used in situations involving friend, Khalil, get shot and killed by a This book has influenced so many people of color. police officer after a traffic stop gone people that the film hit theaters in the This story is extremely important wrong. beginning of October and was just as because it is so relevant in today’s day The reader follows Starr on her outstanding in delivering its message. and age, where unarmed black people journey as important issues arise George Tillman Jr., the director of are getting shot and killed by police regarding police brutality and how the the film, added twists into the movie officers who, more often than not, face legal system deals with these cases, that weren’t in the novel, and it made little to no consequences. especially when people of color are the experience of it all even more After both reading the book and involved. impactful. seeing the film, it feels like I have It depicts the raw truth of how He mentions other crucial issues had a breath of fresh air. It tugs at African-Americans are treated by our and emphasizes how these systems your heartstrings to see how African- justice system and how the media will of oppression impact and shape Americans are treated in this country. sometimes twist these stories in the African -American youth. It made me feel like I needed to favor of law enforcement. Thomas does “The Hate U Give” comes from the go out there and use my voice to help a spectacular job in shining light on abbreviation “T.H.U.G L.I.F.E” that the those who don’t have one. Especially these injustices and how they affect the rapper 2Pac was famous for. It stands my people. African-American community. for “The Hate U Give Little Infants “The Hate U Give” is definitely a There were times when I’d have to F**** Everybody.” Tilman stresses this book that everyone, especially African- // Amazon.com stop reading for a moment because it concept in one of the closing scenes of American youth, should read because became emotionally overwhelming. I the film. it is vital to our perseverance in this felt as if I was right beside Starr every society. Comic Con Craze KATEY JOHNSON of attendees. There were vendors for Contributing Writer everything you can think of; selling From October 4 through October 7 wands from the Harry Potter franchise, 2018, the Javits Center held its annual Nintendo mystery boxes, limited New York Comic Con (NYCC). People edition comic books, video games and from all over the world gathered for one exclusive T-shirts. of the most entertaining conventions in Everyone could find the perfect the United States. thing to remind them of their visit. Comic Con has been around since NYCC also held contests and giveaways, 1970, starting in San Diego. NYCC, as well as selling rare items that you however, started more recently, taking can’t find anywhere else, including off in 2006. Ever since its start, people the famous Nuka Cola Quantum drink have become obsessed with cosplay, from the video game Fallout. entertainment, bonding with other It’s no secret that everyone loves people who have the same interests food. Besides it being a human and massive amounts of fun. This necessity for living, it is also enjoyable, convention brings comics, books, and even more so when you serve it on movies, TV shows, fiction and so much a truck. more to life. They have food trucks for Mexican Walking through the Javits Center food, Asian food, Indian food and was quite the experience. People American food, with snacks galore. The cosplayed, dressing up as characters streets were flooded with people buying from many different things, such as food from these trucks. Besides it being less expensive than eating inside, it Harry Potter, superheroes, cartoon The cast of Dr. Who meets fans at NYCC 2018. // Katey Johnson characters, video game characters and brings the whole NYCC experience actors from different TV shows. People together. Sitting down outside, enjoying love to express their “nerd” side at some tacos and watching all the cool NYCC and it’s a beautiful thing. cosplay; nothing beats that. Autograph sessions, meet-and- NYCC is a place to freely express greets and panels provide amazing yourself, show your love for different experiences and opportunities for fans things that make you happy and to have in attendance, and it makes the NYCC a great time. There are so many things experience all the more enjoyable. to do at Comic Con, that four days just This year, David Tennant, Matt doesn’t seem like enough. Smith, Alex Kingston and Mark Going one, two, three or all days, Sheppard (whom I had the pleasure of you are guaranteed to have the time of meeting) and others like Bill Nye, the your life. Impractical Jokers guys, Tom Felton Next year, NYCC will be held at and Mark Ruffalo attended. the Javits Center again, from October 3 NYCC always includes tons of through 6 and I’ll be there to see what’s amazing vendors for a wide variety in store. Comic Con atendees rush into the Javits Center for NYCC 2018.// Katey Johnson VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH Features 11 An Inside Look At BCC’s Honors Programs KAROLINE SANTOS SOUZA on and off campus for members and Staff Writer current students. They usually promote events such as workshops, volunteer An important part of successful opportunities, bake sales, college tours academic studies is the participation of and panel discussion. honors classes and programs. However, The president of Judith K. Winn not all the students are aware of the School of Honors, Jenna Santacroce, types of programs available at Bergen considers the Honors society as a Community College. community where “we all, essentially, The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and are on the same route. We support the Judith K. Winn School of Honors each other. In no time, peers become are two important honors societies at friends”. BCC that students may not even be Santacroce decided to run for familiar with. president in order to help to improve PTK is the International Honor other students’ academic lives. Society of two-year colleges. Students “A fair amount of students, at who are eligible to become members Bergen Community College especially, receive invitations through email and, go about their college career without after the induction, have access to knowing that there is much more many scholarships and opportunities. available to them,” she said. The information regarding In her perspective, the Honors eligibility - as well as information on Society inspired her to be more upcoming events and opportunities for extraordinary and more prosperous. members - is provided on the Bergen As the president, she tries to “inspire website. others to be the same.” The Judith K. Winn School of On the other side of Honors Society In blue sashes,Presiident Redmond and VP Mullaney pose with new PTK members// bergenptk.com Honors is an academic program offering is Bryant Gomez, the president of PTK. the highest level of scholarly education. Gomez is passionate about helping gives,” said Gomez. this experience will teach me.” The program provides almost 30 students and was able to improve their Gomez sees PTK as a second home Just like Santacrose and Gomez, general courses with smaller class sizes. skills as a leader, facing challenges - a place where he can grow as an numerous students at Bergen have Through the honors program, students that improved his understanding and individual. He feels it is an organization given chances to Honors Society’s and also have opportunities to go on field potential. to embrace foster students in order to have grown up both in personal and trips to four-year colleges, earn honors “I ran for president because I was help them with connections and self- diplomas and win various awards. academic life. passionate and dedicated to what Phi confidence. Such organizations are not only Although PTK and the Winn School Theta Kappa stands for and I wanted “I was a shy, quiet and introverted of Honors are located in the same office for statuses or rewards, but rather for to be the voice for students about person. However, that didn’t stop life experiences. In the end, the best in Room S-347, they work completely excelling in academics and campus me from pursuing my dreams and I separately. Every semester both of learning students get from their time in engagement while also sharing the decided to embrace my strengths and Honor Societies is though the self. the programs offer different activities opportunities that this organization flaws and continue forward to see what

Bergen Café: A Hidden Treasure MICHELLE CONEO Contributing Writer

With a set of gourmet options and a tasteful feeling of a professional learning environment, The Bergen Café is a buffet served, organized, and presented by students from the Hospitality Management and culinary arts classes at BCC. Although students receive tons of emails from Bergen Daily, this precious gem is hidden at the very end of those emails and rarely gets the attention it deserves. The buffet takes place in room C-210 of the Pitkin Education Center at the Paramus Campus. It is open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. It also hosts events with reservations, such as lunch with deans from almost every department in the campus. One of the best and most important details about this café is the low cost offered to the public. For only eight dollars, you are able to taste high- quality cuisine. You would expect that culinary classes provide an open environment to mess up and learn, but this is not the case at the Bergen Café. Even though Food served at the buffet // Michelle the buffet is made up of combined Coneo classes, it serves great quality food One of my favorite things about and provides excellent service. The the Bergen Café was the fact that as food is definitely fresh, the recipes are it happens within a learning setting, unique,and the combinations are very professors, chefs and members of the creative. respective classes come out of the The enticing smell and look of kitchen to greet those eating at the every food station encourages you to tables. They make you feel like family, try a little bit of everything. From the and are willing to answer questions veggies to the drinks, everything looks about their programs and menus. elegant. The variety of options and Everyone should be able to the incredible service will make you experience the exquisite work of these feel as if you had just checked into the students and professors at our college. restaurant of a fancy hotel. 12 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018

EAROBERT C McDERMOTT Ruins FIFA 19 Ad Manager When a new FIFA comes out, loyal fans buy the game thinking that this year’s version might be different. The FIFA community has been voicing their opinions for years on what should be changed in the game. First off, the career mode and Pro Clubs mode, which are two of the best, have been nearly copied and pasted into a new game. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the little changes that EA has made to the gameplay, and even adding a new hardest difficulty against the AI. The gameplay is smooth and realistic, which is basically one of the only things that I could care about. However, I would have liked to see new improvements in career mode. Past career modes have been the same boring thing every year. You join a club, sign players, play a season and win trophies. Fans have asked for a few additions to the game mode, like more customization, and FIFA ‘19 game cover // Flickr.com an interesting story throughout your YouTubers have covered the topic. against other teams online. There are EA is going to continue to sell career. Otherwise, it just gets dull after The saddest part about the complete so many different things EA could’ve copies of the game, essentially using a while. ignorance from EA is that fans will done with this game mode. Instead of their fans and supporters of many As the most unappreciated game continue to buy the game. The only listening to the fans, EA has decided football clubs. They keep pushing the mode, career mode virtually goes un- other real competition is PES - Pro to go all in on FIFA Ultimate Team, in same dull gameplay of career mode and played. FIFA Ultimate Team is one of Evolution Soccer, but EA bought the which you have to pay for card packs to can’t make it more immersive like other the only modes EA pays attention to rights to use Champions League logos, even have a chance at winning. Once sports games, such as NBA 2K19. and continues to update. EA has sold as well as many team names and logo you add payment to a game, people can What happens next depends on out their fans for money, plain and licenses. buy amazing cards. This leaves behind EA’s willingness to listen to the many simple. Fans have been voicing their Pro Clubs have much more potential, real gamers who play for coins, unless players that want to see career mode opinions, and many popular FIFA as you play locked onto one player they pay. and Pro Clubs revived. Retro Review: Vectorman TAURIN WIMBERLY “Vectorman’s” gameplay is Contributing Writer deceivingly simple. You can run, double jump and fire a blaster as you “Vectorman” is a video game run to the end goal. It’s easy to learn, originally released in 1995, created by but difficult to master with arcade-style Blue Sky software and published by timed levels. Sega for the Sega Genesis. “Vectorman” The player is given a sense of is an action platformer where you play urgency to complete the level as quickly as the titular character who runs, jumps as possible, which is annoying when and shoots his way to victory across a you’re trying to look for secrets and planet populated by hostile robots. power-ups. Learning the ins-and-outs The story of “Vectorman” is a sci-fi of “Vectorman” is highly rewarding, adventure taking place in the year 2049, as learning how the enemies move and because of pollution deeming the and attack makes finding secrets and planet uninhabitable, humans have left power-ups will make the game easier. the Earth in the care of robots. Besides the normal platforming levels, there are a few travel-based levels where Vectorman will transform “The art style of into different forms, such as a train to travel quickly across the land, or a bug Vectorman is very to scale a tall mountain. distinct compared to One of the main problems in “Vectorman” is the difficulty spikes other games released within certain levels. Sometimes during its time.” you can easily get through a level without much of a challenge, only to Everything is fine until a strange immediately run into a brick wall of a virus breaks out and causes the boss that eats your lives and sends you robots to go out of control. It is up to back to the title screen. The check point Vectorman to stop these out-of-control system can range from very lenient, to robots from destroying the planet with extremely frustrating with their random nuclear weapons. placement. The art style of “Vectorman” is The small screen area is problematic very distinct compared to other games as well. While Vectorman has high released during its time, with pre- mobility and running speed, it is rendered 3D graphics instead of 2D detrimental when there are enemies graphics. The game has an advanced, just off-screen ready to pounce on futuristic look to it, with dark and earthy you before you even see them. Players tones of the backgrounds contrasting would benefit from being able to zoom against the metallic structures and out to see enemies that are further away. characters within the game. Vectorman is definitely a classic The soundtrack of “Vectorman” has and one of my favorite Genesis games. a grungy, synthetic sound like many I’d definitely recommend picking of the other Genesis games released during its era. The heavy grumbles and this game up if you’re interested in high-octane synths of the “Vectorman” a difficult platformer with a unique soundtrack provide a sense of a strange artstyle and a killer soundtrack. I give combination of awe and fear, like being the game a solid 9/10. in a beautiful world where danger can be right around the corner. // lukiegames.com VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH Features 13 Lil Wayne Brings The Uproar With ‘Tha Carter V’

FRANCISCO CAMACHO Staff Writer Lil Wayne has finally delivered his long awaited album “Tha Carter V” earlier this October. This album comes after the back-and-forth legal battle between him and his former label, Cash Money Records, eventually came to an end as he was released from his record deal. The album sold 480,000 copies in the first week of its release, which is the third-biggest release this year, and the second-largest streaming week ever with 433 million streams, dethroning his protege Drake. This album is a refreshing take on Lil Wayne during the current environment of hip hop. Wayne uses a lot of the production elements of newer producers. The album has guest appearances from newer artists like Travis Scott and Kendrick Lamar. It even has a posthumous feature from controversial emo rapper XXXTENTACION, an artist who would not have been on this album if it was released in 2014, when it was supposed to. The album starts off with a more contemporary rap and pop sound, // NewsOK.com but then evokes nostalgia later on, as voice with his very infectious flow, and witty references. rappers Snoop Dogg and Mannie Fresh manages to create great melodies with Clearly the track “Uproar” stands Waiting five years on this album make appearances. some fantastic songwriting throughout in a league of its own, and can be was definitely worth the wait. It was There were many standout tracks most of the album. considered a certified hit. Producer the long anticipated return of one of that showcased Wayne’s versatility and This album sometimes feel like it Swizz Beatz did a marvelous job by the most prominent rappers of this songwriting, like “Mona Lisa,” “Don’t wears out its welcome; with a lengthy using the screaming crowd samples and generation. Cry” and “Uproar,” which took over 23 tracks and 93-minute runtime, the the bass blasting through the speakers. Hearing this album felt like the internet. album starts to feel stale. Wayne flexes his touted lyrical prowess watching Tiger Woods start golfing Wayne’s return on this album has There are still a lot of great tracks as he electrifies your sound system with again after all the setbacks he suffered. been a reminder of the deep ripples of on the first leg of the album. It starts off energy and a great overall vibe. We now welcome back our lyrical influence he has on new artists today with a retrospective trap ballad “Don’t Every artist featured on this record champion after a lengthy hiatus. like Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Cry” (featuring XXXTENTACION) brings something unique that adds to its Wayne manages to reestablish his Black and even Kendrick Lamar. that shows a more vulnerable side of overall success. Travis Scott’s woozy status as a member of the hip hop elite Wayne is back in rare form on this Wayne, as he speaks about his life and psychedelic style compliments Wayne’s with this project and also cements his new album, reminding listeners of what mortality combined with great vocals to perfection on their track “Let It Fly.” legacy as an all time great. made him so compelling- inventive, from XXXTENTACION. The record starts to lose momentum Although it has its dull moments, bringing funny one liners and word “Don’t Cry” is then followed by in the second half as the tracks start to Wayne still exhibits brilliance and play. more mesmerising raps with incredible feel formulaic and bland with one or mastery of his craft with “Tha Carter He brings his patented creaky production, slick wordplay and sharp, two catchy tracks. V.” Michael Myers Returns to Haddenfield in Halloween Revamp JOHNATHAN FLYNN Myers a.k.a “The Shape” as scary as Contributing Writer he was in the 1978 original. This was achieved by disregard the familial ties between Michael and Laurie that were It is the 40th anniversary of introduced in “Halloween 2” (1981) “Halloween”, the movie that that and this makes “The Shape” an aimless started the modern slasher-movie psychopath that kills indiscriminately craze. In order to celebrate the 40- until stopped. year anniversary, a direct sequel to The film even managed to the 1978 original was released to deconstruct slasher movies in a unique massive success, managing to break way by showing the psychological toll the franchise record for best opening of the trauma that a victim is left with if weekend, last held by Rob Zombie’s they survive a serial killers attack. “Halloween” reboot in 2007. This is achieved through the “Halloween” (2018) making $77.5 amazing performances by Jamie Lee million compared to Rob Zombie’s Curtis and Judy Greer as Laurie Strode Halloween making $26 million. and her daughter Karen respectively. This sequel, written by Danny Through these performances, the film McBride (of Eastbound and Down explores how trauma affects entire fame), Jeff Fradley and David Gordon families across generations even Green (who also directed), takes place leading to broken relationships. 40 years after the original and follows The film was perfectly paced, and the series protagonist, Laurie Strode, kept viewers on the edge of their seat and her family as they face Laurie’s swhile maintaining a healthy balance greatest fear - Michael Myers. of suspense and payoff, so as to not This film manages to excel at desensitize the audience to the scares. everything it set out to do: it’s a The cinematography and sound nostalgic trip to Haddonfield for long design is masterful, and through this time fans, while also managing to be a mastery the film builds suspense to good slasher film in its own right. a satisfying payoff, never leaving the The opening credits of the film audience feeling cheated yet also never invoke the opening of the original 1978 feeling the scares were cheap. classic, featuring a rotten pumpkin that This film is a good choice for a late- slowly reverses to a still burning Jack night theater visit, and I suggest it to O’ Lantern in an obvious reference to horror and slasher fanswho are looking the franchise as a whole. for a film to fill them with dread. The film manages to make Michael //flickr.com 14 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 Survival of the Vegans: Thanksgiving Edition

ASHLEY SMITH as you sit down to dinner everyone will Online Editor jump on the opportunity to ask you why you’re vegan.This is not the time Thanksgiving is around the corner or place to bring up slaughterhouses, and while everyone is planning whose heart disease or deforestation. house you’ll be visiting, you still • Tis the season: The holidays haven’t told anyone that you’ve just aren’t really about the bird in the become vegan. middle of the table. They are about You can see it now- telling your family, tradition,love and the season. grandma that you can’t have her famous Instead bring in the foods that are in turkey stuffing. What do you do? Fake season. your own death? Lie and say that you • Throw a party: You should have the stomach bug? Or do you just host/co-host your own Thanksgiving stay home? celebration. Then, you’re totally in The holidays can be difficult for charge. You can customize it to your vegans. This food-filled Thursday is exact instructions, remove all of the meant to be a celebration of things for guesswork and create a plant-based which we are thankful, but once you go feast. vegan, the idea of sitting around a table • Pressure: Don’t put a lot of staring at a dead bird doesn’t sound too pressure on yourself. You don’t have good. Here are a few tips on surviving to be the world’s best cook to make a this Thanksgiving as a vegan. perfect impression of vegan dining. • Bring your own food: Don’t set the bar too high, just make Bringing your own food allows you to and bring things that you love. take control of what you eat and how • Have fun: Try your best to // Ashley Smith much you can throw onto your plate. focus on your own tasty vegan food and That said, don’t be surprised if your topics of conversation that don’t relate relatives try some of your food. to dead animals. Enjoy the family • Help cook: Many people don’t gathering. know what veganism is, so being clear The most important thing to is helpful. It’s also a great idea to offer a remember is to show confidence, pride hand in the kitchen to help prepare the and happiness in your decision to be a meal. This is not only a good gesture, vegan. If you don’t show pride, then no but it means you can help veganize a one will respect your choice. lot of the meal and take some of the If you apologize for being Vegan Cinnamon Rolls // Ashley Smith stress off of the host all while making compassionate. people will agree that sure there will be plenty of options for you have something to apologize for. vegan don’t know what it is like to be your family into vegans overnight, but yourself. If you make being vegan seem difficult vegan, and only have your experience showing them alternatives, recipes, and • Don’t preach about or inconvenient, then that’s what people to go off of. examples of how easy veganism can be veganism: For some reason, as soon will think it is. People who are not Your goal isn’t to magically turn never hurts. Roving Reporter- Thanksgiving Traditions at BCC

ALYSSA BLUNDO Staff Writer The holidays are right around the corner, especially Thanksgiving. During this time, families gather for food, football and of course, family. Typically, they sit around a hearty meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce to give thanks for the things Nicole Pennisi David Jones Ricky Hernandez that they have. That includes a roof Nursing Exercise Science Computer Science over our heads, food, clothes, a bed to sleep in, and many other things “Our tradition for “First, we establish “My family and I all that we shouldn’t take for granted. Thanksgiving is pre- whose house to go to de- go to my aunt’s house The holidays also bring laughs, smiles, hungry stomachs, and last paring Mole sauce for pending on what time and we watch football, but not least, family traditions. our turkey as part of a the game starts. De- see who gets the wish- These range from watching foot- ball, watching The Macy’s Thanks- Mexican switch up.” pending on when din- bone in a game of rock, giving Day Parade, going Black ner is ready, the person paper, scissors, and Friday shopping, or breaking the turkey’s wishbone. whose house it is leads just eat food and play There are other traditions that the prayer. We argue games.” students at Bergen Community about sports. We wish College have, and some students shared several of their Thanksgiv- each other good health.” ing traditions and how they cele- brate with their families. These four BCC students have six different traditions, but they all have one thing in common. They love being “Every year we pray for better health.” around family, food and fun. Taejamae Hutchinson Biology // Ricky Hernandez photo credit to Edriel Fimbres, David Jones and Nicole Pennisi photos credit to Alyssa Blundo, Taejamae Hutchinson photo credit to Taejamae Hutchinson VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH Features 15 Pump Up the Pumpkin Spice ASHLEY SMITH Online Editor Finding Solace You know it’s fall when the leaves start changing color, the air starts to feel crisper and pumpkin spice fever starts running from Starbucks, candle shops, body scents and your local supermarket. If you’ve ever wondered why we’re in Astrology so obsessed with pumpkin spice in the TIFFANY MARIE VELEZ fall and where this craze began, it goes Staff Writer Hundreds of astrology websites back to 1936, where The Washington and applications are available on When I’m going through a rough your computer and phone that grant Post referred to this type of blend as a patch in my life, I religiously read “pumpkin spice blend” in a recipe for you access to read your personalized pumpkin spice cakes. my horoscope to help me better horoscope; a detailed prediction of McCormick was the first company understand what the hell is going on. your future based on your zodiac that originated their signature Pumpkin Or, I find myself asking, “Is Mercury sign. You can easily find out your Pie Spice in 1934. The pumpkin in retrograde?” zodiac sign by using the month and pie spice blend contains cinnamon, Astrology has become increasingly day you were born. ginger, nutmeg and allspice, which the popular throughout the years, especially Recently, my close friend and I got company sold as a shortcut for flavoring amongst millennials. the traditional harvest dessert. into a disagreement and we haven’t According to the American spoken in a few months. I’ve found Turns out, pumpkin spice has a Psychological Association, millennials long and storied past which doesn’t myself relying on horoscopes to have been the most stressed generation. help me gain clarity in this upsetting only revolve around lattes. Ever since Naturally during stressful times, we the pumpkin pie spice-spiked coffee disagreement with my friend, and it’s drinks hit the scene, food and beverage tend to strive for explanations and been a tremendous token of guidance. companies have been trying to replicate advice that astrology can easily provide. // twitter.com/Kristine_Ross Not only do I read my horoscope its success by analyzing what made it everyday, I also read my friend’s so popular in the first place. horoscope so I can somehow manage Starbucks’ “Liquid Lab” in Seattle The reactance theory explains why people respond to offers when they feel to understand what she’s going was the first to pump out the highly- through and feeling in regards to our anticipated pumpkin spice latte, which that their choices and alternatives are has remained the chain’s top-selling limited. The more important the choice disagreement. seasonal beverage, with more than 350 is to them, the stronger they’ll react Evidently, I’m not the only one million cups sold to date. when they know it’ll soon be gone. who religiously reads horoscopes, Why do we love it so much? Just like hot chocolate, fuzzy it’s seems to be a fast growing trend. For many people, fall eating is all sweaters and apple picking, the For years, established newspapers about moving away from raw and pumpkin spice flavor is one of the and magazines have had their own cooling foods, towards dishes that are many things that has linked itself to the astrology section for readers. autumn category. This causes the sense heartier and more “comforting.” The As of late, meme accounts on anticipation for pumpkin spice’s annual of nostalgia as people reminisce about their favorite things of fall. Instagram have been dedicated to return is explained by a psychological making fun of specific zodiac signs theory called “reactance.” // Edriel Fimbres and their vast variety of traits.

NikkiSTEPHANIE Manx ZENA Dance Project Tackles SocialManx’s work Issues makes audience Staff Writer members think about important concepts of the human experience while The Nikki Manx Dance Project promoting social change, advocacy and focuses on issues that have to do with environmental awareness throughout the social and environmental problems the program. in society – and it does so through She said, “(I’m) a firm believer for dance. the arts to connect with (the) thread of The Nikki Manx Dance Project society and strengthen the voice of the is run by professional dancer, artistic people.” director, choreographer and instructor, NMDP also presents projects that Nicole Mahncke. She has been each of the company dancers have performing professionally for years worked on for tons of hours in the studio and also teaches at the Art of Motion in choreographing pieces to perform in Ridgewood, NJ where she collaborates the flashmob. Each dancer also gets to with one of the artistic directors and perform in group numbers, duets, trios adjunct dance professors at BCC, Lynn and solos. Needle. The company’s signature style of Her work and onstage dance style incorporating social issues into their blends certain modern and hip hop dances provides a connection that components with theatrical styles. engages and inspires audience members Manx choreographs for charities and regardless of subject matter. The certain causes that are evolving in the company also holds certain events to dance community. collaborate with other dance companies The company also raises donations to come together and perform other for children who can’t afford clothes flash mobs for other events and toys. The most recent flash In dance, society and the world itself mob Manx created helped finance is not only brought into the experience; Halloween costumes for foster children but dance can also be taken to a new who couldn’t afford costumes. and inspiring place to elicit change in Children who are financially- the world. insecure or in foster homes can visit NMDPs goal for the project is to kostumes4kids.org to help get a motivate and train future generations Halloween costume. of dancers from different backgrounds The NMDP provides community to show support through artistic outreach, mentorship and educational development. programming to the public.

Nikki Manx // Stephanie Zena 16 Features THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2018 THE TORCH SPORTS 17 Boston Red Sox Slaughter LA Dodgers in World Series JELSON MONTERO eventually allow a game winning home Sports Editor run to Max Muncy. Coming off a heartbreaking loss for the Red Sox, it seemed all momentum The 2018 Major League Baseball was on the Dodgers side heading into season concluded following a World game four. Yasiel Puig would add on Series Championship for the Boston after a three-run home run, giving the Red Sox. Dodgers a 4-0 lead. Unlike the previous two series, the The Red Sox would not go out Red Sox were fan favorites coming quietly. Following a three-run home into the World Series against the Los run by Mitch Moreland, the Red Sox Angeles Dodgers. The American seemed to have life again. League was by far superior to the Soon-to-be World Series MVP National League, so it was no surprise Steve Pearce would tie the game the that the Red Sox would be favored. next inning, and soon after the Red Sox Despite only having five games, the would stun the Dodgers and take the World Series had many memorable lead in the ninth. Craig Kimbrel came moments. in to close the game, and it felt like the Both the Dodgers and Red Sox Dodgers let a golden opportunity slip had different paths to the World Series. through their hands. The Dodgers played an extra Coming into game five, the feeling regular season game against the was that the Red Sox would finish the Colorado Rockies in order to determine // Wikimedia Commons job. Having a commanding 3-1 series the division winner. After their win, lead seemed almost impossible to blow. they had a fairly easy series win against the Yankees in a quick four games. Sox held on to take game one and soon It did not take long for the Red the Atlanta Braves. Once again, they were considered followed up by taking game two. Sox to strike first, as Steve Pearce However, The Dodgers would underdogs, as they faced the defending With the series heading to Los gave them a quick 2-0 lead in the first encounter some adversity when they champions Houston Astros. In one Angeles, the Red Sox were in complete inning. The route was quickly on as the faced the Milwaukee Brewers. The of the most shocking moments of the control of the series with a 2-0 series Red Sox hit a combined four home runs Brewers and Dodgers went into a playoffs, the Red Sox eliminated the lead. Game three was by far the most and two by Pearce. deciding seventh game of the National Astros in five games on their way to memorable game in the 2018 season. The story of the night belonged to League Championship series. The their fourth World Series appearance Dodger rookie pitcher Walker David Price. Price shined for the third Dodgers pulled off an impressive win since 2004. Heading into game one of Buehler shined in his World Series straight start in the playoffs tossing on the road to become back-to-back the World Series, the talk was about debut, going seven shutout innings seven innings with one run. National League Champions. the matchup between Chris Sale and against the best offense in baseball. All of his postseason failures were Despite getting a franchise-record Clayton Kershaw. Arguably the two However, the Dodger bullpen could suddenly erased, and his success would 108 wins, the Red Sox were not favored greatest left handed pitchers in this not keep the 1-0 lead and blew it in the trump old narratives about his pitching. against their first round opponent, the decade would face head-to-head in the eighth inning. With the game tied and Chris Sale would come into the New York Yankees. bright lights of October. headed to extra innings, the Red Sox ninth inning to close out the final The Red Sox had not enjoyed Unfortunately the matchup would decided to bring in Nathan Eovaldi three outs of the World Series. After postseason success since 2013, which not live up to expectations. Both pitchers who was scheduled to pitch next day. a dominant inning, the Red Sox were made many people non-believers in only lasted four innings pitched as the Eovaldi would put on one of the greatest once again on top of the baseball world, the team. The Red Sox would quickly offense took over. Following a clutch performances in postseason history, becoming World Series Champions for silence the doubters and take care of home run by Eduardo Nunez, the Red throwing 97 pitches in relief but would the fourth time since 2004. BCC Volleyball Team Goes All Out All Season FRANCISCO CAMACHO to mesh personalities.” Staff Writer The coach’s expectations were high as the team was stacked with DID YOU Bergen Community College’s talent. volleyball season came to an end on “As long as our lady bulldogs Saturday Oct. 20 in the first round give it 150 percent we can win...we of the NJCAA Region XIX D-III have a very talented group of ladies,” REGISTER? playoffs, after falling 3-0 to Ocean said Coach Bailey. County College. This comes after a There were many standouts on fantastic season by the lady Bull- the team like Stephanie Padilla and dogs, who went 14-7 in the regular Samantha Frola, who both won play- season. er of the week awards. Overall the season was great, Stephanie Padilla was ranked and at one point the team went on 28th in the nation with 57 Service a tear and had a 9-game winning Aces, and Samantha Frola anchored streak. the defense as she was ranked 2nd in S P R I N G The program did undergo a few the nation with 79 Block Solos. changes as BCC brought in new There was also Melanie Cuco B E G I N S head coach, Samoya Bailey, and who received the nod for BCC’s assistant coach, Tanash Reid, who Student Athlete of the Month for JANUARY 14TH both have a championship pedigree. september. She was ranked 2nd in Both coaches were at Passaic the nation for Service Ace with 107. County Community College and She has been a contributor to the won championships before coming team’s success this year. to BCC. Next season should definitely be When asked what the biggest interesting as the new coaching staff challenge was this season Coach tries to build on the momentum of Bailey said, “meshing personali- this year while trying to incorporate ties… you only have about two years the new players coming in next year.

. Center for Student Success A118, Pitkin Building

BCC’s Volleyball team practicing for their season // Francisco Camacho 18 Sports THE TORCH VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 ‘My Name is Joe’ Roman Reigns Struggles with Leukemia JOHNATHAN FLYNN Contributing Writer absence, the question is: who will rise The professional wrestling to fill his place on the top? business was brought to a halt on Wrestlers from all over the world October 22. Everyone who tuned in to and from every company began to voice Monday Night Raw was surprised to their support for Anoa’i’s recovery. find Roman Reigns breaking character Even WWE’s rival companies were by using his real name, Joe Anoa’i. supportive. Ring of Honor and New He revealed his battle with Japan Pro Wrestling released supportive leukemia and its recent resurfacing statements on their social media pages. leading to him having to give up the The road to recovery seems long Universal Championship title because for Joe Anoa’i but hopefully he will he will not be able to compete for the come out on the other side stronger and foreseeable future. able to return to the business he loves. This news is particularly shocking He closed his speech with a special because it’s one of the few times in moment with his longtime tag-team pro-wrestling’s history that such an partners, Colby “Seth Rollins” Lopez important player was sidelined by and Jonathan “Dean Ambrose” Good. something potentially fatal or career They shared their “shield” gesture ending. before Anoa’i went backstage and WE SEE MORE THAN A STUDENT The loss of such a central was met by the entire roster as well as performer will be a big game-changer Vince McMahon. Everyone showed going forward because of how much their support to the locker room leader WE SEE A FUTURE LEADER the WWE has invested in Anoa’i. In his as he begins this difficult fight. At Quinnipiac, everything we do is laser-focused on the future. It’s why we combine market-driven knowledge with practical applications. It’s why we integrate world-sized learning opportunities with classrooms and facilities that are custom fit for today’s work environments. And, with an accessible and engaged faculty, our graduates are prepared for 21st-century careers because they are always a step ahead.

READY FOR MORE? ATTEND A 2018 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Sept. 22 Sunday, Oct. 21 Saturday, Nov. 10 Sunday, Dec. 2

Register or schedule a visit: qu.edu/visit Apply: qu.edu/transfer Email: [email protected]

// WWE.com CommunityCollegeAd_2018OpenHouseTransfer_4.9x7.5.indd 1 9/5/18 12:58 PM BCC’s Women’s Soccer Team Ready to Bounce Back FRANS CI CO CAMACHO with a bigger sense of comradery. Staff Writer The soccer team should expect to bounce back next season with The soccer season ended ear- this year’s experience. There were ly this October as the team ended some good things to come from the with an abysmal 2-10 record. There season as Amy Franklin, who won seemed to be a lot problems with the September Bergen Student-Ath- the team overall, especially the de- lete of the Month award, came into fense, which gave up over five goals her own. per game. Her coach, Toni Di Franco, had The offense was not particularly high praise according to the Bergen good either, as their shot percentage sports website. was about four percent. The team “Amy Franklin is the definition had difficulty scoring as they only of a student-athlete and leader on averaged a little more than one goal and off the field. She was elected per game and were held scoreless our captain because she embodies three times this season. the qualities of a leader humble, A lot of these problems could be hard working and leads by example attributed to the fact that there were in everything she does. She is one a lot of freshman on the team this of my best defenders shutting down year. Jeschelle Mansala plays for- our opponents and also can take the ward on the team and believes the ball up the field being an offensive biggest challenge this season was threat to other teams,” Di Franco team chemistry. said. “I was awkward around my Her offense was great with her teammates ...I didn’t see my team- shot percentage was 50 percent. mates as family at first,” Mansala There were other standouts like said. freshman Kathy Villanueva who She also expressed how she led the team in goals and had a shot wanted to continue to build team percentage of 80 percent. morale. She seems poised to become “I think it’s better if we keep this team’s leader next season. The a more positive attitude,”Mansala talent is definitely there and it could said. hopefully come together for the She feels that the team will next Bulldogs season. come back stronger next season // bergenccbulldogs.com VOLUME 27 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER 2018 THE TORCH SPORTS 19

FELICIAN UNIVERSITY

REPRESENTATIVE ON SITE AT BCC!

Felician„@ Bergen Earn your associate degree at Bergen Community College and seamlessly transition to one of Felician’s bachelor degree programs.

Our admissions representative is on campus to help you connect to all the academic programs, student services, and transfer scholarships that Felician o ers.

• Generous transfer scholarships available with a competitive tuition rate.

• #3 private institution in New Jersey for 20-year net return on investment.

• 59 programs of study – evening accelerated-degree programs and day-time options available.

• #6 among 4-year colleges in New Jersey for earning potential.

• You may qualify for fi nancial aid if you maintain full-time student status.

• Felician is ranked the #1 safest campus in New Jersey! Attend classes at our Lodi and/or Rutherford campuses.

Felician University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Felician University Representative Lorraine Derwin | 201.355.1458 | [email protected] Onsite O ce Hours: Every Tues, Wed, and Thurs 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | O” ce for Student Success in Pitkin Ed Bldg

Bergen Site Sheet 2018.indd 1 9/21/18 3:27 PM VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2018 THE TORCH Sports 20 The Torch

BCC Men’sSPORTS Soccer Looking at Bright Future JELSON MONTERO have a leader emerge in order to keep Sports Editor the players grounded and focused on their task at hand. For these Bulldogs, The men’s soccer team fell short of that player was Victor Souza. expectations this year, with a record of Unfortunately, Souza’s leadership 1-11-1. The Bulldogs were never able to will be missed by the team next year. put a consistent season together and The coaches believe there are two saw themselves drop nine of their ten strong candidates for the leadership conference games. role heading into next season. The team had a season high eight “One of those players is Kevin game losing streak before breaking it Cabrera, who shows great poise on the with a tie against Cumberland Coun- field and will be turned to for leader- ty College. Despite the struggles, the ship. Another player that can help us in team remains optimistic of the players, the leadership role can be Luis Yolanes, coaches and future of the team. whose good play and focus can help us Giovanni Soto is the head coach of to become more competitive by actions the Bulldogs and, despite the record, more than words,” Soto said. he does not determine success by wins The players and coaches still see a or losses. bright future for the Bulldogs. The team “Winning is a scarce thing in will work on building a young core and sports. So for us as soccer coaches, we returning to championship-level play. determine success by how the team is “I would say that the future looks playing, the proficiencies of our game bright, and if we perfect the last piece and the chemistry the team has so that of the puzzle – which for us is the of- there is room for improvement,” Soto fensive side of the ball – we will be a team that will compete for the region said. // bergenccbulldogs.com For a young team like this one, 19 title again just like we did in 2015 evaluating individual and team growth “The team has had great chemistry focus better.” Soto said. and 2016 when we won the title back- is far greater than the overall outcomes off the field this year, which has been Chemistry can be shared by both to-back and went to nationals,” Soto of games. It is important that they of great delight to the coaches, and has the coaches and players in order to said. build chemistry going forward. made our practices and games much make a healthy environment. The Bulldogs seem to be ready to easier because we remain positive and In a long season, teams usually make some noise starting next season. Baseball Loses Popularity WWE Faces Backlash After Visit to Saudi Arabia to Basketball and Football JOHNATHAN FLYNN the investigation, making minor ges- Staff Writer tures to try and save face by avoiding JELSON MONTERO the subject of Crown Jewel’s location. Sports Editor The WWE has had a very inter- This continued until the event esting fourth quarter. In the span of a itself, where the wrestlers were notice- Major League Baseball was once week, they aired an all women’s show ably not as interested in performing. known as America’s pastime. In an with Evolution, followed by Crown This was highlighted throughout the article called “The Most Popular Jewel, an all men’s show from Saudi night by many sloppy performances Sports in America” on Ranker.com, Arabia. and two changes with the obvious ab- Major League Baseball has fallen to However, this was not by choice, sence of John Cena and Daniel Bryan the third-most popular sport behind but because women are not allowed to as they refused to participate in the the National Football League and // MaxPixel.net wrestle in Saudi Arabia. Crown Jewel show despite their appearance being the National Basketball Association. was the subject of controversy due to advertised. The game has been moving in smaller length than 162. fans not agreeing with WWE making Their absence was rumored to be the wrong direction in terms of na- According to Scooby Axson propaganda shows for such an oppres- a PR stunt. This loss was made up by tional interest. Not only are baseball from SI.com, the average baseball sive culture. the WWE Hall of Famer, Hulk Ho- players not being recognized on a game lasts three hours and five min- The displeasure was relatively gan, who made his return after being national scale, but some of the big- utes. This is a much longer game time minor at first, but changed with the fired in 2015 due to controversy with a gest stars in the game are getting lit- length than basketball and football. murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi racist discussion that was recorded and tle recognition by baseball fans. The inability to add a game clock to in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. leaked. This added to the controversy Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and the game is a huge contributor to the The news spread quickly and many of Crown Jewel. Francisco Lindor are arguably three length of time for a baseball game to businesses began to suspend any deals Whether or not the WWE will of the most popular players in the finish. Unlike basketball or football, with Saudi Arabia while the investiga- continue this deal with Saudi Arabia game. Unfortunately, in an article there is no constant movement or ac- tion took place, which the WWE did remains a question. However if they written by Mark Newman called tion through a baseball game. not do. The WWE proceeded to plan do, then we have nine more years of “MLB’s Most Popular Jerseys Re- Baseball’s culture also impacts and promote the show and allegedly propaganda to look forward to. vealed” on MLB.com, Harper had the sport’s marketability to fans, es- had a “wait and see” attitude towards the fifth-most sold jersey in baseball, pecially kids. Baseball players have a Trout placed eighth, and Lindor was long list of unwritten rules that allow ninth. the players to police themselves. Unlike basketball and football, In football and basketball, play- the game of baseball is far longer in ers frequently show a lot of emotions terms of time per games and sea- and connect with the fans more of- son length. Baseball has 162 games ten than not. a year, and is played in a span of six Baseball players must respect the months, not including pre season game and never show up the oppo- and playoffs. nent or get too emotional. As time For many fans, following a team passes, fans continue to show less in- for six months and 162 games can be terest in the game of baseball. It’s a uninteresting. Basketball has a sea- game that’s losing TV ratings, local son length of 82 games, and football fans and national recognition. season is 16 games- a significantly // WWE.com JOIN THE TORCH Meetings every Tues., 12:30 p.m., SC-111C-D