Awards Cap Hispanic Heritage Month

Students from SUNY Rockland Community College and area high schools received Hispanic Heritage Student Achievement Awards, in a ceremony that helped to mark the college’s month-long observation of the cultural event.

“These fine students had to strive to overcome difficulties and still managed to achieve great GPAs and work on

their dreams of becoming professionals,” said Professor Josephine Tarsia, Professor of Foreign Languages and Chair of the Hispanic Heritage Student Achievement Awards Committee.

Those who applied for the scholarships were required to submit an application, personal essay, and a letter of recommendation in addition to earning a 3.0 GPA and at least 24 degree credits.

Out of 100 eligible applicants, only a select few were granted these prestigious

and competitive awards, Professor Tarsia said.

Between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, RCC celebrated Hispanic culture by holding various activities on campus, including dancing to traditional Hispanic music and enjoying a variety of cultural foods.

Master of Ceremonies Mr. Francisco Garcia-Quezada, a high school teacher and adjunct professor at Fordham University and RCC, introduced the speakers during the ceremony.

Dr. Cliff Wood, President of the College and Mara-

Lee Bierman, Professor and Coordinator of Foreign Languages, both presented the student achievement awards for the college and high school winners.

Public officials from around Rockland County and surrounding communities were in attendance at the awards ceremony, including County Executive The Honorable C. Scott Vanderhoef, and Camelia Valdes, the Passaic County Prosecutor, who was

SEE AWARDS PAGE 3

New SGA PresidentAnd Senators Elected

A student lights up near the walkway to the west student parking lot, behind Academic II.

After a much-anticipated special election that had several candidates running for the office of Student Government Association President, and many more seeking the office of senator, sophomore Chris Barker was declared the new SGA president.

“I’m very excited, I can’t wait to get started and work hard to benefit the whole RCC campus community,” said Barker.

Barker took the election with 278 votes, 38.5 percent of the 722

valid votes cast. According to John Marra, the Coordinator of Student Activities and Volunteer Services on campus, 722 valid votes is a very large percentage of the student body that voted.

“I think it’s great,” Marra said. “It shows students are getting involved and looking to make changes.”

An additional 128 votes were not counted for various reasons, including duplicate ballots, ballots with improper ID numbers, and other related reasons.

“He (Barker) is very professional,” said Angel Torres,

SEE ELECTION PAGE 2

Josh BlachorskyEditor-in-Chief

Chris Barker, the new President of the Student Government Association.

Elan WeinbergerNews Editor

Loui

e G

aita

n /

Out

look

Stu

dent

Pre

ss

utLook STUDENT PRESSO Vol. 44 Issue 6 October 24, 2011 Facebook.com/Outlookpress

Not all cooking oils are created equal. Here are some findings and tips that may surprise you.

“Much of what you hear on the news or read on food packag-ing has been influenced by the

heavy-handed marketing tactics of big food companies.”

Gina Duncan, Student

HealtH 15

“If you wish to explore the places where these phantoms still lurk, look no further than the peaceful

little suburban county of Rockland, where we have a richer history

than one can imagine....”

Anna Berent, Student

Features 4

These ghosts and haunts will have you wondering

if your imagination is playing tricks on you.

“Some articles of clothing are meant either to be worn on

special occasions or just to be outrageous. However, there is a

line…and it is crossed.”

Nathan Caplan, Student

style 8

There are articles of clothing you should not

wear, much less combine into one “outfit.”

Josh

Bla

chor

sky

/ Out

look

Stu

dent

Pre

ss

Francisco Garcia-Quezada, Master of Ceremonies, on stage with student honorees and SUNY Rockland President Cliff Wood.

Students honored for their academic, artistic, and community work

news October 24, 2011 2

College Hillel Celebrates Sukkot

New SGA President and Senators ElectedELECTION FROM PAGE 1

the Student Representative to the Board of Trustees. “What I wanted was a President who is ready to get to work, and Chris is that.”

Barker attributed his success to his personality and work ethic. He also credited those around him who helped propel him to the presidency.

“I had a good support group that was able

to let people know what I was about and what I was for; people who were on campus on different times than I was, I was able to reach because I had great people with me.”

Other students attributed his success not to any personal attribute, but rather to Barker’s campaign of putting signs all around campus.

Edging out four other candidates, (one, Justin George, by a mere 24 votes,) several of which serve in student government

positions, Barker doesn’t expect there to be any difficulty or contention in the SGA.

Barker said his first priority was to lower prices at the campus bookstore.

“I feel they exploit students with the prices there, and I’m meeting with people to fix that,” he said, without going into more detail.

According to the results released by the Student Involvement Office, eight of the ten positions for freshman Senator

were also filled, as were all six positions for sophomore senator. The names of the elected freshmen are Tamoy Fuller, Segundo-Angel Guallpa, Alexander Kiene, Amanda Marshall, Navid Safaie, and Alejandria Saravia, Angelina Shymon, and Andry Silverio. The names of the elected sophomores are Kelsey Diaz-Kuhn, Frank Galoso, Khanh Hong Nguyen, Ronald Lawyer, Yuki Nakayama, and Alex Ojeda.

Palm branches and citrons waved through the air during Hillel’s annual party for Sukkot on Oct. 18, outside in the academic quad at Rockland Community College. The celebration was for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, where many

Jews build Sukkahs outside and dwell in them. The party included a live band and free lunch for those who attended.

“It’s all great- the food, the music and the people” said Sol Lazarus, one of the students in attendance. In all, about 45 students and several faculty members partook in the festivities.

During the event, Rabbi Dov Oliver, the head of Hillel at RCC went around to various students asking if they had shaken the Lulav and Etrog, a combination of four species, including palm branches, citrons, willow leaves and myrtle leaves, which Jews shake as part of the holiday.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” said Oliver. “We have great weather and great people so I’m happy.”

The event was able to take place in the Sukkah, unlike last year where rain forced it inside.

Oliver and several students had constructed the Sukkah a week prior to the event, however the morning of the party, the roof had fallen in, and the club was forced to scramble and rebuild it to have it ready in time.

After some time, Oliver took the microphone and gave a short address outlining the purpose of the holiday.

“It’s a festival of unity, very much about uniting people and being together. One of the main things of being in this hut over

here is to have everyone together. We eat and sleep in the hut and it’s a big family time. It also reminds us how temporary life is. We go out of our beautiful homes and live outside in the outdoors in a very temporary structure.”

Brian KatzmanContributing Writer

Rabbi Dov Oliver of Hillel, shakes the Lulav and Etrog (above); students enjoy the food and music in the Sukkah on the quad (right).

Phot

os b

y Jo

sh B

lach

orsk

y / O

utlo

ok S

tude

nt P

ress

Email Us At:OutlookStudentPress@gmail.comutLook O

STUDENT PRESS

got creativity?

News 3October 24, 2011

Hispanic Heritage Awards Recognize Student ExcellenceAWARDS FROM PAGE 1 the keynote speaker. These two both spoke and presented awards to the various honorees.

“You already know how to succeed, and that is evidenced by your accomplishments and your achievements. Be very careful not to ever let someone define for you what you should be doing, as a woman, as a person of color...decide for yourself,” Valdes said.

“It instilled in me something that I know is going to grow and grow,” Ruth Jimenez said of Valdes’ comments.

The honorees, each of whom received scholarship money, certificates from many elected officials, and a plaque, are students of high achievement who attend either RCC or local high schools in Rockland.

The awards recognize artistic talent, academic achievement, leadership activities, and personal accomplishments.

The recipients include Joel Almodovar, artistic talent; Alex Ojeda, academic achievement; Wilmer Rodriguez, leadership; Ana Rojas, leadership; Ruth Jimenez, personal accomplishments; and Dorca Hernandez, personal accomplishments.

“I can tell you, it’s the thing that brings me the greatest pleasure, any time we have an opportunity to recognize our terrific students,” Dr. Wood said.

In addition to the college winners, the

five high school students were Brandon Aybar, North Rockland; Risa Castro, North Rockland; Tracy Estevez, North Rockland; India Perez-Urbano, Nyack; and Elixyvette Garcia, Suffern.

A reception and dinner followed the awards ceremony.

“This was my favorite event of the month because the ceremony encouraged the students even more to

follow their dreams,” Professor Tarsia remarked.

“I consider this award motivation to continue to pursue my dreams,” said Wilmer Rodriguez.

Back Row (from left to right): Michael Verschneider, Jaimie Martinez, and Rene Midouin. Front Row (from left to right): Sebastian Dumont, Michael Coleman, Jackie Jackson, and Perry Buongiorno.

Students from SUNY Rockland and area schools were recognized for excellence at the recent Hispanic Heritage Awards ceremony.

Loui

e G

aita

n /

Out

look

Stu

dent

Pre

ss

FEATURES4 October 24, 2011

Rockland County Ghosts and HauntsRockland County has so many treasures

and so much history hidden beneath its perfectly polished exterior of mansions and high ranch houses. Some locations even have little secrets linking us to a world that is quite ominous and unknown, yet human nature makes us so fascinated with the peculiarity of it. Something about the mystery and danger of the spirit world intrigues us. If you wish to explore the places where these phantoms still lurk, look no further than the peaceful little suburban county of Rockland, where we have a richer history than one can imagine and a restless spirit aimlessly wandering around every corner.

Spook Rock Almost everyone that lives in Rockland

has heard of Spook Rock Road in Airmont; however, barely anyone knows what happened there with the early settlers of Rockland County. One of the Dutch Settlers committed an unidentified crime against the local Native American population. The Natives, tired of the suffering that was purposely inflicted upon them, went out to seek revenge. They kidnapped the young daughter of a local Dutch family and brought her to the rock (Spook Rock), which they used for traditional ceremonies. The young girl was viciously sacrificed on top of that rock. After all was said and done, the chief of the Native American tribe found out that the family that the young girl was kidnapped from was innocent. The chief felt extremely guilty over what had been done and could not eliminate the thought of her death from his mind. He claimed that the young girl’s apparition haunted him every single day for the rest of his life. In contemporary days, people claim to see the young girl’s spirit hovering over Spook Rock on Halloween night, the same time the actual sacrifice took place. Many people claim to also have an eerie feeling walking or driving down that road at night. We may never know the hard

facts about this tale, but does anyone really dare to go there alone at night?

The Spirit at Hook Mountain Hook Mountain is located in Nyack

Beach State Park. It is quite a beautiful location, truly merging one with nature. It is, however, allegedly haunted by a Native American named Comboan. He lived in the 18th century in the woods of Nyack and was an expert hunter, knowing the terrain very well. He was very respected and well liked by the European settlers in Nyack. On one particular day during his lifetime, two small children wandered away from their village and got lost in the woods. Comboan was asked to help find them because he knew those woods so well. He agreed to it right away, and shortly after found the missing children alive. There was a great celebration

to honor Comboan, and as a reward he was offered the opportunity to convert to Christianity. He declined the offer, claiming that he would continue to follow his own religion. Soon after, the French and Indian War broke out and people grew suspicious of Comboan, although he had given them no reason to lose trust in him. Because of all the paranoia, Comboan was banished from his beloved Nyack. After he was driven from his dearly loved home, people say he died, perhaps of a broken heart. Many years went on, and the war had ended. People venturing into Hook Mountain began to notice the scent of burning wood and saw smoke where Comboan used to hunt, but there was no sign of an actual bonfire. Later, moccasin prints were spotted in the dirt where no one had walked. Others heard actual footsteps while being out there alone. To this day, after all the cyclists, hikers, and picnickers go home, there are always reports from that one lone walker of an eerie feeling, the sound of footsteps, or the smell of a nonexistent fire.

Letchworth Village In Thiells, New York stands an enormous

mental institution called Letchworth Village, looking ghostly and quite sinister. There is much gossip about the old mental hospital, having much to do with the appalling treatment of the patients. But one thing is for

sure, there is an unsettling feeling that goes along with the buildings for whoever walks past them or dares to go inside. No matter what time of year it is, it is undoubtedly cold inside all the abandoned buildings; it could be 100 degrees outside but it is said that the inside of the buildings remain frigid. What is the explanation for this? Another claim is that if you go inside it will feel like you are glued to the floor without any explanation. The paint is peeling everywhere and there are creepy drawings on the walls. The aura of the place makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. There is little doubt that somebody’s soul is still wandering the hallways, looking for some way out of that hospital.

Lavender This story takes place in the 1940’s, a

time that was a little bit calmer and more innocent than today’s busy and bustling society; however, it does not lack any creepiness. Two high school juniors were driving through Rockland County to get to a dance in Tuxedo Park. It was an unusually warm, beautiful night in Autumn. Their headlights suddenly caught the figure of a girl walking down the street wearing a long, formal lavender evening dress. The two boys stopped their vehicle and asked this young lady if they could give her a ride somewhere, and as it turns out, she was going to the same dance that they were. The girl accepted their offer and said her name was Lavender. Lavender was polite, beautiful, and proved to be an amazing dancer. The only odd thing was that her skin was always cold to the touch. As the dance drew to a close, one of the boys offered Lavender a jacket. She

took it, and they dropped her off at a house that she said was hers. She stood outside the door and waved goodbye to the boys. The next day one of them realized that he needed to get his jacket back from her, so the two friends drove back to Lavender’s house. A woman answered the door and looked slightly confused when they asked for Lavender. She told them that it’s been ten years since Lavender died and mentioned that her real name was Lily; Lavender was merely a nickname. She even named the location of the cemetery that her body had been buried in. The two boys drove down to the cemetery and there, found a grave marked with the name Lily on it. Next to the tombstone laid the boy’s neatly folded jacket. The boys simply did not know what to make of their experience.

According to an old postman in the area, Lily was a girl who came from a very poor family and got a promiscuous reputation at a young age. A church charity had given her a beautiful, sequin lavender dress that she wore all the time. One day, Lily went out in -18 degree weather to run some errands in nothing more than this beautiful lavender gown. She froze to death and was found on the side of a road by a bus driver the following morning. That spot was the same location the boys encountered her exactly ten years later.

So it is evident that Rockland County is filled with fabulous treasures and stories of ghosts and the unknown. There is so much left here undiscovered that is just begging for us to explore. It makes us all question if those footsteps upstairs are our imagination, our family, or a restless spirit.

Anna Berent Contributing Writer

It’s the first date. You’re all primped and ready to go. You’re rocking the up do, your clothes are ironed just so, and your shaky teen confidence is slightly boosted by the fact someone deemed you worthy of a possible relationship. If you want to be sure to get the glorious call back for a second encounter with that special lady or gentleman, you should be sure to avoid certain things that will make you less than desirable.

Awkward ComplimentsI don’t care if he or she smells like

the ambrosia of the Gods or looks like your teen fantasy come to life. There is a difference between “Well you look very nice this evening” and the awkward, half-whispered “You smell good. Maybe it’s pheromones.” Don’t get me wrong, I love being told I look fantastic when I put in some effort, but the compliment is only as good as the delivery. Should you feel overwhelmed to compliment your date, do it in a polite, non-stalking manner. Opt for a courteous, “My word, good lady, you look like a vision this evening” rather than “That dress makes your body look banging.” Trust me, it will save the awkward silence and the deer-in-the-headlights expression and will rather send you on your way to a possible second date.

Crude Bodily NoisesIn hindsight, that massive breakfast

burrito probably wasn’t the best move. I know you want to unleash the thunder and let out a belch to rival any frat boy. Hold it in man, hold it in. Look at your date, now back to me, now back to your date, look at your life, and look at your choices. Is that burp going to make the evening the best date in the world? If you answered yes, you may want to consider waiting a few years before endeavoring out into the dating pool. It’s never a good idea to unleash the fury of Zeus on your date after completing the meal. I assure you that your burp isn’t going to paint the best of images in your date’s mind, so try to avoid this.

Talking About the FutureNothing freaks out a teen or young

adult more than talking about the future on a first date. Rambling on about your desire for kids or wedded bliss may only serve to send your date into a cold sweat. Saying, “I really want to have five kids. I was thinking we could name one of them Charlie after my father and maybe your parents” will ensure a runner. Overstepping your practically non-existent relationship

on a fist date never ends well. The point of the first date is to get to know the person on a deeper level to see if a relationship is

even possible. It’s one thing to talk about friends and hobbies but it’s a separate ball game to show them your bridal registry

account or designed engagement and wedding ring set.

Dominating the ConversationYou may think you’re awesome, but

chances are your date is bored out of their mind and praying for a TARDIS to land in the middle of the Olive Garden and take them away. By all means you should talk about yourself, but keep it in check. Overwhelming your date with every life story you can think of will send them running for the hills. If you have diarrhea of the mouth and feel compelled to spill your glorious tales of life, be sure to pause every so often so your date can have some time to add to the conversation. Dominating the conversation is a massive foul. According to Search Your Love, and online dating service, 47% of women in the United States are completely turned off by a guy who dominates the conversation and ignores his date. Your date will be convinced you’d rather be on a date with yourself than with them. Try to ask for their input and opinions on things rather than drowning them in mediocre stories all about you.

Avoid the Talk of Past RelationshipsYour heart may have been crushed,

but don’t tell your date that. Try to avoid talking about past loves and failed dates because that just makes you look like an awful candidate for a relationship or a self-pitying mess. It’s one thing to talk about an ex later on in the relationship when you get to the whole boyfriend/girlfriend phase, but please, please for the love of all that’s holy refrain from telling the person across from you how your ex left you at the Outback Steakhouse. If you absolutely can’t avoid talking about your ex, take a breather and reschedule the date. Bad relationships and past loves aren’t the best way to win your new guy or girl’s heart.

Misreading SignalsThat grimace on his or her face is not

always a smoldering ‘come hither’ look that means kiss me. Misreading signals can lead to bad kisses, awkward silences, and ‘Oh my call went straight to voicemail again’ scenarios. A first date doesn’t mean a guaranteed kiss. According to the previously mentioned online dating site for singles, only 48% of first dates end with a kiss. Learn from the other 52% who may have either planted a dream kiss or sent the other person into a panic with an unwanted physical interaction. By watching body language and reading the other person carefully before moving in for the kiss, you can avoid a bad ending to what could have been a perfectly good first date.

Features 5October 24, 2011

Elizabeth MazeSTYLE EDITOR

What Not To Do On a First Date

Choosing a college can be a challenge for anyone, especially if you’re not sure about what you want to do with your life. The basic model of choosing a school is to figure out what you want to do, which schools interest you, and then if you can you afford it. Most people figure this out during their junior/senior year of high school with the help of a guidance counselor or a parent, but some do it while in a two-year college. This is possibly one of the biggest decisions in a young person’s life.

When I was in high school, I looked at a couple of schools. One that had caught my eye while sitting nervously with my guidance counselor was John Jay College. Not only is this school relatively cheap compared to some of the other private institutions, it has a good reputation in regards to its criminal justice majors. I decided that it was worth at least a visit.

Upon arriving at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, I was immediately impressed by the campus. The area isn’t like most places in Manhattan. Every year this area becomes more popular to visit because of the trees surrounding the buildings, adding vibrant colors to the college that clash with the close-by skyscrapers and cement sidewalks. The most memorable vision to

me was the brownstone stairs leading up to the main building which added a definite welcoming feature.

The campus covers about a block or so radius, and a new addition to their main building will be opening up this month and will add even more space to the college’s

property. Walking into this building, you run into a three-story library on your right side with large windows of glass allowing sunlight to enter. Down the only escalator of

the building, there is a memorial dedicated to John Jay and other founders of the university which resembles a museum. As you walk on the freshly polished and waxed tiled floors, you approach a model of the new extension to the main building in a glass case. Their goal is to create a suburban feel in urban New York.

Its modern look and high-tech devices within the classrooms add to the prestige of one of the most well-known criminal justice schools on the east coast. During my

visit, I was brought to an auditorium which appeared small considering the number of people who attend the college. It’s very plainly decorated on the inside, similar to a hospital with wings and labeled hallways. The smell was that of a hospital; almost stale. The classrooms I was shown, though, were of a normal size. I would estimate each of the classrooms to hold apporximately forty kids, no more. It is also important to note that the food I tasted in the dining hall was decently good although fairly expensive.

Even though the living arrangements and dorms are not connected to the main building, there are dorms in which to stay during your college experience. I personally had the opportunity of visiting a friend’s dorm room, who currently lives with three other people. These living quarters were similar to an apartment building with a private kitchen, living area, and dining room. They had much freedom, and that is what every college student wants, right?

Though the architecture of John Jay was beautiful, many of the students I talked to in the cafeteria and around the buildings showed a distaste for the school. Many were actually looking to transfer out, and this was a large warning sign for me. In the end, I feel the opinions of those students who have actually attended the college provide the most valuable feedback, and in considering this along with all that I had experienced and seen during my visit, I have decided not to attend John Jay.

features6 October 24, 2011

Campus Review: John Jay College An impressive campus in the heart of Manhattan is a draw, but student feedback throws up flags

Gerard Santiago Contributing Writer

We’ve all heard the stories of where Halloween originated and we are usually left wondering where it really started. We are imagining the superstitions and the truths about what this holiday really signifies.

From witches to Jack O’ Lanterns, all of these traditions had to come from somewhere. With strangers looking to snatch your candy, unlucky black cats, and those messy pumpkins you have to carve out every year, Halloween is undoubtedly a holiday steeped in history.

Halloween is thought to originate from the Celtic Festival of Samhain. During the eighth century, Pope Gregory III made Nov. 1 a time to honor all of the saints and martyrs. This holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated many of Samhain’s traditions.

The evening before All Saints’ Day was referred to as All Hallow’s Eve and later on, Halloween.

On Oct. 31, Celts celebrated Samhain where they believed that the ghosts of those who have passed could transition into our world. The Celts believed that

the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest. During these celebrations, they would wear masks and costumes for their ceremonies. Though it may have been popularized in the United States, the holiday is celebrated in many variations in other countries.

One of the traditions that has become popular is Jack O’ Lanterns. This stems back to the way Celts would carve turnips and put lights in them at night to keep safe. The name Jack O’ Lantern is a British term that means “a man with a lantern.”

This term is also used as a nickname for the phenomenon “will-o-the-wisp” which is a f lickering light that forms over wetlands and is linked with many folkloric tales. The type of food used for carving was only changed when the tradition became more popularized in places like the United States (pumpkins

have proven to be much easier to carve than turnips).

Another popular Halloween related event to talk about during the Halloween season is that the strangers giving out poisoned candy. Serving to panic every parent’s mind, poisoned Halloween candy has been a popular legend. There is only one case of a child dying from poisoned candy.

The one instance was in Halloween of 1974. A father from Texas planted a pack of cyanide-tainted candy in his own child’s bag to collect on life insurance money. To cover up what he had done, this father planted similarly tainted candy in the bags of other

trick-or-treaters. He was successfully apprehended, imprisoned, and executed for his crime.

Most of the horrifying tales of tampered candy you hear come from urban legends. However, it is still

important and smart to keep an eye on the smaller ones due to the ‘spookiness’ of the night.

Halloween isn’t as mysterious as some may think. Black cats are not evil or unlucky, jack o’ lanterns might just keep you safe, and we’re not alone in our

vast celebration of crazy costumes and customs. Through all the myths, legends, and ideas, Halloween still makes every October, no matter how cold, a night worth celebrating.

Jasmine Glover Contributing Writer

A Few “Not So Mysterious” Myths About Halloween: True or False?

features 7October 24, 2011

Facebook RelationshipStatus Updates

In a person’s life, relationships hold a lot of value. Throughout the years we meet and create unique bonds with those around us. Thanks to social networking sites, such as Facebook, those bonds are even easier to keep and strengthen now more than ever. Right?

Then how exactly do you react when according to your best friend’s relationship status she is going out with your sister? What exactly should your reaction be when your 12 year old cousin has ‘it‘s complicated’ for her relationship status? Should it be alarming, or a harmless fun? While some take it as a joke others take it rather seriously. Some people even question the necessity of having such an option for public or personal display.

There are many types of friends on Facebook. There are the ones who constantly change their relationship status. Sometimes so often that you begin to wonder whether they have an internal conflict going on. Then there are also those who just randomly send you a request to be your “spouse,” “brother,” “sister,” “grandma” or “father” when in reality you are not even close to being related. Some of them are just playing with your brain, by being “in a relationship” with everyone and anyone. Others Get married and then become single faster then

you can count to a thousand. You can’t help but question whether you should be one of the above or just leave that portion of the personal information blank. Last but not least there are also those who are always in a ‘open relationship’. People don’t realize how easily they can send out the wrong message by putting their marital status out there. Especially if you believe in ‘friends with benefits’. The controversy begins when you cannot differentiate the actual marital status. Are they really going out? Or is this a joke?

I’m not suggesting that you become a stalker, however if you ever go and explore the profiles of all your Facebook friends, you will most likely find at least one person whose relationship status will go from being “single” to “in a relationship,” to “married” to “it’s complicated,” to “divorced,” all in a course of three months. It’s a shocker, especially when you find that they are just 16 or 17 years old. Either that’s a person with a walk of life a lot different from yours, or they are just messing with your and everyone elses brain.

It is up to you to decide whether you want to stick to keeping your marital status reserved from everyone or putting it out there for everyone to see. You should always remember, people randomly judge you by your relationship status updates. What may start out as fun, for those who change them a lot, might end up costing you a true relationship which holds a lot of value.

Neelam ShahzadContributing Writer

Email Us At:OutlookStudentPress@gmail.comutLook O

STUDENT PRESS

got creativity?

OPINION8 October 24, 2011

Outlook Student Press

Outlook Student Press is published every other week except during exam periods and summer. It is an independent newspaper and public forum produced by students and paid for by advertising revenue and student activities fees. Outlook Student Press invites you to submit your opinions and ideas for publication. We strongly encourage letters to the editor.Content does not necessarily reflect the views of the Outlook editors or staff. Submissions may be edited for clarity, length, style, and taste. Outlook does not accept anonymous submissions.

www.facebook.com/OutlookPress

www.twitter.com/OutlookPress

Staff: Tina Pace, Nathan Caplan.

Contributors:Brian Katzman, Anna Berent, Shannon Reid, Gina Duncan, Gerard Santiago, Jasmine Glover, Neelam Shahzad.

On the web: Outlookpress.orgFacebook.com/outlookpressEmail: Outlookstudentpress@gmail.comOffice: Student Union Room 3200 Phone: (845) 574-4389Fax: (845) 356-6261

Snail mail:Outlook Student PressRockland Community College145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901

Professor Fuentes, Advisor

Josh Blachorsky, Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Pastorelli, Production ManagerSari Ugell, Managing Editor Shara Beitch, Features EditorElan Weinberger, News Editor

Elizabeth Maze, Style & Entertainment EditorLouie Gaitan, Technology EditorMonica Powell, Science & Health Editor

Like to write? E-mail us at OutlookStudentPress@gmail.com

Louie Gaitan

ElizabethMaze

ElanWeinberger

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT... OCCUPY WALL STREET?

Shara Beitch

The protests of “Occupy Wall Street” have brought quite a bit of attention to not simply the state of New York but to the most pressing social and economic issues facing our country, and even our world, today.

Corporate influence over governmental decisions is one of the most outstanding arguments that the thousands of protestors lining ‘Liberty Square’ in NYC, as it has been renamed, are so zealously emphasizing.

And it’s not solely in the United States that such public demonstrations are occurring, either; more than 80 different countries have now followed suit in rallying against unfair governmental practices.

The truth remains that there is a minority (which is known as the 1%) that has immense influence over the way governments are treating the majority (known as the 99%) in many countries.

As alluded to above, a large part of

this ‘1%’ happens to be monopolistic corporations that are motivated by one common factor: money. It’s widely believed that underhanded dealings are being conducted among allied corporate giants in order to keep their bank accounts full while depleting those of the public.

If the main goal of our national industries and of our government’s privileged representatives is to reap profits through taking egregious advantages of the average citizen, this seems to completely contradict Abraham Lincoln’s statement that the United States must be governed “by the people” and “for the people.”

Evidently what’s best for the citizens turns out to be what’s best for a select few individuals who have gained power to elevated positions. It goes without saying that such injustice can no longer being overlooked.

— Monica Powell

OCCUPY WALL STREET

If Occupy Wall Street wants to have a positive impact, there are some steps they need to take. First, they need to disassociate themselves from the group Anonymous because they have a tendency to take actions that go too far. Anonymous released personal info on a police officer who maced a protester, this information included his children’s names and school. Actions like this will only hurt the movement. Second, no more marching on barricades. All it takes is one rookie cop getting spooked for this all to go south fast. Most of those cops are part of the 99%, they’re not your enemy.

People are protesting on Wall Street for many different reasons, but one group of people and their problems hits rather close to home: college students. We spending every penny in our nonexistent pocket to get a good education so that we can get jobs. The issue blossoms when the students realize that they probably won’t get a job with today’s banking system and corporate greed. They end up coming out of college with a substantial amount of debt and flip burgers at McDonalds for five years just to pay off one year of college. If the government wasn’t as corrupt, there would be decent jobs available and students wouldn’t come out of school being more destitute than if they didn’t go to college at all. It makes people question whether or not a higher education in this day and age is worth it. Violence, however, is never the answer. There is nothing wrong with going down to Wall Street and voicing your opinion, but the ferocity that is emerging won’t get you anywhere except jail.

I’m completely for people being able to protest and spread their views in a peaceful and well thought out way. This protest on Wall Street is full of people with good intentions but my annoyance stems from the people who just grab a sign and show up with no logic or understanding of why they are there and what they want. If you’re going to protest you better be able to tell me why you’re there and why you’re passionate. Don’t just stand there randomly surrounded by friends, holding a sign you don’t get, and promoting a topic you don’t even understand. Protesters should be proud of what they’re doing and most importantly, knowledgeable about what they want.

The occupy Wall Street protesters are sending an important message to the world: we are sick and tired of the unemployment, poverty, and the gap between the rich and the poor in this country. America was founded upon the principals of freedom and these people believe that there should more government intervention into to these political issues. I am totally for the right to free speech and thus the right to protest and I support these protesters. The only issue I have is the people they are protesting. They should not be protesting Wall Street because what effect will Wall Street have on government enforced regulations? These protesters should really be protesting the government and asking them to do more to save our nation’s economy.

New week, new trends, new recommendations. With all the great products out there, it is time to sort through the rubbish and hone in on the gems. Look to these products, fashion trends, and celebrities for the inspiration and looks that we love.

Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor

Nothing is more striking than that perfect shade of lipstick. With so many brands producing lipstick, designer and drug store alike, women are left baffled. The problem with so many lipsticks is their easy wear off period, smudging, messy application, and bothersome creases in the corner. Lost in the array of lip shades, I made one final purchase and ended up hitting gold. Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor nourishes your lips and goes on easy for even the most inexperienced. It doesn’t crease in the corners of the lips and it comes in numerous shades for every color preference. Its long-wearing color stands up to drinking and eating, only slightly fading in color but staying applied neatly. With blazing red oranges, sultry nudes, and brilliant reds, it is hard to miss the ball with Dior’s ultimate lipstick.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Pigment rich, smooth application, and

amazing colors is what makes Urban Decay’s eyeshadow a sure fire winner. Made with fewer binders that are used to compact your typical eyeshadow pallets, Urban Decay’s shadows blend and mix easily for the perfect shade. Whether you want a full out sparkle, shimmer, or metallic, there is a shade for you. You can even wet your eyeshadow brush and use the shadow for a more intense color or sultry liner. My personal favorite is “Baked” with its bold golden brown shimmer and eye-popping contrast against any complexion. With a cute subway token compact container, the exterior is just as good as the interior.

Stila Smudge Pot With its unique gel formula liner and

shadow in one, Stila Smudge Pot is the new and fun alternative to the usual powder or liquid liner that are often troublesome to apply. It comes in a small glass jar that seals tight to keep the gel smooth and mailable for easy application every time. It’s perfect for the cat eyed look or even just the basic upper lid line. A personal favorite is the “Black (Jet Black)” color that goes on with an inky intensity and smooth line that you can smudge with the tip of your eyeliner brush for a more worn in look. Use the liner brush to apply the initial line and brush it out lightly with your fingertip to buff out and smudge the color for a more smokey eye.

Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hair Spray

Its humid and gross and you’re dreading the inevitable-crazy, puffy hair. So many products promise to keep you hair volumized and tamed but they seem to fall through. Big Sexy Hair’s Spray and Play Hair Spray not only adds volume to your hair but also keeps it in line. Its good for all types of hair and fights the good fight against humidity. It gives your hair the lustrous shine you want with the flexible

hold you need. It doesn’t stiffen your hair up so you have the options to restyle your hair again and again throughout the day.

StudsIt’s such an easy way to play up that

feminine dress or skirt with a edgier more stylized trend. Studs come on shoes, jackets, bags, shirts, and pants. They add an instant pop to even the dullest wardrobe staple. You can go subtle and play up your flirty floral dress with a studded belt or flats. The studs will add that edgy pop to your conservative or feminine style. You can go slightly edgy with a pair of studded heels with your favorite pair of skinny jeans. That way you can play up your usual flair without going overboard rocker chic. If you want to really commit and bring out you inner rocker, throw on a pair of black skinny jeans, a white tank under a studded leather jacket, and studded pumps or boots for the ultimate look. Swipe on some lipstick, mess up your hair, smudge on some eyeliner, and head out in this trendy look for fall.

OxfordsIt’s the perfect way of turning a

traditionally masculine trend into a perfect fashion statement for the fairer sex. You can get them in a two-toned look, floral print, animal print, bright or dull colors, bedazzled, or studded. The options are endless and perfect for all your outfits. Pair a studded oxford with a floral dress or a leopard print oxford with a pair of dark-washed jeans and a simple tee shirt to spice up the traditional outfit. If flats aren’t really your thing, brands like Steve Madden are updating the classic menswear trend and putting it into a heel. Its androgynous look is finally updated into a refined and flirty heel with the elegance of your traditional Oxford.

Edith PiafIf anyone perfected the idea of “less is

more,” French singer and style icon, Edith Piaf brought a twist to the classical and simplified beauty. Known for her simple black dresses and fitted silhouettes, Piaf brought a new look that has become a standard of beauty and grace. With her inky colored hair, crimson painted lips, and thinly sculpted brows, Edith Piaf embraced the look of a sultry artist and singer. She dressed the way she felt whether it was brooding songstress or glamorous and theatrical diva. Dressed in mostly black with a few adorning animal prints, Piaf was demure, poised, and ahead of her time in all her fashion choices.

October 24, 2011 9

Why We Love...Elizabeth Maze

STYLE EDITOR

Style and Entertainment

STYLE & ENTERTAINMENT October 24, 2011 10

When it comes to getting dressed, people have many different approaches. Some people like to pick out what they wear the night before while others look to make the most theme-oriented outfits depending on what day it is. Some people keep it simple with a t-shirt and jeans while others go all out. Now, with all the effort it takes to get your outfit planned out, some might make poor choices when choosing their outfits. Some might even want to be outrageous with their outfits,

but let’s face it, there is a line. Going for Scottish folk wear doesn’t mean you should go to the nearest Macy’s and finding a man skirt. Instead, opt for kilt

shopping on the Internet. The key thing to remember is that outfits take time.

Some articles of clothing are meant either to be worn on special occasions or just to be outrageous. However, there is a line…and it is crossed.

The first of these outrageous clothing is the British Wedding Hat. As seen at Prince William’s wedding this past year, women would come with extravagant

dresses, matching shoes, and these things that remind you of ribbons for presents on top of their heads. In case you were wondering, those were hats. It appeared throughout the wedding that women were complaining that it was too hot outside and they needed additional shade. For all those who ever want to wear those hats…I can’t even figure out why one would.

The second articles of clothing are wooden clogs. Clogs, the wooden Dutch shoes, though a novelty to own, just do not work on a day-to-day basis. Besides

the fact that every time you step it sounds like a woodworking shop, they just appear to be uncomfortable. Honestly, in the world of today, there are enough shoe options to go with before one wears wood on their feet.

The third article of clothing that should be avoided at all costs is the shirts portraying male midriffs. Lets face it, shirts like that are for women. Some of the few ways to obtain a shirt with male

midriff is by: a) Wearing a shirt that you haven’t worn in four years, b) A washing machine accident, c) An attempt in a new trend. Which ever of these situations cause the midriff, the simple answer is no.

Of those three pieces of clothing, they all share one thing. They shouldn’t be worn. However, they may each have

other practical purposes. The Wedding Hats can be used for elaborate table centerpieces. The clogs could be used for either just to say you own them or that you need some wood for a tech project. Lastly, the Male Midriff Shirts. These could be donated, or thrown onto a bonfire. Donating them might be a little more useful.

In the end, the general message is that there are just some clothing that no one should ever wear.

Nathan CaplanSTAFF WRITER

Things you absolutely must not combine together into one “outfit”What Not to Wear

You see it far too often. More and more women are wearing the wrong jeans for their shape and not f lattering their figures. With jeans, one style and one size does not fit all. Just because it looks great on the mannequin doesn’t mean it will be perfect on you. The challenge is looking at your body and realizing what does and what doesn’t fit and f latter you. Remember you wear the jeans, the jeans don’t wear you.

Heavier ThighsIf your bothers

and worries stem from this area, the best jeans to invest in are a pair of straight legged jeans. The constant width and size of the jeans’ pant-leg will give you the illusion of longer, more lean legs by taking the focus off your trouble area. If you’re really looking to slim

your style, invest in a pair of straight legged jeans that fall just below your natural waist line.

Heavier Mid-Section/Prominent Stomach

Pick a fit thats’ waistband hits right below your bellybutton. This will give you the f lattering fit you need and want. This waistband will cover the stomach area more while smoothing out your problem area without spilling over. You want a jean that fits softly against the stomach rather then gripping like a vice. If the jeans’ waistband is too tight, you risk the chance of the dreaded ‘muffin top’ or rolls that don’t enhance your figure.

Flat BottomLacking the

junk in the trunk is a tricky thing when picking out jeans. Women with f latter bottoms often put on jeans that squish and pancake the bottom and give no support. Invest in jeans with

rear pockets that are embellished with stitching or buttons to give your bottom a fuller, more curvy look.

Plus SizedA darker-rinsed denim is definitely

the way to go. Steer clear of lighter washes that can make you look wider. I would recommend either getting a straight legged pant that can be slightly form fitting or a traditional trouser style. Both these looks in a dark rinse will f latter your shape while being both cute and practical.

Hourglass FigureIf you have the curves, f launt them

in a pair of jeans that works for your hourglass figure. Look for jeans that sit higher on your waist so that you are fully covered when you sit and move. Instead of going for a skinny legged jean, go for the tapered seam that will give your thighs and ankles more room, smoothing out the look and complimenting your curves. A classic wide pant leg with a f latter front will also do the trick to show off your awesome curves.

Pear ShapedWith this shape, it is a good idea to

go for the high waisted jeans. They’ll make you look taller while showcasing

your narrow waist. The jeans will give the illusion of longer legs while a slight f lare in the pant leg acts as an eye grabber.

Straight FigureWith this body type, a lot of jean cuts,

whether they be low riders or high waisted, will suit your body shape. If you’re looking for a jean that will look best on your straight figure, look for a pair that has a slimmer, tighter fit with a waistband

that fall around the middle. Go for a slight boot cut or f lair to give a curvier

Elizabeth MazeSTYLE EDITOR

xxxxxxxJeans For Your Shape

STYLE & ENTERTAINMENTOctober 24, 2011 11

If you are a TV watcher and the last thing you found comical on TV over the summer was Shark Week, you may have hit a road block. However, the Fall 2011 lineup has already started with old and new shows to add some laughs to your weekdays. We all need a good laugh now that we are all entrapped in this institution called college. A good hour break just to sit down and laugh is something I feel everyone needs. So what is this Fall 2011 lineup that makes it worth watching? Well there are several new and old shows coming back that are sure to bring up some laughter.

First off is the return of “Glee.” While this 3rd season may be the perfect sing-along show for the family, the crude humor and the portrayal of high school life just creates more and more laughter. Whether

it’s the dangerously funny Sue Sylvester, or just the random and ditsy Britney, each character brings their own element of funny to enhance the show.

Second is the newest comedy to hit the streets, “New Girl.” “New Girl” is a FOX original new series depicting Zooey

Deschanel as Jessica Day, a woman in her late 20’s moving into an apartment of three other guys just after her boyfriend dumped her. This may just sound like another version of the TV show “Friends” but this show brings a new humor. It brings an unsuspecting and innocent girl into an unfamiliar territory. Essentially, the show revolves around a girl thrown into a world of masculinity. Although

new episodes won’t be showing until November, I do recommend watching the first few episodes to get a feel, and laugh, for the show.

Another recurring show, though some might call it ‘new’ now, is “Two and a Half Men.” Though, Sheen, after his “outbursts”last year, was killed off, the show’s ratings are still high. Ashton Kutcher, though not Sheen, has been good for the show and still has the proper comedy necessary to keep the show’s audience happy. The show is still strong despite its obstacles and, to be honest, is still just as funny.The good news is that even without Sheen they still managed to be “Two and a Half Men.”

Now if you don’t find yourself entertained with these shows, there are still many more shows out there this fall. (There could also be the possibility you are not a comedy type person, but better yet there is still stuff this fall to watch.)

FOX, ABC Family, and NBC have plenty of shows in their line up to keep the least comedy lovers entertained.

Nathan CaplanSTAFF WRITER

Movies, plays, and television have been used as an escape from everyday hassles. As time goes on, television shows and movies have started to take over the entertainment world because of the accessibility, and the lethargic nature of mankind. Recently a surge in unrealistic corny love stories, and over dramatic concepts of everyday situations has become immensely popular.

Do television shows today give teens an unrealistic idea of how a relationship should be? I can guarantee that no one is going to marry a vampire, werewolf, witch, or any other supernatural creature that Hollywood can create. Yes these ideas are wildly entertaining, but are they being used to the point where it might not be fantasy anymore? Relationships are not fantasy, and it’s not fair to have such high expectations of love for kids to look at.

Television shows start to mass produce storylines once one idea becomes a hit.

These plots becomes drawn out and over used, just like a popular Z-100 song. It is not that these new teen shows are bad, it is just another unrealistic series on TV. Besides the fantasy story lines about magic, or someone with an extraordinary gift or ability, there’s what are called “reality” shows, which include series like “Jersey Shore” and “Teen Mom.” Other shows meant to reflect the teen lifestyle are “The Secret Life Of the American Teenager,” “Degrassi,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and countless others.

These shows may subconsciously be giving teens the impression that this is how their peers are acting, and ultimately how they should be acting.

Maybe these teen series represent more than just a cure to our boredom. Maybe this is a statement about what our society is becoming. Our priorities might be out of order, and we may be putting too much emphasis on television shows. Now that fall is here networks are having a field day releasing show after show. The majority of these shows are addicting and fun to watch. They can be so exciting and enjoyable that

some people become obsessed with them. A lot of these new shows are not completely original, especially the ones intended for the teen audience. Sex, drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy, fights, and violence seem to be the reoccurring theme. Does Hollywood think that this how all teenagers act or is it just what brings in the most views?

A lot of these shows are insulting to teenagers. As a generation we are getting a bad reputation as misfits. Television shows where teens, make the same mistake over and over again are not very accurate.

These shows have become predictable and ridiculous. They take a small part of the population and exaggerate their situations in order to create as much drama as possible. For example, many shows focus on heart break, student-teacher relationships, teenage pregnancy, and dreams being crushed.

For entertainment purposes, these shows succeed, but they are not realistic. The story lines are becoming cliché and redundant. Television series allow us to believe that a good portion of the

population is made up of irresponsible and naïve trouble makers. In reality the majority of us live normal lives, with a few bumps in the road but nothing news worthy.

Not all teens are sexually active, despite what the media says. Not all teens drink, not all black people are in gangs, not all smart people are nerds, and not all nerds are bullied. TV shows feed off stereotypes and exaggerate them to the point where inaccuracy runs wild.

There are more shows on television than we have time to watch. Teen series are not going anywhere but just remember that they are often unrealistic. If it doesn’t relate to your life, you’re not alone. Teen shows are not a statement about teenagers even though they may come across that way. There is definitely an overpopulation of teen series, and if you think they’re not appealing, then don’t watch them.

Unfortunately teen shows demonstrate a skewed image of love, school, and family. Their themes are repetitive and we are at a point where we all wonder, why another teen series?

Tina PaceStaff WRITER

Please, Not Another Teen Series

These shows will brighten up your playlistFall Comedy Lineup

You’ve just spent your entire week

working that minimum wage job while also trying to balance schoolwork and somehow manage to fit in some sleep. You’re worn out, stressed, and all you want to do is forget about the stressful week. So what’s the quickest fix to the reality blues? An awesome shopping trip! Now before you say that shopping is not a long-term solution to solving your problems…just remember, it’s cheaper than paying for therapy.

Typically, when one decides to embark on a journey to complete an awesome shopping trip, he or she may infer that, in order to do so, a large sum of money must be spent. This is definitely not the case; it is entirely possible to shop sensibly and leave happily. Here are a few tips to consider the next time you’ve set your heart on indulging in a shopping spree.

Easy tiger, Free People isn’t going anywhere.

In a fit of consumerist excitement, you’ve decided to veer into an incredibly expensive store such as Free People as your first stop on the shopping journey. In the front of the store, there’s a table filled with trendy fall sweaters but they all range in price from $98 to $228. It’s really easy to be enamored by the charming presentation of clothing stores, and it’s even easier to suspend judgment on the actual quality of the clothes, simply because there’s a high end brand name attached to them. Try to look past the brand and actually examine that expensive sweater. Ask yourself: is it really worth spending an entire week’s paycheck? If you’re unsure, put it down and try a different store. You can always come back if you change your mind.

Department stores are people too. Before blowing all of your money at

less expensive stores likes Forever 21 or H&M, try your hand at department stores like Lord & Taylor or TJ Maxx. While Lord & Taylor carries expensive brand names, it also contains an extensive sales rack with marked down prices on names such as Jessica Simpson, Ralph Lauren, Betsey Johnson, and even Free People. Depending on the season, these brands may be marked down by 50 percent or more. If you’re still apprehensive about shopping in the same place that your grandmother may go, check out the sales section at lordandtaylor.com and see for yourself.

Hey, she’s wearing my skirt. Yeah, and everyone else is, too.

Although it can be tempting to shop in one or two stores for your entire wardrobe, it can also lead to something called style conformity. H&M and Forever 21 are ideal places to shop for basic tops, cardigans, and pencil skirts that range from $5 to $20 but remember, if you’re buying into all of the deals, so is everyone else. Try a store that you’ve never thought to walk into and avoid being just another pair of leggings in the crowd.

Splurge with caution.You’ve shopped carefully all day and

you’re still yearning to make a really big purchase. Occasionally, it’s acceptable to spend a large amount of money on a clothing item but it’s important to think about what you’re purchasing before making the big move. Instead of purchasing a $200 dress that you’ll only wear a handful of times, invest that money into a sturdy pair of Steve Madden boots or a cute wool coat that will get you through the winter.

Style & ENTERTAINMENTOctober 24, 2011 13

Shannon ReidCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shop Wisely, Leave Happy: Four Ways to Shop Without Emptying Your Wallet

Pumpkins are one of those foods that are most readily associated with the fall season. Their bright auburn color compliments the crimson shades of the maple leaves, and it’s use as a carving palette is enjoyed by both the youthful and older generations of today. As much as the pumpkin may be commercialized, this unique variety of squash surely receives the most attention when it appears on your evening menu in the form of a savory soup, a sweetened bread, or a spiced pie. Being extremely diverse in its culinary uses, this dish has been celebrated for its creamy texture and pleasant flavor for countless years. In addition, the nutritional properties naturally inherent in this food will guarantee it maintains its high profile in the kitchen for many more years to come.

One of the most impressive qualities of the pumpkin is its extremely high content of the element Beta Carotene, more commonly known as Vitamin A. This famous nutrient is known to promote a strong immune system, building in your body a resistance to diseases. Especially during this colder time of the year when occurrences of the pesky cold and flu dramatically increase. The best method of avoiding these unwelcome illnesses is prevention, made possible through eating a nutritionally dense diet that is loaded with Beta Carotene. Other foods that possess large amounts of this are sweet potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash. The orange color in fruits and vegetables is a natural indicator that they contain Vitamin A, but in addition, leafy greens such as kale,

spinach, and lettuce also store significant quantities of this vitamin.

Another reason to reach for the pumpkin this fall is because of its ‘weight friendly’ profile. It has less than 50 calories in a one cup serving and is virtually fat free. This quality is mainly attributed to the fact that pumpkin is made up of 90% water, making it a light yet satisfying choice. The several grams of fiber and protein found in a serving of this squash is also worth noting, because these important elements help create a satiated feeling after consumption while also aiding in proper digestion.

So now that you have a list of great reasons to start adding pumpkin into your diet, why not begin by making the pumpkin pie recipe below? Being a traditional favorite, and with a few changes in order to boost the over-all nutritional quality of this pie, the melody of spices, roasted nuts, and pumpkin is sure win you over. This recipe is baked and takes approximately one hour to put together from start to finish, with an additional three hours to chill before eating. Be sure to allow enough time for preparation, and even though it may appear to be a lengthy process, the end product is guaranteed to be worth the effort!

Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust

Crust:3/4 cup pecan halves3/4 cup rolled oats3/4 cup whole-grain flour1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonpinch of salt1/4 cup coconut oil3 tablespoons pure maple syrup1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a 9-inch pie plate, and set aside.

2. Toast nuts for 7-10 minutes, and

after wards set aside 16 pecan halves for garnish.

3. Combine oats, flour, remaining pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor (or high speed blender). Pulse until mixture becomes a coarse meal. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

4. Whish together the oil and maple syrup, and combine with the dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Press mixture into the prepared pie plate and crimp edges. Bake for 10 minutes, and then set aside to cool.

Filling:1 cup almond or coconut milk1/4 cup arrowroot powder1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree1/2 cup pure maple syrup1/2 teaspoon ginger1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg1/8 teaspoon cloves1/2 teaspoon salt1. Blend almond milk and arrowroot

powder in a food processor until the arrowroot powder is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth. Add remaining ingredients and process until thoroughly blended.

2. Pour mixture into the crust, and bake for 35 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the outside inch of the filling is set. Don’t be concerned if the center of the filling still appears soft; it firms as the pie cools.

3. Transfer the pie to a wire rack, and gently press the toasted pecan halves unto the filling. Allow pie to cool to room temperature, and then chill for at least three hours before serving.

French tarts are known for leaving off the extra covering of dough that is many times associated with baked pies; in other words, they are purposely “topless.” The recipe below provides you with a perfect example of how to bake your next pastry delicacy.

If you saved the tart crust recipe from the previous issue of Outlook Student Press, have it handy, and prepare to taste one of the most delicious creations made from apples! What a better way to start the apple-picking season than with a warm, mouth-watering dessert? Want to work with different types of apples than those listed below? No problem. Simply change the types of apples used to suit your liking. The preparation technique stays the same, and remember, the key of the pâte sucrée is to maintain it at a cold temperature as long as possible before baking it along with the filling.

Bon Appétit!Apple Tart {Tarte Aux Pommes}Difficulty: Moderate

Category: DessertYield: One 9-Inch TartIngredientsOne 9” Pâte Sucrée Tart Shell {Rolled

and placed in tart mold}Apple Compote4 Golden Delicious Apples½ Lemon3 Tablespoons Water2 oz Granulated SugarGarnish2 to 3 Red Delicious Apples2 Tablespoons Melted ButterProcedureFor The Apple CompotePeel the apples and remove the seeds.

Cut them into small chunks. Rub the apple pieces with lemon to prevent them from oxidizing (turning brown). Place the apples in a sautoir with the water and sugar. Cover this with a parchment paper lid. Let the apples cook until they exude their juices and it forms a chunky mixture. More water may be added if needed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

For The GarnishPre-heat the oven to 350 ° F.Peel the apples for the garnish, cut them

in half lengthwise, and core them. Rub the halves with lemon. Thinly and evenly

slice the apples halves.Fill 3/4 of the pre-made pastry shell

with the apple compote. Arrange the sliced apples around the tart on top of the compote, placing them close together. For a more traditional look, if desired, no compote should be visible after placing

the slices on top. Brush the apples with the melted butter. Bake in the oven for 40 to 60 minutes. Once the tart is completely done, with a nice golden brown color, let it cool down. Remove the tart ring and place it in a cooling rack.

Serve, and enjoy!

SCIENCE & HEALTHOctober 24, 2011 14

Spiced Pumpkin PieMonica Powell

SCIENCE & HEALTH EDITOR

Monica PowellSCIENCE & HEALTH EDITOR

What To Bake Next!A festive apple tart just in time for Fall festivities

SCIENCE & TechnologyOctober 24, 2011 15

Not many games could be successfully marketed with the warning “Prepare to die”, but “Dark Souls” does just that. Come to think of it, this kind of marketing was necessary for “Dark Souls”. Playing this game without foreknowledge of its difficulty might make the player think that the game was broken. The reality is that the only thing broken with “Dark Souls” is my spirit. This game is so punishingly difficult, that I suggest you buy a spare controller and duct tape the controller to your hand so you can’t throw it at your television. Now, you might wonder why anyone would want to play something so maddening, and the answer is the satisfaction you get when you succeed. The satisfaction you get from killing early bosses is on par with beating the final boss in other games.

“Dark Souls” is the spiritual sequel to “Demon’s Souls,” a game with the same intention of being the hardest game on the market. While “Dark Souls” is equally, if not more difficult than “Demon’s Souls,” I’ve gotten much farther in it. While there are likely many changes that have kept me from giving up on this game, the one that sticks out for me is the bonfire system. In “Demon’s Souls”, when you died, you were taken out of the game-play and it was discouraging. “Dark Souls” puts you back at a bonfire, the game’s checkpoints, and lets you get right back into being killed, but

with a new sense of purpose. The controls of “Dark Souls” are very

tight and never make you feel like you’re

just pressing buttons when an enemy gets close enough. The animations for attacks seem very realistic. Attack with a large

weapon in a small area and you’ll see the sparks fly and hear the smash as it grinds along the wall. This brings me to the game’s great use of environment. In most games, as long you’re not falling off ledges and running into walls, you’re fine. “Dark Souls” forces you to be aware of your surroundings. “Am I letting these enemies back me into a corner? Should I switch to a different weapon in this narrow corridor and which way can I run away if things start going poorly?” are all things you’ll have to think about. It’s refreshing to see a game use the environment as more than just a pretty place for the action to take place.

There are some problems with “Dark Souls,” but they don’t cause anything near the frustration that the game’s difficulty does. Locking on works great when you’re in a flat area facing off against a single enemy, but once you’re in with multiple enemies and things like stairs and bridges, it becomes problematic. If the enemy ends up under you, you’ll spin around attempting to face it, while another enemy gets a clear shot at your back. This could have been fixed if there was some way to walk backwards without being locked on. The method to kick an enemy is a bit cumbersome and either doesn’t work when you want it to or does when you don’t.

All in all, “Dark Souls” is truly a satisfying game if you have a good heart for it. No really, those with a bad heart might want to leave this game on the shelf… the developers don’t need a lawsuit for giving someone a heart attack.

“Dark Souls” Looks Great, but May Frustrate YouLouie Gaitan

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

While there are many oils on the market today worth investing in, there are many that should be avoided, as well. The difference between these ‘good’ and ‘bad’ oils lies in their quality, for not all oils are created equal.

Canola:According to the mainstream media,

canola oil is “heart healthy” and a good source of monounsaturated fats similar to olive oil. Unfortunately, much of what you hear on the news or read on food packaging has been influenced by the heavy-handed marketing tactics of big food companies and has been proven

to be unreliable. The fact remains that canola oil is the genetically engineered (hybridized) form of rapeseed oil, being a major crop in Canada (hence the name Can-ola). One of the biggest problems

with highly processed and refined vegetable oils is that the polyunsaturated component of the oil is highly unstable under heat, light, and pressure. This instability contributes to heavy oxidation of the oil which, upon consumption, increases the level of free radical damage within the body. An effect of free radicals is high inflammation, having the potential of leading to heart disease, weight gain, and other degenerative diseases. Canola oil is a relatively recent development, yet interestingly enough the original crops used for deriving this particular oil were unfit for human consumption due to their high content of a dangerous fatty acid called eurcic acid. In other words, be careful of the toxicity that canola oil poses to your health.

Olive Oil:The greatest exponent of

monounsaturated fat is olive oil, and it is a prime component of the Mediterranean diet. When buying olive oil, you will want to obtain a high quality extra virgin variety. This oil that comes from the first “pressing” of the olive is extracted

without using heat or chemicals, and has no “off” f lavors. It is rather cold-pressed,

protecting the natural array of nutrients found in the oil. The less the olive oil is handled, the better the oil is.

A recent group of studies has provided us with a fascinating explanation of olive oil’s cardio-protective effect. One of the key polyphenols in olive oil (hydroxytyrosol) helps protect the cells that line our blood vessels from being damaged by overly reactive oxygen molecules. The anti-inflammatory strength of olive oil rests on its polyphenols. These anti-inflammatory compounds include at least nine different categories of polyphenols and more than two dozen well-researched anti-inflammatory nutrients.

It is important to keep in mind that olive oil has a low smoke point and shouldn’t be used for cooking. Extra virgin olive oil decomposes under excessive heat, resulting in dangerous molecules replacing natural antioxidants. Its value can therefore be compromised, because when overheated, this oil releases carcinogens. Strive to only use olive oil in dishes that are chilled or are not exposed to high amounts of heat for extended periods of time.

Coconut Oil:The benefits of coconut oil are

unmatched when it comes to its contribution to health. This tropical oil maintains healthy cholesterol levels, aids in weight loss and proper digestion, increases the body’s immunity to disease, assists in preventing heart diseases and diabetes, and the list continues on. Many of these characterstics of coconut oil can be attributed to the

presence of lauric, capric, and caprylic acids with the chemical composition of the coconut. Additionally, it contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that specifically aid in the removal of excessive weight. The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver disease because it allows the coconut oil to easily convert into energy upon reaching the liver, thus reducing the liver’s work load while preventing the accumulation of fat. Furthermore, coconut oil is metabolized in the body and is not readily stored as fat. This labels it as an ‘ideal’ oil because it provides the body with needed energy without adding on the pounds. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas who daily consume coconut oil are normally not obese or overweight .

One of the most advantageous qualities of coconut oil when it comes to culinary needs is that it does not easily deteriorate under high temperatures. The medium chain fatty acids are very resistant to heat, making coconut oil one of the best and safest oils to use when cooking.

Gina DuncanCONTRIBUTING WRITER

Oils to Use and Oils to Avoid

With Google+ just released, and Google maps labs almost two years through their beta period, Google has just launched a cloud music player christened Google Music (Beta).

The long and the short: Google Music Beta is basically a flash based online music player/vault. You need to

download a small app Music Manager to your computer to upload your music. Once your music has been copied to their servers you can listen from any computer using your browser, or on your Android phone with their app.

The Android app has some features that the browser based service does not have. You can listen on your Android even when you have lost internet connection, as the app will store some music on your phone based on what you listen to most. Although you can upload music, you cannot download any of the music you have uploaded.

The player is very simple. If you are not sure what you want to listen to, just let Google make an instant playlist for you. With a free 20,000 song limit (for now) and no technical maximum space, most people can put up all their songs with no problems. For those of us with more songs, have fun choosing what songs to upload.

The task of picking and choosing what to upload is very difficult. Music Manager does not let you pick specific

songs; rather you list folders for it to look in for your music. You can delete the songs, although if you want to remove 5,000 songs it will not be an easy task.

Then again, if you have that many songs you do not like, it might be time to move them out of your regular music folder and burn them to discs, transfer them to a backup drive, or just delete them all.

The service supports many more formats compared to other cloud players. A “like” button is available to help Google Music chose appropriate songs for your instant playlists. One of the

biggest annoyances is that the service is Cloud Based, so you need to upload all of your songs to their servers. This can take days or longer based on your internet connection speed and the volume of music.

Some other great services are Last FM, Pandora, Amazon cloud, and Subsonic.

Last.fm and Pandora are not cloud based, rather they create a list of songs you have or listen to, and then create a virtual radio station with similar songs,

including ones you do not own. These services are free for browser based use, but cost money for use on devices past their trial periods. You can share playlists or “stations” with your friends as well.

Amazon Cloud is cloud based like Google Music with a limit of 5GB storage for free. Any additional storage will cost about one dollar per gigabyte. A store is available where you can buy songs to add to your collection in cyberspace. These songs are not included in the storage maximum, and you can download all songs from your “cloud” to any device or computer at your leisure.

Subsonic is home computer based streaming. You set up your home computer as a server and can listen on any device over the internet. This service is basically free, and the limit on songs is your hard drive’s maximum capacity. Some tech knowledge is required, but with the community forums you can usually set it up and manage it quite easily.

With Google Music still in beta, the ease of use and aesthetics are quite

surprising. Some people love one service style over others, while others are easily swayed. To say Google music is a failure would be an ignorant statement. Remember, it is called Google Music Beta, and any critics should keep this fact in mind.

For the casual user, any of the above services are great. For the techie, I would recommend a streaming home based system such as Subsonic, as they are the easiest to customize to your exact specifications. To those who like Google’s products, this one definitely has potential.

Smart phones allow us to do many things wherever we are. That is, until the battery dies, and with all the ways to use smart phones that tends to happen sooner than we would like. This doesn’t have to be the case though. You can buy after market batteries for around forty dollars that last much longer than the standard battery. Before you run to go buy one, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. What’s your

name? Devices get marketed in many different regions and, in the process, often

end up with several names. Other times, what your phone is marketed as and its technical name may be different. Do a little research to make sure you won’t end up with the wrong battery. Also, if it seems like batteries just aren’t available for your phone, that could be the issue.

2. Cover up. After market batteries may vary in the usual shape and size of a standard battery. In most cases, this isn’t a problem because the battery comes

with a new back for your phone or simply doesn’t require it anymore. Usually, the description will state if this is the case. If there isn’t something included to deal with a difference, you can often find a back available for sale online. If you’re shopping for your battery on Amazon, you’ll see the back you need as an item frequently bought with it.

3. Don’t cheap out. It can be tempting to buy the cheapest battery out there, but

this is a mistake for two reasons. First, it might not be better than your original battery. Second, and most important, it could damage your phone. That ten bucks you save won’t matter much if you have to buy a new phone.

4. Is it better? Once you have your new battery, you should test it out ASAP. The sooner you notice a problem, the better your chance of a refund. First, put in the new battery and let it charge for a while

until your phone thinks it’s at 100 percent. Then, look the battery and phone for anything wrong, such as leaks. If that goes well, it’s time to see the difference. Use the original for one day and the replacement the next. If you used your phone for the same amount of time both days and the replacement didn’t last longer, you may want to look into a refund or exchange.

TECHNOLOGYOctober 24, 2011 16

Google Music Beta: The long and the ShortBrian Katzman

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Louie GaitanTech EDITOR

After Market Batteries