C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, F u l l e r t o n
THE DAILY TITAN T H U R S D AY, M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 0 6
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SPORTS
INTROSPECT
Tournament renamed after Titan softball legend Page 8
Liger, tigon breeders incite zoological debate Page 5
CSU Keeping Students Covered Deadline to sign up for spring, summer health insurance is Friday
A Vested Interest in Officer Safety Police chief designs new ballistic body armor to protect Fullerton’s finest By Julie Anne Ines
Daily Titan Staff Writer
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By Jamie Quarles
Daily Titan Staff Writer
To reduce health care expenses, the CSU offers enrolled students a student health care plan. Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in six or more units are eligible to apply for the plan, known as the Domestic Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan. The deadline to sign up for the spring and summer period is Friday. Cathy Busby, executive assistant for Associated Students Inc., said students can register for the insurance at the Titan Student Union information desk or students can visit the Web site at CSUhealthlink.com. Students can also pick up an information brochure at the TSU or Health Center. The health planʼs provider is Blue Cross PPO Buyer Plan. Busby said students must receive their basic health care from the Health Center first. Then if other care is needed, they are referred from the Health Center to a Blue Cross provider. SEE INSURANCE = PAGE 3
hey canʼt leap buildings with a single bound. They donʼt have x-ray or heat vision. Theyʼre not made of steel. But when they protect and serve, police officers are heroes nonetheless. And while they canʼt be faster than a speeding bullet, they may soon be able to stop them with greater safety and a smoother sense of style. Fullerton Police Department Police Chief Pat McKinley is in the process of designing body armor – with the help of Safariland, a manufacturer and distributor of police equipment – that addresses the needs of the police force for more protection and better distribution of equipment weight across the body. Although the chief doesnʼt have any previous design experience, he brings several decades of practical experience as a police officer to the project. The body armor currently in use by police forces across the country is worn underneath an officerʼs shirt and stops at around the navel area. Because of this, it cannot be too bulky as it would limit an officerʼs range of movement, and it does not offer coverage to vital areas, McKinley said. His idea is to take the armor out from underneath the clothing and place it on the outside. And to keep
the armor from looking too militaristic, the prototype resembles the shirts that officers wear. It has a faux badge, faux buttons down the front and faux pleats across the upper back, McKinley said. By putting the armor on the outside, it can have fewer gaps and spaces, said Ron McCarthy, a manufacturerʼs representative from Safariland and McKinleyʼs design collaborator. McKinleyʼs concept offers more protection to areas of vulnerability. “Eighteen percent, thatʼs onefifth, of shooting deaths are caused by bullets entering through the arms and sides,” McCarthy said. The bullet can enter through these areas and reach vital organs, like the heart, he added. Officers also can get a little more bulletproof protection with McKinleyʼs design. “When you put it on the exterior, you can go a little heavier [with the ballistic material]. The heavier it is, the more protection it provides,” McKinley said. Another problem with the way police equipment is currently designed, McKinley said, is that the police officerʼs utility belt – known by the force as the Sam Browne belt – gets heavier and heavier through the years as more equipment is added to it. “When I started in police work, the only thing on the belt was a pistol – a revolver then, a handcuff case and 12 rounds of spare ammunition,” McKinley said. “Now, there are two handcuff cases, all kinds of extra ammunition, maga-
]
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Faux Pleats
Faux Badge
so armor looks like normal shirt
so armor looks like normal shirt
TO PROTECT AND TO SERVE: A Fullerton police officer demonstrates how the prototype of the soft suit body armor will be worn. Fullerton Police Chief Pat McKinley and armor designer wants to present his design to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, a ranking Democrat on Homeland Security.
]
Faux Buttons so armor looks like normal shirt
]
Clips
attaches Sam Browne belt to shirt
SEE ARMOR = PAGE 2
Photo Provided by the Fullerton Police Department
Year-long Lease Agreement Show to Sample Tastes of India Approved for Irvine Campus India International Club anticipates 1,000 to attend annual culture event
University negotiating deal to expand satallite site, adding second building by fall 2006 By Sara Havlena
Daily Titan Staff Writer
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Sara Havlena/Daily Titan
egotiations for the Cal State Fullerton Irvine campus lease renewal were finalized last week, guaranteeing students in south Orange County another year of convenient classes. The lease was signed with Lennar Corp. – the managing partner in the entity that holds title to the land where CSUF Irvine now stands. The lease extended campus operations through June 2007. At this time Lennar Corp. is only offering one-year leases. “We want to increase opportunities for students at a convenient location that serves central and southern parts of Orange County,” said Judith Anderson, CSUF executive vice president. “It is a vibrant place for learning and I think we are doing an outstanding job of instructional and support services.” Paula Selleck, news director of public affairs at CSUF, talked about the importance of having
HEADLINE: Irvine campus extends operations through June 2007.
SEE IRVINE = PAGE 4
OPINION
SPORTS
TITAN EDITORIAL
L.A. MARATHON
FCC imposes Victorian-style regulations on Americans
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The Cal State Fullerton India International Clubʼs Culture Show 2006 “Zamana Kya Kahega” begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Forum in Anaheim this Saturday. The show features 16 acts, including live dance sequences featuring Indian music and an authentic Indian fashion show.
through the Association for Inter-Cultural Awareness. The association provided the initial $6,000 required for the down payment for the Heritage Forum, and has assisted with much of the clubʼs financial burden. The association works as an umbrella organization that gives support to many of Fullertonʼs inter-cultural club events. Anthony Ragazzo Jr., the clubʼs adviser, has overseen all of the clubʼs association-sponsored events for the past eight SEE INDIA = PAGE 4
Symposium to Focus on Females Students to debate on philosophical scholars during 36th annual event By Nohemy Martinez
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Cal State Fullertonʼs Philosophy Department invites students to attend this yearʼs 36th annual Philosophy Symposium
INSIDE
Seasoned runners train for high-intensity competition
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By Laura Burrows
Daily Titan Staff Writer
This yearʼs show has an anticipated 1,000-member audience. Purva Thakore, social chair of the club, said the show helps performers remember traditions of Indian culture, while incorporating some new ideas from her generation. “Usually we try to keep as much tradition in the show as possible. This year is unique because of the theme ʻWhat Will the Generation Think?ʼ ... We are incorporating a lot of new ideas from our generation,” Thakore said. Associated Students Inc. allocated over half the total $12,000 cost for the event to the club
featuring some of the most prestigious scholars in the nation, as well as reaction commentaries presented by six CSUF students. This yearʼs symposium is “Intellectual Activism: Women Pushing the Boundaries of Philosophy.” The symposium will focus on the works of female philosophers Simone de Beauvoir, Hannah Arendt and Judith Butler. Some of the nationʼs most prominent and well-known scholars, such
as Richard Bernstein, who is one of this yearʼs guest speakers, will analyze and comment on the work of the three philosophers. Senior philosophy major Thomas Dosier, 23, is one of six students who will present a commentary. “It is somewhat intimidating to criticize the work of a professional philosopher, but itʼs also a SEE PHILOSOPHY = PAGE 4
WEATHER
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Partly Cloudy High: 65 Low: 47
Mostly Cloudy High: 63 Low: 46
Showers High: 56 Low: 40
Sunny High: 62 Low: 46
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ON CAMPUS TODAY: Executives from a variety of fields share their knowledge and experience about leadership and ethics with students during the College of Business and Economics Business Week 2006. Speakers will include the executive director of Morgan Stanley and the president of the Disneyland Resort. Check out the event calendar at www.fullerton. edu for the event schedule.
Saddam: Fight U.S. Troops BAGHDAD, Iraq – Saddam Hussein, testifying Wednesday for the first time in his trial, called on Iraqis to stop killing each other and instead fight U.S. troops. The judge reprimanded him for making a rambling, political speech and ordered the TV cameras switched off. Saddam began his speech by declaring he was the elected president, touching off a shouting match with chief judge Raouf Abdel-Rahman.
Documents Reveal Details SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Named detainees: 186, citizens of two dozen countries including Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Accusations: Recruiting for the Taliban, helping Osama bin Laden escape U.S. troops, harboring gunmen who attacked American special forces. These details, and many more, emerge from more than 5,000 pages of newly released transcripts of detainee hearings at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But as much as they reveal about the U.S. war against terrorism, much more remains unknown – the answers tantalizingly beyond reach.
NATION Rapist Sentenced to Death SARASOTA, Fla. – A former mechanic convicted of raping and murdering 11-year-old Carlie Brucia, whose abduction was caught on a car wash security camera, was sentenced to death Wednesday for her murder. The jury that convicted Joseph P. Smith recommended that he be executed, and the judge agreed. Smith, 39, showed no emotion Wednesday as Judge Andrew Owens read the official sentence.
PUMPED UP
Mariana Magana, center, a senior Spanish and anthropology major, holds a perfectly crisp fry bread while Leya Hale, right, a senior Radio/TV/Film major, molds a new piece, on Tuesday. The Inter-Tribal Student Council served American Indian Fry Bread for $3 to fundraise for the Powwow event that will be held this Saturday.
STUDENT BY DAY By Jamie Quarles
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Troop Numbers Reach Low WASHINGTON – The ranks of National Guard and Reserve troops on active duty for Iraq and the global fight against terror has fallen to just under 118,000, the lowest level since before the U.S. invasion of Iraq three years ago. The reduction is a welcome trend for Americaʼs citizen-soldiers, who have been called to combat duty in numbers not seen in decades and who were further strained by last yearʼs hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast.
LOCAL GPS to Track CA Parolees SAN BERNARDINO – Global positioning satellite technology will be used for the first time in California to track 20 paroled gang members in the city of San Bernardino. Under an agreement announced Tuesday by city and state officials, the 20 paroled gang members will be fitted with anklets that include a GPS transmitter. The state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will pay all monitoring costs, about $64,000 annually. Reports compiled from The Associated Press
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It was a fairly warm day, the sun was out and only a few people were walking to their cars. It was at around 2:15 p.m. when I spotted a brown-haired girl with dark sunglasses walking to her car in Lot E. Ana Monrique smiled nicely at me as I approached her and agreed to talk with me – even though she was on her way off campus. Monrique, 22, is a junior liberal studies major at Cal State Fullerton. Currently, Monrique works at
ARMOR FROM PAGE 1 zines, radios [and] expandable batons. The point is that equipment belt now weighs up to 25 pounds.” After someone wears that weight around their waist for many years – 42 in McKinleyʼs case – they begin to experience back problems, he continued. McKinley said he and his wife visited the clinics of a threedimensional body-imaging specialist in Newport Beach, for a health consultation. McKinley said that the doctor pointed at his wifeʼs spine,
Ana Monrique Junior, liberal studies major Sunrise Christian Preschool. “I love working at the preschool,” Monrique said. “Itʼs a lot of fun.” Still, Monrique aspires to work as a fifth grade teacher when she graduates college. Monrique said she wants to be a teacher because she enjoys working with kids and said she would love to teach math because it is easy to explain. CSUF clubs are a lost hope for which was straight, then pointed at McKinleyʼs spine, which was bent. “[The doctor] didnʼt say some, he said all police officers have a spine like that because of wearing that weight on [their] hips,” McKinley said. McKinleyʼs armor design would attach the belt to the armor so that the weight is distributed across the shoulders, like a backpack, taking the weight off the hips. Dr. Robert Tanaka, clinic director of Fullerton Chiropractic, said he is not surprised that officers experience back problems. “If you put weight belts on, carrying an extra 20 pounds, your body has to work harder than nor-
Monrique, since both her class schedule and her job keeps her so busy that she really doesnʼt have any time to join any clubs – although she would like to. On her free time, she likes to read historical books. One of Monriqueʼs favorite books is “The Storm” by Kate Chopin. She likes to walk, go to the beach and write. “I love to write outlines for class,” Monrique said and laughed. If she could have any dream job, Monrique said she would like to be the director of a preschool. When asked about the school parking situation, Monrique said that parking is not a big problem for her, and she usually parks in Lot E or in Lot A. Monrique, who is a resident of Garden Grove, also expressed interest in writing for the newspaper. mal to support that extra weight,” he said. This is “not natural.” The extra weight puts extra stress on the joints, and this could possibly lead to arthritis of the spine, he added. The constriction of nerves may also be a problem, Tanaka said. Jay Wachtel, a police expert and lecturer at CSUF, said in a written statement that “wearing a Sam Browne for extended periods occasionally brought on episodes of sciatica,” a condition that pinches the nerves causing pain and tingling. “So, [McKinleyʼs] idea is excellent and much overdue,” Wachtel said. While the chiefʼs designs address the needs of police officers in the force today, Wachtel and other officers may have to wait a little longer before they can wear McKinleyʼs updated version. A prototype created by Safariland didnʼt quite meet up to the chiefʼs standards, and thereʼs still the matter of funding for the project. The department is requesting a $350,000 demonstration grant from the federal government to aid with the completion of the project and to outfit Fullerton police officers with the suits. McKinley also said he wants to do a demonstration of the prototype for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, “a ranking Democrat on Homeland Security,” to perhaps get Homeland Security funding for the project as it would fall under the category of personal protection equipment for first responders.
TODAY: Bowl for free during Glow Bowling for students in the TSU Underground from 3 to 7 p.m. FRIDAY: Deadline to enroll in the student health insurance plan. For information, go to www. fullerton.edu/shcc/AboutHC. htm#health_insurance. FRIDAY: Check out the Intramural Sports Dodge Ball Tournament at the Intramural Fields from noon to 3 p.m. FRIDAY: The Newport Beach Public Library welcomes Ron Haviv, one of the best-known photojournalists in the world, for this yearʼs Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series. Haviv has produced some of the most important images of humanitarian crisis and conflict that have made headlines all over the world. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a wine reception with coffee and cookies. Tickets cost $40. SATURDAY: Ron Haviv will be speaking once again at the Newport Beach Public Library, only this time without the wine reception. The event begins at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25.
OFF CAMPUS TODAY: Korn will perform at the Long Beach Convention Center at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $29.50. FRIDAY: ST. PATRICKʼS DAY! Check out Irish rockers the Fenians at the House of Blues in Anaheim for $20, or see the Young Dubliners at the House of Blues Sunset Strip for the same price, or go the less traditional route with Bone Thugs Nʼ Harmony at Vault 350 for $29.50. SATURDAY: Ever wonder how Elvis would be doing if he returned from the dead? No? Well go check out “The King,” a play that ponders the return of the one and the only, king of rock ʼnʼ roll at Fullertonʼs Maverick Theater for $20. SATURDAY: The CSUF chapter of the National Press Photographers Association is hosting a student photo gallery and silent auction at Steamers Café in downtown Fullerton at 3 p.m. If you would like to submit an event to Out nʼ About please e-mail news@dailytitan.com
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Disneyland Resort President Addresses CSUF Students The mouse generates $3.6 billion annually as OC’s largest employer By Jessica Escorsia
Daily Titan Staff Writer
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PATTERNED VIEW
Phil Gordon/Daily Titan
The side of McCarthy Hall, across from Langsdorf Hall, features a modern pattern indicative to architecture of the 1960s.
IRVINE FROM PAGE 1 a south county facility available for students who live and work in the area. “It is a great way to keep people off the freeway,” Selleck said. “Right now we are doing it on a small scale; we plan to do it larger.”
Classes have been offered in south Orange County since 1989 and were originally located on Saddleback Community Collegeʼs campus in Mission Viejo. Once a facility was available, the campus relocated to the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in 2002. About 3,300 students were enrolled in classes on the campus during the 2005 spring semester, according to the Irvine campus
Web site. George Giacumakis, director of the Irvine campus, is hopeful that the lease will continue as the plans for Irvineʼs Great Park get under way. “We are very excited about the future,” Giacumakis said. “Negotiations are always going on because the plan for the base changes.” Giacumakis has also been negotiating expanding the campus in the near future by adding a second building. If everything goes according to plan, remodeling would start on the new building by the summer to
att Ouimet, president of Disneyland Resort, spoke to Cal State Fullerton students Wednesday morning about leadership and ethics for Business Week 2006. More than 300 students filled Titan Student Union Portolla Pavillion A, an unexpected number, said Emeline Yong, College of Business and Economics assistant dean for student affairs. Ouimet said as the largest employer of Orange County with 20,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort generates $3.6 billion annually. “The impact on the community especially the surrounding areas is pretty substantial,” Ouimet said. He added that in business one of the key factors you have to keep in mind is to understand what impact you will have in the community. He mentioned there are four components of business: impact, effect, impact on the community and impact on stockholders. Ouimet said Disneylandʼs success comes a lot from what they give back to the community. “Last year we gave over $10 million to support nonprofit organizations in the community,” Ouimet said. CSUF chose Ouimet as the keynote speaker for the three-day event, because they wanted to have someone who could incorporate both leadership and ethics -– since the theme this year is “Leadership and Ethics,” Yong said. Ouimet said good leadership is
“We are very excited about the future.” George Giacumakis Irvine campus director
have it ready for classes next fall. The extra building will provide additional classes, especially during the busiest time from 4 to 7 p.m. that caters to those who work during the day and attend school at night, Giacumakis said. Most of the classes at Irvine are for upperdivision and graduate students. But adding the second build-
Jessica Escorsia/Daily Titan
MICKEY TALK: President of Disneyland Resort and keynote speaker for Business Week, Matt Ouimet spoke to students and faculty in the TSU Pavillion on Wednesday morning. what makes a company more successful in the long run. He also said that taking on the responsibility of a leader, believing in the people that work around you and respecting them are important factors. He talked about his 20,000 cast members at Disneyland and their family and friends whose opinions are just as important to the company. He estimated that number of people to be around 100,000. “When people ask me what keeps me up at night itʼs those 100,000 people,” Ouimet said. Ouimet said diversity is important at Disneyland and spoke about the different support groups available. He added that knowing a second language is a huge advantage, which people might have been put down for before – a topic Yong found interesting. Young added it was an important topic to discuss to students because there is talk that CSUF is looking into requiring students to know a second language in order to graduate. Ouimet said when it comes to
ethics the hardest decision he has had to make was to tell the whole truth. He said that although it is the hardest thing, honesty is always important in business. He also spoke to students about Disneylandʼs expansion overseas and the recent bad press Disneyland received from their recently opened theme park in China. Ouimet said frequent walks through the theme park, focus groups, and behavior scientists are all involved in the research the company does to make sure they know what the people want. One important thing Ouimet must do before he goes home each day is to make sure that in every major decision he has taken into consideration the people involved. Ouimet said the golden rule we were all taught growing up that says, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you,” is not the standard for our generation anymore. He said the rule to remember now is to “Do onto others as they would want you to.”
ing, as well as being part of a “learning village,” will make more classes available to all students, Giacumakis said. CSUF currently envisions developing 275 acres in the Great Park community, according to the Irvine campus Web site. The “learning village” will include scientific laboratories, a library, and additional classrooms. Also in the works are student, faculty and staff housing. We hope to have a firm answer on the plans by this fall, Giacumakis said. “This is the fastest growing part of South County. We service the
students in this area,” Giacumakis said. Construction around the campus has already begun to widen Sand Canyon Avenue and Trabuco Road, the major streets leading onto the base. There are also plans to fence off everything on the base, except the buildings along Trabuco Road and parking areas this summer, so construction can take place, Giacumakis said. “The next step is to work with Lennar to develop the life long learning center,” Anderson said. “Our goal is to achieve a permanent site.”
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INSURANCE FROM PAGE 1 If students go to a Blue Cross provider, the health plan covers 80 percent of costs. If students donʼt go to a Blue Cross provider, they only receive 50 percent coverage by the insurance. For instance, if a student has to seek outside medical care and their bill is $500 for all medical expenses, Blue Cross will cover 80 percent of the cost. This means that Blue Cross covers $400, and the student is responsible for paying $100. Still, the cost of the insurance program can vary for the term(s) purchased. Students can enroll for an annual program in the fall or for summer alone. The prices of the program can range depending on age, marital status and if children are included. The price for a student 24 or younger that pays for spring and summer periods will pay $430. If the student decides to get annual health coverage, the cost is $760. The prices can vary depending on the period of time a student wishes to enroll for the health insurance. Bonnie White, health educator at the Health Center, said students will receive basic health coverage at the Health Center, including
INDIA FROM PAGE 1
years. “My style of advising is that I am here when they need me,” Ragazzo said. “I help them work with [the association], and since this is one of [the associationʼs] largest expenditures this is the event that I play the biggest part in.” The club raised other half of the eventʼs cost with over five fundraising events. A 10-member board of Indian students, who oversee nearly 400 members of the club, has managed the events over the past year. The club raised $5,000 from basketball tournaments, holiday events and bake sales. The club hopes to make an additional $3,000 from the ticket sales for the event. Club President Hema Paliwal, human resources major, has personally organized the sale of Samosas – a cultural dish that she describes as an Indian snack food – numerous times on Titan Walk. Paliwal also oversees the distribution of the clubʼs e-letter. This mass e-mail is sent to over 400 affiliates, and is
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psychological counseling, basic dermatology, x-rays, basic eye care and annual physicals. Emergency care for students – including broken bones, ultrasounds, surgery or any specialty care – will have to be referred out to a hospital, White said. Dental health is separate, but students can pay extra for the option if they choose. Somerton Student Health Insurance administers the health plan. A representative for Somerton said 80 percent coverage is very good, because it is competitive with other health care insurance companies. Fred Sanchez, executive director for Associated Students Inc., said the cost for health care is good because the premium for the insurance has decreased substantially by $200. He said the plan is beneficial because students have coverage without having to pay thousands of dollars.
By the numbers:
$430Cost of health insur-
ance for students 24 and younger during the spring and summer semester
$760Cost of annual health insurance for students 24 or younger
Stefanie Short/For the Daily Titan
CALIFORNIA SUNSET
The sun sets outside Langsdorf Hall while a student chats on her cell phone on Wednesday. intended to inform members about the latest club events. She sent the flyer to triple the amount of normal subscribers in order to promote the event. “The main thing is we would just like to get the word out about our club,” Paliwal said. “We want everyone to know that you donʼt have to be an Indian to come, you just have to be interested in our culture,” she said. Tickets to the Culture Show are free to all CSUF students, and $10 for the general public. Tickets are available through the clubʼs Web site at: www. csuf-iic.com. At the conclusion of the show all the performers and audience members are welcome to attend the after party at Bella Marris restaurant located within five minutes of the Heritage Forum. At 10 p.m. the doors open to everyone 18 and older. Admission is $10 for club members and $12 to non-members. This part of the show celebrates a yearʼs worth of rehearsals and preparation. Students interested in the club are invited to join the clubʼs meeting Thursday in Titan Student Union Bradford AB at 5:30 p.m.
Titans Save Money at Local Eateries ASI Discount Card inconvenient to students who remember to use it By Jimmy Stroup
Daily Titan Staff Writer
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hough most Fullerton students seem to know about the ASI Discount Card, those who had one rarely used it, and those who didnʼt were mostly ambivalent about the benefits it could provide. Good at eight area restaurants listed on the back of the card – and some that arenʼt listed, too – the discount card entitles holders to a variety of giveaways, such as 10 percent discounts and buy one get one free deals. But the cards -– which Associated Students Inc. gives out free as often as possible and are always avail-
PHILOSOPHY FROM PAGE 1 unique opportunity that Iʼm glad to have,” he said. Dosier and the other five students: Beata Bujalski, Kimberly Beebe, David Quattrocchi, Cassie Tiritilli and Matt Kennedy, were chosen to speak at the symposium by faculty and other philosophy majors. The group has been preparing for the past three months for the symposium. To prepare, the students have repeatedly studied and analyzed the works of the invited scholars. “[The symposium] is very
able in the Titan Student Union room 207 – get mixed reactions among those whoʼve had them and those who havenʼt. Business major Cindy Story, 26, had the card last year but was frustrated with some of the vendors who had agreed to give holders a discount and so doesnʼt have one any longer. “It wasnʼt working – Iʼd go to El Torito and it wasnʼt working,” she said, remembering that ASI said El Torito was on the list of vendors who were a part of the program, even though it wasnʼt one listed on the back of the card. “It wasnʼt printed on the back of the card and so they wouldnʼt give me the discount,” she said. Music major Kevin Young, 25, also had one last year, but didnʼt get one for this term because he never seemed to remember to use it. “Itʼs something useful, but you just donʼt think of it,” he said. “Itʼd
be good to use, but I guess I just never did.” But going by how many ASI reports handing out, Story and Young seem to be in the minority. Printed and packaged like business cards, ASI had several large boxes made and have started to run low. “We still have a good amount left because we ordered a lot, but we always give a bunch out whenever we table,” said Angela Meyers, ASI clerical assistant and vice chair of the Titan Tusk Force. “And we table at least once a week.” Meyers said that while the card is a great student perk, itʼs only reinforcing the common practice of local businesses to give Fullerton students a discount. “The best kept secret on campus is if you flash your Titan ID cards at places around campus, youʼll probably get a discount, even without the ASI Discount Card,” the 19-year-old public relations major
said. “The Islands restaurant [on State College Boulevard] will actually give you free fries if you show your Titan ID.” In a Daily Titan poll conducted in the Quad, seven out of 10 students asked had heard of the card. Of those seven, only two had the card, three didnʼt want one, and two said they didnʼt like it because it was a hassle or was inconvenient. All three of those who didnʼt have a card said they thought it sounded like a good deal and asked where they could get one. “Iʼm on the go and I eat out a lot and those places are places I go to all the time,” said Veletta Ogaz, a 34-year-old nurse practitioner graduate student. Martina Cox, a 21-year-old economics senior, felt similarly toward the card. “Iʼd use it. It sounds good – discount tacos. Why not? Can I have that one?” she asked.
important because it is a rare nationally recognized conference in which undergraduates respond to nationally known scholars, it is also important because it is student-driven -– all coming from studentsʼ effort and collaboration … This program is entirely unique,” said Shari Starrett, associate professor of philosophy. Preparation and participation in the symposium will benefit a student looking to pursue a graduate degree. Many philosophy majors who participate in the event went on to work on graduate programs, Starrett said. Rochelle Green, a CSUF alumnus, participated in the event as an undergraduate and has now
been invited to speak at this yearʼs symposium. Studentsʼ past and present success in the symposium is not only recognized by faculty members, but is also recognized by the speakers themselves. “Speakers are deeply impressed with the quality and preparation of our students,” said Albert Flores, chair of the Philosophy Department. Faculty members said they are delighted to be collaborating with undergraduate students; they believe that such an important event will expand the opportunities of its student contributors. Students from all departments are invited to participate in the event. Professor Starrett, one of
the faculty members working with the students, encourages all students to attend the symposium. “People often give philosophy a bad name for being irrelevant, but this year, the discussion is very practical. There are women who all introduced new ways of thinking about ourselves and politics. They have all had a huge influence on the social sciences as well as me personally,” said Dosier, who will critique the Bernsteinʼs work March 18 at 9 a.m. This yearʼs annual philosophy symposium will be held on March 17 and 18 at the Titan Student Union, Pavilion C. For questions and program information, contact Albert Flores (714) 278-2459. ���������������������������������
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T H U R S D A Y, M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 0 6
SPORTS
S P O R T S @ D A I LY T I T A N . C O M
Classic Honors Former Great CSUF renames Kia Klassic after Titan softball program founder, coach By Jon Castillo
CSUF student athletes use routines, rituals to prepare for games
Daily Titan Staff Writer
The Kia Klassic is no more, as the 16-team tournament – now known as the Judi Garman Classic – started Wednesday and is currently going on at the Titan Softball Complex at Cal State Fullerton through Sunday. Judi Garman built the Titans softball program from the ground up in 1979 and went on to coach 20 seasons with CSUF. She coached the Titans to eight conference titles and won the 1986 NCAA National Championship. This year marks the 20-year anniversary of Garman leading the Titans to a national championship, the programʼs only one. “Itʼs hard to believe that itʼs been 20 years since [the championship] happened,” Garman said. “And itʼs still a thrill of a lifetime.” Garman will be honored in a special ceremony along with her 1986 championship winning team on Friday at 6:15 p.m. prior to the Titansʼ game against Arizona State. “Itʼs a great honor, and I was really pleased to hear of their decision to do such,” Garman said. The tournament will feature some of the nationʼs best programs, as 16 teams will meet in a three-day pool play format. Four pools consisting of four teams each will make up the field of competition in pool play before seeding a pair of eight-team championship brackets with two winners crowned on Sunday. “We will come at it,” said Titan
Salvador Aguilar/Daily Titan
HEADS UP: Titan sophomore Crystal Vieyra throws the ball across the field to make the first out in the second inning. The Titans were shutout, 1-0, against the Utah Utes. sophomore first baseman Katie Gollhardt said of the tournament. “Itʼs the real deal.” Pool play will take place through Friday, with championship and consolation brackets beginning on Saturday with the semifinals and ending with the finals on Sunday. The Titans will face Notre Dame, Florida State and Arizona State in their pool round. The field also includes former NCAA championship teams, Oklahoma, Fresno State, Arizona and Michigan. Garman, who was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993, retired following the 1999 season with what was then a record 913
career Division I victories. She is remembered not only for her success in the dugout, but for the influence she had on her players, including current Titans Head Coach Michelle Gromacki, who played catcher for Garman on the 1986 national championship team. “Judi gave me opportunities, and I think as good as we are as people, there has to be other people allowing others to have opportunities,” Gromacki said. “Judi allowed athletes to have an opportunity to play softball at Cal State Fullerton.” Garman takes pride with the wonderful feeling she has received being able to guide her players and friends, to watch them grow and
see what great successes they have become over the years. She gave Gromacki the chance to become an assistant coach at CSUF and let Gromacki take over when she retired in 1999. “She gave me the opportunity to play and then to coach. An opportunity to follow in her footsteps and take over this program,” Gromacki said. “Thatʼs my life. She has been a big piece of my whole life.” Garman won just under 71 percent of her games at CSUF with a career mark of 913-376-4. “Iʼm so proud to see what all these wonderful young ladies have become,” Garman said. “Itʼs a thrill on so many points.”
Runners Ready for LA Marathon
Participants get physically, mentally prepared for strenuous, long run By Natalie Murillo
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Picture running in the pouring rain for four hours, then the sun starts to come out. Soon after the sun starts to warm you up, steam generated from the heat starts to rise up from the asphalt. That was what 41-year-old Rick La Cava, of Buena Park, experienced when he participated in the 2000 Los Angeles Marathon. “That was my first and only marathon,” said La Cava, who was 35 years old when he ran the race. The 2006 marathon is scheduled for 7:50 Sunday morning for wheelchair participants, 7:57 a.m. for “Elite Females,” 8:05 a.m. for hand cranked wheelchairs, and 8:17 a.m. in the morning for “Elite males and full field.” To prepare for the 2000 marathon, La Cava said he trained for nine months and progressed to running up to 12 miles a day for five days a week to build endurance. La Cava said he received training tips from menʼs fitness magazines and was surprised by the hills in Los Angeles. “The hills really kicked my ass,” said La Cava, as he reminisced about the run that took him five and half hours to complete. La Cava said that after a certain point, the run became more mental than physical and he started to think, “What am I doing?” La Cava maintained his normal diet except he increased his
Luck of the Titans
protein and pasta intake to store energy for his runs. He also drank frozen fruit shakes. La Cava said although the run was rough on his body, it was still exciting because of all the spectators who were very supportive, and all the runners around him made the run easier. He said by the time he reached the food tables, they were empty and he had to live off of five packets of Powergel made by Powerbar, which consisted of caffeine and is loaded with sugar. “I would have grabbed a banana off the ground if I could,” La Cava said. Cal State Fullerton track and field Head Coach John Elders said a good pre-race meal is important, as well as having a personal support crew on the sidelines to prevent starvation and dehydration. “Iʼd be hungry if I hadnʼt eaten for six hours,” Elders said. He recalled a previous assistant coach who ran the Sacramento Marathon and said he “lost it” during a race. The assistant coach told Elders that he barely crossed the finish line. Elders said a good pair of shoes that absorb shock and a good training program is important for the run. He said a lot of stretching and a massage are helpful with post-effects such as sore knees. Elders added that anytime a person runs 26 miles on concrete or asphalt, it takes a toll on the body. La Cava said although the marathon was fun, the endeavor took a lot of time commitment from him and his family. He added that his wife had to “pick up the slack” because of his training time. La Cava decided not to run
Provided By Sharon Renteria
NO SWEAT: Fullerton native Sharon Renteria, 31, enjoys a few moments with her family at last yearʼs Los Angeles Marathon. the marathon again because a coworker of his used to run marathons and his knees were always bothering him. Fullerton resident Sharon Renteria, 31, is going to do the bicycle portion of the marathon on Sunday. Renteria, who is a fitness instructor for 24 Hour Fitness said that taking it slow when it comes to training and giving the body a break between days is important. She suggests that those who want to participate should consult a trainer, eat well and drink lots of water. Renteria ran the marathon two years ago by herself and said if she were ever to run the marathon in the future, she would run with a team. Yorba Linda resident Keith Buchness, 31, is running the marathon this year and has been getting his pre-race plan from www.snail-
space.org, a Web site for a running shop in Brea. Buchness, who has been training since October, has plans to pace himself and be prepared for the hills that La Cava mentioned had taken a toll on him. Buchness checked the marathonʼs Web site and has seen the elevation chart. Buchness said he has been eating less red meat and more pasta and chicken and plans to have a carb-loaded dinner the night before the race. Buchness said following the plan from Snails Pace, he runs short runs during the week and longer runs on the weekend. He said he trains at the gym by doing squats, calf raises, upper body and abdominal workouts. Buchness said that he is excited and nervous to get the race done. “Iʼm ready,” he said.
their personal pre-game rituals. “I always have to run out last in line when we warm up, if I donʼt, I wonʼt feel good about the By Andy Stowers upcoming match,” Trudeau said. Daily Titan Staff Writer Francisco always puts her hair up a certain way before each match. “I always have my assistant Luck, rituals and superstitions are a major factor in sports. With coach re-tie my ribbons in my hair St. Patrickʼs Day coming on after the national anthem before Friday, and keeping the “luck of the match starts,” Francisco said. Many of the Titan track and the Irish” in mind, here is a look at some rituals that athletes do to field stars at CSUF wear the same socks to each meet they prepare for competition. Superstitions are part of every- compete in. Also, many of them day life. Some people choose not eat the same meals before each to walk under a ladder and others competition, hoping not to mess choose not to open an umbrella with their system. while indoors. Still, these superDenise Ditch, a distance runstitions cannot even compare to ner on the team has no detailed some of the crazy things that routine before a race but tries to athletes come up with for good stick with the same schedule. luck. “If I ate something specific Many of the superstitions or slept a certain amount before among athletes and fans are com- I had a good meet,” Ditch said. mon. In baseball, many players “I try to do the same for the next find it good luck to step on a time.” CSUF gymnastics is more base while running on and off the field. On the other hand, they about your focus going into the find it bad luck to step on the competition. Brooke and Kristen lines while doing the same. And Weigandt, twins who compete on donʼt even think about talking to the team, both agree that gyma pitcher when he or she is throw- nastics is psychological, whether ing a no-hitter either, you will it is a superstition or not. be the one that “Everything gets blamed if is mental it gets broken in gymnasup. tics,” Brooke “I try not to have In basketWeigandt said. superstitions. I ball, players “I always picguess that’s my ture myself will sometimes doing a perfect refuse to leave superstition itself: routine before the court on a not to have any.” I go. If I donʼt missed shot in picture myself, case it brings I think I wonʼt them bad luck do well.” the next time However, they return. Blake Davis her sister O t h e r s Titan Shortstop Kristen has a always try little tradition to be the last of her own player to besides the shoot the ball mental picture in warm ups, hoping it will help them play a she draws. “I always eat peppermint great game. Hockey players, who may be Altoids before I go on the floor, the most superstitious, believe to help me breathe,” Kristen that if your stick gets crossed Weigandt said. She openly admits, though, with another, you are definitely going to have a bad game. They that eating the Altoids has also think if you tap the goalies become something of superstipads before the game, you will tion and goes beyond freshening win. her breath. Football players always find it Perhaps the most intrigulucky to wear a double number. ing superstition came from Other common athletic supersti- the Cal State Fullerton baskettions are wearing the same socks ball team. Sophomore guard in a winning streak or not shav- Frank Robinson has a routine ing until a loss. These universal that defines superstition. It goes superstitions are often referred something like this: to as “common unwritten rules First, Robinson has to take in sports.” a nap. After his hour of sleepFans live by the same rules. ing, he wakes up and starts his When their most beloved team routine. Robinson then has a focus rituwins they will notice what they are wearing and throw on the al; listening to the same mix from same outfit, unwashed, the next his iPod. After his mix is through, time their favorite team takes the he stretches while he remains field. in his bed. After his stretching Cal State Fullerton is no differ- is complete, he heads to school ent. Some Titan student athletes listening to the same song written participate in their sport only by rapper DMX. after doing their routine. “Itʼs not over until I take the The CSUF baseball team last shot before we play either, does not seem to have too many even if it takes me a few minutes individual superstitions, just the to get the shot in,” Robinson said. unwritten rules of baseball. His whole routine would not Starting shortstop Blake Davis work in his mind either if he summed it all up for the Titans. “I try not to have supersti- did not have on the same pair of tions,” Davis said. “I guess thatʼs tights he wears to every game. my superstition itself: not to have Some routines may seem any.” strange, but some athletes do anyThe Titans volleyball team thing to feel prepared for compehas few superstitions as well. tition. Maybe the pre-game rituOutside hitters Breanna Trudeau als will bring a little luck to the and Jennifer Francisco discussed Titans on St. Patrickʼs Day.
I N T R O S P E C T @ D A I LY T I TA N . C O M
INTROSPECT
{ the activist life } By Jessica Horn
T H U R S D A Y, M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 0 6
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{ ligers, tigons and bears }
Daily Titan Staff Writer
The life of an animal activist evolves from the deepest and wildest of jungles, the clandestine and often overlooked nests of human cruelty. Can activists stop the beastly food chain? It usually takes Pamela Anderson glass walls, everyone in the world covered in pieces of lettuce to would be a vegetarian.” get the average listener to gear Topics in these forums also dishis attention toward animal rights cuss how the government often disputes. But for groups smaller labels animal activists as “terrorthan that of People for the Ethical ists.” But activists see themselves as Treatment of Animals (PETA), such as the Orange County People empathetic and oppose the governfor Animals, or OCPA, less blatant ment, saying it is unjust to animals. approaches are typical. “Many of the most endangered OCPA was founded in 1988 as a nonprofit organization to help cre- animals in Orange County are curate a “more compassionate world.” rently severely threatened by devel“We do many educational opment and government-funded seminars and events to promote programs,” said Timmy Wright, awareness of animal rights,” Julie former OCPA volunteer and animal rights activist. Meskell, secretary of OCPA, said. Jarret Lovell, vegetarian, assisShe said many animal rights activists and organizations, “find tant criminal justice professor at one issue to focus their efforts Cal State Fullerton and supporter of OCPAʼs valon, such as the ues, supports meat industry or animal rights. the fur industry, “I always try instead of devoting their time to to work into my multiple issues, lectures a little as we do.” bit about animals,” Lovell Animal activists immerse said. themselves in Many times everything from Lovell finds industry battles students making such as meat, comments such dairy, fur and as, “theyʼre just hunting, to ciranimals.” cuses, laboratoBut Lovell ry experiments, reminds his stuJupiterimages.com dents that peoauctions and ple used to say rodeos. the same things Why do they about Africando it? They say Americans and they want to “ The question is women at one “speak for those whether [animals] can point in history. who cannot.” “There was A c c o r d i n g experience suffering. If a period where to many animal the answer is yes, you we looked at rights Web sites, the other as such as www. peta.org, animal need to start re-evalu- n o n - h u m a n . This shouldnʼt activists believe ating your actions.” be looked at as that all animals, human or nonwhether horse, Jarret Lovell human,” Lovell housecat or cow, Fullerton Professor said. “It needs can feel and love to be a question and have some of life versus non-life.” emotional attachment to life. Lovell said that a day will come Members of OCPA say the way humans treat animals is horrible, when people look back on how and if people use animals for meat they currently treat animals and be or substance, the animals should be appalled. “The question is whether [anikilled humanely. Humanely on their terms means mals] can experience suffering. If the answer is yes, you need to start quick and painless. According to online blogs and re-evaluating your actions,” Lovell discussion forums, such as www. said. OCPA does not consider itself an veggieboards.com, many animal activists have watched videos of organization that forces people to slaughterhouse practices and are think as it does. Members say they quick to quote Linda McCartney, are simply giving people informafellow animal activist and vegetar- tion so they can come to a decision ian cook: “If slaughterhouses had of their own.
Photos by Bill Dow
By Kirsten Alto
Daily Titan Staff Writer
For a species to be classified as separate from another, the organisms in one species must not be able to reproduce healthy and fertile young with organisms in another. But certain scientists and breeders, who question the separation between species, can crossbreed these animals to see just how separate they really are. A liger, a mix between a male lion and a female tiger, may not be bred for its magic, but it is definitely real. Though rare, these creatures have existed for about 200 years, but not in the wild. Ligers can only be born in captivity. For Patrick the liger, this is life. Patrick, who lives at the Shambala Preserve in Acton has distinct traits of the two animals he was born from: the faint stripes of a tiger and the shaggy mane of a lion. “Patrick loves to be in the water, which is a tiger trait, and heʼs social too, which is a lion trait,” said Christine Link, a member of the advisory board at Shambala Preserve. Link said that because of Patrickʼs mix of traits, he is kept separate from other big cats. Apart from the company of his caretakers, he lives a solitary life. At one time, the 80-acre preserve also housed a tigon, and her ti-tigon baby. While male and female ligers and tigons are generally sterile, female ligers or tigons can be fertile and give birth. But tigons rarely mate due to their dual traits and considerably smaller size. “The ligers are prone to gigantism and tigons have dwarfism,” Link said. “Hybrids have many health concerns which would stop them from mating even if they werenʼt sterile.” Hybrid animals tend to have health problems and therefore have a shorter lifespan. Though ligers, tigons and other big-cat hybrids bred in the past have lived normal lifespans, other animal hybrid babies die quickly. The Asian, African elephant hybrid, born at the Chester Zoo in
By Jessica Horn
filling the void Santa Ana Zoo
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Right where the 5 and 55 freeways meet, monkeys swing from branch to branch, ostrich-like rheas eat invisible bugs and ringtailed lemurs fight over leaves of lettuce. No, thereʼs not a mini rainforest by these overlapping freeways, its the Santa Ana Zoo. Zoo officials, who just celebrated the zooʼs 54th birthday, are busy this season finding new ways to revamp the zoo and bring more visitors through its gates. The Santa Ana Zooʼs main priority is public education and outreach. Friends Of the Santa Ana Zoo, the nonprofit organization that brings support and
England in the 1970s died after a little more than a week. Rumors circled soon after three of the other elephant hybrids were born deformed and lived shortly also, according to www.nature.com. “The elephants are the few who are kept together though they are different species at most zoos. But weʼve never had a near-mating experience with them yet,” said Kathy Barns, a San Diego Zoo volunteer. Jane Ballentine, with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, told National Geographic that most zoos in the United States try to keep animal species separate – as they would be in the wild – and donʼt attempt special breeding. Because the zoos work with the American Zoo Association and are more concerned with the conservation of endangered species,
Deb: Whatʼs a liger? Napoleon: Itʼs pretty much my favorite animal. Itʼs like a lion and a tiger mixed ... bred for its skills in magic. “Napoleon Dynamite”
awareness to the zoo, are collaborating in different ways to give the public more hands-on experience and lessons on conservation of animals living in the Santa Ana Zoo. “They have many educational tours and events here, including a Twilight Tour, so you can see what the nocturnal animals do at night,” Renee Hernandez of visitor services said. Animal-interaction events take place as well, such as the Animal Handling Workshop and Zoo Camp. The zoo also added a new addition to its family, and expects another within the next week. “We just got an Exmoor pony, and we are also getting an American cream draft [horse]. This is the first time in years
creating new species is not a general concern. “Special species and breeding is not up to us, itʼs up to the AZA and so far itʼs been standard to keep species separate according to their natural habitat,” Barns said. Some wildlife parks donʼt believe the same rules apply, like Wild Animal Safari in Georgia, according to National Geographic. Since 1999, the park has bred their male lion and female tiger, producing over 20 liger cubs. But about 13 percent of those cubs had some neurological damage later in life. Some argue that 13 percent is reason enough to stop creating animals that nature didnʼt intend to create. “In the wild, ligers and other hybrids would weaken the packs and herds, and nature would select for them to die off,” Wildlife WayStation volunteer, Jennifer Caliger said. “Why would we want to spend our time and money on playing God when we could spend it on saving what we already have?” But some experts believe that mistakes have been made in categorizing animal species and that further tests would prove beneficial to species preservation. Ballentine told National Geographic that while accredited zoos frown on hybrid breeding, the London Zoological Society highlights their polar bear, brown bear breeding, which creates fertile and healthy young. Since the two bears, and most other bears besides the panda and speckled bear, are so closely related, the question of species classification has been argued. Some agree that polar bears and brown bears are examples of different “races” of bears. Still others are doubtful. “Polar bears and brown bears are the same species in my book, just as lions and tigers are definitely not,” Caliger said. “In either case, these animals are endangered. And in the future, Iʼd rather have polar bears and tigers around than their man-forced ligers and brolar bears or whatever theyʼre called.”
we have equine animals,” said Steve McGuigan, Chair of the Communication Committee for the Santa Ana Zoo. Several renovations are in process, including rotating animals to better habitats and opening a new exhibit, the Amazon Mud Hut. “[The Amazon Mud Hut] will be an interactive center, with a waterfall, rainforest display and a bamboo forest,” McGuigan said. “Weʼll also have a black light area so kids can see the glow-inthe-dark bugs.” The Hut exhibit will function as a preview for a 10-year project planned for the zoo, which includes turning a large portion of the zoo into what will feel like a real rainforest. The zoo is also re-establishing
their volunteer program. Details are still in the works, but it is rumored that an in-depth internship program will be offered for volunteers 18 and older. Another ongoing project is the “Share the Care” program, in which a $39 fee will “adopt” an animal at the zoo as well as recognize the contribution on the zoo signage for one year. Also included with the fee, is a certificate of adoption and a one-day family guest pass. “We try to bring the kids at least once or twice a month to see the animals. They love it and so do we,” said annual-pass holder Grace Rutherford. “Itʼs such a positive experience.” Zoo officials are certain that current and future renovations will turn heads once complete.
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TITAN EDITORIAL
Providing insight, analysis and perspective since 1960
MORALITY POLICE
A
uthorities representing the Federal Communications Commission announced yesterday that it has cleared out a yearʼs worth of backlogged complaints against broadcasters who aired indecent materials. Bearing the brunt of the FCCʼs burdensome fines is CBS, who aired an episode of “Without a Trace” that featured teens engaging in orgy-style escapades. CBS countered the announcement of their $3.6 million fine by saying that the episode contained no explicit scenes and that the episode contained a socially relevant theme that parents should assume responsibility for their childrenʼs actions and to exercise tighter supervision of their teenagers. The episode was broadcast with a “TV-14” v-chip rating, which would have stopped the show from being aired on televisions that had been programmed not to accept it because of the rating. The fine against CBS shapes up to be the largest ever imposed on a broadcaster for indecency violations, and CBS has said that it will do what it can to clean up its act.
Instead, CBS should be asking the American people why they support an agency like the FCC, that imposes an antiquated, almost Victorian value system to modern broadcasting. The broadcast media rely heavily on the tenants of democracy: They give their audience exactly what they want, and the show with the most votes wins. They do this in order to make money from advertisers by attracting the highest ratings. In essence, if America feels that certain programs or stations arenʼt worth their time, neither do advertisers. Over 20 million viewers watched the episode of “Without a Trace” that was deemed indecent by the FCC for depicting “sexual acts.” Perhaps these defenders of some Americanʼs genteel moral-values system should consider that they didnʼt receive 20 million complaints of the programʼs vulgarity, and instead of punishing CBS for offending the delicate moral sensibilities of a few sensitive viewers they should step back and realize that 20 million happy viewers canʼt be wrong.
Editorial Board
Philip Fuller, Opinion Editor Nicole M. Smith, Executive Editor Kim Orr, Managing Editor
In deference to the paradigm established by venerable Swiss philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, unsigned Titan Editorials strive to represent the general will of the Daily Titan editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the view of the university.
OPINION
O P I N I O N @ D A I LY T I T A N . C O M
50 Years After Opening Its Doors, Disneyland Can Still Be Magical By Elizabeth Simoes
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Unless youʼve been under a rock for the last year, youʼve probably heard that a certain mouserelated theme park in Southern California has reached a milestone. Celebrating its 50th birthday, Disneyland set no limit to the expenses and publicity involved with the event. The official birthday was in July of 2005, yet Disneyland embarked on a 16-month long celebration spanning from May 2005 until the end of summer 2006. I have seen the commercials, billboards and shameless plugs Disney created to generate buzz about the celebration, so I decided to see what all of the hype was about. Nobody visiting the park could
forget for one second that the anniversary was taking place. Upon entering the gate, the traditional face of Mickey Mouse created with flowers was replaced with the number 50 and a standing version of Mickey, which appeared to be about 4 feet tall, made in flowers. Down Main Street the roofs and doors of buildings were painted gold and every pole and street light in the whole park was adorned with a banner regarding the celebration. Everything – from the drink cups to the popcorn boxes – was branded with Tinkerbellʼs face and the message. In fitting with the theme of “The Happiest Homecoming on Earth,” all Disneyland employees wear a nametag that says “class of” at the bottom signifying the
year they began working at the theme park. The tags, along with chipper smiles, they wear all day must be enough for employees to hit the bottle as soon as they punch out their timecards. All of the hype associated with the celebration definitely drew good numbers, at least when I attended the park. My initial thought of Disneyland on a Thursday afternoon meant that every ride would have a fiveminute line and I would be able to do and see everything. That was far from the truth. The park was full—mostly with energetic preschoolers and their parents—but every ride required a thirty-minute wait. It seems as though the anniversary does bring out the worst in some people. For each of the original rides at the park, one
vehicle of the ride was painted gold. I saw two grown ups come close to duking it out in front of their kids and making a scene. The reason? A coveted 45-second ride in the golden Dumbo. Despite the long lines and expensive food and admission prices, people still flock to Disneyland. People feel as if a good friend is having a birthday and feel that they should come and partake in the festivities. Despite the remodeling and changes, Disneyland remains a safe haven for childhood memories and stands as a pillar of happiness and hope in world of chaos. I suppose paying $59 for a oneday admission to Disneyland is worth it. After all, its cheaper than a shrink.
Dishonesty: A New Moral Value By Nathan Lafontaine
It is no longer news that academic cheating on college campuses has been on the increase in recent years. And suggesting that the urge to take shortcuts has largely been fostered by society at large is a lot like beating a dead horse. It goes without saying that if students were to model their moral character after societyʼs leaders in,
say, Washington, academic honesty would merely be a euphemism for good public relations. Disturbing reports of lies and cover-ups at the international level also foster the idea that those in high positions feel entitled to enjoy special privileges. But what about when the cheaters are much closer to home, shielded only by bureaucratic firewalls of snobbery and intimidation? What if the very people who are in a position to enforce academic
honesty are in fact engaging in their own personal version of relative ethicality? How many students have seen their research papers graded merely on volume rather than content? How many students have snickered to their friends how they were able to reuse the same term paper on the same teacher without he or she even noticing the difference? And among those who have actually complained about an instructorʼs laziness, how many of them have merely had their com-
plaint rebuffed by an administrative representative under the guise of being better qualified to make that decision? As long as this mindset continues to pervade even a small fraction of the academic staff, there will be little incentive for students to counter that trend. In fact, the genius of the future will likely be deemed the individual best capable of plagiarizing in such a way as to escape detection, rather than the one who struggles to formulate original ideas.
the name of love, we all have moments where we act like perpetual 3 year olds. Youʼd think that by the time we go to college, weʼd get over it. But anytime you hear that a classmate got a cool job offer, recently got engaged or is graduating on time, you feel that little nugget of jealousy etching its way up your back. A friend of mine recently found out that her ex was possibly seeing someone new. Mind you, sheʼs over him. She wants nothing to do with him. But the idea that heʼs with someone else while sheʼs still in the land of singles – letʼs just
say the green-eyed monster took over for a few minutes and all that came out of her mouth were words that shouldnʼt be said in mixed company. Itʼs the beauty of life, like getting lost in downtown L.A. or losing your car keys 10 minutes before you have to be at work. We all have those moments of emotional jealously, and while theyʼre stupid and we know it, while the people weʼre jealous of and the things or people that they have seem important, in the big scheme of things it doesnʼt matter. After recently seeing my old crush again with a fresher per-
spective and a bit of maturity, I realized something: I was jealous for no good reason, and the person I wanted, well, I didnʼt want him anymore. Some say that we only want something after someone else has it. Maybe. But there will always be a deep-seeded jealously within us. We hate the girl with the perfect body, the boy with the amazing pecs, the guy with the cool car, the girl with the perfect grades. They have what we donʼt and, instead of being content knowing that no one has everything, we become jealous. We know itʼs stupid. We know that in 10 years
it wonʼt matter who was prom queen or who won Battle of the Bands. It doesnʼt matter to us now. But for some reason, when we think back, itʼs those moments of jealousy that weʼre most ashamed of, like when we made fun of our crushʼs new girlfriend because she didnʼt know the difference between latitude and attitude. Itʼs petty and silly and in four years, youʼll wonder what you ever saw in him. In life we have a million things to be jealous of: wealth, power, beauty. But some guy youʼve never really had any connection with isnʼt worth the thought.
for the Daily Titan
If Confronted By A Green-Eyed Monster, Look Away
Dating and Mating
In high school, I had the same crush for four years on a boy who was my version of Gavin R o s s d a l e and Jordan Catalano comVirginia bined. He was Terzian everything I Columnist wanted. But being the young, naive dating vixen I was, I never pursued him and
instead stood on the sidelines watching other girls go after what I wanted and hating them if and when they got it. Jealousy: Itʼs one of the four basic human emotions next to love, lust and hate. Jealousy makes us say, do and think the stupidest things. Itʼs simple. We want something or someone and somebody else gets there first. And instead of being happy for him or her, or just moving on, we hate, we talk shit, we bitch, we mope, we shake our fists at the world because for once we didnʼt get what we wanted. We may be adults, but in