Spring 2016, Issue #4 The Crier Is Sponsored, in Part, By the Corning Community College Student Association March 29, 2016 Help Stop the Spread of Diseases! By: Dr. Robert Koble No, vaccines do not cause autism. But they lead to a healthier society! -Dr. Robert Koble Your immune system is a wondrous and necessary part of your life. Any pathogen (foreign organism that causes harm) is subject to death at the hands of killer T-cells whether the invader is bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or viral in origin. I like to think of my body as a castle and my immune system as the noble defenders of my beautiful, strong, gorgeous castle. However, there are cracks in the castle walls, and I fall ill with a common cold, flu, or sometimes even worse infections and diseases. Therefore, I can take steps to boost my immune system by giving it a head start in the defense process. This is where vaccines come into play. A vaccine is a “deactivated” form of some invading pathogen and allows your immune system to be prepared for when the real threat occurs. Some diseases that you (should) have been vaccinated against are meningitis, mumps, rubella, smallpox, polio, HPV, and hepatitis B. I won’t go into the details of the devastation of these diseases, but suffice to say, millions of people are still alive after vaccination against these diseases that would otherwise have perished. So what is the controversy over vaccines? There are two main arguments against vaccines, and I will discuss them below. Argument I: Vaccines cause autism. This argument is absolutely classified under the false label. I could go on and on about how no scientific study has ever linked vaccines to autism, but I don’t have enough room in this column. Instead, I’ll talk on how this argument came to light. In 1997, a British surgeon published a study that linked vaccines with an increased risk of autism. However, there were so many flaws with this study that the article was retracted, which is a huge no-no in the science field, due to faulty scientific design, undisclosed financial bias, and ethical violations. The author of the study, Andrew Wakefield lost his medical license for his ineptitude. Unfortunately, another famous player kept up the charade that vaccines cause autism by going public with her own anecdote. Jenny McCarthy, an actress famous for, well, I can’t really type here because it is NSFW, campaigned for a long time that her son has autism due to vaccines. I don’t blame her for thinking that the MMR vaccination caused her son’s autism. I think she was misinformed. Children with autism display symptoms at about 2 years of age, which is around the time of the MMR vaccine. Due to this cor- page 2 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 Help Stop the Spread of Diseases! Con’t By: Dr. Robert Koble relation, some individuals reach causation between vaccines and autism. If you have taken a statistics class, you know that correlation does not equal causation! Since vaccines do not cause autism, what does? Current research suggests that autism could be a genetic disorder or come from environmental factors. Older parents have children with autism at higher rates than younger parents, meaning age might be a factor. Obviously, further research is required to understand the factors that cause autism. Argument 2: Vaccines contain chemicals that kill you. No, the opposite is true. One of the biggest fears is that autism contains chemicals like thi-merosal, which contains ethyl mercury. Oh no! Mercury! That is a scary element! Remember the Mad-Hatter from Alice and Wonderland? The reason he is “Mad” is he is a hat-maker and was poisoned by the mercury used in hat making. Since there is a small amount of mercury in vaccines, the fear is that it can cause bad side effects in infants when they are given immunizations. There are two types of mercury: methyl-mercury and ethyl-mercury. There isn’t a big difference in their chemical structure, but they act very differently. Methyl-mercury is the type of mercury found in fish, which consumed at high levels can lead to mercury poisoning. However, ethyl-mercury, the type found in thimerosal and vaccines, is cleared faster through the body and is less likely to cause any harm. Furthermore, the amount of thimerosal in a dose of vaccine is less than 2.5% of the daily allowed amount of mercury. No study has shown that thimerosal causes any harm to the human body at the dosage level used in vaccines. When thimerosal was removed from vaccines and autism rates kept rising, the idea that mercury caused autism was dead. Lastly, thimerosal was taken out of the childhood vaccines against MMR, chicken pox, and polio. Rest assured, you cannot get mercury poisoning from vaccines! Why you should get a vaccine. Not only do vaccines help protect you against life-threatening diseases, (Seriously, go look up iron lung and polio. Does that sound like a good life to you?) but they help protect others that cannot be vaccinated. Many individuals that have a compromised immune system (such as children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer) cannot receive a vaccination. However, there is a phenomenon called herd immunity. Basically, if a vast majority of people are immunized against a virus, it won’t be able to spread in the population. When a certain number of individuals are not vaccinated, the herd isn’t as strong and outbreaks can occur. This is what happened in Marin County, California. Two unvaccinated children contracted measles at Disneyland, and since Marin County has a very low vaccination rate, an outbreak occurred. If more individuals were vaccinated, herd immunity would have stopped, or lessened, the outbreak. Even if you, the reader, think that you won’t contract a preventable disease, still get your vaccinations to help stop the spread of diseases to susceptible individuals. It is your ethical duty to prevent the spread of preventable diseases. Go get a shot! SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 THE CRIER PAGE 3 Channeling History: The Death of the GOP By: The History Club The election of 1824 tore the Republican Party in half. The populist candidate Andrew Jackson was robbed of the presidency. Andrew Jackson had 99 electoral votes with 150,000 votes, and John Quincy Adams had 84 electoral votes with 113,000 votes. Jackson’s disdain led him to quit the party. With the help of a New York Republican, Martin Van Buren, they founded their own party, the Democratic Party. From the ashes of the old Republican Party rose theWhigs.The modern Republican Party finds its roots in I860 with Abraham Lincoln and today finds itself at another bizarre crossroads. We have not had a party die and reform in over 100 years. Donald Trump, by the words of the Republican establishment, has stolen the party. His constituency has become a separate entity to the Republican Party establishment and the values it holds.Trump and his constituency continue to win Republican contests and as such, the voters have moved away from the “party.” The question becomes,“Is Trump the new Republican Party, or is he simply an aberration?” If he is the new Republican Party, where do the establishment members go? Do they create a new party and spend the next 4-8 years building that new party? The extent of the damage done to the Republican Party by Donald Trump is yet to be entirely known. Riddles! By: Crier Staff 1) A blue house is made of blue bricks.A yellow house is made of yellow bricks. A red house is made of red bricks. An orange house is made of orange bricks.What would a green house be made of? 2) What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps? 3) This is as light as a feather, yet no man can hold it for long. What is it? 4) What is put on a table, cut, but never eaten? PAGE 4 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 The Benefits of Clubs By: Megan Pradichith I want to start off by disclosing that I am a member of two clubs— the CCC Crier and the International/ Foreign Language Club. While clubs can be fun, there are also benefits of being in one. For example, participating in extracurricular activity helps boost your resume when applying for four-year college or a job. For the past couple months, I have been looking apply at four-year colleges and the majority love to see prospective students that are active. Being part of the clubs also boosts your skills, especially if you’ve been elected as an officer. For example, the President and Vice-President positions require you to exercise your leadership skills while the advisor stands by with guidance. Of course, it can be stressed out by it. But this suffer from low member-CCC Crier, International/ ary Society all have a short- stressful. In the past, I was never semester proves different as clubs ships. From what I can gather, Foreign Language Club, and Liter-age of members that threatened club activities. For example, members (such as myself) have had to take on two officer positions. In the case of the Literary Society, there are only two members taking on multiple positions. This could also affect events that clubs organize, such as the International Fashion Show that is due to take place towards the end of this month, but with only a few members organizing it. There are some possibilities as to why it happened—either the majority of the students graduated, students are suffering from scheduling conflicts, or loss of interest. According to Literary Society advisor David Higgins, there are other factor. “It might have something to do with the prevalence of smartphones; with the world at your fingertips, there are fewer reasons to join a club.” He said. “There are only two students in the Literary Society, and they are talented and enthusiastic, but we're all aware that we're operating in a vacuum.” Whatever the reasons, the members of these clubs are trying their best to continue on as the semester is almost at its end. However, that doesn’t mean that it is too late to join and help out. But if you plan on transferring to a four-year college or get a job, you may want to think about taking advantage of the club activities as a way to boost your skills. PAGE 5 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 A Bug in Your Phone’s Wi-Fi Card Could Cause It to Break By: Danny Dalton Wi-Fi is one of the greatest technologies to come out of the twenty-first century.We can get a stable connection to the Internet, which we can use to check our e-mail, download games to play, collaborate on college homework assignments and labs, share memes, and much, much more. It’s caused enjoyment to many, and, until recently, it’s worked in harmony with students to ensure success and prosperity to normal, everyday people. Now, a recently discovered bug can permanently shut off the Wi-Fi card in not just phones, but laptops, DVD Players, and just about anything with an Internet browser.A group of hackers are choosing to exploit this bug and shut offWi -Fi on every device with a card on April 2nd, 2016, and they’re naming their hacking program “GoOutside.” Their aim? To watch people suffer from not being able to access Tumblr, DJ Khaled’s Snapchat story, Kim Kardashian pictures, and the things we know and love. There is one defense against the hacking program. If you have a device that you want to have it keep working, get a web browser, and point it to http:// lab46.corning-cc.edu/~ddalton/fixhack.html. The page has a script on it that will render the “GoOutside” program useless and allow your nice Wi-Fi to continue working another day. Riddle Answers: 1) Glass 2) A river 3) Your breath 4) A deck of cards PAGE 6 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 CCC Events: April • April 4th 12:55-2:05pm: Music w/ Kristen Merlin - Kelly Lounge, Commons • April 5th 12:30- 1:30pm: I&R Volleyball - Gym • April 6th 3:30pm: Inspired at CCC: Meditation: Effects on Health, Mental Health, and the Brain by Deana Bodnar - Hanley Room, Library • April 7th 12:30- 1:30pm: I&R Volleyball - Gym • April 7th 12:30-1:30pm: Senior Staff Open Forum - Hanley Room, Library • April 8th 10:45am & 12:45pm: Bingo - Commons • April 10th 5-:00-7:00pm: I&R Indoor Soccer -Gym • April 1 1th- 12th 9:00am: Commencement Fair, Graduates pick up cap and gown - College Store, Commons • April 12th- 13th 8:30am-2:30pm: Blood Drive -Triangle Lounge, Commons • April 12th 12:15pm: Team Trivia - Commons • April 12th 12:30- 1:30pm: I&R Volleyball - Gym • April 13th 5:30-7:30pm: I&R Bumper Soccer -Gym • April 13th 3:30pm: Inspired at CCC: Muse of Fire presented by CCC theater students - Hanley Room, Library • April 14th 12:30- 1:30pm: I&R Volleyball - Gym • April 15th 5- 10pm: Volleyball Tournament -Gym • April 16th 11am: Corning Indoor Famers Market, The Information Center, Downtown Corning • April 17th 5-:00-7:00pm: I&R Indoor Soccer -Gym • April 19th 12:30-1:30pm: Ultimate Frisbee -Turf Field • April 20th 11:30-2:00: Job Fair - Gym • April 20th 3:30pm: Inspired at CCC: Lori Brockway, NASA Security Analyst and CCC graduate - Hanley Room, Library • April 20th 5:30-7:30pm: I&R Bumper Soccer -Gym • April 21st 12:15-1:30pm: International Foreign Language club’s 3rd Annual International Fashion Show - Triangle Lounge, Commons • April 21st 12:30-1:30pm: Ultimate Frisbee -Turf Field • April 22nd 11-2pm: Earth Day Festival - outside the Commons (Kelly Lounge if inclement weather) • April 24th 5-:00-7:00pm: I&R Indoor Soccer -Gym • April 26th 12:30-1:30pm: Ultimate Frisbee -Turf Field • April 27th 3:30pm: Inspired at CCC: Aaron Mead, Hasbro Product Designer and CCC graduate - Hanley Room, Library • April 27th 5:30-7:30pm: I&R Bumper Soccer -Gym • April 28th 12:15-2:00pm: Future Educators Club and Student Disability Services screening the film Going to School - E107, Planetarium • April 28th 12:30-1:30pm: Ultimate Frisbee -Turf Field PAGE 7 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 Rape Culture By: Anonymous Rape culture. Those two words seem to swirl the media constantly these days. Some see it as a facet crazy feminists use to blame the patriarchy. Others believe it is a real problem in today’s society, making rape excusable. But what is it exactly? The word ‘culture’ makes the phrase harder to swallow. We see culture as food, dress, and social interaction of a region of the world, more of a lifestyle based on where you live. Culture is not something we typically see in a bad sense. However in actuality, Merriam Webster defines it as “the act of developing the intellectual and moral faculties especially by education.” So basically, the combination of rape and culture is stating that sexual assault is just part of life, and we have learned to accept it as such. That can be very powerful. Unfortunately, we live in a society where that is true. A study published by National .SexualViolence Resource Center •found that one in five women i and one in sixteen men will be sexually assaulted while in college. That is 20% of women and 6% of men. And more than 90% I of sexual assault victims on college campuses don’t report it. I Those statistics alone should explain why rape culture exists. 1 Survivors are afraid to come forward. The embarrassment, backlash or guilt that they could receive is enough to keep them quiet. If there are fears embedded into victims from even before the time of the assault preventing them from speaking up about the tragedy (that they should have never experienced in the first place), then we, as a society, need to make a change. Survivors should feel safe and comfortable enough to come forward, and we should put an end to the environment that we created, making rape a common occurrence. Ladies and gentlemen, rape culture is real, and it is prevalent. Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” is rape culture. Catcalling is rape culture. Rejection of male rape is rape culture. Victim blaming is rape culture (“Oh, you drank too much,” or “You shouldn’t have gone along.”). Assailant sympathy is rape culture. Rape jokes are rape culture. It comes in micro-aggressions and further encourages the behavior. If you or anyone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1 -800-656-4673 for free, confidential, and 24 hour help. And if you have something to say on sexual assaults or rape culture, email CCCcrier@gmail.com PAGE 8 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale By: Anonymous Beer. It’s something that’s more American than Twinkies or Kardashians. This past St. Patrick’s Day, I had the great pleasure to try out Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Style Ale. Before I launch into that epic experience, let’s take a look at the company’s history. The Conway Brothers were avid home brewers but decided to launch on that wondrous adventure known as brewery entrepreneurship. One day, while sipping from their frothy mugs, talking of times gone they remembered an Irish relative they had. As they talked about him, they began to get rather emotional. Desiring to give this dearly departed gentleman a fitting tribute, they came up with a beer. It was a special kind of beer. While dark and musky, it carried a hint of hops, floral scents, and a clean, citrusy bite at the finish. It was both a dark beer and wheat ale all wrapped up in orange and green wrapping paper. Once they had crafted this gem of endearment, and tasted its magnificence, they were transported to the green hills of Ireland. Indeed, after drinking the magical brew myself, I too felt bombarded by salty winds, embraced by steely skies and that intoxicating green heather. While St. Patrick’s Day may be over, and the brewery’s Irish Style Ale won’t even be available for much longer in stores, enjoying this beer from a local brewery will always stay with me. It was a transforming experience. Drink Locally. Drink Responsibly. Disclaimer: This review of a locally-crafted alcoholic beverage in no way advocates or recommends the consumption of alcohol by minors, consumption of alcohol by anyone on or off campus, nor does it reflect the views or opinions of the Crier, Student Life Association, nor Corning Community College. Alcohol is the Devil, and it is important to remember this u by. PAGE 9 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 Become the voice of the student body! Interested in serving your fellow students at CCC for the 2016-2017 academic year? Become part of Student Association! Being a student leader is an opportunity to represent the student body, grow as a leader, and truly be the voice of Corning Community College. Student Association members also receive CCC attire, an office space, stipends, and a great resume builder! Positions Available: • President • Vice President • Trustee • Treasurer • Auditing Treasurer • Public Relations Director • Secretary • 5 Senator Positions Some requirements of the positions: • Must be taking at least 6 credit hours of coursework (12 for Trustee) • Must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher • Must hold 5 office hours per week (2 for senators) • Must attend weekly Government Assembly (SAGA) and Executive Board (or Senate) meetings • Serve on various college committees Questions can be referred to Bryana Snyder at bsnyde14@corning-cc.edu. Contact Bryana or Ryan Steinberg at rsteinbe@corning-cc.edu to pick up an election packet. Packets are due back by April 5th. Student Association PAGE 10 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 PAGE 11 THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 April Crossword! By: Crier Staff ACROSS 3 Rciin_________the earth. 6 March come; 1-1 like a_________. 8 It makes kites fI 9 __________makes it hard to see. 1 1 Ifs supposed to rain today. Take an_______ . 1 4 March winds bring April_________ . 1 5 A laud noise associated with storms. 1 6 No matter haw long this season lasts, spring is sure to follow. 1 7 Not too hot. 1 8 If its foggy in the morning, it will be___ in the day. 20 Not too cold. 22 This gives light to help plants grow. 23 Rain mixed with dir. Don't track t in the house! DOWN 1 Dai"k clouds often bring this. 2 Hold onto your hat. b’s________today. 4 I 'nay be white and puffy or dark and threatening. 5 __________flashes in the sky. 7 This turns green as days grow warmer. 9 April showers bring May_________ . 0 Rain leaves these behind on the ground (but your mother probably doesn't want you to splash in them!). 12 I can be seen after a storm. 3 These bud with new leaves in early spring. ‘9 This wintery substance sometimes falls in "he spring. 21 March goes out like this animal. PAGE 12 < THE CRIER SPRING 2016, ISSUE #4 Have an Opinion? Get it out and get paid! - $10 per published article - $5 per published photo E-mail articles and photos to CCCcrier@gmail.com Staff Felicia LaLomia Editor-in-Chief Devin Bailey: Assistant Editor Keri Disidoro Secretary Tim LeRoyer: SAGA Representative and Treasurer Advisors Erin Wilburn Maarit Clay If you wish to receive reimbursement for your published contributions to the paper, please include your CID number with your submissions. Christine Atkins The views presented to you by The Crier do not reflect the views of Student Life or Corning Community College.