Fall 2016, Issue #5
The Crier Is Sponsored, In Part, By the Corning Community College Student Association
December 6, 2016
Worst Holiday Gifts 2016
By David Birks
The stampede of human savages punching each other for $199 flat screen televisions has passed us. You all know what that means; the holiday season is upon us! So to get into the holiday giftgiving season, I figured a compilation of the most gag-worthy holiday gifts was severely needed. So get your notebooks ready and make sure
your money game is strong. This is going to be the best article you choose to read if you are bored in class.
To compile such a list requires the ability to scour the depths of the Internet to find the vilest of human creations. For instance, if you want to get your child a real treat for the holidays, look no further than the always terrifying porcelain doll. Make sure an eye is missing, it is insanely dirty, and it looks like it could play a cameo in Annabelle or Child's Play. A really bad holiday gift is a fruitcake, mainly due to the fact that it’s a cre-
ation of those who enjoy watching the pain of others. Out of The Walking Dead to Orange is the New Black, I give it a score of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
If you really want to give the abysmal gift, make sure you buy your gift receiver dollar store underwear. This underwear should have either really bad puns or be the most
atrocious of continued on pg- 7
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Campus Spin
CCC Experiences Lockdown
By: Crier Staff
Last Friday at 1 1:34 a.m. all CCC students received a text stating the campus was in lockdown. No one was to leave or enter any buildings. As there was no other information given, rumors started to fly. Students were hiding in classrooms or locked in offices with no news for what seemed like forever. Some tweets and snapchats from students on the Spencer Hill campus stated there was a potential gunman targeting the library and/or Perry Hall; however, nothing was officially confirmed. A tweet from CCC stated officers were conducting a building to building search but for what was unclear. After almost an hour, the lockdown was lifted, and it was confirmed no one was harmed. CCC released an official statement on their website that a report of a person with a suspicious object was on campus, and emergency personnel were called. After the search, it was determined the suspicious object was just an art project. An email was also sent from the Associate Dean of Student Services and the Director of Retention and Educational Planning to all students reminding them Well Connect counselors are available 24/7 and the number to call: 866-640-4777. CCC thanked everyone on campus for their patience and cooperation.
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
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Campus Spin
Green Gifts
By Dr. Donna Powers
This time of year can be so stressful. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday #imstressedout!
The busyness of the end of the semester, exams, papers, and all-nighters. Thinking about holiday gift giving can seem like a real burden, especially on a budget. Tack onto that the tremendous increase in waste this time of year, and the holidays are the antithesis of sustainability.
So why not rethink your gift giving habits? Instead of giving stuff that you are unsure someone will even like, why not make them something you'd know they'd love: food, lip balm, candles?
1. Make your own granola. This is an easy and delicious treat for many on your list and you can personalize your recipe for picky eaters. Want to make your gift even more sustainable? Use local
continued on pg. 9
Look Book
By Crier Staff
Associate Dean of Student Services Jackie Van Brunt and Executive Office Manager of the President's Office Jina Tori bio show their CCC Baron Pride by wearing matching red and black outfits last week. When asked whether or not they planned their outfits, the duo answered,
"Great women think alike!"
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Campus Spin: Opinion
Coming Out
By: David Birks
I am an avid believer that people all around the world are born the way they are; whether it be sexual orientation or race, these things are out of our control. At first when I finally was able to understand my sexuality, I thought that it was a curse to be different. If I wasn’t up late at night over thinking, and wishing for normalcy, I was thinking of ways to come across as “straight” when talking to people at school. The majority of my life before I came out was so consumed with containing the secret that I felt would destroy others’ opinions about me. I felt like my parents would be disappointed because they wanted grandkids, and more importantly my peers wouldn’t take me seriously. I felt like once I came out, people would only look at me for my sexuality, and not for my creativity, or for any of the qualities in myself that I find important.
This created a lot of awkward and anxiety ridden moments at school, I was questioned multiple times about my sexuality, and at home I was asked when I would get a girlfriend. In that time I slowly started to gain strength and a thick skin. I started to work up the courage to be able to accept myself, gain close friendships, and trust in others.
I remember for a solid three months I wanted to tell my best friend but couldn’t find a good moment. In hindsight, I realize that there are no perfect moments in life. There are just certain times when the puzzle pieces fit in more correctly, but they are never quite the right size. I ended up telling my best friend at my high school in her car while we were on open campus. For years I had prepped myself for this moment but mostly for a negative response. My friend simply said, “Awe David!...What do you want for lunch?” And just like that, I was free. One person knew what I had hidden from everyone my entire life. I allowed someone to be able to know what at the time was my biggest secret. It may seem very minimal but that moment has changed my entire life.
I came out to my family and friends a few weeks later, and then came out on social media a few months later. Before I came out, I was very closed down and insecure. I remember faking being sick to avoid having to hide who I was, or turning down hanging out with people be- continued on pg. 7
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Review
Movie Review: Shin Godzilla
By Zach Swasta
Something I find sad about the children and youth of today is that whenever they hear the word “Godzilla,” all they imagine is, plain and simple, a giant monster. In truth, Godzilla is more than just a big scary dinosaur smashing buildings. He is a character of horror, a representation of mankind’s greatest mistakes coming back to haunt him, sent by nature, a God whose motives are unknown, and immune to whatever form of retaliation is enforced upon him. This principle has never been more reflected than the film Shin Godzilla.
Titled Shin Gojira in Japan, and originally titled Godzilla Resurgence for American audiences, it is the first Japanese-made Godzilla film since 2004’s Godzilla Final Wars. Notice I say “first Japanese-made film” and not “first Godzilla film.” As you may recall, two years ago in 2014, there was Legendary Picture’s Godzilla, an American-made Godzilla film. Although it legitimized itself as Godzilla material in comparison to the 1998 attempt by TriStar, there were a few drawbacks about it such as the titular character’s lack of appearance. History has repeated itself. As with Godzilla 2000 following up to the first American version, we now have this movie to follow up to the 2014 blockbuster.
Shin Godzilla brings the king of the monsters back to his original roots of being an icon of horror. Godzilla films have, for the most part, been action flicks, in which the character has done nothing but fight other monsters. This is his first standalone appearance since 1984’s The Return of Godzilla, which was also the last attempt to solidify him as a nuclear metaphor and not the champion monster fighter that he has
been typecast as, until now. The filmmakers have even gone a step further to bring a fresh new approach to the franchise. Godzilla in this film resembles a type of burning zombie giant, reminiscent of the Colossal Titan from Toho’s previous live action version of Attack on Titan. The first thing that catches your attention is his face, much different from previous incarnations. While previous Godzilla suits expressed anger and solitude, this one is a real mystery with his misplaced teeth and his tiny soulless eyes, making him look almost innocent. His appearance is not the only change, but his backstory as well. This is also the first Godzilla film to be a complete reboot, with no connection to the 1954 original whatsoever. The film brings Godzilla in almost immediately, but not as you’d expect. He starts out as a peculiar looking tadpole-like creature with big, bulging, goofy eyes. It might look stupid at first, but when you realize the damage this creature is doing, you begin to see otherwise, especially in one particular scene in which this premature Godzilla climbs on top of a building, sending it crashing. This isn’t anything new, but then we see something we don’t see too often: a family attempting to escape as their apartment comes down on them.
Of course, Godzilla evolves, and he becomes the largest Godzilla so far in history, even more so than the American Godzilla from Legendary. It wouldn’t be a surprise to state that the majority of the film focuses on the human characters, but in most Godzilla films, the humans are a blend of politicians, army soldiers, continued on pg. 8
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Organ Donation
By Kaliann Brill
to be put on hold.
When someone asks who should consider becoming an organ donor, the answer is quite simple. Everyone! The “gift of life,” as it's been fondly referred to, is something that cannot be topped. Even donating one kidney is enough to save a person’s life. With that single kidney, you are giving a person the freedom to live a healthy and full life. There is no greater gift than the ability to move past a disease and be more than just a diagnosis.
At the age of 18, my kidneys started failing. I was a senior in high school with goals and ambitions just like the rest of my classmates. I had dreams of going far away to college and traveling the world. I worked hard in school and did everything I could to make these dreams come true. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I worked at school or how much money I saved up to travel, those dreams would need
I spent three years on the transplant list. I did two forms of dialysis to get my blood cleaned and spent 12 hours a week at the dialysis clinic. Most days, I felt sick and lethargic. Just getting out of bed and getting dressed became a daily struggle. Even my mental health was affected at this point. Almost exactly three years after getting the diagnosis, I received a call saying they had a kidney that matched. On Tuesday, November 22nd I received a kidney transplant and another chance at life.
I don’t know who gave me the organ. I don’t know his name, his age, or his story. This complete stranger had passed away, and in turn gave me a chance for a real, healthy life. I’m forever grateful to the man who decided to register as a donor. Without him, there’s no telling how long I could’ve waited on the transplant list. I’ve sent a letter that will be given to his family, thanking him and them for the gift he gave me.
Sadly, not all patients are as lucky as I was. Some wait years and years on the transplant list. I only had to wait three. Some don’t ever make it off the list. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in America. 47,000 Americans passed away from kidney failure in 2013 alone according to Kidney.org. So, what can you do to decrease this number? There are a few things.
First and foremost, consider becoming an organ donor. You don’t have to rush off to the hos-
organ donor can save 8 lives.
continued on pg. 1 1
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Campus Spin: Activities
Coming Out
By: David Birks	continued from pg. 4
cause I didn’t want others to see the real me. For me my entire life has gotten better since I came out. I’m sleeping better, I’m eating better, I’m more confident, and I got this gig at the Crier.
For me this article was important to write, in order to show others it is okay to be different. It is one of the scariest things to get out of your comfort zone and tell others that you are different. It can be isolating and make you feel small and vulnerable, but it also can be freeing and happy at the same time. Things for me never went back to normal after coming out, but normal was never a part of life I wanted to hold on to because, in the grand scheme of things, no one is normal; we all have our flaws, baggage, and mannerisms that make us, us. And that is perfectly okay.
Worst Holiday Gifts 2016
By David Birks	continued from pg. 1
styles, or both if you want to be a real master in the art of tomfoolery. Don’t forget about the always deliciously awful holiday gift: matching holiday sweaters. For instance, if I were to get a holiday sweater, you can clock me taking it to the nearest Waste Management. Also try to avoid asking for a phone that spontaneously combusts or duels as a lighter such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
And last but not least the worst monstrosity of a gift is not spending it with loved ones. Whether you work the holidays or don’t have the holiday spirit, make sure you spend time with those who mean the most to you. And may a
new iPhone 7 be ever in your favor fam.
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Review
Movie Review: Shin Godzilla
By Zach Swasta	continued from pg. 5
and civilians telling their own story. Here, it is all politicians. This is most definitely a politically charged film, and it’s sad to say that because of this, it’s hard to relate to, especially since there are so many characters that it’s hard to keep track of.
The best scenes are, of course, Godzilla’s destruction scenes. He showcases new abilities such as the ability to blast a boutique of atomic beams from his back spikes, and a change of his trademark atomic breath into a thin purple ray of mass destruction that he can also fire from his tail, which happens to be the skull of a whale. Unlike the 2014 film, which teases Godzilla until a final battle at the end, this film has large bits of Godzilla, keeps most of the action in the middle, and then goes into a steep stop until it wraps up in the end. The mentioned middle scene is the highlight of the film, complete with a beautifully scored choir piece called “Those Who Will Know Tragedy.” The majority of the film has either no music, or music from other classic Godzilla films, but there are moments with extremely dramatic scores, and this is one of them. Godzilla utilizes his breath for the first time, causing tremendous damage. It is, as it sounds, a song describing a tragedy. At first I found this song to be oddly placed. I would have expected a song with the tone of “terror” instead of “sadness,” but then I made a realization: this is in the perspective of Godzilla. With lyrics such as “I wear a void, not even hope, a downward slope is all I see,” and “As long as breath comes from my mouth, I may stand the slightest chance, a shaft of light is all I need to cease the darkness killing me,” it shows something the film will not tell you directly: the monster is suffering.
The film has concentrated so much on the humans trying to figure out who Godzilla is and how to stop him, it causes us to neglect the thought of how HE might be feeling. The song reminds us that he is a product made from mankind’s arrogance, and he was thrust into a suffering existence in which mankind tries to destroy him, and now his destruction of Japan is him reflecting pain back onto the humans of earth. It brings about the question, “Who is the bigger monster, the monster, or the men who created him?”
Sadly however, after this scene, the movie drags a lot downhill. After Godzilla annihilates Tokyo, he goes into this blank state, and for the next hour you’ll be reading constant Japanese dialogue with almost nothing going on. It’s a Japanese movie with English subtitles, and I remember in the theater, there were several kids there. How any of them could have sat through the Japanese politics I will never know. Not that these parts aren’t important or even interesting, but I feel as though they could have been cut down a little. The acting is great, and I was surprised to see how much English there is in this film. It’s the most bilingual Japanese film I’ve ever seen.
Not to spoil much, but Godzilla does not die in the end, and it paves the way for more films in the future. Perhaps he will regenerate into a more recognizable Godzilla. Who knows?
But he will co-exist with the Legendary Godzilla, as both franchises shall run simultaneously, one American and one Japanese. I never once thought I would have ever been given the chance to see an authentic Godzilla film in theaters, in Japanese nonetheless. Although this is not a film my eight year old self could sit through, it was definitely the most iconic Godzilla film, if not one of the most iconic films in general, I have ever seen. It may be boring at times, but it only shows the reality of what would happen if a monster attack really did happen in real life. It’s safe to say that now that Godzilla has been brought back to life on both sides of the world, he will continue to live on with his immortal character for generations to come.
FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
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Green Gifts
By Dr. Donna Powers
continued from pg. 9
honey and/or maple syrup and reuse glass jars that would be destined for the recycling.
2. Making personal products like lotion, bath salt, sugar scrubs, and lip balm are super easy. Find a recipe with high ratings. Some products use specialty items, so beware, you might spend more than you want. For $20 you can make enough lip balm for all your family and friends. Recipes with simple ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, vitamin E, and vanilla make your recipe simple, natural, and pleasing to the senses.
Other diy gifts: candles, jewelry made from reused materials, greeting cards from old calendars.
What about giving the gift of your time? Gifting a few hours to a family member or friend can help them on that project they've been procrastinating. I bet your parents would love for you to clean out your room and purge your middle school posters, and your aunt might like help planting those fruit trees she's been talking about.
What about a personalized coupon book for that special somebody? A coupon for a homemade pasta meal prepared by you, a romantic picnic at your favorite hiking spot, or full out body massage. You might be surprised that that special somebody really doesn't want a sweater from you : )
Ever think about recycling a gift you've received and never used? Regifting has gotten a bad rap, but why not give that gift a second life with someone who will appreciate it?
What if your family discarded the personal gift giving to everyone in the family and instead made a donation (whatever they could afford) to a charitable organization? Then, on the holiday you could simply enjoy one another.
Lastly, think about packaging. Use newspaper to wrap gifts, forgo the bows, tags, and ribbon, and write directly on the package. If you need materials, consider a second hand store or the Salvo.
OK, you still don't have a green gift idea that you like?
If you want to buy a new personal gift, buy from a local store and directly from the individuals making or growing the materials or think about a product that helps your family member or friend be more green, perhaps a house plant, a refillable mug, or a few LED lightbulbs. OK, maybe not lightbulbs.
Attend Inspired at CCC this Wednesday 1217,3:30 in the
Hanley Room, Library for more ideas!
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
Channeling History: Loving v. Virginia
By the History Club
Just after 2 a.m. on the night of July 1 1th 1958 Caroline County Virginia Sherriff Garnett R. Brooks and his two deputies burst into the bedroom of Richard and Mildred Loving. From behind the harsh beam of his flashlight Sheriff Barnett barked, “What are you doing in bed with this woman?” Mildred steadfastly replied, “I’m his wife,” pointing to a framed marriage certificate on the wall. “That’s no good here,” came the Sheriff’s reply.
Mildred and her husband were arrested and taken to the county jail in Bowling Green. Their crime, Richard was white and Mildred was black.
In state ofVirginia, as in many southern states during segregation, interracial relations or miscegenation was illegal and carried harsh penalties. Simply by being a married cohabi-tating couple the Lovings were in violation of the state’s dubiously titled “Racial Integrity Act.” When the case went to trial, county Circuit Judge Leon Bazile sentenced the Lovings to one year in prison telling them, “Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, Malay and red, and He placed them on separate continents, and but for the interference with His arrangement there would be no cause for such marriages." Before their sentence was carried out, Judge Bazile decided to offer Richard and Mildred a deal; instead of going to prison, they could simply leave Virginia and promise not to return for 25 years. The Lovings decided to take the judge’s offer and left their home to live in nearby Washington, DC.
After several years in exile in D.C., the Lovings decided to challenge the Virginia statute
that had held since 1924. Mildred wrote to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and asked for help. Kennedy referred the Lovings to the ACLU. Bernard Cohen, a young lawyer volunteering with the ACLU took the Lovings’ case. After several attempts to get their conviction overturned in Caroline County court, the case ultimately ended up being heard before the United States Supreme Court.
When the Loving case was heard before the Supreme Court, Attorney Bernard Cohen made a vivid and personal argument,: “The Lovings have the right to go to sleep at night knowing that if should they not wake in the morning, their children would have the right to inherit from them. They have the right to be secure in knowing that, if
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
PAGE 11
Channeling History: Loving v. Virginia cont.
By the History Club
they go to sleep and do not wake in the morning, that one of them, a survivor of them, has the right to Social Security benefits. All of these are denied to them, and they will not be denied to them if the whole anti-miscegenistic scheme of Virginia... [is] found unconstitutional." The High Court ruled unanimously that laws barring racial intermarriage in Virginia
and 15 other states were unconstitutional.
After the case was decided, the Lovings with their three children, who were considered illegitimate under the old law, quietly returned to Virginia, eventually returning to Caroline County. Not wanting to be a spectacle, they largely stayed out of the public eye. Richard was killed in an automobile accident in 1975. Mildred never remarried and led a quiet life
until her death in 2008.
The Loving case was an important part of the long struggle for Civil Rights. Civil Libertarians applauded the decision for removing one of the last vestiges of slavery. But Mildred and Richard simply saw it as the right thing to do. They didn’t even attend the Supreme Court proceedings for the case due to their desire not to receive publicity. Mildred later said of the case, “It was thrown in my lap, What choice did I have?” The Lovings simply wanted enjoy the rights granted to them by the law and to live together as man and wife.
Organ Donation
By Kaliann Brill	continued from pg. 6
pital and have them take it from you right now, but by going to the DMV or logging onto the website www.Lifegoeson.com, you can sign up to donate your organs if they are viable when you pass away. It’s as simple as that! There’s no testing and no hospital stays. You don’t even need to see your doctor to become a registered donor. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. That’s eight people just like you and I who get another shot at life, not to mention every life you will touch because of your donation.
If donating your organs is something that you don’t feel comfortable with, there are also other ways to help. You can make a monetary donation to one of the charities and societies that promote organ donation. You can also spread awareness by posting on social media or encouraging others to consider donating. Finally, you can become a volunteer and plan events around your community to raise awareness and donations for transplant patients. All of these options will make a huge difference to someone. It can be scary to think about what will happen to your body after death, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play a part in someone’s recovery.
This holiday season, consider signing up to be an organ donor. There is no greater feeling than saving the lives of people in need. Even the smallest donation can be the difference of life and death to someone who needs it most.
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FALL 2016, ISSUE #5
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