Youngtown 11/18/15

VOL. 95, NO. 7

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015

RANDOLPH, N.J.

The Youngtown Edition COUNTY COLLEGE OF MORRIS AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER

‘Active shooter’ concerns alive and well at CCM Officials say school is ‘prepared as it can be’

BY DEREK ALLEN Editor-in-Chief

The recent resurgence of school related shootings have sent shockwaves through campus communities around the world.

On Oct. 1, 2015, Christopher Harper-Mercer walked into a classroom at Umpqua Community College in Oregon and killed nine people. Eight victims were students, one was an assistant professor. Mercer committed suicide after being wounded by police. The 26-year-old was enrolled at the college.

Here at the County College of Morris, the “active shooter” scenario has faculty, staff and students concerned.

“We have a very small idea of what to do if a shooter happens to come on campus,” said Kristen Wright, a respiratory therapy major at CCM. “Shootings are becoming extremely common, and we are at a huge loss because as a college we are not informed for our security. What does that say about the college’s concern for its students?”

Lindsay Slaff, a communication major, said she’s never truly felt safe on a college campus, especially after a mass shooting.

“In 2014 when I first came to CCM, I took an active shooter pocket guide from the Public Safety Office,” Slaff said. “The first piece of advice: Have an escape route and plan in mind. As an incoming freshman, essentially I’m being told to fend for myself. I’m almost a junior now, and only recently did I find out that students and faculty don’t have mandatory drills regarding these situations. Are we going to have to wait until it happens before we see change?”

CCM students are not the only ones worried about their safety on campus, in fact some faculty members have been vocal on the topic.

“I think my biggest concern is I don’t feel like I know what preparations the college has made to keep us safe,” said Michelle Altieri, assistant professor of communication. “I have a lot of unanswered questions on what to do in the event of a shooting, how best to keep myself,

students and my coworkers safe. Since I don’t have that information, I feel myself and many other people here on campus are in a bit of a panic and feeling like there are no preparations made, when I would like to hope that that’s not true.”

According to Director of Public Safety Harvey Jackson, procedures are in place to evacuate each building in the event of an active shooter. Each building has three to four faculty members trained to assist public safety in an evacuation, called fire marshals. When a building is evacuated, fire marshals check each room to make sure no one is left behind. Students and faculty are ushered to staging areas, usually in front of the library or to lot eight.

Depending on the situation, the staging area may change. Students and staff would be notified by maintenance staff, who carry radios on them at all times and would be in contact with public safety.

Titan Alert would also be used in the event of an evacuation to communicate quickly with students and faculty.

“Titan Alert is the method for which a student will be notified about school closures and other campus related emergencies,” said John R. Hurd, assistant professor of criminal justice. “Presently, just under 75 percent of all students on campus are signed up to the Titan Alert system. Since it seems most students have cell phones, even when on campus, that may be a preferred method to receive emergency messages.”

For an evacuation, the paging system would also be in use. In the event of an active shooter, depending on where the individual is, the paging system would not be activated in the area the shooter would be in. Maintenance is also on call in that situation if power needs to be cut to a building occupied by an active shooter.

“Personally, I feel no one can be prepared for this,” Jackson said. “We’re prepared as well as we can be, but we can do better. A community college is one of the hardest places to defend. Everything is public.”

Since CCM is a county college, most of the campus is legally public space. Anyone can walk onto campus, which makes it difficult to keep the campus secure.

PHOTO CREDIT: DEREK ALLEN

The flag in front of the Student Center flies at half mast.

“We have undertaken a number of initiatives to improve and secure the campus, and we continue to look for ways to improve the campus’ security,” said Dr. Edward J. Yaw, president of CCM. Two safety surveys have been made of CCM’s campus, one by a private organization and one by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management.

“They came through the campus and looked through everything,” Yaw said. “They made a number of recommendations, most of which we have already implemented and we will continue to implement.”

One of the recommendations implemented was an upgraded camera system, able to follow anyone on campus in real time. Another upgrade coming soon is an electronic panic button.

Computers in classrooms will be equipped with a (CONTINUED IN ‘SCHOOL SAFETY’ ON PAGE 3)

Bio-Chem Club makes altruistic alchemy with Halloween fundraiser

BY GABBY BRIONES AND BRETT FRIEDENSOHN Contributor

Clowns, spiders and various costumed luminaries squared off in the in CCM’s gymnasium for a benefit dodgeball tournament organized by the school’s Biology and Chemistry Club on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Biology and Chemistry Club at County College of Morris delivered the snacks, drinks, music and glory they had promised at their Halloween Dodgeball Tournament benefitting the Futures Without Violence Foundation.

Elyse Angel, biology major and vice president of the club, described the point of the tournament to raise funds for Futures Without Violence, which is a domestic violence awareness association.

“They help people, women and men and children try to live a life without domestic violence, so it’s a really good cause,” Angel said.

Christine Kelly, biology professor and adviser to the club, described dodgeball as “consensual violence,” meant to contrast rough and forced physical abuse with a safe and relatively gentle contact sport.

“This isn’t supporting domestic violence, but this is supporting a fun way of organized contact sport. Not violent sport,” said Mike Masino, engineering and biology major and current club president.

On their Facebook page the Biology Chemistry Club states that their activities are meant to further the education and career opportunities of their participants. They also provide peer support for fellow students and attempt to bring awareness of biology and chemistry topics to the public.

While most people would picture their meetings and activities to occur in a classroom or laboratory, the CCM Biology and Chemistry Club has decided to have a bigger impact on their community. While their purpose is to still “bring science and non-science students together in a forum where those students can discuss and provide insight to current and relevant biological and chemistry topics,” they are also striving to bring awareness and raise money for several other causes while still having fun.

“We love dodgeball; we play it every day, so we’re here to win,” said Ranvir Singh, a computer science major and captain of the Pink Bandits, before the tournament. “We play trampoline dodgeball usually. This is our first time playing floor dodgeball, so we’ll see what happens.”

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

Bio-chem club members, some in costume, play dodgeball to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The group, according to Singh, plays regularly at Sky Zone.

Isabelle Paz, a biology and nutrition major said that she watched to see the competition.

To the beat of DJ Flash, 12 teams battled and dodged each other in the tournament.

The price of admission was $35 per team, which included six players with an optional substitute player, and $2 per spectator. The event was open to the public, and it ran from 6:30 p.m. through 11 p.m. There was also a prize awarded to the best costume, snacks and drinks provided by the club.

As some teams dressed in costume for the event near Halloween, a costume contest was held. The team Weenie Hut Junior’s sported polos tucked into khakis and glasses with thick rims, imitating the clientele of the restaurant, Weenie Hut Junior’s, in the “SpongeBob SquarePants” episode, No Weenies Allowed.

“SpongeBob is awesome, and the Weenie Hut Junior’s I think is a funny way to enjoy a friendly, non-competitive dodgeball game,” said Alex Brezo, business administration (CONTINUED IN ‘DODGEBALL’ ON PAGE 4)

OPINION

PAGE 2 THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION FROM FACEBOOK

Ben Carson, left, and Sen. Marco Rubio are currently campaigning for the Republican Presidential nomination.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

PHOTO CREDIT FACEBOOK

Election 2016: a feminist’s perspective

BY EMILY BETZ Opinion Editor

Let’s talk about the ‘F’ word: feminism. In these times people seem to have an aversion to labeling themselves as feminists. It has somehow become a bad or dirty word.

This is in part due to the mistaken association of feminism with angry, man hating, defeminizing women. But that isn’t what the movement stands for. Being a feminist is synonymous with gender equality, believing that women are deserving of the same rights and respect given to men.

And this issue has been the forefront of many political discussions right now in both the Republican (GOP) and Democratic debates. One would think given that it is 2015 and this is America, equal rights for women wouldn’t even need to be a discussion. But unfortunately, it is, and it’s a necessary one.

Far too much of the 2016 campaign has been taken up with sexist comments made by both candidates and the media. Donald Trump in particular has received a lot of negative attention for his comments towards women, both during and before his campaign. But the news has been even worse. One Fox correspondent said “Men won’t vote for Hillary [Clinton] because she reminds them of their nagging wives,” an LA Times reporter praised Hillary Clinton for “vying for the most powerful post in the free world with jowls, face creases and a less-than-Pilatestoned physique.” We are looking for the next President of the United States and we should be judging them on their

policies, track record and opinions, not in the same way Trump judges his Miss America contestants.

America is looking at a crop of GOP candidates who do not value the rights of women as a priority. Besides both the subtle and not so subtle sexist comments, each GOP candidate has made a strong stance against many women’s rights issues. All of them have stated their willingness to abolish abortion nationally, with exceptions only for extenuating circumstances (rape and incest). Both Marco Rubio and Ben Carson have made clear their changes to federal policy would involve no exceptions. All the GOP candidates have also said they would stand against federally mandated paid family leave, would like to cut funding to women’s health clinics like Planned Parenthood, and have barely even touched on equal pay for women. But seeing as how they all talk about their wives as if they stepped out of the 1930’s, we needn’t even ask. On the other side of the aisle Hillary Clinton is running her campaign around equal pay for women, paid family leave, a woman’s right to choose and all around equal rights. Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley share Clinton’s views on these issues.

We live in a country where women make up only 19 percent of our elected offices, and according to an InterParliamentary census this ranks the U.S. number 76 out of 190 countries for the number of women in government.

We are ranked lower than Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Uganda. Sixty-three of those countries have seen a women as their head of government, while the U.S.

still hasn’t. We are also only one of three other countries to not have a mandated paid family leave. And the pay gap, that’s a real thing too. For doing the same job as a man, a woman in the United States can expect to make 21 percent less. Which means, since the average income per person is $26,695, by the age of 60 a woman will have made around $235,410 less than a man working in the same position. In 2013, our country’s legislators put forth 694 provisions on reproductive health and rights, 47 percent of which were regarding the restriction of abortions. Now how can a government made up of 81 percent males tell women what they can and can’t do with their own bodies?

Now the issue of equality for women isn’t just a United States issue but a world issue. There are countries far worse off than us who are dealing with rape as a military tactic, child slavery, starvation, women not having access to health care and education, along with so much more.

Who we elect as the next President of the United States is not just a leader for our country, but a world leader. There was a time the United States was at the forefront of progress, and we need a president who can bring us there again.

This doesn’t mean voting a woman into office on the mere fact she is a woman. Equality is picking the best person for the job, regardless of gender, whether that be a man or a woman. We need a feminist. A man or woman who will value women’s rights as a priority. It’s about time women in this country start making up more than 19 percent of the conversation, because women’s rights are human rights and they should matter to both genders.

Christmas calamity transcends coffee cups SANDRA RIANO Opinion Editor

Passively aggressively forcing a Starbucks barista to write down “Merry Christmas” as your name on your coffee cup impacts the fictional “War on Christmas” about as much as the “Keep Christ in Christmas” bumper stickers.

The #merrychristmasstarbucks tag was trending soon after a vlogger posted a video about the coffee chain being too politically correct and unveiling their minimalist solid red holiday cup design. While Starbucks is a regularly liberal company they have been accused of being too politically correct this holiday season despite the fact that their cups have always been generic holiday themed, not Christmas themed. Polifact has given this viral video a “Pants on Fire” truth rating meaning it is completely false and yet the movement continues to gain support and media attention.

Members of the Christian right are upset because despite early November Christmas trees and decorations overwhelming the mall there is one location not catering to their beliefs and they are beyond offended. Being open minded and tolerant of all religions is apparently against the beliefs of these extremists and they have found the most trivial possible way to express their disdain. What needs to be understood this holiday season is that stores are businesses, not churches. They are open for one reason and one reason only, to make money and that means appeasing everyone regardless of religion. With Christmas still over a month away and stores announcing extended holiday hours what these Christians need to be focusing on is

boycotting stores that are opposing family values and opening on Thanksgiving. Some Christians are criticising the extremists within their religion and pointing out the multitudes of more important issues that time and money could be put towards besides spending five dollars on a latte just to prove a point. Almost 22 percent of children live in poverty in this country but these devout people believe it’s more important that children sit on Santa’s lap in front of a Christmas tree and pose for overpriced pictures.

In an apparent response to the Starbucks cup controversy, Dunkin Donuts has unveiled their cups that say “Joy” with a wreath on them. These cups are gaining praise from Starbuck’s protesters despite the obvious fact that designing and mass producing these cups had to have been done and approved far before the beginning of this controversy. In an opportunistic corporate move Dunkin Donuts apparently held off revealing their holiday cups until the controversy reached a peak in order to appeal to those boycotting Starbucks.

The holiday season will never be about any religion again if we continue to support malls and shops that extend hours from 7 a.m. to midnight for the two weeks before Christmas. How could the holidays be based on anything but consumerism if retail workers are pulled from Thanksgiving dinner to ensure companies aren’t missing out on possible sales? Boycotting one corporation and moving business over to another one won’t restore the “true meaning of christmas.” All of this discussion of cups and Jesus distracts from the real and historical reason behind celebrating around the end of December, the winter solstice.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STARBUCKS PRESS RELEASE

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

OPINION

THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION PAGE 3

Letter to the Editor: Dining details discussed The last two editions of The Youngtown Edition published articles regarding Dining Services at CCM that were very disconcerting to me. These articles are showing me that the campus community is not fully understanding what our 3 locations are offering. I would like to shed some light on the variety we offer and that our prices are comparable to surrounding locations.

SCC Cafe offers a salad bar, a fruit bar with 3 to 4 types of assorted fruits, granola, yogurt and cottage cheese and a build your own sandwich or wrap. These items are weighed by the cashier. Twisted Mac is also a new addition that we phased in over spring break of 2015. Twisted Mac is an assortment of Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Parmesan, Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta Carbonara, Sautéed Vegetables, etc. SCC Cafe also features Au bon Pain Soup, bread bowls, On the Go Sandwiches, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Tea and an Assortment of Breakfast Baked Goods, Hand Fruit, Coke Branded Beverages, Naked Juice, Chips, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal, Cookies, Hummus Cups, Yogurt Smoothie Drinks, Greek Yogurt Cups, Pints of Milk, and Pizza by the slice. SCC Cafe also features a rotating specials menu.

Cohen Cafe features Au bon Pain Soup, bread bowls, On the Go Sandwiches, Salads, Fruit Cups, Parfaits, Celery and Carrot Stick Cups, Grape and Cheese Cups, Cottage Cheese with Fruit, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Tea and an Assortment of Breakfast Baked Goods, Hand Fruit, Coke Branded Beverages, Naked Juice, Chips, Pita Chips, Granola Bars, Ice Cream Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal, Cookies, Brownies, Hummus Cups, Yogurt Smoothie Drinks, Greek Yogurt Cups. Chickendipity Grill offers a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. You can choose from grilled or crispy chicken all the way to a Texas Toast Grilled Cheese. Cohen Cafe is also home to Quiznos. Quiznos features a variety of different sized sandwiches, salads and flat breads. Each of these items are made fresh and to your liking. Cohen Cafe also features a rotating specials menu.

LRC Cafe is Proudly Brewing Starbucks Coffee. Not only are there variety of hot and cold beverages, but On the Go Sandwiches, Panini’s, Fruit Cups, Baked Goods, Coke Branded Beverages, Naked Juice, and other grab and go snacks. LRC Cafe also features

a rotating specials menu.

As the CCM Dining Services provider we also do a price analysis of the current food market surrounding CCM. Dare2Compare shows us that we are in line and most of the time cheaper than other comparable food service providers. Our Quiznos prices are also the same as other area Quiznos. Quiznos can also be compared to Jimmy Johns in which our prices are also cheaper than. Copies of the analysis are posted around our locations.

Did You Know.....

• Chartwells Dining Services Uses 100% Recycled Fiber Napkins & Coffee Sleeves • Our Coffee Cups are 10% Post Consumer Recycled Fiber • Cold Cups/Lids are Made from Plants, BPI Certified to be 100% Compostable • Our Fryers Use 0% Trans Fat Soybean Oil • All Waste Oil Goes to Make Biodiesel, Reducing Our Carbon Footprint • Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Used to Cook Instead of Butter • Cage Free Eggs in Our Breakfast Sandwiches and Omelets • Milk Free of rBGH Thanks, Holly Tighe Director of Dining Services Chartwells at CCM

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NEWS

School Safety (CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE) clickable button that, when activated, displays a graphic of a red button with a ten second countdown and an option to cancel the call or continue.

Jackson had a working version of the electronic panic button in his office, and demonstrated what would happen if it was activated. Once pressed, the button disappeared from his computer and an alarm sounded in the public safety main office.

The panic button can also be programmed to alert other staff in the area once it has been activated, letting others know an incident may be in progress.

The phones in every classroom can function as a panic button as well. Any phone picked up automatically dials public safety, so if a phone is picked up and left dangling that immediately raises a red flag and elicits a response from public safety.

Another change being made is the location of public safety’s main office, which will be put next to a new exit being built on campus.

“Public Safety will be moved to a new building at 675

Route 10,” said Yaw. “It’s being renovated right now. That new facility will house a command center which will have multiple TV monitors and enough room to allow any outside help, like Randolph Police, to all be in one room.”

Besides asking for a change in procedure, some faculty want to go a step further.

“I’ve been told for several years that training is coming,” Altieri said. “I’ve been told for several years that things are being planned. We’re ready for actual dates, we’re ready for things to happen. We’re past the point of just being told things are being planned, it needs to be planned now.”

According to Vice President of Business and Finance at CCM Karen VanDerhoof, training for the possibility of an active shooter will begin in March of 2016. FEMA will do a two day training session with staff on campus.

“It will basically run us through how to assess our emergency operations plan, communication strategies and how to identify and deal with situations,” VanDerhoof said. “How to deal with the aftermath of a situation, grief counseling, all of those types of things.”

VanDerhoof said a camera drill is being planned involving Public Safety, the Randolph Township Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management.

“They’ll bring their command bus here and they’ll have connectivity to our cameras on campus,” VanDerhoof said. “It will be like a pursuit drill, where we might have an individual on campus who might not belong here and we’ll be able to track, pursue and hopefully apprehend that person. That’s the first drill that will be happening later this fall.”

The next drill, planned for the fall of 2016, will be a full on active shooter drill. The drill will involve students, faculty and emergency responders, testing the college’s response to the possibility of a mass shooting.

Yaw said there is no universal response to an incident, and that procedures change depending on the situation.

The main focus of these preparations is communication and rapid response.

“God forbid it ever happens,” VanDerhoof said. “The odds are not great, but you never know. Very fortunately, we have very little issues on this campus, with any type of crime. But you can’t assume that it would never happen here, because nobody thought that it would happen in Oregon. Unfortunately, it happens everywhere. You can’t have the mindset that it can never happen here, you have to assume it could and just be as prepared as possible for it. And that’s what we’re moving towards.”

CCM’s baseball team poised for promising season

BY JEREMY TSONTON Contributor

The County College of Morris’ baseball team is excited to start their new season, after finishing their fall season a few weeks ago.

The team is in their winter workouts until their spring training begins.

Doug Olcese, a current Titan and business major, is excited for the season to begin.

“The outcome of our season looks really good, and we are hoping to get to the College World Series this year,” Olcese said.

The schedule is difficult at some points, but the team remains optimistic regarding the strength of the games.

“The schedule is nothing we can’t handle, and with our good pitching, we should be able to beat anyone,” Olcese said.

The two most difficult teams the Titans will face are Mercer and Lackawanna, who both swept the season series against the Titans team last year.

After last year’s unexpected playoff run, the team won’t be able to sneak up on teams like last year.

“The challenges we are going to face seems to be just eligibility,” Olcese said.

“If we can stay eligible then there’s nothing holding us back from advancing and winning in the playoffs.”

Another question mark going into the season is the decision of the starting nine.

The tension around the locker room is who is going to go out on opening day and be the first to see the field.

“The starters right now is a toss-up and entirely in the hands of Coach [Brian] Eberly,” Olcese said. “I think no matter who is put out there we will compete and have a good chance of winning.”

Eberly said he is just as excited about the season as his team, and he is counting down the days until the first pitch of the spring season.

“I really like our team this year. We brought in a real strong class of freshman.

Led by our captain, Joe Maugeri, we have

as good a group of guys as I have had in my time here. ” Eberly has enjoyed his teams of the past, but he has a good feeling about this year’s team. The talent level for this year ranges with student athletes from across Morris County, which has a history of producing high-level athletes.

The team this year has more than double the students than last year trying out, making Eberly’s decision of roster cuts more difficult than usual.

“While we have a feel for who are starters will be in the spring, those spots are far from finalized,” Eberly said. “Each player must earn everything with their academic performance, work in the weight room over the winter, and a solid spring preseason.”

Eberly is entering his sixth season coaching the team, and he brought along a few new faces to join him this year.

Adam Bonfiglio is a rookie assistant coach, along with coaches Jason Roberts

and Mike Matera. The new faces in the clubhouse is an attempt to bring a fresh start to the team in hopes of gaining better success this season.

The team didn’t only get new faces in the clubhouse, but they are also trying to get new faces in the stands.

Arielle Mautone, a nursing student at CCM, never watched the baseball team but heard some interesting promises about them this year.

“I don’t know anyone on the team, but I’ve heard from some of my friends that they might be fun to watch this year,” Mautone said.

The team usually has their dedicated fan base of players’ friends and family, but they are always looking to get more people in the seats.

“Baseball doesn’t interest me that much to watch on TV,” Mautone said. “If someone were to take me to a game, even if it were county’s, I would definitely pay attention and cheer the school on.”

PAGE 4 THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION

Dodgeball (CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE)

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

major and player on the team.

Don Phelps, associate director of the CCM Campus Life Office, helps oversee and manage CCM club activities was in attendance.

“I definitely support what the clubs are doing,” Phelps said, “The Biology and Chemistry Club is also one of our most active clubs, they often have events and fundraisers going on.”

Phelps was part of the Student Government Association team, and while he didn’t dress up for the event, Phelps said he was happy the SGA could have some fun while raising money and awareness for a good cause.

“This month was Domestic Violence Awareness Month” said Messino. “We decided to make our dodgeball tournament to raise awareness towards that.”

Elyse Angle, vice-president of the club and a biology major at CCM, made sure to pick a reputable charity.

“We went through a website that checks all the credentials of certain organizations” Angle said, “It analyzes where their funds go, what the CEO makes and gives them an overall rating. This [foundation] all around seemed like the best one to do, especially where they put their money towards.”

Phelps, along with the Campus Life Office, must always approve of the organizations CCM students donate toward.

“They must be recognized as a charity,” Phelps said, “They can’t raise money for a specific person. The organization must be approved and recognized by the government.”

Previously the Biology and Chemistry Club has hosted several trips to the Bodies exhibit in New York City and a volleyball tournament that raised money for Relay for Life. They have other events to look forward too as well.

“In the spring we will have another volleyball tournament” Masino said, “We have a brewery exhibit trip coming up in the spring as well. We will go to a brewery and figure out the biochemistry behind beer-making.”

POLITICS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Another view on Donald Trump

BY JOSEPH ORECCHIO Acting Opinion Editor

This election cycle we are witnessing something quite remarkable. The apparent dissatisfaction with the direction of the country has resulted in the rise of candidates in either party whose views to varying degrees depart from their respective party’s political establishment. In the past there have always been candidates with views that could easily be defined as independent or even counter to those of the political establishment, yet these candidates have typically been discounted as on the political fringe or were not able to generate the momentum necessary to seem viable to those worried about wasting their vote.

It would appear that a large segment of voters have finally decided to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting to have their predilections for a particular candidate affirmed by pundits. What we are witnessing this election cycle is the rise of populist candidates.

On the political left, self-described democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has gained quite a bit of popularity. On the political right, billionaire Donald Trump has also been very popular. Both candidates, although they have wildly different platforms, agree on one thing: the media has not been giving them a fair shake. Sanders purports, most notably, that there is a media “blackout” surrounding his campaign. This seems to be the case, especially when considering the time devoted to coverage of the various candidates on either end of the political spectrum. According to a Huffington Post article written in late September, broadcast news monitor Andrew Tyndall has noticed this unsettling disparity. When it comes to the coverage of Sanders’ campaign by the networks ABC, NBC, and CBS, Tyndall has observed that despite Sanders doing well in polls, placing second only to Hillary Clinton, he received only eight minutes of coverage collectively at the time he published his report. To put this in perspective, Tyndall reports that this is one-fifth of the time devoted to Jeb Bush, who was coming in at fifth place amongst Republican candidates at the time. Donald Trump, however, has been in the spotlight of the media since he announced his candidacy. His common ground with Sanders in terms of the media not giving him a fair shake is not the amount of coverage he receives, yet the nature of the coverage.

Donald Trump, for the most part, is running on common Republican platforms; he is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, wishes to lower taxes, and desires a strong military and due consideration for our veterans. With respect to the Second Amendment, Trump has taken issue with “gun-free zones” which he calls a “catastrophe” and argues that instead of demonizing law-abiding gun-owners, that the focus should instead be on reforming our “broken mental health system.” This resonates with the American voter base according to a Rasmussen poll published on Nov. 3. The poll states that 75 percent of likely U.S. voters said that they “consider the right to bear arms important.” This seemingly is an upward trend as an equivalent poll taken three years ago stated that 68 percent considered the same right to be important. When it comes to lowering taxes Trump said that his tax reform plan will help regrow the shrinking American middle-class. He would encourage this growth by eliminating the income tax for single taxpayers who make under $25,000 a year or those who are married and filing taxes jointly who make under $50,000 collectively.

This would enable those who earn the least to keep more of their tax returns by simplifying the tax code. Trump also intends to regrow the

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

Presidential candidate Donald Trump

shrinking middle-class by taxing all businesses no more than 15 percent, from small business to Fortune 500 companies.This lowered business tax would make America’s business tax rate one of the most appealing to business owners in the world. He argues that with the influx of business, steep tariffs placed on foreign imports, and by reducing or eliminating most deductions and loopholes in the tax code that we will be able to make up for the loss in tax revenue quite easily. Donald Trump also recently released his proposal to reform the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, an institution responsible for caring for our nation’s disabled veterans. His plan would encourage the VA to improve by forcing them to compete for a veteran’s business with any healthcare provider where Medicare is accepted. This is accomplished by enabling veterans to seek their healthcare elsewhere, essentially voting with their feet. Trump also wants to increase VA funding for treatment of invisible wounds such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Donald Trump is also addressing the “utter lack of respect” that the lack of permanently staffed OBGYN professionals in many of our VA hospitals demonstrates to “the growing number of female veterans.” This concern for women who have served their nation by putting their lives on the line in the armed forces heavily conflicts with the narrative many would have us believe; that Donald Trump supposedly dehumanizes and does not respect women.

Yet it is Trump’s stance on illegal immigration that has caught the attention of the American public and news media the most. It is his stance that our nation’s borders should be treated as such, that our immigration laws should be enforced, and that our tax-dollars should not be used to support non-citizens whose first act in this country is to disregard the law that has drawn the ire of not only the political establishment and news media, but those who confuse a position of desiring to maintain a sense of law and order with racism and bigotry. Interestingly enough, we probably would not even be discussing immigration reform had Donald Trump not brought it up.

Perhaps this is due in part to the prevailing culture of political-correctness, where

feelings and emotions champion facts and realities. It is this very notion that in large part keeps the “silent majority” silent. One finds it interesting that “progressives” who preach tolerance and open-mindedness tend to have the least tolerance for opposing views and resort to name-calling and character attacks when somebody goes against the grain. For example, back in June when Trump announced his candidacy, Sally Kohn wrote an article titled “Trump’s Outrageous Mexico Remarks.”

“There were about three seconds Tuesday when I was excited about the idea of Donald Trump running for president, if only for the entertainment value,” Kohn said. “Then he opened his mouth.”

This type of response towards Trump’s stance on illegal immigration is not limited to those who claim to be progressive or liberal.

Jeb Bush, a self-described “committed conservative reformer,” has gone after Trump on numerous occasions. Perhaps most notable of his personal attacks directed towards Trump was during CNN’s Republican Debate. Following an inquiry into whether or not Donald Trump went too far by implying that Bush’s views on immigration were in large part influenced by his wife being a Mexican immigrant, Bush proceeded to characterize discussion of enforcing our nation’s immigration laws as a “raucous political conversation” and went on to demand Trump’s apology for bringing his wife into it. When it became clear to Bush that Trump was attempting to communicate that his words were being mischaracterized, Bush started to talk over him and stated that his wife was in the audience. He then demanded that Trump apologize to her at that very moment; as if somehow his mischaracterized statement was aimed at Bush’s wife to begin with.

When Bush realized that Trump has no intention of apologizing, he then went on the talk about how immigrants come to this country as “an act of love” and again mischaracterized Trump’s position on illegal immigration as a position of fear. He did all of this while making no clear distinction between illegal immigrants and legal immigrants; a distinction that Trump stresses repeatedly.

Even when the news is being reported in the most empirical of fashions, it is still rather evident that there is selective reporting taking place. Many major news outlets such as CNN, The Washington Times, and The Wall Street Journal took advantage of Republican candidate Ben Carson’s newly won lead in the polls in the state of Iowa. Interestingly enough, Donald Trump placing second in a single state’s polls was headline material, while Trump topping polls elsewhere nationwide was not. Even more confounding, or perhaps telling, was that on that very day it came to light during the Benghazi Hearing that Hillary Clinton had sent an email to her daughter Chelsea Clinton in which she stated, “Two of our officers were killed in Benghazi by an Al Queda-like group…I fear more of the same tomorrow.” This flies in the face of the story we were all told back in 2012. Clinton and even our president told us that the attacks on the American Embassy at Benghazi were the result of a crudely made film that Barack Obama said “sparked outrage throughout the Muslim world.” Many leading Democrats and members of the mainstream media have accused Republicans of leading a “witchhunt” against Hillary Clinton in regards to her emails yet based off the way the news is reported nowadays, it makes one wonder who is really experiencing the wrath of the political establishment and the media. Who is the one that is truly being “burned at the stake” nowadays?

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

POLITICS

THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION PAGE 5

CCM students connecting to 2016 candidates BY: NICK BOUGADES Contributor

In about one year’s time, citizens across The United States will make their way to the polls to elect the new leader of the United States. Americans have very clear qualities they want in their next president, according to the Pew Research Center.

The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan organization that conducts independent studies on major issues and trends that impact the U.S. and the rest of the world, recently published a study on what prospective American voters are looking for in candidates.

Overall, Pew found that Democratic Party supporters and Democrat-leaning voters primarily valued “experience and a proven record” in a candidate, whereas the majority of Republican Party supporters and Republican-leaning voters said that they are seeking “new ideas.”

This is reflected in the national polls, as well. The frontrunners for the Democratic Party nomination are two career politicians in former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders. The top of the GOP polls, however, shows real estate mogul Donald Trump and former neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson.

Although Election Day is far away, the campaign trail is heating up quickly for Democrats and Republicans alike. And with that, students at County College of Morris are beginning to think about the decision they will have to make next November.

Yvette Viasus, an international business major at CCM, is already looking ahead to 2016. Viasus, unlike many of her fellow Democrats, said she values new ideas over experience – although her favorite candidate offers “both experience and new ideas.”

As for the field of candidates, Viasus

said that it’s “missing a couple of people,” but she remains confident in Sanders as a good fit as president.

She said that she agrees with nearly all of Sanders’s views and appreciates the attention he’s brought to the issue of climate change.

“I hate to worry about any other political issues when the environment is on the line,” Viasus said.

On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Republican Will Wahl of Long Valley is also awaiting the impending election. Contrary to Viasus, Wahl is seeking a president who will “focus primarily on government spending and taxes.”

Wahl said he appreciates new ideas, but a candidate’s chances of winning are a more important factor for him. Wahl said he thinks it’s a bit early to choose a favorite candidate, but he likes the fact that there’s

“such a wide variety in the pool of candidates.”

“At this point,” Wahl said, “I would probably say my favorite candidate is [Sen.] Marco Rubio.” Wahl said he loves Rubio’s foreign and economic policies, leading him to believe Rubio is best for the presidential role.

Quick to disagree is George Parfenyuk, of Cedar Knolls. Parfenyuk identifies himself as a “left-wing capitalist” and is in support of Sanders as he sees the senator as “a very moral person.”

Parfenyuk said that all he is looking for in the next American president is someone who will “keep the economy stable and promote equality throughout the United States” and be willing to compromise with the opposing party.

“If [Sanders] doesn’t win, I just want someone with experience,” Parfenyuk

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

said. “I don’t care what your views are as long as you know what you’re doing.”

The 2016 presidential race is already becoming an intriguing affair. It will certainly be interesting to see how it plays out over the next 12 months.

PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK

PAGE 6 THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION

FEATURES

Pumpkin spice or spite?

BY VICTORIA PIGNATELLI Entertainment Editor

Finally, the season changed to autumn, and everyone’s favorite seasonal items have begun to trickle out into stores once more. As is the yearly ritual of bringing scents and images that conjure thoughts of cooler days and falling leaves, the autumn season brings forth a recent cult favorite: the pumpkin spice latte. From Starbucks to Dunkin’ Donuts, nearly every cafe or coffee chain in the United States has some form of the pumpkin spice latte. Each and every one of these companies has been gearing the public up for these decadent beverages since early August.

As Starbucks’ webpage on the drink states, “...Our signature espresso and milk are highlighted by flavor notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove…” But what is the need to advertise and promote the drink to the extent that we have seen over the past few years? Perhaps it is the advent of instagram, and other social media outlets where some people share everything they consume throughout their day.

Nonetheless, the pumpkin spice latte is here and thriving, even at County College of Morris. In discussions with several students, most of them have either heard of, tried or love the infamous beverage.

“I don’t want to be a ‘pumpkonformist,’ meaning I don’t necessarily want to

try the drink,” said Gerald Neely, a history major at CCM. “It is way too overhyped. No more pumpkin spice, thanks. I don’t care about the formula, I just don’t like it.”

Katarzyna Gedzior, a barista at Starbucks, said she loved pumpkin spice. This year, Starbucks has changed the ingredient to real pumpkin.

“I wait for this drink all year,” Gedzior said. “It is super smooth, and sweet, which I like.”

Gedzior was unsure if the drink was overhyped or not.

“Guests ask about other fall drinks throughout the year, but not the pumpkin spice,” Gedzior said. “But when August comes, everyone wants one.”

Brandon Wenzel, a CCM student who was found drinking a pumpkin spice latte, said it can definitely be overhyped.

“As you can see, I fell for it,” Wenzel said. “I think it’s exciting that they changed the formula, it makes me think they’re trying to make it healthier.”

Amongst cafe goers, the pumpkin spice latte appears to be a polarizing topic.

You will either love it to the ends of the earth, or have distinct loathing for it.

The autumn season brings many things to mind, like falling leaves, Halloween and cozy sweaters. But, in the consumer’s paradise that we live in, the pumpkin spice latte reigns supreme.

New trends in online shopping

BY MARISA GOGLIA Copy Editor

Going to a store and picking out items for hours on end is becoming a past time experience in today’s society. Now, the epicenter for shopping is an at home computer or a technological device in hand.

With a few clicks, the order placed could arrive within hours or the same day making it easier for the user. County College of Morris students are accustomed to this way of shopping, but big companies and local stores are trying to innovate new ideas to reach the Millennial demographic.

The main website that Jennie Abat, a liberal arts major, visits for her one-stop shopping is Amazon.

“They have everything, and I have Prime, so I get my stuff within two days,” said Abat. According to amazon.com, Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $99 per year, which offers customers unlimited free two-day shipping on more than 20 million items across all categories with access to Prime Instant Video and Prime Music. Abat pointed out that being a student at CCM, made her eligible for Amazon Student, a program created exclusively for college students, where they pay $49 and have access to all the same amenities as a regular Prime member.

“I love the bundles,” Abat said. “The last thing I bought was a Polaroid camera, and the bundle was you get two packs of film with the camera, in comparison to getting the camera alone. You save more by just getting the bundle instead, even though you have to pay an extra five dollars.”

At Sam’s Club, a customer can acquire the same bundle because the store is known for selling mass quantities.

“But, sometimes in stores, they don’t have the camera in the color I want, so I like how on Amazon everything’s there,” Abat said.

The reviews have also been valuable in guiding her to a better quality product.

“I can look at the lower right hand side and see the consumer said something about this product. Whereas in the store

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

you have to know the product, kind of assume that it’s a good product.’’

Walking into the supermarket with a list in hand and selecting name brand food items is also altering with the times. On Nov. 6, 2013, the Shoprite of Greater Morristown launched Shoprite from Home, where customers can order their groceries online and have the option of them being picked up or delivered.

“I have about 36,000 customers that shop here a week and about 3 to 4 percent of people use the service,” said Guido Ferrara Jr., manager of the Shoprite of Greater Morristown. “It’s very labor intensive because the employees actually have to put each individual order together.”

This service has increased staff production in order to meet the demand for this store’s pickup and delivery service.

“About 60 percent of people request to have their order delivered, and 40 percent have it picked up,” Ferrara said.

Alicia Grajales, a nursing major, said her mother utilizes the service.

“She’ll go and place the order online and pick it up,” Grajales said. “It’s more convenient for her instead of going there, going through each aisle, trying to pick out everything. She can just see everything online. She doesn’t have to go out and waste gas. She can just go there on the way home.”

Shoprite from Home is competing with companies such as eBay and Amazon. According to a press release in May 2015, Amazon rolled out a Prime Now hub in Manhattan. This app will offer free two-hour delivery from local stores, while one hour delivery is $7.99 in select zip codes. Customers can purchase prepared foods, groceries and baked goods. Prime Now is only available in Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Dallas, Manhattan and Miami.

“This is why we need Shoprite at Home because it offers promotion for our business,’’ Ferrara said.

With the abundance of sites to surf and apps to peruse, online shopping is not diminishing anytime soon. Instead, it will be the way of the future for most.

Business banking on booming Black Friday

BY VICTORIA PIGNATELLI Entertainment Editor

With Thanksgiving and the December holidays looming in the near future, the retail sector of the business world has already begun to anticipate sales for this coming winter shopping season. Year after year, most large-scale retailers choose to advertise their holiday deals and Black Friday sales as early as possible.

Black Friday is an annual retail phenomenon which stemmed from a Philadelphian occurrence where the traffic around the city was abnormally busy the day after Thanksgiving. It is only within the last 30 years that the term came into popular use, when researchers deemed that the term came from financial loss during this time of the year. This year proves to be no exception to the trend, with the largest retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy and Toys R Us announcing their annual holiday sales and deals to reel their customers in.

However this year, many business analysts are suggesting that this year, in particular will prove to be a far more profitable year than those past. Now, that is not saying that profits in the traditional brick and mortar stores will be voluminous or skyrocket any projected profit, but rather digital and eCommerce will. These definitely not new sectors of the retail market, as they have been around for a number of years, in public favor. But, this year, according to a press release from the National Retail Federation, nearly half of all holiday shopping will be done entirely online. Whether that is coming from the purchase and pick up option that many retailers provide, or taking advantage of free shipping promotions from other retail establishments, the digital wave of holiday shopping is here.

From the National Retail Federation, a figure of 73.1 percent of online shoppers are seeking deals and sales that have the potential to be better than those found in traditional brick and mortar stores.

“I’ve worked on Black Friday for a

couple years, and while it’s crazy, there aren’t nearly as many people as there used to be,” said Baylee Friedersohn, a cashier at one of these larger establishments. “I mean, I even go online to get better deals.”

Friedersohn’s observations are not alone, as figures of brick and mortar retail shoppers are dropping. Milennials are a large factor of this change in shopping, as they seem to prefer using apps and mobile devices to purchase.

“I love shopping online,” said Richard Emery, a nursing student at the County College of Morris. “Amazon offers their free shipping to students, and I take full advantage of that. I haven’t done serious holiday shopping online before, but this year that might change.”

For Black Friday shoppers, this may mean an altered sales plan. The deals will probably be better online for a relatively new phenomenon, Cyber Monday. In any case, sales patterns, and shopping trends are changing.

“I like my job, but I hope the shoppers stick to online shopping,” said Gina Morreo, a retail associate and CCM business student. “Black Friday is ugly. I would never wish it on anyone. I’m even going shopping online just to stay away from malls during the holiday season.”

Morreo’s comments resonate with the thousands of retail associates throughout the nation, and hopefully some shoppers.

However, there are concerns with online shopping, like cyber security and identity theft. Only within the last month did most major retailers add in new pin pad machines to accommodate new security regulations. Online shopping does not provide its customers with that new security, and potentially holds the risks for identity theft.

If the National Retail Federation believes that there will be high sales this holiday season, then there must be a precedent based on trend. With cyber security risks aside, and online shopping on the rise, only sales figures will tell what the figures will be come January.

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

The history and effect of downloadable content on video games

THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION PAGE 7

Film club brings love of cinema into focus

BY SEAN MARATEO Contributor

Batman: Arkham Knight still offers DMLs although it was released in June.

BY SAMUEL GUGLIELMO Features Editor

So you’ve just finished that fancy new game that came out this month. As the credits roll you find yourself wishing there was more. Well, good news.

The developers are releasing a miniature expansion to the game that can extend its length. Yet is everything really as good as it sounds?

Downloadable content, or DLC as it has become known as, is one of the relatively more recent changes to games. Yet, like many things, there is quite a bit of history leading up to this.

The ideas of DLC came to fruition in the early 1980’s with a product called GameLine. GameLine was an oversized cartridge that went into an Atari 2600 and had a place to plug in a phone jack. After this one could download games onto an Atari 2600 and play them without having an actual cartridge.

While the idea was ahead of its time, the North American video game crash of 1983 (also known as Atari shock) forced the service to shut its doors before it could take off. Similar services, like Sega Channel (1994), also showed up, but for the most part none of these other services really took off.

Thanks to their constant connection to the internet, DLC started mostly on the computer. Games like Starcraft and Half-Life had users create different game modes and modifications that would be distributed across the internet. For example, 1997’s Total Annihilation would offer up new units every month for free to be downloaded into the game.

In 1999 Sega released the Sega Dreamcast, a console that could connect to the internet without additional accessories necessary for connection.

Console games were able to have an online component to them, and some games began to add content after launching. While the Dreamcast was not a huge success, the idea continued on with Microsoft’s Xbox and the online Xbox Live component. When Microsoft released the Xbox 360 in 2005 they set up a marketplace for exactly that, and in 2006 Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii followed with marketplaces of their own. Since then, DLC has become a mainstay in the video game industry.

DLC is used for many things in games now. The types of DLC can range from simple additions, like new songs for Guitar Hero and costumes for your Street Fighter characters, to more complicated things like new Call of Duty maps or entire new campaigns for a single-player focused game. Sometimes it costs money, sometimes it’s

free, but overall it does seem like the majority of games are now featuring DLC. Some people have not taken well to this idea though. There are feelings in the gaming community that content is either being cut from games or held back on purpose so DLC can later be sold to the player for extra money. New games like Star Wars Battlefront and Fallout 4 have announced content they will be adding in later before the game even comes out.

There may be some truth in this statement, but not in the way most people expect. Content is cut from games all the time, whether it’s getting DLC or not. There just simply is not enough time or money to make sure everything wanted gets into the game. Instead of having to save something to show up in a sequel, DLC can be used as a testing ground for content that may or may not have been good enough for a sequel anyway.

Worst-case scenarios do happen though. Capcom had disappointed fans when several of their games, including Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter X Tekken, actually released with extra content on the disc yet locked away so it couldn’t be accessed without spending money first. Recently Nintendo also got some backlash for doing similar with Splatoon.

Yet in a way, the need to add DLC and charge extra makes some sense.

The cost of creating new video games is constantly going up, yet the price of new games hasn’t changed since it became $60 in 2005. Now developers are hoping gamers will buy both the game and a good chunk of the extra content they add to it. Usually they are combined into a package called a “season pass”, where one can buy most of, if not all of, the DLC for a single game.

Yet season passes tend to be pricy and can range anywhere between $20 to $60, sometimes doubling the price of the game.

That is not to say all DLC is bad though, in fact some of it can be quite excellent. Naughty Dog’s 2013 surprise hit The Last of Us released a second

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS

campaign called “Left Behind” that many fans said was just as good as the main game. Other games like Bioshock 2, Fallout: New Vegas, Outlast, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin and Dishonored all had DLC campaigns that people said were superior to the original game.

There is real entertainment in a game that manages to hit both the worst and best though, and that game would be 2006’s The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. After the game was released; the developers said they would be adding small pieces of content for relatively cheap prices. The first one they released was the rather infamous “horse armor”. Priced at 200 MS Points (Microsoft Points), the equivalent to about $2.50, all this extra pack did was add the ability to buy armor for your horse.

So yes, first you had to spend real money to buy the pack, then you had to earn money in-game to buy the armor.

The backlash over what was seen as an overpriced and minimalistic offering was rather large, and to this day you cannot mention DLC without someone making fun of horse armor.

But the developers did learn from this; the very next offering was “Orrey,” a single new quest that was cheaper and had more content than the horse armor. New small mission packs were offered at cheap rates, and the game did eventually get a much larger expansion called “Shivering Isles” that most people went on to praise, saying it was one of the best things to come out of the game. Developer Bethesda has gone on to make fun of their early failure, at one point offering every piece of DLC for their game at half off… except for horse armor which they doubled the price of.

There are not subjects that can split the gamer community quite like DLC can, and it seems whoever you ask will either say it’s one of the biggest problems with games currently, or a nice bonus that adds more value to a game for less money. Yet either way it is here to stay and DLC is another change gamers will have to get used to.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROTHERS

County College of Morris is home to a number of clubs that enrich the capabilities of developing minds.

The Student Film Association welcomes students, regardless of background or previous knowledge, to come and learn more about a field that influences the lives of so many. Since SFA was established two and a half years ago, it has grown a considerable amount – both in size, and direction.

Matthew McClosky, a digital media technology major and co-president of SFA, has a lot to say to encourage potential new members. “You really don’t need to know anything. We teach you everything we know,” McClosky said. “We give students the ability to learn more about a field that is filled with other people’s ideas and opinions, and the opportunity to grow and have the tools to work towards their goal.”

McClosky draws his inspiration from directors like Stanley Kubrick, and hopes to own and operate his own production company in the foreseeable future. Most of the club’s projects are produced and budgeted entirely by its very own members; including the short film they just finished working on, “The Killer(s).”

“Each semester the school and other clubs reach out to us to help them produce whatever they want to make. We’re working with Phi Theta Kappa right now on a video-tour of CCM, as well as a music video for music business/practicum classes,” McClosky said. “Everything we do for the school aside, when it comes down to it - we just make what we want to make.”

According to McClosky, each semester in SFA has a new flavor and is nothing like the last. Members are always learning new techniques and building their own portfolios in the process. In the last two months alone, they’ve completed a short film and a comedy sketch.

Andreas Loizou, an interior design major and dedicated member of SFA, didn’t know anything about what it took to make a film until recently. “I had no knowledge about anything about this kinda stuff going in,” Loizou said. “They welcomed me in and taught me a whole bunch of things”.

Loizou specifically means lighting techniques, something he worked on comprehensively for “The Killer(s).” Loizou was initially influenced by the comedic works of Monty Python and Steve Coogan to become a part of SFA, and he hopes to produce his own comedy sketches soon.

“It’s all about gaining experience and meeting others you can learn from,” Loizou said. “After that, you use that experience and what you learned to go forward and to write your own path.”

Loizou is enthusiastic about the future and sees SFA as an important part of that. Loizou pointed out that clubs like these are made to help students grow but also to create an alternative communal atmosphere where students can go and plant the seeds of their future.

Alexa Spear, a liberal arts major, is considering joining SFA herself. “I’m thinking about it. My boyfriend was a film major at William Paterson, so I think I’d have a little bit to offer,” Spear said. “I’d like to help make a production that invokes thought, something with a different kind of narrative than we’re used to seeing.”

Spear and her boyfriend are both avid movie-goers, and they share the same taste: dramatic, psychological thrillers. Spear went on to mention some ideas she would pitch to the SFA. “CCM is a hard school to get to know others, mostly because it’s a commuter school,” Spear said.

“If the SFA had a movie night or even a film festival, I think a lot more students would be inclined to get involved, or even just get together to enjoy a movie.”

Many of the renowned film festivals like Tribeca and Sundance are difficult for any aspiring filmmaker to get their work into, regardless of content. Spear said that a film festival here at CCM could provide good exposure for local filmmakers, as well as create an excellent opportunity for students to get involved with something on campus.

SFA has been filming and producing a lot of works since they were established, and are showing no signs of letting up. Meetings are 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 4:45 p.m. on Thursdays in Studio C of the media center. Some of their work can be seen on the CCM YouTube page.

PAGE 8 THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION

THE YOUNGTOWN EDITION The Student Newspaper of the County College of Morris County College of Morris • Mail Station SCC 226 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, NJ 07869-2086 Phone #: (973) 328-5224 Fax #: (973) 361-4031 E-mail: youngtownedition@gmail.com Editor-in-Chief.............................................................. Derek Allen Managing Editor...............................................................Beth Peter Features Editor.................................................... Samuel Guglielmo Entertainment Editor........................................... Victoria Pignatelli Sports Editor....................................................... Brett Friedensohn Opinion Editor........................................ Sandra Riano, Emily Betz Acting Opinion Editor...........................................Joseph Orecchio Copy Editor................................................................ Marisa Goglia Senior Layout Editor............................................ Drew Notarnicola Paginator........................................................................ Frank Eaton Technical Adviser......................................................Wilma Martin Faculty Adviser........................................ Professor Russ Crespolini Circulation...............................Preeti Manekporia, Nick Bougades, Justin Bencivengo Contributor: Allyson Junkermeier, Molly Hatch, Jeremy Tsonton, Gabby Brioes, Sean Marateo, Mark Profaca All students are welcome to contribute articles to The Youngtown Edition either in person or via e-mail. However, students cannot receive a byline if they belong to the organization on which they are reporting. Writers must include a telephone number where they can be reached.

The deadline for submission is the Wednesday prior to the date of publication.

Join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Ask for information at the Office of Campus life or email PTK@student.ccm.edu PTK would like to thank and recognize Ms. Kari Hawkins, Dr. Janet Eber, and Professor Keith Smith for their outstanding support during C4 week and on a daily basis

NEWS

NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Facebooking Politics ALLYSON JUNKERMEIER Contributor

Instead of relying on television, younger Americans are using Facebook and other social media sites to stay current on political and government news coverage.

According to the Pew Research Center, 61 percent of the Millennial generation uses Facebook to find news on politics, and 37 percent still catch the news on TV. Looking at the Baby Boomer generation, the numbers are opposite with 39 percent using Facebook and 60 percent with TV as their top source.

Millennials are the group of Americans who were born between 1980 and 1996. The Baby Boomers were the Americans born between 1946 and 1964 who received their name because of the high increase of births at the time. Generation Xers born between 1965 and 1979 bridge the gap between the two generations, and also bridge the gap between these sources with 51 percent using Facebook and about 46 percent using TV. “Getting news on Facebook is just so easy,” said Colleen Small, a 23-year-old nursing student at County College of Morris. “As you scroll through your newsfeed, articles are constantly being posted or shared, espe-

cially now with the presidential campaign going on. We’re all on social media all the time anyway.

Why not use it for something useful and educating?”

With Facebook being one of the most used social media sites, news outlets throughout the country students are now sharing their stories with the 151 million Facebook users in the U.S. A the poor side connected to news coverage on social media is the lack of trust. Not all news coverage is factual or true, so how can one believe what they read?

“It can be hard to tell which ones are real stories and which ones are fake. That’s the worst part about the Internet,” Small said. “I usually stick to the stories from bigger news outlets like CNN and stories where more than one source has written about it.”

Although there is a low percentage of Millennials who rely on TV for their political coverage, it seems that it’s a better source for overall coverage whereas online coverage usually has trending topics.

“I’m only 20 years old, but I still watch TV to catch up on the news,” said Tom List, a CCM student. “The networks just do such a good job of covering so many different topics from local to international. I’ll look at stories on Facebook or search about a specific news event, but for overall

coverage, I always turn on my TV.” List falls in the lower percentage, but said he believes he will always use TV as his main source for news coverage. List also added that he believes that one day nothing will be in print at all, especially newspapers and magazines.

The major concern when it comes to political news is if news outlets are sharing everything the Millennials need to know to make the right choice when it comes to voting.

“The news coverage of the presidential campaign is very important, but they don’t share what needs to be known,” said Rosie Lynch, a communication major. “Yeah, polls are important because it lets us see how other people think about the candidates, but I want to know what there is to like about them. I think they should do a sit-down interview with each candidate where they just talk about their views and plans for our country.”

Lynch stressed the importance that news outlets play when it comes to political campaigns because in a lot of ways, it’s the only way to obtain the information. She said she hopes that news agencies share the best information that way Americans are educated the most they can be.