GCC Insider Magazine Spring 2015

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One Oh! Seven The Glendale Community College Insider Magazine

2. Letter from the Editor

3. Profiles Glendale College’s legacy. Meet the students who have moved from the college’s hallways to ballrooms and runways.

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5. Features New technology develops innovative jobs such as webcamming and eSports but has traditional businesses, for instance bookstores, struggling.

11. Opinion Campus Parking and strressed drivers can be a deadly mix. Learn to stay cool and avoid road rage.

15. Short Story Brilliance Through Despair

16. Food & Health Summer activities for $20 or less and healthy bites.

20. Lifestyle Online dating: Confessions of a serial monogamist.

Body language: Does she really like you?

You know it’s coming. Be ready.

Earthquake prep 101.

Relive your stress during finals week Get a deal and stay safe on Craigslist.

How to blow the perfect chewing gum bubble.

Ride Share Apps offer work options for college-age earners.

Waxing or threading?

On the Cover

Contributing writer Kendall Faulkner shows us how to blow the perfect bubble.

Photo by Kendall Faulkner. | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

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FROM THE EDITOR The idea to produce a print version of the spring 2015 Glendale College Insider magazine was not on the table when 18 students walked into Journalism 107 in February. J107 (writing for magazines) is not traditionally a writing and production class.

The main focus is magazine writing. Early on, the students took a crucial vote, deciding whether to write stories that would land in paper pile or work to create a 28-page print product to serve campus readers. They decided to go with the latter. And you now hold the outcome of this decision. With guidance and support from contributing writers from GCC’s Journalism 210 class (advanced newswriting) and many others, the J107 students who signed up for a writing class have now produced GCC’s One Oh! Seven Insider magazine. What is in your hands was not achieved by one but is a collective effort that took in-class discussions about webcam girls and road rage and online dating from mere ideas to feature stories, opinion pieces and photo essays. There have been trials along the way. But the goal to produce a quality magazine that serves readers and showcases students work never faltered. I have the greatest gratitude to all of those who helped this magazine go from a mere idea to a physical product.

Rikard Kohler is an international

student from Sweden majoring in journalism. Rikard is the Editor-in-Chief for The One Oh! Seven (Glendale Insider) Magazine, Arts and Entertainment editor for El Vaquero and Staff Writer for the Florida based music blog NoisePorn.

Rikard can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com.

Editor-In-Chief Rikard Kohler

Managing Editor Iris Zuniga

Layout Editor Sal Polcino

Graphics Adviser Jason T. Warren

Copy Editors

Carolina Diaz, Jennifer Flores, Jack Morello

Staff Writers

Karina Aguilar, Shaira Arias, Gisella Cruz, Marina Flores, Charlette Gibbs, Evan Ramirez, Estefania Rivera, Nancy Villalobos

Contributing Writers

Karin Abcarians, Kendall Faulkner, Elie Georges, Mark Nassim, Nicolas Rincon

Adviser

Michelle Hofmann

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ADDICTED TO DANCING W

hen he starts his instruction, his composure settles with experience.

His face is engraved with years of experience and the struggles of a dancer. His eyes are focused and inspiration leads his movements.

“He really know his stuff and it shows.

But then you watch him dance and he’s just so sexy,” said Sharon Catherine Blanks, owner of Blanks Studios in Sherman Oaks.

Samuel Enriquez, 33, entered the world of dance at age 15, when his mother wanted him to choose a hobby. One of the colleges he attended was Glendale Community College because of the school’s renowned dance program.

Like many dancers Enriquez felt the pressure to have a certain physique. He felt that he did not have the right physical and mental capacity to be a pro dancer.

“It’s hard when others look like a dancer and you don’t.You may even see someone who may not necessarily ‘look’ like a dancer, but they have better technique,” he said.

He faced a lot of rejections, being told that he was “too fat” or “too dark.”

“In the end, you have to accept who you are in your own skin. It’s not a beauty contest it’s an art-skill,” Enriquez said.

To deal with his struggles, Enriquez drowned himself in music and danced in his free time. But he refused to give up on his dream, so he took dance classes outside of GCC and learned other styles and auditioned for a variety of roles.

“Just the fact that you did it was a winning feeling, whether you placed or not,” he said.

Enriquez noted with joy that one finds friends forever in the dance world. Some of his dance friends had a dance company called Dance Fanatix, in which they performed hip-hop jazz funk style at venues, including Staples Center in 2010.

“This experience really woke me up. I

by Gisella Cruz

Photo by Irma Bermudez-Alburo

Olga Kramarova and Samuel Enriquez Photo by Eddie Wolfe

realized I had to step up to the plate and give people the performance that they paid for,” Enriquez said. “In this kind of situation you have to leave every insecurity at the door, you cannot be off for a second. There are many people, better than you, willing to take your place.”

Although all of Enriquez’s former instructors inspired him in different ways, his ballet teacher Dora Krannig and his jazz teacher Victor Robles are most notable.

“She [Krannig] taught that you must really feel what you are doing; dance from your heart with emotion. She gave confidence that no matter who you are you can accomplish anything, as long as you apply yourself.

She is a brilliant woman, wonderful teacher, and walking art,’’ Enriquez said.

Robles taught with such energy that it was more fun than learning and made Enriquez want to audition and conquer the world.

Enriquez also made an impression on these teachers.

“Sam was a joy to work with. He was creative inspired. I also liked that he was inspired by historical work,” Robles said. “[He] inspired all around to keep loving dance,” Krannig added.

“I took his class one day, and my life has never been the same since then. He is a teacher that challenges his students, had high expectations, and never shows up without a smile on his face,” Enriquez’s former student and co-worker Olga Kramarova said. “He gives 200 percent when he’s on a stage, and most importantly he enjoys what he does, which the audience can see!”

Today, Enriquez use the skills he learned from past instructors and applies them in his quest to teach aspiring dancers, such as Neerja Saxena and Rickie Gole, ways to master the passionate art form.

“He’s my inspiration and has been for the last five years,” Saxena said. “There is no need to look any further for a dance teacher. Sam made this fearful dancer feel confident,” Gole added.

Gisella M. Cruz is a GCC

student majoring in foreign languages and dance. Being a devoted Christian she loves meeting people and helping them. Cruz hopes that by learning languages she can help foreigners cope in their new surroundings. She also has an insane passion for dance and loves it in its entirety.

A MODEL STUDENT A former GCC volleyball player finds success off the court and on the runway.

By Mark Nassim l.a. models. With the switch made, her life s a young girl, Veronica Jacques started to change. always wanted to become a model.

“I was working consistently and I started Such as many doing a bunch of runway shows. It was model success stories, Jacques was a late degood. I wasn’t itching for money,” Jacques layed beauty. The oddball growing; that tall said. skinny, awkward girl. Being a late bloomer, Jacques said there is another world beshe faced multiple rejections at the agencies hind the glitz and glamor. There is a positive she went to but still stuck with her dream and negative crowd. The cynical group is no matter what. the ones who hate modeling, hate working, Today, the 28-year-old American model and just hate their job as a whole. is best known for her work on the runway “There are disgusting parts of modeling as a high fashion model for Chanel, Gucci, but I try not to swerve my way there,” she Dolce & Gabbana and Donna Karen. The said. ‘It’s just a big downer.”

Glendale Community College alumni is The upbeat active crowd is the ones who now an aspiring actress who currently lives wake up in the morning and are ready to go in New York City with a very busy modeling to castings, work with whomever and just schedule. so happy to be at work.

Modeling has always been her passion “There is a positive way and negative ever since she was a little girl. Growing up, way of looking at life, just depends on the she would tell her mother, Diane Larez, person,” Jacques said. to see if she could take her to open calls at Photo: Garet Field Sells Although she said it is not her style getsome agencies, and so she never had the pa- team. About a year and a half into GCC, her ting involved withthe negative crowd, she tience to do so. So shedecided to wait until friend on the volleyball team encouraged still gets along with everyone. she was 18 years old to do it on her own. her to once again pursue her dream and go building her resume, Jacques’s When that time came, she was faced with to some open casting calls. She went casting nextStill moves is to become an actress. She is multiple rejections and then decided to go somebody liked her right away. She currently taking acting classes. Nowadays, to school and to try to figure out something and immediately signed with them, Q Models. models are taking it the big screen, so, soon else. was April 2007. She was almost enough maybe Jacques will be on the movie After graduating from Abraham Lincoln 21.That She knew this was her break, but was posters.

High School in 2005, sheonly had the opterrified.

A goal that Jacques is itching to achieve tion of going to Pasadena Community Colwas harder than she thought it would soon is something many wish to do as chillege, East Los Angeles College, or Glendale be,Itand it took a month to book her first dren to those who raised us.

Community College. She chose GCC. She made $3,000 in her first year.

“I have a goal to buy my mom a house, I “I took a tour there, and I thought it was job.Struggling throughout her first year, would love to buyher a house at the end of a cute school,” Jacques said. “And I thought Jacques said she was not sure if she wanted the year but I need to save a lot of money,” I could have opportunities there.” to pursue a career in modeling. She stuck Jacques said. “Hopefully within the next During 2005 to 2006, she studied with it, and a few years later she switched four years, she will have a place.” astronomy and child development as well to one of the top agencies in the world, as participating on the El Vaquero Volleyball

A

Welcomes you to visit our new online JOB BOARD www.glendale.edu/studentemployment If you need any assistance please contact us at (818) 240-1000 ext. 5194 4 | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

CAM GIRLS

By Shaira Arias

S

ome women charge by the minute and others work for tips. But no matter the rate, a growing number of cyber sirens have found another way to make ends meet from the comfort of their bedrooms. Size does not matter. Race is not an issue. And beauty is subjective in the world of webcamming.

These women make their own schedule and rules, acting as their own boss. Each has her own story and reasons for choosing the career.

“I got into camming after my health took a nose dive,” London Jones, 27, said.“ Sometimes I am almost symptom free and other days I am bed bound. I was frightened at the prospect of having no income.”

In Jones’s case, suffering from inflammatory bowel disease was the main reason for camming.

In this world, anything goes. A webcam session consists of anything from masturbating for or with an online spectator to fully clothed chat sessions with the client. Striptease and engaging in other sexual activities on camera are some of the activities these women do in order please the people behind the lenses.

The webcamming industry is dominated by women of all ages. Some are married enchantresses with children. Some are young college students trying balance bills, rent and school.

“The biggest misconceptions people have are probably that we all somehow lack intelligence

[or] are being coerced into the industry; that we are promiscuous; or that we will do anything for money,” Jones said. “Many girls are paying their way through college or university.”

According to “Cam Girlz,” a documentary about webcam sex workers, the highest earning cam girls can make more than $50,000 a month.

Some girls consider themselves therapist, providing a service to lonely men who struggle with intimacy issues.Director Sean Dunne’s documentary reveals a world in which many webcam site visitors are socially awkward, intimidated by women or struggling with low self-esteem. Because these men find it difficult to engage with women in person, they retreat to webcam sites for sexual attention and comfort in women. “Some people are not very good at connecting with others in personal or sexual ways.

But they still crave one-on-one attention and interaction. I feel [my work] encompasses a level of counseling,” Jones said. “Often the clients wish to talk about their feelings and worries. I provide a safe space for them and it warms my heart to know they trust me enough to share,” she said.

Retreat to adult websites is not limited to single men. Jones said it is common to find married men browsing. Spouses who are having difficulties in their marriage use these sites as a vehicle to escape from marital problems at home, she added.

“My advice to married couples going through problems is to communicate and seek therapy. I

Shaira Arias New York native, Shaira Arias is a broadcast journalism major who currently attends GCC. She plans on transferring to a 4-year university next semester where she will continue pursuing her dream to become a news anchor or TV presenter. In the summer of 2014 she came in the top 16 for Miss Dominican Republic USA.

would advise married men not to spend all their money secretly buying my used panties and talking to me instead of their wives,” Jones said.

Even though there are no traditional benefits to the job, no medical insurance and no paid vacations, some of these women have discovered something had not found before,financial independence and societal power and influence.

“We consent to be sexualized. We have entrepreneurial spirits, I think feminism and sex-work can go hand in hand,” Jones said. “The [online] talent makes on average 20 percent of what the cam site takes from us. I’d like to see cam girls unionize and get a fairer price for our labor.”

In the 1980s, controversial anti-pornography and feminist movements emerged, arguing that sex-trade industries harmed women physically and mentally. Feminists said women are reduced as sex objects and dehumanized by society.

There will always be people criticizing the business with certain beliefs and opinions, Jones said.

When asked about critics, Jones said, “Bless you. I don’t think much about them. They have their beliefs and that’s OK. It doesn’t really bother me. I want everyone in life to be happy,” she said.

“If camming makes some women’s lives better and they can handle it and want to do it, then they should do it. The people who don’t like what I do don’t haveto watch. Just turn the computer off and enjoy your day.”

Game On

By Evan Ramirez

With growing prize pools and legions of fans, eSports is turning bedroom gamers into six-figure celebrities.

W

ith video games becoming a dominant force in the entertainment industry, it was only a matter of time before they found their way into the mainstream. With the popularity of the medium at a seemingly all-time high, it is no surprise that competitive gaming has become profitable, as evidenced by growing prize pools that top $11 million.

Though eSports, or electronic sports, is still little known to many people, large prize pools, increased media coverage and throngs of fans willing pay to attend live events is starting to change that. Not only is mainstream coverage taking place, but with continued growth among online streaming services like Twitch.tv, the eSports community continues to grow.

Professional gamers often also look to streaming services for extra income.

Brian “BananaSlamJamma” Canavan, a 22-year-old studying Biomedical Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is also a professional gamer.

He said streaming services like Twitch were viable secondary sources of income.

“I believe that Twitch is good supplementary income for players, but unless you are one of very few lucky streamers with over 5,000 viewers, then I do not believe the job is enough unless you are a professional gamer,” Canavan said.

Quite possibly, the biggest win for the medium came in July 2014, when the popular free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena Dota 2 took over Seattle’s Key Arena for four days to host the fourth iteration of the championship, The International.

The change in venue for the 2014 tournament was also one of the standout factors. The previous two years saw the game developer Valve host the tournament at Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony, which had the ability to accommodate 2,500 fans.

However, for the International 4, and the upcoming International 5,Valve decided to take it a step further and rented out the 15,000-seat Key Arena, a venue that former NBA team the Seattle SuperSonics once called home.

The change of scenery turned out to be the right decision, as all versions of the four-day tournament pass, which ranged in price from $99 to $499, sold out within 1 hour. The first half of the tickets for this year’s International sold out in six minutes.

The tournament’s main event consisted of eight teams, and the games pitted two teams of five against each other in matches that can last from 20-minute stomps to nail-biting 90- minute epics. More impressive than crowd venue numbers, how-

6 | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

ever, was the amount of money Valve was able to raise for the teams participating in the tournament. By bringing together the best Dota 2 teams in the world, TI4 was able to accumulate a near $11 million prize pool via a virtual compendium that gamers purchased. More than $5 million of the $11 million prize pool went to the winning team of five players.

Prize pools as big as those raised by The International are not common. But there are smaller tournaments that take place on a daily basis throughout the year in countries across the globe, including ESL One (Europe), DreamLeague (Europe), World Cyber Arena (Asia) and MLG Pro League (America), as well as many others that often highlight the best the scene has to offer.

While eSports and tournaments like TI4 have even been covered by channels like ESPN, arguments, and discussions over whether or not it should be considered a sport continue to rage on. Sponsors for teams and advertisements during streams are commonplace now, and day by day the scene is growing.

“The way I see it, other professional sports pay their athletes because these athletes can perform at a level higher than anyone else that attempts to play the game. Thus, I believe it takes just as much

“More than $5 million of the $11 million prize pool went to the winning team of five players.” work and dedication to play eSports professionally and thus the label only means so much. I believe that most professional gamers know how much work it takes to make it as a gamer and would argue that it is a sport,” Canavan said.

Canavan also believes that gamers and athletes share a similar timetable as far as longevity in the scene is concerned, making the probability of obtaining a piece of that large prize pool that much smaller, and making the journey in attempt to capture it that much more tempting.

Not only are certain individuals able to do what they love for a living by playing some of their favorite games, but the same can be said for those that are working behind the scenes. Companies like Beyond the Summit (BTS) located in Southern California, provide hours of content for thousands of viewers daily. Beyond the Summit focuses primarily on the free-toplay video game Dota 2.

The members of the BTS team have rented a home where they live and cast games from on a daily basis. As of April 19, 2015, according to their three main official Twitch streams they have almost 245 million views since the studio launched in April 2012. Back in 2013, David “LD” Gorman and David “GoDz” Parker of BTS

launched an Indiegogo campaign to help build a studio. They asked for $25,000, and in less than 24 hours they reached their goal while raising $39,494 in 30 days.

“Being a pro gamer for the short time I have has taught me things that I believe no other job I will ever have could ever teach me. Playing as part of a team of people striving to reach the same goal and requiring good communication at all times is something that one cannot understand without experiencing it. Needless to say, yes, Dota 2 has taught me many things already, and I am sure it will continue to teach me,” Canavan said.

Games like League of Legends, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive are almost always the top three games on Twitch.tv with hundreds of thousands of viewers on a daily basis. With Valve’s compendium for the upcoming International 5 released in late April ata base prize pool of $1.6 million, it continues to climb thanks to fan contributions steadily, as it currently sits at more than $10 million.With prize pools like that up for grabs, Chris “KidLiquid” Okamura, a professional gamer, said eSports thrive. “eSports are not the growing, run away hype train that most Americans see it as,

Photos by Evan Ramirez and Chris Okamura

but instead, you can call it the Hogwarts Express of the world,” Okamura, a Team Liquid Analyst, added. “This magical train hidden away on a secret platform that people are finally starting to discover is there, and using it to open new possibilities for not only eSports but the gaming and sports platforms as a whole.”

Evan Ramirez has combined his love for writing with his hobbies, gaming and music, into the field of journalism. As well as writing for One Oh! Seven, he also has a website called Controlled Obsession that provides movie reviews and articles about television and video games: http://cobess.com

Support Your Local Book Shops Mystery and Imagination 238 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale

Century Books 1039 E. Green St., Pasadena

Seite Books 417 N Rowan St., Los Angeles

Once Upon a Time 2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose

Alias Books East 3163 Glendale Blvd., Atwater

Skylight Books 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz

The Slow Death

By Sal Polcino

N

ot long ago in Anytown, USA, there was a haven for those who valued the printed word, a place where the avid reader felt at home among the stacks of tattered classic paperbacks and glossy-covered bestsellers.

Now that haven is in danger as the independent bookstore slowly disappears.

With the advent of the book superstore and online sellers like Amazon.com, small bookstore owners are struggling to make ends meet. Dozens of stores in the Los Angeles area have closed their doors in the last five years including Glendale’s long-standing Brand Books, a lexical bastion that opened in 1985. The store closed in July 2014.

However, the Mystery and Imagination Bookstore in Glendale continues to survive. Situated across the street from the now defunct Brand Books, the shop specializes in mystery, detective, science fiction and fantasy genres.

Scott Charles lives in the neighborhood and frequents the store.

“I love a good detective story,” said Charles. “I always find something new here, books I have never heard of or [those that] are out of print.”

According to owners Christine and Malcolm Bell, Mystery & Imagination was once the favorite bookstore of the late science fiction author Ray Bradbury who would hold book signings or just drop in to visit.

Many of the existing bookstores bring in authors to speak and sign books, live music or specialty acts to promote their business. To bring in patrons, Century Books on Green Street in Pasadena turns into a jazz club on Saturday evenings to bring in more patrons.

Century Books owners Steve and Judith Marosvolgyi, opened the shop about eight years ago.

“We wanted to be more of a cultural center than just a bookstore,” said Steve Marosvolgyi.

The couple had linked with a neighbor, saxophonist Krys Mach, who toured with the British jazz-fusion band Level 42, and asked him to perform in the store’s loft. Thus began a weekly tradition of jazz and classical music at the eclectic bookshop.

8 | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

of the Bookstore and the Survivors

Independent stores are not the only ones in trouble.

Before giant chain Borders books sold its remaining stores to Barnes & Noble, it closed hundreds of stores nationwide. Even Barnes & Noble has suffered closures on the west-side in Encino and Woodland Hills.

Textbooks present another problem for publishers.

Students resell used books, so the original edition is used over and over again with no revenue for the publisher or the author. Often, revised editions are printed and pushed on educators just to increase book sales.

Still, there is no shortage of readers in the U.S. Nora Roberts’ 214th book, “The Liar,” is at the top of the New York Times bestseller list followed by Paula Hawkins’ “The Girl on the Train.” Both books have sold hundreds of thousands of hardcover editions, priced somewhere around $20 each — depending on where you shop.

Now Amazon and Apple are pushing to allow resale of eBooks as well. Their plan is to allow only one owner of a digital copy at a time.

The problem may be that readers have too many choices in the digital age. Online stores offer low prices, a wide range of titles and quick shipping — all from the comfort of home. Many readers have turned to ebooks, which can be read on a smartphone, iPad or Kindle. And electronic books are even cheaper.

However, the local book emporium isn’t dead yet.

There are many small shops left between Los Feliz, Silverlake and Hollywood, catering to a diverse readership. Rare books, mystery, popular novels and nonfiction treasures sit on the shelves of specialty stores where dedicated bookworms can still sip a latte while researching a movie script or enjoy the latest detective novel and keep an old tradition alive.

Publishers are worried. Two of the largest companies, Penguin Books USA and Random House, recently merged to compete with Amazon.com and other digital giants.

THE SURVIVORS: Steve and Judith Marosvolgyi keep Century Books alive withconcerts and art shows as well as an extensive collection of rare books.

Photos by Sal Polcino Sal Polcino is a former Editor-in-Chief of El Vaquero, the Glendale College student newspaper. He is a professional jazz guitarist and published songwriter. He is also copywriter for Jazz Punks LLC and freelance writer for the L.A. Times Community Newspapers. You can reach him at elvaqed@gmail.com or visit his website http://gitarsal.wordpress.com.

9. | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

Written by: Jack

Photo: Ekaterina Nikitina Photo Illustration: Sal Polcino

M

ost people in Los Angeles are fairly easygoing, cool people. We have been mellowed by the 300-plus days a year of being under the sun. The sights and sounds of the Southland are pleasant, and everything seems to move in a relaxed way compared to other big cities in the world. So what makes this all change when we get behind the wheel?

Every morning, I get into my car and prepare to take the 110 Freeway to Interstate 5 to state Route 2 before exiting and surveying the Glendale College parking lot for an open spot.

With so much time behind the wheel, I rarely get road rage. I swear. But I do observe at least two incidents of road rage, whether I am involved or not, on each ride to and from school.

According to a study done by the AAA, people are territorial, and their cars fall under the category of serious possessions. But that does not explain why L.A. drivers occasionally turn lanes with no blinker, swerve through traffic, ride rear bumpers or drive recklessly.

Of course, technology contributes to higher tensions on the road. Texting is a huge factor that seriously impairs our ability to drive.

GCC sophomore and business major, Jackson Carter, admitted to texting and driving. “I text really often on the road, in fact, I sometimes just know when to look up,” Carter said. “It’s a really bad habit, and I need to try to stop. But I feel like everyone else is doing the same thing.”

Carter makes a good point. When we feel like other people get away with something, we often bend the rules. Not texting and driving is so undervalued in L.A. that many people don not stop until it is too late. Researchers at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park estimate found that texting and driving surpassed drunken driving as the leading cause of teen deaths. The 2013 Cohen study, which included questions about risk youth behavior like texting and driving over two 30-day periods in 2011 and 2013, showed that 3,000 teen driving deaths resulted from texting and

2,700 were linked to drinking and driving.

While Millennials are trying to shake the stigma of being on their phone too much, overcrowding has emerged as another issue. Fingers point and tempers flare, but what exactly makes a grown man in a threepiece suit call you a degenerate piece of shit and wish for you to die in a college parking lot? Ronald Kessler, a sociologist and health care policy professor at Harvard Medical School, said intermittent explosive disorder, which includes threats; angry outbursts, aggressive actions and property damage is common in road rage and spousal abuse.

In the “Archives of General Psychiatry,” Kessler said the condition is more common than previously known. In fact, his study showed that about 16 million Americans exhibit intermittent explosive disorder in their lifetimes.

What pushes people past the breaking point? Dr. Barry Markell, an Illinois-based psychologist, said crowding could provide insight. Moreover, Markell makes an interesting point by comparing rats to humans: “Rats are usually OK until there is one rat too many in an enclosed space, and then they all turn on each other. There are far more people on the road than ever before. Crowding causes aggression,” Markell added.

Markell could be onto something. We do not have a lot of space on L.A. roads. Maybe the overcrowding has turned Los Angeles drivers into a pack of savage rodents. Maybe I should make an investment in an armored truck and go around busting offending vehicle windows with a pellet gun. Or I could take some steps toward trying to prevent these irrational bursts of anger, right?

I believe the best way to avoid road rage is by constantly giving good energy on the road.

As humans, we naturally feed off a negative energy more than positive energy. If we cut someone off, for example, it often leads to a

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

Morello

negative chain reaction that acts as a gateway to full-blown road rage.

Can you imagine that sneaky sedan passing a ton of traffic in the exit lane then darting into the last remaining space between you and the truck in front of you in your lane?

You look, you try to catch a glimpse of the offender in the rearview mirror, hoping for some acknowledgment that they violated your space. They do nothing, of course. The steam comes out of your ears. You are ready to get into the next lane to get some face time with this punk. It is too late, and you may already know it.You caught the road rage bug like everyone does. But this time, you do not react.

You do not say anything about the car that cut you off as you pass by the offender.You throw up a wave and a nice smile. Los Angeles will always hold its reputation as a relaxed city, but road rage has earned a spot as the scab on the butt of the L.A. lifestyle.

Jack Morello is a Glendale College student and pitcher for GCC’s Vaqueros baseball team.

The budding world leader said he enjoys a good movie and a good book.

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11

First

e g e l l o C in n o i t a r e Gen lina Diaz

By Caro Photos

S

ome students follow older siblings or their parents into the halls of academia. But for first-generation college students, earning a degree can come with extra challenges.

As a student, I struggled a lot when I started college. Knowing that my parents did not attend college, I realized that my whole education career was going to be based on my knowledge and experience.

For my parents, school was not a main priorities. My parents were born in Mexico. My mom was the first child of seven. She attended elementary school but eventually started working in the fields, picking cotton. She had no choice if she wanted to continue attending school.

My dad was the fourth of seven.

He left school after ninth grade. He stopped attending school to help his family also by getting a job.

As the oldest daughter in my family, my parents tried their best to support my education. Sometimes they struggled, but they never showed it.

12

y of the courtes

ily.

Diaz fam

Before I attended elementary school, my parents taught me to read and understand math. They divided their time depending on the subject. My mom was in charge of teaching me how to read and my dad was in charge of helping me learn math. They did not teach me how to speak English; the first language I learned was Spanish, and I taught myself how to speak English.

I struggled in high school.

Throughout those four years, I made decisions based on my peers and the little knowledge of what I knew about the high school. In my high school years, I made quite a few mistakes. My self-confidence was low, and I never asked for help because I was used to doing things on my own. I went through moments of depression. I beat myself down. But my parents never gave up on me. They helped me with everything. When I graduated and saw my parents crying as I walked across the stage, I realized that all the struggles were worth it in the end.

Today, my biggest challenge is earning an undergraduate degree.

Upon entering college, I felt like I entering a boxing match. I was an adult, and my future was based on the decisions I made.

Luckily, my mom by some miracle knew what I had to do when I began college. She took me to take placement tests. Reminded me if I had a counselor meeting. And she still reminds me about registration dates. When it comes to

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

math studies, my dad refuses to let me use a calculator. He tells me to do it mentally. In the end, he said, every math problem will be easy.

Even though my parents can’t help with a lot, they are my biggest supporters. They are always there for me when I need them.

My advice for students that are the first ones to attend college is simple: It may be a bumpy road, but you are not alone. Your parents are helping you to have a secure future by encouraging to continue your education. Those struggles you experience it will be worth it, because once you finish your education, your path to the future will be smooth.

First born or last. First generation or one in a long line of educated family member, never give up and never lose hope. As long as you have your parents support, your happiness will make them feel like the proudest parents in the world.

You know they are one of your secrets to success. In the end, they can brag about how their child is doing it all by themselves without anyone’s help.

Carolina Diaz is a journalism major. She hopes to transfer to San Diego State University.

U O Y e v o to L

You eraneed to find yourself. Learn to love yourself. v i R a i n a It’s harder than it sounds.zz”

By Estef

n r a e L

Depression.

The word is used so loosely, so timidly. People say they are depressed after a bad breakup, a bad day, one bad night. It can be vexatious to hear when you know what it is really like.

Depression can be summed up by the feeling of a black hole in your chest.

The type of pain that rushes through your body, running through your veins so patiently yet enervating. People who suffer with melancholy struggle with little to no self-confidence. They can feel guilty, worthless and hopeless. Feeling so discouraged can affect your relationship with the people around you - family, friends, co-workers and peers. They can see that you are not yourself. You will start to not recognize yourself either.

College students with depression suffer through many of consequences severely. They can feel the pressure at an extra high. There are responsibilities at home and day-to-day worries. With constant studying and the struggle to maintain grades against the crush of time, emotional illnesses make it seem so overwhelming.

The website called Nami.org, which stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness and is the nation’s largest grassroots for mental health organization, said that in the year of 2012 more than 11 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated for anxiety. Ten percent reported being diagnosed or treated for depression.

The same website officials go on to say that 40 percent of college students can feel more than an average amount of stress within a year.

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With so much on their minds they start to feel drowned by the stress, which makes them feel that it is their responsibility to make things better, like everyone’s counting on them, let alone not letting themselves down – that being the biggest struggle.

So how do students maintain the ability to keep going without letting the pressure rush to their head?

SparkPeople, an American private company that develops and maintains several healthy living websites lists five ways to help you de-stress.

One that seems to help almost everyone is simple: go for a walk. A quiet stroll can help in many ways. Breathe deep and let your worries disappear. Do not think

for just a moment, escape in your mind.

Learn to let yourself live, explore, and learn more about the world around you.

Get in your car and drive. Take in the sights. Enjoy the view out your window.

Step out and absorb the beauty around you. Let the world be your muse. It is ok to feel alone. Let yourself be alone, smile, cry, let go, and bury the weight for a while.

Just do you.

Seems as though what compels someone to feel so in despair is that they forget how to love themselves. There is so

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

sbury gan Sain e M y b Photos

much a person can do that helps the days run smoother.

What makes you feel good? Is it music? Go see your favorite band in concert, squeeze yourself through the pit and dance. Live. Is it books? Go to your safe place and seclude yourself. Let that story envelop you. Be a part of it. Get lost in it. Live.

You need to find yourself. Learn to love yourself. It is harder than it sounds.

But learn to love the person you are becoming, the person you want to be. The person you are going to be. Look forward to that and look up to yourself. Everyone lets themselves down sometimes, but it is ok. Rise again and learn to realize that getting back up is a step closer to becoming someone better. The best part of all, it is for you.

Be inspired by you.

You need to find yourself.

Learn to love yourself.

It’s harder than it sounds.

Estefania Rivera is a hard working master-mind. On her free time she loves to explore “holes in the wall” in search for a café with the best cup of coffee. She’s an old soul with young ambition.

r i a p s e D h g u o r h T e c Brillian

by Rikard Kohler

T

he drop of blood fell seemingly random, but with purpose from the open cut. So undecided, yet perfect in its own way – like a red tear from the severed flesh. Upon impact with the cold, stained porcelain sink, its form drastically changed. From the original timeless from, the tear instantly turned into beautiful anarchy upon impact with the damp surface. The drop’s pleasing, round edges morphed into distinct jaggedness. This beauty was brief. The faucet’s steady stream of water soon shattered the constellation, which created haunting rivers of blood forced toward the end of existence.

She looked up and was met by the red-spangled eyes of a familiar face. But this was not the face she had gotten to know over the last 22 years. No, this was the face of a stranger. A stranger lost within her mind, standing at the fork in the road with one path leading towards the simmering blood red dusk of glory. The other road bent toward the gleaming white dawn of innocence.

A curl of her dark hair swung across her face and broke the connection in a similar manner to a curtain drop. The lock came across as pitch black in the fluorescent light offered the contrast to the bleak skin, which she had never once before considered pale. She smiled at her own famished reflection, wrapped up the small cut on her finger in an excessive amount of toilet paper and stepped out.

The living room was as dark as ever. The curtains were pulled down with towels and miscellaneous clothes blocking the light trying to fill the room around the black blinds. Apart from the two IKEA table lamps that illuminated her workstation, the only other light prevalent cautiously poured in through a chink in the door, no more than a quarter of an inch wide.

She stepped toward the lit area and gazed upon her creation.

Never before had she produced something that etched itself to the chest with this degree of pride. The creation reflected real emotion. Real joy. Real pain. Real divinity. Real melancholy.

Her smile soon disappeared and she was left only with the substitute of a quivering lip.

She had managed to create something that would honor him, make him quake with sheer excitement. But this would never be the case.

It all started in a desperate attempt to feel close to him once more, but now that she was on the verge of completion, she was lonelier than ever before.

She fell to the floor with her hands covering her face, with salty shimmers running down her cheeks. “Damn it all. This is not worth it,” she repeatedly uttered sobbing.

After a few monotone minutes had passed, she fumbled for the literature that once had assured her of solace within isolation.

The literature had promised true brilliance only by surrendering

herself to the desperation that had spread like wildfire through her veins. And the words on those papers were as true as the creation’s silhouette, on which she gazed through a blurry lens of tears.

But, apart from a frame of brilliance in the film that is life, those words had caused her nothing more than a brief retreat from her torments, at the price of not only her health, but also a part of her sanity.

As she desperately skimmed through book after book for guidance on what was to come next, she soiled the pages with transparent tears. It was not the authors that spoke to her beyond the grave. It was what he would have told her.

It was like the water in her tears bled through the pages she flipped and formed a constellation of words.

She knew she was losing her mind, but she did not care and kept turning the pages all the more viciously.

Soon it was clear, and as he had many times before, he reassured her of the message in his own way. But this time it was long overdue.

He would have reminded her that happiness is only real when shared, and without happiness, brilliance is a one-way street heading south with an abyss of misery at the end.

When her tears ultimately hit the right inside of the book’s hard cover, she slammed it shut and got on her feet. She threw her bloodstained bandage aside, etched her paintbrush into the coagulated cut on her index finger, ripping it open once again.

She grabbed the creation and signed the lower right corner in her blood, ensuring that a part of his genetic legacy would always exist on the piece of art, which nearly pulled her into the abyss of misery.

She put the creation down, switched off the lamps and walked toward the only light left.

Iris Zuniga, Born and

By Iris Zuniga

raised in Los Angeles, she has maintained a strong connection to her community through her work with local schools and parks. In her free time, Iris and her Cockapoo, Teddy, love hiking and exploring the hidden gems of Los Angeles.

With summertime just around the corner many are beginning to mark up the calendars and make vacation plans. Summer is a great time to relax and forget about academic duties for a while, but a vacation out of town might leave a huge dent in one’s wallet and students have to be mindful of their summer spending. Fortunately,“Angelenos” live in a beautiful city waiting to be explored.This is not a surprise as Los Angeles continues to rank high amongst the most visited cities in America. For those who are conscious about spending money and plan to stay home this summer, the city offers many many affordable alternatives. The places and activities that are listed below are all $20 or less!

Electric Dusk Drive In The Electric Dusk Drive In is located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and is an outdoor drive in movie experience, which not only let’s one watch movies like in “the old days,” but it plays classic films on the big screen. The Electric Dusk Drive In is a great place for a date, hanging out with friends or just spending time together with family. Even pets can join!

Sounds interesting? Log on to the website to find information on this summer’s films and get your tickets before they sell out! http://www.electricduskdrivein.com Costs: $9-$11 Echo Park Pedal Boats The Echo Park Pedal Boats are ideal to beat the heat this summer! Located just a few miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, the Echo Park Lake is artificial and not for swimming. However, the lake is perfect for a picnic, jog or boat ride. The boats are available from 9 a.m. to an hour before sunset. One can pedal around the lake while catching the beautiful downtown skyline. Echo Park Pedal Boats also offers canoe and gondola rides for an extra cost.

Pedal boat rentals, guided canoe and gondola rides are available.

Pedal Boat Rentals (up to one hour): $5 per child, $10 per adult Canoe Rides (two laps around the lake with a guide): $5 per child, $10 per adult Gondola Rides (30 minutes with a guide): $50 per couple

PHOTO BY IRIS ZUNIGA

Papillon Bakery Papillon Bakery is located in Glendale and is home to the original “ponchick,” which is an Armenian fried doughnut. But what makes this pastry so delicious is that it can be stuffed with one’s own choice of jelly, Snickers, Oreos, Reese’s peanut butter cups, or the most popular stuffing, Nutella. The ponchick is the perfect treat or dessert for someone with a sweet tooth.

The Papillon Bakery also offers a selection of Armenian foods for the person not in the mood for chocolate. Call in advance to place a ponchick order.

1100 South Central Avenue (818) 507-0039 PHOTO BY IRIS ZUNIGA

Cost: (assorted box of 6) $12

Live Jazz at La Cuevita La Cuevita is a bar in the Highland Park community, just off the 134 and east of Glendale.

It is a full bar, and on Sunday evenings from six to eight there is a live jazz band, North East Groove Ensemble. The band has been playing there each Sunday for over a year. The bar was recently renovated and they have a menu for their specialty drinks, as well as a wide variety of beer. If you enjoy jazz or simply want to find a cozy atmosphere to grab a drink this place is definitely worth going!

5922 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042 Cost: Free entrance. Drinks $9-$13 each.

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| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

PHOTO BY KATHY BAKOWICZ

How To Make Sushi

by Elie Georges

R

ice, fish and seaweed paper. Three different food items, surprisingly combined together they make one of the tastiest dishes on earth: Sushi. But this luscious combination of the many delightful flavors can damage your wallet. If you are willing to avoid the blow and be a little creative, make your own Sushi at home.

Sushi is expensive because the making of it is considered an art. Sushi chefs are sought as artists; they ferment the rice, process the fish, and make the sauces that explode a bouquet of happiness in your mouth.

However, for a college student you have to use your resources efficiently and wisely. Head to an Asian grocery store and stock up on shortgrained rice, seaweed paper,

rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and any type of meat or vegetables you prefer.

Let us start with the most essential process, which is making the sushi rice. First, place steamed rice in a bowl.

Add a mixture of a teaspoon of salt, a tablespoon of sugar, and enough rice vinegar to dilute, and let it sit in the bowl, covered, at room temperature for at least two hours.

Meanwhile, start preparing for the other ingredients. Cut the seaweed paper in half. If you prefer the taste of soy paper, use that as an alternative.

The paper used for your roll should not be bigger than an 8” by 5” index card.

To make California Rolls, defrost your imitation crab meat. Rinse the crab meat to get rid of the strong, fishy flavor and smell. Grind it as

much as possible. Then place it in a bowl, add enough mayonnaise as wanted, and mix it well. If you wish to make it spicy, you can add sriracha sauce.

After the rice is fermented, you are ready to create your first roll. Place the half seaweed paper on a surface.

With your fingers, grab two little handfuls of your rice and place them on the top of the paper. Press a little on the rice and pull down. The rice should cover three fourths of the paper. After that, turn your creation over and place some crab meat on the backside (seaweed side) and cover it with your sliced avocadoes.

You can add cucumbers, as well.

Now comes the tricky part, twist your creation 180 degrees so that the crab meat and avocados are facing you.

Then, roll the whole thing super tightly but gently as you would roll a joint.

Remember the last fourth that you did not cover with rice? Dampen it with a little water. This will work as the glue that holds the roll. Close the roll up, and now you have one more step. Cut the roll in half. Then again, cut the two pieces in half again until you get eight pieces of California Rolls. Garnish with a little sesame seeds and green onions. Congratulations, you have made a California Roll.

You are welcome!

Elie Georges

After changing his major numerous times, Elie decided on Mass Communications and Journalism. He hopes to thrive in the journalism industry but also holds aspirations for medical school.

Ingredients • 1 cup sushi rice • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon salt • Nori seaweed paper (or soy paper); not toasted.

• Imitation crabmeat • 1 Haas avocado • Sriracha hot sauce

Healthy Habits in 8 weeks Written By Nancy Villalobos • Photos By Nancy Villalobos

W

ith humans living longer now than in any time in history it is vital to care for the body. Many diseases are easily controlled with proper diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity to name a few.

Health care professionals urge patients to make adjustments early in life to avoid the onset of such conditions later in life.

Proper hydration is one of the most important things for bodies, yet it is estimated that nearly half of the population suffer from dehydration. Fortunately there is a simple fix that carries maximum benefits. Drink water. Replace all beverages throughout the day with water. Add a little lemon juice to water for natural diuretic benefits. Replacing some water with unsweetened herbal tea up to three times per day is acceptable. Doing this for eight weeks will allow the body to detox from sugary beverages, caffeine, and chemicals found in many drinks. This will give the liver and kidneys a break from filtering out unnecessary ingredients. This is the best way to restore the body’s circulatory system to normal.

Consume at least 64 oz. of water per day for regular routines and increase intake during heat and exercise. Sip water slowly and enjoy it, avoid drinking too much at once as it is easier for the body to absorb in small amounts. The body will benefit from more energy, vitality and improved brain function.

Proper nutrition is another overlooked but valuable thing for the body. Make certain to have at least one piece of fruit per day and plenty of vegetables. The amount of sodium, sugar and additives found in take-out food can be staggering and should be avoided.

Read labels on food items while shopping and avoid those high in sodium, sugar and preservatives. Try a diet with less red meat and more beans and fish preferably salmon, which is rich in heart healthy Omega 3 oil.

Exercise portion control when dining.

Reduce stress. One great way to reduce stress is by stretching daily. On the floor, on

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a bed, or even in the shower, after ten minutes the body will begin relax and overall relaxation will continue throughout the day and mobility will improve. This is important for those that carry backpacks around, usually over one shoulder creating an imbalance of weight distribution which in turn can create neck, shoulder and back pain. Many also find themselves in front of a computer hunched over for long periods of time. This can be extremely trying on the spine with the potential of severe long term damage and poor posture.

To release the spine simply lie flat on the back with palms facing up and breathe deeply and slowly for five minutes. This allows gravity to work for us rather than against us and takes all the pressure off of the spine. Elevate the feet at the same time to help improve circulation in the legs. This can be done by placing feet up a wall, on the side of a bed, or on a chair.

Leaning up against a wall with the head pulled all the way back for a few minutes is a great way to pull the spine and neck back into alignment. This is a good thing to do while on break at work. When showering try touch the toes very slowly and allow the low back to stretch in the warm water. Never force a stretch. Allow it to occur slowly over several minutes giving the muscles time to release.

By implementing these few things for eight weeks everything from posture, energy, and even the waistline may see improvement.

Give it a try.

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

Nancy Villalobos A full time employee of the American Red Cross, Nancy is a returning student to GCC majoring in Mass Communications to pursue a career in the field of Public Relations.

Contact info:nmv530@gmail.com

Are you craving something easy and delicious?

Try this healthy recipe!

Grilled veggies on a stick with Pilaf -1 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil -1 zucchini -1 cup cherry tomatoes -1 cup butternut squash -1 large red bell pepper -1 cup mushrooms - Wooden skewers Pilaf - 1/4 cup basmati rice - Half cup chopped onion - 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro 1. Start by chopping all vegetables. Prepare your wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 20 minutes.

2. In a large bowl combine the extra virgin olive oil with the veggies. Add a teaspoon of salt and pepper. Mix well, marinate for 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, wash the rice in cold water, drain well. In a saucepan, add rice to boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes or according to package.

4. Add chopped onion and cilantro to the rice.

5. Place veggies on soaked wooden skewers and grill for eight minutes, turning occasionally until veggies are tender.

6. Add the veggies to the rice and serve with hummus or ranch.

Jennifer Flores is a

student at Glendale Community College majoring in communications. Plans to attend California State University, Long Beach. Enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Online Dating

Confessions of a Serial Monogamist Photo illustrations by Frank Hamilton

By Charlette Gibbs

C

arina Madison is an attending personal assistant for a locally based rock band and chose to give online dating a whirl long before there was an app for that.

After seeing her walk so confidently toward the table at The Coffee Bean, one might ask, “How the hell could this girl be single?” As the two of us settle in over a latte, she is anxious to share her online dating story.

“Online dating can easily be viewed as a fresh meat market for casual sex,” Madison said.

Judging from the look in her friendly green eyes as she spoke, it was without doubt that she had the energy of someone who spent time on the Internet dating grid.

“I’m sure you know this, but I am deeply socially awkward,” she said.

She’s not the only one. Online dating is on the rise among Americans with less time and patience for tradition courting methods. But despite a seeming Web-disconnect, the rapid growth of technology makes room for plenty of human interaction.

The Millennials have been branded by many as “The Hook-up Generation,” and the label is readily accepted by other groups too. As life continues gets busier and more socially active, the accessibility

longer than 12 months,” Madison said.

“Kind of makes you thankful for the inability to read minds after telling a guy such crazy shit.”

With no hard evidence to back up longterm relationship success rates among people that met online, the thought of Madison’s words does not exactly settle as crazy. She smiles between sips of her iced drink and starts to fret as the “No Smoking” sign found on the patio of the coffee shop comes into her peripheral vision.

There is a sure shot way to bring unwelcome judgment to yourself; telling others that you have jumped into the virtual dating pool of the Internet. For those who have followed Madison in their chosen method of dating and found luck in their search for a mate sometimes attempt to live in denial of ever meeting anyone via a dating site.

“My last boyfriend told his sister that we met at our school…before I met her,” Madison said.

Of course, as it is in the world of conventional dating, there are absolute pros and cons to somewhat validate the decision to date online. Social media gives us all permission to portray ourselves in any way we see fit. That in itself could be one hybrid lie.

If you are one of the few folks that have never given any of this a deep thought, take a look at the hit MTV series “Catfish.”

More than ever, it is easier to lie or be exactly who or what the other person may be looking for. Human detachment could begin to fester at a fast pace, creating an unrealistic idea of who people truly are, long before the ice breaks. Heightened expectations seem to be the con that could undoubtedly be the sneakiest factor in this case. But Madison is a tough lady with a romantic past that is far from something to brag about.

With always having to roll with the hard punches of life, she expresses gratitude that Internet searching for the ideal mate comes with a good amount of pros.

“I never understood why some people seem to think you’re more likely to meet the crazies online,” Madison said. “People will be whatever they are no matter where you meet them.”

of online dating forums have undaunted romantics seeking love online. Does this mean that all personal aspects of living should be available on command? If the answer is yes, what are the pros and cons of being able to satisfy so many desires with the tap of a virtual button? Feeling curious but scared? Madison offers insight for the clueless.

“It’s cool to find a comfortable dating site and stick with it, doesn’t mean you’ll find something worth keeping of course.

As a woman, it’s easier to avoid unwanted attention from males and also to deal with rejection,” Madison said.

Some say this new method of meeting people is strange. Madison comes off as haughty yet down to earth.

She is in her late 20s and could quite possibly kill you with kindness. She says that a few friends have given her the title of “Serial Monogamist.”

Charlette Gibbs is currently a Still, Madison is eager to protest the sonew student at GCC after attending called weirdness. “It’s very possible that I L.A.Valley College, with her main love the idea of love a bit too much,” she interest in photography and a said. strong aptitude for journalism.

Listening to Madison speak of the conShe is a 28 year old Los Angeles cept of love in a tone that sounds rich with native and loves to learn as much disappointment, a slight and quiet sense of empathy fills the air as she answers about as possible when it comes to education. Charlette enjoys attending local rock shows and has her own blog dedicated her past relationships.

“I’ve never been in a relationship any to the look and feel of a music lovers experience, all while

20 | ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

gaining freelance practice.

Body Language:

By Mark Nassim

Does She Really Like You?

rying to figure out if a woman is interested in you can T be a headache and drives a man nuts. Want to know a secret? The best way to figure out if someone likes you

is through body language. Believe it or not, 93 percent of communication is nonverbal. Tired of being that guy who is oblivious to a woman’s interest and dissed because you did not get the message? Fear not. I am here to help.

Before you get into a conversation with a woman, you must first look for someone to talk to, an ideal place would be at a bar or a party. You want to walk up to the right women, the available ones. How do you know someone is available? Look for are signs of interest, a woman who is making quick eye contact toward you, licking the lips or putting on lipstick are a reasons to pursue that person.

Watch what they do with their hair as well. “It is often said that women will touch or flick their hair when they are interested in a man who is nearby,” said Joe Navarro, a former body language expert for the FBI. Another helpful note is that if a woman is revealing her shoulders or chest, she is looking to flirt.

Once you are talking, watch how they position their body. “When a woman sits with one leg tucked under the other and points the folded leg toward the person whom she wants to attract, the message communicated is: ‘I feel very comfortable with you. I’d like to get to know you better,’ ” said Jan Hargrave, body language expert and author of Let Me See Your Body Talk.

If a woman leans toward you, not giving much space between the two of you, or puts her hand on her cheek, slightly tilting

her head, she is displaying signs of interest, Hargrave said.

From my experience, if the person you are talking to is making eye contact most of the time and not looking elsewhere, like on their phone, they are listening and interested in what you have to say.

Everyone loves humor. So if you are genuinely making your love interest laugh, you are on the right track. If she is leaning toward you while laughing and being slightly touchy, she is interested, too.

Mirroring is another significant sign of interest.

If a woman mirrors your body positioning, she is interested, said relationship expert Margot Brown, author of Kickstart Your Relationship.

“It is like she is identifying with you so closely and listening so intently that she has become one with you nonverbally,” Brown added.

Now you know a few love signs. So the next time you go to a bar, a party, on a date or to a gathering, keep in mind what I have told you. You will know if your conversation is going well just by paying attention to body language.

Mark Nassim

is a student at GCC majoring in Journalism hoping to transfer to Cal State Northridge.

He is a charismatic, vivid, and insightful individual that values the little things and experiences he encounters in life.

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By Nancy Villalobos

What would you do if a DISASTER struck TODAY?

W

hat would you do if a disaster struck? Would you be prepared? If the answer is no, now would be a good time to make a change. Preparedness is your best defense against a disaster. When preparing for any disaster, begin by putting together three separate backpacks or duffle bags. Keep one under your bed. Keep one near the front door or in the garage. The last one should be kept in your car or at work. These bags can dramatically increase your chances of survival.

Wondering where to start? Here is a handy list of prep-kit items to get you started.

Remember to rotate your perishable stock every few months. Keep medications safe from children. Invest in a CPR and first-aid class or check out basics on YouTube basics.

Make a plan, discuss it with family members and coworkers and practice a few times a year. Redcross.org and preparesocal.org can provide information. And if you do not want to assemble your own kit, buy one at redcrossstore.org Know who your neighbors are and be prepared to assist the elderly during a disaster. Also, families with young children may need additional help, so if you are available, lend a hand.

Take action and make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

De-stress for Finals - by Karin Abcarians I

t is Monday, the beginning day of finals week. Let the stress begin. But what if you could reduce the stress? Making minor adjustments to how we study can ease stress. Small lifestyle changes like exercising, eating healthy, taking naps and not checking social media sites while studying can make the all difference between surrendering to stress or sailing through finals week.

Mind and body Study for a bit. Then go for a walk or exercise. According to an article from Everest College, “One easy way to reduce your stress is to exercise on a regular basis.” Walks are a great way to reduce stress and make you feel better about studying. While you walk, listen to music.

Walk your pets. Or go for a run, and see how quickly you begin to feel more relaxed, refreshed and ready to hit the books again.

Eat healthy When we get stressed, we tend to overeat, and eat unhealthy food.

Everest’s report found that eating healthy is a ‘key to feeling better.’ So substitute the junk food (brownies, chips, pizza) for vegetables, fruit and salads. Also, drink eight glasses of water per day instead of soda.

Power nap When studying makes you feel tired, take a nap. Long naps can make us feel exhausted. But the National Sleep Foundation found that a short nap (20 to 30 minutes) provides significantly improved alertness and performance in study participants. So take the right amount of time to nap and you’ll feel much better. Sleep 10 to 20 minutes for alertness and energy. Sleeping for 30 minutes will make you groggy, more tired. And a 60-minute nap makes you remember things better, while 90 minutes is a full sleep. So a 60-minute nap is your best bet during 22

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

finals week.

Put the Tweet to sleep Often we decide to check our social media pages and go on the computer instead of continuing with our studying. But he Huffington Post found that 57 percent of people active in social media felt their lives were somewhat stressful and 26 percent felt their lives were very stressful. These numbers suggest that social media drains from our lives. Those 5 minutes of checking Facebook won’t benefit your studies. We can always do that after we spend a good amount of time studying.

When we make changes in our lives like exercising, eating healthy, taking naps and not checking social media sites while studying, we will perform better in school. Actress and author Marilu Henner noted, “Being in control of your life and having realistic expectations about your day-to-day challenges are the keys to stress management, which is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy, healthy and rewarding life.”

Karin Lidoosh Abcarians is a GCC student who is majoring in journalism with an emphasis on entertainment.

How to Find Quality on Craigslist and Stay Safe Doing It

By Nicolas Rincon

I

f you don’t know by now, Craigslist has everything. From used car parts and job opportunities to dance classes, you can find it all on Craigslist. Unfortunately, that much access to content can leave people helpless.

And even if they find what they’re looking for, how do they know they can trust the seller? Scams are all over Craigslist. Only the person that posted that “Like New iPhone 6!!!!” knows whether it works or not. So here are a few handy tips to help you navigate the Craigslist maze, find quality and avoid getting ripped off.

Craigslist has links on the side that let you specify your search, depending on what you’re looking for. So be as specific and precise as possible and then peel back some of the results that will fill your need. Be aware. Anyone can post on Craigslist. So it is always a good idea to be a bit skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true . . . well, you know the rest. If you come across a great item at a reasonable price, get as much

information as you can before meeting the seller. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

If it is a car, check Carfax.com to get a clear history of the vehicle. It’s your money. Meet at a safe location, in public. A bank is a good spot because it’s monitored and allows buyers andsellers to verify transfers on-site.

But most importantly, trust your instincts.

If you feel the person is lying or shady, it may be best just to drop the deal and start anew. Alas, restarting your search takes time.

And quality items at a reasonable price can be tough to find.And with so many people online, good deals are often gone in minutes, which makes patience vital to success on Craigslist.

If you are firm on a price, it may take some time. But don’t give up. When looking for my first car, my parents set the budget at $2,000. It didn’t matter what kind of car I found. If it wasn’t within the budget, my parents wouldn’t even look at it. I spent weeks looking for what I thought a $2,000 car should be. I searched for Toyotas, Hondas, Volkswagens and even BMWs. Eventually, I realized that sellers judge things differently, and they may feel their item is worth more than the buyer does. So stick with it. If it is

something you want, you just have to keep trying. Someone will eventually be on the same page as you. Aside from it being my first car, Gretta, as I called her, meant more to me because I put in the time to find her.

The icing on the cake? I found her at the incredible price of $950, saving my parents $1,000. Everything lined up. The post was online for 1 hour when I found it. The seller provided all the information I asked for ahead of time. And that little voice inside me knew I could trust the seller. That was three years ago, and to this day Gretta runs like a champ.

My efforts paid off big time. And you can find something similar. With some careful thinking and patience, you can find your Craiglist dream deal and avoid a nightmare.

Nicolas Rincon is a contributing writer from Journalism 210, advanced newswriting. He is a writer for the ElVaquero with a main focus campus related sports.

The ABC’s of the Perfect Bubble

By Kendall Faulkner

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aseball players blow them and put them on each other’s hats as a joke. Moms teach their children how to create them. Blowing bubbles is a talent, a talent many do not know they possess until they do it.You can make them bigger than your face, or you can pop

your friend’s and watch it deflate. There is a skill and an art to blowing bubbles, and to get started, you need to find the right gum to create your perfect bubble and know a few good techniques.

Here are are few tips and tricks on how to blow away your friends with your perfect bubble.

Find the chewing gum that suits you.Yes, this will take a few dollars and a few chews, but you will find your perfect gum. Just stick to it. I personally like Big League Chew.

Watermelon flavor is my preference because you can easily alter the amount that is in your mouth at any given moment to help your bubble blowing abilities. Five Gum is a quick second, but your bubbles will not be as impressive.

After you find your perfect chewing gum, the foundation to the masterpiece, you need to work on technique. It may seem difficult at first, but everyone has to start somewhere. It may take a few tries.You may spit it out, lose or swallow your gum. But remember, you are going to be a bubble blowing master.

Your technique is vital. Begin chewing your gum until it has reached the perfect texture,

elastic with no granules of sugar. When you are ready, flatten your gum out like a pancake on your tongue, not too flat like paper though (imagine a pancake).Then, you just slide it over to the tip of your tongue; start to slowly, and lightly, blow.

Once you start blowing lightly, let your lips be the base that is holding the gum from flying out of your mouth. Patience is crucial.

Bubbles will pop. They may pop right away.

They may burst as they get as big as your face.

Be patient and let the bubble be.

This is an easy task that takes a lot of patience and practice. Do not be discouraged, but be enthusiastic as your gum chewing life is changed forever.

Kendall Faulkner majoring in journalism, specifically broadcast journalism with an emphasis onsports.

She is bilingual, speaking both French and English. She finds joy in pushing herself and being able to do things that others thinks she cannot do.

UBER Puts Your Car to Work

By Karina Aguilar

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ooks, tuition, gas, food, housing are some of the expenses college students face. And with a heavy school load many students work part time for $10 an hour. It is no wonder the average undergraduate student’s left college with about $33,000 in college debt in 2014, according to government data analyzed by student financial aid expert and publisher Mark Kantrowitz. If the pattern continues, Kantrowitz predicted increased debt loads for future generations.

Some students are driving out of debt by working for mobile-app-based transportation networks like Uber and Lyft.

Many students use these ride services to get to school. The Uber app lets the traveler order a car, receive an alert, confirm the ride, access the Uber driver’s info and estimated time of arrival and lets the customer pay and get a receipt within the service. But with ads on social media claiming Uber and Lyft driver can make $35 an hour, some students see these transportation services as an ideal work option.

“I had just decided to go back to school, so I had to quit my job at the pharmacy and get

Perfect Brows

P

erfect brows and a smooth hairless face are what every woman wants.

Well, at least the approximate 20 million women who remove facial hair once a week, according to a Bristol-Meyers research. How do they do it, these 20 million women? Well, there is the common method of waxing, and then there is the not so new, new method of threading.

“Waxing grabs the whole hair leaving skin smooth and allowing the possibility for the hair follicle to die. With threading the hair gets cut off instead of being pulled out by the root,” said esthetician Mara Holbrook, 29.

It is more precise and more sanitary than threading, said independent brow expert Rachel Mancia, 26.

“When they use thread they are wrapping it around their hands or even on their 24

one in sales. Since I didn’t know how I was going to do in my new job, I needed a plan B. So I applied for Uber,” Galicia Avalos, 26, a former student at Los Angeles Community College and part-time Uber driver, said.

According to Avalos, becoming a Uber driver is simple. You apply. They run a background check. You meet to get your car inspected. And the Uber folk decide if you are a no or a go.

Illustration by Sal Polcino

It sounds easy, but safety issues have drawn negative attention toward these services. Avalos is not concerned. Review systems, she said, let drivers and riders rate the service and the transportation.

Avalos said demand for these services has increased especially during prime time periods where Avalos said drivers can make twice as much for a ride.

“I definitely recommend it, especially now that using [Uber] has gotten so popular. Bemouth, they spread the germs around. The wax is so hot that it kills bacteria and goes directly from the wooden stick to the face,” Mancia added.

The negative side of waxing involves irritation of sensitive skin or the unproven skepticism about it reducing the elasticity every time the skin is pulled.This has driven some women and men to go with threading.

Go to any threading salon or website and they will explain the method of taking two cotton threads, twisting them and pulling

| ONE Oh! Seven | Spring 2015 | www.glendalecollegeinsider.com

fore I would have to wait awhile in between rides. Now there are people requesting rides all the time,” Avalos said.

Although it is possible to make a decent living working for these companies, according to nerwallet.com, a financial advice and tools site, drivers would have to give approximately 72 rides per week to make about $50,000 a year. Drivers get up to 80 percent of the profit from the rides. This may work for some students willing to work a few hours a week to make some extra cash in between classes and other obligations. But what about tax season? For some college students filing taxes is very new and can be stressful.

It is inevitable that come tax season, you have to report your earnings from driving, after all death and taxes are unavoidable. And filing as an independent contractor is something even more unfamiliar to many students, leading many to stress out and think, “Were those extra bucks worth the journey?” To some, the road trip is worth the gain. But would it be worth it to you?

Karina Y. Aguilar is majoring in Mass Communications, has worked in Public Relations and has a passion for languages speaking English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language.

out the hairs. It is a natural way of removing hair, making it the perfect alternative for people with sensitive skin. According to author and hair removal expert Naomi Torres, threading is fast and sanitary since the thread gets thrown out immediately after use.

If done correctly, threading can permanently stop or slow hair growth. But the hair can become broken, too, in a similar way to shaving it, causing it to grow faster.

The two most popular methods to get rid of the unwanted facial hair or create the perfect brow arch, waxing and threading have pros and cons. And the decision is ultimately yours. But it is recommended with either method, you go to a professional who knows what they are doing.You do not want to have your skin burned off or end up with a permanent people’s eyebrow. — Story and photo by Karina Aguilar.

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