The Pennon - December 2013

DECEMBER 2013

• A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR THE STUDENTS OF NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, DANVERS, LYNN, & BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS • •READ THE PENNON ONLINE AT: NORTHSHORE.EDU/PENNON•

THE

VETERANS CORNER

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SPORTS HAYES

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HISTORY THROUGH TRAVEL

Courtesy of worldwaronecolourphotos.com

BY CHRIS RICCI PENNON FACULTY

There’s no doubt about it; when studying history, one really needs to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the time period to truly learn from it. Unlike most subjects that require intensive critical thinking and problem solving, History stands as a series of important events that are meant to be understood as opposed to figure out. Fortunately, there are many ways one can really get a strong grasp on the entire experience: first person testimony from people who were there, historical films, and music to name a few. This being said, the best way to really grasp the

magnitude of a historical event is to actually visit the location itself. Unfortunately, this isn’t always offered conveniently.

Even if one musters enough money to visit a location by themselves, how can you really learn?

Fortunately for students, plenty of universities across the country offer chances to go with their class to national and international historical locations. This begs the question: What about North Shore Community College?

Fortunately for the inquisitive minds at NSCC, Dr. Lawrence Davis is planning on bringing the experience of historical travel to the curriculum in the next CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

CHILD & ADOLESCENT BHC AT NSCC

When it comes to getting a certificate in Behavioral Health, there are plenty of options. This semester, NSCC is offering a new program related to this degree: A Child & Adolescent program. It’s clear that, over the lifespan, the most significant things that affect you happen during childhood.

Because of the 2010 Class action suit Massacusetts Vs. Romney, Behavioral Health Care treatment has to be primarily within the context of the community; meaning a focus of attention towards schools,

homes, and community programs. Also because of the suit, communities have Mobile Emergency Teams that actually go to the school or home, making things a bit more convenient for those in question. When they mobilize, however, they are required to bring a paraprofessional with them who doesn’t only help the team understand the issue, but to help the individual in question better understand the issue at hand.

The program helps students develop the attitude,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

ARE YOU

EXPERIENCED?

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BEST ALBUMS OF 2013

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2013 FED

CHALLENGE

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AN INTERVIEW WITH PATRICK GRAVLIN: SGA PRESIDENT

By Calvin Javier Gil Editor In Chief As many of you know, Patrick Gravlin, the recently elected president of The Student Government Association, wrote an article last month, chronicling his life up to this point.

Interested in learning more about his goals and personal convictions, I decided to interview him this month to learn more:

Calvin: What are you currently majoring in?

Patrick: I’m in the business and administration transfer program.

Calvin: How are you liking that?

Patrick: I love it. I was initially going to become a physical therapy assistant and use that as a stepping-stone to become a doctor, and, even though I loved it, I found that business got my blood boiling a little bit more.

My dad’s an entrepreneur, so I think I’d make a pretty good entrepreneur. However, learning the steps has been fun.

Calvin: So, you’re hoping to become an entrepreneur?

Patrick: Yes. Calvin: Where did you attend high school?

Patrick: Masconomet.

Calvin: What did you think of it?

Patrick: I loved it, but I didn’t graduate.

Calvin: Why not?

Patrick: I got really sick with Lyme disease when I was younger, so I only got to ninth grade. They took good care of me though; it’s a really cool school. I love the school, and I loved growing up in the town.

Calvin: How long were you sick for?

Patrick: I was sick for ten years, from age nine to nineteen. I got bitten first when I was nine, and then I got bitten again when I was around fourteen or fifteen years old.

Patrick Gravlin Calvin: How did you cope with that helped me to overcome the that? disease and come out of it with Patrick: Really, not very well. It a positive mindset has been my was definitely the hardest and faith, for sure; I went from darkest time of my life up to this being an atheist to studying the point. I had a hard time dealing bible with one of my friends. with why I was afflicted with After I learned about God, I was Lyme disease for so long. It able to partake in both physical wasn’t incredibly intense the and spiritual healing. whole way through, but it was Calvin: So you found yourself, always there, holding me back. spiritually, due to your illness?

For several years, I was really Patrick: Yes. I don’t think I sick and unable to do simple would have the faith that I do things in my day. It was good, now if I didn’t get sick. though, that I had family and Calvin: How old were you when supporters around me to be you became a Christian? there. I think the biggest thing CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

PAGE 2 – NSCC PENNON

ANTHROPOLOGY RETURNS TO NSCC

Cultural Anthropology will be offered for the first time in several years on-campus in January 2014. Traditionally, this has been an informative course, which looks at the origins and types of early humans, various cultures on every continent of the planet present and past, and the attempts to preserve as many traditions of these societies as can be preserved.

In the past, this important course was taught by Professors Lawrence Myers and Professor Paul Bates, both of the Behavioral Sciences department at NSCC. Professor Bates

will be teaching this one section, and has traveled worldwide, visiting with many of these tribes, bringing firsthand knowledge to the subject matter.

Some artifacts will also be shown, and the format is one of an interactive classroom.

This course will be offered beginning semester two, January 2014 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm in the Berry building.

Early registration is suggested.

For more information, please contact Professor Bates at pbates@northshore.edu.

BY YUSEF HAYES

STUDYING RELIGION AT NSCC

Religion is a touchy subject for many people, and can provoke strong reactions.

Some people have had a difficult experience with organized religion, others a positive one.

Many have had indifferent experiences, and don’t have a strong feeling about religion either way. Some find themselves identifying as “spiritual but not religious”. In our culture, there are few places to explore religion publically in an academic, secular, and thoughtful way. That is to say, there are few places where religion can be discussed without debate or attempts at conversion. North Shore Community College provides two classes that fulfill this need.

Great Religions of the World is a traditional course included as part of a Liberal Studies education.

In this course many major world religions are explored. This may include Christianity, Judaism, Islam, The Religions of China, Hinduism, Buddhism, as well as the Primal Religions. All of these traditions are approached

with a degree of openness and insight. As religion and culture are often intertwined, this course serves the additional function of providing clues towards success in intercultural communication.

Understanding Islamic Faith is a version of another common Liberal Arts course, which spends one semester going deeply into a single religious tradition. This class is structured around understanding how Muslims themselves view their religion. Issues of diversity, culture, and feminism are a

natural part of the class. Since students often have preconceived notions about Islam and Muslims, much time is set aside for answering student questions.

Both of these courses provide a space to play with ideas of faith and tradition.

They also both help to unpack and clarify our own beliefs and attitudes towards these subjects.

If you have any questions about either of these classes, please let me know. My name is Yusef Hayes and I can be reached at 978-739-5414, or yhayes@northshore.edu.

SLICE OF CULTURE

BY TAYLOR KIRKWOOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

THE ACCOUNT OF CABAZA DE VACA

The account of Cabeza de Vaca – a research paper Cabeza de Vaca was an early Spanish explorer, who came to the pre-colonized Americas in 1527. His mission was to be treasure hunter on an expedition for gold and corn in a place called Apalachen, and convert the indigenous people into Christians. After a serious storm, in which his ship and crew are lost, he is left with three remaining survivors, and returns to land, pressing on to find Apalachen. When they arrive, they are greeted by

their bodies warm during the journey. This is Cabeza’s first positive encounter with the Native Americans. Cabeza can be quoted as saying…

“To see that these men, so lacking in reason and so crude in the manner of brutes, grieved so much for us. . . " He writes this, as an expression of the humanity he felt from the Indians. Cabeza De Vaca and his men reside here for some time, until Cabeza is unwillingly employed as a physician. Once this occurs, Cabezas role in the new world takes a turn for the better.

Although he continues to experience hardship from hunger

Cabeza de Vaca women and children, but in a short time are driven out by the men. Cabeza remains under attack for some time, and one of his surviving crew, the Governor, grows sick and dies.

The account of this expedition becomes a story of escape and survival.

On the 6th of November of that year, Cabeza makes an attempt to leave the Americas and make an escape back to Spain. This tragic attempt results in the death of two men from his crew, and failure. On shore during this attempt, were na1tive Americans watching, and grieving for the misfortune of Cabeza and his men. The Native Americans collected Cabeza’s men’s soaked and ragged bodies, and warmed them in front on bonfires they had built. In order for them to safely bring their bodies back to camp, several bonfires were built in intervallic distances to help keep

and Indian attacks, the more Indians become acquainted with seeing Cabeza, the less these dangers are present. Cabeza becomes a merchant for a year, and meets all of the indigenous people safely while planning his next move. He eventually is able to journey off, and by chance meets up with other Christians. The most important characters he can recall are Castillo, Dorontes, and his black friend Estevanico, who employ themselves as physicians in the new world.

Over the course of his life as a physician, Cabeza integrates the sign of the holy cross into his practice of healing people, and gathers an enormous cult following. Cabeza is able to perform many miraculous acts through the work of God, and never forgets to thank God for them. Examples of this include the mysterious healing of all sick people who pass through Cabezas hands, as well as the

hands of the Christians with him. In particular, when Cabeza removes the remains of an arrow from a natives arm, it heals within two days. News of Cabeza's endeavors spread virally throughout the world.

Indians give him whatever he wants, and the Indians that travel with him tell him of his divine powers. The Indians that accompany Cabeza during his time as a physician help tremendously to spread fear and respect of him, telling all whom they encounter that he and the other Christians are children from the sun, and that they have to power to heal the sick and kill the healthy just by willing it.

This puts a great deal of pressure on Cabeza to be worshipped as such an idol, but he takes the opportunity in having gained this authority over the Indians, to transform them all into Christians. He tells them about God and of all the wonderful things in Heaven, and explains that those who are bad are sent to Hell to be tortured by demons.

In seeing how readily eager the Indians of the new world were to become Christians, Cabeza's attitude towards them as children of God is profoundly affected. It transformed him into a shepherd for the children of the new world.

This idea is further defended, by the information that comes later in the account, when he is finally reunited with the Christians Guzman and Melchior Diaz. He explains to the Spaniards that they should not enslave the Indians, as this would not help them. He also instructs the Indians to build churches to house incoming Christians, where they are to meet them with crosses in their hands. In this way, Cabeza de Vaca is the master conqueror and vendor of Christianity in the new world, although to conquer was not his transformed intention. At the end of the story, it is his wish that the Spanish and the Indians live together as children of God and that all fighting cease.

After nine years of wandering the earth naked and alone, running from and working for Indians, uniting with Christian allies, and performing great miracles, Cabeza de Vaca does return home. He writes this account as an offering to the king in place of his failure to conquer and collect. He dies in Seville, Spain of natural causes, in 1558.

PAGE 3 – NSCC PENNON

SPANISH WEDDING COOKIES

BY JESSIE BEATON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Spanish Wedding cookies, commonly called Mexican Wedding cookies, originated in medieval times, where sweet foods were a treasured delicacy. From The Middle East, Spanish explorers traveled in the 16th century to Latin America, bringing their food traditions with them, including the Mexican wedding cookies.

These cookies are a tradition at Mexican weddings, and are usually served at the end, due to the love of sugary and rich foods in Spanish cultures to ensure a rich and happy life for the bride and groom, with many years of wealth and joy ahead of them.

Usually, these cookies are in a diamond shape, as the diamond was seen to represent a symbol of innocence and purity for a wedding. These cookies sprinkled with white sugar powder as well, in order to match the wedding décor; Mexican weddings are usually all white events.

Even though these cookies are for weddings, they have also extended to Christmas and various holiday occasions.

• 1 Cup (2 Sticks) of Butter, softened • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, divided • 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla • 2 Cups of Flour • 1 Cup finely chopped pecans 1.

Preheat the oven to 350° 2.

Beat butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

3.

Gradually add flour and pecans on low speed until well blended.

4.

Shape dough into 1inch balls place 1- 1 ½ inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

5.

Bake 14-15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.

6.

Cool five minutes on baking sheet and roll in remaining powdered sugar until evenly coated.

7.

Place on wire racks cool completely

Works Cited: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/mexican-wedding-cookies http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/mexico/mexican-weddingcookies/11408

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THE VETERAN’S CORNER

DEAN’S CORNER:

DR. STEPHEN CREAMER

DEAN OF STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES

In this month’s Dean’s Corner, the Dean of Student Financial Services, Stephen Creamer, provides timely and important information about the Winter/Spring payment due date.

We are pleased that so many of our current students have registered for Winter/Spring 2014.

Early registration is an important measure of student success. If you are able to build your schedule so that it meets your work and family life needs that will support your academic success. Seems like a no brainer, right?

Now that you are registered for Winter/Spring let’s touch on some important information about the payment due date, which is 12/12/13.

Please remember to choose a payment option before that date or your Winter/Spring class schedule will dropped. To remind you, here are the options:

•Pay your semester charges in full via your Pipeline account.

•Financial Aid recipients must check their Pipeline account and submit any additional information requested by the deadline. We recommend that you visit Student Financial Services in Danvers or Lynn if you have questions about your outstanding financial aid requirements.

BY GABRIEL NUNEZ VETERANS CORNER

As we enjoy having this past Veteran’s Day off and prepare for the upcoming Holiday season, we will no doubt see gratitude for those who have served and those still serving in America's Armed Forces. There are endless amounts of activities and events for Veterans to attend. These events can be anything from free football games to free meals at chain restaurants on Veteran’s Day. I, like most Vets, greatly appreciate the tickets, meals and national recognition that the American media has been so gracious in supporting. It’s important to recognize and celebrate our Veterans during Football games and other venues.

Keeping the public's attention on America’s service members and Veterans can only help so many of the programs that need recognition and donations such as “The Wounded Warrior Project”.

But with all the public support, we should remember that these things need to be followed up by substantial help for all of those programs that struggle to help meet the needs of post-9-11 Veterans.

Unemployment rates for Veterans are as high as ever; according to a recent CNN poll, unemployment amongst Veterans who served after 9-11 is at a staggering ten percent. That translates to almost 246,000 young Veterans looking for work. It’s great catching a football game, I love football, and would love a free ticket to Patriots vs. Broncos game this weekend, as most red-blooded American men would. However, if I could trade that ticket in for a temporary job at Gillette Stadium, I would take the job.

When you're sitting at home watching the game and you see the Service Members presenting the Nation's Colors, or the Veterans being honored for their service, remember you can directly help those individuals by donating to an organization.

Here is a list of organizations I know work, as I have either dealt with them myself or a friend of mine has highly recommended them. Remember you can make a difference, no matter who you are:

http://www.veteransinc.org/services/housing-programs/ http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org http://www.specialops.org

The Veterans Center will be hosting a Toy Drive to help support Senator Bruce Tarr's and North Shore 104.9's annual Holiday Toy Drive. All the toys collected will go to local children in need this holiday season.

We will have collection boxes set up throughout campus where people can drop off donations. We will deliver the toys on December 12 to one of the collection sites on the North Shore.

Toy Drive Collection Spots: Danvers Campus.

-Enrollment Center (Health Building) -Veterans Center (Math & Science Building) -Center For Alternative Studies (Berry Building) Student Life/Student Activites (Berry Building) Lynn Campus.

-Student Support Center & Student Life Office

Toys will be collected from November 25th to December 10 For more info, please contact Kristine Babcock at ext. 4187 or Victoria Pasciuto at vpasciut@northshore.edu

•Sign up for the NSCC Payment Plan through your Pipeline account. To do this you must pay 25% of the balance due as a down payment in addition to the non-refundable $40.00 payment plan fee. That first 25% is due by 12/12/13, the remaining 3 payments will be due on the 12th of January, February and March.

•Submit a letter of intent or purchase order from their employer or other organization, e.g. Mass Rehab or Workman's Compensation, if they are paying your semester charges.

In addition, students enrolled in 9 or more credits for the first time this academic year, must either waive or pay for their Student Health Insurance for the Winter/Spring or their classes will be dropped.

Students who waived their Health Insurance in Fall 2013 do not have to waive it again for the Winter/Spring semester.

If there are questions about any of this information, we can also be reached by e-mail at sfs@northshore.edu, by telephone at 978-762-4189 or feel free to stop by our offices on either the Lynn or Danvers Campus. Good luck with the remainder of your Fall 2013 semester and enjoy the holiday break, you deserve it!!

THE SPORTS HAYES:

PAGE 5 – NSCC PENNON

BLOOD, SWEAT AND BEARDS: THE RED SOX STORY

BY KEVIN HAYES, SENIOR SPORTS WRITER

Just over a year ago, my very first article was printed for this paper, titled “The Sad State of the Red Sox”. It chronicled the decline of the Red Sox in 2012, but ended with a small shred of hope, saying that they could only get better. They didn’t just “get better”; they posted one of the most astonishing and remarkable seasons, ending up the world champions! How did they go from the smoldering pits of hell to the top of the mountain in just over a year? Here’s an explanation of their rise to glory.

The turnaround began the very day after the Sox lost their final regular season game, with a score of 14-2, at the hands of the New York Yankees.

Incompetent manager Bobby Valentine and his whole coaching staff were fired. There’s an old saying, “crap flows downhill”, and in 2012 Valentine frequently clashed with his staff, causing Red Sox management to give them the entire staff the boot, in an attempt to start anew.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherrington was finally allowed carte blanche to do what he wanted, unlike the previous winter. His sights were set on an old ally, former Red Sox pitching coach and current Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell.

While he was known for running a tight ship, unlike Bobby Valentine, the players (especially the pitchers) greatly respected him. Cherrington worked out a trade with Toronto that sent infielder Mike Aviles to Toronto in exchange for Farrell. Farrell and Cherrington went to work on a coaching staff. They hired Torey Lovullo as bench coach, Brian Butterfield as 3rd base coach, and Juan Nieves as pitching coach. They promoted Arnie Beyeler to first base coach, and hired Greg Colbrunn as hitting coach. This set the tone, as the Sox weren’t after “names” like the previous few years, but guys with character that are respected. System players such as Ryan Lavarnway, Jackie Bradley, Jr, Will Middlebrooks, and others knew Arnie and John very well.

Now, with the staff in place, it was time to rebuild the roster.

Sox fans were chomping at the bit to sign superstar slugger Josh Hamilton to replace Carl Crawford and Cody Ross in the outfield. Hamilton was an inspiration, as a man who overcame drug addiction to win the 2010 American League MVP award. The problem was he was aging, and the Sox track record for the past few seasons with huge signings had been a

failure. The Sox then let Hamilton sign with the Los Angeles Angels for five years and $125 million. Cherrington had a plan, though; he was going for high impact rather than high priced signings, as High priced looks good on paper, before the year starts, while high impact looks good during the season and afterwards. The Red Sox countered with a series of moves; the first was signing 32 year old outfielder Jonny Gomes to a two year, $10 million dollar contract. Gomes had a reputation for being a clown in the clubhouse, which was better than a malcontent. Former Angels and Texas Rangers post-season hero Mike Napoli was signed to a

guys, all with good reputations, making a combined $23.5 million (holdover Daniel Nava made $500,000) in 2013, none of whom were guaranteed beyond 2015. It should be noted that Mike eventually made $13 million, due to a clause in his contract but at the time, but getting four players for just a bit more than the price of 1 was a tremendously good deal. The revolving door at shortstop had to be filled once again, with Aviles gone and the Sox signed Stephen Drew (brother of 200708 Red Sox post-season hero J.D.) for one year and $9.5 million. Was $9 million too much?

Yes, but he came with the reputation of a steady glove, average bat and no injury issues (unlike

Dodgers for six years and $147 million dollars, roughly $19 million a year. Instead the Sox picked up 37-year-old starter Ryan Dempster from the Cubs for two years and $26.5 million.

He was a .500 pitcher most of his career but, like the others, had a reputation of being a clown. Instead of getting stuck with Greinke who could possibly melt under the Boston pressure for the next six years, they saved $6 million on Dempster.

One of the biggest impact signings was under the radar at the time, Koji Uehara was signed for middle relief help for $4.25 million. The Sox needed a closer, with Andrew Bailey being a health risk, so they traded Mark Melancon and his 6.20 ERA,

three year, $36 million dollar contract that turned into a mere one year, $5 million dollar deal, due to a degenerative hip condition. The Sox's next splash was signing the aging 32-year-old right fielder Shane Victorino for 3 years and $39 million.

Victorino helped the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series and nearly repeated it the following season.

Known as “The Flying Hawaiian” Shane was a good outfielder with a steady bat. He also had a reputation of being a good clubhouse guy, which is what ownership wanted, after the mess they had to clean up.

Instead of paying a possibly declining Josh Hamilton $17 million for 2013 and beyond, the Sox ended up with four

his brother). Respected veteran catcher David Ross was signed to a two year deal with $6.2 million. 1B/OF Mike Carp was signed in spring training for $500,000, another bargain pickup that paid dividends. All of these signings proved to be a big deal in the regular season and beyond.

The pitching staff had to be overhauled, following the trade of Josh Beckett and the incompetence of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Aaron Cook, Mark Melancon and Andrew Bailey.

The hot free agent was 30-yearold Angels starter Zach Greinke.

Once again, the Sox could overspend to get one guy or go low with more impact signings.

They chose the latter as Zach signed with the Los Angeles

along with prospects, to the Pittsburgh Pirates for closer Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt. As a side note, Holt would go on to help the Pawtucket Red Sox reach the Governor’s Cup final in 2013, while Melancon’s career rebounded in Pittsburgh.

So, now Hanrahan was the new closer with Bailey, holderovers Craig Breslow, Junichi Tazawa and Andrew Miller, plus Uehara as set up men. Add in long relievers Clayton Mortensen, Alfredo Aceves and Franklin Morales, and the relief corps appeared to be set.

The rest of the team was loaded with questions.

Could David Ortiz still hit?

Could John Lackey rebound from “Tommy John” surgery?

How would the new guys hold

up? Can Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester regain ace form? Could the bullpen keep intact? Could Felix Doubront last a full season? Could Jacoby Ellsbury stay healthy in his contract year?

How would Farrell manage Pedroia, who clearly missed former manager Terry Francona?

The team wasn’t expected to get very far, most prognosticators had them at 80-85 wins, but if they were going to lose, they would do it with dignity, unlike the previous season. It turns out there would be no losing. The Red Sox opened 2013 by taking two out of three from the New York Yankees, then posting an 18-8 record for the month. The 2012 Sox were 11-11 at the same point the previous season.

Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront combined to go 12-0, as the Sox sent a message that they were no longer pushovers. David Ortiz could still hit, and so could Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and the other signees. The Sox then went through some turbulence that could have shaken the team, but it didn’t. On a rainy night on April 23rd, Alfredo Aceves went out against the Oakland A’s and got pounded. The final score was 13-0 but it was deeper than that. It looked to fans and media alike that Aceves was grooving easily hittable pitches that Oakland batters were hitting around with ease. Instead of letting this become a problem, Aceves was demoted to Pawtucket almost immediately.

Then on May 6th, the Sox lost closer Joel Hanrahan for the year with elbow ligament damage. Andrew Bailey was pressed back into the closer’s role, but this meant that Tazawa, Breslow and Uehara’s workload increased. For a while, all three of them dominated. Even though the Sox lost Hanrahan that night, the Sox won the game on a walk-off (win on the last at-bat). The Sox won 3 games total on a walkoff in 2012; they would have 11 before the year was over.

Injuries began to pile up, as backup catcher David Ross was lost for two months with a concussion. Clay Buchholz left with a neck injury during his June 8th win against the Angels; he wouldn’t pitch again until September. After Hanrahan got hurt, Andrew Bailey was thrust back into the closer’s role, but a series of blown saves culminating in an agonizing loss on June 20th in Detroit spelled his doom. Koji Uehara, who had closing experience in Baltimore, became the permanent closer the following day. The reasons the Sox missed winning 100

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

PAGE 6 – NSCC PENNON

MEETING GREG SESTORO, STAR OF “THE ROOM”

BY TRIPP CAREY CONTRIBUTING WRITER There was a wonderful opportunity to meet a minor cult celebrity and attend a book showing this past month at the Coolidge Theater in Cambridge, Ma.. Greg Sestero, who is famous for his role as Mark alongside Tommy Wiseau's character Johnny in The Room, hosted a book signing event in Boston. Sestero has had other roles besides his breakout in The Room, including Andre Toulan in Retro Puppet Master. The book that he was promoting, “The Disaster Artist,” is a semi autobiographical story of his own life and career, including his deep long term personal relationship with Tommy Wiseau spliced with the entire nightmare production of making The Room.

Greg Sestero grew up in Southern California and Europe, and dreamed of becoming a successful actor from an early age. He started off as a teenage model, traveling to Milan for photo shoots and finished his high school education with private tutoring while abroad. Coming from a diverse family, he is fluent in both French as well as English. His life was changed forever when he was 19 and met Tommy Wiseau, who was also a student of Jean Shelton's Acting studio.

Upon first meeting him, he was blown away by his strange demeanor, alien accent, weird clothes, long unkempt black hair, and a face that looked roughly carved out of marble.

Two guys who couldn't have been more different, and yet they bounded and slowly developed a rocky relationship to this day.

T o m m y Wiseau is an artist who has a strong following for redefining bad acting, unintentional comedy, and follows his own rules.

He is very quiet about his background and no one really knows his story, and this new book “The Disaster Artist” is the closest to painting a complete picture of the mysterious cult icon.

The book does a great job piec-

ing together small details and tidbits Greg gathered over the years from what Tommy shared with him. Having read the book, the best summary is that he was born in Communist Eastern Europe to a small family with a couple siblings. His father was never around, and on the rare occasions he was around he was an abusive alcoholic that was, overall, indifferent. As a young child, he fell in love and became obsessed with American Culture. He was bullied and beaten up by other kids just because he loved international things. He ultimately had to hide his love for America for fear they might report him. As a teenager he would sell American memorabilia on the street to make a living and his life would change forever when he watched the Disney classic 101 Dalmatians through a crack in the cinema (his family was too poor to afford to go to movies). From that moment on, he was inspired to get the hell out of the country and get to American any way possible to follow the American Dream.

For those who are new to this cult phenomenon, The Room is a larger-thanlife film that defies all the laws of nature and artistic and techni-

The Room Star Greg Sestoro cal boundaries or classification.

What makes his film unique is that it is literally funniest “worst” movie ever made. I like to describe Tommy Wiseau as a man and his magnum opus as the 2000's answer to Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space. It serves as proof that someone can truly enjoy pursing and loving an artistic passion and have the worst possible skills and talents for it. This theme is something I have heard once before and radiates as the central theme of all of author Pat Conroy's books; but in this case, it’s focus is filmmaking instead of basketball. My personal answer to this is that why not, if you truly love what you do, who cares how bad it is? Tommy says The Room is a dramatic love story thriller, but it comes off as a cliché love triangle mishap. I like the film because it belongs in the separate category of campy films: It’s a film so campy it has come back again as a legitimately good film that was ahead of it’s time. Films like Cool as Ice or Howard The Duck fit in the genre perfectly.

This labor of love was born when Tommy and Greg went to see The Talented Mr. Ripley in Theaters. Tommy decided that Hollywood was never going to

come for them and they both tried playing the game for a while (getting an agent, auditioning, head-shots, the whole nine yards). Ultimately, they weren't getting anywhere.

Tommy, fueled by a crazy passion to become his own big celebrity just like the rest of him, tried to do it himself.

Ultimately, it worked: as shown by the fact we are still talking about it ten years later. It has even spawned its own Rocky

Horror Picture Show style following where people dress up as characters from the film, throw spoons at the screen, and recite lines with each other everywhere there are fans. Even all the big names of Hollywood are involved as fans such as David Cross, Will Arnett, and Alec Baldwin Overall, having read the book as well, I feel sorry and have much more respect for them and feel for their plight. I was very impressed meeting Greg because sometimes when you meet someone famous, big or small, they could likely fall below your expectations or be surprisingly rude. When I finally met him, I was impressed with how cool and calm his whole demeanor was. He was very nice and accommodating, he clearly made me felt he was interested and respected me back. I told him I was going to write an article about this trip and encounter for the paper, and gave him info so he could read it himself and so we could stay and touch. He was all cool and fine with that. The dramatic irony of attending of this whole trip is that I have to give credit to my dear friend Alex, because he is always encouraging me.

The whole event inspired me to chase my dreams and work harder as an artist.

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INTERESTED IN WRITING REVIEWS, OPINIONS, OR ANYTHING THAT INTERESTS YOU? WRITE TO THE PENNON AND BE INCLUDED IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE! CONTACT US AT PENNON@NORTHSHORE.EDU OR COLLEGE EXTENSION X5469

PAGE 7 – NSCC PENNON

BLOOD, SWEAT, AND BEARDS games was the July 6th game in Anaheim. Red-hot left-handed pitcher Andrew Miller broke his foot on a ground ball in the 7th inning, and was out for the year.

In the 9th inning, the Sox led 73 with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the 9th inning and somehow managed to blow the game. The Sox were 54-35 going into that game and they went 43-30 the rest of the way. Miller could have very easily helped win a few of those 30 losses. The Sox thought they found his replacement on July 12th, when they traded for veteran relief pitcher Matt Thornton, but he proved ineffective. That same day, Andrew Bailey struck out 2 in his 8th inning appearance, in a win over Oakland. six days later, he was lost for the year, with a torn labrum in his shoulder. Losing Miller and Bailey two weeks apart meant the trio of Uehara, Breslow and Tazawa were now the primary set up men/closers.

The wins kept coming and everyone contributed. Brandon Snyder had 2 big hits in a June 30th win over Toronto. Rookie Alan Webster won a crucial July 4th game 8-2. Clayton Mortensen pitched 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings to win the game Hanrahan was hurt in.

Alfredo Aceves won a few starts after his Oakland disaster.

Franklin Morales won an extra inning game against Tampa on June 10th. Rookie Jackie Bradley Jr. made a diving catch on opening day that helped defeat the New York Yankees.

Journeyman knuckleballer Steven Wright pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to

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defeat the Seattle Mariners on July 11th. Pedro Beato got the win in a July 21st win against the Yankees. Then came “The Trade”. Shortstop Jose Iglesias had to scratch and claw his way into the lineup; it appeared no one wanted him, because of Drew’s $9 million contract and 20 year old phenom Xander Bogaerts' waiting in the wings.

After murdering Double and Triple A pitching, it was decided that Bogaerts was the chosen one. On July 30th, the Sox traded Iglesias to Detroit in a threeway trade that got them Chicago White Sox starter Jake Peavy in return. Peavy was to shore up the starting rotation until Buchholz returned, if he ever did. It turns out Buchholz did come back in September, so now the Sox had four starters in Buchholz, Peavy, Lackey and Lester. In a move strangely similar to the 2004 trade for Dave Roberts, on August 27th the Sox traded Mortensen for speedster Quintin Berry. Berry was to be the designated pinch runner for the post-season. Koji Uehara retired 37 batters in a row at one point to position himself as one of the dominant closers in the AL, all because Hanrahan and Bailey got hurt. John Lackey’s record may not show it, but he completely rebounded following his disastrous 2011 season (he missed the previous year with injury), and would prove clutch in the post-season.

The Sox were never meant to contend before the year started, but when the season ended, they had won 97 games to post the best record in

TRAVEL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

year. The class, History Study/Travel Seminar: World War I and European Culture, is slated to run in July of 2014 from the 7th to the 20th, and promises to be a really fascinating experience.

“History and culture really come alive when you’re abroad,” said Dr. Davis. “When you see the people who experienced it, the monuments that still stand, and the locations themselves, history becomes this three dimensional experience that texts can’t possibly recreate.” Since the focus of the class is on World War I and European Culture, locations of interest include the cities of Paris, Brussels, Reims, and Bruges. Various battlefields, including Verdun and Belleau Wood, will also be hot visiting spots as well as the Museum of the Army in Paris and

Belgium’s Flanders Field Museum. Because of the broadness of World War I and European Studies in general, these are only a few of the many places the class is bound to visit this coming summer.

This program, in partnership with Salem State, hopes to blur the lines between the experiences one has at a two year school and a four year one.

“North Shore is as motivated as any other university, and the fact that this is only a two year school shouldn’t stop students from gaining an incredible sense of knowledge and understanding abroad” said Dr. Davis.

“Experiences like this not only give you the experience of being there, but also a chance to really become very well versed and well rounded when it comes to history and learning in general.”

For more information on the class, please contact Dr. Lawrence Davis at LDAVIS@northshore.edu

all of baseball. Standing in way of their starting the American League Divisional Series would be the pesky Tampa Bay Rays.

Rays fans boasted that the Rays had the best rotation in baseball; however, the Red Sox offense was not intimidated. The Sox blasted starter Matt Moore in Game 1, winning 12-2. David Ortiz hit two home runs off Game 2 starter David Price and the Red Sox won 7-4. A walkoff home run by Jose Lobaton off Uehara only delayed the inevitable as the Sox took advantage of shoddy defense to take the series 3 games to 1 with a 3-1 victory in Game 4. Now standing between the Red Sox and the World Series would be the defending AL champion Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series, who had the best rotation in baseball. Former Sox prospect Anibal Sanchez pitched six nohit innings and the Tigers took Game 11-0 in Boston. Trailing 5-1 in Game 2, David Ortiz launched an 8th inning grand slam that tied it, and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled home baseman Jonny Gomes to win it in the bottom of the 9th.

All the talk of the whole series was about Tigers starter Justin Verlander, as he was slated to pitch Game 3. What Fox, TBS and media outlets everywhere weren’t aware was that this was John Lackey’s redemption year.

Thanks to a 7th inning home run

by Mike Napoli, Lackey outpitched Verlander and the Sox took Game 3 in Detroit 1-0. The Tigers smacked around Peavy in Game 4, winning 7-3, but the

The Red Sox After Their World Series Win lead in the 6th inning, eventualSox took command in Game 5. ly settling for a 4-2 win. Jon This time Sanchez wasn’t as Lester cemented one of the best sharp, and the Sox came away post-seasons by any pitcher, with a hard fought 4-3 win that going 7 2/3 innings and only left Uehara wanting to throw up. giving up 1 run before Koji This set the stage for the draUehara shut the door on the 3-1 matic Game 6. Trailing the victory. All that stood between Tigers 2-1 in the bottom of the the Sox and the title was 7th, Shane Victorino belted a Michael Wacha, and the Sox grand slam off Jose Veras, as would not be denied, pouncing Breslow and Uehara shut down on the rookie for 3 runs in the the Tigers to clinch the pennant third and 3 in the 4th. John 5-2. Uehara was named MVP Lackey pitched 6 2/3innings of and it was on to the World one run ball before Tazawa and Series to face the St. Louis Uehara slammed the door on the Cardinals. In Game 1, the Sox Cardinals season. The final took advantage of a reversed score was 6-1 Red Sox, capping umpire’s decision to see Mike off a remarkable season in Napoli launch a 3 run double off Fenway’s first World Series celCards ace Adam Wainwright. A ebration in 95 years. They went two-run homer by Ortiz comfrom worst to first; from “it bined with other runs and 7 2/3 could be worse” to champions, shutout pitching from Jon Lester in one year. gave the Sox an 8-1 victory. The Cards took Game 2 on shoddy This article is dedicated to the defense by Craig Breslow, and memory of James “J-Magic” Game 3 on an obstruction call Dean. RIP my friend. on Will Middlebrooks. The tide turned Boston’s way in Game 4 when Jonny Gomes blasted a 3 run bomb to give the Sox a 4-1

CHILD & ADOLESCENT BHC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

knowledge, and ethic to form therepudic relationships, identify treatment goals and intervention strategies, engage in conflict, and become prepared for the changing world of adolescent psychology.

The focus on the BHC programs offered at NSCC has greatly increased in recent years. At around 40 students, the program has nearly tripled to

170 enrolled students. The opportunities are tremendous for those interested in the programs, as things are more community based, and the demand for people certified in this field is rising.

The opportunities are staggering; there are countless off-field internships offered every semester by the state, and nearly 75% of all students who

graduate with a BHC from NSCC have gained employment. “Thanks to the Human Service Department and the opportunity to do this field placement, I am even more interested in working in the field” said Nicole Lofstus, a Human Service Practitioner Major. “I have finally found a place that I fit in the world, and can really see myself making a difference in the lives of others.”

The Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health Certificate Program prepares students to develop and implement treatment care within a broad range of therapeutic prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies that promote and ispire positive change in children, adolescents, and their family.

For more information on opportunities offered by the program, or if you are interested in enrolling in the class, pleace contact Bruce Ciaramella at extension 5480 or via email at bciarame@northshore.edu

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JIMI HENDRIX’S “ARE YOU EXPERIENCED.” A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS

BY CALVIN JAVIER GIL EDITOR IN CHIEF Are You Experienced is the debut album of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Formed in October of 1966, the band consisted of lead singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix, with drummer Mitch Mitchell and Bassist Noel Redding. Are You Experienced is an incredibly impressive debut album, and showed the world what Jimi Hendrix and, to a lesser extent, his band, had to offer.

The album featured mainly loud, guitar heavy rock and roll songs, featuring the rough yet fitting vocals provided by Jimi Hendrix. It was an album that was clearly meant to be played live; most of the songs were road-tested prior to its release, and the most of the songs have a raw, amplifierheavy sound that revolves around Hendrix’s catchy guitar hooks and innovative improvisation.

The heavier highlights of the album are the songs Manic Depression, Fire, Highway Chile, and Foxy Lady.

Manic Depression has a heavy guitar riff throughout the song, completed by Hendrix’s musings about the phenomenon he recognizes as Manic Depression. The riff, which is complemented by a short, piercing solo that the song fades out with. The riff and solo combine with Hendrix’s coarse vocals to make a great heavy addition to the album. Fire also features a centerpiece guitar riff, but Fire’s

riff is lighter and catchier than Manic Depressions; I might even call it a little funky. The guitar work is complemented by brief pieces of background improvisation throughout the song. Hendrix’s vocals work surprisingly well for this song too; He manages to maintain funky, rhythmic vocals throughout the song, in which he is trying to convince a woman to let him stand to her fire. The lyrics in this song further compliment the vocal style, aiding Hendrix adjust to a more rhythmic vocal style. It’s hard not to sing along to the catchy hook, “let me stand next to your fire”. Finally, the superb drumming, steady base-

line, and infectious background vocals provided by Mitchell and Redding are the icing on the cake for this song, which is undoubtedly one of the catchiest on the album.

Highway Chile is a song that I’d place somewhere in between Manic Depression and Fire; it’s certainly heavier than Fire in a few spots, but much of the song, including the heavier sections, retains much of the rhythm and catchy guitar work one would find in the previous song. It opens with a piercing, yet very catchy guitar riff, followed by a transition into lighter guitar work by Hendrix, with him reciting catchy, rhyth-

mic lyrics about a guitar-playing drifter, lyrics that are obvious derived from personal experience, as evidenced by the lyric “Now you’d probably call him a tramp, but I know it goes deeper than that.”. It then transitions back into the heavy yet catchy guitar riff heard in the beginning, with Hendrix passionately reciting the four-word hook, ‘He’s a Highway Chile, a brief yet accurate description of the protagonist. The song transitions back and forth a couple more times, with the transition in the middle resulting in piercing, catchy solo. The song fades out with the shrieking hook; a fitting end to the groovy number.

The iconic hit Foxy Lady features a flamboyant, piercing riff similar similar to the one heard in Highway Chile, which the song revolves around.

The opening riff is complemented by Hendrix’s light whispering of the word ‘Foxy’, which gives the listener a good idea of what to expect lyric-wise.

Hendrix then begins to coarsely sing lyrics about a woman of his desires, describing her as a ‘cute little heart-breaker’ and ‘Sweet little love-maker’, all while the ‘Foxy lady’ whispers persist in the background. He then breaks into a slightly faster guitar riff, accompanying it with a passionate chant that communicates his desire to take the ‘Foxy Lady’ home with him, before stopping the music altogether for a brief moment, where he again repeats the enticing hook. The song

sticks with this formula throughout its three-minute running time, peppering in a brief guitar solo. He ends the song chanting the ‘Foxy Lady’ hook with his bassist and drummer while the music slowly fades out. There are are several other such songs on the album, and they all work magnificently.

The album doesn’t consist entirely of hard-rocking songs, however.

Hendrix includes a couple of softer, emotional songs. The first of these songs is Hey Joe, which opens with a bluesy electric guitar riff.

Hendrix goes on to expand this guitar riff, while crooning depressing lyrics about a man who shoots his cheating wife.

The lyrics are almost pleading with the main character, Joe, in an attempt to stop his brash actions, with the hook consisting of the phrase “Hey Joe, where you goin’ with that gun of yours?”. The song consists almost entirely of this gloomy combination of guitar work and lyrics, only stopping for a soulful, mellow solo that fits into the song perfectly. Mitchell’s restrained background drumming adds a nice touch, and the end result is a perfectly depressing ballad about a broken man.

The other mellow, emotional song is The Wind Cries Mary, which is one of the best songs on the album and, arguably, of Hendrix’s career. The Wind Cries Mary opens with a soft, gloomy guitar riff that is a notable contrast to most of the

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CHRIS RICCI’S TOP TEN ALBUMS OF 2013

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2013 Proved to be a very interesting and diverse year; ranging from ground-shattering reunions, to dismal attempts to live up to a former glory.

Below is a list of ten of the best albums released this year (in no particular order).

Daft Punk: Random Access Memories

The members of Daft Punk are arguably the most recognizable entities in contemporary pop music. The robotic personas they’ve held for nearly 20 years are synonymous with electronic music, and just seeing their helmets is enough to make you reminisce over some of their most popular songs. They vanished for nearly ten years, popping up randomly to do the soundtrack for “Tron: Legacy” and a few random video game appearances. With little to no notice, Daft Punk announced that their new album would not only be dropping in 2013, but would also feature an impressive lineup of session musicians. Unlike their previous works that were strictly samples and dance-based, “Random Access Memories” is an artistic exploration into the foundations of dance music. Samples are replaced with synthesizers and live instruments that weave together a near perfect throwback to all genres of music from the 20s to present day. Featuring the likes of N.E.R.D. founder Pharrell Williams, Animal Collective’s Panda Bear, electro legend Giorgio Moroder, and the iconic Paul Williams, “Random Access Memories” is not only Daft Punk’s most well-orchestrated effort, but also one of the best albums in the past decade. Summing it up would do it an injustice.

Queens Of The Stone Age: ...Like Clockwork

While Josh Homme was working on a proper follow up to 2007’s “Era Vulgaris,” he had a dark night of the soul. He questioned his intentions as an artist and as a musician, and ultimately didn’t know how to carry Queens of the Stone Age into the next decade. He asked his longtime buddy Trent Reznor what to do, and Trent told him the following: “make it hurt.” From its start, “…Like Clockwork” is an impressive kick to the chest. “Keep Your Eyes Peeled,” and homage to the downtrodden dirty blues of yesteryear sets the tone for the album, but it hardly represents what’s to follow. Homme has matured both lyrically and instrumentally, as the album replaces the tongue and cheek vibe of previous albums with duets and impressive orchestration. The album is an impressively vulnerable piece of work, and packs a punch that rock music has been missing for years. Bar-none, it is the finest album Queens has ever had the pleasure of making, and just might be the best rock album for years to come. Featuring an impressive lineup of guest artists ranging from Trent Reznor, Dave Grohl, and Sir Elton John, “…Like Clockwork” is a statement, through and through.

Nine Inch Nails: Hesitation Marks

It has been 20 years since Trent Reznor unleashed “The Downward Spiral” on the world and flipped the music world upside down. Since then, Reznor has five albums under the Nine Inch Nails moniker, two with his newly formed How To Destroy Angels project, and two soundtracks. He has also sobered up, collaborated with dozens of artists, and has won not only two Grammy awards, but also an Oscar and a Golden Globe award for his soundtrack work. The ultimate question people had when he announced he was reforming his Nine Inch Nails project after a five year hiatus is “what’s next?” The angst that once overpowered Reznor in his early work has vanished and the resulting comeback, “Hesitation Marks,” ushers in a new and drastically different Nine Inch Nails that feels logical. Raw clanging and screaming has been replaced with ethereal synths, harmonies, and an overall brooding atmosphere. There are clear homages to its darker older cousin (such as “Black Noise” and “All Time Low”), but the album feels like a completely different animal altogether. It’s a well groomed, well escalated, and well written comeback from the genre bending mastermind that feels like a logical coda for his tortured and intense sound.

Elvis Costello & The Roots: Wise Up Ghost

When Elvis Costello preformed on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” a few years back and had The Roots sit in as his backup band, many critics joked that they would eventually work together.

Fortunately for music fans, they did. ?uestlove and Costello may seem like complete polar opposites, but the fundamental beat vibe of both of their music shines through on “Wise Up Ghost.” As expected, there’s a major focus on percussion and bass on the album, which is unlike anything Costello has released up until this point. However, Elvis’ talkey-lyrical styling finds a surprisingly good footing on an otherwise funk and R&B staple. Songs like “REFUSE to be Saved” and “CINCO Minutos Con Vos” are lyrically brilliant and flow almost effortlessly. This homage to the Beat generation proves that a yin and yang combination of musicians can flow together and provide an unexpectedly brilliant experience.

Kanye West: Yeezus

There’s no denying that Kanye’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” is one of the greatest rap albums released in recent memory. This, of course, made it extremely difficult for constant-improvement ego. “Watch The Throne” proved to be lackluster, and the prospect of marriage and a child made some critics argue that Kanye was on his last legs. “Yeezus” came out of nowhere and is, in short, nightmarish. The glossy production that gave him his footing early on has been completely eradicated and replaced with dark electronic minimalism similar to the work of Death Grips and Nine Inch Nails.

Lyrically, Kanye has never been this aggressive. Songs like “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves” are on a completely different level of artistic beauty. Then, completely out of nowhere, Kanye drops “Blood On The Leaves,” which is arguably one of the greatest rap songs ever crafted. Effortlessly blending piano and auto tune, Kanye West crafted an unexpected and unbelievable masterpiece with this tune, and the album serves it’s existence justice.

Savages: Silence Yourself

The post-punk genre, arguably flag shipped by Joy Division in the 70s, hasn’t had a really significant champion in years. Genres like dark ambient and goth rock have caused the original sound of post-punk to change substantially. Savages, who appeared on the scene in 2011, dropped their first album this year and single-handedly revived the genre. From the beginning, you can feel a 70s post-punk vibe: random movie quotes, treble-heavy bass, and grating vocals. Though the album is, indeed, a throwback to a more simple time in music, “Silence Yourself” is surprisingly modern. “Husbands” and “Shut Up” reek of Joy Division and The Birthday Party while “Waiting for a Sign” and “Dead Nature” brings something new to the genre: employing elements of Bauhaus and Jefferson Airplane. The sound that ultimately makes up “Silence Yourself” is post-punk, but the effort and brilliance put into its creation makes one question if this album can be simply defined.

The Knife: Shaking The Habitual

Not much is known about The Knife, but one thing is for certain: their albums, though not too old, are already timeless pieces that are way ahead of their time. The way their albums are mixed and produced are so unorthodox that it is only logical that their style has become the norm. The last we heard of the group was seven years ago and, after a successful solo stint, Karin Dreijer Andersson joined her brother Olof again and reformed The Knife. The unexpected “Shaking The Habitual” has a very raw and earthy vibe to it in comparison to their other albums. Aggressive drumming and borderline tribal chanting, though the norm on previous albums, is more poignant on this work and, at times, works out better. It’s extremely hard to take songs by The Knife out of context, as the sound they make is so cinematic and all-encompassing that it requires your full attention. Once it has it, it will refuse to let you go.

Deltron 3030: Event 2

In 2000, Kid Koala, Del Tha Funkee Homosapian, and Dan The Automator joined forces and released “Deltron 3030.” The fantastically otherworld album caught critics and rap fans by surprise.

The album was unlike any rap album of the era, and still stands as a triumphant example of early 2000s rap. They’ve threatened to release a proper follow-up since the day the first one was released, but it wasn’t until 2013 that “Event II” hit the shelves. The 13 year gap was, quite honestly, worth the wait. The album is as pristine as its predecessor, and it doesn’t fail to provide the same vibe but a more modern feel. The orchestration is on another level, the sheer volume of guests is impressive, and, to top it off, the skits are hilarious. If the wait for “Event III” is another 13 years, I can certainly deal with it.

David Bowie: The Next Day

Denying the importance of David Bowie to the music industry is like denying the importance of breathing. His overall prowess and genre-bending ability that has spanned over 40 years is undeniably the most significant in pop-music history. After the tour supporting his album “Reality” suddenly ended with a heart attack, many thought he was out of the business. Sans a few appearances in public and a few minor movie roles, Bowie was ultimately absent. Which is why when he announced on his Birthday that he was finished with a new album, the internet virtually detonated. “The Next Day” pays tribute to his entire career and touches on every bit of sound he’s ever had. From the flawless intro provided by the title track to the brooding closing sound of “Heat,” it’s clear that the sound of “The Next Day” is ultimately more career spanning than any best-of collection could ever dream of being.

Janelle Monae: The Electric Lady

In a 2010 issue of The Pennon, I reviewed of Montreal’s “False Priest” and mentioned how the guest vocals provided by then-virtually unknown Janelle Monáe were some of the most impressive in recent memory. Now, three years later, Monáe has made quite a name for herself. Her sophomore album, “The Electric Lady,” had quite the amount of buildup, especially since Prince and Erykah Badu announced they would both be helping on it. The newly christened Covergirl provided with full force on this masterful R&B album that blends 70s disco and funk vibes with contemporary electronic and dance beats. Lyrically, it’s a masterful homage to a more emotional era of music; there’s no over-sexualization or anything one would deem “risqué,” making the album a rarity in the contemporary R&B genre. The experience provided by “The Electric Lady” isn’t just a brilliant one for fans of R&B and the history of the genre, but also for any self-respecting music lover.

PAGE 10– NSCC PENNON

CREATIVE

WRITING

BY PRITT YERAC

SUPERCLOWN EPISODE II: WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, COME BACK IN AN HOUR.

Superclown is laying in the shade on a hot tropical island off the coast of Cuba. He is holding a reflective visor in his painted white, ungloved hands, wearing black shades, no shirt, with a slightly out of shape body; nothing two solid weeks at the gym couldn't fix. Wearing a pair of waterproof shorts and his classic clown shoes on the beach (he always hated sneakers.).

As he sat in his beach chair that was half buried in the sand, he reached for his Pina Colada; he was perfectly content and half asleep, imagining the beautiful beach babes oiling him up for his weekly massage, rubbing out those knots and pulled muscles, groaning like a steroid addict at the gym. Inspired by the spa fantasy, he peaked a glance through one of his eyelids scanning to see if there was any hot babes this time. Unfortunately, there was just a big, hairy-chested Brazilian guy walking by, eating a candy bar while seagulls were fluttering down and attacking him, hoping to get some delicious human food. Anyways, back to his massage fantasy; he was imagining himself laying on table, with a model waxing his back-hair, his chest and his legs, and then falling asleep in a hot tub, when his ancient cell phone ring tone loudly startling him. He falls over backward in his chair and reaches for the phone. It takes him a minute to figure out how to answer it; he rarely if ever gets calls and rarely answers them over the ten years in exile. For a second, as he slowly puts the phone to his head, he has a surge of negative emotions materialize in his gut and almost wants to not answer it; he recalls all the overbearing crowds, the horrible burden of celebrity, the random late night phone calls going off the hook, the paparazzi photographing him outside the kitchen window outside on the front lawn, and then running away from place to the point that he was barely out in public anymore and basically was contemplating plastic surgery as a way to get around it all. But when his thousand-year discipline, sense of justice or, in his case, the desire to do public good took over, he pressed the answer button.

“Superclown, is that you?"

“Wha- who's there?"

“It's Chris” “Chris who?” “ Come on, Superclown you forgot all ready? You don't remember me?"

“Not really, I have mentally been trying to forget I lived anywhere before this island at all. Why'd you call?”

“You know, the guy who you assigned to look over your apartment while you've been gone?”

“No, give me another hint.”

“Your best friend of twenty years, who you also went to college with?”

“Nope, vaguely give me another hint.” (Lying, pretending to still not know) “I live in and run a bar and tavern restaurant on the first floor of the condo you live on? We used to drive around pulling pranks and toilet papering peoples houses?”

“Bingo! Now I remember. Good times, huh?"

“Yeah, totally, you let me use it for drag races.”

“Yeah, absolutely, I ducked out into the restroom and out the bathroom window to pay a debt to a bookie and had you take my place. You're my copilot in crime. But hopefully you learned your lesson, like James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause” he says flirtatiously in a joking tone.

“I think we are getting off topic...” (Struggling to maintain his professionalism) “There's been a horrible accident at the apartment, the police cars just arrived and I know they are going to be asking questions, I think it's best if you return.”

“But I'm in self imposed exile remember, do I have to?' says in a whiny voice.

“Look, Superclown, I wouldn't ask this of you if it weren't important. I think it's the best thing, you know if you don't come they will come and track you down, the apartment is in your name, right?”

He runs back to the beach house he is staying at and begins packing bags as he is talking to his friend on the phone.

“Yes, yes it is. Chris, I am coming now. I should be there in 1600 hours. Don't worry.”

He stands at attention and does a military salute to himself in the mirror and begins yanking out all his drawers. He then takes one long heartfelt gaze out his window, breathing in the refreshing sea air, looking at the waves crashing the shore, as the beautiful sunset begins. He then suddenly runs down the sand outside and catches some waves, chasing a few random babes on the beach before returning to his flat again. He then downs three bottles of rum, while lifting weights with his other arm, knowing that his life will never be the same when he returns to the states; Heavy drinking is his way of coping with the stresses of life. He then falls into a shaky slumber, falling in and out of REM sleep, having nightmares of being chased by ghosts, the KKK, and an army of mimes. This culminates with waking up in a dream within a dream of him waking to a reflection of himself without his permanent clown makeup on his face and his hair undyed, like an average man's.

He wakes up the next day, writes a long handwritten note of his return from exile and leaves a stack of dollar bills to cover his stay at the beach house. Superclown Begins walking to the airport, but it's out of service and since there are no trains or taxis, he's practically stranded. But he then has the idea to flag down a stray boater or kayaker, and he waves his orange coat around, ultimately attracting no one. He then builds a fire near the water, playing an aboriginal flute with white paint marks on his face. Then tries to turn on his portable boom box and dance along to it, but still has no response, except cheers from the beach people. Finally he just screams out “Help, Help! I need somebody! Help! Not just anybody!” Finally, a stray Cuban escapee rows by, who turns, sees him, and then signals him to swim out to him. Superclown runs into the water, begins swimming out to him, and slides into the second seat. They then conveniently row away together, singing a bunch of Spanish songs as well as plenty of overplayed party songs. It's as if everything is going to work out after all and he will arrive on the Unites States shores in no time.

Then a giant windstorm starts coming in, the clear skies become cloudy and thunderous, and a lightning starts zapping and the waves around, causing the boat to become really wild. The rain keeps coming, surrounding them and soaking them. The hurricane then gets so strong they can't even see what's going on and in the ensuing chaos, the boat is swept away in the current. There are seagulls flying overhead, ducking for cover. During the confusing, Superclown and the Cuban runaway's clothes are blown off, with the Cuban left shirtless in a straw outfit and Superclown left shirtless and with no pants, wearing a bra, a Speedo and a pair of spongy weather boots. After an unknown amount of time, he swims to shore, and the Cuban is left to keep traveling up north, probably to Canada for amnesty. Superclown then climbs the ladder up to the dock and walks down it slowly, thankful to have his foot on something solid. He catches his breath and continues walking inwards. At first, no one notices his strange attire and continue his walk inwards, but eventually, as he reaches the end of the entrance to the harbor, heads and eyes start turning to his ridiculous attire. But he marches on and eventually makes it to his street. He can't wait to take a shower and properly dressed. As he begins walking down the street to his condo, you can see cars crash into each other behind him, and people nearly falling off their driving lawnmowers to do a double take of him. Kids stop playing in their yards and point fingers laughing at him, their dogs start following him down the street. Finally, he makes it to the door and begins to unlock it, when he notices the entrance door is already ajar. He begins walking in, slowly making his way up the staircase. An eerie quietness consumes the place as he continues up the steps, and he sees random pieces of clothing and dirty footprints trailing up the stairs to his room. When he finally reaches his room, he fishes through his Speedo for the key. He then fishes out the right key to open the door, and of course turns the knob. He can hear voices on the other side, and that was when knew he was in for a treat.

SUPERCLOWN EPISODE III: CUFFED AND ASSIGNED, NO LAUGHING MATTER (SOB, SOB).

BY PRITT YERAC Superclown opens the door, his gloved hands trembling. He doesn’t have any time to change, entering his apartment to find he is in the middle of a police investigation. His virtually empty stomach was gurgling like a clogged dryer, begging to be satiated. But he marches on, sitting down with the police chief of his own accord. It's a full room; there’s one big desk, made out of black mahogany, and an old school clock on one of the walls, painting the room with a light yellow containing a hint of orange. His eyes scanning the room, he breathes slowly.

Surprisingly, the officers don't follow him in, leaving him to introduce himself alone. He is nervous, sweat trickling down his forehead, and it takes him a second to register the chief seated behind the desk; he is in a trance, with his eyes glued to the computer screen. At first Superclown was terrified, expecting the authorities to encircle him and take him down instantly, yet nothing happens. He notices the drawers, framed paintings on the wall, and papers scattered over the various furniture, while the light jazz music was playing in the background. He starts to get drawn to a novel on the chief’s desk, but the discipline inside snaps him out of it, and he begins walking over to the chiefs desk to engage him.

“Well, aren't you going to introduce yourself?”

“Um, sure, most certainly.” (as Superclown says this, he reads him correctly, in the way that he decides to play it straight; he’ll be friendly and professional, with the hope he will be able to go on his merry way. ) (Before he begins his next line, the chief turns, with his expression going from a quiet smiley glee, brought on by what he is looking at on the screen, to a serious look as he turns to look at him).

“Hahaha, look at you, what the hell is this? (Waving his hands up and down at him.) what kind of- ( he was trying to find the right word; “freak” came to mind, but then he remembered his cousin, who has down syndrome and works in the forensics unit, and knew better than to say that) clown are you?

“I apologize in advance for my inappropriate appearance; this is not what it looks like. Allow me to change into something more professional.”

A giant tornado engulfs the room, with the police chief is feeling the full extent of the whirlwinds. As the camera pans on his face, there is a self made rainbow tornado, and Superclown reappears in white suit, complete with a rainbow tie, and dress shoes with a polka dot design on the bottom. A confident smile flashes across his face as he takes a seat at the table. The knot in his stomach, however, is still there.

"Do you realize the trouble you are in?"

No, why? Please explain."

"The police have gathered enough evidence here to prosecute you and put you in jail."

"But that's impossible! I wasn't even here when the murder happened! How could I be the one going to jail when someone else clearly committed the crime?

"You know, I have seen other weird fellows like you waltz in here, crying about injustices that are just as serious as yours, if not more so. You’re different, though; there’s something special about you. That's why I am going the unusual route and assigning you to the case; I think is no better way to prove your innocence to me. Sure, I could throw you behind bars and watch you cry your little eyes out, bring you to trial, or put you in front of a firing squad, but we live in post-World War II America. There’s the Civil rights, Geneva Convention and so forth, so I am going to keep my head high; I feel that for the sake of PR we should do this, so let's get down to it." "...t-t-thanks chief, I swear by everything that is holy I am not deceiving you. " The chief gets up, walks over to the bar, and pours himself and Superclown a glass of whiskey as he begins to pull out his briefcase that magically appeared when Superclown changed clothes

PAGE 11 – NSCC PENNON

THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT TASTES THE SWEETEST WHEN YOU LOVE SOMEONE DIFFERENTLY

BY CAITLYN TRAN Mom, If I tell you a secret, will you listen?

I held her hand today.

My insides squeezed shut like butterflies dreaming And my eyes gave away the regret I can’t seem to feel.

Her lips were soft… tasting of cranberries And I swallowed my fear Letting the confusion fill my head instead of the physique in my arms.

I touched her face.

Oh, but I didn’t just touch I caressed.

Skin as soft as the last time I smiled Goosebumps rising up to my shoulders and fingertips curling in her hair So soft…

I pulled her closer to taste more of the fruit I long to have on my tongue And when we pulled apart, She looked at me with a shy expression.

My breath caught, mom.

My heart stopped beating when we locked eyes Hers as dark as morning coffee looking out at a sunset at 5 AM. But oh, They were as bright as the sun itself peeking out from a cloud after a rainstorm.

I wanted to know how her frame would fit mine.

Entwined in each other’s elbows And foreheads touching And soft whispers of longing for the other.

Mom, I’m trying to explain to you how I feel about another woman.

Don’t look at me like that.

You and I both know that the grass will never be greener in your mind We both know that the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest Even dad will be ashamed of my heart But when I held her…

It seemed like nothing else mattered.

The only thing that matters is the way her voice makes me tremble The way her feet shuffle softly when we walk side by side The way her bangs fall into her face and make me want to brush them away The way I realize that this time it’s real.

He pulls out a copy of the divorce papers of him and his ex wife, dated ten years ago.

"Oh, never mind then. Look, for all intents and purposes, I just need you find the killer, so we can close this case, you can go free, and I get good press. Pretty good deal, huh?"

Superclown, gulps his adam’s apple for dramatic effect, hoping to hurry out of there and relieve himself of all the stressful situations he’s been dealing with.

"Sounds great. But I get to keep the film right and hopefully get a hero's welcome"ONLY if you’re Innocent-" interrupts Police Chief with his big, pointy finger aimed straight at him.

(Superclown continuing) "Because, I need a reputation boost after this; Just look at what the long term damage caused by the 1993 trial did to Michael Jackson, and despite the fact that it recently turned out he was completely innocent all along."

The Police Chief let's out a deep hearty laugh and Superclown nervously laughs along with him, even though The Chief’s laugh was making him very uncomfortable.

"Alright, good one. Now move along and get to work, I got a meeting with the mayor in ten minutes."

Superclown gets up and hurries out of there before he is interrogated any more. He walks back to his apartment to begin his research. Along the way, he makes a pit stop at the bar, where his buddy Chris is working on getting up to speed on what's going on, seeing if he has heard anything on the street that could help him. Despite the recent mishaps, the crime scene that he came upon on his first time back to his old condo after ten years in self imposed exile, and the dramatic series of events that were currently unfolding, he was thankful that his friend had been watching his apartment for him during that time. With him being assigned this murder case, and the obvious ensuing publicity if it wasn't solved soon, Chris is one of his only trusted friends that he can turn to for help and that knows that he is innocent.

Superclown is assigned to the case

PAGE 12 – NSCC PENNON

Important Numbers Lynn Campus: (781) 593-6722 DanversCampus: (978) 762-4000 Beverly Cummings Center (978) 236-1200

Library: Lynn: (781) 477-2133 Danvers: (978) 762-4000 x5526 Book Store: Lynn: (781) 477 2127 Danvers: (978) 762-4200 Weather Hotline: (978) 762 4200

Club Directory

A C AD E M IC C L U BS :

JKREEFT@NORTHSHORE.EDU AKOSHIVAS@NORTHSHORE.EDU GREPPUCC@NORTHSHORE.EDU FALTIERI@NORTHSHORE.EDU KERBETTA@NORTHSHORE.EDU PBANKS@NORTHSHORE.EDU RDELISIO@NORTHSHORE.EDU KKAUFMAN@NORTHSHORE.EDU

A V I A T I O N : JOHN KREEFT C R I M I N A L J U S T I C E : ANN KOSHIVAS F O O D S C I E N C E C U B : GREG REPPUCCI P H I T H E T A K A P P A : FRED ALTIERI P S Y C H E D F O R P S Y C H : KRISTIN ERBETTA S O T A : PATRICIA BANKS AND RUTH DELISIO D E B A T E C L U B : KARA KAUFMAN

S P E CIA L I NT E RE ST C LU BS : C H R I S T O N C A M P U S : TIM WHITMAN E N G I N E E R I N G : MARY BETH STEIGERWALD E NVI RO NME NT A L C L U B : JOSEPH MODUGNO F I L M C L U B : JOHN ZAMPARELLI M E D I A C L U B : JIM HARRINGTON M UL TI - C UL T URA L S O C IE TY : ESPY HERRERA M U S L I M A S S O C I A T I O N : YUSEF HAYES P H I L O S O P H Y C L U B : FRED ALTIERI Q UE E R S TR A I GH T A L L I A N C E : ANNE TABET S T A R S C L U B : NANCY TUFO S U R F R I D E R S C L U B : SEAN HANLON V E T E R A N S C L U B : MIKE MONAGLE Y OU T H G R O U P U N IT ED : ALEXANDER GUZMAN

TWHITMAN01@NORTHSHORE.EDU MSTEIGER@NORTHSHORE.EDU JMODUGNO@NORTHSHORE.EDU JZAMPARE@NORTHSHORE.EDU JHARRISO06@NORTHSHORE.EDU EHERRERA@NORTHSHORE.EDU YHAYES@NORTHSHORE.EDU FALTIERI@NORTHSHORE.EDU ATABET@NORTHSHORE.EDU NTUFO@NORTHSHORE.EDU SHANLON@NORTHSHORE.EDU MMONAGLE@NORTHSHORE.EDU AGUZMAN@NORTHSHORE.EDU

Organizations

P E N N O N : VICTORIA PASCIUTO P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C O U N C I L : MATTHEW WOODS P R O G R A M C O U N C I L : VICTORIA PASCIUTO S T U D E N T G O V E R N M E N T : VICTORIA PASCIUTO

VPASCIUT@NORTHSHORE.EDU

MATWOODS@NORTHSHORE.EDU VPASCIUT@NORTHSHORE.EDU

VPASCIUT@NORTHSHORE.EDU

Join Program Council!

THIS GROUP PLANS AND COORDINATES A VARIETY OF SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE ENTIRE COLLEGE COMMUNITY. PAST ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED AIR BRUSH T-SHIRTS, PSYCHIC READINGS, AND MASSAGE THERAPY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT VICTORIA PASCIUTO AT (978) 762-4000 X5471 OR VPASCIUT@NORTHSHORE.EDU.

Attention Club Advisors and Members!

Information about your club can be featured here!

Contact us at: PENNON@NORTHSHORE.EDU

PAGE 13 – NSCC PENNON

CHEMICAL IMBALANCE A JECKYLL AND

HYDE PLAY

By Lauren Wilson. Directed by Matthew Woods

This dark, comic send-up of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of terror takes a satirical swing at conventional Victorian notions of gender, class and identity.

In fog-bound London, repressed impulses are ready to burst their corsets as Dr. Jekyll’s experiments in the nature of evil threaten to reveal the bloody hands beneath the gloves of the British Empire.

Everyone will love this fast-paced romp about men and women walking the line between oldfashioned respectability, utter depravity, and the twin specters of good and evil.

Dates and Times: Dec 5, 6 at 7 pm Dec 7, 8 at 3 pm Location: At Lynn Arts, 25 Exchange Street, Lynn Tickets: $7 general admission $5 students and seniors (with ID)

For more information or to rsvp contact matwoods@northshore.edu or call 781-593-6722, x6228 Featuring a cast of North Shore Community College students and an alumnus: Daniel Amirault of Lynn as Xavier Utterson Jacqueline Celata of Hamilton as Ivy, the Maid Van Chhay of Lynn as the Lieutenant Cameron Hinkle of Lynn as Euphronia Jekyll, the Mother Mariam Kutuusa of Lynn as Rosamunda Dewthistle Giva Mata of Lynn as the twins Calliope and Penelope Sam Mattei of Salem as Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde Daniel Parsons of Salem as Lady Throckmortonshire Henry Pineda of Boston as the Constable Katelyn Pisano of Revere as Plodgett, the Cook Maryvett Tello* of Lynn as Ambrosia Jekyll, the Sister *Alumnus Directed by Matthew Woods (Salem) Costumes designed by Cotton Talbot-Minkin (Essex)

PAGE 14 – NSCC PENNON

ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

other songs, even Hey Joe, which has a comparatively heavy main riff. After the short opener, the song transitions into soft guitar work, similar to the opener, accompanied by Mitchell’s soft, plodding drum line. While the smooth rhythm of the instruments continues in the background, Hendrix softly sings lines of beautiful yet dreary poetry, all of which end in the increasingly loud phrase “And the Wind Cries Mary”, with the word “Cries” adjusted to fit the tone of the line, going from “Whispers” all the way the “Screams”. The spellbinding lyrics were written by Hendrix himself, who was a poet of sorts, known for his ability to write and even improvise captivating lyrics. The song breaks into a mellow, peppy solo in the middle, an extremely well done section that supplements the song extremely well; The Wind Cries Mary certainly wouldn’t be the same without it. After transitioning back into the final verse, the song changes it’s rhythm, with Hendrix offering various musings about the wind around which the song centers.

Finally, Hendrix gives one last impassioned rendition of “The Wind Cries Mary…”, after which the song ends with a modified version of the hook, resulting in a comforting feeling of closure. The Wind Cries Mary is certainly the most emotional, smooth song on the album, and is a landmark in terms of writing and guitarplaying.

The diversity, however, is not yet over. Are You Experienced includes a few songs which are distinctly unique in terms of style. The first of these is the title track, Are You Experienced. The song opens with the rhythmic, distorted repetition of a tape playing backwards. After the short, interesting intro, Hendrix begins to play a complex, ambient guitar riff, complemented by Mitchell’s mechanically rhythmic drumming and the background repetition of the opening sound. The instruments are accompanied by Hendrix’s dreamy, rhythmic chanting of psychedelic lyrics. The instruments and vocals eventually culminate in the hook, which features a harsher guitar line and the vague question, “Have you ever been experienced?”. The surreal nature of the song climaxes during the middle of the song, which features an extended solo, which is played backwards, a practice that Hendrix would use in a couple other

songs as well. It’s an interesting move, and it certainly makes the song stand out. The song continues as usual after the solo, with the listener again being immersed in its dreamy, bold melody. After a few more verses, the song slowly fades out, with the distorted sound of feedback making a sudden appearance shortly after the end. Are You Experienced is a very interesting song that was clearly designed as a studio-based endeavor.

Third Stone From the Sun is the second unique, experimental track on the album, and it is certainly unlike anything else you’ll find on Are You Experienced, despite featuring studio effects similar to the title track. It opens with a light, lulling guitar riff, accompanied by quick, rhythmic drumming.

These are quickly joined by an extremely distorted voice in the background. As the song progresses, Hendrix experiments with the main riff, eventually turning it into a dramatic peak, only to go back to lighter grounds almost immediately.

It’s somewhat reminiscent of surf music, which comes into play later in the song. The surreal guitar work, drumming and distorted voices continue on for while, soon coming to another crescendo. After this climax, however, Hendrix plays a short, rocking solo, after which the pace of the song begins to increase, and the voice in background become clearer. Hendrix briefly ventures back into the lull of the main rhythm, after which Mitchell plays a lengthy drum solo, during which the voice in the background continues to mumble. As Mitchell begins to get further into his solo, sounds of distorted guitar feedback make their way into the sound collage, adding another dreamlike layer to this already abstract song. Soon after, the distorted voice in the background, which is now easily recognizable as Hendrix himself, begins to recite poetry. One quote that sticks out to me in particular is “So to you I shall put an end, and you’ll never hear surf music again”. The quote seems to be recognizing the slow death of surf music, which was already beginning to fade away at the time.

Therefore, the song could be an odd ode to surf music, of sorts. After the voice becomes incomprehensible again, the drum solo is again brought to the forefront, along with increasingly prominent sounds of guitar feedback,

which lead into a distorted version of the main riff. After this is done, the song devolves into complete chaos, with the loud sound of guitar feedback taking over the song completely, only to quickly fade away. The song ends with ambient noise, which slowly fades out. Third Stone from the Sun is a very interesting, surreal track, if nothing else. Hendrix was clearly doing something very experimental here, and you can hear some of this experimental influence in his final studio album, Electric Ladyland. It is a really unique song, however, within the realm of Are You Experienced; there’s nothing else quite like it on the album.

Finally, I’d like to bring attention to Red House, a song that is a near-perfect combination of blues and rock. The song opens with loud guitar riff that has has a distinctively blues style. After the opening lick ends, Hendrix begins to somberly croon out a story about his old love, and how he can no longer see her after being gone for a long time.

Hendrix’s vocals are accompanied by his bluesy guitar improvisation and Mitchell’s slow, methodic drumming. The reason this song is so important within the context of Are You Experienced is that it is the only song on the album that has a really heavy blue influence.

This blues style defined Hendrix largely as he developed musically. Red House was a catalyst, of sorts, the longer, deeper blues songs that can be found on his final album ‘Electric Ladyland’. He even has live recordings of Red House in which he develops the song through improvisation, increasing it’s runtime from four minutes to twelve.

Are You Experienced is an extremely good album, especially when you consider it is the first one that Hendrix ever released. The shorter, faster rock songs, which are the meat of the album, are very well done, and often contain common elements that are explored differently in each song. The experimental, emotional, and bluesy songs also fit into the album very well, lending it greater diversity. While the album is not quite as diverse or cohesive as some of his later efforts, such as Electric Ladyland or Axis: Bold as Love, it is a fantastic album in its own right, and a great album for those who want to start listening to Hendrix.

OVERALL SCORE: 9.2/10 +Diverse, catchy tracklist +Hendrix’s guitar work and vocals +No bad songs -Not as interesting or cohesive as Hendrix’s later efforts

PATRICK GRAVLIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Patrick: I was around seventeen.

Calvin: When did you first become involved with The Student Government Association (SGA)?

Patrick: I saw Nick last spring, and he said that I should really consider joining. I had put it off in the past, so I decided to give it a shot. Shortly after that, I became a senator. I had an absolute blast; we went to a conference, and got to meet students from Bunker Hill Community College. Last spring really kicked off my involvement and got me excited about The SGA. Calvin: So, prior to becoming president, how deeply involved were you with The SGA? Patrick: My work schedule limited me quite a bit. Even though I did some things with The SGA, such as, the conference, trying to get MassPirg off campus, and meeting with the State Student Salem Government, my involvement was still limited last spring. I began to get more involved when a couple people told me that I should run for president, a few weeks into being a senator.

I initially brushed them off, deciding to serve under someone who was better than me first. Eventually, I decided to pursue it. I changed my work my schedule, looked over the requirements, and talked to Victoria. After the preliminaries, I ran for the position, and now I’m here.

Calvin: Who were you running against?

Patrick: I didn’t run against anybody. No campaign money needed.

Calvin: What initiatives are you working for with the student government that you’re really impassioned about?

Patrick: First off, there’s a green discount that was started among

green businesses in the area. For example, we’d send something into a business the business would send something back saying they’re giving a ten percent discount to NSCC students, due to NSCC being a green campus. I really want to finish that, and get everything put in place. There are projects like these that other people started and did a lot of work on, but I have to finish them. I’m looking forward to that. Businesses will benefit from students coming to their store for the discount, and they know that students generally only stay at North Shore for two to three years. So, they can get somebody hooked longterm, and we save money in the short-term. We’re also trying to raise money and food for families in need in the community, and although I’m not directly in charge of heading that one up, it’s really cool to watch. I haven’t done it for a while and I’m really excited to see families of high school or NSCC students having food to celebrate with. Another one of the bigger ones is bringing the community back to the college and to this environment. I think a lot of students that come here are not reaping the same benefits that I’m reaping by coming school, going to class, and doing things outside of it. So, one of my main focuses has been on building a team that will help create that environment. In The SGA, unfortunately, we’ve had some setbacks where three executives have resigned for various reasons. But things are getting better and we’ve been able to function efficiently despite these setbacks.

Calvin: Alright, that should wrap it up. Thanks for the interview.

Patrick: No problem, It was my pleasure.

PAGE 15 – NSCC PENNON

PAGE 16 – NSCC PENNON

BY SANDY ROCHON ALUMNI COORDINATOR Jeff Reynolds is a graduate of North Shore Community College’s business administration program, Class of 1991. He continued his education at Salem State, where he majored in Business and Accounting, areas that he said he took an interest in after being introduced to them at NSCC. After college, he began his career in the business world, eventually entering banking.

Jeff is now the Managing Director of Darling Consulting Group (DCG), an industry-leading asset liability management company providing services to the banking industry. He has been with DCG since 1996, pre-

ALUMNI CORNER

JEFF REYNOLDS (CLASS OF ‘91)

viously working there as a Financial Analyst. Jeff said that it is ironic that he ended up in that kind of job, as he was “never a strong math student”, but he found he was drawn to the methodical, logical approach of business accounting.

Jeff was recently on campus to talk to me about his career, his fond appreciation for NSCC, and his memories of his time here. He told me that when he started at NSCC, he wasn’t really sure of the career direction he wanted to go in. Here, he found classes that interested him, and set him in the direction of what would become his career. “It amazes me that to this day, the college classes that I still look back on as being the

most helpful later in life, and that have most influenced my career, were Journalism and Public Speaking” Both the Journalism and The Public Speaking courses were taught by his favorite professor, the late Peter Foss. Jeff said that he

cannot say enough about his professors here and Professor Foss in particular. He described him as someone who “had presence- when he entered a room, people paid attention to him and what he had to say, he was greatly respected and admired.”

Jeff recalled that he also genuinely cared about his students.

He said Professor Foss encouraged his writing, urging him to develop his writing skills by working on the school paper, going as far as personally walking him to the office of the Pennon to ensure that he would.

This turned out to be valuable advice, as Jeff recalls that having writing skills and learning to structure a story “was incredibly beneficial later in life. Every time I publish these days, I think

of Pete and all that he did.”

Jeff also said he often thinks back to the skills he learned in his Public Speaking class. His job requires travel throughout the country making business presentations, and he said that this often makes him think of Professor Foss and NSCC. He is sure that Professor Foss would have taken great pride in knowing that he was actively applying the skills he’d been taught. Jeff’s advice to current students is to thank your professors; let them know that you appreciate what they do.

The things you are being taught now may turn out to be what brings you great success in your career.

The Alumni Corner will be a regular section of the Pennon, featuring alumni profiles and information.

If you know of an NSCC graduate who is doing great things, please let me know and they may be featured here or in other NSCC publications!

For NSCC Scholarship information and application see www.northshore.edu/giving/foundation/scholarship.html

2013 FED CHALLENGE

On November 6th, NSCC participated in the 2013 New England College Fed Challenge. Under the leadership of Professor Moonsu Han, The NSCC College Fed Team was the only Community College team to compete at the Challenge this year. Below are a list of quotes courtesy of the students and faculty who helped make this happen.

It is my great honor to coach 2013 NSCC College Fed Challenge Team to compete 4 year institutions. NSCC was the only community college to compete at 2013 College Fed Challenge. I’d like to give thanks to NSCC’s strong supports and NSCC College Fed Challenge Team members’ hard work. We learned not only about economics but also the importance of team work and helping each other to improve our team. Also I should share this honor with other faculty who helped and supported College Fed Challenge Team members. Thank you so much.

-MOONSU (MOON) HAN. NEWTON, MA PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS AND NSCC COLLEGE FED CHALLENGE TEAM ADVISOR

"I enjoyed the Fed Challenge because it allowed me to understand what our country is going through and how to get out of it. The fact that we are the only community college in the nation allowed to compete against 4 year universities is a testament to the hard work that our team and advisor, Moon, put in."

-KEVIN HURD. GLOUCESTER, MA

When I was getting out of the Army I never thought I would be fascinated by economics, but North Shore Community College and Professor Moonsu Han instilled the passion for economics in me. It was a privilege having NSCC Fed Challenge Team recognized as a competitive rival against some notable colleges like Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth College, Brown, BC, BU and Bentley etc. Although we did not make it to the final four I believe whenever you can bring a diverse group of students together to share ideas, and learn from (From Left To Right) Prof. Moonsu Han, Erica Reeves, Jacob Landess, Jon Foss, Thomas different perspectives, it's always a win!

Alberto, Michael Warren, Jeremy Amero, Sergey Onokhin, Kevin Hurd, and Robert -SERGEY ONOKHIN. EPPING, NH The fed challenge has taught me about persistence, confidence, and team work. Prior to participating in this club, I was uncomfortable with public speaking and presentation. This club taught me how to properly prepare for presentations which makes me more confident.

I have made lifelong friends in this club. Late night practicing economics brings people together. If gives me a sense of belonging and purpose.

-ERICA REEVES. PEABODY, MA Participating in this year’s Federal Reserve College Fed Challenge has been both exciting, as well as an excellent learning experience for me. I found it very interesting to research the inner workings of our nation’s economy, seeing the many economic decisions that are made during the FOMC meetings, and the outcome each of those decisions produce. I found it especially interesting to learn about the 2009 recession and the unconventional monetary policies that have been used to aid in the recovery. I believe everybody should have a cursory understanding of monetary policy, and fiscal policy. People need to understand how fiscal drag from government policy decisions can slow down economic recovery. Seeing the negative effects of the sequestration, as well as the government shutdown was definitely an eye opener for me. Although this year I was not chosen to present, I still had a wonderful time reading, discussing and learning during the preparation. I made many new friends, and I am anxiously looking forward to participating in next years Fed Challenge!

-ROBERT GOREHAM

Goreham

I had a great time preparing a competing in the economics fed challenge! I learned significantly more about economics and met some great people. I feel we not only had an intelligent but fun and enjoyable group. I think the competition went incredibly well at that we did the best that we could. The Federal Reserve is a beautiful building and to compete against some of the top schools there was awesome. You did a tremendous job preparing us and made the experience even more enjoyable than I think any other professor could have. I want to thank you for the opportunity and again I had a great time. oh and did I mention the pineapple/ jalapeno pizza! WOW haha.

-MIKE WARREN Joining the NSCC Economics Team and the thought of competing at the fall challenge was an exciting event in my life. Being at NSCC with help from the GI BILL is an opportunity I greatly appreciate. Putting these two things together I am very lucky person! Even more lucky to team up with great young adults, new to the club this year my role was research and support.

This young team I joined was not run with military precision or timing, never the less these young people pulled off the David vs. Goliath triumph of a life time! Competing against the top four year schools in New England for Economics excellence is an incredible accomplishment and I am proud to have been a part of it!

-JON FOSS.