The Collegian -- March 8, 2013

thecollegian Issue 10 • Friday, March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

INSIDE

One free copy

APPROVAL REQUIRED

Bulletin boards offer ways to communicate, but caution is urged with unauthorized postings

by sofia sher

news@deltacollegian.net

Instructors adventurous out of the classroom Pages 4-5

Awards night brings surprises and controversy Page 6

‘Zone’ open to athletes and students alike Page 7

UPCOMING Mustang baseball vs. Pirates, Cecchetti Field Tues., March 13 2:30 p.m.

Writers’ Guild Book Swap Wed., March 13, Lower Danner Hall 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

FIND US

Students walk by them everyday.

They are in halls, in the middle of walking paths and in front of buildings.

They are everywhere.

Campus bulletin boards are a way of communicating to the broader Delta College audience.

The purpose is to benefit students in any way possible by providing information about campus activities, housing opportunities, books for sale, job openings and other need-to-know information.

The availability of campus posting areas means the system can be used incorrectly, however, and that some flyers on campus may contain prohibited content.

Student Activities monitors many of the bulletin boards in common areas of campus and checks them twice a month.

However, the office isn’t responsible for all boards on campus.

“Ads without an approval stamp will be removed, as well as ads that are posted using staples and/or tape,” said Tiffany Carrillo, Student Activities office secretary.

An approval stamp is free. Flyers are limited to a month run.

If an ad seems suspicious, such as a job posting that has little valid information regarding the position or where it is, Jim Vergara, campus public media coordinator, recommends using common sense when calling about these fliers.

Students are advised to exercise caution.

Those wishing to post must also abide by rules listed on a flyer registration form in the Student Activities office.

The rules include: No glue, no paste and no tape. Pushpins and thumbtacks are the only valid way to post.

Content is also examined for legitimacy.

To consider a flyer legitimate, it must include a phone number and the name of the person.

Flyers listing only website information are not allowed and will not be considered.

Copies of approved flyers are also made available to campus police.

Still, unapproved items do show up on campus.

Campus police urge vigilance.

“These flyers are also placed illegally on vehicle windshields and areas on campus where posting is not allowed,” said Sgt. Mario Vasquez, of the campus police department, in an email interview.

Any ads placed on windshields, walls or doors do not follow the rules set forth

by Student Activities for flyer registration, and may be considered risky.

MIXED MESSAGES?: Right, a kiosk in front of the Holt building on campus. In front, an example of a Student Activities stamp.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN RATTO

Knowing possible deductions makes tax prep easier by christina cornejo news@deltacollegian.net

With close to five weeks left in the tax season, Delta College students who haven’t already filed their tax forms may be left wondering how they can get the most out of their returns.

Whether it’s your first time filing personal income taxes or your tenth, the process can intimidate even the most experienced.

The IRS mandates that anyone with an income greater than $9,750 must file a tax return by April 15, although it may be a good idea for students who earn less than that amount to file as well.

“Most of the time, the process is pretty straightforward,”

said Chris Wardell, Delta College accounting instructor.

Students can take advantage of one of two major tax credits that reduce the amount of income tax you have to pay: the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

With the American Opportunity Tax Credit, students can use expenses such as tuition, mandatory activity fees, textbooks –regardless of where you buy them, and course materials to obtain a credit of up to $2,500.

This credit specifies that students must be in a credential or degree program.

Alternatively, students can claim a Lifetime Learning Credit

of up to $2000, which for Delta students would only consider tuition as a qualifying expense.

In this case, pursuing a degree is not necessary.

Students should make sure that they retrieve their 1099T form from the Delta website in order to verify their deductible expenses.

“And if they go to more than one school, they should get one [1099T] from each college,” Wardell adds.

Aside from the credits, there is a student loan interest deduction to note for students who already may be paying back student loans and earn less than $75,000 in wages.

There are many details to understand about the tax code,

and many people can turn to licensed tax preparers when in doubt about the process.

However, being aware of the various options may ensure that tax-paying students are getting the most out of their education tax benefits.

For more on specific tax information, visit irs.gov.

The website offers a series of online programs for low-income people to e-file federal taxes free.

Also, the Franchise Tax Board of California, at ftb.ca.gov, offers similar services to file state returns online.

For others looking to learn more about tax preparation, Wardell offers a class on personal income tax here at Delta College.

2

opinion

Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

EDITORIAL

Debit-based financial aid system causes confusion

I

n Spring 2012, the financial aid office changed the way of providing money to eligible students.

Before, students would apply and a check would arrive in the postal mail at a later date, sometimes weeks later.

Now distributions are made to Higher One accounts and linked to debit cards.

The implementation of the Higher One distribution system is meant to make the process of receiving financial funds easier.

This service has it benefits and its flaws.

Higher One is a company. Like any other company their goal is make as much profit as possible. The way to do this is to charge fees for insignificant things like putting a pin in.

The Collegian acknowledges Higher One makes the financial aid process an ease, but we also feel that students should not be so naïve and understand how to properly handle their money through Higher One. One reason that students should be on the lookout on how money is used is because Higher One has a certain amount of fees.

What’s

wrong with haley pitto hpitto2@hotmail.com

S

o I’m just driving along, minding my own business when what do I see?

The guy in the lane next to me is reading a book and the woman behind him is doing her make-up—while driving!

It’s human nature to be distracted, more like blatant

with people?

These fees are part of the terms students agree to when signing up for this card.

According to the Higher One Fee Schedules one fee is “Merchant Pin-Based transaction.”

When this fee is charged to a student’s account this means that at the checkout the students selected the “Debit” option.

The fee schedule states: “Over half of OneAccount holders never receive more than one pin fee...”

These fees are easy to avoid.

Instead of entering the personal identification number at the checkout, students can choose the “credit” option to avoid excess fees.

We’ve heard complaints about the fees associated with using these cards on and off campus. Like other financial institutions, Higher One charges a fee when an ATM is used that is not one of theirs.

Higher One’s fee schedule says $2.50 plus any fees the ATM owner charges. The obvious way to avoid this is by using free Higher One ATMs. Overdraft fees are also painful.

According to Higher One’s fee schedule, the first overdraft during the account’s lifetime entails a $29 charge. All subsequent transactions are $38.

The last fee students should be aware of is the “monthly service fee.”

The fee is $3.95 per month. The way to avoid the charge is by being a student or having direct deposit of $100 per month.

These are all the fees Higher One charges its OneAccount holder students.

However, students continue to have other options for receiving financial aid, including direct deposit into a bank account or having a check issued and mailed to a home address.

The adage that “Knowledge is Power” applies here. Students need to take responsibility for their own finances by being informed.

Students have other options besides the Higher One card.

These two options, which may now seem old in light of the introduction of Higher One, are both ways to avoid excess fees.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

stupidity when we get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

It’s as if it is ingrained in our DNA to be morons when we have a ton of metal to back us up.

I know I’m not alone when I say how irritating it is to be cut off by someone too busy making a phone call, or brushing

their hair, to pay attention to the drivers around them.

The list of absentminded people is endless.

It ranges from drivers brake checking the person behind them the entire trip to veering in and out of lanes without signaling.

Now, they could be so special that their car did not come equipped with proper brakes or

blinkers, but I doubt it.

It’s as if they feel entitled to run stop signs and red lights, go 60 mph in a 40 zone or hightail it over speed bumps like their little Prius is in a monster truck show.

Some of the worst drivers are here on campus, especially in the Shima parking lot.

I thought that the speed limit was 10 mph in the park-

ing lot, not 40, or did everyone suddenly become illiterate?

Call me annoying or say it’s not you who does it all you want, but I doubt that can be true 100% of the time.

It’s bad enough that I have to deal with these maniacs who seem to have a death wish on my way to school.

It’s a different story having to deal with them when I arrive — in the parking lot no less!

I mean are you people crazy or suicidal?

What’s wrong with people?

THE COLLEGIAN — SPRING 2013 Editor James Striplin News editor Brian Ratto Opinon editor Justin Tristano Entertainment & sports editor Christopher Howze Feature editors Karina Ramirez & Valerie Smith Copy editor Haley Pitto

Staff Cameron Bryant Christina Cornejo Christian Covarrubias Victoria Davila Jermaine Davis Derrion Dunn Ashley Gordon Alyssa Gress Michael Johnson Shallena Johnson Valerie Lancer Sean Mendoza Andrea Masuret Salvador Ortiz Diane Rivera Sofia Sher Devin Valdez Adviser Tara Cuslidge-Staiano

Advertising The Collegian offers display advertising at competitive rates.

Call (209) 954-5156 or email deltacollegian@gmail.com for more information.

Letters to the editor Letters raising issues and opinions not represented by the newspaper are encouraged, but should not be taken as a reflection of the opinions of the staff or adviser.

Editorial Unsigned editorials reflect the position of the entire Collegian staff.

Comments, letters and editorials with a byline represent the opinion of the writer, solely.

This paper does not endorse or represent the opinions of the adviser, the mass communication department, the Fine Arts Division, the printer or San Joaquin Delta College administration.

Mission statement The Collegian is a student run First Amendment newspaper that prides itself on its commitment to the students of San Joaquin Delta College while maintaining its independence of any outside influence.

The Collegian will reinvigorate the credo that the newspaper speaks for the students, checks abuses of power and stands vigilant in the protection of democracy and free speech.

3

issues

Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

International students face challenges on Delta campus by sofia sher

news@deltacollegian.net

I

t’s easy to think international students have the freedom to financial services available at Delta College.

However, services for international students are very limited.

Even so, a few weeks ago, I was one of the many students who thought that international students not only crowd the campus, but also take advantage of the financial aid system. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Delta College actually benefits from the International Student Program because these students generate income into the campus.

Students coming from other countries also face great challenges here.

For example, these students don’t qualify for financial aid, the Board of Governors fee waiver or residency in the United States.

Their purpose is to get educated and return to their home country.

Because international students don’t qualify for financial aid, they also aren’t under the restriction of the 90-unit limit.

“The F1 Visa automatically disqualifies international students for residency and employment,” said Melissa Black, International Student Program Specialist at Delta College.

Due to the terms and agreements of the F1 Visa, these students are also unable to attend adult school for ESL classes.

“Most international students already have a plan and know what classes they will take and

they know what they are doing,” said Black.

This semester, 72 international students registered at Delta.

In my research, there is one area that I consider unfair. As a regular student, my Federal Work Study recently ended after I hit my 90-unit limit.

International students can qualify to work up to 20 hours a week on campus for as long as they attend Delta.

I have worked at Delta since 2010.

This previous semester, I was disqualified for financial aid and Federal Work Study because I graduated early with honors and I passed my 90unit limit.

That means this semester, I am no longer eligible to work on campus. Money I could have earned to save for my transfer to California State University, Stanislaus is gone.

I’m currently unemployed. But I’m here this semester to finish transfer units that I needed for my bachelor’s degree.

Yet, the Federal Work Study students are limited with units and our job is in jeopardy when we are close to 90 units.

I have never failed any classes at Delta and always maintained over 3.0 grade-point average.

This may sound like a petty argument, and one only impacting me, but its bothersome when it seems like a group of individuals is being given more allowance than those who this system was initially set up for.

I’m not against international students.

I know they have a lot on their plates when it comes to education.

Dorner: Vigilante or deviant? by ashley gordon news@deltacollegian.net

V

endetta, Punisher, Robin Hood, Christopher Dorner? Like many, these past few weeks, I was submerged in a culture I was only familiar with in movies.

Christopher Dorner was one vigilante trying to make his agenda known against the corrupt government.

Whatever this agenda could have been will forever be unknown. Dorner died in a standoff with law enforcement in mid-February.

Dorner was an ex Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer who was terminated for making “false allegations” against his superiors.

He wrote a manifesto, with claims of several injustices he witnessed while on duty.

My opinion is unpopular with the majority of people.

In fact when I first told classmates about the situation including the manifesto in Dorner’s own words, they said he was “crazy.”

If Dorner played his cards right, and what was written in his Manifesto is indeed fact, then he will be largely known as a vigilante with a “noble” cause instead of being seen as a murderous sociopath. This case is similar to the movie “Law Abiding Citizen.” In the movie a man who has lost his family to a violent murder, turns around

and murders everyone that had something to do with the case years later.

The audience believes in the message, yet is conflicted by the methods of the main character.

Specifically killing innocent people.

Was Dorner a “thug?” Not in my eyes.

Was he a “hero?” No. But what he was and what he will be remembered for is a man who wanted to clear his name, and a man who was desperate to see change.

I can see why this man was upset, according to him members of the LAPD made him out to be a misfit, and when he took the trials of fellow officers to the courts, he was terminated.

It’s hard to say who to agree with.

However, if there is evidence of officers hurting people who are already down, handcuffed, or are unable to put up resistance, shouldn’t someone say something? Shouldn’t something be done?

According to Dorner someone should, and he did.

To be hit with a termination only a few months after and to be labeled derogatory terms because he “snitched” on his colleagues must have been revolting to him.

This being the case, I’m not siding with Dorner or the LAPD. I’m telling the side you may not have seen on mainstream media.

Then I’ll let you decide.

THE

10 Percent

with brian ratto

bratto@deltacollegian.net

Misdirected anger gets us nowhere

A

recent column on the Internet has made me ask why do so many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) people think that just because someone or some company holds anti-LGBTQ+ views the entire gay community must boycott them.

There is numerous businesses’ that have CEO’s that are bigoted, that does not mean the entire company is that way.

If LGBTQ+ people were to boycott everyone and anything that had ties to someone who is against them then that would count out ExxonMobil, Walmart, Chick-FilA, Urban Outfitters, Target, Inand-Out Burger, A-1 Self-Storage and the Salvation Army to name a few.

There are companies on the boycott list that I have recently shopped at and I did not feel persecuted for being gay.

There was nothing wrong with the people in the company.

The only thing that was bad were the anti-LGBTQ+ comments made by the CEO or other individuals.

There are some companies that deny LGBTQ+ people access to their services as well as funding campaigns of like minded individuals.

Salvation Army has done just that.

Funds from the organization have been used to openly support anti-LGBTQ+ movements and political candidates as well.

They also deny equal services to LGBTQ+ people.

The Salvation Army doesn’t allow same-sex families to use the family shelter. I see no problem with boycotting the Salvation Army for that denial of service.

Yet, when a CEO makes a personal contribution to a political campaign that they agree with, it is their right.

If that company says I am sorry you are not allowed to use our services because of your sexuality then that is discrimination.

We all know that discrimination is illegal.

I know that the Gay Rights movement has been compared to the African-American Civil Rights movement multiple times, but gay rights are an extension of that movement.

The African American Civil Rights movement came about to abolish public and private acts of racial discrimination for African Americans and other disadvantaged groups just as the Gay Rights movement does for the oppression of same-sex sexuality, same-sex marriage and gender variance.

Boycotting a company for their CEO having a different political view than you is just crazy.

If we were to boycott every company that disagreed with us in any way then we would all need to harvest our own food make all our own clothes, electronics, transportation and slaughter our own meat. Which most people do not have the skill set to do.

We all have to fight harder to make equality a reality, and show the world that no matter whom you are, from skin tone to sexuality, we are all human. That alone is the only way we can make this world a better place.

4

feature

Read an article about Dr. Steve Graham by Alyssa Gress at deltacollegian.net

Lyons has the world in his hands Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

by devin valdez

We see them as instructors. They assign homework. They correct our tests.

They hand out grades. Away from the Delta College campus they have varied interests, lead fascinating lives and generally are much cooler than we think.

DIFFERENT TO THE CORE COLLEGIAN PHOTOILLUSTRATION, IMAGE FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Teaching biology in the class, living as a naturalistbyatkarina heart ramirez news@deltacollegian.net

by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net

Dr. Paul Ustach also known as Dr. U by his students, is a biology professor who has been teaching at Delta College since 2004.

Every summer since 2010 he heads to Yosemite National Park to be a National Park Ranger. His work entails: detailed tours of the premises, campfires, bird and animal watching amongst other duties.

“If I could teach all my classes outdoors in nature PHOTO BY VALERIE SMITH like this I would I wish all of education could be takern outside of the classroo,” said Ustach.

During Ustach’s Ranger duties he and his family stay in a trailer in the Yosemite mountains.

Ustach also plays in an adult soccer league with Stockton United in the complex off of Arch Road. Ustach’s been playing since about 2009.

In regards to teaching biology Ustach said: “I feel like I’m the equivalent of a professional sports player I get paid to play and do something I love.”

He has been involved with student awareness of restore the Delta crusade, and has hopes to start a club related to biology in some way.

“I would like to start a club with nature, natural history, or hiking involved, but it has to be student initiated first.”

Ustach has also lived in places such as Ireland, Guatemala, Michoacan and Oaxaca for short periods.

“I like to live places rather than just visit,” he said.

Ustach’s overall teaching style is interactive, fun and interesting.

His serious, yet funny nature allows students to become engaged.

“I take alot of pleasure in challenging, and getting students excited about life on the planet,” said Ustach.

news@deltacollegian.net

Dr. Robin Lyons is a geography instructor at Delta College.

His hobbies include travelling, which has taken him around the world. But there’s more to him than just that. He’s also a competitive athlete and was once in a rock band.

Lyons does it all.

His love for geography began as a child when he traveled with his parents by trailer all over Canada, where he is originally from, and the United States.

Lyons lived in Hawaii for 30 years. He attended graduate school at the University of Hawaii.

Originally, he wanted to be a chemist and went to school to become one. In the middle of studying for a chemistry final in his second year, he decided to take a break and made a U.S. map.

It was then he decided he enjoyed mapping and geography more than chemistry.

Lyons specializes in cultural and population geography and in Pacific Islands geography. “I like geography because it covers so many different topics. I hated to study just one thing. I want to be more of a generalist and learn as much as I can about many different things and geography is perfect for that because it covers everything,” Lyons said.

Lyons personal travels sparked his interest in geography as well.

He’s been all over the United States and Canada.

He’s traveled to Polynesia, where he was able to show off his love of music and previous rock band experience, by playing with a local Polynesian group at luaus.

One of his favorite places is Australia because of the “m a r v e l o u s people.”

He has also enjoyed his travels to the Canadian Rockies.

This summer Lyons will be traveling to Torino, Italy to participate in the World Masters Games, a tournament for sportspeople ranging from 35-100years old.

Lyons will be playing badminton on an international team with eight other members, at the World Masters Games.

He now considers himself a senior athlete and is constantly in training for badminton.

He lifts weights a couple times a week, runs, swims and rides his bike to school every day as part of his training.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN COVARRUBIAS

Modern music instructor an old soul on campus by valerie lancer news@deltacollegian.net

Music instructor Monica Ambalal is a fun and passionate person, whose self-proclaimed purpose in life is to give back to her community.

But when she’s not dedicating time to work, grading papers and one-on-one sessions with her students, she is living an adventurous life.

Ambalal is part of a seasonal rowing team, practices Muay Thai boxing and hops onto a longboard as much as possible.

Those are only a fraction of her activities.

She’s also a skilled cellist and enjoys her time playing in a string quartet called “Strung Out.” The quartet plays weddings, grand opening ceremonies and much more.

As far as longboarding goes, Ambalal said it is her favorite thing to do on a bright and sunny day when she doesn’t have papers to grade.

She is open to students joining her for a quick ride around the block if they’d like, but said students seldom choose to join her.

She’s also a bit of a trendsetter, wearing unique pieces, including attention-grabbing scarves, jewelry and shoes.

Ambalal was unaware of how much her fashion influenced the students at Delta College.

When asked how she felt about being labeled a “trendsetter” she giggled out of surprise and appreciation.

She said she favors vintage clothes from the sixties and pieces that cannot be found in Stockton.

Her main shopping trips take place in San Francisco and Sacramento.

“I don’t want to teach sloppy,” she laughs.

Another “cool factor” on campus is the appearance of tattoos, which Ambalal sports on her forearms.

She has a “tattoo guy” named Antonio, who recently added some detail to a treble clef above her wrist. Ambalal said she can’t help but love tattoos and piercings and would love to get more.

She’s also a travelling queen.

She has been everywhere from the well-known country of Morocco to the unknown French island of Corsica where she stayed in a convent.

Morocco was said to be “such a beautiful trip. The

smells of Morocco are like a spice market.”

Italy was another trip to be remembered with adoration, seeing as she has family to visit there.

Ambalal is of Italian and African heritage.

Her mother brings in the Italian and her father carries the African nationality that makes Ambalal the worldly woman students know her to be.

Some students have commented on Ambalal’s “strict” teaching method and she responds with a graceful tone.

“I have a very abrasive personality to some people,” she said.

She is only firm when she needs to be, she added.

“I have to protect people from distractions. I used to be a lot worse,” she said.

Ambalal stressed how important teaching is in her life.

She was graciously offered this job when her own muCOURTESY PHOTOS sic professor retired from the position years ago. She was honored and stepped into the role that she once admired TRAVELING TEACHER: Above, music instructor Monica Ambalal long from the seats we sit in today.

“When I’m in the classroom, I feel like a completely boards. Right, Ambalal in front of a waterfall on one of her many trips.

Ambalal loves to travel around the world. different person. It’s like a fire inside me,” she said.

Blackford’s training in defense, belly dance and writing packs tiny professor with a triple personality punch by valerie smith news@deltacollegian.net

COURTESY PHOTO

BLACKFORD: “Come from a place of love not fear,” is her motto.

As students crowd Danner to grab a bite of food in between classes, or study and snooze in the Goleman Library they may not be thinking twice of what professors are doing during their free time or everyday lives.

Mary Blackford is a quirky English adjunct instructor who has been teaching at Delta since 2006. She has a notable knack for writing as well as reading, amongst other various

talents and hobbies.

“I’ve always read and I’ve always wanted to write”, said Blackford.

Blackford received her Bachelors in English at University of California, Davis, and went on to receive her masters degree at Sacramento State University.

While attending Davis her parents expected her to become a veterinarian. Blackford originally wanted to become a costume designer, but she fell in love with the art of English

and creative writing, and never looked back.

“The whole ballerina-veterinarian thing didn’t work out”, said Blackford, smiling.

Blackford’s first completed piece of writing as a noted screenplay author was “Wings” which placed second in a national screen exhibition. Out of about 1,200 writers she was in the top 35-50.

The screenplays initial concept came to Blackford in 1998 while passing a senior citizen complex she saw white plastic

chairs sitting on the balconies.

It got her thinking of how her life would be when she got old, and that many elderly persons must live desolate lives in these complexes.

Blackford has also been trained in tai-kwon do, and akita.

She’s also trained vigorously at her personal friend Payton Quinn’s Rocky Mountain Combat Applications Training center in self-defense and shooter scenarios.

“I had twisted ankles and

twisted wrists it was by far the bravest and most adventurous things I’ve done,” said Blackford. She is an avid gardener, and owns an acre which is a mini-farm owning about 16 roosters and twpo chickens, and plans to maybe get a sheep.She has recently learned how to bee-keep at “Love Apple Farms” in Santa Cruz and plans to add a bee-hive this summer to her garden.

“I’ve always loved learning about everything,” said Blackford.

Blackford makes all natural lip-balm and lotions and would like to start a web site to sell her products. She also participates in American tribal style belly dancing.

“I go over to SF and take classes with Fat Chance Belly Dance, it’s my favorite form of exercise,” said Blackford. “I would never be caught dead dancing in public, I do it for myself.”

Blackford’s passion for teaching others, as well as learning, is what keeps her en-

gaged and confident in being a professor.

“I like to think I help and it’s gratifying to see a student’s light-bulb go off and see them trust their own thoughts,” he said.

When Blackford was asked to sum herself up in a few words her response was: “Bigger on the inside than the outside.”

Blackford is heavily involved on campus with the Writer’s Guild Club, and an advisor for the Fencing club.

Both intertwine with her favorite book series “Lord of the Rings”.

One of her bucket list objectives is to literally live in a hobbit hole.

“I am a hobbit, I cook, I eat, I garden, I write,” she said.

Blackford’s long list of interesting hobbies and accomplishments may be surprising to students, but her unique family, love for the arts and writing, and outgoing personality make her an amazing professor.

6

entertainment

Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

The Academy Awards: The good, the bad and the real ugly A evening of stars, glamour and surprising wins by sean mendoza news@deltacollegian.net

After all the campaigning and controversy, the 85th Annual Academy Awards or the Oscars are over. The hard work from directors, producers, actors/actresses and everyone in between were acknowledged.

The show was airing live from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles The event was hosted this year by Seth McFarlane, creator of the animated hit TV show “Family Guy.� There were several movies up for Best Picture Of The Year that were critical hits such as “Zero Dark Thirty,� “Argo,� “Django Unchained� and “Lincoln.�

The Best Picture award went to ‘Argo’ which and was directed by Ben Affleck who also starred in the movie. It was a surprise to some including Affeck, as most were anticipating “Lincoln,� “Zero Dark Thirty� or “Django Unchained� to take home the award but Argo once again solidifies Affleck’s phoenix like resurrection of his career with this film and his recent directoral success’ “The Town� and “Gone Baby Gone.�

Best director was a greatest hits of some of the last two generations most talented film makers with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Affleck, Kathryn Bigelow and Ang Lee. With Lee in the end winning for the gorgeous “Life of Pi�

Daniel Day-Lewis took home an expected Best Actor award for his work with ‘Lincoln’, beating out some of the best actors of this generation such as Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper and Joaquin Phoenix.

Unanticipated was the Best Actress award going to “Hunger Games� star Jennifer Lawrence for the movie “Silver Linings Playbook.�

The selection shocked viewers because of the expectation that Jessica Chastain’s performance in “Zero Dark Thirty� was the more critically acclaimed.

To round out the night Anne Hathaway snagged Best Supporting Actress for her role in the musical “Les Miserables� and Christoph Waltz won his second Best Supporting Actor award for Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained.�

THIS MOMENT BEGAN WITH A CHOICE.

He chose to make a difference. Chose to get a degree. To learn new skills. And it was all made possible by the National Guard.

Contact Sergeant Arturo Alcantar at 209.496.5060

1-800-GO-GUARD 10BW-04_6x7_Alcantar.indd 1

1/16/13 11:05 AM

Bankrupt visual effects house wins by ashley gordon news@deltacollegian.net

“Wait! It wasn’t real?�

These were the words heard around the world, when countless movie-goers saw the “Life of Pi.�

The co-star, a Bengal tiger, was completely computer generated imagery, or CGI, and its looked incredibly realistic.

We as modern movie viewers have lost the awe that comes with a good special effect. So if you can fool and audience for a moment you’ve succeeded; “Life of Pi� did that the whole film.

Viewers thought the tiger actually acted out the scenes only to be transferred via a green screen. In actuality the tiger never existed.

The work of those involved didn’t go without notice.

The film took Oscars for Best Cinematography and for Best Visual Effects.

Rhythm and Hues, the company responsible for the visual effects of “Life of Pi,� along with countless other films has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The outsourcing of jobs isn’t new to most people of America but to the CGI world, it’s starting to hit home. “It makes people aware that overseas competition is affecting jobs in all industries, and the visual effects department is an example of that," said Ryan Camero, a Delta student and art forum organizer.

As a symbol of solidarity there is a Facebook protest in support for CGI companies, which involves a neon-green profile picture as a way to drum interest in the new wave of outsourcing. “I hope the protest acts as a waking point for those who aren’t aware that there is long-term and large-scale issue here. This cause in general demonstrates a breaking point for an industry that suffers the same obstacle many others are; which is the security of industry and national support. The nature of those who is overseas studios see significant backlash in out country. It is a problem that should be talked about," said Camero.

‘Joke’ brings wrath of the Internet

by wisdom-shallena johnson news@deltacollegian.net

Award nominees and winners gather on the red carpet, to celebrate another successful year. It’s a night of famous faces and expensive ceremony.

But are you familiar with the name Quvenzhane Wallis?

Wallis, 9, played the lead role in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.�

If you didn’t know her name, don’t feel bad because when the starlet hit the Oscars red carpet she was pretty much called everything except her name.

We’ve heard a lot of things about the young actress. She likes chicken and waffles. She loved her doggy shoulder bag. She’s an incredible actress.

And, apparently, she deserves to be called a four-letter word that starts with a “c� and ends with a “t.�

During the Oscars, parody news site The Onion known sent out a tweet that was immediately met with tons of backlash after they called Wallis the word, considered a derogative term for “female genitalia.�

The Onion tweeted: “Everyone else seems afraid to say it, but that Quvenzhane Wallis is kind of a [c*#t], right?�

Wallis hadn’t done anything to earn the abuse.

The entire Twitterverse swooped in to the rescue.

Technology writer Xeni Jardin tweeted. “Calling a 9 year old black girl a [c*#t] violates the most basic principles of what it means to be human. [F**k you].�

Actor Wendell Pierce said: “Identify the writer. Let him defend that abhorrent verbal attack of a child. You call it humor I call it horrendous.�

Viewers are shocked by the fact that anyone would bother to call a young child that name, and quickly following the backlash Steve Hannah, CEO of The Onion released an apology finding the tweet “crude and offensive - not to mention inconsistant with the Onion’s commitment to parody and satire, however biting... all of us at the Onion are deeply sorry.�

7

sports

Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

‘Zone’ gives student athletes key to success by jermaine davis news@deltacollegian.net

Looking for an alternative place to receive tutoring and study quietly in a friendly environment, with computer access?

Then make your way to The Zone.

The Zone is located in Budd 205.

It’s an area for student-athletes to study with teammates and other athletes who play separate sports, as well as a mandatory study hall for athletes to complete their minimum of three hours weekly requirement.

Not a student athlete? All students can study there as well.

Whether it be tutoring, computer access, limited textbook use, The Zone provides all the resources to study.

With the addition of The Zone three years ago, many student athletes have been able to form tighter bonds with teammates in addition to on-field relationships.

The Zone allows athletes to be among students like themselves who want to excel in sports along with academic success.

“Here at The Zone, student athletes must study in The Zone for three hours per week… maybe more, depending on how many units they’re enrolled in” said Teresa Gutierrez, instructional support assistant in The Zone. “I have really seen the benefits to the athletes with tutors being available to help them with their math, science, and general ed.”

The Zone was created by the Physical Education Recreation Athletics (PERA) Division, for athletes to study.

To insure students have the best assistance on campus at Delta College, The Zone has a staff of athletic coaches, trained tutors, and instructional support assistants.

Student athletes take advantage of the services provided in The Zone and don’t mind spending required hours per week.

“I feel like The Zone is a good place for student athletes who fall behind on their homework all the time” said Natalie Lambert, a forward on Delta’s women soccer team. “A lot of people are in The Zone for more than three hours, even though it’s mandatory to do

Softball team going strong by derrion dunn news@deltacollegian.net

Softball Coach Jim Fisher’s team is with a record of 10-5.

The team’s strengths are its pitching, with coach Fisher stressing the Mustangs need to work on defense.

Practice is going well and the team has worked long and hard to improve their game.

This season looks promising, said Fisher.

PHOTO BY JERMAINE DAVIS

STUDY PLACE: The Zone is open to all students as a means to study.

3…I do more than three hours, but it depends on how many classes you have. The more classes you have, the more studying you should do”.

Both Men and Women, who play sports at Delta College have been able to apply what they have learned from the tutors in The Zone, to what their faced with in the classroom. “I’ve seen my grades improve with the help I receive in The Zone” said

N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y

DeMarieya Nelson, a versatile tight end for the Delta Mustangs Football team.

Nelson added: “If you need a tutor all you have to do is ask, there are plenty of tutors to help.”

“Well, I think we all perform better when there’s some degree of oversight” said Gary Barlow, head coach of the Mustangs football team. “There is always someone in The Zone, insuring that the studying environment is appropriate.”

UPCOMING GAMES Saturday, March 9 Noon vs. American River College Tuesday, March 12 3 p.m. vs. Diablo Valley College

®

FINANCIAL AID ONLINE OPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 5:30 P.M. During the open house, you can: •

Learn about financial aid options and scholarships

•

Chat online and get answers and assistance from financial aid staff

•

Discover the wide range of degree, credential, and certificate programs

Application fee will be waived for attendees.

RSVP:

www.nu.edu/openhouses or call: 800.NAT.UNIV

3 National University 12357

N AT I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y

A Nonprofit University Accredited by WASC. An Affiliate of The National University System

8 news

Issue 10 • March 8, 2013 • deltacollegian.net

Stockton author inspired by real-life characters by valerie lancer

them for inspiration to write his future novels.

Chino carries around two notebooks and an iPhone everywhere he goes to take notes on what is going on “In my everyday world, I try to be as normal as posaround him, to use in a story. sible, but in my writing, anything goes,” said StocktonAn essential theme in his novels, and his life, is “love based author Carlos Chino during a campus presentais not a triangle.” tion on Feb. 28.

He laughs at how common that idea is and because it is Chino, whose real name is Ed Carlos, spoke to students a big reason for the bestsellers of today. He doesn’t agree. during a promotion for his newest novel, “Old and Dirty.”

While he gives props to the writers who follow that Old and Dirty is a fiction novel based on the Sandra theme, he brings forth reality in love stories, showing Cantu story and a man named Gordon, a close friend that complication prevails over the easy “I can choose of the author. between these two” theme.

Chino revealed that both his novChino’s favorite pastime is surfels, “California Shock” and “Old and ing.

He says if he wasn’t a writer he FOR MORE INFORMATION Dirty” were written off real-life charwould be riding the waves every day. acters, which he loves to write about. Visit carloschino.com “Don’t do it if you don’t want it “I use reality,” he said. or follow Twitter: @CarlosChino209 to change your life,” he said.

As part of his daily routine he writes Chino said the first wave he ever at least 1,000-2,000 words a day. caught affected his life in a powerful way.

“It’s like a muscle,” he said. “You have to work it out “That one wave changed everything. It was a lifeevery day to stay in shape.” changer.

I wish a woman would do that to me,” he laughs.

His inspiration comes from famous authors and muChino encourages students to believe in interviews and sicians such as Cormac McCarthy, Chuck Palahniuk, living life as part of research for writing.

Having found inBret Easton-Ellis, Bob Dylan, Charles Bukowski, Mispiration for many of his characters by introducing himchael Crichton and Jon Krakauer. self to strangers and sitting down with them for a chat.

His favorite books include “The Road,” “Fight Chino’s work is real and uncensored.

He writes with Club,” Michael Crichton’s “Travels,” “Catcher in the the conversation of our time, putting in words that Rye” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” He re-reads news@deltacollegian.net

We’re here for you!

PHOTO BY VALERIE LANCER

WRITTEN REALITY: Chino presenting to students on Feb. 28

would make some blush.

“If I’m being honest, I gotta capture the reality,” he said.

While his life dream is to spend his time with a woman, on the beach, surfing and eating fruit from a VW van, he is content with his life at the moment.

Chino doesn’t believe in an “end game.” His religious beliefs are in the agnostic area and he considers himself a man who flows through life.

“Success, to me, is just living your life, I guess. If I could have ten bucks by the time I die, I’ll be happy.”

Students make move on to next round in SkillsUSA competition by michael johnson news@deltacollegian.net

Mustang Banking

FREE Fee Forgiveness!

Studying, classes, job . . . we’re all busy! And when your plate gets too full, you won’t have to worry.

With Fee Forgiveness, we will refund any single fee EVERY month!* SCAN HERE

for more details about Mustang Banking!

Delta hosted a preliminary SkillsUSA competition on Jan. 28.

SkillsUSA is a national skill organization that serves more than 320,000 high school and college students along with professional members who are enrolled in technical and skilled training programs.

This year’s contest awarded 12 Delta students with eight gold medals, three silver and one bronze.

The Delta event was the first level of competition to send students on to a June national conference in Kansas City.

The event marked the third year in a row Delta College competed. Around 500 students in that time have competed in the hands-on skill and leadership contests.

“It went really well,” said Alex Taddei, Delta college welding instructor,.

“There were twice as many competitiors in welding.”

There were 13 new catagories includ-

ing welding, machine drafting and internet networking.

Delta students won three gold medals in automated manufacturing technology, a gold in technical drafting, a gold in MIG welding, a gold, silver and bronze in internetworking, a gold and silver in combo welding and SMAW welding.

These wins allow the students to compete in the state SkillsUSA competition in San Diego on April 4.

Students advancing from the San Diego competition will compete in the national championship.

“I’m ready to compete on a larger scale,” said Jeremey Sctott, welding gold medalist.

The SkillsUSA Championship showcases the best career and technical students in the nation.

Delta has seen success in the past year with the SkillsUSA competitions, winning six gold medals at the state competition and a national championship in 2012.

SkillsUSA winners

PremierCCU.org 209-235-1100 Federally Insured

*Some restrictions apply. Checking fees only.

Benjamin Holt Service Center – 3255 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., Stockton, CA 95219

Automated Manufacturing Technology Gold: Luis Herrera, Brandon Vollmer, Matthew Richardson

Welding - Combo Gold: Damien Galabis Silver: Daniel Lopez

Internetworking Gold: James Donkin III Silver: James Morgan Bronze: Russell Mathews

Welding - MIG Gold: Jeremy Scott

Technical Drafting Gold: Christopher Martin

Welding - SMAW Gold: Todd Vandrimmelen Silver: Jose Canez