Modern Warfare: Modern Violence

by William Hazlitt

One of the most anticipated video games of 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has already become an instant classic. Up for many awards such as Best First Person Shooter, and Game of the Year. But controversy follows Modern Warfare 2 for a particular level which has been called the most violent level in video game history.

When first starting campaign mode a notice comes up saying one of the missions in the game might be disturbing or offensive and gives the player the option to skip this level. They do not go into detail about the “offensive level” but they want the player to make a decision whether they will be offended or not. There is no reference made to an opportunity to mow down hundreds of innocent virtual citizens during a simulated terrorist assault on a Russian airport. “People have really strong reactions to the airport scene and it’s been fascinating because we all wanted to make it something that would be upsetting, disturbing, but also something people relate to,” said writer Jesse Stern to Gamepro.com. Even Stern used the word “disturbing,” as the game did. Given the evidence, it seems Infinity Ward wanted more people to experience the vague “No Russian” than not.

The level “No Russian” is a brief stage early on in the game in which players take the roll of an undercover CIA agent, Pvt. Joseph Allen, who has infiltrated the Ultra-Nationalist Russian terrorist organization. The terrorist group you are with enter a Moscow Airport and massacre hundreds of helpless civilians at a slow cruel pace. Then once that half of the level is done, shoot your way through waves of Russian police, until the eventual betrayal and escape of Makarov.

This level isn’t just randomly in the game because Infinity Ward is a little sick in the head. The only reason why they included it in the game is because it’s a crucial part of the story. As you go through the level the terrorists are all using American weapons and the player is reminded to only speaking English. At the very end of the madness it is revealed that Makarov knew the entire time that “you” were an undercover American and kills “you” leaving the horrible terrorist attack at the airport in the hands of the American Military. Russia then “cry’s for war” and sets up the events for the rest of the game, which is a Russian invasion of America and eventually the beginning of World War III.
But nowhere does it say that your mission is to kill the civilians in the airport, your main objective in the level is “Gain Makarov’s trust”. You yourself as the player do not have to shoot one bullet at any unarmed civilian to pass the level nor do you get points for shooting them in the first place. The three ways the level can play out is, you can notice what is about to happen and open fire on the terrorists that are with you, but they will swiftly take you down, hold your fire for the first half of the level, or you can simply let go and fire into the crowds. When Infinity Ward began beta testing the game before it was released, “people would get angry or sad or disgusted and immediately wonder what the hell was going on here.” says Steve Mancuda. Then after those brief moments, every single person who tested the game opened fire at the crowd. What does that say about Human nature? Even though everybody had a problem with it, they went along with it. Gamer Hoshane Wedderburn states, “People will always have a problem with a game like this, but its rated Mature, because it has Mature Content, so parents need to be responsible, instead of blame the game for making you be a parent.”

Needless to say, there are many people upset about this game including Russia. Modern Warfare 2 has allegedly been recalled in Russia due to the controversial level. It seems that the choice of killing innocent Russian civilians in the scene isn’t one that the Russian government would like to leave up to players. There is still protest going on for Infinity ward to take the level out of the game and re-release it in Russia. But if the airport from the mission was JFK or LaGuardia, this game definitely would’ve been recalled instantly. So what does that say about America?

High on LI: Drugs on Long Island

by Kaitlyn Herzog

Long Island, New York is a small landmass that stretches 118 miles east from the exciting New York City out to the luxurious Hamptons. It is known for its great schools, expensive property, the surfing and fishing and of course, the iced tea. Unfortunately, in recent years Long Island has been in the news for another reason, drugs. While the use of marijuana was always prominent on Long Island there is a growing number of teenagers and young adults now using heroin. There is also the continued use of alcohol, cocaine, prescription pills, ecstasy and acid.  On an island so close to New York City where there seems to be so much to do, why are kids turning to drugs?

Marijuana could very well be chalked up to the most used drug in the United States. It is usually seen as harmless among teenagers and young adults and they consider it almost safe. Because marijuana has limited effects on the body, it is usually the first drug people try, then they move on to more intense drugs such as cocaine, acid and heroin because they want to get a better high. This is why marijuana is called the “gateway drug”. According to www.gdcada.com, the risk of cocaine use is estimated to be 104 times greater for those who have tried marijuana. So why are people doing it? When asked why she uses marijuana, Brianne Kruezer*, a junior in college from Long Island, says this about the drug “I like to smoke pot ‘cause it lets me relax and giggle when if I wasn’t high I’d be stressing about something.” Kruezer went on to talk about how her family and the demanding school work of college has left her feeling very overwhelmed and that marijuana seems like the only thing that helps. This is common among a lot of young adults. According to www.abovetheinfluence.com many people believe drugs will cure their stress. Other reasons why people use drugs is because they are bored, want to fit in and believe marijuana is safe because it is grown naturally. The use of marijuana recreationally has been a growing problem for quite some time and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Heroin is a drug that creates relaxation and euphoria, contributing the widespread use of it. The statistics of heroin use on Long Island have jumped significantly. According to Newsday, in 2008 in Nassau County there were 46 heroin overdoses and deaths caused by overdose, the highest there have ever been. Heroin arrests have risen to 91% between 2005 and 2008 in Nassau County and 126% in Suffolk County. Between 2004 and 2008 around 1,068 people lost their lives to heroin or prescription drug opiates on Long Island. In November in West Hempstead, Long Island, there were tiny heroin bags found that made parents worry even more. The bags had a picture of Edward Cullen from the very popular books turned movies “Twilight”. This meant that heroin dealers were targeting the young audience of the books/films, which are mostly teenage girls. Celebrities like Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain who owned the grunge rock world died young from heroin overdoses, this is almost glamorizing heroin to young people, making them believe it is cool because their idols did it and completely ignoring the fact that it killed them. Heroin is also very cheap, about five dollars a bag, where as marijuana could run to about twenty dollars a bag. This contributes to high school students using it because they don’t have a lot of money. Heroin can also be found almost anywhere on Long Island now due to its popularity.

Drugs such as alcohol, cocaine and prescription pills are also commonly found on Long Island. Alcohol is a drug although most people do not know this. It is not uncommon to find a house party full of underage teenagers out on Long Island on a weekend night. According to www.centurycouncil.org 32.1% of the youth (under 21) consumed alcohol last month and 20.1% binge drink alcohol. James Harrison*, a high school student from Oceanside, Long Island, says he drinks at parties because “all my friends are doing it, I would definitely look stupid if I sat there drinking water, so I drink a beer or take a shot.” Peer pressure is of course a big reason as to why anyone does almost anything. When you’re young and in high school giving in to peer pressure is almost expected because everyone wants to fit in and be cool. Cocaine is another drug being pushed throughout high schools and colleges. Cocaine can be smoked or snorted through the nose. The effects of Cocaine are a feeling of supremacy, high alertness and an extremely elevated and happy mood. Mary McCartney* from Long Island is a college student and she said this about her past use of cocaine “the first time I tried it was just to make me feel better after drinking a lot. After that, every time I was offered it I was like ‘well I’ve done it before it’s no big deal’, it was also always around me since a lot of people I hung out with did it”. Cocaine is a very addictive drug and it’s very hard to do it once and never again. People also often continue cocaine because they want to reach the high that they got the first time they did it, which of course never happens so as what happened with McCartney, if you are around it, you are going to do it. Cocaine is a very expensive drug though so it is harder to get a hold of; people who are addicted often spend a very large portion of their money on this drug. Prescription pills are often commonly used on Long Island. Drugs like xanax, vicodin and oxycodone are the most popular. Xanax is usually prescribed to people who suffer anxiety disorders to help them relax. As a recreational drug it is often taken with other drugs like alcohol, marijuana or acid. It is used to relax and create a state of euphoria, like heroin. Vicodin is a pain killer, also used to relax people. It is very strong and the body will sometimes reject it resulting in vomiting. Oxycodone is also a pain killer resulting in relaxation. These drugs are mainly used to create a high feeling and are all highly addictive. Other types of prescription pills that people take like Adderall are used to keep you awake and alert. College students take those types of drugs so they can stay awake and write a paper or it can help them focus in class. All of these drugs are very dangerous and very common among high school and college students.

Other drugs used are ecstasy and acid. Both of these drugs may cause a person to hallucinate. Ecstasy is often found in the “rave” dance scene. It makes the music sound better and brings you to a state of pure happiness. This is why often the drug is found with a smiley face imprinted on it. It is now stretching out to the Long Island club scene in general and more people are doing this drug. Jennifer Morrison* of Long Island is a college student and very into the rave scene as well as E, she said this “I could not go to a rave without doing E, seriously it makes the party so much more fun, with all the black lights and bright colors, it blows your mind.” This is often the side of ecstasy that people hear about, not the fact that it is putting holes in your brain with each use, just the state of pure enjoyment and this contributes to why people use it. Acid is a drug that alters the mind entirely. Morrison also used this drug and said this “I did acid and I saw the world in an entirely different aspect, some people gave me bad vibes, some songs made me have almost an epiphany.” This is why people are using acid. It gives you the opportunity to see the world is a different way, some say it makes the more creative. Acid usually lasts about 8 hours so most people take Mushrooms instead which is almost the same effect but for a shorter time. Both acid and ecstasy are drugs that are highly dangerous but are talked about in these ways making them seem amazing and worth trying.

Long Island has become very prominent in drug use in the recent years and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down and hopefully future generations will become more educated and put an end to it. Whether it is because they are bored, want to relieve stress, feel good or alter their world, everyone has a different reason as to why they do the drugs they do.

*All the names in this article were changed to protect the interviewee

In Post-Post-Production

by Patrick Shand

It is a common misconception that once the actual shooting on a film set wraps, the bulk of the work is done.  Even though the actors have done their part and the cameras can be packed away, an enormous amount of time and resources must be spent on the post-production.  During post-production, all of the footage that was shot for the film must be edited together into a coherent movie after undergoing processes such as color correction, special effects, and many other procedures in order to make the best movie possible.  And then, after all that… the work still is not done.

Once the post-production on a feature film from a major production company has wrapped, marketing can begin and it will make its way into theatres across the nation.  However, on an independent film, the steps that follow post-production are a bit different.  While the path for filmmakers who work for the major companies is essentially paved for them, independent filmmakers, most of which pay their own way and make their films with limited funds, have to take different routes to spread the word about their film.

In the New York area, which is especially dense with independent filmmakers, young directors and producers have been exploring alternative ways to get their film screened or distributed.  Since nationwide distribution generally is not an option for lesser known filmmakers or up-and-comers, one of the most popular ways to get an independent film seen by an audience is the film festival route.

There are many festivals in the New York area that accept films from virtually unknown directors, such as the very popular Tribeca Film Festival, in addition to more local events such as the Long Island International Film Expo, which takes place in Bellmore, New York.  One of the hopes that independent filmmakers have when they submit their work to a film festival is that word of their work might make its way to a famous person, who might decide to collaborate with the filmmaker or even champion their cause and try to get the film distribution with a DVD distribution company.

The Long Island International Film Expo touches on this idea by mentioning all of the celebrities who have attended their ceremonies:  “Past festivals/closing night awards ceremonies have been attended by Steve Buscemi (Trees Lounge, Armageddon), Billy Baldwin (Backdraft), Cliff Robertson (Charley, PT109), Danny Aiello (Moonstruck), Edie Falco (The Sopranos, Judy Berlin), Steve Guttenberg (Cocoon), Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), Kelly Rutherford (Melrose Place), Oleg Cassini (fashion designer), Karen Allen (Raiders of the Lost Arc, The Perfect Storm), Eddie McGee (Big Brother), Brian O’Halloran (Clerks, Dogma), Dan Lauria (The Wonder Years), Abe Vigoda (Barney Miller), Yancy Butler (Witchblade), Tony Lo Bianco (Police Story), Nestor Serrano (24), Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Kevin Covais (American Idol), Adam Ferrara (Rescue Me) and others.”

While the idea of getting a famous person to watch their work is appealing to any independent filmmaker, another benefit of submitting work to film festivals is the opportunity to win laurels. Katie Carman, director of the independent film Eat Me!, a zombie comedy that was screened at the aforementioned Long Island International Film Expo and at the Anthology Film Archives for the New Filmmakers NY Series.  At the LI Expo, Carman’s film, then titled The Eaters, received a nomination, which allows the filmmakers to put a laurel on their DVD cover, posters, and promotional material that recognizes the honor they received.

Katie Carman, when blogging about her festival experience, says “The turnout was amazing and the crowd was wonderfully responsive. We made a lot of new friends and were able to reconnect with some familiar faces. It was hard not to be blown away by all the people that came out to support our indie film. It reminded us in a very real way just how truly remarkable the NYC film community really is.”

However, film festivals are not the only way to go about letting your film find an audience in New York.  There are smaller film groups that often reach out to local filmmakers, such as the Independent Filmmakers Group that works out of the Freeport Memorial Library in Long Island, where Katie Carman screened her film before a group of aspiring filmmakers and fans of independent film fans in Fall 2009.

Other filmmakers utilize the Internet to get their work to the masses such as Tom Kenny, an up-and-coming director/editor in Long Island.  When asked how he utilized new media resources to promote his work, Tom said, “When I began with making films… yes it was Youtube, Vaio, daily motion, etc etc. Anything to get my films out there and for anyone to see.  However, lately, I’ve stopped that route.  See, YouTube, etc. owns your footage the minute it’s up there, and plus there’s a stigma being up there. Yes, it’s good, gets attention, but there’s also Johnny and his boys making crap on YouTube… so I’ve gone the more serious route. The last few films I’ve worked have been just for college competitions, film festivals, websites, and for jobs. I’m at the time where I need the work I do to be serious and meaningful for a career.”

Tom makes a good point, because while the Internet can be a great tool to promote a film or get a filmmaker’s name out there, there are certain negative aspects to sites like YouTube or Funny or Die.  The films might reach a larger audience if they are on such sites, but one has to wonder who the Internet audience is an if that is the audience a filmmaker would want to be viewing their video.  While a film festival or a group that specializes in film has an audience that is actually interested in film and might have even paid to see the movie, the folks who might happen across your film on YouTube were more likely than not searching for the latest viral video about a drunk guy or a montage of cute cats doing cute things.

While the audience might not be reliable, some filmmakers have utilized sites like YouTube for the promotional aspects of their films.  YouTube allows their videos to be embedded in websites, so when a filmmaker has finished post-production on their film and is ready for the next step, it is common for them to upload a trailer for their film onto YouTube and then embed it in their dot com site.  Having this trailer on the official site for the movie makes it easy for people who might be interested in the film to get more information in a speedy manner, which is an essential thing for young directors to take advantage of in modern times, when the general audience would rather pull their teeth out than read a one paragraph long synopsis.

There is also the straight to DVD option.  A movie is more likely to get distribution from a company if there is at least a minor celebrity in the film, because even the smaller name celebrities generally have enough of a following to make some revenue.  For example, the film Dear Me: A Blogger’s Tale featured two minor celebrities, Felicia Day (then of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame, now of The Guild and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog fame) and Sarah Thompson (of Angel fame), and did not even make its rounds in the festivals before it scored a distribution deal with Ocean Park DVDs.

This might not be an option for local New York filmmakers, however, when the actors in their films are as new and hungry for exposure as they are.  It seems that the best way to get one’s film out there is to concentrate on film festivals, while also utilizing new media outlets, such as YouTube, to make sure information about the film is accessible to those who want to check it out.  There are many different ways that aspiring directors have made it, and everyone’s success story is different.  Whatever route a filmmaker takes for their post-post-production journey, they are all striving for the same thing: to entertain people, whether they screen their film to a small amount of people or score a nationwide, theatrical release.

The Lighthouse Project: Improving Life on Long Island

by Allison Rossi

The Lighthouse Project seeks to keep the New York Islanders hockey team on Long Island, further develop Long Island’s commerce, and revitalize the quality of life on Long Island.  While many individuals and groups understand the advantages of the Lighthouse Project, there are several who are opposed to it.  The Lighthouse Project, while a huge undertaking, is necessary, and beneficial to Long Island.

Often, when the Lighthouse Project is mentioned, Long Islanders think of it as a development project for a new arena to replace Nassau Coliseum, home to the New York Islanders.  While this is partially true, the Lighthouse Project is, in fact, a lot more complex.  According to the Official Site of the Lighthouse Development Group, it is a “joint venture between Charles Wang, the Founder of the Lighthouse project and owner of the New York Islanders, and RXR, Long Island’s largest owner, manager and developer of commercial real estate… The Lighthouse project is the transformation of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site and surrounding area into a modern 24/7 suburban center.”  This is a plan for improving Long Island, at no expense of the tax payers, because Charles Wang intends to pay for it.

The Lighthouse project incorporates many features into its plan.  As indicated by the Official Site of the Lighthouse Development Group, a new state-of-the-art arena will be home to the New York Islanders, New York Dragons arena football team, and will be a more attractive venue for musical artists.  A separate sports complex will serve as a facility in which local teams can practice various sports, and will also contain a health club.  The Lighthouse Project calls for Long Island’s first 5-star hotel.  As a part of the plan, there will be new office space, diverse housing options, retail, and restaurants.

The New York Islanders are a storied franchise with a rich and colorful history.  They were a dynasty in the early 80s, and despite losing some of their grandeur, it would be a shame, as well as a disservice to the fans, to lose them as residents of Long Island.  Right now, they play their home games at Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, which is a severely decrepit and out-dated building.  “Since the day it was born from a sincere idea spawned by foresight and post- World War II optimism, Nassau Coliseum has lived the tortured life of a bastard child under the neglectful watch of the historically greedy, wholly unfit parent that is the Nassau County/Long Island political machine”(Botte 75).  Furthermore, “construction was never officially completed, just half-assed at the end enough to cut costs, allow events to start up and get the money rolling in for the many hands that stuck out in the receiving line” (75).  The Islanders have known they need a new facility for years, and Charles Wang has been advocating for one since he purchased the team in 2000.  Problems have been apparent for decades, but no previous owners bothered to do anything about them.  The roof leaks, and is “so bad that fans sitting in Section 205 – prime season ticket holder seating – usually had to be moved to another area because of a steady flow of water on rainy nights” (91).  The Islanders have been exploring the possibility of moving the franchise to locations such as Brooklyn, NY or Kansas City, MO, if they cannot build another arena on Long Island.

One of the main concerns associated with the Lighthouse project is traffic.  Traffic around the area of Nassau Coliseum is already a problem, due to its closeness to parkways, Hofstra University, various museums, and other factors.  Critics are anxious that this development would intensify pre-existing traffic conditions.  As stated in Newsday, “The town board extensively questioned the developers and their traffic consultant about the number of cars that would be traveling to the site, the improvements being proposed and mass transit options such as a private bus and trolley service” at a recent public hearing (Peddie).  According to Peddie, “the developers – New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and developer Scott Rechler – appeared frustrated and at times ill-prepared for the questions about traffic.”

An additional trepidation of some Long Islanders is overdevelopment.  The Lighthouse Project includes plans for new extensive retail opportunities.  In an anonymous letter to sportswriter James Mirtle, a member of the Long Island media writes, “One of the key components of this project is a retail mall. The project is located five minutes away from Roosevelt Field, which is one of the largest malls in the world and there are several big box developments in the adjoining area. The last thing they need is more stores.”  Along with the nearness to Roosevelt Field mall, the project would also increase competition for smaller, privately owned shops in Garden City.  Store owners are frightened of this possibility, and are among the people most apprehensive about the Lighthouse Project.

The owner of one of the stores located on Seventh Avenue in Garden City, who did not want her name used, recently shared her thoughts on the project with me.  “The Island is too congested for something like that.  We also have Roosevelt Field Mall and stores like this, and I think other retail would take business away.”  She added, “The Island is too small for that new complex.  It’s just not ‘Long Island.’  The Coliseum itself does need to be redone and spiffed up, but Long Island doesn’t need more stores and traffic and gondolas running through it.”  To summarize her position, she stated, “As a Long Island resident and business owner, I am not for the Lighthouse Project.  I support renovating or replacing the Coliseum, and revitalizing the Islanders, but I do not support the entire project.”

The Official Site of the Lighthouse Project lists “7 big benefits” as follows: “increases tax revenues, new jobs and career opportunities, ability to keep existing and attract new businesses, attractive housing alternatives for Long Islanders, increases property values, creates a destination on Long Island, keeps the NY Islanders on Long Island.”

A new Coliseum would ensure the New York Islanders would continue to call Long Island “home.”  Also, a new Coliseum would attract more musical artists.  Currently, many performers are hesitant to book a show at Nassau Coliseum due to capacity limitations, out-dated equipment, lack of restrooms, and small, inefficient dressing rooms.  An updated building would put Long Island on par with other venues such as Madison Square Garden.  The new Coliseum would have the capability to house an NBA team as well.  If the Lighthouse Project never comes to fruition, Long Islanders will be forced to travel either to NYC, New Jersey, or perhaps Connecticut for their musical and sports entertainment.

Many other aspects of the Lighthouse Project’s plan would increase the quality of life on Long Island.  The sports complex would serve as a practice facility for local teams, and have the potential to host a national event.  There will be a park similar in size and design to New York City’s Bryant Park, which will serve as a safe, beautiful recreational space for local families.  Restaurants and cafés will enhance the dining experience of residents and visitors alike.  The housing element of the plan will hugely impact the lives of Long Islanders by providing them with a wide variety of new options.  A short time ago, “Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz spoke about the ‘brain drain,’ of young people ages 25-35 leaving the Island to go live in more inexpensive suburbs across the country” (Christ).  With a more affordable housing selection, younger Long Islanders would be able to stay and develop their lives on the Island.

The most significant benefit to the Lighthouse Project is the job opportunities it creates.  Due to the current economic state of the nation, jobs are scarce.  “‘This project is more than hockey,’ said John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor. ‘It’s about jobs, careers and an opportunity to raise our families on Long Island’” (Christ).  The Official Site of the Lighthouse Development group projects that “over 75,000 construction and support jobs (almost 15,500 and almost 60,000 respectively) will be created over the estimated 10-year build period.”  At a recent public hearing, “the talk of job opportunities…was a common theme among many of the speakers. Many labor representatives came up and spoke about how important it was for them to have their workers find jobs” (Christ).  In addition to the construction related jobs, the Development Group estimates “almost 19,000 permanent jobs (full and part-time; on and off site) will be created at full build out.”  These jobs are essential to improving the quality of life on Long Island.  Not only will the Lighthouse Project create jobs right away, but it will also guarantee there are more employment opportunities available in the future.

The benefits and advantages of the Lighthouse Project greatly outweigh the potential risks.  This is a development project that has been in planning for years, and has been researched at length.  The need for jobs, immediately and in the long run, is imperative, and should be the focus of this project.  “Oddly, the criticism thus far has been pretty muted, perhaps a sign that people realize that, particularly in this miserable economy, Nassau desperately needs a second act, and this may be the only game in town” (Applebome).

Regardless of the conclusion, the Lighthouse Project will continue to be a key issue for Long Islanders to consider in the upcoming years, because the outcome will affect all residents in some way, either directly or indirectly.  Developer Scott Rechler declared that the “‘general public was very much in favor’ of the proposal to build a new home for the New York Islanders, and a mixed-use community with a hotel, shops, offices and more than 2,300 residential units” (Winzelberg).  Residents realize that the Lighthouse Project is an opportunity to better their lives, and build a better future for generations to come.

Gang Violence

by Katherine Orzano

Gang Violence is an issue all over the world. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 gangs, with 800,000 members, impacted 2,500 communities. New York, like many other states, is faced with the ongoing problem of gang violence. Although gangs are nothing new, the meaning, the goal, and even the areas present, have changed.

Years ago, gangs were most affiliated with larger cities whereas now gangs can be found in suburban areas. The people involved with gangs can be any race and any age. Because gangs have been around since the 1850’s, there have been many changes. Years ago, the main purpose for members to be affiliated with a gang was for protection. Many gangs were formed because people did not feel protected by the government and felt there was no justice. Many aspects of gangs have changed since then. Many people today join gangs for protection as well (usually from other gangs) and usually substituting their gang for a family, which they rarely have. Although violence has always been associated with gangs, it has grown tremendously over the years. Many gangs today use violence as initiation such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. This loses the original meaning to form a gang as protections because they are harming others to only prove they are barbaric. Because they are battling a constant war with other gangs as well, they would be better protected if never in a gang at all.

the B's and the C's

The amount of gang related violence that has happened in the past month is astounding. The news articles flood the Internet with an array of gangs, crimes, and targets all happening in New York. On December 2^nd 2009, The Buffalo News stated that five members of the 1015 gang were arrested and accused of violent assaults, attempted murders, and drug trafficking. Prosecutors say that this gang is responsible for violent assaults on 5 different occasions from August until November. In gang related violence, innocent bystanders are also victims. On November 18^th 2009, 15-year-old Vada Vasquez was shot in the head while walking home from school. Fortunately this young girl survived but sustains critical injuries. Police say she was walking with the intended target who also suffered from injuries. On November 4^th 2009, it was revealed that the infamous MS-13 gang members created a plot to assassinate the U.S. immigration official of the New York crackdown. Fortunately, this plot was dissolved when an informant passed on the information to an official. James Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of investigations for the New York office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated in the Daily News, “we recognize MS-13 as one of the most violent street gangs; they’re ruthless.”

Sergeant William Glynn of the New York City Police Department describes his experience with gangs on a daily basis on patrol in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “Over by me its mostly young kids, mostly bloods”, he stated. “The biggest thing they are involved with is robbery, drugs, and shootings.” Sgt. Glynn also discusses the difference between the reality of gangs and the stereotype people believe. He stated, “It’s not strict like you see in movies. It’s a loose organization.” He then goes on to explain that they have some rules, but they don’t usually abide by them. Many of times they will be disloyal and in some cases kill a member of their own gang. He then acknowledged, “Initiation days usually involve robberies or beating someone up from a rival gang.” Sgt Glynn then moved on to the topic of shooting, which he said to be most common in acts of retaliation. These retaliations may be the cause of rival gangs selling drugs on their turf, a gang member having been jumped, bad drug deals, or someone hitting a girlfriend of a member. All of these instances usually escalate to shootings and result in dead citizens and sometimes-innocent bystanders.

In situations like these, people may wonder what can help investigators crack down on the rising gang activities to help end violence. Surveillance systems have been a great ally for many years now proving various criminals guilty. Phone records have also helped investigators crack down on various gang related crimes such as planned attacks and drug trafficking. Although increasing technology and new media are helping officials, they are regrettably helping gang members as well. In a recent Daily News article dated November 29^th 2009, gangs in New York are now using Twitter to trash-talk rivals and plan fights. A boy shot in the leg may have been targeted because of a battle started through Twitter. Investigators are monitoring Twitter to search for indications of upcoming attacks and continue searching for clues after attacks to find perpetrators.

It is interesting to look at the history of gangs dated back to the 1800’s up to the 21^st century. Gangs now have resources such as phones and social-networks to expand and spread their violent chaos, which is nothing like officials have seen before. Many people have their own opinion in the matter, but it seems that most believe the senseless violent crimes have increased. It is almost impossible to end gang violence at this point in time but it is important hope, patrol, and educated to decrease the rates at which it occurs.

Broadway Obsessed?

by Andria Acunis

There are some people who can just go see a Broadway show and enjoy it. Then there are others who know exactly who each and every actor is and the only thing they can think about is standing outside waiting for the actors to leave. There is a new craze where it is okay to put secrets and opinions of shows and actors for the public to see. The question is, why are there individuals who care more about everything surrounding a show and how do the actors feel about these secrets?

Actors of shows have their opinions about Broadway Secrets, and they aren’t approving. In an interview, American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo who didn’t even know what Broadway secrets were says, “Yeah, to be honest, I don’t want to touch that with a 10 foot pole! If there is one thing I have learned, is to NEVER read blogs about yourself or people you know. It will only make you crazy (or intensely hurt your self-esteem)! “There are few actors that will look at the Broadway secrets for this exact reason. Sometimes an actor will respond back with a secret of their own. The consensus is that the reason why secrets about theater actors are made is because you are able to interact with them on a daily basis.

The Broadway fans tend to be neutral when it comes to Broadway secrets. Ashley Feinstein who is an avid Broadway fan says “Some are mean. You see theater more often and you feel that you know them. If you look at a picture of Tiger Woods, you don’t feel sympathy because you’ve never met him.” She also doesn’t believe that the Broadway “sex secrets” are true because why would a Broadway actor bring their personal life into the public. She also says “they are fun to read and don’t believe 95% of the secrets.” The reason she felt people made up those secrets is because “they want to find a way to better relate to the actors.” Besides fans talking about having sex with certain actors, there are also secrets about what cast members are gay. A post on the website “The Guilty Ones” states, “Okay this is becoming dangerously close to being ‘too’ personal about cast members. I personally see no harm in speculating, as curiosity is human nature, and really, it isn’t that big of a deal, but I know some people who have a cow if we – the horror- talk about who might be gay…” Everyone seems to have their own opinion on whats is appropriate and what’s not on Broadway Secrets.

Broadway Secrets is a live journal account that was started on January 9^th, 2006. Since then it has made 421 posts. They present a whole string of secrets each weekend. People send in their secrets and if they are approved, it would be published on the website. You are supposed to send in secrets anonymously. All secrets are posted, except the fact that if anything comes from an actor’s facebook, or a video clip that doesn’t come from YouTube then it won’t be posted.

In conclusion, the answers to the previous stated questions is that Broadway fans want someone to look up to, and that generally is the actors of the shows. Actors can look flawless, but when in reality they are just like us and have their issues too. This seems to be a way to get that side out of them. As for the actors, they shy away from those secrets so that it doesn’t hurt their pride. At the end of the day, the secrets will still be made and there will be actors on Broadway getting flak for any decision that they make whether it be singing, acting, or just something in their personal lives.

The Tragedy of Drunk Driving

by Lauren Kenny

It all starts with an early morning phone call that every parent dreads. A police officer is on the other line saying their pride and joy, their child, has been a victim of a car crash and is in the hospital. What the parents don’t realize is that their life will never be the same ever again.

According to Drunk Driving Accident Statistic, alcohol related car crashes kill someone every 30 minutes, and injure someone every two minutes. When the parents later arrive at the hospital they will realize their child has been a victim of a drunk driver. Some may say they don’t know which one is better, that their child is alive but is now faced with many issues or that their child is now at rest. They learn about the horrific injuries their child has endured. That’s where they begin to realize everything has changed. For the next few weeks the victims’ family’s lives are put on hold. They don’t go to work, they don’t relax.  They just sit by their loved ones side and help them get through their struggle. This not only takes a toll on the families mentally, but physically as well.

Parlon, the father of a son who was killed, and a daughter who was injured by a drunk driver, states “Life has changed for me and my family so dramatically since that night. And I thought that time would heal things. But it’s difficult even for me today to even talk about it.”

After the victim is released from the hospital reality begins to set in. The families will then go back to a completely different life style. Life as they once knew would be over, and a new life will follow. They will have to get reacquainted with things and people that they have neglected because they were busy supporting their child. The victim realizes what they have lost, and what they will never be able to gain back again from that one night. Some victims have lost chances at being an athlete and some lost their career, because they are unable to perform to the company’s level due to brain injuries. Even after the injuries are completely healed, they are never like new again. Some victims have struggles with walking, talking, hearing, seeing and eating; all the things people take for granted. The victims will deal with the sadness and then deal with the anger they have. Eventually, some victims will accept it. Unfortunately, most never reach that stage. This is one of the many hardships that must be endured. The action of drunk driving is often thought of as a minor mistake. Unfortunately, the culprit does not usually realize the extent of their mistake until it has caused excessive damage to something or someone.

The memories of this night will be with the victim and their family forever.

When Lillie, a victim of DWI, was asked the question, how many times do you replay that night she replied, “Probably every day.”

Another mother of a son who was hit by a drunk driver says, “every time I hear my phone ring at night my heart drops. I can’t have my kids call my house phone at night anymore I make them call my cell phone so at least I know they are ok if they call my cell.”

One thing many people do not realize the families struggle with is the financial aspect of the accident. When all the surgery’s, hospital stays, doctor visits, and therapy are done with, one might think they got through that time in their life and it’s over. However they are wrong. The bills that the families are left to pay are extensive. From that one night that they didn’t cause or ask for costs them thousands of millions of dollars that most people don’t have.

Parlon states, “Those have been probably the hardest times I’ve had, are going through the medical records and reading about the injuries that he suffered.”

The bills make the families relive that night over and over again. They have enormous stress that could have been avoided. Both the financial and emotional burdens are overwhelming.

The victims and their loved ones will also have to face the drunk driver in court. They want justice, however at the same time they want it to be over and never have to see them again. It’s even harder for the victim to realize they will probably never receive the full justice that they had hoped for, due to the law. In New York, if it is your first DWI offense you will be fined anywhere from $500 to $1000. Possible jail time for a year and lose of license for 6 months. Second DWI offense, you will be fined anywhere between $1000 to $5000. Mandatory jail time of 5 days and/or community service and lose of license up to 1 year. Third DWI offense, a fine of $2000 to $10,000, mandatory jail time for at least 10 days, and loss of license for a year, ignition interlock device and required alcohol evaluation.

Tragic drunk driving accident

Drunk driving not only affects one or two people, it can affect a community. Drunk driving can tear apart families and cause excessive and extreme stress in someone’s life. The trauma that drunk driving causes, cannot be explained. The endless struggles and sleepless nights faced by the victim are immeasurable, and most likely incurable. There is no face of drunk driving. It happens every day. Innocent lives are lost through senseless and irresponsible behavior. We as a society must work together in finding ways to end this epidemic of drunk driving. It not only negatively impacts lives, it destroys them. Through years of extensive community workshops and extremely harsh penalties, hopefully drunk driving will diminish and eventually become non-existent. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. Nothing happens overnight. Hard work and dedication towards the common goal of putting drunk driving to an end may be the only cure.

Statistics from

http://www.nysdwi.com/newyorkdwipenalties.html

Steroids in the Gym

by Matt Capece

Steroid use, and scandals in sports have become more and more popular to our knowledge throughout this century even though they have been around for nearly 100 years. These scandals have been bought to our attention mostly by fellow players/ teammates, who thought it would be right to not hold silence any longer. These stories have demolished player’s images, respect, and in some cases may have stripped them of a chance to enter the hall of fame. However, not to be confused, but steroids are not only for the “superstars”, they are very accessible and in almost every gym around the world.

Boxing has been around since the early 1900’s and at one time was one of the most watched sporting events in America. With fighters such as Rocky Marciano, Joe Frazier, and Muhammad Ali it was a very interesting sport to watch. However in the last decade, after the Tysons and Holifields had to hang up their gloves, the sport has lost its ratings. What other fighters names besides Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya, ring a bell in your head? If you do not follow boxing than chances are not much, hence is the reason why this sport is becoming less popular. The future of boxing is not held in the hands of the current professionals, but the non-professionals boxing in their local gyms. These amateurs even though different at sight, have the same goal; this goal is to be known. The statement “be known” means just what it says, whether it is to be known locally or be known around the world, the goal is still the same.

Yong Buck gym* is a gym in Long Island New York that was built to train young athletes who want to better themselves for their upcoming years, only recently has the gym decided to raise there age limit from 10-16 to 10-21. Young Buck Gym is not your typical “muscle pump” gym with weights to boost your size; this gym is a gym that trains athletes of the recently dying sport “boxing”. It is hard to think of reasons why boxers would want to take steroids since the sport is not based on size, but based on precision, mental awareness, and mental toughness. However after a few discussions and statements from their athletes and even trainers there reasons become identifiable on the basis of “why do it”.

There were 3 males interviewed, their names will be concealed to prevent defamation. The first male interviewed was a 17 year old who has been boxing since age 14. He claims to have first started taking steroids in February of 09 just after his 17^th birthday. “ I wanted to move up in weight classes because I was not quick enough for the weight class I was in, I was told that I could be helped”. He was being injected by a former boxer at they gym, and the doses consisted of 2cc oral intakes of methandrostenolone (D-BOL) and a 3 cc shot of Winstrol (Winny). The oral Intake of D-BOL would be taken by the dropping of the liquid out of the needle and into the back of the throat, and then swallowed. The Winstrol would be loaded into the needle and either shot in the lower back side or the shoulder. With the injection there is usually some pain at the direct sight, however depending on the potency of the steroid there can be a very painful after math for the first week, winstrol is known to give the chills. The D-BOL was to put on quick size to move up in weight class and the Winstrol was used to keep him cut and quick, so his hand speed would not slow down. With in 3 months of use he went from a lean 140 pounds to a bigger 165pound middleweight class, with little or no side effects. However what the young boxer failed to realize is the life span of the steroids, and how they would show up during testing. D-BOL when taken orally usually stays in your system up to 2 months depending on your intake, however winstrol like most steroids can last anywhere from 4-6 months, almost half a year. The 17 year old had to miss his scheduled October 18^th match just so he would not be caught, a reschedule was allowed but the young boxer needs to keep on a very strict diet and workout routine in order to keep his “new weight”. What most people do not realize is that steroids don’t keep you big forever, you need to go on post workout supplements to keep testosterone levels normal, steroids can have the ability to stop production of the bodies natural testosterone once the cycle is over. You need to work out differently in order to keep most your gains, and chances are you need to re-use again.

(Non-Liquid Pink D-BOL)

What most people fail to realize is that steroids is not just some magic drug that will get anyone a lot of muscle, there is very hard dedication needed in order to obtain good size. It starts with your diet you need a lot of protein and a lot of calories, Testosterone is a fat burner so the more calories are usually cancelled out, a normal “steroid” diet would include about 3,000 calories a day. Steroids are also not just drugs that you can come off and everything will be fine, they are probably the most dangerous AFTER the cycle. You need to go on post cycle of drugs such as proviorn, and arimidex to level out your testosterone level, and give your body a kick-start into making its own again. Without the post cycle involved you will most likely loose most of your gains, have a huge decrease in your testosterone level, which can lead to gynecomastia “bitch tits” or loss of sex drive.

The Second individual to be interviewed was an older fighter who has had 10 years of boxing experience, he is 20 years old. He began taking steroids when he got hurt during a match in which decided if he would make the All Nassau County team or not, the fight had to be stopped because of a visible dislocation to the shoulder. The young warrior became emotional thinking back to that night “ I thought that was it” he said. About 6 months after the dislocation he got the okay from the doctor and was back to fighting, except this time he wanted an extra boost to get back to his skills that he acquired in his 10 years experience. “Anything to get back, those 6 months had the potential to erase 10 years,” said the 20 year old as a smirk crossed his face. According to him there are many trainers who put performance-enhancing drugs into the boxers drink during the actual match to give them an extra boost through out the rounds. Although he did not say which ones, the 20-year-old boxer admitted to doing two kinds of steroids, and two cycles.

The last interview was probably the most significant in that it wasn’t an athlete training at the gym, but a trainer, a trainer who admits to using steroids himself. This trainer is a 36 year old ex football player from the University of Wake Forest, and says he has been on and off steroids since age 18. The reasons he gives for first going on is too get a head start on training for his fresh man year at Wake Forest, back when he was in college the NCAA rules for steroid use were not as strict and often it was just a handful of players who were picked to be tested. The 30-year-old trainer was always a fan of boxing since his brother did it; he also used to watch his uncle train his brother and this where he learned how to train fighters. “ I knew the success I had with steroids, I was aware of how to properly take them, and I knew they would help out young athletes when properly supervised”. He however will not give or recommend steroids to anybody under the age of 16, for undisclosed reasons but the trainer is confident about the use and benefits of steroids “ You become bigger, faster, stronger, and better than the average man, when you are on it that girl will love you, and that guy will envy you”.

Steroids effect people in different ways, some of the lucky ones just see great results and have the time of their lives, others are only lucky for so long before the side effects start to kick in. There are critics who say steroids ruin the sports in which they are used, and some say they bring more attention since the enhancement of player skills brings ratings.

*Name changed for protection

The Problem with Parking

by Kyle Yberg

Rockville Centre, New York. Tight squeezes and bold tactics for drivers that attend Molloy College. There are not enough parking spots on campus for everyone to get one and tempers are starting to flare.

According to Collegeboard.com, Molloy College is a commuter college that has total number of 2,871 undergrads and the 920 graduate students. The parking situation is a mess and everyone has hit the proverbial pot hole. The school has already tried to address the problem by having teachers park in a rented local church’s parking lot and shuttling them back and forth. Then they tried having the students’ park on some of the lawns and this year’s latest quick fix was to have a temporary drive way built between Molloy College and Mercy hospital who leased a parking lot to Molloy.

The stars indicate the possible parking available now for Molloy College students, staff and faculty. The green stars are the staff parking lots which are limited to time and space based on the day.

This parking mayhem is a direct response to the influx in number of students that enrolled in Molloy College. With so many students the parking is harder to find and many students have voiced their opinions.

- “The security guards are on a power trip!”

- “I had a security guard yell at me for parking in the wrong parking spot. Does it matter which spot is open?”

- One student rolled their eyes and stated “I hate it because there is no parking anywhere, which means I am late to class which makes my teachers think I do not care. Is that fair of the school?”

- “You have to park in Guam and hike to school”

The students are not the only group feeling the squeeze for spots. Teachers are right in the mix with students who are looking to park. It’s a growing campus that might have finally met it maximum capacity between students and teachers.

A teacher commented that “There is no parking anywhere and I am a teacher. I know they are saving parking for us and it is reserved for us but it’s not enough. I will definitely not go anywhere near the Mercy parking lot with this weather changing for winter.”

- “ What happens is that the spots set aside for faculty are taking up by the secretaries who arrive at seven and eight in the morning before teachers or students have to be there.”

Drew Bogner, the president of the college has made it clear that he does not want the school population to get any bigger. In a Newsday article Bogner stated ”We’re not looking for the college to grow considerably, jut a few hundred, even with these facilities… to boost its regional profile, is proposing to build two facilities on the Rockville Centre campus, a 72,000-square-foot building officials have dubbed the ‘Public Square’ and its first residence hall.” (Newsday.com). He has plans for the future to give students a college experience that would meet their expectations of going away to college while still staying local.

What are we going to do when construction begins in earnest? Construction vehicles will need room to maneuver and that will eliminate more spots. Plus, once the new buildings go up the number of parking spot will shrink again. Where are the students, the faculty, staff and now construction workers going to park? The school is trying to do their best to deal with the situation but as the phrase goes early bird gets the worm. Maybe it should be early bird gets the parking spot?

Dress Up

by Kim Mancuso

Even in a time when the economy is suffering from a recession, numerous fashion boutiques continue to thrive in local communities.  Along Merrick Road alone, boutiques such as Lonny’s, Max & Gino’s, and Reign remain the town’s most popular shopping sites for Long Island consumers.  These stores promise their customers the latest trends, quality merchandise, and unique apparel, as they also provide their customers with quality customer service.   However, a common trend among these fashion boutiques is to sell what they consider to be the “most popular styles,” at unreasonably high prices.  Knowing this, it seems questionable that customers who shop in these stores are rarely skeptic about whether or not they are getting their dollars worth, but perhaps they are not aware that the owners of these stores maximize profits by implementing extremely high retail markups.  According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, the definition of Mark-up is the difference between the cost of a good or service and its selling price.  In retail stores, a markup is added on to the total cost of a good or service in order to create a profit.

Due to the failing economy, the fashion industry has taken a hit, and over the past year many stores which carry high end brands paired with unreasonable hefty markups have closed their shops (J.P., 2009).   This is also true in Bellmore, where over the last few months popular boutiques including Penelope and Bliss have shut down.  However many local boutiques that remain in business continue to drastically mark-up prices.

Nicole Mahr is a showroom sales representative for Select Showroom in Manhattan.  Essentially Nicole is a wholesaler, she is responsible for pitching clothing lines to fashion boutiques all over Long Island.  Some of her clients include, Lulu’s in Seaford, and Max & Gino’s and Lonny’s in Merrick.  When she was asked to express her feelings about local stores jacking up their prices, she responded,

“These stores take advantage of their customers simply because they can.  As wholesalers, we advise local store owners to retail the merchandise at a suggested mark-up of fifty percent.”

Wholesalers want to ensure that the retailers can mark up the products for at least one hundred and twenty percent because they must cover their expenses as well as make a profit (Harvey, 2009). Nicole agrees that it is extremely rare to find items in these boutiques that are marked up by the wholesale suggested fifty percent, and that a one hundred and twenty percent mark-up seems more likely.  Apparently, local boutique owners do not agree with these suggested mark-ups, instead local stores such as Lulu’s, Lonny’s, and Reign implement a mark-up which is sometimes six times the cost of the goods.  To mark-up an item up to six hundred percent its cost can mean that the owners will gain a profit anywhere between sixty and ninety dollars on each item.  To emphasize the severity of this issue, imagine that the owner of the fashion boutique purchases a blouse which wholesaled at seventeen dollars (this means, before the blouse was sold to the wholesaler, the production cost of the blouse is an estimated seven dollars or less).  Then, this same blouse will sell for an estimated price between eighty-five and one hundred dollars in a local fashion boutique (Harvey, 2009).   Select Showroom’s representative, Nicole Mahr, provided a similar example to explain the problem with retail markup, and agrees that shoppers are being ripped off.  She reported that,

“Although mark-ups of this extreme are unfair and unreasonable, the store owners are entitled to make as little or as much profit as they feel will benefit their business.”

While fashion boutiques mark-up merchandise to maximize profits, other clothing stores such as Forever21, often carry the same merchandise at drastically reduced costs.  When it comes to fashion, the phrase “you get what you pay for” is often true, however it is important to understand what this means when shopping in boutiques versus chain stores.  The difference in price should depend upon the fabric quality.  Higher end clothing stores which can have up to a six hundred percent mark-up typically sell quality fabrics, such as silk, cotton and wool, as opposed to lower end stores which can replicate expensive clothing by buying the same styles made of cheaper fabrics.  There have been several issues over the years in which low end shops, such as Forever21, have been accused of imitating the clothing designs of high end shops.  Forever21 will then sell those imitated items in their stores and the new item becomes available to consumers as a significantly discounted version of the original (Staff, 2009).

On the other hand, the same exact items can be available at both high and low end stores.  For example, Lulu’s in Seaford and Forever21 in Massapequa are currently carrying some of the same fall merchandise.  During an investigation, the same exact style sweater was found at both Lulu’s and Forever21.  The sweaters at both stores were studied to prove that they were exactly similar in appearance, texture, and fabric.  At both stores the sweater’s tag showed that it was made of one hundred percent acrylic (a cheap version of wool) which is a typical fabric found at low end stores.  The investigation proved that the two sweaters were identical, however it retails for seventy eight dollars at Lulu’s and a mere twenty seven dollars at Forever21.

In both situations the store owners claimed that stores, such as Forever21, sell items at a much lower price, and in turn steal profits from the high end boutiques.  This study proved that it is important that consumers know which clothing items are safe to buy at pricey fashion boutiques.  The key to safe shopping is becoming familiar with the difference between quality and inexpensive fabrics (Staff, 2009)

*Consumers should become familiar with the fabrics that are not worth big money, but safe to purchase is low end stores such as Forever21.

Acetate (cotton imitation)

Acrylic (wool imitation)

Polyester (over 50%)

Rayon (silk imitation)

Perhaps if consumers were aware of the unreasonable profits that the boutiques gain from their shopping,  as revealed in the Lulu’s/Forever21 sweater investigation, would the boutique’s loyal customers continue to shop in these stores?  According to several Bellmore shoppers…the answer is yes!  A regular customer at La Pink (a popular fashion boutique in Bellmore) Ashley Rizzo shared her feelings on the issue.

She states, “When you put it that way, like we are getting ripped off, then it does seem ridiculous to continue shopping in these stores, but its just so convenient, no annoying trips to the mall and I find something I like every time.   Someone will compliment me on what I’m wearing and it makes me feel good to tell them where I bought it.”

It seems that Sales Rep. Nicole Mahr’s insight rings true, that store owners can take advantage of their customer’s wallets just because they can.  Boutique shoppers are willing to subject themselves to this type of consumer- betrayal because they are gaining something out of their shopping experience at boutiques even if they are not physically getting their dollars worth.   According to the interview with Ashley Rizzo, even when some shoppers are informed about the high retail mark-ups at boutique stores they admit that they will continue to invest in the merchandise.  Investigations prove that many of the same goods are available at much more reasonable prices, and this merchandise can be found at local stores, such as Forever21.  However it is clear that these consumers are not always shopping for a bargain, there is more too it than that.

The underlying reason why boutique owners can get away with Jacking up prices has a lot to do with the ideals that a boutique store represents.  Boutique employees and their loyal customers share mutual feelings about the importance of a more personal level of customer service that can not be found at commercial malls. They also appreciate the pleasure that is associated with dressing-up in expensive clothes.  It is evident that people will continue to shop in local boutiques, such as Lulu’s, Lonny’s, and Max & Ginos, because when they purchase the clothing they do not believe that they are investing in just a blouse.  If that was the case, then they would shop at franchise shops such as Forever21 and H&M, where they might find the same merchandise at reduced costs.  Instead, perhaps the reason they continue to boutique shop is because they feel as if they are investing in an identity, a sense of self confidence, and a feeling of belonging, where they can confide in sales associates and trust that they will leave with the merchandise that suits them best.   Fashion Boutiques provide shoppers with a place where they can share a common appreciation for fashion trends within the boutique as well as within their community, and they always leave feeling satisfied with their pricey purchases, even if their wallets don’t experience the same satisfaction!