In today’s age of Google and e-books, it can be easy to assume libraries are becoming obsolete. The Dwight Marvin Library, which has been part of the campus since the early 1970s, has not been immune to this trend.

With the Information Age upon us, the days of the silent book sanctuaries of old are over, and libraries have been forced to move on or go the way of places like Barnes and Noble and its counterparts.

While HVCC’s library is unlikely to simply cease to exist, questions of its relevancy are still be raised despite the programs it offered, like its Writing Centers.

“More people go to the computers more often,” said Jabir Hussein, freshman Individual Studies.

Sue Grayson, one of the library’s reference desk staff, noted that fewer students have

Marvin Library Adapts to Changing Times

Volume 60, Issue 5

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Inside: PANEL OF SPEAKERS DISCUSS FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR YOUNG LATINOS P. 2 VINNY THE VIKING P. 4

THE UPRISE OF CLIMATE AWARENESS IN WESTERN CIVILIZATION P. 4 FALL FUN P. 5

FREE

October 4, 2011

Nearly one hundred students, most of them Animal Advocacy majors, came Thursday to the BTC’s auditorium to watch a presentation by professor Rebecca Huss, guardian and special master to the “Michael Vick dogs”.

Huss, a law professor at Valparaiso University, is renowned for her involvement in the 2007 controversial dog fighting case, where Michael Vick, at the time a quarterback playing for the Atlanta Falcons, was found to be part of an interstate dog fighting ring that had been running for the past five years.

Through Huss’ involvement with the prosecution, 47 of the 51 involved dogs were able to go to rescues, foster care or permanent homes, and the court was convinced to have Vick pay for their care and individual evaluation.

Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, and previous policy was to immediately euthanize all dogs - almost exclusively pitbulls - taken from fighting rings. However, following her efforts with the so-called “Lost Dogs,” the American Bar Association mandated that all seized animals be evaluated as individuals rather than simply being put down. The case also made animal fighting much more visible in the public eye.

“The American public became more aware of dog fighting and the plight of pit bulls

because we had a celebrity,” said event organizer Valerie Lang-Walden, a full-time librarian and Animal Law professor for the college. “It’s a huge epidemic problem in this country. It’s in Troy, it’s in Schenectady, it’s in Albany, it’s not just in New York City... it’s going on and people just don’t know it, because they do it so carefully and cleverly. These animal fighters are

hardcore criminals.”Professor Lang, whose

Animal Law course has had increased in popularity, now offers an Animal Advocacy certificate program, and is teaching a semester-long course on animal fighting.

“[Huss] could say how she advocated for the dogs,” said Lang. “She could present it in a way that wasn’t overly legal, and what happened to the dogs and how this changed animal fighting cases for the dogs, to see that these dogs are really crime victims... She was so recommended to me that I just felt she could very easily talk about the process that was a mystery to everybody, [that] nobody really understood. Nobody understands the process... they were just

figuring it out as they went along.”

HVCC also worked with the former host of “The Price is Right,” Bob Barker as well as other contributors who wanted Huss to give this presentation, desiring for the word to get out.

The presentation itself was nearly two hours long, and was preceded by a short video called “The Pitbull Problem,” which started with a graphic retelling of a dog fight witnessed by a fifth grader and showed the effects of fights on the dogs, as well as the discrimination pit bulls have faced because of abusive owners and animal fighting.

Professor Huss was greeted with applause when she took the stage, as were surviving Vick dog Jupa and her owner, Cathleen Pierce. Though she avoided the particulars of the actual criminal case against Michael Vick, Huss spoke about the dogs and her involvement in their care and rescue, from being contacted by the assistant U.S. attorney’s office in Virginia for recommendations about the fate of the Vick dogs and being appointed their guardian in October of 2007, and her cross-country adventures in seeing to their care in shelters all over the United States, to the very aftermath of the case and its effects on enforcement of animal fighting and abuse laws today. The Humane Society of the United States effected a policy change the year after the case, in April of 2008, and in July of

KYLE GARRETTSTAFF WRITER

“[Dog fighting is] a huge epidemic problem in this country. It’s in Troy, it’s in Schenectady, it’s in Albany, it’s not just in

New York City.”- Valerie Lang-Walden

Law Professor Helps Michael Vick Dog Fighting Victims

KYLE GARRETTSTAFF WRITER

been coming to the desk for assistance lately.

“I think students nowadays think that they can find everything on their own, so a lot of times they don’t come visit us at the reference desk, but we have the knowledge, we have the expertise, and we have graduate’s degrees, so we know where they should be going to look for help and not just go onto Google or the Internet,” said Grayson, who has worked at the library for 24 years.

According to Michael Connell, a computer learning specialist at the library’s learning centers, only a comparatively small number of students regularly take advantage of their services, such as the free tutoring, workshops and academic assistance offered by the Learning Assistance Center. “There’s a strong population that does, that you’ll consistently see here using our facilities, but I would say... it’s probably only

about twenty or thirty percent of the student body that actually actively participates and uses this.”

“I think [the Marvin Library] pretty relevant. They have the labs there, for research, papers and all that stuff, they have tons of information,” said Nicholas Lehman, a graduate of the certificate program. “The staff there’s very nice, helps [students] with anything that they need... I think it’s still good to have... It’s always there when you need it,”

Foremost of those who felt the library was still relevant to students was the Library Director, Brenda Hazard. Hazard has worked in college libraries for almost 25 years, having worked at the Marvin Library for four years now after coming from SUNY Albany, and she feels the library hasn’t suffered at all in usefulness or attendance.

“Even though people might

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The annual Electronics Recycling Event, co-sponsored by the Campus Sustainability Committee, will take place on Friday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Parking Lot A in front of BTC on Route 4. This event is an opportunity for people to dispose of electronic devices in an environmentally friendly way.

“People can bring all their

personal electronics,” says Patricia Watt, HVCC’s Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Watt is also the Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee.

All sorts of electronic equipment will be accepted free of cost, including

Volunteers Needed to Help Recycle Electronics

FATIMA HUSSAINSTAFF WRITER

televisions, computers, phones, keyboards, typewriters, fax machines, printers, and toner/inkjet cartridges. Any other miscellaneous electronics will also be taken, with the exception of air conditioners, liquids, fluorescent bulbs, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers, since the recyclers are not equipped to handle hazardous waste.

“Just drive in, there will be people there to direct you, you will pull up to the truck, and volunteers will grab your electronics,” says Patricia Watt. “It’s almost like a drive thru. You don’t even have to get out of your car.”

There is still a need for more volunteers to help direct traffic, unload cars, and load electronics on to the trucks on the day of the event. Orange safety vests and gloves will be provided to volunteers. Since most volunteers so far have only signed up for the afternoon time,

Patricia Watt mentioned, “[We] still are looking for students for the morning.”

“Even if you can only help for an hour, that would be great,” says Maxine Ortiz, chair of the Events Subcommittee of the Sustainability Committee.

The event is cosponsored by Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery (RCR&R), a company that provides custom electronics recycling services countrywide.

According to Ms. Watt, a lot more electronics are expected at this year’s event than most years’ because of all the damaged equipment from recent floods. This fact will work to the benefit of the recyclers from RCR&R, who want to collect as many recyclables as possible on the day of the event. “They want to make sure they fill that truck,” says Patricia Watt.

She also stresses the

“Even if you can only help for an hour, that would be great.”

- Maxine Ortiz

Volunteers at last spring’s Electronics Recycling EventCourtesy of hvcc.edu

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Can the Marvin Library adapt to the changing times?Kyle Garrett

Three Hispanic leaders from the Capital District conducted a discussion about the educational and socioeconomic future of Latino youth in America in the BTC Auditorium on Sept. 28.

The speakers in the panel were Laudelina Martinez, former president of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Karen R. Ferrer-Muniz, Associate Dean at Hudson Valley, and Maria Neira, the first Vice President of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

During the discussion the three panelists discussed and tried to answer questions about the current educational and socioeconomic status of Latinos, what the future holds, and what steps can be taken to ensure progress.

“There has been an incredible growth of the Latino population in the last ten years, [but] we don’t seem to be doing that well,” said Martinez.

The panelists talked about and explained the high percentage of high school dropouts and low educational attainment among Latinos. “There is no simple answer and there is no simple solution,” said Ferrer-Muniz.

The three speakers also connected this lack of education with high unemployment rates. “There is a very big connection between education and economy,” said Neira.

The main obstacles to the progress of the Hispanic population were addressed during the discussion. Ferrer-Muniz

Page 2

News

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College. Any unauthorized use of the newspaper’s name and/or articles with-out permission

is strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecutedto the fullest extent of the law and of HudsonValley Community College’s penal system.

Additional information regarding printed materialcan be obtained by contacting The Hudsonianoffice on the second floor of the Siek Campus

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please attend our weekly meeting on Mondaysat 2 p.m. in the meeting room next to our office.Or, you can fill out an application during office

hours. The Hudsonian does not discriminateagainst race, gender, age or ethnicity. However,if you join The Hudsonian, please remember weare only students like you and not professionals.

October 4th, 2011

The Hudsonian Holds its Weekly Meetings Every Monday at 2pm in the

Conference Room next to our Newsroom.

Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend.

E-mail us at hudsonian@hvcc.edu for more information.

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The fastest way to check us out on the web.

Panel of Speakers Discuss Future Prospects for Young Latinos

FATIMA HUSSAINSTAFF WRITER

noted that language barriers, low income, and inadequate community support are major challenges.

Referring to the importance of the Latino population in America, Neira said, “The Latino community will be the majority by 2050. We are the economic base.”

The speakers also presented possible solutions to the problems posed by the soon-to-be majority’s current plight. “We have to make sure that everyone understands that there is urgency in the Latino community,” said Neira.

“A high percentage of Latino high schoolers do not go into AP courses, [and] are not encouraged to,” said Ferrer-Muniz. “They need to be encouraged to fill the gap. That gap right there is my biggest concern.”

The panelists offered advice specific to young Latinos to help them understand how to further their community’s progress.

“Vote, hold your policy-makers responsible, and never

ever see your first language as a deficit, [because] knowing a second language is a plus, not a deficit,” Neira said.

Ferrer-Muniz advised students to break the cycle of not going to college by becoming first generation college students. She suggested they tell themselves, “[It] doesn’t matter if my parents never made it to college. I’m going to make it.”

Maria Neira said in reference to Hispanic high school kids, “You have to have support, get the right courses to go on to college, don’t settle for low-level math, get tutoring.”

The three women also suggested ways that educational institutions can be more proactive about helping Latino students succeed. “We need to make sure that schools understand non-traditional students,” said Neira. “Additional support [is needed], but at no time do we need to lower the standards for Latino students.”

She also said that colleges need to have freshman study

Changing TimesCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

be thinking, ‘you know, we can get everything online, do we have to go to the library building?’, every year we see our attendance goes up and up and up. Even as enrollment goes up, our numbers go up at a much higher percentage, so students really like coming here to our building,” Hazard said.

As director, Hazard has embraced the need to change in order to stay relevant and not fall by the wayside. The Marvin Library has its own website, which offers research databases and academic journals that can’t be found on Google, and the site has about the same amount of visitors as the physical library. Resources have been reallocated towards a greater emphasis on things available to students online, with a $30,000 spending increase, and electronic books becoming more common.

There have been about 3,500 e-book uses, with 9,000 printed and 90,000 viewed. Half of the library’s collection

is in e-book form now, which can be read cover-to-cover on one’s computer, and the library is investing accordingly. Officials are planning for spaces with the idea that the number of print books the library will continue to shrink.

While libraries may appear to some people as becoming irrelevant, Hazard believes that the Marvin Library will remain relevant to students on campus.

Students don’t have a chance to connect much, socially, when you’re at a commuter campus, said Hazard. “[T]o me, the library can serve that purpose, and in my opinion, students who come here and they meet with study groups or they see their classmates and they’re working in proximity to each other, and they have that opportunity to get their work done and have social interactions, they’re going to be the happier, more successful students, because they’ve got a place where they can have their various needs met.”

Professor Helps Dog Fighting

Victims CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

skills workshops, and need to really analyze why students drop out. She went on to say, “Teachers need to be given the support to be mentors to their students.”

The panelists also said that HVCC has been pioneering many of these problem-solving measures. “All the support here, the library, the LAC, etc., is very high quality,” said Ferrer-Muniz.

The speakers encouraged Latino students to heighten their ambitions, and Ferrer-Muniz said, “Let’s not just stop at your four-year experience: what are you thinking for grad school?”

Near the end of the discussion, Martinez asked the audience members to share their thoughts and questions.

Maria Neira offered a parting thought that expressed the ideas behind most of the panelists’ discussion. “If you believe that you can do it, you will find a way around those walls and those barriers.”

The three speakers in the discussion panel. Left to right: MariaNeira, Laudelina Martinez, and Karen Ferrer-Muniz.

Fatima Hussain

Volunteers NeededCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

importance of this event for the general public, saying that most people do not know what to do with old, broken electronics except throw them away. Electronic equipment, however, can contain hazardous waste elements such as beryllium, cadmium, and lead. It needs to be properly recycled in an environmentally sound way.

“These electronics contain heavy metals. This is dangerous stuff, and if it ends up in a landfill, it will contaminate the groundwater,” says Ms. Watt.

Recycling electronics instead of throwing them away can solve this problem. RCR&R removes all the hazardous

substances from electronic equipment before recycling their parts and materials. For people who are unsure of how to safely dispose of their old TVs, computers, phones, and any other electronic device, the Electronics Recycling Event is a chance to hand them over to trained professionals.

This free event is part of the Environmental Sustainability Committee’s ongoing efforts to promote recycling on campus. For more information, email gogreen@hvcc.edu.

To volunteer to help at this event, contact Patricia Watt (p.watt@hvcc.edu) or Maxine Ortiz (m.ortiz@hvcc.edu).

The Heard BandHANNAH INFANTADOSTAFF WRITER

Nothing can beat a thank-God-it’s-Friday free concert! Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius & Heard Band came in to enliven the Maureen Stapleton Theatre on last Friday. This concert kicked in with a measure of jazz, classical and world music that puffed away the pressures and stresses of the week. Students, staff members and some off-campus fans were impressed as they experienced a very captivating performance.

“The performance freed an amazing cultural experience rarely found in the United States.” Sophomore George Latterman says. “I was walking by and was drawn in by the music.”

“It’s nice to see more music brought here to HVCC,” said freshman Abigail Herron.

“This is now our first time to hear them and they are an outstanding and exceptional group,” says couple Geo Keuhn and Maddalyn Costelloe who enjoyed listening. Their new favorite songs are Happy Song and Angel.

The band had been performing around the US and had recently been around colleges and universities in the capital region.

It’s also clear from watching this band that they all genuinely blend together and the

astonishing chemistry resonates back and forth between their music while they are on-stage.

“A lookout for kindred spirits” expressed Elizabeth on how they formed the group. “Most of us met at Skidmore College.” “This is how I envisioned how it would be.” says Elizabeth.

“Interest is the diverse element part of the music.” says drummer and percussion player Brian Melick. “Also, trust factor is the key where we trust each other in the group.”

“Rhythmical challenging music which engages Me.” says Bass player John Menegon.

The lineup includes Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius, composer-pianist; Jonathan Greene, woodwinds; John Menegon, bass; Brian Melick, drums/percussion; Zorkie Nelson, drums/percussion/vocal; John Ehlis, guitarist/mandolinist; Rebecca Kleinmann, flutes; and Jeffrey Parker, cello/bass. Every single one of these musicians is a master of their craft. The group released their third CD early this year.

When asked to advise students on how to come up with a unique mix of music, Elizabeth commented, “Be exposed to uplifting music. Find a mentor who you can really learn and connect; this may even change your life.”

Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius and the Heard Band perform at the Maureen Stapleton Theatre.

Hannah Infantado2009 there was a multi-state bust in connection to dog fighting.

“[Animal Law] is just growing bigger and bigger,” she said. Students were also pointed to conferences on Animal Law in schools like Harvard, Yale, and Lewis and Clark in Oregon. As the presentation and questioning period drew to a close, professor Lang quoted from Jim Gorant’s “The Lost Dogs”, a book written about the Michael Vick dogs’ rescue and recovery.

Huss ended the presentation saying, “I would like to thank the dogs. Not just the Vick pack, but all of them, simply for being dogs. Which is to say, tolerant and (persevering), willing to connect with a world that does not always return their affection, and for proving time and time again that life, while messy, difficult and imperfect, has the capacity to exceed our expectations, and to feed our undying hope.”

FeaturesOctober 4th, 2011

Page 3

Did You Know...The Hudsonian offers free advertising to campus clubs. Find out more by e-mailing the Advertising

Dept at

hudsonianadvertising@yahoo.com

What’s Going On in the Capital Region?Every Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. is Tanqueray Tuesdays and every Thursday Night is Hip Hop Open Mic at Bogies, 297 Ontario Street, Albany, NY.

October 6 RC Smith & Aaron Ward | The Comedy Works 7:30PM at 445 Main Street in Doug’s on Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201 Tickets $8 in advance, $10 day of show

October 7 R.C. Smith & Chris Coccia | The Comedy Works 9:00PM at 200 Wolf Rd in the Best Western, Albany, NY 12205 Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of show

October 8 R.C. Smith & Chris Coccia | The Comedy Works 7:30PM at 12 Ballston Ave in the Starting Gate Restaurant, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 9:00PM at 200 Wolf Rd in the Best Western, Albany, NY 12205 Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of show

October 9 MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK | Northern Lights With Special Guests: Aficionado & Cosmonauts 7:00 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $12.50 in advance, $15 day of show

October 12 HANSON | Northern Lights With Special Guests: Charlie Mars 8:00 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $25 in advance, $28 day of show

October 16 Rock Yourself To Sleep Tour | Northern Lights Featuring: ALESANA With Special Guests: A Skylit Drive, Sleeping With Sirens, Attila, Memphis May Fire, Serianna 6:00 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $13 in advance, $15 day of show

October 18 AP Tour | Northern Lights Featuring: FOUR YEAR STRONG With Special Guests: Gallows, Title Fight, The Swellers, Sharks 6:30 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $15 in advance, $17 day of show

October 19 THE SMOKERS CLUB TOUR 2011 | Northern Lights Featuring: METHOD MAN, CURRENC$Y, BIG K.R.I.T With Special Guests: Smoke Dza, Fiend, The Pricks, Corner Boy P Hosted By Shiest Bubz & Cuzzin Todd 8:00 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $25

October 21 J. Cole | Washington Avenue Armory 7:00 PM at 195 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210 Audience | RPI Players 8 PM at RPI Union, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180

October 22 Return of the World Maggot Tour | Northern Lights Featuring: GWAR With Special Guests: Every Time I Die, Ghoul 7:00 PM at 1208 Rte 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Tickets $18 in advanced, $20 day of show Audience | RPI Players 8 PM at RPI Union, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180

November 13 CAPITAL PRIDE PARTY | Washington Avenue Armory 2:00 PM at 195 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210 * WIN TRIP TO LAS VEGAS! * Live entertainment, food, refreshments, contests, prizes, drawings. “Come out & help us give a huge thank you to our “civil rights champion” NYS Governor Cuomo for same-sex marriage.” $15 advance online / $20 door / $40 VIP PHONE: 518-522 3710 Website: http://www.rainbowpride.weebly.com

Can you identify the problem in the following sentence? “The boy and girl ran down the street and into the building.”

No, it’s not a sentence fragment or a run-on sentence. The sentence has no spelling errors or punctuation mistakes either. Technically, in fact, the sentence is fine because it has a subject (“boy and girl”) and a predicate (“ran”) followed by two prepositional phrases (“down the street and into the building”). The problem with this sentence is that it has no life. This sentence has no passion or emotion or feeling. The sentence is lifeless because it has no adjectives and no strong verb. Your writing may also be lifeless unless you concentrate on your adjectives and verbs.

Adjectives. Adjectives are used to describe nouns and pronouns. This particular sentence has four nouns: boy, girl, street, and building. Yet, the reader knows nothing about the nouns.

How old, for example, are the boy and the girl? What do they look like? What are they wearing? Why are they running? Where are they going?

As a writer, you can use adjectives to answer some of these questions. Consider this revision: “The smiling, freckled-faced boy and the laughing, pony-tailed girl ran down the cobble-stoned street and into the refurbished building.” This revision is a little better than

the original because the reader can visualize two young children playing in an old neighborhood that is apparently being restored.

Another revision might present a different picture altogether: “The scarred and tattooed boy and the crying and disheveled girl ran down the dark street and into the abandoned building.” While the first revision portrays young children having fun, the second revision presents older individuals who may be in some kind of trouble. With just a few adjectives, the lifeless sentence could actually become the first line of an intriguing short story.

In addition to using adjectives, you can also use specific nouns rather than general nouns to give life to a sentence. For instance, you could use real people and real places in the sentence rather than the general nouns “boy, girl, street, and building.” You might write the following: “George Clooney and Julia Roberts ran down Broadway and into the David Letterman Theater.”

Verbs. Verbs are action words or words that help to make a statement. Not all verbs are equal, however; some are more powerful than others. The verb “run,” for instance, in the original sentence is an adequate verb, but it’s not very descriptive.

If a whole class of students were to line up on the football field, for example, and begin to run from one end zone to the other, a variety of running styles would be obvious. Some runners

would “sprint,” some would “jog,” some would “lope,” some would “gallop,” and some would “fly.”

Note, too, how certain verbs can set up metaphors (direct comparisons). When you write “runners gallop,” you’re comparing those runners to horses, and when you use the verb “fly,” you’re comparing those runners to birds or airplanes. These verbs are much more evocative and much more interesting than the generic verb “run.”

Going back to the original sentence, you might say the young boy and girl “skipped down the street” to create an air of playfulness. By contrast, you might say the older boy and girl “escaped down the street” to create a more sinister air.

As a writer, you want to draw readers into your stories and essays; you don’t want to put them to sleep. So the next time you sit down to compose, make sure you use strong adjectives and vibrant verbs to give life to your writing.

The Writing Center is located on the upper level of the Marvin Library, and you can go there for help at any stage of the writing process.

Copyright 2011 by Jim LaBate at Hudson Valley Community College.

Writer’s BlocJIM LABATEWRITING CENTER SPECIALIST

Introduction to Improvisational TheatreA new and exciting course is now available for those interested in the craft of improvisation, the

art of thinking on one’s feet. Introduction to Improvisational Theatre (THEA 170) introduces students to the fundamentals of improvisation through various games and exercises that have been designed to eliminate the anxiety and mental blocks associated with thinking, responding, and performing without any prior preparation.

In THEA 170, students will work in groups to develop the communicative and cooperative skills needed to confidently participate in the various styles and forms of improvisation. Also, the course will afford students the opportunity to develop the listening and observation skills that are necessary for effective interpersonal communication in work, school, and social situations. Finally, for non-theatre majors, THEA 170 is a fun way to fulfill a General Education Arts requirement.

THEA 170-600 (CRN 16245) is available this semester as a sprint course and will run from October 26th through December 16th , Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., in the Maureen Stapleton Theatre.

For more information, please contact Joshua Sperber at j.sperber@hvcc.edu

(The following is an campus advertisement and is not associated with the Hudsonian)

CORRECTIONSIn the “Amy Tan, Award

Winning Author to Visit HVCC” article published Sept. 27, the Hudsonian would like to clarify that it is the Cultural Affairs Dept. sponsoring the Amy Tan visit.

The English dept. worked with Maria Zemantauski, Director of Cultural Affairs, to bring Ms. Tan to the campus.

The English department, through the English, Modern

Languages, and English as a Second Language (EML) Fund, is sponsoring the reception and the quotation contest.

In the “It’s Your Student Activities Fee” article published Sept. 27, the Hudsonian would like to clarify that the Regal Movie tickets allocated in the Student Activites budget was adjusted to $57,750, the $86,000

reported. There were also several

typographical errors in the article. We would like to apologize as this does not reflect the quality of the newspaper.

If there are any inaccuracies or grammatical errors in this paper, feel free to e-mail us at hudsonian@hvcc.edu. We will include the corrections in the next issue of the Hudsonian.

Page 4

CommentaryOctober 4th, 2011

Look Out for More Adventures with Vinny the Viking, Exclusively on The Hudsonian!

THE UPRISE OF CLIMATE AWARENESS INWestern Civilization

Climate change is the result of our modern age, and one thing is clear. It’s not controversial. There is an overabundance of articles, books, and movies informing us exactly what is going on.

Nonetheless, this is a touchy subject for a lot of people to reflect upon because of the fundamental problems it poses. There is too much carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, and it’s produced by the industrialized processes we have come to

depend on: Energy production, Consumer Manufacturing, and Transportation.

On a global scale, America matches China in total carbon dioxide output, meaning our smaller population is now out-polluting an exponentially larger country.

The problem is daunting but solvable. America must take the lead in reducing its carbon footprint. According to Dr James Hansen of NASA,” If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization first developed…

ongoing climate change suggests that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current level of 385 ppm to, at most, 350 ppm.” This is a daunting proposition.

350.org is a non-profit organization formed by environmental writer Bill Mckibben. Its mission is to “build a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis.”

Through outreach, public events, and education, 350.org is trying to make as big of a political impact as possible. Their website’s FAQ says it all: “Will this thing work? Only if

we’re loud enough.” So what “thing” are we

referring to? It is the cultural movement that is being built around environmentalism. It is the social force that will convince congress to act in favor of sustainable practices. Success is hinging on just how much awareness organizations like 350 can spread. The government and media need to see how many people are mobilizing to demand a new age of sustainable energy policy.

One of the main events they planned was the “Moving

Planet Rally,” which happened September 24th. Protests were held in major cities in almost every country to support the “worldwide day to move beyond fossil fuel.” The rally came to the capital region as well, and was coordinated by both 350.org and the Capital District Against Fracking.

Speakers Daniel Micha and Siobhan Burk spoke passionately about current environmental issues of tar sands and hydro-fracking, and the action we citizens can take. Congressman Chris Gibson made an appearance and stunned the audience with a rare environmental rap, in which he summed up the need for regulations and scientific study on a more local scale. Leah Golby of the Albany Common Council of Transit Advocates,

talked about the current battle over federal bus aid and how it will affect everyday operations. Then, Mark Schaeffer of 350.org finished up by stressing the importance of demonstrating against climate change.

While the rally didn’t gather record numbers, it was still an important step in the global movement. Both 350.org and Capital District Against Fracking did an incredible job providing the right protest setting with a diverse panel of both entertainment and information. If anybody is further interested in the climate change issue or more local environmental issues, they should head over to 350.org and “like” the Facebook page for Capital District Against Fracking.

NATE McCLENNENSTAFF WRITER

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After three new albums (“We Are Young Money”, “Rebirth”, and “I Am Not A Human Being”), three mixtapes (“The Dedication 3”, “No Ceilings”, and “Sorry 4 The Wait”), numerous album push backs, and an eight month sentence at Rikers Island, the much anticipated Lil Wayne album, “Tha Carter IV,” has been released.

Only expected to sell roughly 500,000 in the first week, “Tha Carter IV” sold over 964,000 making it the top selling album in the country when it debuted, replacing Kanye West and Jay-Z’s collaboration album “Watch the Throne”.

“Tha Carter IV” starts off with an intro with a wild beat that sets the stage for the album. After this, you will realize this is going to be one of the best albums you’ve ever heard. The next track, “Blunt Blowin,” is a personal favorite with the song’s beat, energy, and lyrics being so powerful. There’s no way anyone can listen to this and not get pumped up.

After this comes “Megaman”. In this song, Tunechi goes off with this insane beat that he spits his clever rhymes to.

The already famous single “6 ft. 7” comes up next where Wayne and Cory Gunz straight up kill it. Wayne goes in with all these intricate lines and Cory ends it with a verse that he spits close to Busta Rhymes’ speed.

At this point, Weezy slows it down with his song “Nightmares Of The Bottom” that was first released when Wayne did his Unplugged performance for MTV. This song is unlike many songs he’s done because the lyrics go so deep and the beat makes the song so much better,

October 4th, 2011Commentary

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intensifying the ominous feeling of it.

Drake joins Lil Tunechi on the next track, “She Will”. The beat has a dark sound to it and the combination of Weezy’s lyricism and Drake’s remarkable vocal ability make this song pretty decent.

Next up is “How to Hate,” which honestly could have been done better. Although it tends to grow on you, Weezy and T-Pain could have made it a chart topper. Just look at how successful “Got Money” was.

The cool thing about this next track, “Interlude”, is that it’s actually part of the “Intro” and “Outro”. When all three parts come together, it’s a track containing Lil Wayne, Tech N9ne, Bun B, Shane, and Busta Rhymes, making it one of the most legend loaded songs rap has ever heard.

After this comes another released single, “John”, which

features hip-hop heavy weight Rick Ross. With two of rap’s greatest on this song, there’s no way it could be terrible and it wasn’t by any means. This is definitely going to be a classic.

Next comes “Abortion”. The only way it can be described is amazing. This is a great song to listen to while driving. The way the classic Weezy lyricism and unique beat flow make this incredible track.

“So Special” comes up next featuring John Legend. This is another one of those songs that’s pretty good, but not a song to listen to everyday. Possibly the best actual love song Wayne has out is “How to Love”. I just can’t get enough of it. Honestly, if there’s ever the chance to play a song for that one special woman this would be the best choice. Many people say he should stick with just rap instead of doing some metal and R&B, but he did a good job with this one.

“President Carter” is the most fitting title for a song that Weezy executes well. Besides “Mr. Carter”, I’m not sure any songs can top that. “President Carter” starts off with President Jimmy Carter during his inaugural speech and from there Lil Wayne goes in and shows he is in fact the actual President Carter. In the end of this song, Weezy speaks some real words, saying, “They shoot missiles and nukes/taking out such a pivotal group/the body count is the physical proof/and they thought drugs were killing the youth”. Those lines really speak.

Possibly the most controversial track of “Tha Carter IV” is “Its Good” featuring Jadakiss and Drake. Jada opens this song up with a hard verse and then hands it off to Drake who tears the beat up and gives an ode to his mentor, Weezy. After a sort of introduction by Drake, Weezy steps in and shows why he is called the best rapper alive. The reason why it’s so controversial is because after Jay-Z dissed Wayne on “H.A.M.”, Weezy had to retaliate and that he did. He returns fire and absolutely tears Jay up. Although it’s not confirmed that all the comments by Wayne and Drake are necessarily directed at Jay, it’s heavily implied. The last time rap has seen a feud featuring legends like this was with Tupac and Biggie, so maybe seeing some competition that produces some amazing music isn’t so bad, as long as it doesn’t escalate to that violent level.

Ending this album is the “Outro”, which as stated earlier features Bun B, Shane, and Busta Rhymes and wraps up the one of the best albums that has been released in quite some time.

Cover of Lil Wayne’s new album, The Carter IVCourtesy of whoneedsagenre.wordpress.com

Fall FunN G M Y U N X P O R K J Q O Q F T G L J V M S Y H F O L U R N D I H D C H H W T W F E R Y X T O X M C O V W M V B M Y B W X O U G G C M J M W C W Z S Y P M K L O H E T D O P X N A Q W L T Z M E M O O M W N R M D N D S Z B G Y R Z V K D I S F N D S V M E G A I L O F A A L H Z G S Y A F C N N E P B Q N O L A C E W F D I Z N U A Z D W S J X L Q G P V Q D K I N P D Y R P K O X R K H X X F P N K A G P R V H E J P L C L P W N E U K Y M O Q A Z D A C Z E L L N J T S M T K V O H V U Q Y R R W X A E W Z F P L U A C S T X N P B H O Y F H A C B K T B Y T E L F D A P V J W K V P V W I K L F O D U S E V R Y I K F Y V P E N Z D Z B W H O A N S K M V O U S H A S J T J E J O K T P G R M F J V S O I Y M K O R H R T Q V O U I R R S X G L I T Y Z F Y A T Z J Q R B T Z N G J T L Z V V C O X I M U A S Q W O F

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9/24 – The Hudson Valley Men’s Cross Country team finished 14th, and Women’s finished 15th at the Williams College Invitational. Eric Young finished 96th (28:58) in the Men’s 8k race, while teammates Stephen Huneau and Chad Coumbes finished 65th and 66th in the 5k race. The Alleghany native Hilary Crannag led the women, finishing in 132nd place (20:35).

9/26 – The Hudson Valley Women’s Basketball Team named Kathleen Smith the new Head Coach.

9/27 – The Vikings Men’s Soccer Team (2-4-2) crushes Clinton Community College (0-9) 5-1. Ryan Hanehan continues his stellar play with 2 goals in the matchup, making it 8 on the season, while also adding 1 assist. Sean Maruscak also

This Week’s Breakdown Score and Stats:

contributed 1 goal and 1 assist, while Emmanuel Oduor added 2 second half goals of his own, securing the victory.

9/27 – The Vikings Women’s Tennis Team (1-4) falls to SUNY Delhi (1-1) 6 – 3. Holly Fletcher defeated her opponent in straight sets (6-2, 6-1) for her second straight singles win. Nicole Cassidy battled to win the third singles match (2-6, 6-3, 6-3) and earned her first win of the year. Cassidy paired up with teammate Chelsea Antanasio to win the second doubles match (8-2).

9/27 – The Women’s Soccer Team (1-7-1) loses to Manchester Community College (5-4) 1-0. Goalie Jacqueline Howe recorded 4 saves in the matchup; the lady Vikings have lost 5 of their 7 games by only one point margins.

9/29 – The Women’s

Volleyball Team (0-10) fall to Adirondack Community College (6-6) 25-19, 25-16, 25-10. Hailey Framen led the Vikings with five kills, while Baleigh Morrow added two aces and 13 digs.

9/29 – Men’s Soccer game postponed against Fulton Montgomery.

9/29 – Women’s Soccer game against Fulton Montgomery rescheduled to October 11th.

9/30 – Women’s tennis match that was postponed against Adirondack will resume play on Wed., Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. Another match is scheduled to follow immediately.

10/1 – Hudson Valley Football Team (0-4) falls short to Erie Community College 27-14

10/1 – Hudson Valley volleyball (1-10) picks up their first win of the season over Cayuga

Sophomore Chelsea Atanasio and spectators.Frank Appio

#3 Joseph Lombardo passing a defender.Frank Appio

#48 Brandon Leichman Goalie kick.Frank Appio