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F U L L E R T O N Titans pick up a win in a make-up game against Vanguard University
INSIDE Detour: Lewis Black visits O.C. and 4 nmarks it with his brand of comedy
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A recent study shows Americans 6 nareNews: becoming more rude than ever
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A p r i l 25, 2002
Investigators getting on track nACCIDENT: Reports show no problem with the train tracks, alert signals or the brakes By Kathleen Gutierrez
Daily Titan Managing Editor
katie cumper/Daily Titan
Workers repaired tracks damaged in Tuesday’s wreck between a freight train and a Metrolink commuter train (right).
Preliminary investigative reports show human error may have been a factor in the fatal Placentia train wreck early Tuesday morning, the National Transit Safety Board chairman said in a news conference Wednesday. The crash involving an eastbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train and a westbound Metrolink commuter train injured 162 people and killed two passengers. Damage is estimated at $2.6 million for Metrolink, and $25,000 for the BNSF. “There is no question the Burlington train should have stopped,” said Marion Blakey, chairman of the NTSB. The BNSF was traveling at 20 mph at the point of impact. “A typical freight takes a full mile to stop,” said Mike Flannigan, chief investigator for the NTSB. “A good mile is not unusual.” The Metrolink train was at a complete stop for 10 seconds before the crash. “The Metrolink engineer had the time to leave the cab, then proceed to the first car to brace himself for the impact,” Blakey said. A video surveillance camera from a local storage business caught the crash on tape. Its angle shows the speed at which the BNSF struck, and the tape is going home with investigators who will enhance its images. The tape may have vital information for them, though it is
unknown at this time. “We do not have the equivalent of a cockpit voice recorder or video,” Blakey said, explaining the investigative need for the tape. Reports show that the BNSF rode its brakes for more than 1,700 feet before hitting the Metrolink train. It pushed the Metrolink back 337 feet, crumpling its cars and injuring most of its passengers. The engineer for the Metrolink told investigators he stopped because he saw the BNSF. The engineer for the BNSF did not apply emergency brakes until just past the red alert signal. Conductors for both trains have yet to be interviewed. Alcohol tests were negative for the BNSF engineer. Drug tests will not be available until Friday. “We are testing the possibility of fatigue [and] the 72-hour window before the crews came on duty,” Blakey said. Reports show that the BNSF train was traveling at 38 mph, and slowed to 30 mph when passing the yellow alert signal. He sped up again to 48 mph and did not apply brakes until the train passed the red alert signal. The speed limit on that area of track is 50 mph. Tests for both the brake systems and the signal system show that both were functioning properly, she said, adding, “The track was not a factor. We believe technology was a factor.” In the eastern part of the United States, trains are equipped with Positive Train Control Systems
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World of green at CSUF’s nARBORETUM: The garden show will host more than 100 related vendors as well as speakers and activities By Jenn Stewart
Daily Titan Staff Writer California’s largest garden show will be held at Cal State Fullerton’s Arboretum this weekend April 27-28. The 29th annual Green Scene Garden Show will be host to more than 100 garden-related vendors. “We will have everything from drought-tolerable cacti to tropical plants available this weekend,” said Janet Van Diest, director of the Arboretum. Speakers will give lectures on many
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aspects of home gardening. “Jungle Julie” Hunt will give a lecture entitled “4 Steps to a Fabulous Garden.” Just in time for summer break, the two-day event is an opportunity to get a garden started. “It’s the hot one to come to, it’s the one to be at,” Van Diest said. “It’s got the largest selection, the best prices and it’s all outdoors.” At the show this weekend, gardeners will be able to purchase a “fruit salad tree.” This hybrid tree offers multiple kinds of fruit on one tree. Van Diest suggested that this is the perfect tree for gardeners with smaller yards. For the gardeners with more space and experience, the show will also be exhibiting cycads, euphorbias, proteas, epies and many others. The publisher of Gardener’s Companion, Lili Singer, will give a
speech Sunday afternoon on “Spring Flowering Plants.” For those gardeners who happen to be without a garden, Julie Bawden Davis, author, will be giving a lecture entitled “Healthy Houseplants.” This year, the Nishiki Koi Club will also be returning with its entertaining Koi Auction on Sunday at 1p.m. “It’s wonderful to watch the big colorful fish and the auction is so lively,” Van Diest said. Participants in the “water garden” show, including the Koi Club, will be presenting koi and many other hard-tofind items for ponds and water gardens. “The California Rare Fruit Growers is one of our most popular vendors,” Van Diest said. “They sell everything form citrus to banana trees, coffee bean trees, star fruit and even Buddha hand fruit trees.” While the adult gardeners shop and admire the greenery, their younger
counterparts can have adventures on their own. The children’s garden will host free activities for children and their parents. Kellogg, one of the show’s sponsors, is having a children’s potted-plant activity, while Sally and Seymour Scarecrow enchant the youths with stories and lead a garden exploration. Knowlwood, another sponsor, will be selling hot dogs and hamburgers. The garden show will cater to shoppers’ price range. “Last year, I saw 50-cent cactus buds and $100 palm trees,” Van Diest said. “There is something for everyone.” Van Diest said that in the past five years the number of people coming to the garden show has doubled. “Saturday morning is the busiest, people are eager to get the best plants,”
GARDEN/ 3
Katie cumper/Daily Titan
Poppies adorn the front of the Arboretum’s Heritage House.
Poets get slammed at local pub for Comm nPERFORMANCE: Fifteen artists gathered to share their work with the crowd at Off Campus Pub Tuesday By Shannon Gladys
Daily Titan Staff Writer Clanging beer mugs, distant laughs and muffled conversations couldn’t drown out the magic that unraveled on stage at the Poetry Slam Tuesday night at Off Campus Pub. Even a swaying drunk man was quietly drawn to the stage like a moth to light. The steady cadence of the poetic beats were sometimes hypnotizing, always attention grabbing. Over several hours that evening, 15 contestants demonstrated their gift of rhyme not only in the hopes of winning the grand prize of $100, but also
to bring poetry to Orange County. “In the end it’s about getting as many great poets out here as possible,” said Marcus Omari, 24, a speech communications major at Cal State Fullerton. Omari, who has been writing poetry since high school, placed third in the Poetry Slam, which was a part of the Comm Week activities. The Association of Orange County Poetry Hosts (AOCPH), a small group of poets and local community participants, conceptualized the Poetry Slam. During the contest, each poet had three minutes to deliver his or her prose. No props or costumes were allowed. Once they finished, five judges rated their poetry on a scale of one to ten. The six highest scoring poets went on to compete in a second round for the win. The master of ceremonies, Steve Ramirez of AOCPH, instructed the poets to “check their egos at the door and engage the audience.” He then offered a “sacrificial” poet to warm
up the eager crowd and deliver the pace of the evening. Then the games began. Sultry red lights illuminated the contestants. Those lucky enough to have their poetry memorized had an advantage in the dimly lit room. Most of the poems were non-rhyming and had individual flow and form according to the mood of the author. Several poets shared intensely personal experiences. One female contestant told of the injustice done by the absent father of her child. She promised to use her poetry to mark his days and “dig his grave.” Her powerful words silenced the normally chaotic room. Another contestant, Katrina Taylor, 26 of Los Angeles, relayed her personal worth to the room and vowed not to be denounced to a music-video bimbo. As the poets struck chords in the attentive crowd, claps, laughter and snaps could be heard. Yes, snaps. Snapping acts as a response of encouragement during poetry that
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keeps with the beat of the words. A particularly entertaining part of the evening involved a call and response of haiku between the crowd and a contestant. After several failed attempts to a get a timely response from the crowd (which sounded like a kindergarten class) the poet abandoned the crowd and gyrated around the stage during his sexually humorous poem. Throughout the night, pockets of enthusiasts and friends cheered at the sidelines creating a warm environment that embraced jittery nerves of those onstage. After each poet has performed onstage, those with the six highest scores competed in a second round for the win. The judges were selected randomly among the crowd at the beginning of the evening. All contestants had their own reasons for selecting the winners. “A lot of it was how they interacted with the crowd,” said judge Diana Gonzalez, 20, a communications
major with an emphasis in print journalism. “And, it was their message.” Katrina Taylor, a crowd favorite, made it to the second round of competition. She had never competed in a slam. “It was my first time doing a slam,” she said. “I wasn’t prepared, but said ‘what the hell?’” She believed that unless poets inspired changed with their words, they would be known as “just another poet.” “It should absolutely have a message,” she said. “You have an audience. Why not make them leave with something. That’s my whole thrill.” This was the first in what will hopefully become an annual event, said Mike Sprake, of AOCPH. “We all got together in February and decided something should be done about National Poetry Month,” said Sprake, 53, who originally came from Manchester, England.
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2 Thursday, April 25, 2002
news
two
A guide to what’s happening
BRIEFS Russian folk festival will perform in Fullerton The Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival, presented by the Professional Artist in Residence Celebrity Series, will take place at the Plummer Auditorium at 8 p.m. on April 27. Appearing for only one performance, the festival will feature the talents of Nikolai Massenkoff, a bass-baritone, along with the Balalaika Ensemble and Russian Folk Ballet. The festival will showcase instrumental music, song and folk dance from Russia, virtuoso musicians and a folk ballet troupe. Russian culture also will be celebrated with songs from Tsarist Russia, the 1940s, the war period, various songs of nature, popular folk songs and Gypsy songs of love and jealousy. The instrumental ensemble will perform songs using authentic folk instruments such as the balalaika, classical bayan and domra. The dancers are Russian immigrants, many of whom performed with the Moiseyev Dance Company. They will perform works from Russia, the Ukraine, Moldavia, Armenia and special Gypsy selections. The Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival was created by Nikolai Massenkoff in 1975 in his home of San Francisco. Since its creation, the festival has performed in various fine art centers including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Concord Pavilion in the California Bay Area. The festival even had the opportunity to perform at the opening of the Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Tickets can be purchased for $20 or $25 at the Performing Arts Center box office or by visiting www.tickets.com. For more information about the
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278-5815 278-5693 278-5813 278-3149 278-2128 278-2991
festival, contact the Performing Arts Center box office or visit www. arts.fullerton.edu/events/pair.html.
CSUF Biomedical Program awarded grant Cal State Fullerton’s Minority Science Development (MSD) Program was awarded a $535,671 grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its program. The Fullerton program, which provides opportunities for minority students to pursue education leading to careers in biomedical research, is the only one in the nation at a non-Ph.D.-granting institution to receive this type of award, said Christina Goode, MSD director of the Fullerton program. Under the program, 12 undergraduates and 12 graduate students conduct research in CSUF laboratories under the direction of 14 MSD faculty members for a full year, including at least eight weeks in the summer, plus fall and spring semesters. Students participate in research full time in the summer and an average of 15 hours per week during each semester. This year’s symposium is scheduled for April 26 in the Academic Senate Chambers and will highlight the students’ research. Undergraduates selected for the yearlong program will receive a stipend of $7,840 per year, while graduate students will receive a stipend of $9,800, plus campus registration fees (about $1,900 for California residents). Travel to one major scientific meeting each year will also be provided. Appointments are for one year and can be renewed by application. For more information about the program, contact (714) 278-4258.
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The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Tuesday through Friday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan and its predecessor, the Titan Times, have functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The mail subscription price is $45 per semester, $65 per year, payable to the Daily Titan, College Park 670, CSUF, Fullerton, CA 92834. Copyright ©2002 Daily Titan
CALENDAR OF EVENTS CA LE ND AR O F E VEN TS Community The CSUF PAIR Celebrity Series presents the “Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival” April 27 at 8 p.m. in the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. Regular price seats are $25 and $20. Students or senior citizens get $2 off with advance Titan discount. For more information, call (714) 278-3371. The annual free celebration of art, dance and music, “A Night in Fullerton,” will take place April 26 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. For complete schedule information, call (714) 738-6545. The Grand Central Theatre in Santa Ana presents the play “Aristophanes’ Women in Congress” from April 25 through May 5. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 with advance Titan discount. For more information and show times, call (714) 278-3371. The Pacific Symphony Orchestra presents “Dvorak in America” April 24, 25 at 8 p.m. at The Orange County Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale at the TSU Information and Services Desk. For more information, call (714) 278-2468. The Boys & Girls Club of Orange County will host their annual Youth of the Year Awards Dinner April 26 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove at 7 p.m. For more information, call (714) 528-8140. The South Coast Repertory presents the play “The Dazzle” through April 28 in Costa Mesa. For ticket prices and more infor-
mation, call (714) 708-5555. The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana hosts an exhibition called “Gems! The Art and Nature of Precious Stones” through September. Ticket are $15 for general admission and $10 for students. For more information, call (714) 567-3600. The South Coast Repertory presents the play “Getting Frankie Married and Afterwards” through May 5 in Costa Mesa. Tickets are $23 and up. For more information, call (714) 7085555. The Garden Grove Playhouse presents “The Woman in Black,” the ghost play by Stephen Malatratt, through May 10. Ticket are $12 for general admission and $11 for seniors and students. For more information, call (714) 897-5122. The J. Paul Getty Museum will have an exhibition focusing on the work of a 17th century Holland painter through July 7. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per car. For more information, call (310) 440-7360. The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach will host the exhibition “Situaciones Humanas/Human Conditions” by Dominican artist Jose Garcia Cordero through July 21. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for seniors and students. Admission is free on Fridays. For more information, call (562) 437-1689. Spring ESL classes will be offered at the Brea Community Center between April 8 and
June 26. Morning Sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and evening sessions will be held from 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Registration is required. For more information, call (714) 9907150.
Campus The 11th Annual Linguistics Symposium will be April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the PollakLibrary Room 130. For more information, call (714) 2783722. A workshop called “The 4 Roles of Leadership” will be April 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (714) 2784178. Counseling & Psychological Services will have a workshop called “Guided ImageryA Powerful Mind-Body Connection” April 26 at noon in Commons (bookstore). For more information, call (714) 278-7089. Performing Arts presents the Cello Choir April 25 at 8 p.m. in the Recital Hall of the Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 and $5 with advance Titan discount. For more information, call (714) 278-3371. Counseling & Psychological Services will have a workshop on anger management April 25 from noon to 1 p.m. in LH-210G. For more information, call (714) 278-7089. The Department of Theatre and Dance presents the musical “Grease” April 26 through May 5 in CSUF’s Little Theatre. Tickets are available at the CSUF
Performing Arts Center box office. They are $16 for general admission and $13 with Titan discount. All tickets are $16 at the door. For more information, call (714) 278-3371. The TSU Underground will host the “Women’s Bowling Singles” through May 9 at 4 p.m. Games are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call (714) 278-2144. CSUF’s National Volunteer Week will take place through 27. For volunteer activities, call (714) 278-7623. The Main Art Gallery hosts the exhibit “Definite Ambiguities: Films and Paintings by R.T. Pece” through May 9. Admission is free. For more information, call (714) 278-3262. The Student Diversity Program is looking for talented students for the upcoming talent show on May 1. Participants can win money. For more information, call (714) 278-7546. The TSU Underground has free bowling every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The shoe rental is $1.50. For more information, call (714) 278-2144. The Titan Tusk Force meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in TSU 259. For more information, call (714) 278-2468. The TSU presents the Titan Pride Bowling League every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. This event is open for all faculty, staff and students and the cost per week is $9. For more information, call (714) 278-2144.
T.I.R. 3*5
Peace Corps 1*10
Sheryl Anderson 3*5
news
Thursday, April 25, 2002
3
Tight security pigeonholes international stunSECURITY: Stricter standards employed after Sept. 11 make it hard for many to seek out quality education By Afni Adnan
Daily Titan Staff Writer The United States has continuously attracted many international students who want to pursue a quality education. However, due to the events of Sept. 11, gaining admission into the country may become more difficult to those students. The attacks have left an indelible mark on the state of international education. Almost eight months later, this issue is still a focal point in the media and continues to become a lingering concern for the government. Ever since the news broke about
terrorists attending a flight school in Florida, international students have been pigeonholed as potential terrorists. Their reputations have not only been tarnished, but they are also being deprived of the opportunity for a great education. Eight Middle Eastern students withdrew from CSUF and returned home to their respective countries out of fear for their safety. Two have since returned and the other six plan to do the same. Robert B. Ericksen, director of International Education and Exchange at CSUF, said that even though the government is enforcing stricter mandates on admitting international students into the country, the admission process at CSUF has not changed at all. “Admission of international students is based entirely on academic qualifications,” he said. “International students are still welcomed to apply to the university and are valued members of the university community. In fact, I
think their presence is more important than ever.” However, obtaining a visa may become more difficult because the government is taking extra measures in ensuring that another Sept. 11 like tragedy will not re-occur. They will be less flexible and tolerant toward students who fail to abide to the rules and regulations. For example, students who don’t maintain a full-time status or meet the specific deadlines could potentially lose their status and be reported to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) by their university. In an effort to keep better track of international students, the U.S. Congress has passed a new legislation that requires the immediate implementation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This electronic system mandates universities to report any information regarding the enrollment status of international students to the INS. “There hasn’t been a sufficient mechanism to provide this informa-
tion to the authorities,” Ericksen said. CSUF plans to implement the system by January 2003. “We as university officials are responsible for following all INS regulations,” Ericksen said. “We are also responsible for informing and advising our students about regulations they must follow in order to remain in proper student visa status.” Even though the international education office has to adhere to specific rules determined by the INS, its main priority is to act as an advocate for students. “We regret that more of our time and resources need to be spent on the advising, record keeping and reporting associated with the INS regulations, but to comply with the law and to serve our students, we must do so,” Ericksen said. The international student population at CSUF is about 1,500 and an overwhelming majority of them are from Asian countries, Taiwan being one of the top countries. Even though the United States has
always been a popular destination for international students because of its educational opportunities, the newly implemented federal policies can have a negative impact on future enrollment. “A number of lobbying groups in the U.S. that are focused on international education were concerned about the restrictions because they might discourage students from coming here,” said Phillip Gianos, professor of political science. “At some institutions, international students comprise an unusually high proportion of the student body.” But a recent report showed that international student enrollment has not declined. According to Open Doors 2001, an annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE), there was a 6.4 percent increase in the number of international students studying in U.S. colleges and universities during the 2000/2001 academic year. The report also noted that interna-
tional students contribute more than $11 billion to the economy. Ericksen said that the quality and accessibility of a U.S. higher education continues to attract international students.‑ “International students see a U.S. degree as a valuable asset,” he said. “They receive a well-rounded education and gain out-of-classroom experiences.” Even though Sept. 11 may have caused political conflicts, Ericksen has seen a positive effect on the international student population. He said that a lot of the students have received support and encouragement from faculty members. “On a political level, there is increased tensions between the U.S. and other countries in terms of the scrutiny their students are getting,” Ericksen said. “But Sept. 11 has brought our community together and made the campus community more sensitive, which is gratifying to me.”
Graduation honors 9/11 vicnMEMORY: A diploma was given to the family of a student, 25, who died in the WTC while finishing his internship By Brian Kladko
The Record (Bergen County, N.J.) In a corner of a gymnasium that echoed with the whoops and hollers of Berkeley College’s commencement last week, there was a pocket of profound, almost paralyzing grief. Helman and Marina Correa, along with about 20 relatives, clustered to witness a ritual that was supposed to include their son, Danny, a star accounting student at the business school. The 25-year-old Fairview, N.J., resident completed his course work
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The self-described “kid with gray hair” has always written poetry and has had several books published. He, along with the newly formed AOCPH, sat around a picnic table each Saturday for several weeks dreaming up this slam, and many other events that will occur through-
and had one last hurdle to graduation: an internship at Marsh U.S.A., an insurance company at the World Trade Center. His dreams, and life, were buried beneath the rubble of the north tower. But his accomplishments were not. At the ceremony, held at the Fairleigh DickinsonUniversitygyminHackensack, Berkeley College doesn’t have a building big enough, Danny Correa’s father and sister walked onto the stage with the black cap and gown that Danny would have worn, and accepted an associate degree on his behalf. “My family and I are feeling the deepest pain you could ever imagine,” Helman told the audience. “But in the same way, we are so proud of Danny, a young man full of dreams, talent, and full of life.” Danny would have been the first in his family to graduate from college. While attending Berkeley’s campuses in Waldwick and West Paterson, N.J., he won admission to Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year colleges. out April. Their aim is to bring the power of poems to audiences of all ages and talents, by organizing forums that welcome poets suited to different tastes from all around Orange County. Judging from the delight of the crowd, the beat will go on.
He frequently helped Spanish-speaking students navigate English, and made such an impression on one professor that she thanked him at the end of the semester for teaching her. “Danny was a student, but he was also an educator, because he taught us how to live by making the most of his life, helping others and modeling for all of us that you can do what you do with love and compassion,” said Berkeley College President Mildred Garcia. As hundreds of exuberant students marched to their seats to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” Helman Correa and his daughter, Jessica, stood off to the side, holding up the cap and gown and Danny’s photo. Helman Correa, a supervisor for a cleaning company, stared straight ahead, biting his lip. Marina stood a few feet away, sobbing uncontrollably. Father, mother, and sister were called to the stage, but Marina was too distraught. After Helman took the leatherbound diploma in his hands, he gently kissed it, then held it to the sky.
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Van Diest said. She is expecting approximately 5,000 visitors a day, and last year, people began lining up at 8 a.m. for the 9 a.m. opening. The Friends of the Arboretum suggest that spectators come prepared with a wagon for purchases, comfortable
Helman Correa holds a photo of his son, Danny, 25, who was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks. walking shoes and any questions for the expert speakers. The Green Scene Garden Show begins April 27 at 9 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. On Sunday, the show begins at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The price of admission to this weekend’s show is $6 for adults and free for children under 17.
Planned Parenthood 2*3
Bobby Mcgees 3*6
Goat Hill Tavern 1*6
Lingustics 2*3
OC Indoor Shooting 2*3
Dave & Busters 2*5
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news
Thursday, April 25, 2002
5
Train accidents worry industry
Blame it on the rain When Shadan Shamloo, a
nCONCERN: A rise in crashes caused by faulty equipment and collisions make 2001 the worst safety year
freshman business major, attempted to turn left onto Nutwood Avenue from campus in her white Ford
By Seth Borenstein
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Mustang, her car hit a
Train accidents jumped 15 percent in the past three years, troubling federal rail safety experts who suspect lax maintenance may be a factor. Derailments caused by faulty tracks — suspected in last Thursday’s Amtrak Auto Train derailment in Florida — are up especially sharply. That accident, coupled with the fatal head-on crash of two trains in California on Tuesday, and pending plans to ship by rail most of the nation’s nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain, Nev., are focusing attention on rail safety. According to federal figures analyzed by Knight Ridder Newspapers, the number of train derailments in 2001 was the highest since 1985. Overall, 2001 was the worst safety year in at least a decade in 14 categories, including rear-end collisions, accidents caused by faulty equipment and crashes with cars. The year 2000 was the worst in five categories. “Is it a concern to this industry? Of course it is,” said Charles E. Dettmann, executive vice president for safety of the Association of American Railroads, the industry’s Washington lobby.
puddle and spun out. The Mustang twisted about 180 degrees, ran into the small divider and smacked into a gray Toyota with two passengers. The driver of the Toyota was at a red light waiting to head west on Nutwood Avenue. The incident caused no injuries. John Paul Gutierrez/ Daily Titan
Dettman described the recent accident increases as “small,” when compared to dramatic declines in rail accidents over the longer haul of the past 25 years. “Yes, we have inched up (in accidents and derailments) albeit from the lowest point in history from 1996 to 1997,” Dettmann said. “Three or four innings doesn’t make a game.” Dramatic increases in rail traffic help explain the recent rise in accidents, especially derailments, which are up 32 percent since 1998. After adjusting for added traffic, derailments are still up sharply. Accidents — a category that includes collisions, explosions, car crashes and other mishaps — also are up. To explain the increases, Warren Flatau, a spokesman for the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, and others suggested maintenance problems. “We’ve seen evidence in some cases that some railroads have done exactly that, that they have deferred maintenance,” Flatau said. He concurred with the railroad association’s Dettmann that “on balance, year-to-year, there has been improvement” in rail safety since the 1970s. Bob Halstead, a transportation consultant for Nevada also noted economic squeezes. “The railroads have tried to put the pressure on their unions, they’ve cut back personnel, they’ve basically overloaded people,” he said. Unions say the number of union rail maintenance workers is half what it was 20 years ago. “The reality is that our forces are
stretched pretty thin,” said Rick Inclima, director of safety for the Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees, a national union based in Southfield, Mich. Dettmann said workers are being replaced by high-tech sensors and equip“Yes, we ment that do the job better. have inched He said most acciup ... albeit dents are minor, from the occurring in side yards lowest point and at slow speeds. in history Statistics show, however, that from accidents on main lines 1996 to and at higher speeds in 1997.” 2001 were the worst in a decade. Charles E. T h e Dettmann, big safety Executive Vice improvements in the 1980s followed deregulations that made owning railroads more profitable. That freed up the industry to invest more money in new track, training, equipment and technology, Dettmann said.
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(PTS) — a collision-avoidance indicator installed on high-traffic railways. Supporters of the PTS have tried for 15 years to have trains in California equipped with the system. Without input from the engineer, the BNSF train would not have stopped, Blakey said. With the PTS, the brake would have applied automatically, she said, and human error could have been prevented. She also said discussions about PTS installation began in 1987, but never came to fruition, due to costs. It is not known whether the cost of the crashes since 1987 outweigh the cost of implementing the safety mechanisms. Blakey said the research alone would be a tremendous cost and lengthy venture.
First-response rescue workers carry a man away from the train wreck on Orangethorpe Avenue and Richfield Road on Tuesday.
darla priest/ Daily Titan
Infograms 2*2
Inforgrams 2*2
Kinko’s 2*14
Brain’s 2*8
Taps 2*8
6 Thursday, April 25, 2002
news
America misplaces its mannSURVEY: A recent study found people think a lack of civility is becoming a growing problem in this country By Deborah Germinaro Daily Titan Staff Writer
“Well, you don’t have to be rude about it”…unless of course you’re an American. During routine surveys on topics such as religion and education, the non-profit New York-based Public Agenda foundation, along with Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trust, found people seemed to think a lack of civility was becoming a real problem in America. The feedback about rudeness gave Public Agenda the idea to survey people about it, said spokesman Rick Remington. They started with a nationwide telephone survey in which 79 percent of the 2,013 adults questioned said a lack of respect and courtesy in American society is a serious problem. Additionally, 61 percent of those believe things have gotten worse in recent years. “You really do see the majority of Americans pretty anxious about these issues,” said Jean Johnson, director of programs at Public Agenda.
Specifically, the problem areas are driving, customer service, cellular-phone usage and the use of foul language in public. According to the survey, nearly 50 percent of adults said they have walked out of a store during the past year because of poor customer service and that they often see people talking on cellular telephones in a loud or annoying manner. “The thing I hate is when people leave their cell phones on in the movie theater,” said actor Michael Hampton, 27. “Not only do they leave them on, but when they ring, they pick them up and start talking. It is also annoying when people bring babies to the movies.” The survey also found that six out of 10 drivers said they regularly see other people driving aggressively or recklessly and one third of those confessed to occasional bad driving themselves. “I do think reckless driving is a problem, especially in L.A.,” said Christaan Von Martin, 29, and an art gallery preparator. “I see it all the time, it’s an everyday thing. I’ve seen people get cut off and then chase after the person who cut them off, while they make lewd gestures and scream inside their car.” One third of those surveyed said they use foul language in public and many admitted to rude behavior in general. “I would definitely say I feel offended when people use foul language in public,” said Cynthia Orr, 25, and the Mt. SAC art gallery
office supervisor. “My theory is people use foul language when they get stressed out to replace actually dealing with the stressful situation. That then leads them to be rude to others.” With remarkable consistency, the results were geographically the same from the heartland to the coasts, except for the use of foul language. The survey discovered that three out of four Southerners said it is always wrong to take God’s name in vain while half of Northeasterners questioned said there was nothing wrong with it or that it falls somewhere between right and wrong. “I think using the Lord’s name in vain is disrespectful to those who hold a belief in God,” Orr said. “Unless you’re an out-and-out racist, you would not use a derogatory term about someone’s culture, but people cannot tell what religion you believe in just by looking at you, so those who believe in God often have their beliefs disrespected.” The researchers followed up their telephone survey with seven focus groups held in Cleveland, Ohio; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; St. Louis, Mo.; Frisco, Texas; Danbury, Conn.; Fort Lee, N.J.; and Berkeley, Calif. “We basically opened the floor to hear what people had to complain about and an overwhelming amount of people said driving was a real problem,” Remington said. “By far, driving was the number one thing people complained about.” It was in these focus groups that some people offered overcrowding
in malls, stadiums and other public places and Americans’ increasingly busy lives as possible reasons why rudeness has become a problem. The rudeness epidemic is a symptom of growing social isolation, said Harvard University professor Robert D. Putnam. In Putnam’s 1999 book “Bowling Alone,” he argues that television, automobiles, suburbanization have led to the decline of community organizations that once held Americans together. “That’s casually linked to all sorts of other bad things, like schools not working well,” Putnam said. “Lots of things are connected to this collapse of social connectedness.” Although the rudeness factor seems to be an increasingly pertinent issue, the people surveyed by Public Agenda had very few solutions. Thirty-six percent said that when confronted with rude behavior, the right thing is to respond with excessive politeness. Twenty percent said it is best to point out the bad behavior. Finally, 42 percent said the best thing to do is just walk away. “Everybody has identified what is bothering them and the next step is to find out what we can do about it now,” Remington said. Public Agenda and Pew Charitable Trust are going to join forces to further research what can be done about these issues, Remington said.
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Imai stumbles into success
nSPEAKER: An award-winning alumnus inspired CSUF communications students By Conchita Viado
Daily Titan Staff Writer Emmy award-winning news editor Doug Imai spoke to students in a discussion entitled “Inside Broadcast News” on Wednesday. Imai, who works for the television show Extra, graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 1987. “My experience here at CSUF was invaluable and it helped me get a job at KCBS,” Imai said. Imai’s road to the Emmys was not an easy one. He began his education at Fullerton Junior College and transferred to CSUF. While studying at CSUF, Imai took an internship position in the news research department at KCBS. After his internship, he was production assistant at KCBS from 1987-1988. “Internships are important because a lot of people are getting their first jobs that way,” Imai said. From 1988-1989 Imai worked as a news photographer and editor for KBAK television in Bakersfield. After working at KBAK, he returned to KCBS as a news photographer and editor for seven years. Imai left KCBS and began creating television show promos for Warner Brothers. Imai started doing freelance work at Access Hollywood after working for Warner Brothers. Nine months after starting at Access Hollywood, Imai was offered a job at Extra. He has been working there since 1997. Imai still freelances and does other “odd jobs” such as commercials for Sports Chalet and electronic press kits for various television movies. He also freelances for KCBS, specifically, the pre-show for Survivor shows. Imai showed the students stories from the reel he sent in 1997 for Emmy consideration. The category he was entering was Outstanding News Editor. The reel consisted of stories he edited for KCBS. From the tape, students
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were able to see the talent, precision and expertise that Imai has in the area of news editing. “I liked how he showed the videos of what he did… he didn’t just tell us about it. He actually showed us what he did,” said Amanda Brown, a communications major with a broadcast journalism emphasis. “The footage gave us a chance to see what goes into editing.” Through his presentation, Imai gave students the opportunity to look into the field of broadcast journalism. “[His presentation] was really good. I really liked the footage that he showed and I hope that we will be able to learn that kind of editing,” broadcast journalism major Nikki Gipson said. Imai’s presentation was a part of Comm Week. During this week, speakers offer students perspective on their professions and allow them look into the lives and experiences of professionals. When searching for speakers for the week-long event, the scheduling committee tries to make it a point that alumni give presentations. “[We decided to ask Imai to give a presentation] because he is an alumnus. He’s done a lot of great work with television,” said Rochelle Zoellers, Scheduling and Logistics Committee member. “He won an Emmy. We always try to get alumni to speak at Comm Week. It encourages students because he was where we are now.” Communications professor Tony Rimmer believes that Imai’s presentation was very interesting. “I think it’s wonderful to see alumni successful and have them come back and show the kind of work they do,” he said. “I thought it was fascinating that he basically stumbled into this life in a sense that the internship really wasn’t planned. It’s a good case in point that you can stumble in this kind of stuff and succeed.”
arts & entertainment April 25, 2002
Blackalicious’ lyricism leaves a sweet taste
nCD REVIEW: The group’s fourth album “Blazing Arrow” celebrates life, love and freedom By Jenn Stewart
Daily Titan Staff Writer Blackalicious continues to reshape the preconceptions of mainstream hiphop with confidence in their ideas and philosophies. Their new album “Blazing Arrow,” due to hit the stores April 30, compliments its earlier releases, while adding to the phenomenon of conscious hiphop. The fluid poetry of Gift of Gab (Tim Parker) leaves the listener wondering how such complex thoughts can be expressed so simply. Set to the soulful beats of Chief Xcel (Xavier Mosely), the duo has set a standard for hip-hop artists worldwide. Like peanut butter and jelly, the rhymes and beats Gab and Excel put together are delicious. “G and I have been together since 1987, so we have developed a way of being able to communicate and know what the other is thinking, sometimes without even talking,” Xcel said in an online interview. Their upcoming release features a
variety of musical artists, including Zach De La Rocha, Ben Harper, Cut Chemist and Babu. This release is more professional then Blackalicious’ previous albums. Although “Nia” marked the group’s presence in mainstream hiphop, it feels as if they were more comfortable making “Blazing Arrow.” The songs move from bumpin’ to soul to romantic without awkward transitions. “‘Nia’ was really about purpose and finding the path,” Xcel said. “’Blazing Arrow’ is about faith, having the strength to endure that path. It’s an arrow in flight.” And for the fans who know what “Alphabet Aerobics” is, there’s something for you too. Cut Chemist joins Xcel and Gab for another tongue-twisting workout in “Chemical Calisthenics.” The song starts out, “Good, can you say it faster?” and quickly gives a lesson in the Law of Definite Proportions. The song “First in Flight,” featuring Gil Scot-Heron, is a soulful tribute dedicated to freedom in all its forms.
Lewis Black comes to OC nCOMEDY: Quips on Britney Spears, airport security and Bob Dole kept audiences By Kimberly Pierceall
Daily Titan Opinion Editor Orange County’s concrete jungle eluded Lewis Black. “I saw no orange,” he told a mainly O.C. audience at The Grove Theater in Anaheim Sunday night. But he added, “It’s great to be wherever the f—- I am.” High-comic use of the unprintable word is one of the main differences between his “Comedy Central” stand-up specials and his live act. In person, he accentuates his frustrations with bursts of the word (sometimes misplaced: “It’s f—- spooky!”) and lets his hands fly wildly, flipping the audience off at opportune times. Black gained notoriety in recent years due to his angry comic appearances on “Late Show with Conan O’Brian” and “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart where he tapes a weekly segment called “Back in Black.” The AC/DC song of the same name played as Black walked to the center of the sparse stage, with only a couple stools and a few water bottles to soothe his ranting throat. For almost an hour and a half, the comedian took apart life’s little insane intricacies and took a few jabs at Orange County. After making a joke about snow, he paused and said, “Oh, why the hell would you get that joke?” But the audience got most of his jokes, evidence from their almost constant laughter and applause. If the subject of terrorism and airport security were ever taboo in the world of comedy, consider them officially off the comedy black-list. Black was in a Nebraskan airport (“I was in Omaha, because my life is an oyster rich with pearl,”) when he saw airport security conducting a detailed search of an elderly woman in a wheelchair. “If the enemy has actually hired her to work for them, they deserve to win,” he said. On Sept. 14, Black said he received a call from USA Today (the only call he’d gotten from USA Today) asking what he planned to do now, after the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies. “Uh, I’m going to become a farmer,” he said. The jokes didn’t die on Sept. 11 for most comedians, including Black. Some people can put six flags on their car if that helps them but, “I survive trauma through humor,” he told the audience in a rare moment of seriousness. Patriotism is important to Black
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but “after watching three and a half hours of ‘A Tribute to America’ before the Super Bowl, I was sick of freedom,” he said. And he was sick of the commercials. Black touched on the Pepsi advertisements with Britney Spears. “They had her come out and sing but you can’t understand what she’s singing…because she can’t sing!” And Black was visibly disturbed by Bob Dole’s viagra-ish appearance at the end of the commercial. Black tends to be visibly disturbed about a plethora of occurrences in everyday life, including being forced to learn accelerated math in high school and college. As a student, studying math may have been more helpful for Black as a comedian, rather than a potential mathematician. “I took trigonometry. It has nothing to do with anything! Sine, cosine, tangent… I haven’t heard these words ANYWHERE!” In college, “I took economics, but it was at 8 a.m. and there is nothing you can learn through one blood-shot eye,” he said. And math had nothing to do with helping him discover the end of the world… in Houston, Texas. “On one corner, there was a Starbucks and across the street, there was a Starbucks…and that my friends, is the end of the universe,” he said. So is his forthcoming comedy CD aptly named, “The End of the Universe” set to be released in early May. The end isn’t in sight for Black’s television career either. During breaks from touring the country with his stand-up act and appearing on “The Daily Show”, Black has been writing a script for a sitcom he’s set to star in as a high school librarian who will make ranting speeches about whatever books the students may check out. Whether performing in Anaheim or New York, the comedian can usually be caught on cable’s “Comedy Central” in his own stand-up showcases or as a weekly commentator for “The Daily Show.”
“Free just lovin’ life and self and never pretended to be anything other than the man I was meant to be” The philosophical questions the duo try to answer and express are a world away from typical West Coast hip-hop. “The greatest high be that natural high within…with the end you’ll only find it begins again.” Blackalicious is to the West Coast what Gangstarr is to the east. Danceable beats mixed with intricate and eloquent rhymes make for a package other artists could only hope for. “When blessings come, sometimes you can celebrate, but most of the time it means that you have to work harder,” Gab said in a recent press release. In “Paragraph President,” Gab proves that he is truly blessed. He fluidly rolls through a series of difficult rhymes, at times, leaving the listener wondering when he has time to take a breath. “I pledge allegiance to the pen and the pad, and the mic and the greats of America.” The song goes on with Xcel mixing in quirky and rare samples. And just when you think it’s over, you realize, “you’re only halfway home.” “Purest Love” is the group’s homage to its families, friends and the blessings.
courtesy of MCR records
Blackalicious ups West Coast hip-hop one level with slick break-neck rhythms and clever words. “The most important time, right now and ever after. The greatest expression is love, happiness and laughter. Life is a book, and this song is just another chapter.” Each song the duo has produced for
this CD is an affirmation of life, never putting down anyone else. They rhyme about what matters to them, and after 10 years of making music these guys are proving that they’re here to stay.
“It just takes both a faith and a focus; faith that no matter what happens, this is your calling…the aim has always been to contribute our piece to this movement,” Xcel said. And as Gab explains in “Day One:”
Tobey Maguire: The new man behind the Spider-Man mask nMOVIE: The 26-year-old star talks about the film hype and making it on the Hollywood A-List man with a secret, a little like Peter Parker. Zap2it.com “I identified with the character When imagining the perfect actor very strongly, in some ways reflectto play “Spider-Man,” 5-foot-7-inch, ing back on my life and in some ways skinny, 26-year-old Tobey Maguire things that are currently going on for may not immediately come to mind. me,” Maguire tells Zap2it.com. “I Yet that’s who Sam Raimi considered think that he basically is dealing when casting the super-hero. with becoming an adult with extreme “I really think he’s a great Peter circumstances. He has super-human Parker,” says Raimi. “Because the powers and that complicates things.” strength of Stan Lee and One thing about Peter Steve Ditko’s creation that he doesn’t relate “I identihas always been that to as much anymore is Spider-Man is one of Parker’s discomfort fied with us. He’s one of us who around women, especialthe chargrows to become a hero, ly the ones he’s attracted so we can soar with to. acters very him when that happens. “I’m kind of over being I needed someone who the who needs pracstrongly, in tice kid was identifiable to the talking to the girl,” audience, someone some ways Maguire laughs. “I don’t whose ability to act was relate to that anymore - I invisible, no artifice.” do in reflecting back on reflecting With his hair premy life but it’s so far back on my away from me. Although cisely coifed and wearing a black T-shirt with I say that and I’ll problife...and jeans and a black polyably catch myself about ester Members Onlypick up the phone and things going to style jacket, Maguire say, ‘OK, what was I looks like a slightly on for me.” going to say?’” cooler version of Peter By landing the role Parker - but only slightof Spider-Man, Maguire ly cooler. It’s his abiljoins Hollywood’s A-list Tobey ity to convey Parker, of leading men. Still, Maguire, the geek who would he doesn’t think it will become Spider-Man, change the kinds of roles actor which landed him the that he takes. role over other actors “There are a lot of considered for the part, movies that I could have done that including Jude Law, Chris O’Donnell would have been a lot higher proand Freddie Prinze Jr. file” than his present film resume, “Tobey has a high regard for the he says. “I would have made more audience and a great respect for the money, been more famous or whatcamera,” says Raimi. “I think he ever. Those things just aren’t that believes that if he simply believes a important to me so I did the movies thought and is in the moment, that where I loved the filmmaker, the the camera records it and the audi- script, the character. I don’t necesence receives it. Most actors don’t sarily see the kinds of things coming work that way - they present.” my way changing and I don’t see the In person, Maguire is serious and way I choose the things I want to be soft-spoken, with a slightly goofy involved in changing either.” laugh and slow, almost cautious “I did ‘Spider-Man’ not because it movements. It’s not that he’s stiff was an event film, although that was or awkward, just reserved, like a part of the attraction. I wouldn’t have
By Vanessa Sibbald
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Maguire landed the title role over other more profilic actors.
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Maguire, as Spider-Man, looks at his suit during a movie scene. done it unless I felt as passionately about it as I did working with Ang Lee on ‘The Ice Storm’ and ‘Ride with the Devil’ and Curtis Hanson on ‘Wonder Boys’ and Lasse Hallstrom on ‘Cider House Rules.’ I feel like this character is as strong a character as any of those and his journey is interesting for me to play and more challenging to blueprint the entire role than any of the other movies actually.” Yet, he does admit that the added fame brought by “Spider-Man” may make studios more willing to consider him as a leading man. “I look forward to it possibly opening up things for me or just making it less of an issue. For instance, me and Sam had to convince the studio to hire me in this picture. So if it makes that process a little easier then that’s a good thing,” he says. As for the added personal fame, he sounds more conflicted. “It’s complicated,” he says of the limitations the high-profile role will place on his much-valued privacy. “I don’t know, I’ll just adjust.” While Maguire had no problems playing Parker, portraying SpiderMan was not as easy. “One of the bigger challenges was how to keep the audience invested in the character and feeling what the character was feeling while he was masked and you couldn’t his expression,” he says. “That’s something Sam and I talked about a lot. That’s where looping (some of the dialogue) helped a little bit because where it felt like it was missing or it needed something we could go in there and
do a little extra touch to help.” Another challenge was getting fitted for the Spider-Man costume, which turned out to be harder than wearing the costume itself. “I did a cast of my entire body, which was not fun because I had to stand there for a couple hours and then the stuff was sticking to the hair on my body and they ripped it off and it was extremely painful,” he says. “But by the time I got to wearing it I was fine.” Unlike “Batman,” where they traded in the Spandex costume for a something a bit more masculine, Maguire was stuck with the bodyhugging fabric because of the flexibility it offered, but he says he didn’t feel silly or self-conscious in the costume. The suit “would give you a freedom I don’t otherwise feel. If I was moving around the way that SpiderMan moves without that suit on I think I’d probably feel a little silly,” he laughs. “The idea of it was more embarrassing or people talking about, giggling about it before I actually had to (wear) it.” “I never did ask for a costume, but I think I might,” he adds. “Spider-Man” opens in theaters May 3, and Maguire says he can’t wait to go see it himself. “I’m excited to go sneak into a theater and watch people’s reaction to the film. I’m excited about the anticipation; I think we made a good film,” he says.
Thursday, April 25, 2002
Men win seventh in a row
C
New ideas about an old double stanBy Brian Thatcher
Daily Titan Asst. Sports Editor
nBASEBALL: Titans win against Vanguard University, 6-1, in a non-conference game at home Wednesday
By Ricardo Sanchez, Jr. Daily Titan Staff Writer
Some referred to it as a make-up game. Others called it a practice game. To the Titans, it was just a win. The No. 11 Cal State Fullerton baseball team beat the Vanguard University Lions, 6-1, in front of 424 at Goodwin Field Wednesday night, improving to 29-12 overall. The game was added to the schedule in place of a snowed out March 17 game against the University of Nevada. Vanguard (19-22-1), an NAIA team of the Golden State Athletic Conference, has never played the Titans in their history. Shane Costa, who sports a 22-game hitting streak, did not play in what turned out to be the Titans’ seasonhigh seventh consecutive win. Sophomore Richie Burgos went 3-4 and Charlie Zahari picked up his first win of the season, as most of the usual Titan starters sat on the bench. Instead, players like junior Mike Martinez, freshmen Blake Garrett and Joe Turgeon took the field. “I wanted to play these guys because I know they would be excited,” Titan head coach George Horton said. Another obvious reason to keep his starters out of the line up for this meaningless game would be to rest them for the Big West conference show down with Cal State Northridge this weekend. The Matadors are only one game behind the Titans in the BWC standings with an 8-3 record. Horton expressed a slight concern about his team’s effort on the night but said they will be ready for the
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Pitching earlier this season, Jeff Housman rested Wednesday night against Vanguard University. weekend. “This stretch of the season is the big in 2.1 innings. Tim Jimenez and Chad “It’s kind of a mixed bag,” he said. part of the season. We’ve been con- Robbins followed to hold the Lions “I was happy with the defensive effort, stantly improving and we’ve got some scoreless the remainder of the game. just little things on offensive were momentum,” Martinez said. After Kyle Boyer walked to start sloppy.” Although Horton was mixed about the bottom of the first, Turgeon, Horton will make his team work the team’s outlook for the series, he Burgos, Martinez and Garrett folon those particulars in practice on reiterated the fact that the Titans were lowed with consecutive singles to Thursday, but said he would not keep playing well during the seven-game left field. Everyone who connected the guys out too long since they have roll. scored, except Garrett who was thrown already played two games this week. “The team has confidence and they out at second when Chris Klosterman Martinez, who has sat the bench compete together well,” Horton said. grounded into a double play. They most of the season because of an injuZahari, who got the nod as starter, scored four runs off four hits to take ry, played shortstop for the first time put in 4.2 innings of work, giving the early lead which was more than since his freshman year and pointed up one run on six hits while strik- enough for the win. out the importance of the upcoming ing out four. He then gave way to series. Travis Esquibel, who struck out four
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Before this semester began, there was little I knew about softball. I had always written off the sport as simply a game of bunts and never thought of it as credible or even difficult. Playing baseball much of my life, there was no doubt in my mind which sport was the more challenging simply because softball lacked any true merit. But after watching the Cal State Fullerton softball team for much of this season, I am beginning to have second thoughts. Granted, I am a bit spoiled because I happen to go to a school in which one of the most dominant teams in the nation plays, but there is something I have seen in all of their opponents as well. I have never seen such camaraderie between teams before. It seems as if every team has their own pre-inning rituals that may include some sort of hand jive or chant. But no matter what it is, every player is psyched and supportive of their teammates. Yes, there are a lot of bunts. But, as in baseball, they are used in strategic spots throughout the game. There are just as many solidly roped singles and doubles. And, in the case of the Titans, there are just as many home runs; 53 this season to be exact. As the Titans march toward the postseason, one thing has puzzled me. Where are all the fans? At Duke University, there is a line down the block to get tickets to every home basketball game. Students camp out for a week to be able to get a seat anywhere in the arena, no matter how high up they are. That is the case at most schools
where the team that plays there is a national force. In fact, even at Titan baseball home games, the stands are usually full. People may not be camping out, but there is always a good amount of people there to support the team. So why is the attendance so low for softball? The field is directly next to the baseball stadium. The players wear the same colors. The team has consistently been in the Top Ten this season and has won every home game but one. In fact, the 2002 team are the winners of 32 consecutive games, a winning-streak that has ended but is unmatched by any NCAA softball team this season. Unfortunately, it would seem that there is a bit of a double standard when it comes to sports. Women’s sports are looked upon as inferior to men’s sports and aren’t shown the same amount of support. I know this is the case because until this season, I held that double standard myself. I had been to many Titan baseball games, but never bothered to venture over to the Titan Softball Complex. In fact, after three years at Fullerton, I didn’t even know we had a team. But all that has changed. Needless to say, I am now well aware that we have a team, and they are one of the best in the nation. Hopefully all of you will get a chance to experience Titan Fever as well. There is one more chance, at the final homestand of the season against UC Riverside this weekend. The first game of a doubleheader will begin at 2 p.m. and the final game of the series will be Sunday at 1 p.m.
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