Issue 23

Volume 74, Issue 23

May 9, 2019

FREE | Extra Copies, 25 cents

Resignation of Senior Class President fuels criticism of Student Activities By: Lauren Alford Jr. News Editor

Senior Class President and president of the Programming Club, Zach Wood, resigned from the student senate on March 11, citing alleged incompetence of the student activities office. “[I have resigned] due to frustration from lack of management and faculty from the Student Activities office,” Wood explained.

Wood blamed the disorganization and delays of the office on Alfredo D. Balarin, Assistant Director of Student Life and Education Opportunity Program.

“Alfredo is pretty much hindering the success of every club on campus,” Wood said.

Wood founded the programming club to teach students Python, a high-level programming language because the college currently doesn’t have a course on it.

One of Programming Club’s main goals was to eventually program and fly drones. To obtain the drones, the club first submitted a special funds request of roughly $2,200. The club was supposed to receive the drones in December 2018.

“Once we have the proper paperwork, it can take about two to three weeks to cut [the club] a check,” Balarin explained.

On March 26, about three

months after submitting their special funds’ request, the Programming Club received their drones.

Once the request was approved, Balarin was to create an account with the Chinese drone manufacturing company DJI. This would allow the Programming Club to place an order for their drones.

According to Wood, Balarin wanted the club to contact DJI on their own.

Wood reached out to three additional companies, all of which sold drones.

These companies insisted that the person in charge of Hudson Valley Community College’s corresponding department must contact them, not the students.

“Some students can’t come and do a faculty member’s job,” Wood explained.

Wood said that Balar

Hudson Valley Community College Students and Clubs have complained about Student Activities being non-reliant

Students with leadership positions have stepped down due to the lack of cooperation with Student Activities

What’s your experience with Student

Students have opposing opinions onAssisstant Director of Student Life, Alfredo Balarin

Activities?

Student Activities is an office that is designed to enhance the involvement of students on campus

WOOD | Page 5

Alexis DeSouto (left) of the Programming Club tests out their self developed drones PHOTO BY STEPHEN BROKALIS

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PHOTO BY STEPHEN BROKALIS PHOTO BY STEPHEN BROKALIS COURTESY OF ALFREDOBALARIN.COM PHOTO BY ASAN ANAKURLOV

2 This Week’s Events

Wed 8

Thur 9

May 9, 2019

NEWS Instant Admission Day 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Commencement Cap, Gown and Ticket Distribution 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Transfer Adviser Visit: Siena College 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

History, Philosophy and Social Sciences Research Award Ceremony 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Commencement Cap, Gown and Ticket Distribution 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

National Small Business Week: Student Startup Showcase 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Faculty/Staff Honors Convocation 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Fri 10

Commencement Cap Gown and Ticket Distribution 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Dental Hygieme Professional Awards and Achievement Ceremony 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Jacob Freehart’s Birthday All Day

Mon 13

Commencement and Student Honors Information Session 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hudsonian Meeting 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tues 14 Wed 15

Investment Club Meeting 4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

Thur 16

26th Advanced Manufacturing Technology Capstone Ceremony 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Fri 17

Spring 2019 Last Day of Instruction Student Honors and Awards Ceremony 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Athletics Award Ceremony 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Pete Buttigieg: a new generation of leadership?

Politics With

Nolan

COURTESY OF NEWYORKPOST.COM

Your weekly intake on politics from a student’s perspective.

experience as an Iraq War veteran could explain his popularity.

“They trust him,” Lane said.

“He knows a lot about this counBy: Nolan Cleary gieg’s polls now show him coming try.”. in third place nationally amongst Individual studies major, David Staff Writer Democrats, just behind former Lansing, said social media could The 2020 presidential election Vice President Joe Biden and be a potential explanation. continues to expand with Pete Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

"He’s probably using it effecButtigieg, who if elected, would One poll even showed Buttigieg tively to get out to a larger group be the youngest, as well as the first nearly tied with Biden for second of people," Lansing said. openly gay, president in U.S. his- place in the New Hampshire priJack Gartner, computer science tory. mary. major, said that people could simWith big names such as Joe At Hudson Valley Communi- ply be attracted to a more diverse Biden and Bernie Sanders in the ty College, Buttigieg still largely candidate. running, Buttigieg is seen as an lacks name recognition amongst "People are tired of just old underdog, having very limited students. Although, many had white men being President," Gartname recognition. However, the different ideas as to why Buttigieg ner said.

37-year-old mayor of South Bend, appears to have shot up in the Individual studies student, EliIndiana, is gaining ground. polls out of nowhere. jah Hummel, says that Buttigieg's At first, national polling had Ej Lane, an individual studies appeal as an outsider could be him at about 1%. Recently, Butti- student, believes that Buttigieg’s benefiting his chances.

Sydney Jayapal, a Democratic student in individual studies, agreed with Hummel.

Jayapal said Buttigieg’s freshness may be the appealing factor.

"Maybe the people like that he’s different,” she said. “He’s never been in Congress so maybe he has a fresh mindset.”

However, Robert Whitaker, a professor at Hudson Valley Community College, said that this could all come down to the people Buttigieg has surrounded himself COURTESY OF MASHABLE.COM with.

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"His strategists have taken the approach that all press is good press, and all public appearances are good public appearances, so they have been making a concerted effort to get out in the public eye," Whitaker explained.

Nonetheless, many people are not completely on board with Buttigieg's ideas. Some of his primary opponents, such as Andrew Yang and former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel, have criticized the Mayor for his lack of policy appeal.

But according to Whitaker, policy shouldn’t be Buttigieg's priority yet.

"The idea is you build name recognition first and then you transition into policy plans,” he said. “Donald Trump didn’t have that problem because he has instant name recognition."

Gartner had a similar line of thinking as Whitaker.

"It’s unrealistic to expect that someone has a policy for everything," he said.

Lane, however, felt differently on the topic.

"People definitely need to know what’s going on in terms of policy," he said.

Many questions arise about whether Buttigieg could potentially become the Democratic nominee and face off against the Republican nominee next year.

Many students say it’s possible.

Jayapal said, “Maybe if he plays his cards right.”

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The Hudsonian Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Ave. Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-629-7568 Email: hudsonian@hvcc.edu Editorial Policy All views expressed in this paper are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the The Hudsonian or the College.

Editor-in-Chief Jaimie Albright Managing Editor Kevin Waltz Copy Editor Hailey McLaughlin Layout Editor Jacob Freehart News Editor Angela Scipione Creative Editor Elizabeth Stenard Sports Editor Hunter McIntyre

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TUESDAY 04/14/19 High/Low 62/49 The Hudsonian is the exclusive student newspaper of Hudson Valley Community College. It is published every week. To join The Hudsonian, attend our weekly meeting on Mondays at 2 p.m. in BTC 307.

May 9, 2019

NEWS

3

Phi Theta Kappa members honored with formal ceremony By: Lauren Alford Jr. News Editor Three Hudson Valley Community College students were honored at Phi Theta Kappa’s All State Academic Team ceremony on Wednesday, April 24.

SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson explained that the students honored at the event have gone above and beyond by exhibiting leadership qualities.

“With this event, we’re recognizing those future leaders,” Johnson said.

Liberal arts major and Phi Theta Kappa Vice President Victoria Hayes, engineering science major Asan Anakurlov, and mortuary science major Kathleen Gibson were honored along with other SUNY students.

“I don’t think I ever really came to terms with how I received [the award], but I just know that I am extremely appreciative,” said Hayes.

“I am humbled to receive the All-State First Academic Team Award. I aspire to continue this journey towards my education inside and outside of the classroom,” said Anakurlov.

According to Anakurlov, his goal has always been to actively engage in his community, to connect with people of all backgrounds and to leave a positive contribution to his environment.

During the event, attendees were seated at tables designated

(From left to right) Victoria Hayes, Asan Anarkulov and Kathleen Gibson accepting awards for academic achievement PHOTO BY ASAN ANAKURLOV

for each State University of New York college. They were served lunch that included an appetizer, main course and a dessert. Vegetarian and gluten free options were available.

Academic community leaders and event organizers gave brief speeches as guests ate. Students who had strong application essays were mentioned. This was followed by Johnson’s commencement speech.

The honored students were then presented with medals and given the opportunity to take a

photo with Johnson.

“I am not alone when I say that those of us nominated felt very honored by the event,” said Hayes.

Johnson wishes to elevate the State University of New York system. As said by Johnson, community colleges are the backbone of this system.

“This is where we get the chance to bask in the all of the time we’ve spent together,” Johnson said.

Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.7 to join. To remain a member,

students must at least a 3.5 grade point average or higher.

The Phi Theta Kappa website states that college presidents and state associations sponsor the AllState Academic Team ceremony.

There is a ceremony held in all 39 participating states. Ceremonies vary by state, but generally are held in the state capital with legislators and leaders in education present.

“Phi Theta Kappa is a great way to celebrate your academic achievement and also make lasting connections with other stu-

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dents in the club,” said Hayes. “It is quite beneficial if one is planning to transfer to a four year college.”

Hayes said she enjoyed the event and that everyone is deserving of the award they received.

Anakurlov said, “These are the students that will go far in life and will absolutely affect our society.

I believe it is important to recognize those students and support them by providing more opportunities to grow.”

4

May 9, 2019

NEWS

WOOD FROM PAGE 1 in repeatedly delayed the ordering process. Balarin was allegedly dissatisfied with the club’s efforts and demanded an invoice.

“Alfredo found every possible excuse not to order them,” Wood said.

Balarin refused to offer further comment on the Student Activities office operations.

Not only has the Programming Club had troubles with Student Activities, but so have the E-Sports Club.

According to E-Sports Club President, Ciara Zink, engineering science major, the club would reportedly have frequent clashes with Balarin, most of which occurred when their former president was in office.

Stated by club secretary and adolescent education major, Jarred Fink, Balarin allegedly called the E-Sports Club “cancer” during the fall semester of 2018.

As President, Zink has distanced the E-Sports Club from Student Activities. She said that the club no longer deals with Balarin as often.

“It’s a lukewarm neutrality,” Fink said.

However, multiple clubs have said they haven’t run into issues with Student Activities.

Physical science major and Theatre Club president, Sumner

Jewell, explained that Student Activities has not given Theatre Club any difficulty.

“We deal amiably with Student Activities,” Jewell said. “We get things approved through them and have not had trouble setting anything up through them.”

“I would describe the relationship as mutually beneficial,” stated club secretary, Brianna Thompson, an individual studies major.

Pep Band has a similar opinion.

According to club adviser and Hudson Valley Community College music professor, Mary Ann Gulyas, Pep Band is a club where students can explore their musicality and maintain their musical skills through practice.

Gulyas said that Student Activities was good with getting things approved. She expressed confusion at the concept of clubs having conflicts with Balarin.

“The people over [at Student Activities] are very helpful,” said Gulyas. “They approve things in a timely fashion.”

Amateur Radio Club also hasn’t had any bad experiences with Student Activities or Balarin.

“As far as communicating with Student Activities, it’s only when we need to order something,” club president and mortuary science major, Jeremiah Stevens, said.

“From what I know, we haven’t

had a lot of ‘you can’t have that.’”

Stevens said that from what club adviser Jonathan Ashdown has told him, Student Activities’ ordering process seemed generally straightforward.

Senator Syeda said, “I strongly believe that Student Activities is always looking to help and support the clubs at [Hudson Valley Community College].”

A small glimpse of the coding that makes drones function PHOTO BY STEPHEN BROKALIS

Home educated students reflect on the transition to college

Robert Carr, a home educated student (left) talks with Druhan Gordon (right) during their Chem 121 class PHOTO BY ASAN ANARKULOV

By: Zion Sherin Contributing Writer There were 79 home educated students at Hudson Valley Community College, as of the 2018 fall semester. Which is .72% of enrolled students.

For a lot of home educated students, the transition into college life is a completely different change than for more traditional-

ly schooled classmates.

Coming to Hudson Valley Community College was, for many, their first time in a more traditional classroom. Having the opportunity to talk to professors after class and being able to partake in clubs and sports was often a new experience.

Benjamin Restaino, a senior in the business administration program, member of three clubs and a student senator, was home educated.

“I was in high school and I was homeschooled, so I never had the opportunity to really be in any clubs,” Restaino said. “When I got to Hudson Valley [Community College], I wanted to make the best of my education.”

Being a home educated student myself, I was very excited to partake in clubs and joined the Entrepreneurs Club, Table Tennis Club and Investment Club, along with running for a student senate position.

“The adjustment from homeschooling to Hudson Valley [Community College] was pretty smooth,” Robert Carr, a freshman engineering science major, said.

“I had taken college courses online, along with AP courses my last two years of home education that prepared me for the college workload.”

Home educated students said the classes at Hudson Valley Community College were about as hard as they expected and that they found the transition smooth.

This showed when looking at these students’ average GPA, which was 3.31, with 30 of the 79 students having a 4.0.

However, according to these students, there are clear differences when it comes to their home education compared to their present education at Hudson Valley Community College.

Some differences include early class times or daily commutes, not being able to listen to music and not wearing pajamas until noon.

Another similarity among the home educated students was an appreciation of being able to talk to professors along with classmates on a daily basis.

Although the majority of the students said they didn’t have a regular classroom setting, some said they got together with other home educated students in a learning environment at least once a week.

“While I was in high school, I attended a local homeschool cooperative that met weekly,” Restaino explained. “I was able to

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meet other students my age who were home educated and take classes in economics, science and literature, taught by fellow students’ parents who were educated in said subjects.”

Students’ reasons for going to Hudson Valley Community College had more to do with the school than the fact they were home educated.

“I went to Hudson Valley [Community College] because it was a very financially smart decision,” Carr said. “I had the test scores to get into RPI but there was not a doubt in my mind that [here] was the overall smartest decision,” he said. “Also, going to Hudson Valley [Community College] didn’t pose as much academic pressure.”

Some words that students used to describe their home education experience included: fun, harder academically, time management and unique.

Being home educated myself, I often get asked: If you could go back in time would you want to be home educated still?

Some students, like Carr, would like to be home educated up through high school. According to him, he was able to graduate from high school early. Meanwhile, others would prefer to be home educated until junior high.

However, all the students agreed that there were benefits to having an education at home.

Overall, home educated students at Hudson Valley Community College have adjusted well both inside and outside of the classroom.

May 9, 2019

“

[Greeting]

I’m

[Noun]

make to

LIBS

Joe Biden presidential campaign announcement By: Nolan Cleary Staff Writer

My fellow Americans, I have for leader of the

[Verb]

but I promise to be

this

[Adjective]

[Adjective]

By: Jonah Teal Staff Writer

[Position]

in the [place]. I’m even considering making

a curious friend out of place is the moon in an early morning sky; tender, lavender rays pull us to shore, motherly mist leading us home again. the first sip of water leaves the mouth drenched, drowning in replenished ichor;

[Adjective]

[noun]

that

[Verb]

! I’m very

! Now, I know many people have complained about my past

President! I hope you join me in Making America

lavender

! I, Joe Biden am to

[Noun]

world! That’s right, I’m running for

[Adjective]

[Noun]

5

CREATIVE

[ing Verb]

my Vice

again! Thank you!”

CORRECTION

lavender veins sprout from skin and polish every sinew anew. messy sheets cling to the touch, and lashes flutter under the morning’s quiet light. rebirth in the simplest form; cleansed from the night’s lavender storm.

Correction issue 20: In the article surrounding “Threads” the woman standing at the podium in the first photo was credited as Sandra J. Christman when she is actually Mary Christman. The Hudsonian apologizes to its readers.

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6

May 9, 2019

CREATIVE

Ask the Economist

Make Bibimbap your new favorite obsession

Economics is the science of decision-making.

Every decision is an economics decision.

In this column every week, readers ask their most private questions and get advice from an economic perspective.

Q. Dear Economist, Should I go Vegan?

– Omri Omnivour

By: Lauren Alford Jr. News Editor Start your bibimbap obsession with this easy introduction to Korean cuisine. I’ve tried a variety of delicious Korean food, but I’m loyal to only this dish.

My first encounter with authentic Korean food was in the finished basement of a Catholic church with a Korean congregation.

Every other Sunday, the church children would learn the Korean language and culture. An hour before each class, the congregation enjoyed a midday snack.

On my first day of Korean class, I arrived early with a mission: I needed to try the food.

I vividly remember the pungent aroma of fermented vegetables and the distinctly

sour air of the church’s walk-in basement.

On that day, the dish being served was a Korean staple known as Bibimbap. Bibimbap usually consists of steamed short grain rice, various vegetables and gochujang sauce.

Throughout the Korean Peninsula, there are countless regional variations of bibimbap. From tuna, to raw beef and even sweet potato. The options for this dish are endless.

Upon tasting the bibimbap, I was in love.

The fluffy rice, crunchy vegetables and sweet gochujang had touched my heart.

After experimenting and trying many varieties of bibimbap, this recipe is what I have developed.

A. Dear Omri, The variety of healthy options are more plentiful and easier to access than ever before. When available, choose whole grains. Meat should be thought of as a condiment rather than the main course. Vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and seasonal fruit are delicious and packed with protein and other nutrients.

Continue your research and don’t let conventional wisdom or misinformation cloud your decision. You might also save grocery money too; ground beef is $4 per pound but black beans are less than $1 per pound.

Q. Dear Economist, Should I quit my job? My boss doesn’t like me. Can I even get a job someplace else?

– Penelope A. Dear Penelope, The current labor market is very favorable for workers. We are in a booming economy and the next recession may be overdue but nobody is acting like it yet. Your prospects for landing a job elsewhere are better than ever.

The strength of any market depends on the transfer of goods and services to where they are valued the highest. This means that workers should always be ready to leave if there are better wages and benefits somewhere else. You can get further with a kind word and an updated resume than just a kind word.

Keep in mind that the culture at work and the meaningfulness of what you do are important benefits (or possibly costs!) of any job. It sounds like you wouldn’t even be thinking about leaving if relationships at work were better. Don’t forget that perspective when you are the manager someday.

Need Advice? Write to Ask the Economist at estenardhudsonian@gmail.com.

You might see your question answered in the Hudsonian!

Directions:

1. Boil mung bean sprouts in water for

six minutes. Strain and rinse them with cold water. Set aside.

2.

Place julienned radish in a small bowl. Sprinkle with about ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Set aside.

3.

In a small bowl, toss the julienned carrot with pinch of salt. Set aside.

4.

Rinse your zucchini with warm water. Cut in half. With a paring knife, carefully carve out the white part of the zucchini. Refrigerate for later use. Julienne the green part. Toss with a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

5.

PHOTO BY LAUREN ALFORD

Using your hands, squeeze the excess water from your julienned radish.

Do not rinse. Add ½ teaspoon gochujang and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Refrigerate until ready for use.

Makes 2-3 servings Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, sliced roughly $1.48 ½ a portabella mushroom cap, sliced $1.68/ pack of 2 Toss your cucumber with a pinch of 1 zucchini $1.94/ pack of 2 salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

1 cucumber, sliced very thinly $0.62 1 cup mung bean sprouts $1.99/ 12 oz. bag Drain the water from your tuna and 3 tablespoons gochujang, divided* (Korean chili paste) $3.49/ 7.5 oz. bottle remove it from its can. If desired, stir in a 1 can solid white albacore tuna in water $1.39/ 5 oz. can tablespoon of mayonnaise. Set aside.

1 large carrot, julienned $0.88/ 1 lb. bag ½ daikon radish, julienned $1.12 3 cups short grain white rice, cooked (about 1 cup of uncooked rice) $3.19/ 2 lb. bag 4 teaspoon sesame oil $4.97/ 8 fl oz. bottle 1 tablespoon soy sauce $1.63/ 5 fl oz. bottle Total price: $31.59 rice vinegar $1.96/ 12 fl oz. bottle 1 tablespoon fish sauce* $3.85/ 6.73 fl oz. bottle Price per serving: $4.91 4 cloves garlic, minced $0.57/ a bulb 2 eggs $0.83/ 6 count Calories per serving: 880 for 2 servings, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional) water 586 for 3 servings salt sugar

6.

7.

8.

In a pan over medium heat, sauté your mushrooms with your fish sauce, soy sauce, a dash of water and a pinch of minced garlic for about 2 minutes. Set aside.

9.

Using your hands, squeeze the excess water from your carrots. Sauté with a dash of sesame oil and a pinch of minced garlic. Set aside. Repeat with cucumber and zucchini.

10.

In a small bowl, combine remaining gochujang, ½ teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside.

11.

Place 1 ½ cup cooked rice in a large bowl. On top of the rice, arrange half of the vegetables, bean sprouts, mushrooms and tuna in order of contrasting color.

12.

Fry each egg to your liking. While the egg is still hot, place it on top of the vegetables. Add half of the gochujang mixture. Top with garlic.

13.

Now here comes the fun part!

With a metal spoon, gently but firmly mix everything into the rice. Stop mixing when each ingredient is well distributed.

Enjoy!

Note: *Some brands of gochujang contain wheat products. *Fish sauce may contain traces of shellfish.

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May 9, 2019

7

REVIEW

Colin’s Buyer’s remorse has a Column: whole new meaning in “The Intruder” By: Colin Bauer

0 1 / .5

Staff Writer

Cast: Michael Ealy, Dennis Quaid, Meagan Good, Joseph Sikora

6

Director: Deon Taylor Synopsis: This psychological thriller details a young married couple who dream of starting a life together. After purchasing a beautiful house out in Napa Valley, California from an odd, yet friendly man, they realize he refuses to leave his old house.

Review: “It might be your house, but it's his home” is the tagline for this pretty generic horror movie. Nonetheless, this B-movie keeps audiences entertained with it's pacing, performances and themes. However, it struggles in terms of story.

This film clocks in with a runtime of one hour and 42 minutes,

which is longer than a standard horror flick, but still shorter than 2017s “It.” Although short, this film covers a lot of ground at an even pace. This film never focuses too heavily on one particular element, which is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because audiences stay engaged in the story, but a curse as this never allows the story to dive deep. The movie

moves quite quickly and gives audiences exactly what they expect, a quick scare every now and again with semi-relatable characters.

In terms of characters, the performances are decent given the genre. This is a unique horror film

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PnB Rock continues his journey to becoming a major label artist By: Kyle Spencer Jr. Creative Editor In the years since Philadelphia’s own PnB Rock broke out with the flygirl appreciation anthem “Fleek,” he’s worked tirelessly to carve out a place for himself in modern R&B, simultaneously racking up feature spots as one of the most bankable hook singers in hip-hop.

PnB released his second proper album, “TrapStar Turnt PopStar,” on May 2, 2019. The singer focused on unlocking a new level of fame, influence and responsibility and leaving his grittier past behind. The album also featured Lil Durk, the late XXXTENTACION and others.

It’s a very complete album ranging between hip-hop and R&B while PnB strides to push past the

boundaries of his previous work.

It shows a young singer finding his way in the major-label scene.

The album was filled with amazing producers like Diplo and Yung Berg (Hitmakas). PnB was handed instrumentals that were bright, yet trap; hard-hitting, with jazzy, clubby and serene tones.

Starting PnB’s album with “Dreamin’,” you can tell that he is going to bring it in this album with such a simple song.

In “I Need More,” PnB was as raw as he’s ever been. The track is very dynamic especially when it comes to the beat and the many different styles PnB sings on it.

“Deez Streetz (feat. Lil Durk),” has a great trap beat and Lil Durk had a very curtail part in the song, adding a different type of rap to the album.

With “Go to Mars (feat. Tee

Grizzley),” PnB focused on getting the catchiest chorus he could get singing “Fast whips, foreign cars” on repeat. This was a very basic trap beat, but with PnB’s melodies and the inclusion of Tee Grizzley, the song sounded a lot better than it should have been.

“Penny Proud” was about PnB making his mom proud and being able to finally provide for her. He used a simple trap beat .

“MIDDLE CHILD” with late XXXTENTACION was a very selective pick for PnB who has multiple songs with XXX. He felt like he had to match XXX on this song and that’s just what he did.

“Fuck Up The City (feat. Quavo and Mally Mall),” was a catchy song especially when you have Quavo singing the chorus. This allowed PnB to get a verse in the song, giving a different vibe completely.

In “Nowadays,” PnB sang about his personal life and the struggles he had to deal with before blowing up.

Lastly for the first disk of the album “Now Or Never 2.0,” PnB

where audiences may actually remember the characters and actors for awhile after seeing the film. In particular, Dennis Quaid steals every scene he is in. He embodies a true, creeping villain perfectly.

It's scary to see him take on this role even more so because it is so far from the usual characters he plays. Meagan Good is deserving of recognition for her performance as well. She has an impact on audiences as a wife who loves her husband but makes him work for her love. Her craft steals many of her scenes, hopefully, we will get to see more of her in the coming years.

The heavy theme of dominance is something audiences probably would not have expected this film to explore. It's executed quite well, integrating into the story perfectly as perhaps “Alita: Battle Angel” and “Captive State” could have done. However, with “The Intruder,” dominance plays an integral sang about one of his friends that was shot 19 times the day after he was released from jail, singing “Why did you have to leave so fast?”

PnB continues to rise in the music industry as he becomes a

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part of the story, allowing the audience to truly think about their power in their own relationships.

This film certainly sparks some thought on subjects one wouldn't expect from a horror film.

Unfortunately the story of this film is pretty flat. It never digs deep into the mind of Quaid's evil character or how the couple is mentally affected by their intruder’s actions. This is disappointing as there is an opportunity to give this movie more of a relevant edge but the writers opted not to. Instead, it appears that this film was only meant to scare audiences, like most horror films.

If one can't sit through the three-hour epic “Avengers: Endgame,” then “The Intruder” is an option for audiences that provides an escape from reality with easy entertainment. It may just leave you wondering, “Who's Home is it Really?” major label artist. This album was good but a little too repetitive at times. Overall, it is an enjoyable album to bump in your car with friends.

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May 9, 2019

SPORTS

8

Jackson Wenstrom; the Vikings home run king

Weekly Recap W

3rd at Region 3 Championships

By: Kofi Agyeman Staff Writer In his second year, Hudson Valley Community College Viking’s, outfielder Jackson Wenstrom is leading the baseball team by example.

Coming out of Mandan, North Dakota, the 6-foot-3-inch, 270-pound criminal justice major, Jackson Wenstrom, is making waves in the world of America’s favorite past time.

Wenstrom is a 2018 NJCAA All American First Team nominee, and he, along with the Vikings, are having a stellar season.

With 20 wins and nine losses so far this season, Wenstrom is confident in the team.

“The semester has been kind of hectic, but we're all excited that we have more baseball to play and I feel very good about the team we have,” he said.

Wenstrom currently has a .388 batting average with eight home runs and 40 RBIs in only 80 atbats. A stat line that stands with the best in Hudson Valley Community College’s baseball history.

Not only is Wenstrom the Viking’s home run king, but he also already has a Gold Glove in his career for excellence at fielding.

“I hit 14 home runs last year and have eight so far this year, but I try not to focus as much on the numbers,” he said.

Wenstrom is looking to improve upon last year’s performance and while he still keeps track of how many baseballs he knocks out of the park, his focus seems to be on the bigger picture.

“My motivation is to be the best person I can be on and off the field,” he said.

While it’s a toss-up between former MLB players and Minnesota twins stars, Torii Hunter or Joe Mauer as his greatest source of inspiration, Wenstrom’s love for sports does not stop at the diamond.

“My favorite baseball team is the Minnesota Twins, of course, after the HVCC Vikings, my favorite hockey team is the Calgary

Women’s Track and Field April 27/28

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Men’s Track and Field

April 27/28

1st at Region 3 Championships W

Men’s Golf

April 27

4th at Adirondack W

Men’s Golf

April 28

2nd at Mountain Valley Championships Baseball

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April 30

Two losses vs Herkimer College W

Men’s Lacrosse

May 1

12-8 vs Tompkins Cortland Community College Men’s Lacrosse

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May 4

22-2 vs Genesee Community College W Flames and [my favorite] football team is the Cowboys,” he explained. “Being from North Dakota, you kind of get to pick your professional teams.”

Wenstrom also explained the importance of enjoying multiple sports.

“I think that baseball is popular in America just like many other sports, but I also like to play and watch other sports so I don't think I focus too much on the popularity of one sport in general,” he said.

You can catch the midwest monster batting home runs out of the park Saturday, May 11 at Hudson Valley Community College for the Region 3 subregional playoffs. This comes fresh off the Vikings victory over Mohawk Valley Community College.

Jackson Wenstrom on the field

PHOTO BY STEPHEN BROKALIS

Baseball

May 5

Two wins vs Jefferson Community College

Noah Vice soars in high jump for Hudson Valley Community College’s track team

PHOTO BY VINCENT GIORDANO

Alexis Holmes shoots her shot with the women’s throwing team PHOTO BY VINCENT GIORDANO

Devin Kipp sprints for gold on Hudson Valley Community College’s mens sprinting team

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PHOTO BY VINCENT GIORDANO