Daily Titan: Thursday, October 8, 2009

Since 1960 Volume 85, Issue 21

Thursday October 8, 2009

The Student Voice of California State University, Fullerton

INSIDE DT

Six presidents address concerns spring. It will become more difficult to register for classes, and students news@dailytitan.com are encouraged to register during their Titan I registration time.

Those who do will “have a pretty The smell of fresh pizza created an enormous line of Cal State Fullerton good opportunity to enroll in the students who gathered around the sections they desire,” Smith said.

Quad when Associated Students Inc. “Those who register in Titan II will hosted “Pizza with the Presidents” have a more difficult time. We have priority registration, so based on the yesterday at noon.

CSUF President Milton A. Gor- amount of units a student has, that don, Vice President of Student Af- will determine when they can regisfairs Robert L. Palmer, Vice President ter,” he added.

Graduating students will always of Academic Affairs Ephraim Smith, be given the top Vice President of priority for class Administration selections. Smith and Finance Willie said that they Hagan, ASI Presimake it possible dent Juliana Santos for every student and ASI Executive to be able to Vice President Jograduate in four seph Lopez were in years. One stuattendance as the dent disagreed, panel speakers. and expressed “Pizza with the that since some Presidents is a forum for students -Milton Gordon, students are not permitted to to voice concerns CSUF president take more than and have questions 16 units, it beanswered,” Santos comes more difsaid.

Because of the state crisis, the CSU ficult for them.

Smith added that the students faced a $500 million budget shortfall.

CSUF is managing its own $38 mil- who usually like to take more than 16 lion reduction. Gordon hopes stu- units will be at a disadvantage due to dents will understand that the school the 16 unit cap. “We have not been allowed to make all classes available did not create these situations.

Minutes before Pizza with the to them because we are cutting many Presidents, Santos said, “That is what sections due to the budget cuts.”

Some students suggested ideas to ASI is for, to come out for the students and do something for them to help fund some of the courses that are being cut because of a lack of voice their concerns.”

Once the panel was ready for funding.

James Yarrow, a linguistics and questions, students were encouraged to step up to the microphone. The English major, asked Gordon, “If first 50 students to do so received an the students were to have a studentbased drive to try and raise funds to ASI goody bag.

The issue of shortened library put classes back, can we get a comhours began the students’ and presi- mitment from you to help us reach out to the community to help fund dents’ discussion.

Library hours will be extended us during this time of crisis?”

“Absolutely, as long as we can stay within the next 10 days from 7:45 within the limits that the system a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Santos said.

Class cuts will continue in the has imposed on us in terms of the reductions of the FTES (Full-Time Equivalent Student hours). The students are always our number one consideration and concern,” Gordon For video of the hardest responded. hitting questions, go to

By Kymberly Snew

Daily Titan Asst. News Editor

“Ivanov” opens at Hallberg Theatre, Page 4

OPINION:

Should America focus on economic support or humanitarian efforts, Page 5

DETOUR:

Examining life and death in pencil and watercolor, Page 7

“

I would say a CSUF degree in any major is always going to be as fine a quality as you can find at any university in the United States

“

FEATURES:

MULTIMEDIA

Dailytitan.com/pizzapres09

See PANEL, Page 2

Photo By Lucio Villa/For the Daily Titan Cal State Fullerton President Milton Gordon grabs a slice of vegetarian pizza during Pizza with the Presidents at “University Hour” in the Quad.

New club promotes awareness

By RYan Bloom

Daily Titan Staff Writer

SPORTS:

news@dailytitan.com

Sitting down with lacrosse’s Ansel and Cole, Page 10

Stay connected to the Daily Titan on:

WEATHER

TODAY TOMorrow

Photo Courtesy Joseph Chang Student Veterans Association is preparing care packages for military personnel in Afghanistan.

From Left: Interns Catherine Pruitt and Bonnie Ritchie with coordinator Joseph Chang.

Care packages prepared for Afghanistan troops

By Vanessa Ayala

For the Daily Titan

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High: 75° Low: 55° Partly Cloudy

CONTACT US

Main line: (657) 278-3373 News desk: (657) 278-4415 Advertising: (657) 278-4411 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

CONTACT US

Main line: (657) 278-3373 News desk: (657) 278-4415 Advertising: (657) 278-4411 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

news@dailytitan.com

Student Veterans Association is preparing care packages for the troops in Afghanistan. The last day for care package requests is today, but late requests will also be accepted.

For the past several weeks, SVA has been asking students who are friends or family of military personnel to pick up a form from the

Women’s Center that asks for the name, address and 10 items that the individual might like to make for the package to be more meaningful and personal.

“We did not want the troops to receive the same redundant care packages,” said Joseph Chang, adviser of the SVA. The organization chose Afghanistan to send troops care packages See PACKAGES, Page 2

A new organization on campus aimed at providing substance abuse awareness and prevention methods to students, will hold its first meeting this week on Friday at 10 a.m., in University Hall Room 239.

Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention Student Association hopes to promote substance abuse awareness and prevention to Cal State Fullerton students, faculty, staff and community members through education, outreach and community service, according to the group’s mission statement.

The goal of SAAPSA will be to help students understand that substance abuse does not just affect the people abusing drugs and alcohol.

“We want to emphasize that substance abuse affects everyone, directly or indirectly, in some form or another,” said Daniel Cole, a senior at CSUF and vice president of the organization.

The group plans to have various events on campus throughout the semester in order to spread the word about the dangers that stem from the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

The first event they will be hosting will be a viewing of “Drunk in

Public,” a documentary by award-winning filmmaker David J. Sperling. The movie, based on the book by the same name, chronicles the last 15 years in the life of Orange County native Mark David Allen, who has been arrested for being drunk in public over 450 times.

Sperling will be on campus for the viewing and a discussion of his film on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 4 – 6:30 p.m., in McCarthy Hall Room 238.

The group also hopes to work with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to coordinate on-campus events such as a display of a destroyed car in order to show the effects of drunk driving. They also hope to work with the Student Health Center in the future.

Members will be raising money in order to attend a conference in April sponsored by the California Association for Alcohol/Drug Educators, where speakers will be discussing the treatment of substance abuse and any new legislation.

“It’s really exciting to be involved with the club and doing something that can really help the students and community,” said SAAPSA President Rebecca Cunningham. “Hopefully, we can help raise awareness and really get the message out to the students so that they don’t just forget the information we give them.”

While the overall goal of the organization will be to encourage substance abuse awareness, the group also hopes

to give students in human services and various other departments valuable experience in the field.

“It is a great club for students that have an interest in the profession,” said SAAPSA Treasurer Debra Bush. “It brings awareness straight to the campus for the students that need it.”

The organization can be especially helpful to those who are majoring in any of the social or behavioral sciences, including human services, psychology, sociology, nursing, education, child and adolescent studies, social work, counseling, health science and criminal justice.

It is a valuable experience within their majors, but members are more excited about being involved in something that will benefit the students.

“I get to help students and be involved on campus and work within my major, so it’s great,” said Cole, a human services major.

Membership in SAAPSA is open to all students at CSUF. Membership is $30 annually, and club members are expected to attend two meetings and two events per academic year. Future meetings will be held monthly.

For more information or to become involved with SAAPSA, contact the club at SAAPSACSUF@ gmail.com.

Page Two

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October 8, 2009

IN OTHER NEWS Packages: preparing gifts for Gi’s Pakistan’s Army Objects Conditions On U.S. Aid ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MCT) – Pakistan’s army said Wednesday that it has “serious concern” over conditions attached to a $1.5 billion-a-year U.S. aid package that Congress approved last month, marking a serious rupture in relations with Washington just before a planned military operation against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

The dispute pits Pakistan’s powerful army against the fragile civilian government of the Pakistan Peoples Party, which has championed the U.S. assistance deal. Pakistan’s political opposition also opposes the aid legislation, which awaits President Barack Obama’s signature.

The aid bill, sponsored in the Senate by Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry and Indiana Republican Richard Lugar, was meant to improve the U.S. image in Pakistan. It requires monitoring and certification of Pakistan’s action against terrorism and requires the country to work to prevent nuclear proliferation and show that its military isn’t interfering in Pakistani politics.

NATIONAL

Vice President Addresses Union Workers ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Vice President Joe Biden spoke alongside New Jersey governor Jon Corzine during a fundraising reception for the Democratic National Committee.

Biden spoke about bringing economic stability to states like New Jersey, telling a crowd that included many from the construction industry that he knew many business-people and workers were “angry.”

“Those of you in the construction industry have gone through a really rough ride. And I’d like to be able to stand here and tell you the ride is over, and everything’s square. You’re too sophisticated and know too much, you know that this ride’s going to be up and down.”

Biden said that many had asked him why his administration continued to plan changes to healthcare, energy and education policy in the current economic climate.

STATE Solorio Delivers Barona Check to Santiago High GARDEN GROVE, Calif. – Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) presented a check from the Barona Education Grant Program to Santiago High School yesterday in a ceremony on its Garden Grove campus.

Santiago High’s unique culinary program was the recipient of $5000 from the Barona Band of Mission Indians. Assemblyman Solorio’s endorsement of the Garden Grove high school’s culinary program was instrumental in the school receiving grant.

“With all the restrictions on funding that schools now face, I was proud to nominate Santiago High School’s culinary program,” said Assemblyman Solorio. “This money will allow the school to continue an important careertech program that teaches a healthy lifestyle, while providing valuable culinary skills.”

From Page 1

because there is a “huge need in Afghanistan,” said Chang. He added that convenience stores and showers have not been fully developed.

Another reason care packages are made is because “a couple of our own (members of SVA) are going to Afghanistan,” said Peter Jimenez, president of SVA. They are hoping to receive between 30 and 50 care package requests. The packages will be sent to Afghanistan on Nov. 10.

This is the first time the SVA will be making care packages

since they were first established in the spring of 2008.

However, they are not alone in preparing the care packages. They are receiving help from Veterans Student Services, the Women’s Center and the Adult Re-entry Program, added Chang.

With the members of SVA brainstorming for new ways to show appreciation for the troops, care packages were the most talked about. “(The) average expected cost per box is $30.35,” said Chang.

Each care package will have around five to 10 items that can cost between $10 and $30. ‘Thank you’ notes from CSUF students will also be included in the care packages.

The care packages will be made in three phases: Phase one, which begins today, will be a review of the items that troops need and the amount they cost.

Phase two, which begins next week, will be asking for monetary donations as well as the items the

panel: gives pizza, receives earful

From Page 1

After each question, tension rose and students seemed to express more and more frustration and anger from the answers given. Furloughs, class cuts and tuition increases seemed to dominate the discussion with the presidents.

“Are we going to have furloughs next semester and years to come?” asked Cory Diederich, 18, engineering major.

“Furloughs are supposed to end at the end of the academic year. We will have furlough days during the spring semester, but they are supposed to be terminated. They are only supposed to exist for one year,” Gordon said.

Students asked whether the quality of their education is being jeopardized and if they should consider going to other institutions.

“The quality of your education at CSUF is always going to be num-

ber one even though we are going through a very troubling year in terms of the furloughs and budget reduction,” Gordon said. “I would say a CSUF degree in any major is always going to be as fine a quality as you can find at any university in the United States.”

Santos offered her student perspective on how she has been affected by the budget cuts: some of her classes have been cut. “As a result, I am delayed in my degree, and I know what you mean. It’s not the fault of the university. Seventy percent of our funds come from the state of California,” Santos said. “It sucks that I have to stay another semester or another year, but (Pizza with the Presidents) is something I am doing to stay proactive and letting the legislation know that they need to make higher education a priority.”

Santos said the day was a call to all students who attended Pizza with the

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Copyright ©2009 Daily Titan

photo By Lucio Villa/For the Daily Titan President Gordon answers questions from students during the Pizza with the Presidents in the Quad.

Presidents to also become proactive.

The Quad filled up with CSUF “If you want higher education to students, staff and faculty who enbe a priority to the state of Califor- joyed food while waiting to hear nia, we need you to get on board what their peers would bring to the with letting the legislatures of Sacra- table. mento know that it needs to be a priDavid Bishop, 22, a political sciority. We need to get out there and ence major, said he wants to hear vote and write letters,” Santos said. more specifics about the budget “This is the time to let our voices be cuts. heard and show what is important to “I think most people are here for us and that we want a good educa- the pizza, but there probably will be tion.” some anger.

PresiThe tuition dent Gorincrease is don particihurting evpates in the erybody and event twice I don’t know a year. whether or “This is not there an incredis anything ible event they can do and it was about it, and started by that’s why I an ASI am here.” president Predicyears ago,” tions of con– Juliana Santos, Gordon versation ASI president said. topics PresiWhile dent Gordon setting up believed he the event, ASI Chief Communica- would have to address were questions tions Officer Andrew Lopez said, on, “The budget, reducing classes and “There are always issues on campus increase in fees for students,” Gordon and what better way to understand said. “I think students should be conwhat’s really going on (than) address- cerned about all of these items, but ing the presidents and vice presidents it’s not the campus, it’s the State of that are in charge. When (students) California that has created this. That’s find out the answers, they will have a where I think they should focus their better appreciation of campus and all anger and their disagreements.” the great things it has to offer.”

“

For the Record It is the policy of the Daily Titan to correct any inaccurate information printed in the publication as soon as the error is discovered. Any incorrect information printed on the front page will result in a correction printed on the front page. Any incorrect information printed on any other page will be corrected on page 2. Errors on the Opinion page will be corrected on that page. Corrections also will be noted on the online version of the Daily Titan.

Please contact Executive Editor Skyler Blair at 657-278-5815 or at execeditor@dailytitan.com with issues about this policy or to report any errors.

troops requested.

Phase three will be sending out the care packages to the troops, Jimenez said.

Bonnie Ritchie, a senior and human services major, interns with the Veterans Student Services and is helping with care packages. Ritchie’s husband served in the Marines, and he received care packages while he was deployed.

“We know how much they really need it,” Ritchie said.

Volunteers and anyone wanting to help make these care packages are invited to do so. The packing will take place on Friday or Saturday before Veteran’s Day. They are also hoping to have students sign ‘thank you’ notes along the Titan Walk for the troops who will receive care packages.

The SVA, which helps veterans transition from military life to student life, hopes to do this again.

“As long as (troops) stay there and they need help, we will continue to do it,” Jimenez said.

If you want higher education to be a priority to the state of California, we need you to get on board with letting the legislatures of Sacramento know that it needs to be a priority.

photo By Lucio Villa/For the Daily Titan Amanda Helo asked the presidents, “What are you doing to protect the Humanities and Social Studies Department because they have been cut the most?”

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INTERNATIONAL

October 8, 2009

FEATURES

3

Superheroes clobber Long Beach “Robot Chicken” writer Tom Root, left, looks on as fellow writer and actor Seth Green does an action pose with a member of the press corps dressed as the DC hero, Nightwing.

Story and Photos By Christine Amarantus Daily Titan Features Editor features@dailytitan.com

Wonder Woman croons Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself,” backed by comic book-loving rock band Kirby Krackle, as I walk into a darkened room in the Long Beach Convention Center.

A man pulls off his shirt and whirls it over his head shouting along with the lyrics.

The room is filled with comic book artists just sitting around drawing and enjoying the occasional cocktail.

“Those are Aspen artists,” I marveled to myself. “There’s the guy who does ‘Mouse Guard.’ And, oh my God, is that Darick Robertson over there drawing Spider Israel?”

Such was the scene at Long Beach Comic Con, held last weekend, Oct. 2 – 4.

Unlike major conventions like San Diego Comic-Con where geek community celebs are often only at panels and then quickly whisked away, Long Beach’s first con was small, yet intimate and very surreal.

In its very first year, the convention snagged such guests as Stan Lee, Geoff Johns, Eric Roberts, J. Scott Campbell, members of the voice cast of the “Peanuts” cartoons and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkley Breathed, creator of “Bloom County” which features Opus the penguin.

Superhero creator Stan Lee, right, signs comics for fans next to legendary comic artist Jim Lee at Long Beach Comic Con, Saturday, Oct. 3. Stan Lee created such characters as Spider-man, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men. Jim Lee’s interpretations of characters like the X-Men are those which most fans recognize, used in the ’92 Fox cartoon series. The Long Beach Comic Con was held Oct. 2 – 4 in the Long Beach Convention Center.

A fan dressed as the X-Men character, Wolverine, readies himself for an attack in the form of photo requests.

Breathed had never appeared at a convention before, and had only made one other public appearance.

At his presentation he announced his new work, “Cranky, Scary, Sweaty Faeries,” poking fun at the surge of interest in sappy fairy art.

Actors Seth Green and Thomas Jane and comic bigwigs Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee wandered the exhibit hall floor intermingling with fans and checking out what dealers had to offer.

At the Saturday panel for the Cartoon Network show “Robot

Chicken,” Green and toy wrangler Hugh Sterbakov praised Long Beach Comic Con for placing the Artist Alley section in the complete center of the dealer hall.

Artist Alley is a section set aside for independent artists to sell their comics, sketches and pieces and meet with fans while also exposing their work to new eyes.

Green and Sterbakov were, however, disappointed by the lack of “Magic the Gathering” cards.

In an interview with the Daily Titan, Green said about the convention, “I thought it was good. It’s small, so the floor is manageable.

There wasn’t a lot of action figures for sale beyond, like, ‘Star Wars,’ so ... a little variety wouldn’t hurt.”

From left, “The Boys” and “Transmetropolitan” artist Darick Robertson, “Uncanny X-Men” and “Batman” artist Jim Lee, former NBC “Heroes” writer and producer Jeph Loeb and “The Amazing Spider-Man” artist J. Scott Campbell all signing at Golden Apple and Atomic Comics’ booth at Long Beach Comic Con on Oct. 3 in the Long Beach Convention Center. Fans waited in long lines to meet them and receive autographs and sketches on each of their respective works.

Green and Sterbakov co-created the comic book “Freshmen” which Sterbakov said is the “awesomest comic ever.”

The story follows outcast firstyear college students who, following a “trademark superhero explosion,” Sterbakov explained, gain powers based on what they were thinking at the time of the explosion.

Of the convention, Sterbakov said, “It’s third to ‘Freshmen.’ I mean, there’s breathing, then ‘Freshmen,’ then Long Beach Comic Con ... It’s intimate. It’s a great place to be. I love the floor. I love the energy there.

On the floor, you can smell comics which is awesome because you can’t at other comic conventions.”

The “Robot Chicken” team is also

working on their new show “Titan Maximum,” in which 100 years in the future the solar system has been colonized and Titan, a moon of Saturn, is guarded by a giant robot.

“We just wanted to have fun and do a show like the giant robot shows that we grew up with in the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and that is ‘Titan,’” said Tom Root, a writer, producer and voice actor for “Robot Chicken,” and also a co-creator of “Titan Maximum.”

Upon hearing that my wingwoman, copy editor/“Nerdgasm” columnist Ashleigh Johnson, and I were from the Daily Titan, Root’s eyes lit up.

See HEROES, Page 4

MultiMedia

Check out dailytitan.com /longbeachcomiccon for more convention footage and interviews

4

FEATURES

HEROES: covering pros of ‘con’ From Page 3

The Daily Titan was going to be the name of the paper on the new show, but the idea was scrapped.

What a shame.

The con featured screenings of Jane’s movies “Dark Country” and a black-and-white print of “The Mist.”

“Dark Country” is Jane’s directorial debut, starring himself, Ron Perlman and Lauren German. The film, which was shown in 3-D, hit shelves Oct. 6.

“It was really, really rewarding.

This is the most people who have ever seen the movie ... the most people who have seen the movie (before Comic Con) was, like, 20,” Jane said.

Of the convention, the “Punisher” star said he was enjoying it, most especially getting to show off “Dark Country.”

To be honest, Jane almost had me swooning just hearing his Southern accent. Following the “Dark Country” screening, he threw out cast/ crew shirts to audience members while biting down on a cigar in a very Wolverine-like way. Sigh.

DC Comics, Aspen, Top Cow, and Boom! Studios had their own

By Christine Amarantus/Daily Titan Features Editor Backed by the comic book band, Kirby Krackle, a few convention goers sing Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself ” during a party thrown by Golden Apple and Atomic Comics the first night of the convention, Oct. 2.

Q&As with fans curious about what the companies might have in store.

“We’ve got all new stories featuring the Disney/Pixar characters everyone knows and loves,” said Chip Mosher, the marketing director for Boom! Studios, of the Boom! Kids division.

Fans at Boom!’s panel were pleased to hear the company will be reprinting classic Disney comics like “The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck.”

The convention’s programming director, Buddy Scalera, spoke proudly of Long Beach Comic Con’s maiden voyage.

“We got some great panels ... Some amazing stuff is going on here,” he said.

Radio-TV-film major Francis Szyskowski was on hand for panels on professional wrestling, especially

By Christine Amarantus/Daily Titan Features Editor in conjunction with Boba Phat and Tusken Raver could be found strolling local company Mach through the exhibit hall throughout the convention.

One Wrestling.

“It’s not as big as San Diego Comic-Con yet. It’s the first year,” he said about Long Beach Comic Con. “But it’s kind of like they trimmed the fat that got in the way ... It’s actually kind of cool to not have to fight my way through 3,000 people in one little area.”

Truthfully, Long Beach Comic Con’s first year will always have a special place in this geek girl’s heart.

Though small, it was a mouse that roared.

Long Beach’s convention center has been used for other fan conventions like Wizard World LA, in its first years, and Anime Expo.

Not wanting to only be known as a stepping stone for other cons that went on to set up shop in the larger Los Angeles facility next to Staples Center in downtown, the city really stepped up and put together a solid and very fun convention.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held Oct. 2, superhero creator Stan “The Man” Lee, who had the honor of clipping the ribbon with comically large scissors, was presented with certificates designating Oct. 2 “Stan Lee Day” in the city of Long Beach.

Kudos, LBC. You did it. You really did it.

October 8, 2009

Russian play opens Friday

Photo Courtesy Jim Volz Ben Lambert, playing the title character Ivanov, and Andrew Campbell, Borkin, in Anton Chekhov’s “Ivanov” performing Oct. 9 – Nov. 1 in the Hallberg Theatre on the Cal State Fullerton’s campus.

By James Bean

For the Daily Titan

features@dailytitan.com

So, did you like “Rumors”? If you haven’t seen it yet, buy tickets immediately. I can wait.

On second thought, you may want to save “Rumors” for after you have already seen Anton Chekhov’s “Ivanov;” you may need the laughter.

“Ivanov” (pronounced i-vawnawv), follows the brilliant Nikolai Ivanov through the hardest moments in his life.

His wife, Anna, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis, and he has found himself in love with another woman while his wife is on her deathbed.

“He is in a tremendous amount of pain,” said Ben Lambert, a graduate student who has been given the tremendous task of mounting the complex character of Ivanov.

Director Maria Cominis wants to flesh out the script to its full potential.

“My hope is the audience will experience a play that is not entirely American,” Cominis said.

“And while they enter into a world of Russian customs, they will find compassion for the weak, laugh at the absurdity of society’s judgment and be moved by beautiful story-

telling.”

Cominis has the opportunity to direct Svetlana Efremova-Reed in the heartbreaking role of Anna, Ivanov’s wife. Efremova is an award-winning Russian actress who has also appeared in Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” on Broadway, as well as appearing in dozens of movie and television roles.

Efremova offers more to “Ivanov” than just her acting ability; she also doubles as Cominis’ scene coach.

“Working with her and the students has truly been an enlightening collaboration,” Cominis said. “She has taught all of us about the Chekhovian style as well as Russian ways of life, especially how to drink vodka the right way, which you will see skillfully done in our production.”

Cominis and Efremova have been trying to get this show produced at Cal State Fullerton for years.

“We pitched it for many play selection committees,” Efremova said.

According to Cominis, the themes in “Ivanov” are incredibly “pertinent to current headlines.”

Indeed, a good deal of the play also deals with money, the health care that Anna receives and the lack of fidelity that has plagued society.

“This time in America is what the play is about,” Efremova said. “It’s a very thought-provoking play.”

In addition to the troubling subjects of money and health care, the

show also deals with subtler and close to home topics of self-betrayal and sticking to one’s own principles.

Cominis has been blessed enough to not only receive one spectacular guest artist, but two.

James Young, the very first chairperson for the CSUF Department of Theatre has stepped in to play Shabelsky, Ivanov’s cranky uncle.

Young is also the person for whom the campus’ Young Theatre is named.

Cominis has claimed to have her “dream team” for this production, and it certainly seems as though this talented group of people will leave the Hallberg Theatre in pieces. “What a tremendous collaboration this has been,” said Cominis.

“You just wish you could bottle it and keep it, but that is not the nature of theater. It is a living and breathing event, and there is always a beginning and an ending.”

“Ivanov” will begin its theatrical run tomorrow, Oct. 9, in the intimate Hallberg Theatre on campus.

The show will only be running for four weeks, and the tickets are already selling out. Tickets may be purchased at the box office near the Nutwood Parking Structure, or at Tickets.com. Tickets are $9 for students, $10 general admission.

October 8, 2009

OPINION

5

An endless struggle

By Greg Lehman

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Where should America focus its attention when it comes to relations with the Far East?

By Patrick Cowles

Daily Titan Asst. News Editor opinion@dailytitan.com

Earlier this week, President Obama chose not to meet with the Dalai Lama during his trip to Washington.

Although the Dalai Lama came to receive a human rights award in honor of the late Tom Lantos, this is the first time in 18 years a United States president has neglected to sit with the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet during a visit to Washington, planned or not.

Buy why? Last Friday, Obama proposed raising tariffs on Chinese imported tires.

Granted, we ought not to jump off the political deep-end by assuming Obama deferred to meet the Dalai Lama to ease economic tensions with the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt, but the circumstances shine light on the fact that this may have been politically motivated, rather than a conflicting schedule.

So where does the heart of U.S. interests lie in the Far East?

It seems that from the top we are catering toward Chinese interests and relations through trade.

Sure, they make most of the stuff we buy, and they were kind enough to buy up tons of our debt, but we are a democracy of people with un-

alienable human rights that we hold as universal throughout our species.

How can we stay altruistic to our values if we cannot influence those in our interdependent world to do the same?

In 1949, the People’s Republic of China illegally invaded the sovereign nation of Tibet. Since then, a period of occupation has led to unbelievable strife for the Tibetan people.

Monks who practice non-violent protest are indefinitely jailed, tortured and maltreated for voicing their rights of self-determination.

Some of these monks died while imprisoned, and it continues to occur today. A 32-year-old monk, Kalden, disappeared for over a year.

After walking with 300 other monks from the Drepung Monastery to the city of Lhasa in protest of Chinese occupation on March 10, 2008, Kalden was jailed, though, no relatives were informed. He reappeared, as a corpse, to his relatives in Lhasa during mid-August of this year.

Although the president’s staff has confirmed he will meet with the Dalai Lama before the year’s end, it will come after he’s conversed with Chinese leader Hu Jintao during a planned November summit.

Obama himself has yet to live a day in a world where Tibet is free.

Why delay any longer in promoting freedom globally, rather than regionally?

As Nancy Pelosi remarked at the Dalai Lama’s ceremony Tuesday, we cannot cry the call against inhumanity and social injustice with authority if we ourselves passively disregard morality abroad.

It will be a game of mutually assured deterrence to allow our trade partners free reign over their neighbors without checks and balances against inhumanity.

By Skylar Smith

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Today is an important day for you; you have two obligations to attend to. One is a business meeting where you have the chance to create better dealings and build a stronger relationship with another company.

This company wants to achieve the same overall goals as you, and since your company is going through some bad times, it would be nice to have all the help you can get.

The second meeting is a meeting with an old and wise friend. This friend hates the company you have to meet with today, but you two love to talk politics and philosophy nonetheless.

Sure, you will feel a bit more knowledgeable and enlightened but that’s about it, and at the end of the day, not much will have changed.

So, which meeting do you go to first? The business meeting of course. If President Obama wants to delay his meeting with the Dalai Lama to create a better relationship with China, then I say let him do it.

The first priority of any president is to solve economic problems and deal with threats to the nation.

By going to China before he meets with the Dalai Lama, Obama is letting Beijing know that he is willing to work hard toward solving this

worldwide economic slump, solve global warming and most importantly (or so I think) end the nuclear threat that is North Korea.

China has always been an economic leader no matter how you look at it. Plus, with hosting the most recent Olympic Games, China is building power and confidence quickly. This means that the United States should support them and build a better relationship in the effort to end all the aforementioned crises.

The biggest issue for Obama at this moment, as we have seen from the investigation of Iran’s secret nuclear facilities, is to achieve the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

When China told North Korea to slow down and back off of their nuclear testing and generally aggressive behavior toward the U.S., they obliged. The only price for this act was that North Korea gets a chance to talk to the American government.

This could very well be the influence that Obama needs on North Korea to end nuclear threats.

Obama knew that meeting with the Dalai Lama before he spoke with China could possibly annoy China and make it harder for him to talk with their political leaders.

Plus, the Dalai Lama himself understood the president’s actions because he knows that better dealings between the U.S. and China could one day lead to a better future for Tibet.

If Obama makes a good impression on China and they find a great economic ally in the U.S., both in solving global warming problems and recession problems, then China may, just may, be willing to be open to talks about Tibet.

Someone (maybe you, maybe me, maybe a hypothetical non-entity we’ll discuss for a little while) decides that he is going to take the plunge.

He is going to ask the girl he’s been dating to be his one, his only, his girlfriend. She finds him worthy; maybe she’s been waiting for this for a while now, and she accepts.

Together they enter the wonderful, tumultuous, amazing and at times frustrating territory of mutual exclusivity: the relationship.

Gifts are given, challenges come and go, numerous dates and outings and double-dates and extended periods of blissful eye contact stretch out for both of them in their happy girlfriend-boyfriend microcosm.

They are dedicated to one another and know that unconditional love will preserve their presence in each others’ lives for (possibly, maybe even likely) forever.

As nothing can ever be simple in this world, temptation arises. It comes in many forms, and he recognizes one in a strange place, one that used to be an opportunity.

Women come after him. In varying degrees of aggressiveness, many women, where there used to be none (maybe not none, let’s give you/me/ him some credit), seem to suddenly find him desirable.

This has happened before, has happened to many and will always happen to boyfriends and husbands who have made a choice to be with only one woman.

It is an irony that plagues the mind, conscience and libido. Why does it happen?

Discussions on the subject have brought up a myriad of theories. An as-of-yet-unidentified pheromone, women sense the individuals who have taken themselves off the market.

Maybe entropy follows us into the world of relationships, and it is only the cruel, mathematical grace of nature that threatens the balance.

Maybe it’s that women recognize something in the way an off-limits man holds himself. Confident and

not looking for anyone new, the boyfriend might look better than the voracious packs of singles. Women identify the dedicated man, and decide that the game is on.

Enticing the unattainable is certainly a challenge taken up by men as well. The drive to see how far we can push knows no gender boundaries. Something looks impossible, and we go after it with a resolve that knows we can win.

Whatever the case, it happens.

It is kind of funny, as irony usually is, but the humor goes as far as the choice at hand.

Opportunity arises, and the man stops smiling. A very significant choice lies ahead.

Because, in fact, it is not about his choice anymore. “His” became “ours” not too long ago.

And this is where the variables enter the equation.

If cheating is not a problem, which is the case in a select few relationships which remain, at once, open and healthy, then he welcomes the offer. In most relationships, this is generally not tolerated.

Our theoretical man can cheat and possibly sit on a devastating secret for the rest of his life. After all, respect for the other party in the “us” of the relationship is at risk.

If it is love, then the quality of that love rests on the devotion to practicing it.

Whatever the outcome, the case is clear, and the decision lies in one person. Personal accountability is exactly that, self-confrontation. All you have to do is face yourself, and that can be the hardest thing in the world.

Regardless of the environment or situation, the dilemma is a litmus test of one’s dedication and integrity.

Like John Travolta pacing the bathroom in “Pulp Fiction,” convincing the mirror that it would be best to leave well enough alone, the mind weighs and debates, argues and ultimately chooses.

I’ve been told that God gives us what we need, not what we want.

Maybe sometimes we need to be given what we want at the wrong time to show ourselves what we want even more.

OPINION

October 8, 2009

Five Across the Eyes “A slap in the face to those most deserving”

Contracting Stupidity

by Jeremiah Magan

Daily Titan Opinion Editor opinion@dailytitan.com

Holding out is a serious problem among athletes, both young and old. The problem has become more prevalent as arrogance and an undeserved sense of entitlement grows amongst athletes.

Athletes typically only hold out for two reasons: They want to renegotiate their contracts for more money, or they are not happy with the performance of their team and want to be traded or released from their contract.

Michael Crabtree has at long last signed his contract with the San Francisco 49ers. After months of negotiations and four weeks of regular season play, the former Texas Tech wide receiver finally put pen to paper and agreed to play for the team that drafted him tenth overall in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Niner fans are less than pleased that their No. 1 draft pick, who was supposed to help take the team to a new level, held out until now, but since their record has been rather remarkable thus far, they don’t seem to be too upset.

However, just because San Francisco has done well so far despite this, it does not mean that this kind of behavior should continue.

Contracts exist for a reason. They are legally binding agreements that

ensure each party is compensated to the capacity they both agreed upon.

It should not even be an option for athletes to refuse to practice or play just because they feel like they deserve more than they are currently receiving. There should be no backpedaling for either party.

Unless it is written into the contract that a certain level of performance is expected of the athlete for them to get paid their allotted amount, then teams should pay their athletes what was agreed upon by both parties.

The amount of money that athletes make rises every year. Sports Illustrated reported that the highestpaid athlete in a team sport is Alex Rodriguez at $33 million this year.

I don’t exactly blame other athletes, specifically football players, for wanting more money.

Especially when they see people like A-Rod getting paid an exorbitant amount of money for a job that is less physical than theirs.

But the fact remains, they signed a contract and they should be bound to the terms of that contract.

This goes beyond the issue of legality. Many argue that athletes, especially rookies in the NFL, have very short shelf lives for their careers.

Rookies taken early in the NFL draft are held to higher standards and, therefore, typically deserve more money than those taken in

subsequent rounds. But they also often prove to be huge busts; they were great in college, but their skills do not hold up against professionals.

There should be a salary cap for rookie athletes. During their first year in the pros, athletes should only be allowed to earn a salary that stays within seven digits, this way players can still support their families and teams are not forced to waste large portions of their overall salary caps on players that may washout of the league.

After that first year, teams and players should feel free to negotiate for as much money as they wish.

The argument that rookies should make as much money as they can, as soon as they can, in case they become injured, is valid, but this practice has only fostered the negative attitude that professional athletes have developed. Their reasons for seeking large paydays are not something to be dismissed.

Career-ending injuries are prevalent, and many athletes find themselves working hard toward one goal all their lives, only to leave the league after only one season. It is understandable that they would want to get as much money early on as possible.

If anything else, this is a strong argument for student-athletes to have a backup plan, take school seriously and not rely on hopes and dreams to pay the bills.

Don’t pardon your interruption

By Todd Boldizsar

For the Daily Titan

opinion@dailytitan.com

The last time I wrote I was complaining about professors taking mandatory attendance for classes that you (or your parents) pay for.

What about another factor that can cheapen the value of your bottom dollar? I’m talking about chatter during class.

Sometimes I wish I had popcorn to throw at those who have been on the Earth a couple of decades and still haven’t learned how to whisper. I can’t help but wonder, “Are these the same people who don’t know how to blow a bubble with their bubblegum, whistle or talk and walk at the same time?”

It seems like such a simple task to speak quietly, or not at all. You say future leaders of America, I say future leaches of the followers (Yes, that is lower than the followers, you got it!).

I paid good money to slowly fall asleep as the professor speaks in a monotone voice about subject matter that makes my ears bleed.

What is the cherry on top you ask? How about you, talking to the person next to you about your boy-

friend problems? Or the fact that she refuses to do favors for you in bed?

How about all the other dribble that no one around you ever wanted to hear but then can’t get out of their head?

Who cares what you did last night or why you were so hammered and yet you remember every minute detail?

Would you shut up already? I’ll never learn how plankton floats

“

you what our assignment is that is due next week.

I couldn’t hear it, and now I have to e-mail the entire class to find out.

Can we be more like Europe?

I appreciate our freedoms, I do, but I just want one more thing: Can we be issued long whipping sticks to use at our own free will?

Don’t get me wrong, I know it would have to be mandated, taxed and regulated, but I think it would be worth it.

It would be much more therapeutic than shushing and glaring. Random thought: Why do we gesture for someone to quiet down by shushing and adding more noise?

This is where a long whipping stick or a tube sock filled with quarters would really come in handy; bruises speak so much louder than harsh words.

All I’m saying is: No one wants to hear about your problems, no one cares.

I can appreciate a little break from “blah blah blah blah blah,” but I don’t want the break to be filled with “wah wah wah wah wah.”

Get it? Do me a favor, let me get my money’s worth, and if your drama is worth the time, tell me after class.

This is where a long whipping stick or tube sock filled with quarters would come in handy.

“

6

through the ocean currents if you don’t (Actually, that stuff is kind of cool. I would have taken a stab at science, but I have too much admiration for the framers of our Constitution. Right! Back to the article).

Would you like to know what Jennifer said about herself when she’s partying? Because I remember every word she said, but I can’t tell

Disney still racially insensitive?

By Jamie Iglesias

Daily Titan Staff Writer opinion@dailytitan.com

Disney will finally feature its first black princess in the animated musical, “The Princess and the Frog.”

I was ecstatic when I first heard, but when I saw the trailer, I was quite disappointed with the context of the film and Princess Tiana’s role throughout the film.

Princess Tiana meets a frog, Prince Naveen, who asks her to kiss him so he can become a prince, and when she does, he remains the same and she turns into a frog instead.

From the trailers, it seems that for a good portion of the film she remains in this state while trying to find the witch doctor that put the spell on him because he is the only person who can reverse it.

In other Disney films, the princesses do not turn into a frog or any animal. The only other princess that had a major transformation was Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” but she did not turn into a frog, she got legs.

After seeing the trailer, I remember seeing my sister’s appalled look.

We both thought the storyline would be similar to that of the other princesses, but we never expected to see her transform into a frog.

The film takes place in New Or-

leans; Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen journey through the bayous of Louisiana in search of the witch doctor that can reverse the curse.

It is insensitive portraying her in such a way. And it makes you wonder why, out all of the films about princesses, Disney put a black princess in this storyline?

Having a black princess in a Disney film is no doubt historical, but Disney presents Tiana in a way that perpetuates stereotypes and caters only to profit.

This is a chance to give little girls, especially black girls, the opportunity to see someone animated that represents someone that they can relate to and someone that represents diversity.

It’s easy to be passive and think that it is just a film for children, but eventually these children will grow up and learn that Princess Tiana was represented in a detrimental way.

When I was seven or eight, I remember loving Pocahontas because she was the princess I could most closely relate to.

Now that I look back, I am bothered by the fact that I related to such a passive and coy character. Pocahontas does not depict the strong and independent women of color that I have come to know.

One basic way to change the ste-

reotypes based on race and ethnicity is to start changing the depiction of characters that children are seeing on screen.

Once you have learned about history and events that took place, you cannot overlook the fact that oppression and stereotyping have been a part of history and, sadly, in this film one can see that it still exists.

After all of the historical events and civil rights movements that have occurred, there should now be a reflection of those changes in children’s films.

I might be looking into the film too much, but what I am concerned with are those who are not going to question it.

Princess Tiana could have been a part of a completely different storyline, and it is disappointing to see what storyline her character was actually placed in.

We cannot simply accept the movie because it is a children’s film.

If we do not question, or even remotely get bothered by the context of the film and Princess Tiana’s role in the film, we are just being passive and accepting of the film.

If this is the way that Disney represents its first black princess, it is only showing us the problems that still exist regarding race and ethnicity.

yo u r w e e k ly d o s e o f e n t e rta i n m e n t

October 8, 2009

Mortality in pen and pencil Collaborative effort of two Australian artists examines life, death and superstitions of us all By rachel david

Daily Titan Copy Editor detour@dailytitan.com

"Maybe Forever" is the latest exhibit showcased at Hibbleton Gallery in Downtown Fullerton.

The pencil, pen and watercolor pieces were created by two up-and-coming Australian artists, Sean Morris and Sarah McNeil. Within the gallery, each artist has a wall dedicated entirely to their work, while the middle partition houses their collaborative effort.

As the exhibit handout states, Morris and McNeil "collaborated via the Internet and in person to create humorous/serious drawings and paintings that explore peoples' desire to live forever."

The handout further states the duo created their shared pieces in “a series of Melbourne cafés and bars, friend’s houses, a dusty jeweller’s studio and two libraries.”

The casual attitude of the artwork translates well to the gallery’s intimate setting, which is just big enough for a partial-center wall, a table in the back and a small bookshelf, which houses local zines, several created by Cal State Fullerton students and faculty.

Though the gallery appears plain, it creates a blank canvas-type of feeling, which results in viewers' focusing their attention solely on the hanging art.

Chuck Oldfield, 27, one of the six owners of Hibbleton Gallery said they found Morris and McNeil's collaborative artwork on an international Flickr show and "decided to do a show of the two of them."

Both of the artists' work resembles Carson Ellis' (artist for The Decemberists' album covers) pencil drawings.

Their subtle use of such mediums as pen and pencil is aligned well with the gallery's minimalist approach. The use of pen and pencil is a nice contrast to the intricate, intense subject matters.

As a handout from the gallery further states, "Sarah McNeil's drawings ... focus on individual belief systems. Self-made superstitions, good-luck charms, wild runaway girls and rituals that die with their owner. ... Sean Morris creates ... pieces that are all based on a story about a mysterious 1970s cult led by tall, creepy, messiah-like figures who manipulate their young followers and feed them 'spiritual' crystals which make them do funny things like build fires out of animal bones and think they have powers of levitation."

Each of the drawings, done on watercolor and what looks like compressed recycled paper, are complex, small and placed strategically in the center of the paper, emphasizing where a viewer's focus should be.

A popular drawing among my art show companions, who went along with me to the show's opening reception was McNeil's piece titled, "The Choice If You Made It," which consists of three children, two eating bacon, the third a sad outcast longing for a piece.

Aprile Pennix, 28, a viewer at the gallery, said the collaborative piece, "Don't Climb Bat Mountain Alone," was her favorite artwork of the night.

"It's unbelievable. After looking at each of their works, I can totally pinpoint the elements they both bring. It's my favorite. It's so clean; the shading looks like a kid's book drawing."

Other stand-out works of the exhibit included "Our Love is Punker Than Your Love" (collaborative), which consisted of a tattooed man and woman holding a small child; "The Boy Who Had Taken the 2nd of the Gold Coins" (McNeil), featuring a man resembling an indie rocker, who was wearing a beanie,

7

detour@dailytitan.com

As people trickled into the circle of 19 booths that made up the festival, a ragtag group of four voice-melding musicians, known as The Fling, welcomed the crowd and set the mood.

With a uniform grunge look, drummer Justin Ivey stood out as the source of energy behind the band's upbeat melancholy sound.

Lead man Dustin Lovelis hunched over his guitar to extract soul from the instrument while Ivey careened from drum to drum, bringing the heart of the band forward.

With a residency every Monday in October at the Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa, The Fling is a band to watch, and their music has proven itself capable of catching the attention of many unsuspecting listeners.

“It’s cool to have different people in the crowds,” said Ivey. “We don’t get firemen complimenting our music very often.”

As the people began to file into the small circle of friendly volunteers and warm-faced peers, the tempo of the festival began to rise.

An elevated mood greeted the newcomers as the second little-known band mounted the stage.

Hailing from Newport Beach, The Colourist blasted the crowd with plucky guitar riffs and a constantly changing sound. With no lead singer, members were able to let their personalities loose, enticing listeners to keep on listening.

Keyboardist, and a business major at Cal State Fullerton, Justin Wagner described the band as majestic jungle rock, but The Colourist seemed more like a nonchalant group of inspired indie rock kids looking for a place to Photo By Shruti Patel/Daily Titan Photo Editor shake their hot pink tambourines and chant Ian Felchlin, Chris Pennington, Rob Gallagher, Jason Montgomery and Eddie Rosales of Back Pocket Memory brought their classic rock sound to an their views through repetitive lyrics. appreciative crowd on Wednesday afternoon at the Becker Amphitheatre. For clips of their performance, visit Dailytitan.com/beckerbackpocket.

At the peak of the afternoon, the audience’s energy was at a crescendo. Packed to the brim, Karlfest had reached maximum capacity and needed the eclectic sweater and jeans and talking to a cloud powers of the final band to take over. while holding a gold coin in his hand; Listeners welcomed Dusty Rhodes and the River Band as the and "Wild Girls Tamed I-IX" (Mcbands six members crowded the stage and readied to provide a social Neil), which showcased a series of nine and lively performance. Setting up a violin and accordion for the women with various intricately detailed show, the audience did not expect the classic instruments to be used hairstyles and even more intricately deas raging tools for rock and soul. Violinist Andrea Babinski let her signed collared shirts. energy drive through the tamed violin to push the limits while the Brock Lewis, 19, a CSUF radio-TVBy Alison Munson band created dance-inducing down-home glory. film major and brother of one of the For the Daily Titan detour@dailytitan.com There wasn’t a stagnant moment during the set as the band pergallery's owners, said, "I love the colformed their four-part harmonies and revitalized basic melodies into laborative effort (best)."

The midday sun beat down on the backs of Orange County music new and unique personal sounds.

Lewis, who is doing a documentary and beer lovers during the Karl Strauss Brewing Co.’s personal ver“We like to say we’re a midsize arena rock band,” said Babinski. on the Hibbleton Gallery for one of sion of Oktoberfest in Costa Mesa, on Saturday.

The band is working on a short film and has two LPs available. his classes, said (with some bias), "It's The celebration, dubbed "Karlfest," honored good music, compaThey will be performing at the House of Blues, Anaheim on Oct. 8. probably the greatest gallery in Fullerny and beers, and with so much going on, it could have easily lasted For its sixth year, Karlfest welcomed customers to support a good ton." longer than the four hours allotted for the event. Attendees of the cause as well as have a good time. This year the Surfrider Foundation "Maybe Forever," the collaborative festival enjoyed the gathering of nine local breweries, Karl Strauss’s South Orange County Chapter will benefit from Karlfest’s success, exhibit, runs through Oct. 25. For own 12 brews and a total of more than 35 different beers on tap, as and all proceeds will be used to fund conservation efforts and genermore information, go to the gallery's well as three up-and-coming local bands. ate awareness of Southern California beaches.

Web site: Hibbleton.com.

Back Pocket Memory keeps it fresh in Fullerton

Brewing a fine blend of music and beer

Rollin’ with the girls and cast of ‘Whip It’ The rolling vixens of the LA Derby Dolls met for a promotional match on Monday, Sept. 28, in support of the movie Whip It. For a review of Whip It, see Page 8.

Photos By Shruti Patel/Daily Titan Photo Editor

8

DETOUR

MOVIE

MUSIC

By Summer rogers

By Jonathan Montgomery

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

What do you get when you mix one-part roller skates, one-part tough chicks, one-part brutal injuries and one-part Drew Barrymore?

The answer is the new film Whip It, about the rough and tumble world of roller derby, by director Drew Barrymore.

Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) is a teen in the small town of Bodeen, Texas searching for her sense of self while her mother (Marcia Gay Harden) makes her participate in pageants for young women. Bliss is completely unsuited for the pageant circuit; then she discovers the world of roller derby.

Once Bliss joins derby team, the Hurl Scouts, she discovers her calling in life is to play derby and soon becomes Babe Ruthless, the fastest jammer in the league.

There absolutely could not be a better cast of strong, tough ladies for this film.

Barrymore, not only in her directing debut, also stars in the film

as Smashley Simpson, a hippie with anger issues.

Page proves that she is more than her witty Juno character. She is excellent as the angst-ridden teen searching for her individuality.

It was unsettling, at first, to see Saturday Night Live cast member Kristen Wiig in a more serious role as Maggie Mayhem, but her performance grows on you and illustrates that Wiig is capable of more than just her outrageous characters on SNL. The incomparable Juliette Lewis plays to her strength as the devious Iron Maven. She is the bitch of the derby league and the fastest jammer until Bliss comes along and threatens to take the title from her.

This film is filled with adolescence, the lessons of life that we can only learn the hard way, friendship and finding yourself.

It is an excellent film that will make you laugh, cry, cringe and laugh some more.

Daily Titan Staff Writer detour@dailytitan.com

Despite claims of true originality, every band is influenced by the bands that came before them; some just decide to make it a little more obvious than others. Black Gold is one of those bands.

Their debut album Rush is a nice buffet of today’s mainstream music.

I often found myself saying “OK, this song sounds exactly like another song I’ve heard,” only each song I said that about came from a different genre. However, that doesn’t mean these guys are talentless; far from it, actually.

Although the band has only two members, the songs don’t reflect it.

Eric Ronick (lead vocals, keyboards) and Than Luu (drums, guitar, percussions, vocals) produced a pretty solid album full of eclectic sounds.

The album starts off with songs “Detroit,” “Plans & Reveries” and “Breakdown,” which showcase a very pop-based dance feel. The drums consisted of that simple and repetitive disco drumbeat I’m sure you’ve

heard, while the singer wailed in a high falsetto voice similar to Pheonix or MGMT. Both electronic and real instruments were used. Nowadays it is difficult to find a band within similar genres using actual instruments (i.e. not just a MacBook).

Halfway through the album, listeners are then given an unexpected surprise. The mood calms down a bit with their acoustic-based track, “Silver.” The vocals and style switch to something vaguely similar to that of The Decemberists. The track almost acts as a point of transition into the last half of the album, which shows a band with depth. They reveal roots of Beatles-esque rock and pop with upbeat guitar riffs, full drums and vocal harmonies.

Rush is all over the place, but there are plenty of hooks and choruses that are damn catchy. Given the diversity, I would bet there is at least one song on this album for everyone.

Download: “Idols” and “The Comedown”

October 8, 2009

MOVIE

By Jason Garcia

For the Daily Titan

detour@dailytitan.com

Good news everyone, this Halloween a scary movie has finally been released that actually lives up to its promise. Paranormal Activity has been scaring the pants off sold-out crowds for the last two weekends.

Never heard of it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most of the world still hasn’t had the privilege of hearing about the bone-chilling, hairraising, finger-biting, eyes-covering film.

There are enough creeks, moans, groans, bumps and unexpected “activity” to keep you on the edge of your seat the entire movie. Even when you think you might know what’s going to happen next, you really have no idea.

The movie is about Micah and Katie, a couple living in San Diego who move in together trying to live a normal life like any other couple.

But Katie has been keeping a terrible secret from her boyfriend of three years, and I’m not talking about a bad credit report. Katie has been

plagued by demonic occurrences, on and off, since she was eight years old, and now they are back and stronger than ever.

Micah decides to film the house and try and figure out what’s going on. The camera rolls day and night, capturing the freakish occurrences.

Micah eventually comes around and realizes that further assistance is needed. By then it’s too late, nothing can save the couple from a force that has grown wildly out of control.

The film is shot mock-documentary style, such as “The Blair Witch Project,” with much less mindless swearing and childish bickering, but with more thrills and chills.

First time director and video game designer, Oren Peli, delivered a masterpiece of a film showing a ton of natural ability.

Peli showed audiences it’s not always what you see that you should be afraid of, sometimes what you can’t see or explain that can be more frightful.

9

DETOUR

A day at Cherch will do you good

New Fullerton lounge and restaurant brings contemporary flare

By Heather rest

For the Daily Titan

detour@dailytitan.com

From the colorful retro design concept to the comfort of the soul food it serves, Cherch Restaurant and Lounge in Downtown Fullerton is sure to not leave your senses disappointed.

Owners Joseph Hartman, 30, and Nicholas Lombardo, 32, have poured their hearts into creating this classy sophisticated lounge with a serious edge.

If Twiggy and Carrie Bradshaw were going for cocktails, this would be their spot.

“We want to blow people away with exquisite cuisine, like blow their minds. The vibe is very crucial for what I want us to be known for, as well as good natural entertainment,” Lombardo said.

White leather-studded walls, man-made limestone hallways and zebra wood are just some of the textures involved in creating the mix of 1970s retro and contemporary décor that is Cherch.

Splashes of orange, dimly-lit chandeliers and a changing color display

of liquor are just part of the venue's commitment to layers of textures, visually and conceptually. The unusual name just stuck.

“We came up with the idea about four or five years ago; the name Cherch really stood out. We didn’t want to offend anyone so we changed the 'u' to an 'e' to try to swing it that way,” Hartman said.

Cherch opened in February of this year after completely renovating what was once an antique shop into a fully-functioning restaurant. The process took exactly one year and four days, Lombardo said.

“We had to dig 4-foot trenches; it was like Indiana Jones running through all the tunnels. The place looked like a battlefield for a few months,” Lombardo said.

The menu features stand-out dishes like freshly-made lobster risotto, creamy grilled chicken alfredo and 72-hour braised short ribs. Cherch prides itself on trying to please a wide range of customers.

Whether you're in for a nice night on the town or just stopping by for a bowl of pasta and a beer, they’ve got you covered.

“I love the 72-hour braised short ribs, those are my (favorite). Served with seven-cheese au gratin potatoes, they are to die for,” Lombardo said.

Babe Poyyak stood behind the colorful bar dressed in all black with

a silver necktie. Poyyak smirked as she described her creation on the eclectic cocktail list, a combination of Don Julio Tequila shaken with cloudy apple juice, spiked by fresh chili peppers and lime juice.

“My contribution is the Fuego Manzana. If you’re into tequila, the apple juice really compliments it.

It really has a nice rounded flavor,” Poyyak said.

The venue features nightly entertainment ranging from live bands, stand-up comedians, art and fashion shows.

Movie night is held on Wednesday, and Sunday and Monday night football are all displayed on the location's signature 35-foot by 16-foot high-definition projector screen.

When the screen is not being used for football or movies like Sideways and Poltergeist, projections of colorful images of flowers and exotic landscapes contrast with the hard edges of the restaurant's décor.

Heather Perez, 25, and friends made the journey from Riverside to watch their friend’s band, The Sequins, perform late Thursday night.

“I really like this place; it’s very Hollywood-esque, very chic. I love the ambiance,” Perez said.

The posh Fullerton spot is looking to stand out.

Both owners know that they have the challenging task of maintaining an upscale restaurant in a college town, but they think it’s just what the doctor ordered.

“With all the different restaurant and bar concepts going on all over Fullerton, it’s not really competition.

Everyone is helping each other out. We're still college friendly; don’t be intimidated,” Lombardo said.

For more information, visit CherchLounge. com.

October 8, 2009

Photos By Kevin warn/For the Daily Titan Above: Lighted shelves and granite countertops add character to the bar at Cherch. Below Left: Chandeliers lend to the retro inspired decor of the new Downtown Fullerton establishment. Movies and sports are projected on their high-definition projection screen.

Event Calendar 8 thursday

9 friday

10 saturday

• La Quinta Estacion Fox Theatre • State Radio HOB Anaheim • Zack Gill The Mint • Boom Bip Echo • Stewart Copeland Amoeba Music • The Drop: Todd Snider The Grammy Museum • AM Troubadour • ...And you will Know us by the Trail of Dead Henry Fonda Theatre

• Tom Morello Troubadour • Bane Chain Reaction • John Doe Echoplex •Murs HOB Anaheim • A Day to Remember Glass House • O’Death Spaceland • Thursday Knitting Factory • Metronomy Roxy Theatre

• Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Irvine Meadows • Mae SOMA • blink-182 Palladium •Wisin y Yandel Staples Center • Mute Math Club Nokia • Jason Mraz Hollywood Bowl • The B-52’s Irvine Meadows • Children of Bodom Glass House Photo Courtesy of Ani Kellogg

Sports

10

October 8, 2009

Sitting down with lacrosse players Ansel, Cole

photo courtesy chris cole Freshman midfielder Chris Cole makes a play during his high school days.

By brandon angel

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

An inside look at an athlete is something that many fans can appreciate. Getting to know an athlete on a semi-personal level is comforting to fans and everyday people because it gives them an opportunity to see what type of person an athlete really is.

Cal State Fullerton junior Mike

Ansel, 21, a communications major, and freshman Chris Cole, 19, undeclared, are two of the premier players on the Men’s Lacrosse Club.

Ansel, who came out of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Calif., plays attack for the Titans, while Cole, a graduate of Foothill High School in Santa Ana, plays midfielder.

Last year, Ansel was the Southern Lacrosse Conference player of the year, leading the nation in Division

II Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse with 104 points in 16 games.

Cole was part of three consecutive Foothill Southern Section championships. He was an All-American and was one of the top scorers in the Sea View League.

After winning their conference, the lacrosse club went on to the national tournament where they lost to Emory University in the first round.

Recently, both Ansel and Cole sat down and answered some questions about their personalities and their aspirations as lacrosse players.

Daily Titan: Tell me something about each of you that no one on the team knows about?

Mike Ansel: Well, this is going to sound a little weird, but I pay $35 for my haircuts.

Chris Cole: I’m really into koi ponds because I love fish and the relaxing sound of the water.

DT: What is more meaningful to you, scoring a goal or preventing one?

Ansel: It has to be scoring a goal.

My position is attack so that’s what I live for, which is scoring goals.

Cole: I love to prevent a goal because it demoralizes opponents when they can’t score on us.

DT: What do each of you love the most about lacrosse?

Ansel: I love that lacrosse is a laidback and very fun sport. It doesn’t get a ton of national attention but, man, it is fun to play! The scoring of goals, physical play and constant attention you must pay to your opponent is what makes the sport great. Also, if you keep your head on a swivel, you’re going to take some punishment.

Cole: I love the constant action

and perpetual motion of the sport.

There are no dull moments in lacrosse, which makes the sport great.

Since I’m a very confident guy, I love to embarrass the defense. I’m very competitive, and lacrosse brings out the best in me.

DT: Who taught you how to play the game?

Ansel: My coach at El Toro High School, Pat Gowan, taught me how to play lacrosse. I owe him a lot for showing me the right way to play lacrosse. His assistants, Randy Josselyn and Greg Guy, were also instrumental in my development as a player.

Cole: John Fox, my high school coach. He helped make me the player that I am today.

DT: Who is your favorite player?

Ansel: Well, I’m kind of cheating, but I have to say I have two favorite players: Ryne Olson and Jordan Michaels.

Cole: Michael Watson.

DT: Favorite team?

Ansel: Syracuse Orangemen.

Cole: Ohio State Buckeyes.

DT: Who inspires you to be the best?

Ansel: Michael Powell of the Boston Cannons. He’s a great all-around player and defines the word “tenacious.” He never gives up, and the way he plays just inspires me to be the best lacrosse player possible.

Cole: My stepbrother, Randale Thornhill. He introduced me to the game and showed me how to go about my business and how to be a good man.

DT: How do you apply the game of lacrosse to your daily lives?

Ansel: In life if you don’t put in the effort, you’re not going to see the results. In lacrosse, like in life, there

are no shortcuts in becoming a successful person.

Cole: Overcoming the odds, determination and dedication are all part of lacrosse. I look at life the same way.

DT: Describe each other’s personality.

Ansel: Chris reminds me of myself in that he’s super confident and

sometimes even brash, but he’s a good guy and modest, but once you get him on the field he’s like me: an animal.

Cole: Mike is a funny and confident guy who likes to be the life of the party. He plays hard and is always working at becoming the best.

I see that in myself, so that’s probably why we get along so well.

photo courtesy eyeiniphotography Senior attacker Mike Ansel looks on during a CSUF lacrosse match last season.

Volleyball keeps making noise sports@dailytitan.com

The Cal State Fullerton Women’s Volleyball team reached a new milestone in their program’s history when they received national recognition by the voters who contribute to the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

The Titans received six votes and earned a spot at No. 40 in the country.

Head Coach Carolyn Zimmerman said it’s a big deal considering many coaches get used to voting for the same teams based on familiarity, and for some coaches to step out of that comfort zone is a big thing.

This news comes after a weekend where the team swept both Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and UC Santa Barbara at Titan Gym and freshman middle blocker Kayla Neto earned Big West Conference Player of the Week.

This is the first time in the program’s history that the Titans earned votes in a nationally recognized Division I poll, and are one of four Big West teams to earn recognition.No.

20 Long Beach State, No. 23 UC Ir- back-to-back nights. vine, and UC Santa Barbara, which “It’s really good for us that other received 25 votes, were the other teams have to look at us now and rethree. spect us, rather than ‘Oh, were just “It’s really exciting,” senior cap- playing Fullerton,’” junior outside tain and middle blocker Alex Wol- hitter Erin Saddler said. nisty said.

The coach“It definitely ing staff feels motivates me they have an to push even advantage harder in my traveling with last season Long Beach because evbecause the eryone wants opponents to go out on will focus top.” more on the The Titans Long Beach are having game than their best sea– Alex Wolnisty with Fullerson to date ton. senior middle blocker with key wins “I think it over UCLA, will play into Wisconsin, our hand beUC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly cause the opponents will work more SLO. preparing for Long Beach than for CSUF travel partner for this sea- us,” Assistant Coach Vinh Nguyen son is Long Beach State, a huge pow- said. er in the Big West, and now that FulCSUF will travel to the University lerton is a program that looks to do of Pacific and UC Davis for games some damage opposing teams have on Friday and Saturday before rea tough task ahead of them, playing turning home to play UC Riverside two of the best in the conference on on Thursday Oct. 15.

“

It’s really exciting.

It definitely motivates me to push even hard in my last season because everyone wants to go out on top.

“

By Nicholas Fortes

Daily Titan Staff Writer

photo courtesy mattbrownphoto.com Sophomore libero Stephanie Sommer and junior libero Cami Croteau celebrate their historic win over UCLA with CSUF fans at Titan stadium. The Titans have been making a lot of noise all season with surprising wins over high caliber opponents.

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11 Puzzle

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42 Lend a hand 43 Fast time 44 Gander 46 Embarrassed 48 World Series mo.

49 Stir-fried dish 54 Legend automaker 57 Cross shape 58 Yellowish earth tone 59 Hush-hush activities, briefly, and a hint to the hidden theme in 18-, 23-, 38- and 49-Across 61 Magician Henning et al.

62 Region 63 Shoshoneans 64 __ the side of caution 65 College official 66 Like slasher movies 67 1954-1977 defense gp.

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DOWN 1 “Judge __�: Stallone film 2 School tool 3 Big name in gas

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

By Donna S. Levin

4 Admit one’s guilt to serve less time 5 Threat-ending words 6 Rodeo rope 7 Weird Al Yankovic parody of a Michael Jackson hit 8 It’s pumped in gyms 9 PC program 10 Holy wars 11 Elvis __ Presley 12 Swing set site 13 Epsilon follower 19 Water gun stream 24 Desk phone unit 25 Orchestra leader 27 Third afterthought, in a ltr.

28 Old Italian money 29 Paradise 30 Eddie of the ’40s-’50s Senators 31 German artist Nolde 32 Dimwit 33 “__ Excited�: Pointer Sisters hit

10/8/09

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

(c)2009 Tribune Media Services, Inc.

35 __ dixit: assertion without proof 36 Luau fare 39 Sprint Cup org.

40 It may take years to settle one 45 Seoul man 47 Lyric poems 49 Playful prank 50 Brazen minx 51 “Star Trek� communications officer

10/8/09

52 Grain disease 53 Like some simple questions 54 West Point, e.g.: Abbr.

55 Apple center 56 Eye part containing the iris 57 He bit Miss Gulch in a 1939 film 60 Pull hard

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12

SPORTS

Titans beat Matadors 2-1 By cesar gonzalez

Daily Titan Staff Writer sports@dailytitan.com

The Cal State Fullerton men’s soccer team came from behind and won a thrilling overtime game 2-1 against the Cal State Northridge Matadors Wednesday night at Titan Stadium.

The Titans only needed one opportunity to end the game, and they got it in the 99th minute of overtime, as senior midfielder Shay Spitz gave a perfect pass to redshirt freshman midfielder Oscar Aguero, who took a shot from an angle 18 yards out and beat Matador goalkeeper Michael Abalos, who had no chance to stop the shot. It was Aguero’s second goal of the season and a memorable one.

“I felt a rush feeling after scoring and was motivated by the fans who were supporting them the whole game,” Aguero said.

Head Coach Bob Ammann was pleased with how his team played after being down.

“I’m proud of the way the guys played tonight,” Ammann said. “It was a tight game against a good team, and we were able to battle back.”

Sophomore goalkeeper Trevor Whiddon enjoyed a strong performance in front of the net and said that once the team fell behind, they stepped up their play.

“We felt motivated, and the team was pumped up after the game was tied,” Whiddon said.

Whiddon felt they dominated the game and needed to go for the win.

After the first half, both teams had numerous scoring chances but neither team could convert. The Titan’s closest chance to score came in minute 35th when freshman defender Jonathan Birt took a shot 18 yardsout, but was saved by Abalos. Junior forward Celso Alvarez tried to score on the rebound but was offsides when Birt had taken the shot.

Another opportunity they had to score came when Spitz had an open shot, but shot it right into Abalos’ hands. As for the Matadors, their closest opportunity was eight minutes into the game when redshirt senior forward Milan Radovic gave a nice pass to senior midfielder Sun-

Photo By chad uemera/Daily Titan Staff Photographer Redshirt freshman Oscar Aguero works to get position on Cal State Northridge senior Cameron Sims Wednesday night at Titan Stadium.

ghyun Kim, who controlled the ball and took a shot against Whiddon, but his kick was wide of the net.

The Titans outshot the Matadors in the first half five to two but had trouble getting by the Matador defense while trying to catch them by surprise, only to find themselves unable to get through the defense.

In the second half, the Titans were looking to get an early lead but the Matadors took the honor in the 55th minute on a cross by senior defender Robert Pate from the right corner and found senior forward Cameron

Sims in front of the goal. He put the ball past Whiddon who tried to prevent the ball going in, but it deflected off him and into the goal.

The Titans were now trailing the game and were looking for an opportunity to tie the game and got it in the 74th minute when redshirt freshman forward Jameson Campbell was on a breakaway and got taken down by Matador senior midfielder Dylan Riley. He got red carded, and the Titans got a direct free kick. Aguero took the free kick and scored on the lower left corner

to tie the game.

This motivated the team, which almost converted another just two minutes later, but were unable to convert. The game entered overtime tied 1-1 where a golden goal would win the game for either team.

In the 97th minute, a Matador defender almost converted on a Titan miscue, but the shot over Whiddon went wide of the post and kept the game tied.

The Titans look to improve their record Saturday at 1 p.m. when they travel to UC Davis.

October 8, 2009

Would Limbaugh be a good fit as NFL owner?

(MCT) – Rush Limbaugh wants to own the St. Louis Rams. Well, good for him. His money is green and plentiful and his politics are conservative, which means he’ll pretty much fit right in with the rest of the gang within the NFL ownership’s corridors of power.

They probably don’t care about his politics. In fact, if you checked most of their campaign contributions, you’d find that most of them probably are staunch supporters of the guy who has been called “the unofficial voice of the Republican Party.” With a wink and a smile, they will surely welcome him to their club, because ultimately all they care about is whether or not his check will bounce, and we all know that’s highly unlikely.

They will all look the other way when it comes to Limbaugh – forgetting his polarizing racial politics, conveniently ignoring (perhaps even quietly agreeing with) all the meanspirited divisive bile that comes along with his ample financial clout – just like many of you surely will, too. They will look the other way because of his wealth and influence.

You will look the other way because to some of you, he is your politically incorrect hero, and the rest might be willing to ignore all of that just as long as he can put enough money on the table to help keep your football team in St. Louis.

I don’t have that luxury.

Though I think it is his right to take a shot at becoming part of a new Rams ownership group, Limbaugh’s American Dream is a potential nightmare waiting to happen for the Rams, the city and the National Football League.

“Look, let me put it to you this way: The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons.

There, I said it.”

Those are Limbaugh’s words. So are these: “I mean, let’s face it, we didn’t have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing.

Quite the opposite: Slavery built the South. I’m not saying we should bring it back. I’m just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets

were safer after dark.”

I know how those words play out in Idiot America. They are embraced as gospel. But inside the locker rooms of the NFL, where the overwhelming majority of the players are descendants of slaves, Limbaugh’s ignorant ramblings resonate with entirely different emotions.

His money might be green, but his words are colored with hate and intolerance. Bringing Limbaugh back into the NFL family will ultimately be met with the same disastrous effects from the last time it was tried.

Remember the failed experiment with the ESPN NFL pregame show?

Remember the seething anger and pained expression on the face of ESPN analyst Tom Jackson when he tried to express his feelings about what Limbaugh had said in the aftermath of the notorious Donovan McNabb disaster?

Remember the uncomfortable backtracking that had to be done when Limbaugh spouted off on his predictable anti-affirmative action screed and took McNabb down into the cesspool with him?

That’s why I keep scratching my head and wondering why so many people foolishly believe that at some point Limbaugh’s mouth won’t cause another embarrassing situation for the Rams and the league. This isn’t about conservative politics. If that’s all you could say about him, it certainly doesn’t disqualify him to be a potential NFL owner. In fact, that makes him highly qualified to join the club. He would fit right in with the rest of the exclusive boys club of ultra-wealthy, ultra-conservative white men who rule the ownership suites of most professional sports leagues.

But even if he fit in with his politics, let’s hope he doesn’t fit in with his polarizing, racist demagoguery.

And yes, that is exactly what it is, no matter how many of his blindly loyal supporters want to put the “politically incorrect” party dress on it.

For full story, log onto Dailytitan.com/2009/10/rush-limbaugh-wants-to-own-the-rams/