Vol. 64, Ed. 5 • Nov. 21, 2012

TWENTY FIRST CENTURY

GOLD RUSH

Photo illustration by Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

SCENE

american river

current ARCurrent.com @ARCurrent Facebook.com/ARCurrentcom Vol. 64, Ed. 5 • Nov. 21, 2012

NEWS

ARC players don’t get a kick out of soccer fields POOR PITCH QUALITY HAS FACULTY AND TEAMS PUSHING FOR CHANGES

By Jessica Maynard maynarj@imail.losrios.edu

A

SEE SOCCER, PAGE 2

A LOOK INSIDE

4

T

he Golden State has struck gold fever again.

California has long been known for the rich content of its soil, but with gold selling at just over $1700 an ounce, people are once again panning for profit.

“A lot of it has to do with uncertainties of currency, but also people who are selling gold are planning on people’s fear to want to stockpile gold for the collapse,” said American River College Geology Professor Glen

By Steven Paxiao paxiaos@imail.losrios.edu

Jaecks. “Then they’ll have gold while the price goes up or down.”

This wouldn’t be possible if the value of gold hadn’t increased substantially over the past decade. Since 2002, the price of gold has gone from $317 in 2002 to currently just over $1700, with it reaching as high as $1900 just last year, according to goldprice.org.

There are many factors to why the price has raised so much, but the most relevant reason has to do with the value of money and the fact that gold becomes more valuable as the scarcity of it grows.

“Gold is a precious metal and there isn’t much that can be done to gold,” said ARC Earth Science Professor Lisa Levy. “It’s always been worth a lot of money because of how scarce it is.”

The current prices are not the only things opening eyes of investors; the predictions for the coming year are opening them even wider. Global Hunter Securities, an investment bank which focuses on Metals and Mining, raised its gold price average for the next two years on Oct. 24 and said that it could surpass $2000 an ounce as early as next year.

SEE GOLD, PAGE 10

THEATER PREVIEW

Behind the scenes of ‘Domestic Crusaders’

SIX-PERSON CAST OF ARC’S DRAMATIC-COMEDY GIVE INSIGHT TO PAKISTANI-AMERICAN CHARACTERS IN POST-9/11 WORLD

By Cintia Lopez lopez22@imail.losrios.edu

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

merican River College has a modern stadium, gyms and playing fields. The football field has high quality turf, the baseball and softball diamonds are maintained regularly and the tennis courts and basketball gyms have been recently renovated.

The soccer fields, however, haven’t been treated with the same respect as other facilities on campus.

“I’ve been here since 1993 and we’re still playing on the same field,” said Paul Arellanes, women’s head soccer head coach.

The soccer fields that matches are played on are also used for practice by other teams as well as physical education classes. The field conditions are beyond poor. According to players and coaches, there are mud patches, divots and holes in the ground that have been filled with sand. This field issues cause players to lose confidence at times.

“I feel like we’re not taken seriously when we play at home because we’re not as professional as the other teams,” said Nicole Lopes, women’s soccer forward.

Twisted ankles and knees are common among players according to Lopes, who sustained a knee injury earlier this season.

Even before facing dangers on the field,

PANNING FOR THE PRECIOUS METAL FOUND IN SACRAMENTO RIVERS INCREASES IN POPULARITY

Charles David Souther, left, who plays Hajib, the old man of the family in the play. Bhargav Kothi, right, plays Ghafur, the youngest of the family in the play.

TEAM SUCCESS American River College sports teams prepare for their chance at championships.

6

HEAD TO HEAD

The Current’s Jeff Gonzales and Garitt Rocha argue the pros and cons of Disney buying Lucasfilm.

11

A

family of six Pakistani-American Muslims will take the stage at American River College for the school’s second theater production of the semester, “The Domestic Crusaders.” The play touches on many subjects that are controversial and shows how the family reacts to the all of those topics.

The six actors are still working hard to perfect their performance. Rehearsals start with Sam Williams, the director, leading the cast members through some stretches as he talks about how the rehearsal is going to proceed.

As they run through rehearsals, the actors minimally ask for their lines and only seem to be working out minor kinks.

Charles David Souther plays Hakib, the grandfather. “When I was a kid I used to act, but then I kind of got spun off of it because I was too cool,” said Souther. He started acting again when he came to ARC two years ago and this will be his first production at ARC. “I pull all the history of the family together,” said Souther about his role.

“I’m kind of like the cornerstone of the family. I see all their problems, I see what’s going on, all the prejudices against all the

SEE CRUSADERS, PAGE 7

DITCH THE PUMP

Alternative modes of transportation are a good way to save money and possibly our economy.

Page 2

News

Nov. 21, 2012

Soccer: athletes hope for renovation whistles going off and coaches are yelling, so it’s distracting.”

The women’s soccer team finished the season with a record of 11-5-3 and won their first playoff match on Nov. 17 versus Ohlone College 2-0. The men’s soccer team finished with a record of 8-10-3 and failed to reach the playoffs.

The poor conditions haven’t gone unnoticed. In February 2013, the Big 8 Conference Executive Board will vote to build a multiuse athletic facility used by the soccer teams and the physical education classes.

Greg Warzecka, interim athletic director, has a few ideas in mind for the field if the measure passes.

“The transformation will include brand new irrigation systems; you can’t grow grass without good water,” said Warzecka. “It will probably be some sort of hybrid Bermuda grass; hybrid turf (which) is very resilient and also

players are asked to help set the field up for the match.

Before each game, members of the soccer teams help set up the field. They attach flags to the back of a John Deere Gator and use it as a makeshift fence.

They use laminated cards as their scoreboards and neither field has a game clock set up, which leaves it up to the head official to keep track of the time on their watch.

The football team practices to the left of the makeshift fence, so things can get hectic especially when both soccer teams host matches on the same day according to multiple players and coaches.

“Their kickers are right next to us, so their footballs get kicked onto our field during our games,” said Lopes. “When we’re trying to play or are having a serious talk at halftime, they’re (the football team) over there with their

Stephanie Lee / lees87@imail.losrios.edu

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Steven Paxiao

News Editor Sergio Portela

Since 1993, the ARC’s women’s soccer team has played on the muddy fields next to the softball diamond. They are hoping for construction on a new field to begin in 2014.

grows well in the heat.”

If passed, the measure will see the facility construction begin to take place starting in 2014.

When asked about a soccer facility being built, women’s soccer defender Nicole Alberghini put it

best.

“We spend so much time out here, it’s disgusting and it’s kind of sad,” Alberghini said. “Just the aspect of having your own field, you will feel like you’re in your own space.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR LRCCD

$2 MILLION

IN GROWTH & RESTORATION

10,000

MORE STUDENTS SERVED

66

PERSONNEL ADDED BACK

guerrecg@imail.losrios.edu portels@imail.losrios.edu Proposition 30, Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax plan, passed 53.9 percent to 46.1 percent on Nov. 7.

The plan known as the “schools and local public safety protection act” creates four separate tax brackets for high-income families who make $250,000 a year and higher, as well as raising sales tax from 7.25 to 7.5 percent. The purpose of these taxes is to apply them to funding for education.

The Los Rios school district will be affected greatly by Proposition 30 passing. It will see $2 million dollars in growth and restoration, which will allow them to serve 10,000 more students on their campuses in 2012-2013. It will also add back 50 classroom faculty that includes adjunct and overload by 2013-2014, which will help with the growing number of students coming into the

ASBNOTEBOOK

By Jeff Gonzales gonzalj68@imail.losrios.edu The Associated Student Body briskly moved through the agenda for the Thursday, Nov. 8 meeting. With minimal discussion, the pace allowed for a productive meeting where all agenda items were covered, marking a first for the semester.

As the representatives of ASB Senate get used to the processes and procedures that are required in the meetings, senators seem to have more time to get things done. The backlog of old business that seemed to always be pushed back due to time was cleared.

This, along with recently ratified

bylaws and a new constitution, demonstrates the determination of the American River College ASB. With all the seats at the senate meeting table full, each meeting has more and more representatives signing up for the various committees that are authorized through the Student Senate Bylaws and Constitution.

One such committee is the Sustainability Committee. With interest in making American River College a more self-sustaining place, representatives on this committee have been looking into more efficient ways the campus could recycle as well as conducting a smoking survey with the students of ARC.

Sports Editor Jessica Maynard

Arts & Entertainment Editor Cintia Lopez

Scene Editor Mayra Sanchez

Opinions Editor Jaime Carrillo

Photo Editor

Daniel Romandia

ARC students react after Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax plan wins with 53.9 percent of vote

PROPOSITION

Josh Baumbach

Managing Editor

Los Rios to see increased funds

By Carlos Guerrero & Sergio Portela

Editor-in-Chief

college. Los Rios will also be able to hire 16 non-faculty personnel and will have no salary rollbacks.

“Schools need funding desperately,” said Brandon Brown, a math major. “If we didn’t pass it, the schools would have taken a huge hit.”

Some other American River College students went to social media outlets to voice their opinions and frustrations on this important proposition.

English and theater arts major Rachel Peterson at the time thought Proposition 30, which was at 20 percent reported, was doomed to fail as it was far behind in the polls.

“Proposition 30. I felt that,” Peterson said on her Facebook page. As her friends with the same disbeliefs voiced their frustrations on her status.

“I felt it is extremely beneficial to the education system – not only for myself as a student, but to all teachers and classrooms throughout California,” said Peterson. “If we are not able to reach into our pockets and help

the general good of educating the future generations then it shows a major lack of judgment and priority within our state.”

A lot of people thought Proposition 30 was doomed to fail because the “No on 30” campaign began pushing hard, with beliefs of raising taxes for anything is too risky even for education’s sake.

But ARC students including Christian Castaneda, an engineering major, felt like taxes are necessary.

“It probably is too much of a tax,” said Castaneda, “but my education is a priority and if they raise the taxes more, well, they will use it for other things. Why not for school as well.”

When Proposition 30 was finally passed on Nov. 7, Peterson was able to breath a sigh of relief.

“I felt the people had voted with thoughts other than how it would affect them personally and more so how it could positively affect our education system,” said Peterson.

Web Editor

Carlos Guerrero

Assistant Web Editor Korbl Klimecki

Media Editor

Lance Gawthrop

Social Media Director Shelby Young

Copy Chief

Cody Alexander

Design Editor Megan Houchin

Feature Design Editor Steven Condemarin

Designer

Sarah Scott

Staff Writers

Jeff Gonzales Trevor Horn Alisha Kirby Carla Manes Michael Pacheco Alex Panasenko Garitt Rocha Sharon Styles Olesya Sytnyk Dakota Williams

Staff Photographers Bryce Fraser Ashley King Stephanie Lee

Adviser

Tim Swanson

Photo Adviser Jill Wagner

ASB MOVES FORWARD WITH NEW CONSTITUTION AND COMMITTEES “We’re finally making it happen on campus,” said ASB Senator Brandon January. As a member of the sustainability committee, January has had the opportunity to visit other college campuses around the northern California.

“I went to Riverside, which is a smoke free campus. It was nice to see the difference. It was a lot cleaner and the air was fresher.”

Another committee that could have an impact to all students is the Textbook Affordability Committee, known as TAC. The TAC had their first meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14. This informal meeting addressed what the TAC can accomplish and what goals they have to help students.

With many goals in mind for the campus and still feeling the effects of the ARC senate’s version of a fiscal crisis, the ASB Senate was able to discuss some much needed expenditure. These included everything from $6,000 for the March in March to spending $74.45 to purchase a new gavel for meetings.

The ASB was also present on Club Day on Thursday, Nov. 15, participating in the activities of the day and showing their support for the various clubs of ARC. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 10:30 a.m. until noon in room 611 in the portable village.

PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CNPA & JACC

POLICY

The Current is produced by the students of Newspaper Production, J402. All opinions are signed and not necessarily endorsed by the Current staff. All letters and articles appearing in the Editorial, Opinion or Forum sections are not necessarily representative of the Current staff or American River College policy.

All articles are the property of the Current. Please go online at arcurrent. com to see the full text of criteria and guidelines for submissions. Letters must be typed and can be submitted by mail, e-mail or in person at the following addresses: The American River Current 4700 College Oak Drive Liberal Arts, Room 120 Sacramento, CA 95841 Phone: 916-484-8304 Fax: 916-484-8668 E-mail: Current@arc.losrios.edu www.ARCurrent.com

News

INBRIEF n LOS RIOS CRIME REPORTS

n CHRISTMAS PAGEANT/TALENT SHOW My Night Out, first annual Christmas pageant and talent show, is “designed to delight the hearts of disabled students throughout the Sacramento region,” as the information pamphlet says.

It will take place at the Roberson Center on Dec. 8, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, call (407) 253-6247 n LIFE CYCLES: ISSUES WITH

YOUR AGING PARENT “These discussions focus on how to balance your own life and remain supportive to your parents’ aging process,” the announcement says.

“Additionally, Life Cycles provides guidance towards understanding your role as a caregiver, insight into the stages your parents might experience, how to evaluate proper care for these stages, and how not to lose yourself in the process. “ It will take place at the CTL Conference Room on Nov. 26, 2012 from noon to 1 p.m.

n GRAMMAR BOWL

Back in black

By Lance Gawthrop

gawthrl@imail.losrios.edu Imagine yourself standing in line outside of your neighborhood Wal-Mart, preparing yourself to purchase that low-priced LED TV you saw in the paper last week. You do this with a stomach stuffed with turkey because this year, stores like Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Target and Sears are opening at 8 p.m., turning that Thanksgiving dinner into more of a late lunch.

Since you’re standing in line, people tend to try and start conversations and get into your space. They tend to ask you questions like, “Hey, what are you here for?”

A nervous smile to appease the person in your space and a brief “I don’t know” will suffice. In the back of your mind, we know there is not a desire to hold a conversation, so the Current has a survival guide for those long waits next to the people you don’t want to wait next to in those Black Friday lines.

First things first, it’s going to be cold, so make sure you button up. A thermal would be nice, along with a pullover sweater and topped off with a nice, warm jacket. A beanie could also be a possibility, but

Page 3 Helpful hints for surviving this year’s holiday sales

hand-warmers are a must.

If there is not going to be any company on your voyage, then earbuds are mandatory. Even if you do not have an iPod or smartphone and if you don’t buy one of these things on Black Friday, wear earbuds anyway. When wearing earbuds, people will think you are listening to music - even if you’re not. It gives you a chance to ignore others.

There have been reports about people getting out of hand in those Black Friday lines. A stun-gun is a useful tool, just in case someone in line tries to cause trouble.

If energy is what you need for your device, then pack a portable solar panel that can be purchased on Amazon. These micro solar panels are brilliant and will allow you to plug in your smart devices to maintain a steady charge, so that you can Facebook stalk as long An illustration of The Current Black Friday Survival guide covered in coupons, scissors on the left that were used to cut out coupons and earbuds as you want. to the right, which is one of the things the guide says to bring with you on Bring along a self-help Black Friday. book that is filled with words of encouragement or you calm while waiting. that there will be many things download a Tai chi instrumental Lastly, and most importantly, you would love to buy, so don’t CD to keep you in good spirits don’t forget your cash and credit forget extra cash for the upcom– you’re going to need it to keep card. You can bank on the fact ing holidays.

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

According to Los Rios Police Department crime reports for October 2012, petty theft is up 280 percent. Most of the things stolen include electronics such as cell phones and laptops.

Visit ARCurrent.com for the full report.

Nov. 21, 2012

There will be a Grammar Bowl in Raef Hall room 160 on Nov. 29 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

As the announcement says, “Teams from the ENGWR 51 classes of Professor Arlene Clarke, Professor Mary Lou Nugent, and Professor Lyn Case will be competing in a demonstration of their knowledge of grammar.”

Issues of harassment towards female gamers arise after rumors of lifetime bans in ‘Halo 4’

n MUSIC

By Jeff Gonzales & Garitt Rocha

It’s that time of the year soon and ARC Orchestra’s annual holiday concert with new and traditional music of the season will take place at American River College Theater on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

General admission is $10 and $5 for students.

For more information, please contact Dr. Thompson at 484-8368.

gonzalj68@imail.losrios.edu rochag@imail.losrios.edu

n SEMESTER ENDS The last day of finals is Dec. 20, 2012.

CORRECTIONS

In the Scene section, in the Q&A with Brian Knirk, the paragraph with general information should say “two semesters at Oak Café,” not one semester.

On page three, the “Monster Energy” article on the fourth paragraph, Dr. Marie A. Shirmer agrees with Barry Meier when it should say disagrees.

On page six, the Feature story “Make Believe Time,” one quote is attributed to the Director Andrew Scott Ramsey when it should have been attributed to Phillip Frields.

business major Hannah Utterback. “I think it’s a good thing that they are doing that.”

The problem with harassment in video games is that it is hard to document. With many people not reporting it or even turning a blind eye, individuals who have these experiences just deal with them.

“It’s one of those things we don’t talk about,” said biology major Elizabeth Belmont, whose boyfriend didn’t even know about some of her more awkward experiences.

Belmont had some incidences while playing the popular “World of Warcraft” online PC game. While playing with a male member in a group she had joined, the person would hit on her consistently. The situation became uncomfortable when the player asked Belmont to send him inappropriate pictures,

at which point Belmont logged. When she reported this to the leader of the group, she was accused of overreacting.

“Basically, he didn’t accept that ‘no’ meant ‘no,’” said Belmont, “and since he helped start (the group), the guild (leader) wouldn’t do anything.”

Not every girl gamer has the same experience playing games online. Many factors, including the game and the individual tolerance of the gamer, all come into play. Yet even those female players who say they have not been harassed know of someone who has, but don’t agree with a lifetime ban.

“A lifetime ban is pretty harsh,” said English major Sam Bennett. “I mean you pay so much for the console and the game. Maybe a (shorter) ban but lifetime is pretty harsh.”

Death threats, crude remarks and thinking best reserved for the ‘50s. Women have been in the middle of some of the gaming industry’s biggest controversies in this past year.

Feminist Anita Sarkeesian experienced this when she wanted to create a YouTube series on sexist tropes in video games and became the victim of that same aggressive harassment. Jennifer Hepler, writer of the “Dragon Age” series and the online role-playing game “Star Wars: The Old Republic,” had a similar experience when she suggested adding an option to skip gameplay for a more story-rich experience and received death threats because of it.

The video game industry has a following that hangs on rumors and whispers from any website that has even the smallest amount of credibility. So when two members of the team behind “Halo 4,” head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross and Executive Producer Kiki Wolfkill, recently stated that they would issue lifetime bans to anyone who makes a sexist remark to members of the opposite sex while playing the game, waves of gamers took their word for it.

Microsoft was quick to shutdown the rumors, stating that they wouldn’t be handing down any lifetime bans, but it still begs the question: has harassment towards women become so widespread that lifetime bans should be issued?

“I hope that they can keep up with (the ban), ‘cause I know that other people have experienced (harassment) with actual rude, Women who play online video games sometimes face harassment solely because of their gender. sexist comments and things like that,” said

Photo courtesy to Gamerlimit.com

In Volume 64, Edition 4 of the American River Current, the following corrections are listed: In the Briefs section, the story about a record set by Transfer Day should say seven CSU campuses instead of 29.

Not all fun in video games

Page 4

Sports

Nov. 21, 2012

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

Daniel Romandia / romandd@imail.losrios.edu

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

Stakes rise for ARC sports

From left to right: The ARC football team erupts after quarterback Jonathan Kodama connects with wide receiver Corey Meshack on Oct. 20 versus Fresno City College; Freshman forward Ceci Velazquez dribbling the ball versus a Modesto Junior College defender on Sept. 25; Freshman hitter Nicole Hareland hits a kill shot versus Shasta’s middle hitter Nicole Suther on Sept. 12.

BEAVERS ACROSS DIFFERENT GAMES PREP FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Football

For the first time since 1967, the American River College football team clinched the Valley Conference title with a 52-13 win over Sierra College on Nov. 10 at Beaver Stadium.

The Beavers will travel to San Francisco on Nov. 24 to play in the San Francisco City College Bowl in a rematch with City College of San Francisco. The Rams defeated ARC 52-33 on Sept. 29, ending a 22-game win streak for the Beavers.

The winner will advance to the California College Athletic Association Football State Championship game on Dec. 1 at the home site of the Southern California champion.

Following an 11-0 season in 2011, the Beavers moved up to the “A” tier in community college football this season with a Valley title and a shot at the state championship as goals.

“For the first time in the conference, we really stepped up big,” ARC Head Coach Jerry Haflich said.

Despite a two-game losing streak, including the conference opener at San Joaquin Delta on Oct. 13, the Beavers won three straight games heading into the season finale.

“The chance to get another shot is good,” said Haflich.

The Beavers’ dominating performance against Sierra has given players an added

horntc@imail.losrios.edu maynarj@imail.losrios.edu

boost of confidence going into the title game.

“I think we have the advantage with how we played in this one and how we have finished lately,” sophomore safety Zane Petty said. “We are going to come in way ready and not start out slow.”

Women’s Soccer

After a strong regular season, the ARC women’s soccer team finished with an overall record of 11-5-3 and a division record of 7-4-3.

The team looks to make a run during the playoffs.

Despite finishing the season with back-to-back ties against division rivals Cosumnes River College (1-1) and San Joaquin Delta College (3-3), the team and Head Coach Paul Arellanes have a positive outlook for the post season.

“There’s not a team out there that I have seen that is better than us. We just have to play well on our day,” said Arellanes. “It’s like I told them, ‘we don’t have to be the best team in the state, we just have to be the best team on the field.’”

The women have had strong showings by sophomore goalie Heather Derossett, who allows a little over a goal a game, as well as freshmen forwards Alexis Wallace (nine goals and six assists) and Ceci Velasquez, who led the team in goals (11 goals and three assists).

The Big 8 conference sent seven of its eight teams to the playoffs this season, including the Beavers who are ranked No. 15 in the state and No. 17 in the nation.

“I always tell people (Big 8 is) the best conference in the state,” said Arellanes.

The women kicked off the postseason at home versus Ohlone College on Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

Volleyball

Dominant performances throughout the season have helped ARC claim the No. 4 seed in the NorCal playoffs.

In the past 10 regular season games, the women have gone 8-2. During the streak, the Beavers beat division rival and state-ranked No. 14 Sierra College.

“The biggest advantage this team has is they’re extremely motivated and that’s hard to find in November,” Head Coach Ashlie Hain said.

Sophomore Bailey Humes has led the offensive attack for the women. She has tallied 486 assists that have led to kills this season. Katie Christner leads the team in kills; she accounts for 242 of the 665 the team has had. Nicole Hareland leads the team in blocks with 24 and Hillary Horton has 182 digs.

“If we could serve harder and get the ball to Nicole Hareland a little more often, she’s pretty unstoppable,” said Hain.

The team finished the season ranked No. 7 in the state.

The team will host the first two-playoff matches of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and the second round of the playoffs will be held on Saturday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.

These four teams may be from different sporting realms, but one thing all the teams can agree upon is something freshman volleyball middle hitter Katie Christner put best.

“I want to win state,” said Christner.

Third time’s a charm for men’s cross-country BEAVERS CAPTURE THIRD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH BACK-TO-BACK SEASON VICTORIES

By Jessica Maynard maynarj@imail.losrios.edu

Photo courtesy of Rick Anderson

The temperatures are dropping and the stakes are rising, meaning the American River College athletic department is gearing up for the Northern California playoffs and State championships.

By Trevor Horn & Jessica Maynard

It was déjà vu all over again for Head Coach Rick Anderson and the American River College men’s crosscountry team – the men won the state title at the California Community College Cross-Country Championships for the second straight season on Nov. 17 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

The title represents the Beavers’ third state championship in school history. The men have claimed all three of their titles under Anderson; the first state title was won in the 2005 season.

Anderson, who was recently named the California Community College Cross-Country Coach of the Year for the second time in his Sophomore Matt Airola claims first place career, etched his name in the history during the California Community College book. He became the first northern Championships on Nov. 17.

California cross-country coach to bama. Airola posted a time of 20:10.68 win back-to-back championships in the and finished seven seconds faster than events 49-year history. second place finisher Omar Cortes Anderson prepared the team for this (20:17.75) from Los Angeles Trade victory throughout the season by chalTechnical College. lenging them with a difficult schedule “You just gotta put your head down and training regimens that brought the and work hard,” said Airola. group together.

Airola was also named a California “It’s the training and the races we Community College All-American for go to. We don’t go race at rinky-dink the second straight season. Freshman races,” said Anderson. “In the Bronco teammate Will Reyes, who finished Invitational, it was us versus 18 fourthe race in 20:43.94, also received the year schools and we finished fourth.”

CCC A-A award for his 14th place Earlier in the season, the men won finish. the Big 8 conference championship for Jacob Huston (16), Will Melton (25) the seventh season in a row. The men and Steven White (28) all finished with were also the No.1 ranked team in the times under 21 minutes and were the California polls entering the season other three runners whose scores were and remained ranked in the top spot used in ARC’s final point total. The throughout the year. men combined for 84 points and narThe Beavers recaptured their 2011 rowly edged out Glendale Community title by having five of their runners finCollege, who finished with 96 points. ish in the top 28 spots. The men were “It’s a happy thought knowing I was led by the races individual champion a part of three championships,” said sophomore Matt Airola, who recently Airola. committed to The University of Ala-

Sports

Page 5

Nov. 21, 2012

ARC women’s basketball team faces rough start

By Dakota Williams willidc@imail.losrios.edu The American River College women’s basketball team started their season on Nov. 10 at the Cosumnes River College tournament.

The team left the tournament with a record of 1-2.

One of their losses came from Feather River College by two points and another to Cosumnes River by seven. The team is lacking experience.

“We only have two returning sophomores from last year. One plays and one doesn’t play so much, so most of the time I’m playing three or four freshman at a time,” said J.R. Matsunami, women’s basketball head coach.

But that doesn’t stop the optimism for the upcoming season. “The thing about this team is they’re real coachable.”

One of the things Matsunami has made a priority for the team to work on this season is free throws. Against Feather River in the Cosumnes River Tournament, the women struggled from the line. “At the end of the first half, we were two for 15 from the line

and only down eight. That was the difference in the game,” said Matsunami.

Along with the current struggles at the free throw line, the team is also lacking size.

The 6-foot-4-inch center is sidelined due to an injury sustained during a scrimmage match. “They’re really undersized right now. We’re American River College women’s basketball player Jessica Ayers (22), left, playing without maneuvers around Cosumnes River College women’s basketball player Brooke our 6-foot-4-inch Fletcher despite a seven-point loss against CRC. post player, but in our favor,” said Matsunami. they’re still fighting for every position,” said To start the season, the offense has been Matsunami. kept simple to allow new players to adjust to Freshman Mele Kolokihakaufisi, who had the game. “Eunique Hopkins, a 21 year-old never played point guard before this season, freshman, is a tremendous athlete but (has) debuted with a big game versus College of no basketball background. This is her first the Redwoods. She scored 28 points with real season. When she gets it, she’ll be an four steals and was eight for nine from the incredible player,” said Matsunami. line. “In the front end of the season to have The women’s next home game is Wednesa point guard that’s that aggressive… For her day, Nov. 21 versus Gavilan College at 5 p.m. to take that position, it’s really going to work

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

Head coach J.R. Matsunami focuses on improvement after 1-2 tournament run

SPORTSUPDATES MEN’S

WOMEN’S Photo courtesy to Rick Anderson

BASKETBALL The men played in the Shasta tournament on Nov. 16-18. The team went 1-2 in the tournament, beating Merrit College but lost to Diablo Valley College and Ohlone College. The team’s next home game isn’t until Jan. 11 when they play Sacramento City College.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Freshman shooting guard Brandon Hoston during the NorCal Jamboree hosted by American River College on Nov. 3.

Ashley King / kingaa@imail.losrios.edu

SOCCER Members of the ARC volleyball team look on as a player from Santa Rosa Junior College drives for the ball on Nov. 14 Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

The men’s soccer team failed to qualify for the playoffs this season after an 8-10-3 record and a 3-4-1 record in division. This is the first time the men have missed the playoffs in over 10 seasons. Daniel Lomeli led the team in scoring with five goals.

WATER POLO After a shaky start to the beginning of the season, the men redeemed themselves in the Big 8 division finishing 10-9. In the NorCal Championships, the men finished in third place. The team beat Modesto Junior College.

The women finished the season in the sixth spot in the Big 8, led by freshman Megan Santo Domingo who led the team in golf scores with a 97.20 average.

The team failed to qualify for the NorCal Championship.

SOCCER

FOOTBALL The football team’s next game is the Northern California Championships a rematch at City College of San Francisco on Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. The Beavers lost to the rams earlier this season 52-33. The Beavers recently saw many players verbally commit to 4-year universities, running back Devontae Booker to The University of Utah, linebacker Sampson Faifili to the University of Kansas.

The women finished No. 13 in the California Community Cross-Country Championships. Alexa Lua led the way for the Beavers, finishing in 47th place. The American River College women finished the season as Big 8 Champions and claimed second place in the NorCal Championships.

GOLF

Sophomore Matt Airola (439) leads the runners during the NorCal Community College Championships on Nov. 3.

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

Led by California men’s cross-country Coach of the Year Rick Anderson, the men repeated as state champions. Sophomore Matt Airola took first place in the race. The five runners whose scores counted toward ARC’s total finished in the top 28. The men beat second place finisher Glendale Community College by 12 points (84-96).

CROSS-COUNTRY

Drake Tofi (20) maneuvers around a Sierra College player.

The women’s soccer team won their first match of the playoffs versus Ohlone College, led by Ceci Velazquez who contributed two goals to the team’s win. The women will play at division rival Santa Rosa Junior College on Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. The women are 0-2 versus Santa Rosa this season.

VOLLEYBALL The team finished second in the Big 8 Conference this season, behind Santa Rosa Junior College. The women lost to Santa Rosa Junior College in the sophomore match on Nov. 14 3 sets to 1. The team is ranked No. 4 in the Northern California bracket. They kicked off the playoffs on Tuesday, Nov. 20 versus Taft College.

WATER POLO The women followed in the same footsteps as the men. They finished in third place after beating Sierra College in the NorCal Championships, but failed to qualify for the state championships. The women had a strong showing in the Big 8 division, finishing 6-1.

Out of Bounds What’s the rush about rushing quarterbacks?

By Steven Paxiao paxiaos@imail.losrios.edu Can someone please tell me what is so great about a rushing quarterback? Besides the obvious addition of another threat on the ground, it just doesn’t make sense to me.

If it’s overall records you could argue for, you would be shocked to find out what they actually are. The top three rushing quarterbacks in the league right now would have to be Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Michael Vick, but all three have losing records; 3-6, 2-7 and 3-6 respectively.

To make things worse, in the two years that Newton has been in the league, he has only been able to produce eight wins in 25 starts.

Although Newton has put up some record-breaking stats, this isn’t what these athletes are truly after, which are wins and titles.

Pass-first quarterbacks have always dominated in the win column and certainly in the Super Bowl column as well. One of the best quarterbacks of our time, arguably, is Tom Brady.

The thing that makes him so good is not his legs, but his arm. With that arm, he threw his way to three Super Bowl titles, two MVPs and over 42,000 yards.

When Newton passes more than rushes, he can hang with any team in the league. But when premeditated rushing starts happening, defenses can just sit in zone coverage and wait for him.

It should be no secret that Newton has the ability to throw the ball, having broken the rookie passing yards record last season, but what has happened to that arm this season? Over halfway through the season, Newton has only amassed about a third of what he had during his rookie campaign.

Other notable passing quarterbacks right now include Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Drew Brees. These quarterbacks have a combined four MVPs, four Super Bowl titles and 19 trips to the pro bowl. Of the top rushing quarterbacks in the history of the NFL (minus Steve Young because his ability to throw and his supporting cast) there is Randall Cunningham, Fran Tarkenton and Donovan McNabb. Together, they may have had the same amount of pro bowl selections, but they only had one MVP and none of them ever won a Super Bowl.

Some critics may disagree with me, but if it’s accolades that make up a great QB, then these rushers just don’t measure up. When it comes down to it, the fact that Andrew Luck’s amazing season is being overlooked by the many Griffin III Subway commercials is definitely out of bounds.

Page 6

Nov. 21, 2012

Disney Not too long ago, in our very own galaxy. . .

A $4 billion dollar deal is causing discord among fans

C Harm

By JeFF goOzAlES

gonzalj68@imail.losrios.edu

When Disney purchased Lucasfilm for $4 billion, the news hit me like a rushing Rancor. I shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, George Lucas has had a presence within Disney for many years now. Just ask anyone who has ridden the “Indiana Jones” ride or attended the Jedi Training Academy at one of the Disney Parks. But does Disney really have to own everything?

The thought of the conglomeration known as Disney owning more rights to the movies I love makes those movies feel just a little more corporate. Not that Lucasfilm was tiny, but at least it felt local-ish.

I don’t really see Disney doing much in Lucas’s hometown of Modesto, Calif.

As if there wasn’t little enough to do there, now they can’t have the occasional “Star Wars” hoopla either.

Disney CEO Robert Iger flexed the might of the company by purchasing Pixar in 2006 and Marvel in 2009. These monumental media moments, while having produced some decent films, have reduced the number of different voices that tell the fans the stories we want to hear.

My dad auditioned for the part of Luke Skywalker in the late 1970s, so the Lucas obsession was built into my DNA. It was a tiny 3-year-old me that held my fathers hand to watch Indy wade through a secret passage filled with bugs and sit down to a dessert of chilled monkey brains in “The Temple of Doom.” As an adult, I have continued to keep the Lucas films a family staple (my daughter is still trying to convince me to get a dog to name Indy).

And yes, I’ve heard the arguments from my fellow geeks saying, “Disney did make the Avengers” as if this would make up for decades of butchering story lines and countless beloved characters. I had issue enough with Lucas going back to play in a galaxy far, far away, but to have Disney executives ruining the Old Republic tells me the evil empire may have finally won. If you thought Jar-Jar Binks was horrid before, I hate to think what Disney will do with him.

Sure, Disney has the big bucks to put big budgets behind the classic sagas that Lucas brought to life, but if you think the mega-corporation has the heart to reach out to the fans like Lucas always did, you may be in for a rude awakening.

The big-bang-like growth of the “Star Wars” expanded universe could now feel the effects of the Disney gravitational field and experience its own version of the “Big Shrink” theory. After all, Disney is not known to be generous in letting others tell a story they own.

N

Feature

buys

LucAsfilM Will this deal harm or help star wars and other lucasfilm properties ?

Not the first & Not the last By josh baumbach

baumbaj@imail.losrios.edu

W

hen the Walt Disney Company purchased Marvel Entertainment in 2009, the fan outcry was almost as big as the $4 billion deal. Fans raised questions such as, “will Wolverine be walking around Disneyland now?” Since then, only a few things have noticeably changed, such as Marvel superhero cartoons airing on the Disney networks. Then came the next big announcement: Disney announced they are purchasing Lucasfilm Ltd. This announcement would send the geek world into frenzy, only three years after the Marvel deal. Memes and Photoshop mash-ups invaded the Internet immediately.

Pictures of Princess Leia Disney-fied while surrounded by Cinderella and Snow White, included as a “Disney princess,” or Woody from “Toy Story” wearing the iconic “Indiana Jones” fedora, just to name a few.

It seemed fans were either vehemently against the move or they embraced it. Either way, the coming years of the Disney/Lucasfilm relationship will prove to be very interesting.

P R

Help

By Garitt Rocha rochag@imail.losrios.edu

We can talk about corporatebased entertainment monopolies all day, but when we get down to it, Disney isn’t the first and they won’t be the last. So let’s focus on the matter at hand: is Star Wars in good hands with Disney? The simple answer is yes.

No matter what your feelings on the prequel trilogy are, it’s undeniable that the most recent set of films were not of the same caliber as the original trilogy. Even if midi-chlorians or a Darth Vader that looks like the unofficial sixth member of ‘N Sync don’t fill you with dread, it’s unquestionable how absolutely horrendous Jar-Jar Binks was and still is.

Would Disney have created such an abysmal character? Despite their family film history, I say nay.

Let’s take a trip through Disney’s track record with more grown-up films. Maybe my memory is a little fuzzy, but I don’t recall anything even slightly resembling the wayward Gungan in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Sure, it has Pintel and Ragetti, the comically terrible pirates sporting three eyes between the two of them, but they simply serve to add a bit of slapstick to the film.

And let’s not forget Disney’s most recent acquisition: Marvel Comics. Did you see “The Avengers”?

It was fantastic and also grossed $1.4 billion dollars worldwide. Really, most of the Marvel movies that have come out since Disney’s December 2009 purchase of the comic book company have been solid, with very few exceptions (looking at you, “Thor”).

The potential for the next “Star Wars” film to be great is up in the air, but the matter of whether or not it’ll be better than the prequel trilogy is nearly unquestionable. With lackluster writing that includes fantastically awful lines like Padme’s romantic plea to Anakin – ”Hold me, like you did by the lake on Naboo; so long ago when there was nothing but our love. No politics, no plotting, no war,” – I have a feeling that Disney can improve on the sci-fi series with no issues.

If Disney can treat “Star Wars” the same way they’ve treated Marvel by staying out of the way and letting people who understand the franchise do their work, this combo could be wonderful. With Disney’s influence in the film industry and the sheer amount of money they could throw at anything “Star Wars,” the potential for the next films to finally resemble the original trilogy is there. Regardless of whether or not Disney can make that happen, there’s no way the new trilogy can be worse than the prequels in terms of butchering our collective nostalgia. So let us rejoice, because we are on the cusp of a brighter, “Star Wars” filled tomorrow.

Arts & Entertainment

Page 7

Nov. 21, 2012

Ashley King / kingaa@imail.losrios.edu

Ashley King/ kingaa@imail.losrios.edu

Ashley King / kingaa@imail.losrios.edu

Sam’s Classic serves decent burgers with old-school flare AUBURN BURGER JOINT TAKES CUSTOMERS BACK WITH 1950s STYLE

By Stephanie Lee lees87@imail.losrios.edu Imagine the 1950s and the outdoor diners; red and white-stripped boarders, small walk-up window to order with minimal seating. That’s how Sam’s Classic still looks today - just as it did over 20 years ago.

Located between Auburn Boulevard and Antelope Road, Sam’s Classic brings you the taste that you are looking for when it comes to burgers and fries for a low cost. They give you the choice of a single, double or triple burger. Not to mention their 13 different flavored milkshakes. The burger prices range from $3 to $5 and cheese is an extra 50 cents.

For this review, the reporter got a single cheeseburger, fries, fried zucchini and a vanilla shake. After placing your order,

you have the choice of one of three concrete tables to sit at while you wait for your food.

After waiting around for five minutes the order arrived in white plain paper bag. The burger was wrapped up and smelled delightful. However, before you even notice the burger itself, you are welcomed with an overwhelming sea of lettuce. It almost makes you feel like a rabbit rather then a carnivore there to eat a burger.

Thick-diced onion lined the bottom of the bun, while the tomato and cheese add just the right touch. The burger almost slides out of the bun, which made it difficult to eat, even when kept wrapped up in the paper. The burger patty itself is thin

yet juicy. Their French fries give off the appearance of being under-cooked crinkle cut fries but ended up tasting just a little over-seasoned with salt.

Smooth to drink and thick enough in consistency, their milkshakes give off a look and taste of an ice cream malt rather then a shake.

Sam’s offers a good family setting with a middle school and a high school within walking distance, and even has a private parking lot.

If you want to pay with a credit card, be prepared to be hit with a $1.25 charge, or you can go inside and use their ATM.

From left to right: Sam’s Classic Burgers offers outdoor seating even during nearby construction; A hamburger, fried zucchini and chocolate shake from Sam’s Classic Burgers; American River College student Cody Alias mulls over the menu.

SAM’S CLASSIC 7442 AUBURN BLVD. CITRUS HEIGHTS, 95610

MEAL FOR 1: $

«««

Crusaders: From religion to rebels CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 races. (The family) all stem from me and my experiences and what I did in my past.”

Priscilla Esparza plays the role of Khulsoom and “The Domestic Crusaders” will be her first theater production ever. “She’s the mother and sort of the prayer warrior of the group,” said Esparza on the role of Khulsoom. “I try to bring everybody together, but I will shut people up too.”

Brandon Lancaster plays Salman. He has been acting for

most of his life. “I started seriously training when I was in the seventh grade,” said Lancaster.

“The Domestic Crusaders” will be Lancaster’s fourth production at ARC. He has also been in the ARC productions of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Gumbo” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”

“I’m Salman, I’m the father.

Son of Hakib (and) husband of Khulsoom. He wants his traditions and religions to be respected,” said Lancaster about his character. “He tries to instill that

in his kids. He wants him and his family to be successful.”

Rajiv Laffey plays the role of Salahuddin, the oldest son. He’s been acting for about eight years and “The Domestic Crusaders” will be his first play at ARC. “I play Salahuddin, or Sal for short.

He’s the oldest son in the family.

He’s always cracking jokes,” said Laffey about Sal. “He thinks he’s a genius, like the most right person of all time. He does have a few dramatic moments, but he tries to mask them with jokes.”

Mondis Vakili takes the stage

as Fatima, the middle child. She has been acting for about 14 years and this is her first production at ARC. “She’s kind of a radical,” said Vakili about her character.

“She stands up for what she believes in. She does protests and riots. She’s proud of her culture and where she comes from and she’s a law student. She comes back for Ghafur’s birthday, so that’s when you see her.”

Ghafur is played by Bhargav Kothi and this is also his first show at ARC. Gafur is the youngest son, and his 21st birthday is

being celebrated in the play. “My character is all about changing the world and trying to be positive,” said Kothi. “He’s all about seeing the world in a different way, different angle. He’s kind of a rebel.”

“The Domestic Crusaders” opens on Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. at ARC’s theater stage two, which is located in the theater’s music wing.

Nov. 21, 2012

Arts & Entertainment

Online funding program kick starts creativity

By Korbl Klimecki

service.” An entrepreneur outlines a project, sets a monetary goal klimecb@imail.losrios.edu and rewards pledges of money Reaper Miniatures, Bones: $3.4 with various incentives. million.

Palmer raised 1,192 percent of Rich Burlew, “Order of the her $100,000 goal. Reaper raised Stick:” $1.2 million.

11,430 percent of their $30,000 Amanda Palmer, “Theatre is goal. The goals were reached Evil:” $1.1 million. within hours or days of beginning Those numbers are the their campaigns through social amounts raised of three Kickstart- networking, the endorsement er campaigns, known as “crowd of internet celebrities, constant funding services.” connection to their pledgers and With the exception of Reaper compelling pledge rewards - makMiniatures, they’re not the most ing use of the oddly small-town funded or even in the top five. dynamic of the vast internet.

They are, however, the most Palmer is a “punk cabaret” funded projects in Games, Art, musician who reached 200 Music, and Comics, with Reaper percent funding by the end of the being the fourth most funded first day. Pledge rewards for her Kickstarter project. Three of the Kickstarter ranged from a digital other top five are video games, in- download of the album for $1, cluding the open-source, Android to massive parties with the singer based Ouya console, with the top and her band at the pledger’s own funded being an E-paper, smart house for $10,000. device linked watch called the Reaper produces pieces for Pebble, which is the top funded games such as “Dungeons and project according to Kickstarter.

Dragons,” known as miniatures.

Kickstarter is a “crowd funding Originally only pewter, they created a line of low cost, polymer miniatures.

Rewards 4 ranged from their 3 thanks for $1, to mas2 sive rewards of 60 min1 iatures, to the chance 0 REAPER to custom AMANDA RICH design a MINIATURES BURLEW PALMER miniature

MONEY RAISED (IN MILLIONS)

KICKSTARTER.COM FUNDEDPROJECTS

INOURHEADS TELEVISION “The Walking Dead” -- I’m a little late, but I recently started watching this due to a friend’s recommendation and I’m glad I took it. The zombie apocalypse drama, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Robert Kirkman, follows the lives of Deputy Sheriff Rick Grimes and other survivors as they try to find salvation in this new world.

MUSIC “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City” by Kendrick Lamar -- If you’ve been waiting for the return of west coast hip-hop, then look to Dr. Dre protégé and Aftermath artist Kendrick Lamar’s major label debut about a good kid going through the conflicts that come with being a teenager in Compton.

and exclusive collectables. Reaper reached their goal within four days.

Many Kickstarters can attributable their success to the use of “stretch goals,” once the goal is reached, more rewards are revealed at milestone amounts, often adding onto existing Amanda Plamer’s album, “Theatre is Evil,” funded pledge levels. completely by Kickstarter with $1.1 million.

Some supporters recapacity of their printers and ceived an extra 184 being left in limbo as they search miniatures at no extra cost, with an option for more. Rich Burlew’s for someone who can handle the demand, poor financial pre-planKickstarter funding the reprinting of collections of his webcomic ning, or even insufficient staff.

“We would have been more also used this model. Stretch goals than happy to make a thousand can serve to drive huge amounts watches,” Eric Migicovsky told of funding as seeing what the Wired magazine regarding his next stretch reward can be is as Kickstarter for Pebble, with much a reward to the pledgers as 85,000 watch pledge rewards still the actual pledge rewards thembeing produced after receiving selves, and people who weren’t funding on May 18. interested at first might find the More than that, Kickstarter new rewards more intriguing. projects only receive funds if Kickstarter’s original purpose they meet their goal. They, along was funding creative projects, with Amazon, who handles the not starting businesses. For this transactions, take their own small reason, and the sometimes restricbut noticeable cuts.

Established tive nature of Kickstarter’s rules companies, such as Troma Films and fees, other crowd funding and Obsidian Entertainment, sites such as Indiegogo have have also began to use Kickstarter, sprung up, offering a more even overshadowing small businesses playing field, less oversight and and individuals with their ability no requirement of success for to offer bigger rewards. A useful funding - you get what you raise, platform for independent entrewhether you reach your goal or preneurs is now being roughly not - at the cost of number of taken by established companies, pledge rewards. to the detriment of the people Kickstarter campaigns are not who need it. without issues, however. Some All numbers provided by Kickstarter. entrepreneurs have found success beyond anything they could have imagined, leading to exceeding

The Current’s Sergio Portela shares the wide variety of what is in his head portels@imail.losrios.edu

Photo courtesy to Oldies.com

ENTREPRENEURS KICK THE TRADITIONAL INVESTMENT MODEL AND START GOING TO THE CROWD FOR FUNDING

BOOK “Darkness Take My Hand” by Dennis Lehane -- The second novel of The Kenzie-Gennaro series that follows two Boston private investigators who agree to protect a psychiatrist’s son. They stumble upon numerous dead bodies, expecting it to be a serial killer who has been in prison for 20 years, but a major twist occurs when finding the culprit.

GAME “Madden NFL 13” -- As a sports fan, I’ve always been in love with “Madden” since 2003. I’m always amazed at the new graphics and how realistic they make the game feel.

They even have CBS commentators Phil Sims and Jim Nants doing play-by“The Dark Knight Rises” -- It’s the third and final film of Christopher play analysis.

Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Batman must save Gotham City from the terrorist Bane, who is physically and mentally stronger than Batman. The film leaves an epic ending to Nolan’s Batman saga and it’s the best ever at that.

MOVIE

Que ´ Carlos?

?

Page 8

Puerto Rico tries to succeed while others try to secede

By Carlos Guerrero guerrecg@imail.losrios.edu

Puerto Rico could become the 51st state of the United States, possibly leaving Guam and the Philippines to wonder, “Damn, that could have been us.”

The U.S. hasn’t allowed a state to join since Hawaii. That’s more than 50 years of nobody getting in.

It is necessary for two-thirds of the U.S. Congress to vote yes on the request to become a state – like on American Idol where you need two of the three judges to vote yes so you can go to Los Angeles – in order for President Barack Obama to sign it into law.

The numbers are a little murky, but the majority of the people would like some sort of independence. The two-part ballot voted on first asked Puerto Ricans if they liked the way things were with them being a U.S. territory.

According to New England Cable News, 900,000 voters, or 54 percent, voted no, saying they were not happy with the current situation of only being a U.S. territory.

I would have run out the door yelling, “freedom!” But in part two, all voters had a chance to decide if they preferred statehood, independence or to become a “sovereign free association.”

If Puerto Rico wants to be the 51st state, then all power to them in their quest to statehood. I would prefer this option. Fifty-one is the new 50. Now we don’t have to cross a border for real authentic Latino flavor. We can just cross the Gulf and visit our new state.

If they just want independence, they should also be allowed that.

I do, however, have a little problem if they wanted to become a sovereign free association, which would grant the Islands four million people more authority. It’s like they want to stay friends with the United States with all the benefits, but without the overbearing commitment.

All this talk of a state possibly joining has taken some focus off the news that over 20 states have petitions going around trying to secede after President Barack Obama’s victory.

The last seceding attempt went really bad last time. Most of the states with these petitions are the states that supported Mitt Romney, including Texas, Alabama and South Carolina. Since they can’t take their country back, they will just leave it.

If Texas wants to leave the county, I feel that is our own fault.

We had our chance when we took her from Mexico and thinking we could change someone was our own fault.

Scene

Page 9

Nov. 21, 2012

Happy to play the blues

By Alex Panasenko panasea@imail.losrios.edu Describing his music genre as “folk and rock mixed together,” Mac Russ is a musician with, as he says, “a bit of a unique sound just because I taught myself everything I know about music.”

Self-taught isn’t a disparaging thing; Russ can play and sing so well that while he was being recorded for a video in the portable area here on campus, a student on her way to class complimented him and whispered, “he is really good” to her friend.

“I enjoy playing music that gets people tapping their feet, but also may give them a shiver from time to time,” Russ says of himself on his Facebook profile. “I have very little formal instruction in music and have developed a strange style all my own. I play a seagull guitar and I love it dearly.”

Pete Seeger is Russ’s musical hero, along with his grandfather. Russ likes being a solo act, but wouldn’t mind sharing the stage with other musicians.

“

I am really big on sharing my music with people. My music doesn’t do anything for me. I just enjoy it when other people enjoy it.

That’s when I know the song is good.

SCAN TO HEAR

MACRUSS

A SMOKE-FREE STRUGGLE THE CURRENT’S ASHLEY KING DESCRIBES HER BATTLE WITH SMOKING CESSATION THERAPY

By Ashley King kingaa@imail.losrios.edu As a smoker of eight years, quitting is a decision that comes almost too easy for me. Who quits smoking during midterms?

That’s just asking for an F. I lost 65 pounds in the last year; won’t quitting smoking make me gain weight? I was finally willing to admit to my manipulative mind that I needed help. I needed professional help.

I decided it was about time to explore the resources here at ARC. The American River College Health Department had my answer: Smoking Cessation Therapy.

I’d like to thank Robyn Huetter, a nurse in the health center, for this service. When we

spoke, I had already conquered seven brutal smoke-free days, but was nowhere near the comfort of a clean system.

Huetter answered questions I didn’t know I even had. Immediately, I began to sweat a lot on a particularly cold day when I first arrived.

“It’s not uncommon for the withdrawal symptoms to manifest as flush feelings, stomach aches, headaches, (and) nausea,” said Huetter. I was still mentally chastising my deodorant as Huetter continued to explain, “it can be a really confusing time for your body.”

I sat across from her and answered questions that seemed unnecessary to me, until I heard my ridiculous answers.

She asked me about triggers,

“

people in my life who smoke, my support system and even my preference in brand. I found that I smoke more during heat waves and thunderstorms, that classical music can be an abstract aid in conquering the fear of traffic without nicotine and how I felt urges to smoke when just talking about smoking.

I was given a “quit kit” containing honey sticks, spearmint gum, candy, sunflower seeds and a stress release toy, all tucked in a water bottle donated by STAND (Sacramento Taking Action Against Nicotine Dependence). A quote printed on the water bottle carrying it all

When you first quit, it feels like your shoes are on the wrong feet.

ASHLEYKING inspired me.

“The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Too bad when you first quit, it feels like your shoes are on the wrong feet.

If you’re even thinking about quitting, stop by the ARC Health Center to come up with your personal plan. There are answers available about your changing body and emotional outbursts. You don’t have to go through the struggle alone.

PULSE

What are you most thankful for?

“I’m thankful for my volleyball team here at ARC, and my wonderful boyfriend and amazing family. Go Beavers!”

SOPHILOZANO

Communications

“My boyfriend, because he has been with me through a lot. I’m also thankful for my friends.”

ANNELISEMILLER

Respiratory Therapy “I would have to say I’m thankful that people are becoming more involved in things like charities.

More people are taking time to help children around the holidays.”

AMANDARUIZ

Counseling

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

“I’ve been playing solo for a long time and it’s just really nice when you actually have other people there playing with you,” said Russ.

“It’s like, intoxicating when you are able to play with other people from beginning to finish and everything sounds good. You just flow together and nothing was rough or uncomfortable, everyone knew what they were doing, it’s just a great time.”

When asked what song he would like to possibly release as a single one day, “Probably the song ‘Kiss The Devil’ that’s on my YouTube,” replied Russ. “That’s a really fun song. It’s really fun to play live because everyone dances and it’s just a good time.”

“I actually thought of album cover I wanted to do the other day,” said Russ. “On the corner ARC student Mac Russ plays an acoustic cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Truckof El Camino and Fair in’” in the portables on Nov. 7.

Oaks, they have those And that’s no fun. I like band palm trees and they names, and I don’t want all the haven’t cut the straps yet attention on me. I like sharing so the leaves haven’t fallen everything.” down. So they are up in And Russ really does love these weird leaf buns. And to share. In fact, Russ is in it I thought it would be cool for anyone who will listen to to take a picture of them himself more than he is in it for with the blue sky behind MAC RUSS himself. them because they look so PERFORM “I am really big on sharing bizarre.”

“DR. DOG” my music with people. My Even among other musimusic doesn’t do anything for

BY COUNTY LINE cians, he tries his best to remain humble. “Whenever me. I just enjoy it when other AND “TRUCKIN’” BY people enjoy it. That’s when I I try to start a band, people GRATEFUL DEAD know the song is good,” said always say, ‘why don’t we Russ. just go by Mac Russ?’

Stephanie Lee / lees87@imail.losrios.edu

FOLK-ROCKING ARC STUDENT MAC RUSS WISHES TO SHARE HIS UNIQUE SOUND

CAMPUS

“I am thankful for being here today, living my life in my own little way.”

MARKCESA

Psychology

“I guess I am thankful for family and community most. Family is important, even if it’s a family that you made or fell into.”

LUKESCHWANN Philosophy

“I’m thankful for Proposition 30 passing. Also my wonderful coworkers because (when) you spend the majority of your day at work, it’s nice to enjoy the people you work with.”

TANIKABYRD

Student Life Supervisor

Page 10

TAKETHISCLASS

STAGEMAKE-UP Daniel Romandia / romandd@imail.losrios.edu

By Alisha Kirby kirbyam@imail.losrios.edu

The Class TA 437, or Stage Make-up, isn’t your average YouTube makeup tutorial. After learning techniques to work with highlight, shadow, color and more, students learn how to work through the whole aging process how to make themselves look middle age, old age or extremely old age. After that, they work on different projects that include getting turned into someone from the 1600 or 1700s, as well as switching genders and working with beards.

If realism isn’t your thing, the curriculum also features lessons about clowns and mimes, animals and four fantasy projects as their final, where students “can do anything from (the) Wicked Witch of The West to Klingons,” according to Professor Kathy Burleson.

Why You Should Take It This isn’t your typical “sit down and take notes” style of class. While the early weeks of Stage Make-up are mostly lecture as you learn all of the techniques, the days where you work independently and get to be creative will make it all worthwhile.

Students of TA 437 working on their “clowns” stage make up project on Nov. 8 at American River College.

KATHRYNBUSCH

THEATER ARTS

The dating world can make any single girl want to commit to a nunnery. But every once in a while, when I meet an interesting guy, I’ll decide to leave the comfort of my sofa and go on a date. I’ll put on my fancy shoes and take an extra five minutes or so putting on my makeup, all in hopes that it’s worth missing an episode of “Breaking Bad.” The first date should be fun, easy and leaving me wanting to call my mom to brag right after.

But time and time again, I’m disappointed and quickly lose interest.

Here are four reasons that have me headed straight back to my sofa.

“

I would say a third of the class are people that think they actually want to go on to become makeup artists and the rest of the class tend to be people who like to do Halloween houses or that kind of stuff. Most of them are theater majors or some kind of performing arts majors.” One of the main purposes of this class is to “lose them as actors and gain them as characters.

Daniel Romandia / romandd@imail.losrios.edu

KATHYBURLESON PROFESSOR

With the value continuing to rise, panning for the metal has become a profitable hobby once again. As it was during the original gold rush, panning is still one of the most popular ways of obtaining the mineral from the rivers.

You can’t just go to anywhere and expect to find gold, but there are a lot of rivers within 50 miles of Sacramento that are rich in gold flake. In fact, the discovery of gold in California by James Marshall in 1848 happened just 30 miles from Sacramento in the small town of Coloma. This was the beginning of what would become the Great Gold Rush of 1849.

There are also many other spots to try. On the American River, there are places in Auburn and Forrest Hill that offer great potential for gold, but there is truly no way of actually knowing unless you put some gravel in a pan and swirl.

It’s doesn’t take much to get started either. The basic tools of panning are a pan, a bucket, a crevassing tool and a snuffer bottle, which is simply a baster used to suck up the small flakes of gold. All of these can be bought

on your way to the river in Auburn at Pioneer Mining Supplies on Main Street for no more than $30 total.

After acquiring the tools needed, head down to the river and look for a good spot to get started.

Start by looking at the surrounding landscape.

The best place to start is any A glass vile containing flakes of gold found while panning near the American River. exposed bedrock that has very tedious and strenuous.

Although panning may seem cracks or holes. When the water While the product is in the like a hard task, it can be very level rises, sediment is pushed pan, swirl water around either rewarding over time. With gold over this bedrock and the heavier direction at a slow and consistent prices so high, even the smallest materials, i.e. gold, is pushed to speed. Once at the bottom of the amount of flakes will add up to the bottom of the cracks. This pan, the only thing remaining will being a whole lot after multiple process is known as crevassing and be black sand, lead and any gold pans are processed. it is one of the most popular ways that was contained in the matePerhaps Samuel Brannan said to prospect. rial. As the flakes are found, use it best as he ran down the streets Once a crack is cleaned out, the the snuffer bottle to suck up the of San Francisco in 1848 with a material brought out needs to be pieces. Some black sand will be bottle of gold dust in his hand: separated. This part can be the sucked up with the gold, but a “Gold! Gold! Gold from the deciding factor for most people of second processing will eliminate American River!” whether or not they truly want to most of this later. be panning for gold, as it can be

Bryce Fraser / fraserb@imail.losrios.edu

Panning and how to get started

Four kinds of dates, four different headaches sanchezm25@imail.losrios.edu

Gold: Panning returns in California CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

On the XO

By Mayra Sanchez

My favorite project was the Cirque du Soleil. I got to let go and just be crazy with copying a design made by professionals.

Daniel Romandia / romandd@imail.losrios.edu

“

Scene

Nov. 21, 2012

The Bad Texter: After I give a guy my number, I actually prefer the guy to send me a text rather than calling. However, texting me “what up doe” or “what chu up to 2nite” not only makes me cringe but also instantly wanting to delete your number. There’s no way I can sit through a whole date knowing you don’t know the proper way to spell “doe” or, even worse, that you prefer it that way.

The Ghost of the Ex:

Here I am trying to enjoy my rib-eye steak and somehow, I’ve become your therapist. While you’re going on and on about how your ex never cared, I’m looking at you like, “wow, she really did some damage. Where is that damn waitress with our check?”

Don’t be pushy: The absolute worst types of guys are the ones that expect a home run on the first date. Telling me about how “experienced” you are just makes me wish I would have worn a turtleneck instead of a lacey dress. Calm down; get your hand off my lap because I ain’t scared to whip out the pepper spray.

Talk too much/show off: In words of Shania Twain,

“that don’t impress me much.”

Telling me about all the things you own just gives me a headache.

Plus, it’s probably all in your mom’s name anyway. There’s no need to be a show off. Relax, I already agreed to go out with you – there’s no need to keep convincing me you’re cool.

Just be yourself. And if that doesn’t work, be a gentleman.

Opinion

Page 11

Nov. 7, 2012

CURRENTEDITORIAL

IN DEFENSE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

A college diploma is the best investment a student can make in a tumultuous job market current@arc.losrios.edu Things are getting better.

The unemployment rate is dropping, slowly but surely.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, we’ve had eight months of job growth and the horizon looks far less bleak than once thought. However, students should do all they can to hedge their bets when it comes to joining a job market that’s still a little tumultuous.

One thing a student can do to increase his or her chances: stay in school.

No, it’s not just a trite saying repeated ad nauseam to elementary school students. It actually rings truer than you might

think. According to a study by Georgetown University, unemployment with college graduates for October 2012 was only 3.8 percent. Comparatively, those with only high school diplomas see an unemployment rate of 8.4 percent. That’s a drastic difference. Not to mention how much more money you’ll make in a lifetime; according to another Georgetown University study, college grads make $1.3 million more than high school grads in their lifetimes.

Going to college doesn’t come without its headaches. Yes, it can be a mental and even emotional strain when you’re taking a particularly difficult class. But most

every college and university, including ARC, has resources such as the Learning Resource Center for any student who needs that extra push to make the grade.

It can also be very costly. In the U.S., college loan debt has surpassed credit card debt, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. But just as there are resources for getting through classes, there are resources to help pay for them.

President Barack Obama recently signed a law that starting in 2014, new borrowers will never have to pay more than 10 percent of their income a month for their federal college loans. After 20 years, all remaining debt will

Boycott the pump

gawthrl@imail.losrios.edu I started to think to myself if there will ever be something in my life that I would be strong enough to stand up for something that I believe in. Immediately, I think yes – boycott the gasoline pump.

There was a time in my freshman year at American River College that I had to work to drive to work and pay to drive to school.

Working to pay for the gasoline to drive me to work was a dead end, and my grades showed for the time absent from studies. For every squeeze on the pump handle, I can feel a squeeze on my wallet.

Why shouldn’t I feel that my free time is taken away due to the punch-clock that pays for petro?

After all, gas prices rose in the fear brought on by the 9/11 attacks.

Gas prices rose while you were watching the infamous debates.

And after Manhattan is all washed up from the floods of Hurricane Sandy, gas prices lower out of sym-

pathy. Who is in charge of that?

Not me.

“Every time gas goes up by a penny, oil companies usually pocket another $200 million in profits,” said President Barack Obama on the campaign trail back in March.

According to Popular Mechanics, Charles Nelson Pogue invented a vaporizing motor that produces 200 miles per gallon in the late 50s. Soon after, his invention was laid to rest and the combustible engine superseded its way to only 18-to-23 miles per gallon for consumers instead. Where did the vaporizer go? Gone the way of the dinosaur, thanks to the car companies and the folks at big oil.

Perhaps the same folks at General Motors, who sued the state of California in 2003 for establishing a zero emissions law and crushing all electric vehicles such as the EV1, only to mass-produce the loveable Hummer that former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger likes so much.

Students and consumers have the power to affect change by ditching their cars for alternative transportation Daniel Romandia / romanddx@imail.losrios.edu

By Lance Gawthrop

be forgiven. And if you go into public service such as teaching, nursing or the armed forces, all debt will be forgiven after only 10 years. But none of these opportunities put out there will be of any use unless students are willing to put their nose to the pavement and stick with it.

Yes, college is a long-term investment, not only of money, but also of time. Best-case scenarios have students going to college for at least four years. But like the old saying goes, “numbers don’t lie.”

And in an economy that needs skilled jobs to move forward, students would serve their best interest to stick it out until they have a diploma in their hand.

The Kwik Serve gas station on Watt Avenue and El Camino Avenue on Nov. 16 in Sacramento.

I’m not suggesting traveling back in time to Bedrock to move our cars with our feet. I’m suggesting that we boycott gas pumps all together for two weeks to reveal by a show of hands that we refuse to squeeze the pump. What would gasoline speculation look like if there were no consumption for

two weeks? Wouldn’t that mean a price cut for surplus afterwards?

Would it help spur the federal government to invest in alternative fuels? It might.

Put down the car keys, strap on your kneepads and join me. Let’s see if we can’t make a difference.

Growing up suicidal “It’ssuicidal hard to explain what thoughts are like to

The Current’s copy chief tells his personal struggle and helps diminish stigma of those in need

By Cody Alexander piersoac@imail.losrios.edu My first suicide attempt occurred five years ago, when I was 15-years-old. Between a fight with my new girlfriend, parents who did not approve of my life and feeling like I had no one to confide in, I truly felt like I was less than human. I vividly remember wrapping a cord around my neck and tying the other end to my door. If my brother had not come to check on me at that moment, I’d probably not be here right now.

The Huffington Post recently reported that suicide takes more lives than any other form of injury in the U.S. A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 3.4 percent of Californians experience suicidal thoughts. And a study from the University of Texas at Austin showed that 15 percent of students across 70 colleges had considered

suicide, with more than five percent seriously attempting suicide at least once.

I’m not a mathematician, but given those numbers, I would hazard a guess that someone you know has experienced suicidal thoughts.

Despite how common of a problem it is, there still seems to be a stigma against people who have or have had suicidal thoughts. The stereotype against those who experience these kinds of thoughts as “crazy” is one that exists to this day. However, suicidal thoughts can stem from a variety of issues including personal relationships, academic difficulties and economic stress. For myself, my battle with suicidal thoughts began at a young age.

While I attempted suicide two more times in the years since my first attempt, things have gotten better overall. I made friends that I love and care very deeply for and I learned that my suicidal thoughts stemmed from an anxiety disorder, which I have learned to keep under

a person who has never had them. control.

It’s hard to explain what suicidal thoughts are like to a person who has never had them, especially considering that there is no set course for an individual’s experience. Some deal with it once, others battle it for the rest of their lives.

Some never attempt to take their lives, while others may sadly not be here because they were successful. The important thing to realize, for those who have dealt with this and those who haven’t, is that battling suicidal thoughts is unfortunately, incredibly common.

My only wish for those that don’t realize what it is like, who may hold onto the stigma of “crazy,” is to somehow understand the minds of people who battle these thoughts and what they go through, even if only for a moment. My wish for those that do know what it’s like is that someday, they can be as fortunate as I was and overcome these thoughts.

I Oughta

Know

By Jaime Carrillo carrilj8@imail.losrios.edu

2nd term 2-do-list Election night for me was more tumultuous than I’d like to admit.

The nerves made me treat my body with little respect, shoving as much hydrogenated oils and trans fats into my mouth until Ohio was called for Obama. The fallout was delicious.

Watching Karl Rove lose it on Fox News, or hearing Gov. Mitt Romney read a speech he clearly wrote five minutes beforehand had me cackling like Mark Hamill’s rendition of the Joker. Congrats, Mr. President. Now if you’d be so kind, I have a few requests for your next term.

Lose your optimism - We get it, “there’s no red states or blue states.” But guess what: there is. In fact, right after your re-election, 15 states (most of them former slave holding states) filed petitions to secede. Man, they really don’t like you. You should respond in kind and not like them back. Politics have never been a rosy endeavor and they never will be. I don’t want to come together and fake camaraderie with people who want to re-define rape or have the law treat gays and lesbians as second class citizens.

Close Guantanamo – Some people forgot about this campaign promise. I did not. It’s been on my mind ever since you took your oath of office. We will continue to bring terrorists to justice, but we should do it American style, under the confines of the constitution. Rule of law is a beautiful thing; it makes me tear up more than the “Wind Beneath My Wings” sequence in “Beaches.” Also, can we please get rid of the Patriot Act? There are no bombs hiding inside my cowboy boots, I promise.

End the Drug War – You want to earn a spot on the quarter? Do this.

It won’t be easy. There’s an entire Legion of Doom assembled who’s profiting from keeping marijuana illegal. The prison industrial complex, the painkiller industry and even the alcohol industry (which in the 20s was considered a drug) did their best to stop it, but both Washington and Colorado voted to legalize pot on Nov. 6. Taxes levied on pot growing could help ease our financial woes. Because it’s true – everyone is doing it. I have friends who partake including, but not limited to: students, lawyers, doctors and yes, even priests.

Heck, I even know about a handful of presidents who used to toke up, and I Oughta Know.

GWAR PARTING

SHOTS Photos by Bryce Fraser Heavy metal band Gwar, formed in 1984, performed at the Ace of Spades on Nov. 6. The band is known for their unique, intricate costumes and graphic shows.

They had fake representations of public figures come out on stage before ripping them apart and spraying blood over the audience and even the photographers in the photo pit.

A representation of former Gov. Mitt Romney was brought out and decapitated along with other figures, spraying fake blood throughout the crowd.

Scan for an exclusive interview with lead singer Oderus Urungus.

Left: Lead singer Oderus Urungus, real name Dave Brockie.

Above: A photographer’s digital camera with fake blood splatter over it.

Bottom Right: Balsac the Jaws of Death, real name Mike Derks, playing guitar and singing background vocals for the band.

Bottom Left: A mixture of excited fans with faces of shock and horror shortly after Gwar marched on stage, decapitated representations of people and sprayed fake blood over the audience.