CCC spring student art show displays talent

By JANAY FITCHETT

 

The 2012 Spring Student Art Show will begin on April 29 and run until May 23.  The show will take place in the Fine and Performing Arts Building. Opening reception will take place on May 6 at 5pm after the Spring Concert. College President, Dr. Thomas Isekenegbe will present awards in the categories such as best in painting, best in ceramics, and best in drawing.

 

CCC Spring Student Art Show is a major exhibition that predominantly features graduates in graphic design and art. Each student featured in the show gets their own wall displayed in the Fine and Performing Arts Building with their name on it. 

The purpose of the exhibition is to showcase work the students have created throughout their careers at CCC. Students choose the pieces they feel are their best  work and submit them to Professor Shapiro. Together they decide what pieces to hang. 

The Art Club, which is open to students of all majors, normally hangs the work the weekend before the show begins. 

CCC Spring Student Art Show showcases everything the students have learned in class from academics to colors and combined with the insight and fluency of artistic expression.

Because there is no set theme for the show, the displays may feature a variety of art forms.

When asked about her students Shapiro said “Students in the show are probably some of the most hardworking students [and] take pride in their work. 

Many of the students featured in the show are transferring to four-year art programs.

 

Summer sizzles with new blockbuster movies

BY SHIRLEY GUZMAN

1. The Avengers, May 4

This movie is action packed and excellent for all you Marvel Comics fans. The Avengers highlights all your favorite super heroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor. Together they must join forces to battle an enemy that is trying to destroy their World. The Avengers are the only ones who can stop this enemy. Robert Downy Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and Scarlett Johansson are just a few of the popular celebrities appearing in this film. 

 

 

 

2. Battleship, May 18 The classic board game known as Battleship comes alive in this feature film. A naval fleet comes into contact with invading aliens and must use their skills to defeat them.  This Sci-Fi adventure will keep you drawn into the big screen as the naval fleet must use their strategies to defeat the aliens.. 

The cast will include singer Rihanna, actor Liam Neeson, and model Brooklyn Decker. 

 

3. Men in Black III, May 25

 

Yes, you heard correct, the Men in Black are back and ready for action.  This movie, however, will involve a lot of time traveling to the past as Agent J (Will Smith) goes back in time to save the future and his partner, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). Someone has changed history’s course of events in which Agent K is presumed to have been dead for the past 40 years. Agent J must go back in time to find who’s responsible for this in order to save Agent K and the world. The intense part is that Agent J only has 24 hours to do this or he will be stuck in the past forever. 

 

 

4. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, June 22

This film takes an interesting twist into the life of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president.  Abraham Lincoln plays a double life as president and vampire slayer. He must defend his country from vampires that are planning to take over the United States. The president decides to take matters into his own hands. 

 

5. The Dark Knight Rises, July 20

This movie is a continuation of the Dark Knight that came out in 2008. Batman, known as the Dark Knight, and Catwoman return for this DC Comics inspired film.  A new terrorist leader named Bane has arrived to Gotham City. The Dark Knight must stop him to protect Gotham City from the forces of this enemy.

 

So you think you got talent

 

By GABRIEL JACKSON

 

“Do you sing, dance, or have an unexpected talent that everyone needs to know about?” This was an excerpt from a flyer that has been posted in every hallway on CCC campus; prepping students for the big audition days on the 3rd and 5th of April. 

From poetry and guitars to broadway and immaculate dance moves, the week of April 3rd clearly proved CCC does have talent. With all of the stage, lights, and microphones, one may ask why it is important for something like this to happen on CCC ‘s campus?

Think about the amount of students enrolled on campus. Now think about those who only go to class and leave. In the years of obtaining a degree, one has no real substance in  the memory of their college experience.  

Everyone complains that the Cumberland County area is boring and that there is absolutely nothing to do. Many have to travel outside the area; some even outside of the state just to have a good time. With gas prices on the rise and traveling fairs increasing, there has to be something in the area that is drama free and easy on the pockets.

Student Senate proposed the idea of a Talent Show during the fall semester of 2011. They wanted to make an attempt to bring students and faculty together for an opportunity  to view the many talents of students. They figured a talent show would be a way to show what CCC has to offer as well as giving the opportunity to allow students express themselves artistically.  Fast forward to April 3rd 2012, and one will see that was the case.  

Although at the time the show was a month away, the audition period clearly showed the unity between the students and faculty. Auditions were held in the Gym; occupying half of the court. The lights were half dim resembling the atmosphere in the FPAC Theater. The doors were sealed shut; not allowing anyone to enter of leave the premises during an audition.   Student senate wanted the experience to be comfortable for applicants so they could perform at their best ability. The applicants were not only auditioning in front a panel a five judges. They were also in front of three cameras; documenting the event in American Idol-esque fashion. Amber Parrish, student senator, lead the documentation catching applicants as they left the audition area. Parrish stated she wanted to make the experience like American idol. She managed to create a bond between the applicants waiting to audition by starting a groove session. The applicants played their various instruments, sang, rhymed, and danced on the same tune.

Marcus Wilson, a talent show applicant, was pleased with his performance. He sang “There is none like you/ I love you more today.” Which is a melody he sings at Refuge Mission FBH Church during praise and worship service. 

The judging panel consisted of student senators and faculty members. Tionne King,  a student senator judge, stated that she had a great time at the event and the great judging panel made the event interesting. Javan Harris,  a student senator judge, stated that he did not realize CCC had so much talent.  

Renee Post,  a communications professor and talent show judge,  stated, “The audition process was well organized. The students performing were nervous but it was obvious they were excited to share their talents. It was clear that this talent show was a place they could safely showcase their talents and be proud of their work. I hope this event continues each year for CCC students.”

The audition event for CCC’s talent show was an event that flawlessly brought the students and faculty members together and will clearly give the people involved something to remember in their years at CCC.  Cumberland’s Got Talent 2012 is on May 3rd , 2012 at 8pm in the fine and performing arts Center Theater. Admission is free, so come out and support!

 

 

What is a “Real Gift?”

By: NICHOLAS DESIMONE

Staff Writer

You know, a long time ago I used to think when buying a gift for a significant other, if it cost a lot of money, then it must mean that the person must be worth a lot for someone to spend a lot of money like that. I see guys today who have great careers and are able to purchase extravagant gifts for their significant others, so they go out and spend thousands, or maybe even tens of thousands or more on that significant other. They think that the higher the price, the more their level of care must be for that other person.

What I realized is that the guy is already going to his job regularly for himself anyway. And with having a good established credit line, one could pretty much make simple manageable payments for a period of time. That sounds pretty simple to me, so where’s the real gift? Where’s the REAL sacrifice to make sure that your significant other is deeply pleased and feels truly appreciated and fulfilled.

Sadly, most girls receiving this simple gift wouldn’t really care because they don’t know any better just as much as the guy doesn’t, so they accept the gift and think it’s the greatest thing in the world. But for the girls, who do know that there is more to life, know that there are deeper meanings to things and notice this deep yearning for something beyond the physical, something more. They know that money doesn’t buy happiness, make up for past mistakes, or define value in a person. Moving the human spirit! Moving a person spiritually is a concept that has escaped not just guys, but most human beings. Houses, cars, clothes, and shoes, etc… all deteriorate and decay in time. But giving the gift of helping another human being spiritually progress by moving them spiritually is ETERNAL.

Just like the saying goes: “you can’t buy me love.” I understand what that means today. It means something as pure as love could never be bought or sold because all of those things to buy or sell the love would come from material things like money, or other forms of physical currency. It’s like trying to purchase something intangible with something tangible. It’s physically impossible and preposterous to fathom.

Human beings are TWO things, PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL beings. Understanding how to spiritually move another human being is paramount and priceless. Most guys only succeed in pleasing a woman with things from the physical world, just that one single half. Guys have no idea how to do otherwise because both sides have been manipulated by the social engineering Madison Avenue, New York, and Paris false reality makers of the world that’s showed guys nothing on how to actually please woman. Pleasing both halves is vital for complete and total fulfillment. 

Guys making manageable payments for gifts that only cover one half of the women they claim to love so much lack REAL sacrifice and actually deprive their woman’s spirit by bolstering up just the single-physical half while depleting them of their other spiritual half. If you truly love someone, you will move them spiritually as well and that is A REAL GIFT!

Photo Courtesy of Google

 

Smart Phone Apps for smart students

By MARINA ANDALORO
Staff Writer

These are a few Smart Phone Applications that can help college students in various ways!

Evernote
The evernote application is designed to help students  stay organized. Students are able to key in and save notes, capture photos, record voice reminders, and create to do lists.  Evernote also has a feature that reminds you of your homework deadlines, future exams, sports practices, etc.

Gas Buddy
GasBuddy allows you to find nearby gas stations and compare each of their prices. This application is available on iOS, Android, Blackberry and WP7.

GFlash
College students are constantly studying for some sort of subject. The gFlash + Flashcards & Tests application allows students to make flashcards on their phone so they are able to study on the go. It goes through the flashcards one by one in random order and then quizzes the student once he or she has gone through all of the cards. It will prepare you as a student for your upcoming exam. This application is available on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.

Rate My Professors
This RateMyProfessors application helps you choose your professors for upcoming classes. Professors are rated in different categories including easiness, clarity, helpfulness, hotness and an overall rating.  This application can be very helpful to new students and it is available on iPhone.

Bump
If you are new on the college campus and are just getting to know people, it is hard to keep track of all the new faces you will be meeting. The Bump application allows you to share contact information simply by “bumping” phones or holding them close together. It can transfer phone numbers, addresses, and link to your Facebook account so you automatically initiate a friend request. This is available on iPhone.

Wi-Fi Finder
The Wi-Fi Finder application automatically tracks where you could use Wi-Fi for free. This is a huge advantage for college students when it comes to studying, researching, or taking notes. This application is available on Android and iPhones.

Cumberland County College Student 1st Place Award Winner for Sports Writing for Two Year Colleges

CCC Journalism major, James O’Hagan, placed first overall in the New New Jersey Collegiate Press Association two-year college sports writing category for his article entitled, “Students fight for better health.” O’Hagan was awarded a NJPF plague on April 21 in Cranbury, NJ as part of the NJCAP contest awards luncheon. O’Hagan also accepted CCC’s The Voice third place award for the two-year college layout and design general excellence award on behalf of his classmates.

 

Relationship Tips

By: CANDICE RIVERA & JAMES O’HAGAN

Staff Writer

Relationships?Easy? Tough? Right? Wrong? Yes? No?  

Women are from Venus? Men are from Mars? A peek into what the other “species” thinks.

Stress in relationships is normal, but in some cases it can take a negative toll on the individuals in it. Having an outside, no bias perspective is at times very helpful when coming to a cross roads in a relationship. As a couple you will gain acquaintances, and also really close friends, some of which may actually have more experience with relationships then your partner or yourself.  You can even get advice from your parents. They usually have been through a lot more in there lives and sometimes can bestow pearls of wisdom, that you can use as guidelines to get you through difficult relationship decisions.

Here are a few key points for a healthy relationship: trust is the number one key element in a healthy relationship, make every decision as if that person is standing right beside you, work at it.  If it’s worth it you will put in the effort. Relationships are 50/50 partnerships.  Make him/her crave  to know everything about you, you will disagree and compromise, never settle for less then you deserve, individuality is very important. Everyone needs time to himself or herself. Acknowledge and respect what your partner is saying, even though you may not agree. When it comes to relationships, we all have questions and answers.

 

College Cavemen Diet

By: AARON RILEY

Staff Writer

The Paleolithic diet, also known as the Caveman diet, is the articulation of a broad collective desire to create a better lifestyle alongside burgeoning skepticism of conventional wisdom about food and nutrition. The Caveman diet is unlike many diets that would be dismissed as fads. This diet seeks to imitate the foods eaten by man before the Agricultural Revolution, which was marked by the replacement of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle with that of the creation of settlements and the domestication of animals and crops.

The post-Industrial diet includes cereal grains, dairy products, sugars, starches and other foods high in carbohydrates. These foods can cause insulin resistance.  According to Loren Cordain, Ph.D., “Diseases of insulin resistance are frequently referred to as ‘diseases of civilization’ and include: obesity, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia”. It is likely that the metabolic syndrome may extend to other chronic illnesses and conditions that are widely prevalent in Western societies, including: myopia, acne, gout, polycystic ovary syndrome, epithelial cell cancers (breast, colon, and prostate), male vertex balding, skin tags and acanthosis nigricans. Diseases of insulin resistance are rare or absent in hunter-gatherer and other less westernized societies living and eating in their traditional manner.

The Caveman diet instructs the consumption of a low-carbohydrate, moderate-fat diet. Mark Sisson, triathlete, author of “The Primal Blueprint” and a central figure in the Paleo movement, argues that saturated fat in beef is not the problem, but rather the prevalence of carbohydrates in animal fat is the problem. Moreover, the high-carbohydrate nature of modern animal fat is due to grain-fed livestock. Animal fats today contain growth hormones, feed additives, pesticides and antibiotics. Additionally, animals have been exposed to industrial gaseous pollutants, and also dioxins from acid rain; even grass-fed organic beef may contain dioxins. 

College students are not always privy to the latest nutritional facts. Health food stores and Vegan food stores are expensive so it is assumed that any assessed or elaborate diet would require big spending. However, the aforementioned foods of the Caveman diet are certainly attainable on a student’s income. Of significance is the student’s dependence on cafeteria food. Cafeteria food is high in salt and sugars and low in fruits and vegetables. Cafeteria food may also contain polyunsaturated fats, which can cause inflammation and stress on the body due to becoming oxidized, or rancid. Taking the steps to rectify an unhealthy lifestyle by emulating the food choices of our ancestors can rebuild the energy of fatigued college students.

Photo Courtesy of Google

 

Student Profile: James & Amber Parrish

By MARCUS WILSON

Staff Writer

Life has its ups and downs when it comes to being married, taking care of kids, and attending college. There is no other couple that can attend college together and do so much for the community as CCC’s James and Amber Parrish. 

The couple has served the community, their church and Cumberland County College for three years. The couple participates in Student Senate, helps their church, and even adopted three Collingswood boys.

The family’s motto is, “A family that prays together stays together.”

Amber works for Student Senate, the Bursar Office, and TV Channel 9 Cumberland County College Connections. She is currently serving her third year as a CCC senator and works diligently with children in the community. James is the President of Student Senate at Cumberland County College, and is a member of the PTK organization with a 3.9 GPA, EOF Work Study worker, and Assistant Softball Coach.  James is a CCC Student Senate chair, and mentors youth in the community. Both students serve other leadership positions throughout their community, church and school.

The Parrish’s adopted three boys, TreShawn, Terrell, and Michael, in 2005. These boys were neglected and abused by Vanessa and Raymond Jackson. 

According to a People Magazine 2009 article, From Hunger to Healing-Child Abuse, Real People Stories, “James Parrish was given the opportunity to meet the boys at New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services, where he mentored them.” The boys were denied medical care and food by their original adopted parents, Vanessa and Raymond Jackson. Bruce Jackson, the boys’ brother, saved their lives in 2003 when a neighbor saw him looking for food in their garbage can. The State pressed charges against the Jacksons for aggravated assault. 

Ray Jackson died of a stroke after he and his wife had been indicted on the charges. In 2006, Vanessa Jackson was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, but was released in 2010. When asked about adopting, Amber says, “Regardless of whether I am the adopted parent of the children or not, I don’t think of my boys any differently, I love all my boys as if I birthed them. What I could say is I’ve learned a lot, by parenting older boys, before I actually encountered issues with my biological son, Christopher. It’s been a blessing to have my boys in my life, they have taught me so much and I have taught them so much and I love my babies.” 

  James also adds, “Number one, through us, love is unconditional and if you have enough love, you can make it through any situation. And for everyone to understand, my kids started off in a traumatic experience. 

Their life story started with tragedy, they were in a loving family with a dad that loved them, a mom that loved them, friends and family that loved him, people at the school that loved them and they’re able to grow. The one thing I could say about life is that for anyone, it’s not about how you start, but it’s about how you finish.”

When asked how they would want people to remember them, Amber shares, “I want students to remember me for being Amber, an older student coming back to set a good example for the younger girls that are coming in straight from high school or who have been out of high school for awhile. I want them to look at me and say, “ ‘if she can do it, I can do it’.” 

 The quote that would best describe Amber is, “Don’t let your good be evil spoken of.” James adds, “I would love to leave a legacy behind. When students hear the name James Parrish, or they think about struggling and not being able to complete courses, they think of me and say I was a role model. “I hope to be a role model that individuals are able to model their life after; and understand that there were a lot of adversities I had to face, but I was able to earn my degree and finish at the top of my class. “

He added,  “No matter what they go through or no matter what life brings them, they should never let themselves feel as though they can’t make it.” The quote that best describes James is, “If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything.”

The Parrish family stands on the Word of God and if it had not been for God, they would not have made it thus far along with their four sons. Amber says, “Without God, we would not be here, without God, there would be nothing. The Parrish Family is a family that stands behind the love of Jesus Christ. Without Him, Amber says they would not be in school or have the Parrish boys. All four boys, our family, we stand for nothing but Jesus Christ.”

Amber and James Parrish have been a great help in our community and with God’s help, they won’t be slowing down anytime soon. This powerhouse couple will still stand on the Word of God and assist CCC and the community when needed.

The couple are role models for young men and women, and non traditional students, who want to earn a degree. Amber Parrish was raised in Stone Mountain, Georgia and James Parrish was raised in Hopewell, New Jersey. James and Amber met in Lithonia, Georgia in 1998. The couple have been married for 12 years, but been have together for 13 years.

The Parrish family resides in Vineland, New Jersey with their four boys, TreShawn, Terrell, Michael and Christopher (CJ). James, Amber and TreShawn have been students at Cumberland County College since 2009.

CCC studentst James and Amber Parrish.

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF James Parrish

 

 

Spring Fling “Block Party”

By JANAY FITCHETT

Staff Writer

This year’s Spring Fling took place on April 25 from 12:00-3:00 in the center of the campus. The theme of this year’s event was “Block Party.” A free lunch with a drink was served to the first 250 students with an ID card. There was also a free cupcake decorating station to the first 250 students. There was a DJ with music, inflatables, and various games. The Latin American Club cosponsored the event and sold virgin pina coladas. The Fencing and Music Clus also cosponsored and performed periodically throughout the event.