Clarion 2/23/11

citrus college

Men’s basketball team advances to playoffs for fifth consecutive year

Local performers dazzle audiences in the campus’ first talent show

See page 8

See page 10,11

clarion

Feb. 23, 2011

www.theclariononline.com

Volume 64 Issue 9

Students brace for proposed fee hikes Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor Students enrolled in California’s 112 community colleges are bracing for significant perunit fee increases for the fall 2011 semester.

During his State of the State address on Jan. 31, Gov. Jerry Brown proposed a budget that will negatively affect higher education in his effort to close the state’s $25 billion deficit.

Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing to increase student fees by $10 per unit, from $26 to $36.

That would increase $110 million to partly offset a $400 million state funding cut Brown advocates for community colleges, leaving them with $3.6 billion in state money.

Brown has proposed holding a special election in June to allow Californians the opportunity to vote on his plan to balance the budget.

Meanwhile, Citrus College has begun the process of preparing “what if” scenarios to better prepare the community for the cuts to come.

Officials at California colleges do not yet know the extent of cuts that will have to be made.

“We are developing three scenarios for the whole year that we will be calling the ‘good, bad and the ugly’,” said Dr. Samuel Lee, dean of language arts and enrollment management.

According to Lee, the good scenario would maintain the same size class schedule as the 2010-2011 year. The bad scenario would range from a five percent to an eight percent reduction in full-time equivalent students, and the ugly could range from an 8 percent to a 15 percent reduction in fulltime equivalent students.

A full-time equivalent student represents a student enrolled in 12 units or any combination of students whose total class load would equal 12 units.

FEES pg. 4

JENNIFER YOUNG Citrus College Clarion

Campus safety reports attacks on campus Jennifer Young Campus Editor The safety of students and staff on the campuses of Citrus College and Azusa Pacific University has recently come into question.

Since December 2010, there have been five reports to safety personnel of attempted sexual assaults on students on or near campus.

The first attack was reported on Dec. 3. A female Citrus student was approached by an unknown male while she was walking east on Foothill Boulevard on the west side of the

APU campus at approximately 6:30 a.m. The suspect inappropriately grabbed the female.

She was not physically injured.

The second incident occurred later that same day at approximately 6:15 p.m. The victim was a female APU student who was walking west on Foothill Boulevard south of the APU soccer field. She was grabbed from behind and pulled a short distance. The suspect then touched her in an inappropriate sexual manner, according to the report.

On Jan. 12 the third incident took place at approximately 3:06 p.m. A female student re-

ported to APU Campus Safety personnel that as she was walking in front of Foothill Community Church on Route 66, she was approached from behind by an unknown male and was grabbed inappropriately.

The student was not physically harmed according to the report.

The fourth attack took place seven days later on the north sidewalk of Alosta Avenue outside of the APU Shire Modulars residence.

At approximately 3:15 a.m, the victim reported that an unknown suspect grabbed her

from behind, sexually assaulted her and then fled the scene, according to the report.

The latest report occurred on Jan. 31 at approximately 5:45 p.m. on the APU campus.

A female APU student was walking north on Cougar Lane and was approached from behind by two unknown males.

One of the suspects stepped in front of the female and grabbed her arms while he touched her inappropriately.

Both of the suspects fled on foot and were last seen running north on Citrus Avenue, according to the report.

ATTACKS pg. 4

Survey explores eco-friendly textbook options Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor A mini survey conducted by Green Team personnel has given insight into students’ comfort level using e-books and which textbook model really is the most sustainable.

Citrus College’s effort to “go green” is led by Kim Holland, Ph.D., director of workforce development, with the help of interested faculty and staff. The Green Team sustainability textbook survey was designed to better understand how students are acquiring information required for each class and how comfortable students are

with online homework/research, electronic handouts, Blackboard platform classes and e-books.

“Textbooks are expensive, not to mention the use of energy it takes to produce and ship the new textbooks,” Holland said.

The survey results are from 100 students chosen at random from the math and science departments.

Results of the survey indicate that 48 percent of the 100 participants who have never used electronic books would be willing to try. Another 14 percent said they struggle with electronic books and 12 per-

DR. KIM HOLLAND

cent say they never use it.

“Although most of our students are comfortable and willing to use online learning tools such as Blackboard and ebooks, we have to consider the

small percentage of students who aren’t,” Holland said.

While the overall goal of finding a more sustainable approach to ink-on-paper textbooks is a hot topic, more research needs to be done to determine what the most sustainable approach really is.

“There are a lot of factors that influence whether e-books are more or less sustainable than printed books and those factors need to be considered,” said bookstore manager Eric Magallon. “Whenever one looks at a theory, one must always consider the human effect has on the outcome.”

TEXTBOOKS pg. 4

campus Campus Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

pg.2

Announcements

High school student promotes a greener lifestyle Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor

PASSING OF FACULTY MEMBER Sadly, Donald Madsen passed away on Feb. 3, 2011. Don began his career at Citrus Union High School in 1953 as Boys Vice Principal and later became Principal.

He continued his career at Citrus College in many administrative positions until his retirement in March 1981. He continued after retirement as an adjunct faculty member in the Language Arts department until May 1995. A memorial service was held on Feb. 18 at Oakdale Mortuary Chapel.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE For the first time scholarship applications are available online at the Citrus College home page.

This began Feb.14 and will continue throughout the year. Students should visit the college website and there, they will find a list of scholarships they are able to qualify for.

ASCC WELCOME BACK

February 23, 2011

As a celebration of Early Earth Day, a young leader will share his passions for the Green Revolution with a presentation on March 9 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Alec Loorz, 16, has committed himself to teaching young people around the world about global warming in an effort to motivate them to think about sustainability in their everyday lives.

“Sustainability is living as if the future matters,” Loorz said.

Loorz’s goal is to inspire students, faculty and the community to make educational environmental decisions.

At the age of 12, Loorz found himself inspired to think about environmental problems after watching former Vice President Al Gore’s film “An Inconvenient Truth.”

According to www.climatcrisis.net, the documentary follows Gore’s efforts to stop global warming’s “deadly progress by exposing the myths and misconceptions

that surround it.”

Gore and his team won the Nobel Peace Prize for their work on climate change.

“When I first saw Alec at a convention, I was fascinated by what he had to say,” said Kim Holland, Ph.D. director of workforce development at Citrus College. “He is passionate, he has good ideas and he is modest.”

According to the website, w w w. k i d s - v s - g l o b a l warming.com, Loorz has given more than 100 presentations and keynote addresses to 100,000 people all over the world.

Loorz has won 11 awards, including the iMatter Action Team Award in 2010, and the Environmental Hero Award in 2009.

In 2010, Citrus College was awarded the Green Community Colleges Leadership Award by a non-profit initiative designed to inform government efforts toward sustainability.

“Alec Loorz is widely considered to be an expert on the subject of global warming,” said Patricia Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College

Kids­vs­Globall­Warming.com

District Board of Trustees.

“This presentation is another example of Citrus College’s commitment to improving our environment.”

According to the digital news letter, Green Team News, Loorz “talks about small things like carrying a reusable beverage container and hanging clothes rather than using a dryer and he

talks about large things like activating youth and influencing legislation that impacts the environment.”

Loorz is scheduled to speak to the Citrus community March 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

Admission is free and there will be door prizes.

Parking 101: here’s your syllabus

The Associated Students of Citrus College wil be holding a welcome back event today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.in the Campus Center Mall.

BLOOD DRIVE There will be a blood drive benefitting Huntington Hospital in the Campus Center Mall on March 7, 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

CLUB RUSH Come out to Club Rush to take a look at all the differnent clubs Citrus College has to offer. The event will be held in the Campus Center Mall on March 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

GREEN TEAM SPEAKER The Citrus College Green Team presents speaker Alec Loorz, the 16-year-old creator of Kids vs. Global Warming.” Loorz will be speaking in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on March 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Jennifer Young Campus Editor Parking is the number one challenge facing students at the beginning of the semester.

Spring 2011 is no different.

Last spring, as a last resort, Citrus students could park in annex lots on Foothill Boulevard near the APU soccer field and ride a free shuttle to campus.

That option is no longer available this semester.

However, in addition to the regular on campus parking lots, Citrus students can make use of an annex lot directly across the street from APU’s Segerstrom Science Center at the intersection of Foothill and Route 66.

This lot is approximately an 8-minute walk to the main entrance of the Citrus College campus.

Permits, which cost $40 for the duration of the 16-week semester, may be purchased on the second floor of the Administration Building from the cashier.

Parking permits are to be placed on the lower left corner of the vehicle’s windshield.

This permit is good in all on-campus lots, including the annex lot.

Campus Safety personnel will begin issuing parking citations on Feb 28.

A citation issued for not having a parking permit is $25.

Citations are recorded with Campus Security, if it is not

paid by the deadline indicated on the ticket it goes to a collections agency and the fine is doubled.

Parking in the College Center Shopping Center on Barranca Avenue and Route 66 puts students in danger of both possible citation and/or towing of their vehicles.

Parking in residential areas of Glendora is limited to residents with permits.

Students without the permit will receive a $48 citation from the city.

Furthermore, drivers must adhere to the policy of keeping the flow of traffic moving.

Stopping for an extended period of time to wait for a stall to open up is not permitted.

Such a delay could cause

gridlock.

Students are not allowed to park in employee lots or metered parking in lots E6, S1 and S4.

Both offenses may result in a citation.

Campus Safety supervisor Tony Giannone advises all drivers must adhere to the 15 mph speed limit and park head-in to stalls.

Additional parking information may be obtained by contacting the Campus Safety office by calling 914-8611.

Their operating hours are Monday thru Thursday 7a.m. to 8p.m. and Friday 7a.m. to 4p.m. s The office is located adjacent to the west entrance to campus on Citrus Avenue.

February 23, 2011

campus

Revolution: Middle East and North Africa in uproar Jennifer Young Campus Editor The Middle East has erupted in a domino effect of anti-government protests after the successful takedowns of the Tunisian and Egyptian governments.

Yemen, Algeria, Jordan, Bahrain, Iran and Sudan have all followed suit and have begun staging protests against their respective governments.

The youth in these nations are demanding a voice and the freedom to be heard. Demonstrations are being planned and strategized through the use of the Internet and social media.

Libya and Bahrain both attempted to curb the planned protests by shutting down Internet access to citizens.

The people are protesting against repressive government, corrupt leaders and meager

wages.

For example, Moammar Gadhafi's regime has ruled the country of Libya for 40 years and is the world’s longest ruling leader.

Gadhafi has no official purpose within the government, only the self-imposed titles he bestows upon himself.

Although there was violence during the Tunisia and Egypt uprisings, it seems as though the governments are taking a more aggressive stance against their opposition.

In Yemen, police opened fire on thousands of anti-government protesters.

After two straight days of bloody shootings, Bahrain’s armed forces withdrew from the streets and the protesters rejoiced.

It is clear that the people of the Middle East are demanding change and are willing to pay a high price to achieve it.

News Briefs Local Man accused of stealing from Lil’ Wayne video shoot on Citrus campus With the aid of a GPS tracking device, police on Friday found and arrested a South El Monte man who is accused of stealing several items from a crew filming a music video at Citrus College. Police found the stolen items and arrested Marco Negrete, 20, on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property.

Source: SGV Tribune

Man stabbed in Irwindale, no one helps

McCLATCHY­TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES

Social networks stir global change Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief Many students see technology as a way to stay connected with friends—checking Facebook, then Twitter, then Tumblr and back again—but the younger generation in North Africa saw it as a catalyst for change.

After former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak stepped down as president due to growing protests by a disgruntled society, the call for change spread to neighboring North African and Middle Eastern countries.

Even though these events are occurring approximately 7,000 miles away, students should care about what is taking place because it will affect everything from gas prices to democracy around the world.

Two Citrus professors from the region weighed in on the situation.

Economics professor Kathy Bakhit was raised in Jordan and has lived in the U.S. for 25 years.

She was last in Jordan in October.

C: Do you still have family in Jordan?

KB: Most of my family is back there. My father is deceased, but I have my mother and I have seven sisters and two brothers and a whole town of cousins and extended family in Jordan.

C: Is Jordan still under a king?

KB: Correct. We have King Abdullah. He’s been there for 10 years. Before that it was his father King Hussein who was there probably over 30 years.

The king has absolute power.

C: How do you feel about the events taking place in the Middle East and North Africa?

KB: I feel excited and anxious. I feel we need the change; the Middle East and the world needs the change. But at the same time I’m worried about my family.It’s very thrilling to finally

pg. 3

KATHY BAKHIT

MOHAMAD TRAD

see some of the old guards that have been there for long time and taking advantage of the country and the people to see them go.

C: What do you think students here at Citrus can learn from what’s taking place, by these young people who really are the ones starting the protests?

KB: Why should we care?

Because the world has become so small. In London the price of a barrel of oil has increased $5 from $90 to $95. That’s going to be showing up tomorrow at the pump here. So it affects every aspect of our lives. And for the longest time people just had no clue about what’s happening where and why. And one thing people don’t know is a lot of it has to do with our foreign policy.

These dictatorships have been supported by the US government for a long time and so they have oppressed their people for a long time and now the people can’t take it anymore. Above everything else they want to have a sense of dignity, and a sense of feedom and sense of ability to be in charge of their own destiny.

C: You said that we should care because the world is smaller. Do you think that is because of technology and the Internet?

KB: Absolutely. The technology obviously has speeded up the process; it is so much faster and in some ways is in the process of making the world cul-

ture one culture.

C: Would you say that technology is a form of weapon in the way it brought down the government in Egypt?

KB: I would say so, yes. Definitely it provides and facilitates the creation of clarifying the cause and the issues and creating the groups. So yes, you can think of it in that sense as a weapon but again people around the world have done this in the past without Internet.

C: Is there anything else you think students need to know?

KB: You have to pay attention to yourself and you have to pay attention to the world. I would tell young people to work hard, learn and pay attention and in the long run they will be able to make a contribution to make the world a better place in one form or another. In spite of the economic down turn, unemployment, and the increased cost of education, their lives are still rich with material belongings and opportunities compared to many others around the world. As such, they have an obligation to do more, accomplish more, and contribute more.

Math professor Mohamad Trad hails from Lebanon and has lived in the U.S. for 18 years and last visited the region in 2006.

Clarion: In Lebanon, how long has the leader been in power?

MT: There is a president. We have democracy. We have a

noble system that changes every six years with a congress elected by the people. The president has to be Christian, the vice president has to be Muslim Sunni, the Prime Minister has to be Muslim also. The vice president has to be Muslim Shiite. So it is broken into religion power.

C: Do you think the revolution will continue to spread throughout the region?

MT: I hope it will spread more.

There are a lot of countries where it is really controlled by one person and controlled by a family, where the whole family controls the whole country. I think they should have democracy and elections.

C: Would you say that in this generation, their weapon of choice is the Internet?

MT: It is; I was shocked actually. It is really amazing how technology is changing. It is a peaceful weapon.

C: Do you think the Internet is making it harder to stope these uprisings?

MT: It is going to be tough to stop the Internet because you cannot live without it anymore. In Lebanon right now, even though they have Internet and cell phones, we still have times during the day where the electricity will go off. We will have six or seven hours without water or electricity. Even though everything is there the infrastructure is still not very solid.

C: Why do you think Citrus students should care, and what can they learn from this?

MT: Many students have no idea what war is or what real democracy is because they live in a country where it is normal. It is something normal for them and they can always say whatever they want, they can visit any state. They have the freedom to do anything. They should learn that it didn’t come that easy. It took a lot of effort; a lot of blood and a lot of people were killed before there was democ-

A man was walking in the 6200 block Irwindale Avenue about 9:45 p.m. when he was approached from behind by an unknown man with a knife and assaulted. Not a single person stopped to help a Monrovia man as he was being stabbed and slashed repeatedly along a busy street for nearly 15 minutes Saturday night, police said.

Source: SGV Tribune

State Southern California couple killed by Somali pirates In a storm of grenades, gunfire and hand-to-hand combat, the couple was killed aboard their beloved sloop, Quest, by Somali pirates, according to the U.S. military. He was 70; she was 66. At least 13 pirates were taken into U.S. custody and are expected to face prosecution.

Source: LA Times

National Rahm Emanuel Chicago’s new mayor Rahm Emanuel won the Chicago mayor's race on Feb. 22, gaining well over the 50 percent he needed to avoid a runoff, according to unofficial returns.

Emanuel was President Obama's chief of staff until he resigned to run for mayor after Richard M. Daley announced he would not seek reelection.

Source: LA Times

International Fatal earthquake in New Zealand On Feb. 22 a 6.3 magnitude earthquake was centered just southeast of Christchurch.The death toll is expected to climb above 75. There are 300 people missing. The government declared a state of emergency.

More than 400 rescuers from around the world were expected to join the search effort, including a 74-member team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Source: LA Times

campus

pg.4

College superintendent welcomes students

File Photo

On behalf of the Citrus College community, I am pleased to welcome you to the spring 2011 semester.

At Citrus College, every day is an opportunity for a

Textbooks: Campus explores sustainable options Along with their efforts to find a “green” solution to printed textbooks, many faculty members are now using Blackboard in their traditional classes to post handouts, syllabi and homework to reduce the use of paper.

However, this approach has had mixed results.

According to the survey, 36 students say they always print out online document provided by instructors while 35 always print out online documents at school.

Another 55 students indicated that they will sometimes print out online documents at home whereas 41 will sometimes print out the documents at school.

Math professor Paul Swatzel said that although many students print out online documents, using Blackboard is an easier and more convenient way to give students information.

“I would have students come up to me asking for another syllabus because they lost it and now I just tell them that it is up on Blackboard and that is a lot easier,” Swatzel said. “It is not only for eliminating the use of paper but also for convenience.

More information from the survey that bothered most faculty and staff members was that 80 of the 100 respondents opted out of buying printed textbooks because of cost.

“What bothers me the most is the cost of textbooks and the fact that a lot of the students do not buy them and I know their grades suffer because of it,” Swatzel said.

Further discussions are scheduled for March 18 at 11:30 a.m. Textbook publishers will also be attending this meeting.

“The overall goal is textbook sustainability and how we accomplish that goal,” said Magallon. “Whatever happens, the last thing I want to do is compromise a student’s education by forcing them to use a material that doesn’t work for them.”

new beginning filled with unlimited possibilities.

Whether you are a first-time college student just embarking on your educational journey, a continuing student, or a returning student, all of us at Citrus College want your experience to be enjoyable and fulfilling.

This spring, Citrus College continues on the leading edge of innovation and opportunity in fulfilling its mission of delivering excellent academic programs and student services.

The college has increased the number of class sections compared to last spring and to last fall, providing more access and the opportunity for

you to complete your education in a timely manner.

Innovative methods of delivering student services, such as online counseling and online access to scholarship applications, are being implemented.

In addition, our new 54,450 square-foot Student Services Building will open this spring providing a welcoming entry to the campus and consolidating student services program offices into one, easily identifiable location for the convenience of our students.

All of us at Citrus College are committed to making your journey as exciting and enlightening as possible while

you earn an associate degree, prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university, develop career/technical skills, or achieve any combination of these opportunities.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the academic programs and student services that will empower you to create, innovate, excel and grow.

May your journey with us be an adventure of a lifetime!

California is required to admit all residents who are already 18 or have a high school diploma— but that open admissions policy does not mean that there are enough counselors or classes to go around.

If the governor’s proposed budget is approved by the voters in the proposed June election and it becomes law, California colleges may be forced to reduce the number of full-time equivalent students, as projected by the community College League of California and the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

The LAO has recommended an increase in the per-unit fee to $66. The LAO also recommends a 90-unit-cap for students and eliminating state subsidy for athletics to help solve the state’s budget crisis without increasing taxes.

“What gets me about this proposal and even the governor’s proposal is that the pain is mostly directed at students,” said Scott Lay, president and chief execu-

“

leges, according to Lee. Even at $36 per-unit , California’s fee would still be the lowest per-unit fee in the nation.

With all the uncertainties, one thing seems certain—per-unit fees are on the rise at California community colleges.

“It is highly recommended that all students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, even if the students don’t think that they qualify,” said Carol Horton, vice president of finance and administrative services.

According to Horton, 71 percent of the student populations at Citrus College receive some form of financial aid, including Board of Governors Fee Waiver.

These students will remain unaffected by the proposed fee increases.

To file the FAFSA, go to www.fasfa.ed.gov or schedule an appointment with the financial aid office. The deadline to file is March 1.

According to the Azusa Police Department, there have been no arrests made and no suspects have been questioned.

Four out of the five victims were able to provide law enforcement with descriptions of their attackers. All of the victims stated that their attacker was a Hispanic male with facial hair and short spiked hair. The descriptions of their heights varied from 5 feet 3 inches to 6 feet tall.

Authorities say they do not have enough evidence at this time to confirm that the attacks were related, but each of the five incidents had similarities.

In each case the victim was walking either to or from her respective campus when the attacker approached her and touched her inappropriately.

Citrus College and APU emailed “timely warnings” to students and staff after each inci-

dent including a brief statement summarizing what happened and the description of the assailant provided by the victim.

There have been no reports of forced sexual offenses reported to Citrus College Campus Safety from Jan. 1, 2007, through Dec. 31, 2009. According to APU’s Campus Safety, in those same years 14 forcible sex offenses have been reported, eight of which were on the APU campus.

Three occurred in the residence halls, and three took place offcampus on public property.

Campus Safety supervisor Tony Giannone said that Citrus College is working with APU to ensure the safety of all students and staff on both campuses and to keep them informed.

He also stated that the Glendora Police Department takes every call from Citrus seriously.

The GPD’s response time to

Sincerely, Geraldine M. Perri, Ph.D. Superintendent/President

Fees: Officials propose raising per unit cost to offset budget I personally believe that we should raise tuition to $75 a unit.

That way we can preserve the schedule for students.

SAM LEE

DEAN OF LANGUAGE ARTS

”

tive officer of the Community College League of California.

Dean Lee also has a few ideas.

“I personally believe that we should raise tuition to about $75 a unit. That way, we can preserve the schedule for students,” Lee said “It would be a horrible, huge hit to students, but in the long run, it would preserve classes for them and prevent the system from making a bunch of cuts that don’t make much sense.”

On average, the national perunit fee is $95 for community col-

Attacks: Safety on campus questioned by recent incidences campus is four minutes, he said.

The Glendora Police department can be contacted at 626-9148250.

“Students should be aware of their surroundings and always take precautions when walking to and from classes and to their cars,” Giannone said. “Walking in groups can deter attackers,” he said.

Students and staff need to be alert and aware of what and who is around them. It is not wise to use a cell phone or wear headphones until one is safely locked inside his/her vehicle.

Campus Safety personnel will provide escorts to and from class and parking lots, if requested. If a student or staff member suspects something suspicious, he or she is urged to call Campus Safety at 626-914-8611. Reports to campus safety can remain anonymous.

February 23, 2011

Campus Events February 23 & 24 ASCC Welcomes You Back!

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Campus Center Mall

March 7, 8 & 9 Blood Drive Benefitting Huntington Hospital 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Campus Center Mall

March 8 & 9 Club Rush 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Campus Center Mall

March 9 Citrus College Green Team Presents

Speaker Alec Loorz “Kids vs. Global Warming” 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Haugh Performing Arts Center

March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Campus Center

March 30 & 31 Cesar Chavez National Blood Drive Challenge 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Campus Center

May 2-5 Springfest 2011 Campus Center Mall

May 25 ASCC Candidates’ Forum 11:30 a.m.

Campus Center East Wing

May 30- June 2 Stress Buster Week Events TBA Come relax a little before finals!

February 23, 2011

sports

Sports Editor Erica Irigoyen erica.irigoyen91@verzon.net

pg. 5

Women’s basketball player knows to always stay positive Israel Mejia Staff Writer Basketball seems to be the right fit for a multitalented student athlete at Citrus College.

Jasmyne Randolph, a 19year-old resident of Fontana who graduated from Bloomington High School, has learned that leaving behind a negative world with drugs and abuse only make her a success.

Randolph plans to transfer in 2011 to Cal Poly Pomona or California State University, Los Angeles with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. She hopes to continue to play basketball at the four-year level.

Being a student comes first for Randolph. Good grades mean she can play.

When she was five years old Randolph was enrolled in gymnastics. During that same year she tried softball, but it was too slow a game for her. She wanted more adrenaline pumping.

In 8th grade, she decided to try basketball. Her coach, Johnny Daniels became a role model, and another father figure. That year, she decided

that quitting wasn’t an option.

Quitting would be her biggest regret.

Randolph thought about being a teacher, then a lawyer, then a CSI investigator, now an FBI agent. She is driven to correct the bad things that can destroy community. She hates drugs, and she hates how people’s negative behaviors can drag others down with them.

Randolph said she used to have coaches whose approach didn’t help her, so she decided to turn that negativity around.

Her goal now is to show that she can achieve success.

A lot has been expected of from Randolph, and to this date she has been able to deliver.

Randolph routinely plays defense, but this season she has played every position for the Owls and has grown to be a team leader.

Randolph ended the season with an average of 97 defensive rebounds, 42 offensive rebounds, 139 rebounds, and 219 points.

Playing under the direction of head coach, Tamara McDonald, Randolph said that

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Jasmyne Randolph, left, of Fontana has broadened her range this season by playing every position on the women’s basketball team. She closed out the season with an average of 5.1 rebounds per game and a total of 219 points.

she feels more confident now.

She gets help in basketball but outside of the gym as well.

“Jasmyne doesn’t realize that she affects the team,” Mc-

Donald said, “Her energy empowers the rest of the team.”

Coach McDonald said that as difficult as the player transitions are, they have only made

Randolph stronger without her even realizing it.

“You could be the best offense, but not if you don’t have any defense,” Randolph said.

She feels that she has to own up to her role and feels it’s her responsibility to defend the best player.

On Dec. 10 Randolph stepped up the game against Riverside City College. Even though the Owls lost at 59-56, Randolph scored 14 points with 8 rebounds.

“She has been gifted with the athleticism and talent most athletes wish they could have,” said sophomore Jennifer Avila, who plays guard for the Owls.

Inspired by watching Randolph, Avila wants to be a better guard herself. “Even with hard work, we would not be able to get to the level she is at. If she keeps working hard, she has a very bright future ahead of her.”

The basketball team lost their last game on Feb. 19 against College of the Canyons with the score of 6869 ending their season with a 15-12 record and 7-5 mark in WSC South play.

February 23, 2011

sports

Success isn’t just about wins Women’s basketball team and head coach take the time to reflect on their 20102011 season.

Men’s Basketball: The team earned a top four seed in the CCCAA for the fourth straight season. The state championships will begin on Sat., Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.

Cliff Wurst Citrus College Sports Information Office Citrus’ women’s basketball team goes over the game plan for the next play with Head Coach Tamara McDonald during an intense game.

“Academics come first, before anything,” McDonald said.

One of the eight Scholar Ballers is proud of her success and is thankful that McDonald never gave up on her education.

“Last season, there was really no discipline, and I would rarely go to my classes,” said 19-year-old Yvonne Sanchez. “This season, Coach McDonald was hard on us and really emphasized us succeeding. Now that I am a Scholar Baller, I feel like I have actually accomplished something.”

Despite the Lady Owls one point loss of 69-68 on Sat., sophomore Jasmyne Randolph scored a game and career high of 27 points.

Now that the regular season has come to a close, McDonald and the team know what needs to be done to improve their game.

“Every one of my players is talented individually,” McDonald said.

“They all are a good support system, but what they really need to work on is playing well as a team and bonding.”

Basketball player follows game plan Brandi Mendez Staff Writer Sophomore Jacob Ranger will be playing at CSU San Marcos next basketball season.

Former Fighting Owls Josh Dunaj and Jim Saia at CSU San Marcos will be his new coaches next basketball season.

Ranger, who said that he accepted a scholarship for next year, said he is very excited. Having begun his collegiate basketball career at UC Davis, the 6’4, 210 pounds guard/forward came to Citrus for a second chance.

“Basketball’s my passion, and I just lost focus,” said Ranger. “Whether it was going to practice or really pushing myself, I didn’t feel like doing it.”

However, when the kinesiology major joined the Fighting Owls, his attitude changed.

The team’s emphasis on family reignited his passion for basketball, and the coaches pushed him to be the best player he could be, he said.

Ranger will be joining the San Marcos team, led by Saia, who was the interim head coach for USC from 2004-2005 before heading to Citrus in 2006-2007 season, and Dunaj who was with the Fighting Owls since 2005 will be his assistant coach on the bench.

Owls’ Scoreboard Here is what you missed in Citrus sports and what is still to come in the spring 2011 season...

Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor With all the good and bad things that happened throughout the fall 2010 season, the Citrus College women’s basketball team did not, and says they never will, give up.

The Owl’s win-loss record for the 2010-2011 was 15-12, with a Western State Conference record of 7-5.

First year, head coach Tamara McDonald and her players describe the 2010-2011 women’s basketball season as an emotional rollercoaster.

Throughout the season, the team has had to deal with a lot of challenges that came their way.

“We lost a couple of our top scorers because of personal reasons throughout the season,” McDonald said. “It was hard because other players had to step up their game, a lot of them weren’t prepared to do that.”

Despite these difficulties and granted, McDonald felt as though the team could have had a better season, the team did achieve success, she said.

“The team has worked hard from the beginning,” McDonald said. “They are a reliable group of kids, and we have a solid and hardworking bench.”

Overall there was no denying the team’s academic success. Eight of the 12 players are Scholar Ballers.

In order to become eligible for a Scholar Baller title, athletes must maintain a 3.0 G.P.A.

pg. 7

Dunaj has known Ranger since he was a high school sophomore.

“I’m really proud of the way he’s matured since I met him,” Dunaj said.

Dunaj said that Ranger was a solid basketball player and described him as “a good guy.”

Dunaj also credited Citrus head coach Chris Victor in assisting Ranger in developing his skills.

Victor said that Ranger’s transformation comes from getting back to having fun out on the court, and in turn building confidence. With that confidence, it has turned into the successful season that Ranger’s performed.

Ranger is Citrus’ third leading scorer this year, averaging 10.3 points per game on 49.3% shooting from the floor. Ranger is also third on the team with a 4.3 rebounds per contest average.

The Fighting Owls head coach is extremely happy for the upcoming season for the sophomore. “I think it’s a great opportunity for Jake, to have two great coaches in Coach Saia and Dunaj to lead him,” Victor said.

Ranger said that he is taking the “‘Win Forever’ Citrus motto with him.

“Win Forever” is something that can be used in every aspect of life, in that when you strive to be the best in anything, you’ll never fail,’” he said.

Women’s Basketball: The team ended their season with an exciting final game. Although they lost 69-68, they played an amazing game

Baseball: With the team’s fourth consecutive loss on Feb. 22, the baseball team knows they have to step it for their Feb. 24 game against Oxnard.

Softball: The softball team was successful in their Feb. 22 game against Moorpark and is getting ready for their Feb. 25 game against Pasadena.

What to look forward to this week: Go out and support your spring sports teams at their next home games.

Sat. Feb. 26 7 p.m. Men’s basketball first round playoff game

Natalie Miranda Citrus College Clarion Jacob Ranger, a guard/forward for the men’s basketball team, averages 10.3 points per game. He will be playing on the CSU San Mar­ cos basketball team next season.

Tues. March 1 2 p.m. Baseball game at home Tues. March 1 2:30 p.m. Softball game at home

pg.8

sports

February 23, 2011

Women’s basketball team falls short of playoffs Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

Natalie Miranda Citrus College Clarion Jasmyne Randolph, center, blazes past opponents from College of the Canyons on Feb. 19. The Owls ef­ forts were not enough to seal spot in the playoffs.

Natalie Miranda Citrus College Clarion Guard Ariel Marsh, left, contemplates her next move at the Owl’s last game Feb. 19 against College of the Canyons. The Owls lost 69­68 which cut off hopes of making it to the playoffs.

The Citrus College women’s basketball team not only lost to College of the Canyons 69-68 on Feb. 19, but also lost any hope of moving into the playoffs.

As sluggish as the Owls played in the first half, they were fortunate enough to trail the Cougars by only six points.

In the second half the Owls slowly chipped away at the Cougars lead and tied the game with two minutes and 16 seconds on the clock.

“We’ve been through so much,” said guard, Arial Marsh. “The team I have is so great, they won’t give up on themselves and each

other.”

Both teams were neck and neck for the game until Kelli Lewis from the Canyons scored a 3-pointer, putting the Cougars on top for good.

“Citrus performed well,” said Canyons head coach Greg Herrick. “If it wasn’t for that 3-pointer at the end, it might be a different story.”

Although Citrus failed to qualify for the playoffs, head coach Tamara McDonald is proud of her team and has an optimistic outlook for next season.

“I thought we played our hearts out,” said McDonald. “I couldn’t ask for a better performance.”

Men’s basketball team makes playoffs fifth consecutive year Coach Victor and his team talk about an easy transition and prepare for the CCCAA State Championships.

Frank Ram Photo Technician New coach, same result.

For the fifth time in as many years, the Citrus College men’s basketball team (23-5, 9-3) has earned a spot in the CCCAA Southern California regional playoffs.

This was coach Chris Victor’s first season at the helm of the Owls, succeeding Rick Croy who led the Owls to three straight WSC south championships, including a CCCAA State Championship in 2008.

Sophomore guard Donnell Phifer said the transition from Croy to Victor was an easy one.

“Coach does a lot of things similar to Croy,” He said. “When it comes to intensity, he steps it up.”

The Owls closed out the regular season with an 85-66 win Feb. 19 against College of the Canyons (13-15, 5-7).

The game remained close throughout the first half ending with a 35-29 Citrus lead.

That changed quickly when Citrus opened up the second half with a 20-5 run in the first 3:20 of the second half.

“We started to play harder and consistent,” said guard Hakeem Washington. “We picked up our defense and we stopped their game.”

The sophomore guard Washington ended his final regular season game at The Owls Nest with five points and three assists.

He had 266 points, 55 rebounds

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Forward Greg McFarland holds off opponents from College of the Canyons on Feb. 19 to seal a spot for the Owls in the playoffs. Citrus beat Canyons 85­ 66.

and 74 assists on the season.

Citrus continued its dominate second half, getting as much as a 33-point lead.

The final score was 85-66.

Other Owls sophomores, besides Washington, honored during pre game festivities included Donte Archie, Lateef McMullan, Jacob Ranger, Greg McFarland and Phifer.

The Owls finished second in the WSC South behind Santa Monica. It brings to an end the three consecutive WSC South championships by Citrus.

Although Citrus ended the season on a three game winning streak, their record on the road

was not as impressive. In conference play, the Owls had a subpar 3-3 road record.

“We haven’t won any close road games, so we definitely have to improve on that,” Phiefer said. “We’re not where we want to be at right now, but we’re going to get there.”

Playoff action begins Feb. 26.

The No. 4 seeded Owls will face the winner of the Feb. 23 game between Antelope Valley and Oxnard.

“The season isn’t over yet,” coach Victor said. “ We’re looking forward to competing for that state championship.”

entertainment

February 23, 2011

Entertainment Editor Kristin Lacuesta kristin.lacuesta@gmail.com

pg. 9

Grammys brings new era with old friends Israel Mejia Staff Writer The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards show was full of surprises.

Part of it was boring, some was good and some of it was extraordinary.

A tribute to Aretha Franklin was very nice done by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride and Florence Welch but it was boring and people just wanted it to end so we could see the next performer.

The biggest surprise was the arrival of pop singer Lady Gaga in what looked like an egg. Her fans or “Little Monsters,” got the message.

Lady Gaga was incubating

herself in a womb to hype her new single: “Born This Way.” During her performance, Gaga emerged from the womb to deliver her new concept of loving yourself no matter who you are. Her fashion choice for her dancers was similar to hers.

The outfits’ message being that of equality.

The night was focused on Justin Bieber who made news by not winning the Best New Artist category.

Even if you don’t like his girlish voice, Bieber gave a good performance with his mentor Usher performing “OMG.” He showed us he isn’t a male teen coming out of puberty.

The unexpected best new artist was Esperanza Spalding, which was a shock be-

cause not many people knew anything about her .

Gwyneth Paltrow and Cee Lo shared the stage with the Muppets to perform his song “Forget You.” Cee Lo looked like a Muppet with his costume choice of multi-color feathers.

Katy Perry premiered her wedding photos for the first time but her performance shows she needs more vocal lessons. She might not have taken any awards home, but like she said, she did take her Grammy (grandmother) home.

Bruno Mars can get on your nerves when his song: “Grenade” is on repeat seemingly everywhere you tune in.

The problem with his performance was that it was given special treatment;

Oscars lack recognition Rhiannon Conrado Staff Writer A Harvard University student makes enemies after creating a social networking site. A king struggles with speaking in public.

A lesbian couple faces obstacles when their sperm donor enters their children’s lives. A ballet dancer competes for the lead role in “Swan Lake.” A specialized spy takes on the unbelievable task of planting an idea in another person’s subconscious.

From “The Social Network” to “Inception,” the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, scheduled for Sunday Feb. 27, will recognize top performances in every major film category.

Anticipating the Academy Awards, members of the Citrus College community are making predictions and revealing their opinions of the show itself.

Professor Cherie Brown, of the theatre arts program, has viewed six of the 10 films nominated for best picture.

“The Social Network” has an edge over “The King’s Speech” because it’s the “hip choice” and “people can relate to it,” but the social-networking film is very one-sided, Brown said.

“The King’s Speech” deserves the award for Best Picture because the film has more “theatrical weight,” she said.

“I think the direction is brilliant, I think the acting is brilliant, and I think its the best I’ve seen Helena Bonham Carter do,” Brown said. “And Colin Firth was just wonderful.”

Professor Theresa Villeneuve, who teaches motion picture appreciation, predicts “The King’s Speech” will be the Academy’s pick for Best Picture because it’s the “classy choice,” she said.

Sometimes Academy members vote for the favored choice without ever seeing the film be-

McClatchy­Tribune Media Services

cause politics are involved, she said.

“There are a lot of academy members, and how many actually made an effort to see those films?” Villeneuve said. “I think they are like the rest of us, and they go to the voting booth without ever reading their voting forms.”

Student Adin Rudd, a member of the Citrus College Filmmakers’ Association, said he would have liked to have seen more films past season, but his choice for best picture was unlike the others.

“I would probably pick ‘Inception,’” Rudd said. “I like that it is such a complex film, but the surprising thing is that the story is so simple.”

Rudd added that overall he was disappointed with the nominations for the Academy Awards.

“One of my biggest problems with the Oscars this year was that the film ‘The Town’ was only nominated for one award,” he said.

Jeremy Renner was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in “The Town,” but Ben Affleck was overlooked for Best Director and Rudd said he deserved the nomination because the direct-

ing was good and that overall it was “a solid film.”

Professor Mick Curran, who teaches film as literature, said another disappointment was that Christopher Nolan, director of “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” was disregarded again by the Academy.

“It’s embarrassing that Nolan didn’t get a nomination,” Curran said. “Every director nominated pales in comparison. Nothing comes close to what Nolan did.”

One film that has received a great deal of attention from the media is “The Fighter,” but Curran disagrees with the hype and disapproves of its nomination for Best Picture.

“The Fighter does not deserve it,” Curran said. “The film abuses its audience because there is nothing new about this story.

Films are a form of entertainment, and if people are not moved by what they see, then they aren’t going to get into it.”

It comes down to choosing between one good performance over another, Curran said, and that is difficult to do.

For your Academy Award picks, you can vote online at www.theclariononline.com.

McClatchy Tribune Media Services

there was no reason to telecast his performance in black and white it gave no spice to the performance at all.

Nicki Minaj looked like a cheap imitation of Lady Gaga, and acted like an uptight diva. She was asked about her outfit, instead of giving credit to her stylists, she said she has a magical

button that makes her hairstyle up and change colors.

Lady Antebellum gave an extraordinary performance of their single: “Need You Now.” Like many the group was shocked when they won five Grammys, showing the world all of their emotions when they burst into tears.

If you never heard of Arcade Fire, you definitely wanted to go search for their album: “The Suburbs” when they took the album of the year award. They might be unknown by many but they proved they earned the award with their performance of “Ready to Start” and “Month of May.” With all the surprises of the Grammys and the let down by some artists we can look forward to next year’s show.

pg.10

VARIETY SHOW

February 23, 2011

ROY LABOMME Citrus College Elements Dance Cru from Dance Effects Studio in West Covina took home the grand prize of $1,000 at Citrus’ “Valley’s Got Talent” on Jan. 30, which took place in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

The dancers, ranging from 10­17, featured a new style of dance called “blending.”

College hosts its first ever local talent show Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor Dancers ranging in age from 10-17 showcasing a new style of dance called “blending” won the grand prize at the first ever Citrus College Foundation talent show on Jan. 30 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

“Valley’s Got Talent” was emceed by Glendora’s very own comedian Mike Schaub and Grammy-nominated songwriter David Jeremiah.

Record producer and songwriter John Boylan along with British recording artist Leroy Osbourne and veteran music executive Barry Squire made up the judging panel for the event.

Twenty talented performers from the San Gabriel Valley were selected from more than 100 acts that auditioned to appear in the show. The valley’s diversity was represented not only in regards to age —performers ranged from age 10 to 83— but also in the acts themselves.

Singers, dancers, rock bands and martial artists graced the stage during the two-hour production.

Elements Dance Cru from the Dance Effect Studio in West Covina took home first

place along with a cash prize of $1,000.

“To be able to come out victorious is something we didn’t expect,” said choreographer and owner of the dance studio Valerie Ramirez. “It’s a really nice payoff because when you’re a child, and you put in so much work, it makes it really rewarding to see the outcome.”

Runner-up and winner of the $500 prize was Ferrol Brown a 19-year-old Texas native and current Azusa resident. Brown sang an original composition titled “Mr. and Mrs. Star,” the ukulele her instrument of choice for the performance.

Judge Boylan praised her performance stating that her song was “well written and performed, a refreshing change from singers just performing covers.”

The event raised approximately $75,000 for the Foundation, Citrus College’s various student programs and scholarships.

Executive director, development and external relations of Citrus College June Stephens summed up the entire event in one word: “awesome.”

A raffle was also held during the event’s intermission

Natalie Miranda Citrus College Clarion Chris Nevarez, a Citrus student and member of the Citrus Singers Chamber, rehearses “Mi Mancheria,” written by singer­songwriter Josh Groban, for “Valley’s Got Talent” which took place on Jan. 30 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

where Citrus’ very own Dr. Kim Holland won the third prize of a week-long trip to Las Vegas.

“It was a great surprise to win. I look forward to plan-

ning the week in Vegas,” said Dr. Holland.

The show replaced the 11year Citrus College fundraising event, Taste of Autumn.

Talk of Valley’s Got Talent be-

coming an annual event is still being considered by members of the Citrus College Foundation.

VALLEY’S GOT TALENT

February 23, 2011

VARIETY SHOW

pg.11

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Bliss, a local girl group, rehearses their rendition of “The Climb,” by Miley Cyrus in the Haugh Per­ forming Arts Center in preparation for “Valley’s Got Talent” which took place on Jan. 30.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion

Adrian McBride belts out “Crazy on You” by Heart to prepare for “Valley’s Got Talent” which took place on Jan. 30 in the Haugh Performing Arts Center.

NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Singing “Let Yourself Go,” Lauren Smolka prepares to dazzle the audience of “Valley’s Got Talent” in the Haugh Performing Arts Center which took place on Jan. 30.

pg.12

entertainment

Reality TV: Why I can’t change the channel Emily Rios Online Editor Reality TV has inundated our society and as much as I hate to admit it, I must confess that I am a reality TV junkie.

I don’t even think I could count the number of reality TV shows I watch because as soon as I hear of a new one I like to watch it at least once and there is only a few that I cannot stand.

The thing is, reality TV is completely ridiculous but much like a traffic accident I can’t take my eyes off it.

Three shows I am currently glued to are season 15 of the “The Bachelor” on ABC and “Teen Mom 2” on MTV and “American Idol” on Fox. I have been watching “The Bachelor” since it began airing in 2002. Leading up to this season I wasn’t sure if I would be able to watch, especially after it was announced Brad Womack would be returning as the bachelor after he ended the season 11 without proposing to either of the final two contestants.

I am completely cynical and scoff at people who talk about their significant other

and describe love at first sight, yet I become invested in a show where people attempt to find love in a matter of weeks.

I have a dinner date every Monday with my sister to watch the show and we pick our favorite bachelorettes at the beginning and spend the rest of the season talking trash about the other’s picks.

It is now down to the final three women and I am proud to say that my pick, Emily, is still in the running. I love this South Carolina native, not only because she has overcome the tragic events of having her fiancé dying in a

like “how awesome. I wish I had been a teenage mother,” I feel sad for their struggles and wonder what my life would be like if I had become a teenage mother. I am 25 and I cannot even imagine dealing with raising a child.

In addition to reality TV shows, I am also obsessed with anything that involves competition, so, like “The Bachelor,” I have watched “American Idol” from the beginning.

Season 10 of the hit show has undergone major changes most noticeably new judges Jennifer Lopez McClatchy­Tribune Media Services and Steven Tyler. plane crash and finding out I was certain that the show she was pregnant in the would not work without same week, but because she Simon Cowell, but I actually has not been involved in the love the dynamics of Lopez drama with the other girls and and Tyler with veteran judge has remained classy through- Randy Jackson. The interacout the entire process. tion between the three seems There is something about extremely natural and like watching these people navi- they genuinely enjoy one angate intense emotions that other’s company. gets me hooked.

Reality TV and TV in genAnother of my latest ob- eral is not only a way to be sessions is “Teen Mom 2,” entertained, but also a way to which follows the lives of four escape the craziness of teenage mothers. This show everyday life. I am not emhas been at the center of barrassed to admit that most controversy with many who of what I watch is complete say it’s glamorizing teen nonsense, but I don’t see mypregnancy. self changing the channel When I watch it, I’m not any time soon.

February 23, 2011

re

o Want m

Confessions of a Reality TV Junkie

Scan this QR Code for more confessions on TV, movies, books and thoughts on the entertainment industry.

February 23, 2011

entertainment

pg. 13

Product Review: Best instant movie rentals Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor Throughout the years, video rentals have become more than heading to the nearest Blockbuster or Hollywood Video.

Sure, those Blockbuster trips would always be an adventure.

Walking around, looking at the new releases, oldies but goodies and those occasional video games. And, while waiting in line to check out all of the fabulous movies, the temptation of delicious sugary treats becomes too much to handle and a box of Sour Patch Kids ends up on the check-out stand.

New technology has made checking out the latest movies a much easier task, the adventures that once were, have be-

come less adventurous than before.

Companies like Netflix, OnDemand and a giant red box make it a little easier to escape our hectic lives.

So what sets Redbox apart from all of the other movie rental technology that is sweeping the nation?

Placed in grocery stores and gas stations everywhere, Redbox has become so famous for giving people the convenience to grab a quick movie on the way home from work or school for a reasonable price.

At only a $1.09 per movie and $2 per video game, Redbox gives customers an opportunity to check out that new DVD for less than a McDonald’s Big Mac. Redbox has more than 26,000 locations ranging from

Jennifer Young Campus Editor Netflix is the perfect way for busy college students to watch movies and catch up on their favorite shows without breaking the bank.

Netflix is an Internet based service that allows you to watch movies and television instantly while also providing a disc to door service. You can create a list, or queue of content that you wish to watch.

Subscription plans differ by the number of discs you can have in your possession at one time. The next disc in the queue is conveniently sent to you as soon you mail one back.

Brandi Mendez Staff Writer On a weekend night-in, most everyone will pop in a movie and have the cinematic adventure whisk them away to a far-off land, all in the comfort of their own homes.

But now, with the major retailers Netflix, Redbox and Time Warner Cable’s video On Demand, consumers sometimes don’t know the pro’s and con’s of each.

For me, TWC’s On Demand is an easy choice. Movies debut

redbox.com

places like Walmart to 7-Eleven.

Each Redbox offers customers a wide variety of old and new releases of DVD’s and video games.

Every Tuesday, Redbox kiosks add both new movies and new video games so the possibilities for customers are always endless.

What else is convenient about every Redbox kiosk?

Customers are never locked into renting and returning movies and video games at one kiosk.

One can return any movie at any

Netflix gives you the option to modify your queue from a multitude of devices, including your cell phone, computer and home video game console.

The variety of content that Netflix offers is vast.

They have everything from broadcast television shows to cable comedy specials, documentaries and the latest movies.

They even offer international content.

The ‘watch instantly’ feature allows subscribers to watch different content on multiple devices, simultaneously.

Some of the streaming content is available in high definition 720p if your Internet connection is fast enough.

On Demand 28 days before other competitors carry them. All you have to do is point and click your remote control, and you get a magic night of entertainment.

In addition to having a wider selection of 999 both old and new movie features available at any time, On Demand comes with no lines at a Redbox location, no envelopes to send through the mail to Netflix.

There’s more than just a selection of new movies on this feature. There is a wide variety of shows that are featured from different primetime networks from

kiosk nationwide.

So, rent a movie at Stater Bros. and go ahead and return that same movie the next day at the Shell Gas Station.

Wouldn’t it be great if customers had the opportunity to constantly be updated on the new arrivals that are hitting the Redbox kiosks every Tuesday?

Well thankfully you can.

Redbox has a Twitter account, Facebook account and mobile applications to keep fans up to date with what is new in the Redbox world.

Additionally, sign up for text alerts on your phone and receive promo codes for a free movie rental the first Monday of every month.

Seen as how each kiosk stocks about 12 copies of each DVD and video game, the

The number of concurrent devices is dependent on the subscription plan.

There are only minor drawbacks to Netflix.

One is that the watch instantly option is limited and lacking in newer content.

Another drawback is that it takes approximately one month after a DVD hits store shelves for it to be available to add to your queue.

Pricing plans range from $4.99 per month for one disc out at a time maximum of two rentals per month, to $56.99 per month for eight concurrent disc rentals with unlimited rentals per month.

High definition BluRay disc rentals can be added to any subscription plan

netflix.com

for an additional $4.99 per month.

Netflix is the perfect solution for a cash-strapped college student looking for an escape from the daunting tasks of research papers and study groups.

timewarnercable.com

CBS to popular cable networks like A&E and VH1. And there isn’t a need to worry about remembering to head down to the Redbox machine before being charged for an extra day of the rental; after 24 hours, your On Demand rental is deleted from your Digital Video Recorder box rentals section. And did I mention

chances of being able to rent a popular new release seems slim.

But, no need to worry. Redbox offers customers a unique feature: reserving movies online.

With this feature, customers are able to find the newest release, reserve it at any Redbox location and stop by that location at any time to pick up your movie rental.

With all of the great features that Redbox has to offer, there is no reason to shop for rentals anywhere else. So while you are driving home asking yourself why you enrolled in so many classes this semester, remember to stop by your local grocery store for a movie that will get your mind off of things for while.

you could rent as many movies you’d like?

Now, nothing’s fool proof, you will get an occasional system glitch in the On Demand feature, where the On Demand menu will not be able to connect to your television and in turn, you’ll have to wait until the technical error is fixed. Each rental varies in price

from $1.99-$4.99 for pay-perview buys and are free with the premium channels menu when you subscribe to channels like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc.

Depending on which movie you’ve selected to watch will be the determinant of the price, if it is a new release, you’ll be paying the full price for the feature. But, without having to drive to another location, wait for the postal service to arrive with my movie, I’ll happily pay the five bucks for my household’s weekend movie nights.

food Cookies, ice cream hit the spot

pg.14

Food Editor Austin Paul Adamson austin.paul.adamson@gmail.com

Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

Ice cream sandwiches are a simple taste treat, but The Cookie Mill in Azusa dishes them out with distinction.

The Cookie Mill shares a store space with Spinella Pasta Bar in the College Center Shopping Center located just east of Stater Bros., at the corner of Barranca and Route 66.

The customer service is great, but I was disappointed that only two types of cookies—chocolate chip and snickerdoodle—were available at the time of my visit. I arrived shortly after it opened at 1 p.m., but it would have been nice to have a bigger cookie selection.

But on to the ice cream sandwiches.

For $3, customers can choose any type of cookie and ice cream they would like. Since chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies were the only choices available, I chose one of each with chocolate chip cookie

dough ice cream to go between.

The size of the ice cream serving was surprising. I was expecting one scoop but instead received two large scoops between the two cookies. It is hard to open your mouth wide enough for that much ice cream, so you have to eat with a spoon. Plan on sharing with your best friend or a date.

My first bite was delicious.

The warmth and freshness of the cookies was complimented by the cold ice cream. The cookies are about two times as big as Chips Ahoy cookies. I love soft cookies and the cookies were definitely soft to the bite.

For $20 The Cookie Mill also sponsors an ice cream sandwich-eating contest.

Contest cookies are big enough to hold eight scoops of ice cream. Contestants choose any type of cookie and any flavor of ice cream.

February 23, 2011

Fighting with food: eating challenge video series

They have 10 minutes to devour all of it. Successful contestants are photographed and their pictures are hung Fighting With Food is a video sandwich in less than 10 minon the wall. Those who can series where the Clarion’s utes. If I can do that I get my gobble it down in five minFood Editor, Austin Paul picture on the wall, and bragutes pay nothing at all, plus Adamson seeks out local eat- ging rights. If I complete it in their pictures go on the wall. ing challenges and sees if his less than five it’s free! Have Contestants who are not love for food and determina- any food challenges or sugable to finish get a t-shirt tion can earn him victory. gestions? Email the food edithat says “I In this edi- tor. Scan the QR code below love Cookie tion of FightMill” for their ing With efforts.

Food, I am The Cookie in Azusa, Mill also Claif., just serves cookie south of the shakes for campus at $4, floats for The Cookie $3 and one Mill.

The pound of challenge is steak fries for to destroy $3. an enorSo if you mous ice to watch.

QR CODE are in need of c r e a m http://goo.gl/sEhYj a sugar rush c o o k i e b e t w e e n c l a s s e s , NATALIE MIRANDA Citrus College Clarion Use your your mobile phone’s visit The barcode/QR App or enter the Cookie Mill Food editor, Austin Paul Adamson, attempts The Cookie Mill Challenge, a contest consist­ and get your ing of finishing a huge cookie sandwich with URL in your browser. fix. eight scoops of ice cream in 10 minutes.

food

February 23, 2011

pg. 15

Making any dinner romantic, post Valentine’s Day Austin Paul Adamson Food Editor Valentine’s Day can be stressful, especially when it falls on a Monday like it did this year. If you happened to forget, didn't have time to celebrate or made some other mistake on the 14th, it’s not too late to make up for it by cooking a romantic dinner for two.

Cooking the meal yourself shows your significant other that you are willing to put in the extra effort to make an ordinary night special. You are creating romance by avoiding being pushed around in a crowded, public restaurant.

Atmosphere is important, so play into some of the larger clichés. What may seem like a corny or cheesy ‘thing that was done in a movie’ could be the perfect inspiration for your spe-

cial date.

Here are the guidelines to making the night a success.

The table. This is the romantic backdrop for serving your homemade meal.

A nice solid color tablecloth builds the foundation for the setup. A center-piece also helps establish a private, personal mood. Think about how her favorite flowers correspond with the colors of the cloth and placed them in a vase in the middle of the table.

Candles are a great idea.

They symbolize love and passion while also softening the lighting. They should burn bright enough to see the food, yet low enough to hide any imperfections in your table set up or food presentation.

If you do use candles, make sure to choose a color that complements the food and

tablecloth and make sure they aren’t scented. Floral candles can be overwhelming and often distract from the delightful smells of the meal itself.

For maximum impact, do some subtle detective work to decide which foods your other half absolutely loves and also, which dishes are within your cooking abilities.

If you are a rookie in the kitchen, try pasta. What is easier than boiling noodles and adding a heated, premade sauce? If you are a real chef, you can handcraft your own noodles, create your own sauce and create appetizers if you are up to the challenge.

Pick something that is up to your level of cooking experience and give it all you’ve got.

When it comes time to serve your beloved, remember that presentation is important. Don't

Cooking with Austin

QR CODE http://goo.gl/3uS7i

Each issue we have a different guest cooking with our food editor, teaching or learning how to cook a selected recipe. Scan the QR code to watch the video.

just splash the food onto a paper plate. Carefully place portions in the center of a china plate and arrange them artistically to look most appealing.

Use real flatware—not plastic knives and forks—and add cloth napkins. Finish with a sweet dessert. All good meals must come to an end and a sweet treat is the perfect touch.

A quick and easy way to prepare a dessert is to skewer some fruit on a toothpick— strawberries, for example— and dip it in melted chocolate.

But be careful: chocolate burns easily. So use a double boiler on the lowest heat possible to melt the chocolate gradually and evenly, stirring often.

Cool and serve on a lovely plate.

Make the evening personal.

Use decorations or specific meal ingredients that have a connection with your relationship. Think back to a first date, a big announcement, or your loved one’s dreams and wishes.

Be the cook, the waiter or the busser. Don’t just cook the meal but also offer to fetch and serve while the meal is in progress.

Clear the table, clean all of the dishes and insist that your date not lift a finger to help.

Remember it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to do something special for the one you love. A little effort goes a long way. The 14th of February may be a distant memory, but that does not mean that you can’t make tonight special for you and your beloved.

The dish, “Moros y Cristianos,” is a black bean and white rice dish that is served with just about any entrée.

For the recipe just scan the QR code to the right.

QR CODE

Cuban recipe

http://goo.gl/LuK8p

pg.16

OPINIONS Perspectives Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

February 23, 2011

Are students still safe on campus?

Natalie Miranda Editor in Chief

I used to feel totally safe on the Citrus Coll e g e campus morning or night.

I had no problem walking alone from my car in student lot 8 to the LB building.

Now, not so much.

Since December 2010 students and staff have received five “timely warning” e-mails regarding attempted sexual assault in our community. The first victim is a Citrus student. The other four are studnts at Azusa Pacific University.

The first incident involving sexual battery was reported on Dec. 3. It allegedly occurred on Foothill Boulevard near the APU West Campus at 6:30 a.m. The suspect description was a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 3 inches, medium build, spikey hair and approximately 40 years old.

The second incident happened the same day at 6:15 p.m., west on Foothill Boulevard, south of the APU soccer field. The suspect description was Hispanic male, 6 feet, spikey hair and

260 pounds.

The third assault took place on Jan. 12 at 3:06 p.m. in front of Foothill Community Church on Alosta Avenue. The suspect was said to be a heavily built Hispanic adult male, medium complexion, 5 feet 6 inches with spikey hair.

The fourth occurred Jan. 19 at 3:15 a.m. on the north side of Alosta Avenue outside of the APU Shire residence. The victim could not provide any description of the suspect.

The most recent sexual battery incident took pace Jan. 31 at approximaltey 5:45 p.m. northbound on Cougar Lane, which is south of the APU football stadium.

Two suspects were involved in this incient.

The first suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 30 years old, 5 feet 10 inches, and 180 punds with spikey hair. The second suspect was described as an African American male, 20 years old, 5 feet 10 inches and 170 pounds.

It should be noted that none of these incidents happened on the Citrus College campus, but all close by.

This does not mean that we are totally safe.

Citrus is well known as a safe campus, but these five reports of assaults on

women have definitely motivated me to think safety.

As often as I can, I walk around campus and to the parking lots with someone else. But my friends don’t always want to accompany me on my many errands around campus, and I don’t blame them.

At night I have always made sure to have someone walk with me but during the day I have always assumed that I was safe since more people are out on the streets and the visibility is better.

Considering that two of these incidents happened when the sun was up proves me wrong.

There are steps we can all take to reduce the risk of assault.

Since the attacks the Owl Patrol has been more high profile. It is reassuring when my night class lets out to see them patrolling the parking lots.

However, when I walk out of my English class at 9:30 p.m. I can’t help but notice the darkness. There are few lights near the own fountain, and no one is in sight. Needless to say, I walk very fast to my car to ensure my own safety.

Because we are an open campus and night classes are common, I think campus safety officers should patrol

throughout campus and not just the parking lots.

It is important for us to watch out for our fellow students, male and female, as well as ourselves.

Use the buddy system while grabbing lunch offcampus. Walk with one another to your cars after class, no matter what time of day it is. If a friend has to walk home alone, offer to give him or her a ride.

When I get out of class, the first thing I do is check my phone for texts, missed calls and e-mails. This makes me, and all other students who do the same, an easy target.

Resist the temptation to check your phone until you make it safely to your car.

We all love plugging in our ear buds to listen to music as we walk along, but if we are so tuned into our music and are not aware of people around you, we become targets as well.

Safety should be our top priority.

Everyone in the APU and Citrus College community needs to do our part in making sure we receive no more “timely warnings.”

McClatchy­Tribune Media Services

Youth use social media to spark revolution Jennifer Young OP/ED Editor The world is changing right before our very eyes.

And the people responsible for this social media revolution are the same age as you and me.

Youth who are college-educated and technologically savvy are starting a domino effect in the revolutions taking place across the Middle East and North Africa.

These young men and women who have never known the First Amendment freedoms that we Americans take for granted.

We can vote, throwing the leaders out of office if we think they were not doing the best job for our country.

By contrast, people living under dictatorships have endured a governments filled with corruption and oppression for decades.

The youth of the Middle

East and North Africa are fighting for freedoms.

Waiting for it is no longer an option.

That yearning for openness combined with the greatest connector ever invented—the Internet—and twenty-somethings with cell phones proving the truth of Canadian professor of English at the University of Toronto and mass media theorist, Marshall McLuhan’s statement: “the medium is the message.”

It is fueling a fire of empowerment within the region and showing the rest of the world’s youth the power that we behold.

With these monumentous events happening so far away from Citrus College, some students may think that they do not have that great of an impact.

But, alas, they do.

On Jan. 25, called the “Day of Rage,” thousands of antigovernment protesters took to the streets of Cairo, after being inspired by the successful overthrowing of the corrupt government in Tunisia on Jan. 14, which was successful due to the use of the Internet.

They were protesting the reign of then President Hosni Mubarak, a dictator who ruled the country with an iron fist full of corruption for 30 years.

On Feb. 1, young Egyptians organized a “March of a Million People” in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

The people of these countries are fighting rampant unemployment, widespread poverty and government corruption.

Both protests were organized through the use of social media and texting by young people who want change.

Two days after the protests began the government shut down the Internet throughout the entire country.

Imagine, if you will, the U.S. government shutting down the Internet.

I am afraid to even think about the riots that would ensue.

After 18 days of protests against his rule, Mubarak stepped down and handed over power to Egypt’s military.

The people of Egypt erupted in celebration when the news was announced.

It was a historic moment

that signified to the people of Egypt and the world that the people do have power.

The relatively nonviolent, peaceful revolution was achieved thanks to digital media empowering the people.

How

ping it.

As college students we need to take note of what is going on here.

Many of the protesters are college-age and are risking their lives for freedom.

The youth of the Middle East and North Africa are making an impressive use of new media.

That small electronic device that we carry

I s ee it

T h i s social media revolution is a prime example of the power ordinary citizens can have when they use technology to come together.

That message—change is necessary, change is possible—is now spreading to Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and beyond.

They are attempting to gain what they have never known before: political freedom.

Although authoritarian governments may try to shut down the Internet, there is no stop-

around in our pockets and backpacks has the power to change the

world.

The time has come to widen our view and see things outside of the bubble we create for ourselves.

No one knows what will happen next, but we all know that we need to stay tuned.

We are witnessing history; the world will never be the same.

OPINIONS

February 23, 2011

pg. 17

Forget dogs, beware of owners Let’s use brains, not arms In the right hands, guns offer peace of mind.

Brandi Mendez Staff Writer As far back as I can remember my family has always had a gun in the house.

Everyone in my family has adopted this thought ever since. Both of my parents believe in having a firearm in case of a home invasion or other dangerous situation that could threaten any member of our household.

But it was not until I had a personal encounter that shocked me to the core, that I became convinced that having a gun is the best option for me.

In December I received a message on Facebook from an acquaintance with a reputation for mental instability threatening me. What his problem was, I didn’t care to find out.

I immediately told him to leave me alone and went to the police to file a complaint.

Sorry to say, the harassment continued, with more than 35 attempts to contact me by phone, Internet or through a third party.

Since then, this situation has gone from being a nuisance to a threat.

I filled out restraining order paperwork, but still don’t feel safe.

I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder. I felt my safety and the well being of my family could possibly be in jeopardy.

So, I have applied for a license to carry a firearm. I grew up with guns all around me. They were kept in one closet in my house. The ammunition was stored separately about five feet away in a nightstand drawer.

The safety locks were always on and I was told that those guns were not toys.

If children have been fully educated about what the weapons are and what they can do, and if the adults keep them locked and secured, the children will be OK. Many will argue that it’s fairly simple and easy to get your hands on a firearm and that anyone off the street can just go

and buy one.

However, that isn’t the case. In the state of California, there are particular qualifications put in place that potential buyers have to follow when purchasing a weapon.

First and foremost, if you are interested in purchasing a shotgun, in California you must be at least 18 years of age. To purchase a handgun, you must be at least 21 years old. In addition to the age requirements, every applicant must: Be a U.S. citizen, provide proof of age and identity by providing a driver’s license, state-issued identity card or military identification that you are posted in California.

And if you are purchasing a handgun, you must provide proof of your California residence.

After the qualifications have been met, an applicant still must go through receiving a handgun safety certificate by demonstrating that you have passed a Department of Justice handgun safety test administered by a DOJ certified instructor.

And when you have finally finished all of the necessary steps, one may finally go ahead and visit a licensed dealer and purchase the gun of their choice. Allowing a 10-day approval period by the DOJ, the applicant can legally obtain a firearm.

It’s not the

easiest task to tackle in purchasing a gun, and with the provisions in place, they aren’t given to just anyone off the street.

And I’m willing to continue with the meticulous task I’ve begun in obtaining my weapon, because when it comes to my safety and the well-being of my loved ones, there isn’t anything that will stop me from wanting to protect them.

In my family we have two mottos: “As for me and my household, we shall follow the Lord,” and “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Guns are not necessary to protect ourselves.

Israel Mejia Staff Writer In the wake of the tragedy in Tucson, Ariz., where a gunman shot and killed six people and wounded 15, including U.S. representative Gabrielle Griffords, there is a law pending...

Teachers and students in Tucson are pushing for a law on campus that would allow gun possession to defend against these tragedies.

This is not OK, guns are never the answer.

Owning a gun might make some people feel safer in today’s scary world, but we can look for alternative ways of defense.

Gun possesion is not a cause I advocate. I am afraid of guns. We should learn to resolve conflicts using our brains, not lethal weapons.

What many Americans fail to understand is that gun possesion could cause even more conflict.

If a person lives alone, does not trust other people, and lives in a bad neighborhood, he or she may think about acquiring a gun. But owning a gun can bring more harm than good

to the owner and the people around them.

When I tried to imagine situations in which a gun might be useful I started to visualize being stalked, having someone break into my house, or someone threatening me. But in each of these scenarios, I don’t think that I would be able to use a gun to protecting myself.

Many would say it depends on the person, but then I have some questions. If you were a gun holder, where would you put it so that no one would be able to get it? If a burglar entered your home and startled you how would you react with your gun?

Then I thought some more. If I had a gun, where would I hide it where none of my nephews or other family members could get to it, but that I could easily access it in case of an emergency.

Successfully using a gun seems impossible for me because I wouldn’t be able to do that. I fear killing someone, or myself.

As for students who have been attacked recently around our campus, the best precaution would be to avoid walking alone, especially at night.

Also, we forget about the rule we learn as kindergardeners: do not talk to strangers.

According to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, in 2007, 613 people were killed unintentionally, and 276 people were killed in undetermined situations.

That is 889 deaths. Together with homicide, legal intervention, and suicide 31,224 deaths occured. The majority of deaths could be avoided if guns weren’t present.

We need to start thinking about non-lethal ways to protect ourselves before we turn to weapons and violence.

There are many ways to make our homes safer: reinforced locks, having a dog, sensors that turn on outdoor lights and alarm systems.

Let’s be smart.

We can all take precautions on campus and at our homes, knowing the people around us and being careful every minute of every day.

Leaving Citrus can be stressful How to ease the stress of transferring and make an easy transition.

Israel Mejia Staff Writer M a n y p e o p l e stereotype students who spend more than two years in community college.

They say those students just are not trying hard enough or are wasting tax payer money and time.

But they’re not.

It is hard for many students to finish in two years.

Students who are trying to transfer face many obstacles.

The first stressor is having to successfully complete required classes. If we forget to take a class, if it is unavailable or if we do not do well that could set us back a semester or maybe an entire year.

If a student finishes a semester before planned, he or she may have to wait a semester to apply before a university accepts them.

Sometimes a student’s grade point average is lower than the local university will accept and the student has to stay longer to bring it up.

All the extra time we spend in community college turns us into super sophomores and that’s a stressful label.

When a student doesn’t do well and his or her grade point

average drops or exceeds more than 72 units services and financial aid are no longer available to them.

That brings more stress.

We depend on these programs for financial support and guidance. Without them some students would be lost.

If classes are full, do your best to be added, not by bothering the teacher, but by coming to class early and taking a seat to show that you want to be there.

Introduce yourself to the teacher in person, don’t just send an e-mail. Rearrange your schedule in every way possible.

Everything is possible.

It is up to us to say “yes, we can.” That winter session will be hard work but it will be worth it.Talk to your counselor, talk to someone who isn’t your counselor, talk to everyone who will

put in the effort to help you move on.

We have the transfer center, the college success center and we have teachers who know the system.

When was the last time you saw your counselor?

Sometimes our homes are not a good environment in which to study, so stay in the library until it closes.

Once we have finished our time at Citrus, the dream school may be one that’s far away from home, or the one that offers the better program.

We need to bend these preferences just a little, by applying to as many schools as we can.

Yes, applications require money.

If you are a low income student and want to get into a CSU you may be eligible for free ap-

plications; use them all.

Some private schools have application fee waivers; students just need to apply to many schools in the hope that at least one will meet our needs.

Our stress doesn’t even stop when we get into a school.

How are we going to afford it?

Where are we going to live if we have to move? How are we going to live as independently as we can?

And how much more challenging will university studies be? Get a job. Post your resume everywhere you can.

See if your family members can help. Apply for scholarships.

Use social networking to look for housing, roommates and friends.

In the final analysis we all need to move ahead with a positive attitude and expect the unexpected.

Opinions

pg.18

February 23, 2011

My horrific encounters with bees, mac and cheese Kristin Lacuesta Managing Editor Everyone has a story to tell about jobs they have had in the past.

S o m e are off beat, some crazy, some humbling.

Often these stories fall into the category of “the worst experience of my life.”

My first job was at a local buffet restaurant.

Now don’t get me wrong: I got along great with everyone there, especially the general manager Charles Reyes, but working there gave me some of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had.

The worst experience I had there was the time I had to dress up as the restaurant mascot for a customer’s birthday.

Now, taking the time to don a complicated bee costume would be fun if it were for a child.

But this birthday request was made by none other than a grown adult.

Now not only did I have to wear this gigantic bee body, head, wings, shoes ten times too big and black gloves, but I also had to pose for not one but several photos.

Some of them consisting of me posing with said adult holding a birthday cake in my hand.

In another pose I, the bee, was snapped holding the restaurant’s banner.

It gets worse. After the “photoshoot,” I was informed that the pictures were going to be posted on Facebook!

Sure, the casual visitor couldn’t see that it was really me inside that suit, but all my co-workers knew.

My greatest fear was that they would reveal my identity all over the social networking site.

But don’t waste your time searching frantically for these photos: luckily for me, they never surfaced.

The second experience that remains forever in my memory, is the time I spilled macaroni and cheese all over a customer.

Of course, it was all her fault.

Now, before you go make snap judgments, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

I was fairly new at the job, so I was still learning how to carry these heavy pans of food.

I was trying to switch an amost empty pan of macaroni and cheese with a full one, when a woman decided she could not wait.

She takes her sweet time scooping some from the old pan onto her plate.

I inform her that the pan I am holding is really heavy, and if she just gives me two seconds, she can have some of the fresh batch.

But no, asking for two seconds of this woman’s life would be rude of me, unlike her making me stand there struggling with the pan’s weight.

Where are my manners?

Long story short, I can no longer hold on, the full pan slips out of my hand, and mac and cheese is dumped directly onto the woman’s feet.

She was in slippers that day.

Did I feel bad?

Not at all, she asked for it.

But I changed my attitude

when she ran to a manager to complain.

Nothing happened to me— they tossed it up to me being a new employee—but that was the start of my dislike for customers.

So were these experiences all so bad?

Well, I could answer “yes,” but I won’t. I actually learned something from each of them.

I learned tolerance, patience, and above all not to take things so seriously.

These experiences might have seemed bad at the time, but now looking back, they are just plain funny.

I mean, how many people can say they spilled food all over a rude person and still got paid?

The most successful people in the world have had jobs they were embarrassed about, but that just makes their success later in life that much sweeter.

So, go ahead: reflect and laugh it off because you’re not alone.

And if you’re at that job right now, feeling miserable, just know years down the line these memories will make you laugh.

Mine do.

TALES OF THE RUDE, THE ANNOYING, THE SARCASTIC

What’s the definition of dating?

Robert Lucero Correspondent Over time, dating has developed a language all its own. And just like any other new language it is a challenge to understand.

With the many different interpretations of dating terms, it is no wonder why it is difficult for us understand each other when the topic of dating arises.

Dating is a phase during which two people take the time to get to know each other on a more intimate level. A date is a great tool to use when determining whether or not one might want to engage in a relationship. It is up to the two people involved to decide what qualifies as a “date.”

Let’s be honest, men: how often have we asked a girl to “hang out” with us on Friday night, but once the time came, we acted as if we were on a date? By using the term “hang out” instead of “date,” it eases the pressure off of the guy to impress the girl without having to deal with the stress of an official date. But now she is confused about whether or not you two are still “just friends” or if you are something more. This situation sometimes develops into the phrase commonly known as “talking”. As in “We’re not ‘dating’, we’re just ‘talking.’”

Originally a tool for communication, “talking” has transitioned into the mainstream as a bit of a “getting to know each other” phase and some sort of tool to keep someone on a hook.

Honestly, “talking” means nothing.

Facebook does not even offer “talking” as a relationship status. “Talking” is not a legitimate phase in dating because as the relationship progresses, it is expected the two in the relationship will already continue to talk and deepen

their connection.

Talking is something people all over the world have done in many different ways and for millions of years with the purpose of communicating with one another. When you decide that you want to be an adult, you may go right ahead and have a true, beautiful, and meaningful committed relationship.

A committed relationship is usually what follows after the phases of dating, talking, and the constant nagging from everyone about the status of your relationship. It is easy to confuse feelings of lust with that of love. The physical contact two people engage in while dating does not necessarily mean that it will lead to a committed relationship.

Being in a committed relationship or “being together” is more than labeling each other as boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s being involved in each other’s lives by letting the other know what they are currently going through, and being there for one another as you are with your friends.

The best way to have a conversation with someone you are dating or you are involved with, is to just simply be real, upfront, say what you mean, and mean what you say, because not everyone is using these terms the same way.

Honesty is what will guide you both to the correct and best destinations. It will be the best translator when you are speaking the language of dating.

Erica Irigoyen Sports Editor Relationship terms are difficult concepts to grasp.

The misunderstanding that can result from crossed signals can leave many people confused and lonely.

The word that seems to confuse people the most is “dating.”

Various interpretations of this term can make or break future relationship.

Fortunately dear reader, I am here to define dating and address common misconceptions of what it really means.

Dating is a term commonly used to describe two people who are getting to know each other.

People who are dating are essentially looking for somebody with whom they can relate on a variety of levels and who can possibly imagine themselves with into the distant future.

Whether one is dating for fun or dating in hopes of finding a life’s partner, the definition has its casual connotations.

So, why are there so many misconceptions about the dating game?

Because everybody is constantly questioning things like how many people can one date at a time, who pays for the date, what is expected sexually and at what point does dating become exclusive.

Here is the thing:

The reason for dating is to get to know who might best suit you.

Dating means keeping your options open, not closing yourself off to one person.

Closing yourself off to one person happens when the person who best fits your personality comes along and a mutual decision to be in a committed relationship happens.

When going out on dates, it always gets a little uncomfortable when the bill comes and it hasn’t been determined who pays.

Although it is always a polite gesture when the guy offers to pay for a date, one should never assume that he is going to.

Make it a point to always offer to go Dutch.

If a guy asks me out on a date, then I would hope he wouldn’t expect me to pay for my half.

On the other hand, if I suggest to a guy to go out, then I will make it a point to offer to pay for my half.

A lot of people have different sexual expectations when it comes to dating.

Here is what I have to say about it.

If you are dating more than one person at once, going further than holding hands and kissing could give many people the wrong impression of you.

Therefore, waiting until you find the person you want to be in an exclusive committed relationship with is always the best thing to do.

Although there will always be a little bit of confusion when it comes to dating different people, the main thing to always remember is that dating is meant to be a fun thing.

editorials February 23, 2011

Up the per unit fee, save the state Suck it up and pay the fee, your education depends on it.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget proposal calls for a $10 hike in the per unit fee for California public community colleges. We say, “Go for it.”

The state of California is in the throes of a tremendous fiscal crisis.

If ratifying the per-unit fee will help close the budget gap, then it needs to be done.

Right now we pay $26 per unit to register for classes at Citrus College.

If the proposed fee increase becomes law, we will have to pay $36.

Being charged an extra $30 per 3-unit course may sound like a troubling amount but the truth is that many Citrus students receive The Board of Governors fee waiver.

The BOGW waves the $26 per unit fee for students who qualify.

According to Linda Merlo, college promotions specialist at Citrus College, during the 2009-2010 academic

year 71 percent of the studnt population receive some form of financial aid.

Those who do not qualify for financial aid can usually afford the small $10 increase.

As it stands right now California charges the lowest per-unit fee in the country for community college education.

The cost of attending a California community college is a bargain and will continue to be so even at $36 a unit.

The fees in our neighboring states surpass us significantly.

Arizona’s per-unit fee is at $71.

Oregon is $76 and Washington outranks us by a whopping $59.25 with a $85.25 per-unit fee.

Californians are lucky to be on the low end of the payment spectrum.

On the other hand it may be inevitable that the cost of attending California’s public institutions of higher learning, are going to rise in California.

Let’s do it in increments.

Community college students in California get a lot

$85.25

Community College Per Unit Fees

$79

$63 $26

EDITOR IN CHIEF Natalie Miranda MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Lacuesta ONLINE EDITOR Emily Rios CAMPUS EDITOR Jennifer Young SPORTS EDITOR Erica Irigoyen ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kristin Lacuesta FOOD EDITOR Austin Paul Adamson

$71

EMILY RIOS Citrus College Clarion

of bang for their buck.

The money to plug the state’s budget hole has to come from somewhere.

As long as financial aid is

New phases in life are inevitable, just go with the flow.

McClatchy­Tribune Media Services

successful later in life has everything to do with what we do now.

Being a college freshman is stressful in and of itself, but with the ongoing economic crisis plaguing our state and nation, it seems that our burden of responsibility is growing heavier with each new day.

Everyday we hear in the news that the Great Recession is continuing to dampen the job market.

Not only is it difficult to find a job that pays enough to earn a decent living, these

Citrus college

clarion

available for students who cannot afford college, then we need to step up and pay up.

Don’t fret, embrace change A stress epidemic like no other is affecting a majority of freshman college students; don’t let it get to you.

A recent survey done by the Higher Education Research Institute found that the level of stress among college freshman has dramatically increased in the past 25 years.

According to these statistics only 52 percent of college students rate themselves above average in terms of emotional health, in comparison to 64 percent of students in 1985.

The study also found that women are twice as likely as men to be stressed.

The reason for this spike in stress could be that men and women act out differently.

Men tend to carve out more time for leisure activities such as sports, while women take on more responsibilities like volunteering that can often add more stress.

As community college students we realize the importance of education and the sacrifices we need to make to become successful.

But lately it has become increasingly evident that our drive and determination to be

pg. 19

OP/ED Editor Jennifer Young jennayou22@gmail.com

days it seems that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a job period.

Added to the stress of establishing careers, there’s the stress that we are faced with when entering a new educational institution and checking off a laundry list of expectations to be met.

To graduate and/or transfer we need to fulfill general education requirements and get good grades. Not only that but we need to do so in a timely manner.

On top of all this we need to maintain the highest GPA

possible and cross our fingers that the knowledge we gained throughout college will land us in the job of our dreams.

We have to engage in extracurricular activities to ‘stand out,’ work non-paid internships to gain knowledge in a specific field and many of us have to work another parttime paying job on top of that.

Not to mention taking care of our families, friends and attempting to have some form of a social life.

There are so many expectations from colleges on top of the expectations we have for ourselves, and our future that it is downright dizzying.

With plates as full as ours, who wouldn’t have a panic attack?

We’re in tough times right now, but before we stress ourselves out, or call it quits let’s all take a collective deep breath and remember that we will never truly know what the future has in store for us.

Starting something new is not as daunting a task as you may think.

Think of it as a road trip, you may take a wrong turn or two but you will get to your destination with some patience and a positive attitude.

If you mess up, find a new path to embark on and enjoy the ride.

OP/ED EDITOR Jennifer Young PHOTO EDITOR Natalie Miranda ADVISER Margaret O’Neil STAFF WRITER Israel Mejia Brandi Mendez Rhiannon Conrado Samantha Lopez CORRESPONDENTS Robert Lucero PHOTOGRAPHERS/ ARTISTS Natalie Miranda PAGE DESIGNERS Austin Paul Adamson, Erica Irigoyen, Kristin Lacuesta, Natalie Miranda, Emily Rios, Jennifer Young PHOTO TECHNICIAN Frank Ram INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT Emily Rios The Clarion is produced by journalism students and is distributed every other Wednesday during the semester. Ads are not endorsed by the Clarion. Editorials are the opinion of at least 75 percent of the Editorial Board. All other opinion is that of the writer. Views expressed do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College and/or CCCBOT. Libel will not be published.

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