Rock the Vote 2008

Tim Zoyac and Pamela Young accept applications from Jillian Torres and Chaz Bey.

      By ALI KURECZKA
      Staff Writer 

      During this time in America, one thing is clear: everyone needs to vote. For the past week and a half, Cumberland County College’s Student Senate, Latin American Club, and American Federal Government class have devoted their time and energy to encourage students to register to vote.     

      “We wanted to be a proactive voice as a Student Senate and we wanted to make sure that student voices were heard on campus as well as nation-wide,” said Director of Student Life and Athletics, Kellie Slade. 

      There were tables set up all around campus with students from these organizations getting people to register to vote. “This has brought an awareness to the student body that we, as Americans, need to voice our opinions and use our right to vote. I believe that through an election is the right way,” said Student Senate Secretary, Tim Zoyac. 

      This is not the first time Cumberland County College has sponsored a Rock the Vote campaign. Last year, Sirus from MTV’s The Real World: Seattle came to the campus. He talked to students about how important it was to vote. That was just a prelude to this Rock the Vote 2008 campaign. 

      The registration process was very simple. A student who wanted to register to vote would fill out a registration application and hand it to the people at the table. “It’s a very quick process.  They don’t realize how easy it is. I should have brought my ‘Easy’ button in so that after the student filled out the application, they could press it and hear ‘That was easy!,’” said Kellie Slade. 

      The applications were then sent in as soon as possible, so they can be processed before the October 14th deadline. The students then receive their voter registration card and a confirmation letter in the mail.  

      Approximately 150 applications were filled out, but whether or not the students will actually put their right to vote to use is another question. “Just to have them registered, knowing that their right is being received is a good start,” said Kellie Slade. 

      The Rock the Vote campaign is going to be an annual event every September and October. For every local and presidential election, it will give the students an opportunity to utilize their campus resources. Voting is the most important right a person can have, and the Rock the Vote 2008 event really helped students understand that.  

      “As long as they are getting connected in some way or shape or form, in terms of utilizing their right and privilege of voting, whether they like the candidates or not, I want them to feel that they can exercise their right to vote. I want to make sure that they are definitely being exposed to the process,” said Slade.

SPCA needs pet owners

Lulu is one of many cats at the Cumberland County SPCA.

By SUSIE REMPFER

Staff Writer

The Vineland SPCA is in dire need of pet owners, volunteer workers, and donations. Hundreds of animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and even a pig currently reside there. 

 The adoption process is very simple. An application will be given to anyone interested in adopting. Bev Greco, Executive Director of the SPCA, said, “Pets are a big commitment. It is important to make sure you are meeting your match. Cats are more suitable for full-time college students because they don’t need as much attention as dogs. Cats are independent, and usually calmer. If interested in a dog, it is better to get an older dog who won’t need as much training.”

   As of this writing, the SPCA has reached full capacity with cats, and more people are bringing in strays every day. If the animals are not able to find homes, euthanizing them is the only other alternative.

   Cats cost $80, while dogs can range anywhere from $110 to $150, depending on age. The SPCA also provides spaying and neutering services for less than half the cost of a veterinarian.

   Volunteer work is also in high demand at the SPCA. Off-site adoption drives and businesses like PetSmart are great places for community service opportunities that help benefit  animals. Volunteer work can also be done directly at the animal shelter in Vineland, spending time socializing with the animals, or folding blankets and towels from the laundry.

   Donations are always needed. “Kitten and puppy chow, canned adult cat and dog food, kitty litter, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and blankets are all key essentials,” says Bev.

   Three out of five animals do not stay in the same home throughout their lifetime. If you do choose to become a pet owner, the SPCA urges you to do your best to care for the animal. They also suggest having a back-up plan in case of a change in lifestyle that is not suitable for an animal. 

   Whether adoption is a possibility or not, there are still ways in which college students can help the SPCA through volunteer work and donations. “Please consider the SPCA during any free time. We are full of animals who need attention and love,” said Bev.  

 

Cumberland County SPCA

1244 N. Delsea Drive

Vineland, NJ 08360

Phone: (856) 691-1500

FAX: (856) 691-2703

E-mail: adoption@cumberlandcountyspca.org

Cost of Adoption:

Dogs (over 4 months): $110

Puppies (under 4 months): $150

Kittens and Cats: $80

These costs include vaccines, dewormers (normal and heart), spaying or neutering, and microchipping.  

Bay-Atlantic Symphony–lyric and epic? You decide!

Compiled by JAREL ROSS
Staff Writer

The Bay-Atlantic Symphony, formerly known as the Bridgeton Symphony, was organized in 1983 under  the  leadership of Russell Meyer in Bridgeton, New Jersey.  Ten years later at the Stockton Performing Arts Center at the Richard Stockton College in Pomona, New Jersey, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony was named “Orchestra in Residence.” In 1995, the symphony was searching for its new director, and found Jed Gaylin two years later, who helped advance the orchestra to its next level. 

According to The Baltimore Sun, Jed Gaylin’s conducting is “consistently impressive, with a propulsive that allowed the lyricism to linger.”

The cornerstone of  the Bay-Atlantic Symphony’s programming was the power of classical music, which strives through the community and  connects itself to the populations within the community.  In 1998, the name was finalized to Bay-Atlantic Symphony to reflect on its regionalization and artistic growth.  In the following year, the symphony was known as “The Resident Symphony at the Guaracini Fine and Performing Arts Center,” located right here at Cumberland County College.  In 2003, the Bay-Atlantic Symphony was once again the “Orchestra in Residence,” this time  at the Cape May Music Arts Festival.  The symphony is also an arts ambassador for South Jersey for their active membership in groups such as American Symphony Orchestra League, South Jersey Cultural Alliance, and many other community-based groups. 

The Bay-Atlantic Symphony has been on the National Public Radio on the segment “Weekend 2004 Edition,” drawing in 4 million listeners throughout the United States and Europe.  In addition, the orchestra has been performing with renowned artists such as Hilary Hahn, and the Eroica Trio, thus receiving special honors from their audiences.

This year, Cumberland County College invites you to come see the Bay-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra perform at the Guaracini Performing Arts Center on Saturday November 1^st at 8:00 pm, including a pre-show chat with conductor Jed Gaylin at 7:00 pm.  This concert will be opening the New Jersey premier of “Chasing Light” composed by Joseph Schwantner, a renowned American composer.  In addition, the concert will be focusing on the different facets of Romanticism, an era of intellectualism and artistic movement in the late 18^th century.

Also, young Russian cellist Christophor Miroshnikov’s lyricism and poetry will be performed in the Schumann’s Cello Concerto, which was composed by Robert Schumann in two-week period (October 10^th, 1850 to October 24^th, 1850). The concerto also included a solo cello, two oboes, two flutes, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, a timpani (kettle drum), and strings, which lasted for 25 minutes.  Finally, the concert ends with a bang with the orchestra playing Symphony No. 5 by Tchaikovsky.  Tickets at the box office are $30 for adults ages 19-54, $26 for seniors 55 & older, $15 for ages 12-18, and $8 for 12 & under.  For college students, it is $5 a ticket, with a maximum purchase of two tickets per student. (Please have your CCC ID ready at the time of purchase).

The Hourglass Interview

By AARON RILEY
Staff Writer

AR: What compelled you to write your own musical?

WJ: I’ve always been a close friend with a very capable musician named Al Schulz. In college he was a pre-med major, largely because his family was very practical and didn’t see [a viable career] in music, but he certainly could have [succeeded]. Our families were friends, so as our kids were growing up together we’d meet at his house. He always seemed to have a new type of piano that he composed songs on. One day I thought it’d be a good idea to put words to those songs. We did that very gradually, starting far back in 1973. Some of the songs we wrote then are in this show. It didn’t become a play until much later. In the mid-80s I took a graduate course in playwriting at Villanova University, and I needed to submit a script to an original play by the end of the semester. The story of the play was conceived as a straight comedy, not a musical. We later got the idea to put the music [we composed earlier] into the show. Earlier this year a friend of [Schulz] from Lancaster had heard what we had been doing and said we could perform the play at Lancaster Catholic High School using their graduates who had been involved in theatre and were still in the area. So once we got word that we could actually do [The Hourglass Cafe] as a production, we really worked hard at completing it. It’s going to be done here [at Cumberland County College] as a staged reading, but in about a year from now, it’s going to be done as a production in Lancaster.

AR: What did you have to do to bring the script to the production stage?

WJ: In late December of last year between semesters, I gave Mrs. Bradshaw the completed script along with a CD of the music and asked her for some input. She told me she liked the music and thought the script was clever. Then we learned that the proposed production in Lancaster had been postponed almost indefinitely. My friend [Al Schulz] asked if it could be done somewhere in Vineland. I told him I’d look around and keep my ears opened. About the middle of the spring 2008 semester, Mrs. Bradshaw approached me with the prospect of directing my own play this coming school year. I told her I was interested but would need to pass the idea by my wife because it’s quite the commitment of time. She said it didn’t have to be a full production, instead suggesting an evening of one-act plays. She gave me a few options before indicating that I could do my musical as a staged reading. I jumped at the chance. That’s when it became a reality. She was able to secure a date. Before the school year began, it was already in place, and the dates for rehearsal and performance were set.

AR: Who are the characters and have they been cast?

WJ: We had some ideas for main characters when we were arranging for try-out night. One of the people we had in mind was a young lady and local teacher named Deena Parr. Just a handful of people came, most of which went on to fill the chorus. Deena however was the only one that had the capability as we saw it to take on a major role. So we needed to get on the phones; we needed to ask people to ask people and spread the word. By doing that we were able to get together all of the remaining members of the cast, and even the chorus.

The Hourglass Cafe was presented on October 28th, 2008.

76ers to have a ‘Brand’ new look

By J.C. MOORE

Staff Writer

 

Elton Brand in his former years as a Los Angeles Clipper. Brand is expected to bring a much needed scoring presence to the Sixers.

 

 

 

   The 2008-2009 Philadelphia 76ers have a new look.  It’s a look that head coach Maurice Cheeks has wanted since becoming coach in 2005, and one that Eastern Conference opponents will fear.  It’s a look that Philly fans can be proud of.  It’s a look of a champion, and the best way to find that look is to stare in the eyes of the Sixers’ recent offseason acquisition.

   Sixers fans everywhere were given hope when Elton Brand, former Los Angeles Clipper and 2-time all star, was signed to a 5 year, 80 million dollar contract in early July.  Philadelphia’s general manager Ed Stefanski described a low post scoring power forward as the primary need of his squad.  As a career 20 points per game scorer, Brand provides that need.

   “We talk about we need a power forward, we need a guy with his back to the basket who can catch the ball,” Stefanski said in Elton Brand’s July 10th press conference.  “We need an impact player who can step out and make a shot.  Elton is that player.”

   Brand described the need to be close to home (he’s a New York native) as a primary reason for packing his bags for Philadelphia.  The other reason? The potential he sees in this rising young 76ers squad.

   “They were one of the best teams during the second half of the season last year,” Brand said at his introductory press conference.  “I see myself fitting in.  They made the playoffs without my assistance so I’m looking for bigger and better things.”

   The Sixers have several young, talented pieces to fit around the burly power forward.  Andre Iguodala and Lou Williams, both of whom were signed to long-term contracts this summer, are ready to contribute in bigger roles this season.  Samuel Dalembert, Andre Miller, and rookie surprise Thaddeus Young are all back to accompany Brand along with new additions Theo Ratliff, Marreese Speights, and Kareem Rush.

   Questions Philadelphia fans have about Brand circle around his recent health problems.  Brand missed all but the last 8 games of the season because of a torn Achilles tendon.  It’s an injury he now insists is in the past.

   “I’m definitely 100 percent,” he assured the doubters.  “The Achilles is totally repaired.  It’s strong.  The athleticism is there.  The explosiveness is there and I’m prepared to do some big things this year.”

   Elton Brand seems to have the weight of the city resting squarely on his shoulders (and that healing Achilles).  Playing in a city such as Philadelphia can have its dividends.  Hustle, work hard, and win? He’ll be the toast of the town.  But if you slack off, get hurt, or lose? Be prepared.

   “I’m deeply excited,” Brand expressed. “I won’t let anybody down.”

   In a city that hasn’t had an NBA championship in 25 years, that’s good to hear.  Sixers fans are itching to get back to the glory days.  Could this finally be the year the curse is broken? Don’t let us down, Elton.  Don’t let us down.

Stressed? Join a club!

By MELISSA PILEIRO

Editor-in-Chief

The middle of the semester is already upon us, and many students are finding themselves caught by surprise, including the staff here at The Voice.

This is my second year here at Cumberland County College, and my first semester helping to oversee this newspaper, so I can sympathize with everyone caving under the stress midterms can bring. With papers to write and deadlines to reach, many of you are probably feeling overwhelmed, and very much in need of a break. While I can’t promise anyone giant blocks of free time, I can offer a temporary option for relieving stress.

Why not join a club, sports team, or other activity? I know, you’re probably wondering how you can fit something else into an already crazy schedule. However, taking some time for yourself to do something you enjoy with other people is a perfect way to blow off steam and clear your mind. Not having to think about homework or exams can actually make you a better student once you hit the books again.

For the past three semesters, I’ve spent my Tuesday nights with the CCC Chorus, under the direction of Lauren Canna. Anyone that lives in Cumberland County can join the chorus, even if you have no experience. No audition is required to be a part of the group. There are two “main” performances each year, one in December and another in May. We also perform at smaller events, including the mall and nursing homes, as we hear about them. Rehearsals are at 7 in room S1 of the FPAC.

If you’re not ready for American Idol, you may be interested in the Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band, under the direction of Joe Akinskas. The band operates under the same format as the chorus, the only difference being more performances throughout the year. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights.

Music may not suit you at all, and that’s fine; there are tons of other groups to get involved in. Visit Kellie Slade in the Student Center for more information about them, or to learn how to start your own.

Voters lured with glitter, not facts

By BRITTANY WALDER

Staff Writer

This is the problem with the 2008 Presidential election: there’s a lot of coverage, a lot of slander, a lot of “firsts” and a lot of uninformed voters. 

It’s great that the United States as a nation has finally been able to break down the walls that have caged this country since its birth. Earlier this year, Hillary Clinton ran for the Democratic nomination against Barack Obama. These two alone made the headlines with their campaigns; each represented a demographic that has fought long and hard for a voice in politics. When Clinton lost momentum, Obama took over where she left off. Naturally, Republican candidate John McCain had to step into the limelight by bringing Sarah Palin into the mix. We as a nation now have a lot to be proud of—and a lot to cause worry.

The problem with the amount of coverage for this year’s election is that so many people are getting caught up in the media hype. Does anyone really know exactly what each candidate has to offer if elected? What are their views on hot issues such as foreign policy, abortion, Iraq, and the economy? More importantly, with the fragile state that the country is in, can we afford to carelessly toss a vote towards the candidate that has the most media appeal?

Voters have gotten far too entrenched in the physical aspect of this election. They have put their personal aspirations ahead of the good of the nation. They look at Barack Obama and see the first black president and the oft-quoted “change” that they feel the country desperately needs. They look at John McCain and see a return to stable values, which many think will strengthen the United States once again; in McCain, they see a veteran survivor. But what do these people stand for? What drives them? It’s almost as if we’ve forgotten that whoever parks it on a seat in the Oval Office will be holding our very lives in his hands.

And what about the media firestorm that is Alaskan governor Sarah Palin?

Why have we become so engulfed by her image? There is no doubt that she is a motivated and charismatic woman. But a lot of newly-baptized McCain enthusiasts don’t realize that as charming as she may be, Palin is going to be on the backburner of McCain’s presidency. So who will we be dealing with? Not Sarah Palin.

We as American citizens have a right that few countries in this world have; we have the right, guaranteed by our Constitution, to vote and to influence the course of our nation. How many people die every day in hopes of attaining that right? This is why it is vital for us to utilize that right—to do research, to be informed, and to make an intelligent decision, not just for the “good of the nation,” but for each and every one of us as well.

Negative Ads Mislead Voters

By SAUL ROSA
Staff Writer 

 

 

Negative advertising has been prominent in the 2008 election, and has been used by both parties to confuse, mislead, and draw voters to their parties.  

     According to a report released by the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Advertising Project, 47% of the ads released by Senator John McCain between June 4 and Oct. 4 were negative and 25% of Senator Barack Obama’s ads were negative.  

With both presidential candidates relying on a quarter of their campaigns being negative, it is necessary to define what a negative ad is. 

Richard A. Curcio, an associate professor of history and political science here on campus said, “Negative ads are when one candidate in a political race runs an advertisement on television or in the mail that is saying something comparing himself or herself with the opponent and it is intended to make the opponent look bad.”  

The definition explains how it works yet does not explain how negative ads capture the attention and votes of potential voters. 

Enriqueta  Aragones, a  professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, describes one explanation: “risk aversion,” in a research report entitled “Negativity Effect and The Emergence of Ideologies.”

 In short, people are more likely to vote against someone than to vote for someone. 

The main issue of negative campaign ads is their ability to misinterpret an opponent’s policy or moral background.  An informed voter should often check the ads with unbiased sources, such as websites that check facts or third parties, not a candidate‘s official webpage.   An example in McCain’s campaign is the ad “Dishonorable.” According to Factcheck.org the ad accuses Obama of saying that the troops in Afghanistan are just “bombing villages and killing civilians.” However, what Obama really said was a criticism of U.S. military strategy and not of American troops.

Senator Obama has also wrongly interpreted Senator McCain’s policies. According to Factcheck.org, Obama accuses McCain of proposing an $880 billion cut from Medicare spending and reducing Medicare benefits in ads like “It gets worse.”  These statements are false. 

Many articles and reports have claimed both candidates base at least 50% of their campaigns on negative or mixed ads; however, Professor Curcio has a different impression. 

    “From    a historical perspective this campaign has been fairly mild,” said Curcio “the most negative ad ever, known by everyone in the political circle, was in 1964; Linden Johnson was the incumbent president and he was beating his opponent very badly. His opponent was Barry Goldwater and Linden Johnson was trying to show that Barry Goldwater was dangerous and if he were president, it would lead to a nuclear war. Therefore, he made this ad and it was called the ‘Daisy’ ad. It shows a cute little girl in a field and she is picking flowers. She picks a daisy and starts pulling off the petals while counting down as she picks them. Then a man’s voice starts counting down and they hit zero. The little girl looks up and huge mushroom cloud blows up, a nuclear bomb, and the screen goes black and it says ‘President Johnson.’

“Politics is combat, a hard sport. I do not think the attacks have been so hard. Honestly, if you want to run for president you cannot have too thin a skin. I can tell you as a historian, presidential elections have been tough,” added Curcio.

This may be a negative campaign and advertisements may be mild or extreme, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the voter to make an educated decision on who he or she believes to be the most qualified to be president.

Iron Man is rock solid for action fans

By PHIL SPIZZICA
Staff Writer

When I first saw the trailer for Iron Man, I was surprised to see Robert Downey, Jr. cast as Tony Stark. It pleased me, however, to see that such a talented and fitting actor had been chosen. As it turns out, he couldn’t have been more perfect for the role. Downey’s acting is absolutely stellar, and the rest of the cast deliver a respectable performance as well. I think it’s a great movie.

What makes Iron Man so effective is that it’s virtually devoid of those moments that make me say “that can’t happen,” which is rather impressive, considering the film’s premise. This is largely due to the sharp writing, convincing computer generated imagery, and meticulous attention to detail. These elements of the film are all extremely well done, and the story translates to the screen remarkably.

The plot is efficient, simple and includes the right amount of action, which is probably less than you’ve come to expect from this kind of film. Iron Man predominately favors character development and story progression over action, and I feel it’s highly effective. The dialogue is smart and often very funny. It’s unfortunate that the pacing skips a beat occasionally, and the action, while solid for the most part, can be substantially underwhelming at times. In particular, the final battle leaves a lot to be desired. This is probably the film’s greatest flaw. I wouldn’t let it discourage me, however.

“I thought it was a great movie, but I’m also a big comic book fan.” said CCC sophomore Terry Cronk, “It’s got a lot of action scenes and some comedic parts. I think Robert Downey, Jr. did a great job.”

Iron Man is an excellent movie. It’s got its hits and misses, but it’s a blast to watch through and through; any complaints I have are relatively minor when you consider the big picture. Even if you’re not normally into this sort of thing, it’s at least worthy of a rental. The sequel, Iron Man 2, is currently in production.

Iron Man is still receiving raving reviews, even after its DVD release.

Phillies’ World Series dreams reach CCC

By J.C. MOORE

Staff Writer

 

Phillies players celebrate a late regular season win.

 

 

   Champagne was spraying throughout the locker room.  Catcher Carlos Ruiz was wearing swimming goggles to keep it from his eyes.  Manager Charlie Manuel, whose mother had recently passed away,  had immediately escaped to his office to keep from the messy excitement.

   Phillies fans had already witnessed this same celebration exactly one year ago.  So what made this occasion any more special? This time the Phils were moving on to the 2008 World Series after a convincing 5-1 defeat of the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Emotions in Philadelphia couldn’t have been stronger.  Thousands of fans had crowded the city streets in celebration. The excitement of the local team has also carried into CCC.

   Freshman Taj Wesley loves the look of the Phillies.  “They have a serious shot to win the World Series.  I hope they do it.  I’ve never been a serious baseball fan, but the team is getting me interested.”

   Red Phillies hats  and jerseys have been making appearances around campus more and more the last few weeks.  It’s not a surprise.  Local sports fans have had little to cheer for in recent years.  Many students where not even born when the Phillies last won a World Series in 1983.  Some students were only toddlers when the Phils last appeared in a World Series game.

   Today’s fans have now found something to cheer for with this new team.  Led by hitters Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth and Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies have become one of the most exciting teams in the league.  Pitcher Cole Hamels, who took home the National League Series MVP award, has given solid outings all year long and is a key piece if the Phils wish to continue their postseason success.

   Some students even take offense  when they see locals wearing anything but Phillies gear.

   “It makes me mad when I see people wearing a New York or Boston hat,” sophomore Jared Mosley said.  “Philly is in the the playoffs.  They’re our team.  Represent them.”

   “They’re a fun team to watch,” said recent Cumberland Regional graduate LaToshya Cox.  “Watching a World Series with the Phillies is going to be really exciting.”

  Some students are still a little skeptical of their recent success.

 “Even with the Phils going to the World Series, Philadelphia sports teams are known to disappoint,” freshman Caleb Pratts said.  “But this team is different because they have a lot of talent.  I believe they can get it done.”

   Confidence is shining through in both the team and the fans.  The Tampa Bay Rays, who just finished their seven game series against the Boston Red Sox, await the surging Phils in the last seven game series to decide the best team in baseball.  It’s win or go home from here on out.

   “It still really hasn’t sunk in,” Pratts said.  “My team is about to be fighting for a championship.  I can’t wait.”

   The team has turned casual fans into diehards and non-believers into believers.  Hopefully by the end of October, CCC continues its makeover into a Phillies community.