March 26, 2008 by El Vaquero Newspaper

El Vaquero March 26, 2008

Glendale College

No More! Cover Story page 9

Photos page 10-11

Photo by Ismael Reyes

Wednesday March 26, 2008

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NEWS

Faculty Town Hall Meeting El Vaquero Tackles Violence Issues Glendale Community College

editor in chief

Richard Kontas SPORTS EDITOR Ross Coleman

By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

PHOTO EDITOR Ismael Reyes

STAFF WRITERS Claudia Anaya Jessica Bourse Sarkis Gabriyelyan Mariam Grigoryan

Sharese Mirzakhanyan Fabiola Prieto Chabeli Sanchez Corinna Scott

Eric Konarki Arpee Markarian

Katherine Sosa Brent Wallace

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Graig Agop Allan Beglarian

Jake Madrigal Fabienne Niederberger

Production Manager Jane Pojawa design adviser Charles Eastman faculty adviser Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

advertising Jeff Smith

jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 1427

El Vaquero accepts story ideas in news, features, profiles, sports and entertainment from the public. To submit an idea or an article, e-mail the editor at editor@elvaq.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Send Letters to the Editor

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mong the results of an alarming assault on a teacher last month, teachers may now be more cautious about giving out their home or cell phone numbers to students. After an English teacher was attacked in the library building by a former student on Feb. 19, the main topic at campus meetings has been safety. Workplace violence was the main topic at a faculty meeting held in the auditorium at noon on March 11. PresidentAudre Levy, associate dean of health services Mary Mirch, GCC police captain Nidal Kobaissi, and Paul Schlossman, dean of student affairs, spoke at the meeting. Mirch talked about the incident, defined “threat,” and discussed plans to take action in case of another incident. “The victim was threatened, [and] felt like she had to figure out who to go to,” said Mirch. “If anything happens on campus, contact the dean of student affairs, human resources, campus police, the Health Center, or your supervisor. It is the duty of those individuals on campus to then

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about the attack on Feb. 19 was brought up by one teacher who raised his hand. He said the incident was alarming because they were told to keep quiet and they did not know if the student was still at large and would try to come back to the campus. Even though it wasn’t mentioned in the meeting, the attacker was in custody for a day and was served with a three-year restraining order on March 12. Mirch mentioned that threatening behavior could lead to expulsion, suspension (lasting from two days to years), and/or a criminal investigation, depending on their behavior. “It’s scary,” said a teacher in a crowd of raised hands. She said she “hoped we could come up with some method that we can communicate with Paul’s office or campus police.” “Some answers we have, some we don’t have… it’s a work in progress,” said Mirch, talking about the plan of action. “Some faculty still choose to give their students their home phone number and I would strongly discourage that,” said Mirch reminding teachers that “times are different.” Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

How Green Is The Campus? By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Happ ’s What’s

follow through with a course of action. It becomes the district’s responsibility.” Mirch spoke about nontolerance for workplace violence that “includes threatening or violent actions by employees directed at other employees, by employees against students, or visitors, and by students or visitors directed at or against district employees. Consistent with this policy, acts or threats of physical or psychological violence, including, but are not limited to: intimidation, harassment, physical attack or property damage,” according to Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 3203; Labor Code Section 6400. From the auditorium platform, Mirch warned staff members to trust their gut when they feel like they have been threatened, even if a student seems to be joking about it. “I had a student a few years ago who was nuts and failed the class,” said Kerry Riley, ethnic studies teacher, explaining that after the student failed two more times, he referred the student to another teacher for “safety reasons.” The admonition that faculty members were told to keep quiet

n recent years, the general concern to take care of the environment has risen. More people are informing themselves on issues, such as pollution, and are asking what they can do to help. Here at GCC, students are wondering: what is the campus doing to help the environment? Dan Padilla, manager of maintenance and operations, is working hard to create and keep a clean campus, while taking care of the environment. “Recycling is the largest thing we’re currently doing,” said Padilla, “It consumes approximately 24 percent of the budget, but it’s worth it.” Recycling is the process in

which unwanted materials are collected, processed, and then reused to create new products. At GCC, all of the garbage is sent to an off-campus location, where it is then sorted out — separating garbage from recyclable materials. Trash is not the only thing that gets recycled at GCC. Scrap metal, such as broken chairs, is recycled and made reusable once melted down. Wooden shipping crates are also recycled and reused — doing this means fewer trees are cut down. The Sartoris field, which was renovated and installed in Sept. 2005, is an “eco-friendly” field. “Our track’s field is made out of synthetic grass,” said Padilla, “it doesn’t need water, fertilizer, or pesticides.” All natural grass on campus

is mulched. Although mulching and regular mowing appear to be similar processes, mulching is more beneficial for the environment because it takes all of the grass clippings, or “mulch,” and redistributes it on the lawn. The mulch acts as compost, keeping the lawn healthy and reducing garbage. When it comes to the environment, it has been proven that small changes make a huge impact in the long-run. Microfiber cloths will soon replace the current cleaning-towels because they are more efficient while using fewer chemical products. “All of our cleaning products are recognized as ‘green’ chemicals,” said Padilla, “They are biodegradable and better for [See Green, Page 3]

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3

NEWS

Campus Budget Cuts Could Spread Widely By Corinna Scott

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

uperintendent Audre Levy alerted the campus to the budget crisis at the board of trustees on the Garfield campus March 17. What “we are looking at, of course, is the property tax shortfall. Many of you might realize that since property hasn’t been selling there’s a property tax short fall that is coming to the community colleges, so we had quite a discussion on it and voted that this would be a one-time hit for this particular year,” said Levy. Levy suspects the short-fall would more likely be $1 million of the 100 million that will come from the school budget. In another report, “California produces the fewest amount of graduates who complete AA and AS degrees in the country and in the world,” said Levy. The report that Levy read had compared California with other places in the country and gave praise to the state’s efforts, but

at the same time said that efforts needed to be doubled. “If we are meeting the needs of the students who come here, maybe they don’t need to graduate; maybe they just need certain courses and they take them, they complete them and move on,” said Armine Hacopian, president of the board. Also, during the meeting, members of the speech and debate team approached the board to ask for funding. “We’ve grown from a ragtag posse into one of the most feared voices in speech and debate not just in the greater Los Angeles area, not just in Southern California, but in the nation,” said Robert Cannon, speech and debate team president. “In the past three years the speech team’s budget has shriveled smaller and smaller and we desperately need to be funded correctly. Other programs in the area are funded through their administration, such as: LA Valley, Santa Monica, LACC and Mount San Antonio College. All have strong funding directly through their administration,

much like (a sports program instructor, spoke of new recruits would be), but ours, however, is for the team and their potential not,” said Cannon. for being ambassadors for the Cannon went on to say that college. He said “that three years students on ago, Glendale the team had College did not turned down even register full scholarships on anyone’s to universities radar on terms such as Cal of speech and State Fullerton, debate and Cal State Long now everyone Beach, and knows about us, Pepperdine, not only here University of in California, the Pacific, to but around the name only a United States.” few, in order The board to maintain the discussed the friendships and cost of sending stay with the students to —Robert Cannon competitions, coaching they have received but did not at GCC. He also put to vote said students whetether or from four-year not they would universities have left to become support the speech and debate part of the squad here, a highly team due to inavailabilaty of revered speech team on the the budget. The board should be circuit. getting the budget presentation in Josh Fleming, head coach June said Levy. of speech and debate and The board also recognized the GCC speech communications work of Jane DiLucchio, division chair, Life Skills and noncredit business who started working with students in a small bungalow and now has many students that say they owe their success to her. During the meeting some GED graduates shared their stories with the audience at the Garfield Campus.

“We’ve grown from a ragtag posse into one of the most feared voices in speech and debate”

Jan Young was also recognized as a full-time faculty member in the developmental skills lab. Young stepped up from the audience to point out the mortar boards that represent the some of the 95 graduates of the GED program from nine years past, including boards from some of the graduates of the adult program. “Currently from the shoe box that Jane started in, we now have over 1,100 students that come through our lab, we have 600 concurrent students. Those are high school students that are in high school today and what they are doing is they are repeating the courses. “Students come from all over,” Young said. “Not just Glendale and Hoover, but they come from Pasadena and Burbank to take course work here and finish their course work here. Also offered at the Garfield campus, is the high school diploma that is offered through Glendale College. Glendale has about 600 GED students per year that are in a prep program. Young said that these students are struggling to read and they’re working their way up to getting the equivalent of a high school diploma. The next Board of Trustees Meeting will be April 21 in Kreider Hall at 5 p.m.

Corinna Scott can be reached at Corinna_Scott@elvaq.com

How Green is GCC? [Green, from Page 2] are bio-degradable and better for the environment.” Students such as Matt Koharchick, 23, plumbing mechanics major, and Tina Davtyan, 20, political science/ environmental studies major, also pitch in to help the environment. “I have a compost heap at home,” said Koharchick, “I use that for biodegradable waste, like food. I also drive a fourcylinder truck instead of an eightcylinder.” Project: Earth Tomorrow, the environmental club on GCC, is busy preparing for Earth-week. Earth-week will be an on-campus event held after spring break, meant to coincide with Earth Day,

a national holiday on April 22. Davtyan, president of Project: Earth Tomorrow, believes that students “know about taking care of the environment, but many are having trouble connecting personal actions into the issues around them.” “Each action makes a change in the end,” said Davtyan, “We want students to understand that they have the power to make changes, but first we all must learn how to change our own behaviors.” “I would like to see us be leaders in conservation,” said Padilla, “I would like to see GCC become an example… of students who care for their campus.” Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

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NEWS

Budget Cuts Would Devastate Forensics By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

he talk around campus is the speculation of looming budget cuts of some departments and programs. The forensics team is one of the programs that could be heavily affected. One of the cuts that would possibly take place would be in travel for tournaments. Jean Perry, language arts division chair and director of forensics, said, “the speech and debate team is funded from a number of sources and always has been. The ASGCC (the Associated Student Body) is providing about $7,400, which goes for entry fees and travel this year. The administration has provided about $3,400 for travel and supplies. Additionally, the administration pays for salaries for the coaching.” However the amount of money given to this program has decreased from what it was just a few years back. Perry adds, “the travel and supply funding from both the administration and the ASGCC is down this year by about $15,000 from last year, and down $10,000 from 2005-2006. This is particularly difficult since the size of the squad has quadrupled.” Budget cuts mean less awayfrom-campus tournaments for the forensics team. Some of these tournament destinations include: Texas, Florida and Northern California. So far this year, the team has performed quite well, finishing first in some events. “Slashing our budget would be devastating to our squad, said Ira Heffler, coach of the forensics team and speech professor. “It would limit the number of students we could take to a competition and it would limit

the number of competitions we could attend.” “The away tournaments which the speech and debate team attends are not frivolous tournaments attended for the sake of going away,” said Perry. “They are the tournaments for which students have qualified, in much the same way student athletes qualify for their state and national games. These are our equivalent of bowl games.” While attending these tournaments, students are able to win scholarships. “Students vie to qualify for the state and national tournaments as a reward. These tournaments are the measure of their success at the local level and are often where four-year schools determine which students will be offered scholarships,” said Perry. The forensics program is a valuable learning tool to the many that participate. Students gain a familiarity in communication, critical thinking, research, listening, current events and most importantly teamwork. Forensics vice president and team member Tiffany Brian said, “my major is Poli Sci. I am currently enrolled in Poli Sci 101 and I am noticing how much more information from debates, like current events and knowledge of congressional and federal policy, carry over from one subject to another. I’m studying for my Poli Sci exams without even realizing it.” The speculated budget cuts would be devastating to the Forensics team, which has in three years become a major force at the local, state and national levels.

Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at chabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Tiffany Brian, left, Ted Levatter, Jean Perry and Ira Heffler discussing during the speech team class on March 20.

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

GCC speech team: Grant Toumasian, front row, from left, James Heller, David Machen, Ashley Givens, Tiffany Brian, Stephanie Pease and Ted Levatter. Chris Garrido, back row, from left, Josh Fleming, Billy Smith, Robert Cannon, Sergio Azucena, Jimmy Dean, Ira Heffler, Allyn Glanzer and Jean Perry.

Forensics Finally Getting Noticed By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“W

hen I joined the team people asked me whether I was from Glendale Community College in California or Glendale Community College in Arizona,” said Tiffany Brian, a forensics team member.” “Now at the end of my second year on the team everyone knows that when Robert, Grant, James, Ashley, myself, and all the other GCC students show up that we are representing Southern California — and we mean business. We are becoming an unstoppable force that people resent. It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Brian. The forensics team started in 2005 with only two people aboard. Today it has grown to around 60 people. This year alone the college has won first place at both Community College Sweepstakes (CCS) at District and Long Beach, also finishing second place at CCS at Point Loma. The list goes on and on, with far too many trophies to even count. Not only is the college as a whole taking gold home these

days, but individual forensics team members are winning as well. Brian and duo partner Robert Cannon took First place at Biola University as well as in Austin, Texas. These are only two of the many participants who took home awards. Below are the awards taken from the March 15 state tournament. Poetry: Whitney Dixon — Bronze Ryan Robbins — Silver Prose: Tiffany Brain — Bronze David Machen — Bronze Stephanie Pease — Bronze DI (Dramatic Interpertation): Tiffany Brain — Silver Stephanie Pease — Bronze Parli Team (Parlimentary Debate): James Heller & Grant Toumasian — Bronze Parli LD Debate (Parlimentary Debate/ Lincoln Douglas): James Heller — Bronze Grant Toumasian — Silver Upcoming tournaments for the team include, AFA (American Forensics Association), NFA (National Forensics Academy),

and Phi Ro Pi. The forensics team is always preparing, usually beginning in the summer and continuing year round, gladly welcoming participants. “There are no actual requirements to join our team,” said coach Ira Heffler. “We welcome everyone. Strong speech skills are not a prerequisite. Some students enjoy observing speech and debate tournaments. Other students help with fundraising, and other events. Everyone is involved in one way or another.” Being a part of this unstoppable force is not only rewarding for the students, but for the coaches as well. “It’s not only satisfying, but actually quite thrilling to watch how our squad has grown and improved the last three years. I am extremely proud of our squad. GCC is highly regarded in the forensics circuit,” Heffler said. Director of forensics, Jean Perry said, “desire is the greatest determinant,” and desire is only one of the many strengths this team has to take them to the top. Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at chabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5

NEWS

Race, Gender Sway Votes in Cultural Diversity Lecture By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Neither the black man nor white woman sitting on stage ever thought it would happen in their lifetimes. “I’m in a little state of shock that the two top candidates in any political party are who they are,” said Mona Field, a political science professor, who joined with Kerry Riley, an ethnic studies professor, in Kreider Hall on March 13 to discuss the November presidential campaign. In a lecture titled “Changing the Game or Playing the Cards? Race, Gender, and Class in the Upcoming Elections,” Field and Riley sat in front of the audience as Lisa Lubow, history teacher and moderator of the event asked students: “who thinks they are going to vote for Hillary? Who thinks they are going to vote for Obama? McCain?” Some students raised their hands with confidence until Lubow asked; how many know what Obama’s position is on race and racism, immigration, the economy, and the war in Iraq? “It’s to get a sense of where we stand,” said Lubow continuing to ask if people knew Clinton’s views on women and gender issues, economy, immigration, and the war. After a few moments of silence, the questions were asked. How many would vote based on “it’s about time we had a woman in office? A black man in office?” After a few people raised their hand, the discussion began. The Republican Party seems to choose a candidate early in the race and the Democratic Party may need to “come together” and choose one as well because they both stand for change, according to Field. “They are respecting each other by competing and not playing it safe,” said Riley in a soft voice, sitting up straight. “They don’t want to make race and gender an issue, but by not saying it they have made it an issue,” said Riley speaking about Clinton and Obama. Last Tuesday however, race was the issue in Obama’s speech,

when he tried to assure voters that his attendance of 20 years at the Trinity United Church of Christ where Reverend Jeremiah Wright has preached his anti-government beliefs due to racial issues, one of which being that the government created AIDS to kill blacks, was something that Obama did not agree with. Riley pointed out that people might be voting because they may see themselves being less racist by voting for Obama. “Does this election reflect real change?” said Lubow. “It reflects change created by education, people are less sexist, racist, people’s attitudes have evolved…showing in mentality and voting behavior,” said Field leaning towards the microphone. Field warned against voting based on personality and what is shown on television, while Riley enlightened some on positions in healthcare. “People vote on personality and image rather than on policy… very few of us are fully informed on policy of informants,” said Field. “Hillary Clinton has proposed a health care system that will cover just about everybody, Barack Obama has put together a system that covers many, but not everybody,” said Riley. “She’s ambitious,” said Riley, about Clinton. Students were reminded, “we will be bombarded with media images, with lots of negatives and lots of scandals in November,” said Field, continuing to encourage the audience to “do the research to find out more about their actual position on issues.” As the discussion came to a close, students were asked what kind of issues they thought were important to them. Students raised their hands one by one to answer: oil, war, environment, immigration, the country’s economic situation, veterans being well taken care of when they come back from war, the country’s position in the world, and education.

Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

‘Nowruz Bazaar’ Commemorates Traditional Persian New Year By Mariam Grigoryan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

s some students sat quietly in classrooms, reading and listening to lectures, outside peers, faculty and children were dancing, eating, and admiring the exhibits displayed outdoors, celebrating Persian New Year. Organized by the Persian Student Association, “The Nowruz Bazaar” was held Thursday March 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Rafael Plaza. “I think it was a very successful event. It was well attended by students, faculties and staff and the community members. This is the biggest cultural event of Glendale College and it is a bridge between the college and the community.” said Paris Noori, adviser of Persian Student Association who had been planning this event for nearly six months—a tiring and exhausting process that required a lot of time and dedication. The stress, however, seemed to be worth it; all the positive feedback motivated her to continue this annual tradition. Traditional music filled the campus, with colorful booths displaying Persian art, rugs, flowers, jewelry, and pastries. A number of club members joined the spectators who were dancing to the Persian music

provided by DJ Alex. As a part of an on-going tradition celebrating the Persian New Year, Nowruz, it is customary to set up a table, Haft-Seen. It contains seven edible items beginning with letter “S.” They symbolize life, health, happiness, prosperity, love, joy and beauty. The booth was set up beautifully and the members of the club, along with the volunteers, were eager to share with their peers their knowledge of this tradition. The booth for the Akbar Mashti Ice Cream (traditional Persian ice cream) caught a lot of attention from the children who were on a field trip. According to Noori, elementary school teachers call in advance, as soon as September, to plan their field trip to the Planetarium so it would be on same date as the Persian New Year event. The ice cream booth was not the only attraction for the children. A man dressed in a bright red costume, also known as Haji-Firuz, was singing, dancing, telling jokes and entertaining. He is an emblematic figure, a representation of rebirth, sacrifice and joy—a custom dating back to when African servants brought to Iran acted as entertainers, hence the coloring of their face and hands black. Under another shady tent, two women were discussing and explaining the history of the

paintings and books on display. Badri Borghei, a famous Persian artist, was also present. She encouraged everyone to read the books for a deeper understanding of their culture. Borghei was recognized at YWCA in 1997 as being an “Incredible Woman Making History.” There was also a tent devoted to the traditional Persian musical instruments. A few were borrowed from volunteers and from Noori herself, such as the tombak, a goblet-shaped drum played by both hands holding it horizontally. A very upbeat and popular instrument. Santoor, a trapezoid-shaped, seventy-two string instrument, made of wood and is played by striking the bronze and steal strings by light wooden hammers. Barely anyone could resist the pastry booth, covered in delicious pastry and sweets. Close to the tea house tent known as Chay Khaneh, the combination made a perfect tea party for some. “It is wonderful to see such a united and lively culture, and how their celebrations show their dedication to their values and traditions,” said a passerby Tatiana Escobar, communication major.

Mariam Grigoryan can be reached at mariam_grigoryan@elvaq.com

Photo by Ismael Reyes

GCC students enjoy the Persian New Year festivities sponsored by the Persian Club on March 13. Booths included persian art, music, crafts and food.

Wednesday, March 26, 2007

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NEWS

Job Recruiters to Accept Applications on Campus April 9 By Sharese Mirzakhanyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

nterested in working at Macy’s, Aflac, Bank of America, or Universal Studios? Well, now you have the chance to apply to these places at the annual job fair. The Job Fair will take place on April 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza. Recruiters from about 70 companies will be on campus. Those looking for a job must come prepared. with copies of updated resumes to turn in to recruiters.

To find out more information about these companies that will attend, visit www.glendale. edu/jobplace/jobfair2008/ jf08emplist.htm. The website includes links to company web pages, as well as a list of the positions available for each company. Students in need of resume assistance may contact the Career Center at ext. 5407 for information on resume workshops. According to Kathy Kostjal, coordinator of the job fair, the annual event began in 2000, although it was canceled last year due to weather conditions. It

has been successful throughout the years, with a large number of students attending. Students may bring along friends or family members as well. “This year the taco guy will attend with delicious tacos,” Kostjal said. In order to buy tacos, tickets will be sold at the job placement center or can be bought at the job fair information table. About half of the money made will come to GCC and will go to the student worker of the year. “It is a great opportunity for all students and I am personally looking forward to it since I am currently searching for a job,” said Vahag Ayvazyan, 21, social science major. Throughout the years, the job fair has helped several students find jobs. Sharese Mirzakhanyan can be reached at smirzakhanyan@elvaq.com

Looking For A Job? These Companies Are Recruiting:

Photo by Isaiah Marmol

Health care workers are always in demand. Daniel Paz, a hemadialysis technician, cares for a patient.

The Roundup

• 24 Hour Fitness • 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women • Aflac • Agricultural Commissioner/ Weights & Meas. • Asian Pacific American Resolution Center • Auto Club • Avon • Bank of America • California Attorney

General’s office • California Highway Patrol • • CARE Comprehensive Autism Related Edu. • Cedars Sinai Medical Center • Childcare Careers • Chinatown Youth Center • City of Burbank • City of Glendale • City of LA- General Service & Public Safety • City of Pasadena • CPS Security • Downey Savings • Dynamic Nursing Inc. • Federal Bureau of Investigation • FedEx Ground • Glendale Memorial Hospital • Glendale Police Department • Glendale Youth Alliance • Griffith Park Boys Camp/ • Hollywoodland • Hi-Favor Broadcasting/ Radio Nueva Vida • Hollywood Education & Literacy Project • Integral Engineering Services, Inc. • Lab Support • Law Office of Hovannes Margarian • Los Angeles Airport Police

• Los Angeles County Museum of Art • Los Angeles County Police • Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department • Los Angeles Police Department • Los Angeles School Police • LAUSD-Classified Recruitment • Macy’s • Aedic-1 Ambulance Service Inc. • Paycheck • Primerica Financial Services • ReMax in Action • Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor • Shakey’s USA • Tierra del Sol Foundation • Tom Sawyer Camps • United Parcel Service • United States Army • United States Coast Guard • United States Navy • United States Postal Service • United States Secret Service • Universal Studios Hollywood, • University of Phoenix • White Memorial Medical Center • World Financial Group • Youth for Positive Change Regional Collaborative.

www. elvaq.com by Corinna Scott

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

OPINION

‘Rate My Professor’ Identifies the Easy Ones By Eric Konarki

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

hoosing the “right” teacher is important to students. Up until the new website RateMyProfessor.com debuted, students turned to their peers for information on a teacher or class they were interested in taking. RateMyProfessor.com, which has been online since 1999, is the Internet’s largest listing of college professors, with more than 6.8 million student-generated ratings of more thanover 1 million professors. Inquiring students can find information on professors in schools from the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, and

Wales. Each year, millions of college students use the site to help plan their class schedules and rate current and past professors on attributes such as helpfulness and clarity. “This is the sickest [best] website. I found the easiest teachers ever,” said an anonymous GCC business major, 19. The site informs students about the risks of taking a certain teacher’s class. By just simply typing “Glendale Community College” in the search engine and choosing California, information about the school and professors who teach here become available.

“Over 6,000 schools, 1 million professors, 6 million opinions,” states the website. The Web site validates and justifies doubts by listing GCC’s website, location, and total number of professors, 949. Professors are listed alphabetically, a technique that makes it easy for students to browse the Web site. When clicking the teacher’s name, a “Scorecard” appears with the following information: The number of ratings, average easiness, average helpfulness, average clarity, hotness total (sometimes a picture is available), and overall quality. There is also an option to tell a friend.

To rate a professor, you choose either a yellow smiley face that says “good quality”; a green smiley face with a neutral smile that says “average quality”; a blue smiley face with a frown that says “poor quality;” or a red chili that indicates “hot.” The Web site states that “thousands of new ratings are added each day.” The dates of the comments are shown, as well as the name of the course and the comments left by former students. Depending on the popularity of the teacher, the amount of commentary varies. “[The Web site] was mostly true, but over-exaggerated, but overall it helped me pick the

professor that fit my needs,” said Narek Melik-Kasumyan, 17, business major. There is also a link titled “Professors add your rebuttal here.” It gives faculty the opportunity to respond to comments (those left by former students are anonymous) directed at them. This site was formed to help clarify questions about professors, but has turned into a resource that students use to find an easy teacher who doesn’t give too much homework or too many tests. Eric Konarki can be reached at eric_konarki@elvaq.com

Basic Restroom Etiquette Should be Mandatory By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

here is something dirty taking place in our bathrooms — and no, I am not referring to the obvious. What started off as a simple observation has now turned into a repulsive fact: People are not washing their hands after using the restroom. Disgusting, right? We are all aware of how important it is to have good hygiene. Isn’t cleanliness next to godliness? When most of us were children, our parents and teachers became sanitation missionaries.

For years, they preached the golden rules: “cover your mouth,” “don’t touch that,” “use a tissue, not your sleeve,” and “wash your hands.” We are now, for the most part, adults. We go to our classes, complete assignments and go to work. In short, we have many responsibilities. Shouldn’t our health be one of them? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year more than 160,000 people in the United States die from infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites that are easily transmitted from one person to another.

Proper hand washing helps prevent illnesses such as amebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, hepatitis A, and influenza. People who don’t wash their hands don’t realize that microscopic bacteria and fecal matter cover them. This means that even if you wash your hands, you still pick up germs from grabbing the door handle on your way out. Students such as Jessica Marquez, 20, criminal justice major, make sure to avoid unwanted germs. “It’s just so disgusting when people don’t wash their hands,” said Marquez. “I’m scared to touch the handle of the door. I

always use a paper towel.” According to studies by the American Society of Microbiology, 97 percent of females say they wash their hands after using the restroom, and of these, only 75 percent actually do. On the other hand, 92 percent of males say they wash their hands after using the restroom, but in reality, 58 percent of those who said yes in fact do. “There have been a lot of occasions when I have witnessed people just leave without washing their hands,” said Aylin Akoopi, 20, film major. “I mean, how hard is it?” Hand washing, and I mean

good hand washing, only takes about 20 seconds. Make sure to use soap, scrub your hands and clean under your nails. How do you know when your hands are clean? Try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. There is no excuse not to stop by the sink after leaving the stall or urinal. When you don’t wash your hands, others suffer. Maybe personal hygiene should be a required course.

Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

Campus Comments Do You Use RateMyProfessor.com? Rosemary Roque 21 UNDECIDED “No, I haven’t had to. I never needed to switch a class because of the professor.”

Troy Cornell 19 COMMUNICATION Members of the wedding party gather at the end of

“Never used it. I’ve used the Myspace version. It’s all psychological. Students must put effort into it. It’s not the teachers fault.”

Vanessa Solis 22 GENERAL EDUCATION

“Never heard of it: It sounds interesting. Real cool.”

Jack Janbaz 21 DENTISTRY

“Yeah, it helps a lot. It’s accurate to a certain point. Not all students are the same.”

— Compiled by Katherine Sosa and photographed by Graig Agop

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

www.elvaq.com

COLUMN

Miley’s Secrets Revealed: Cyrus Enjoys Best Of Both Worlds By Graig Agop

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER /PHOTOGRAPHER

In recent months, controversial teen role model Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, has been the subject of “Stalker to the Stars” columnist Graig Agop’s poison pen. In part 1 of a 2-part column, he lets some of the skeletons out of her closet.

eople of color, I come bearing controversy. Something smells like fish in Montana and I’m not talking hygiene. The skeletons in the upstairs closet of the spacious $6.2 million, six-bed, six-bath Cyrus household, along with Miley Cyrus, are dying to come out. What else is in this closet you ask? How about six personalities, nine names, a Hannah Montana body double, racy web photos and Youtube videos, a crossdressing stepbrother, a swanky skanky stepmom, linens, towels, and sheets, three more half-stepchildren, a dead mother cover-up or extremely hideous divorce and the second most successful show dad since Joe Simpson. That makes this a really big closet and ties Cyrus for first place for “most scandalous Disney star” alongside Vanessa Hudgens.

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Miley Smiley Stuart Destiny Hope Hannah Montana Ray Cyrus. Isn’t that a mouth full? At this point you can call her anything and statistics show she will turn around. With the hand full of names comes a fist full of personalities — six to be exact. Wow… that’s six more than Beyonce. When Cyrus isn’t busy writing “over one hundred songs,” she loves playing with her pets— eight horses, six dogs, two cats, chickens, a fish, and her best friend Lesley. With all the thrusting, dry humping and shirt lifting we’re seeing on stage, and sexually frustrated mouth to mouth licorice swapping, three girls one tub action, private Sports Illustrated swim suite inspired photo sessions and impromptu oral sex impressions we’re seeing off-stage, it is safe to say that we are currently in the presence of Destiny Hope Cyrus. Destiny is now legally Miley Ray Cyrus. All you needed to know about Destiny Hope is she will take the world by storm and stimulate your body with the newly released suductive and raunchy s/m track, entitled “See You Again.” This song will lift Cyrus’s solo career to new heights and have your heart beating ‘til the last note.’ Hannah Montana stirs up her own share of controversy as well. This genius decided to get a body double and switch just before the last song of her set titled “Party With Us” less than a minute before the song is over. To do this in front of 30,000 fans, every night of the 45-date tour is fierce and fearless. She definitely has got nerve. While watching her 3-D movie (“Best of Both Worlds”) for the 13th time, I had an epiphany. During the song “Let’s Dance,” Cyrus looked more uncomfortable in that hideous black and neon green lace hoop skirt than Ellen Page did wearing a dress to the Oscars. She likes the “best of both worlds” on and off the screen, if you know what I mean. Cyrus admires Hilary Duff.

Photo by Graig Agop

Miley plays an innocent game of “teacher teacher” as she spraeds her legs and gives fans a glimpse of her Destiny. Got class?

Too bad she’s barking up the wrong tree. Whoa, now that was below the tool belt! She sings about “girls night outs” and she collects bikes. How butch! I think she and her “best friend,” Lesley, are more than best friends! She is the Gale to her Oprah Winfrey. So what empirical evidence is there? The first episode of Hannah Montana is titled “Lily, do you want to know a secret?” Add the soft-core girl-on-girl internet photos and Youtube videos and you have a case. Besides, what three girls would be doing in one bathtub blows my mind. Yet, it’s very tongue in cheek. Take it as you may; I take it that maybe she’s gay. But don’t worry kids, Hannah Montana is as straight as

a strip club dance pole. Disney made sure of that. Suddenly you don’t want to pay the two thousand dollars for your daughter to sit in the third row, do you? Speaking of lesbians, Cyrus is heartless. What hurts is that she has no compassion towards those little girls reaching out for her on stage. The empty look in her eyes shows us that her life has become a drill. From city to city, venue to venue. Is it too much too soon? When you look at all that she has achieved in such a short amount of time, it’s just astonishing. She is one of the first schizophrenics to complete a national tour, and then gross $29 million in a 3-day weekend in the box office. That’s $26 million more

than the bland U2 concert “3-D,” which probably couldn’t sell tickets because people in the previous showing slipped into a coma. Add that to an extremely successful show, albums and tour, which was the hardest ticket to buy in 2007. That’s a whole lot to handle for an alleged “15-year-old;”15 going on 40, if you ask me. You’re still hungry for more aren’t you? Join us next issue as we hold our breath and sneak back into that closet and meet Cyrus’ family! Yum! [See related photo, page 20] Graig Agop can be reached at Graig_Agop@elvaq.com

WANTED: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Letters to the editor...

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

OPINION

Hollywood Protest Marks War’s Fifth Year, 4,000 U.S. Deaths By Fabiola Prieto

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

he feel of the anti-war march and rally held on March 15 in Hollywood was certainly inspiring. According to organizers the demonstration drew at least 10,000 people. But since the amount reported by police was 2,000, it became one of those “you had to be there” things; just as with many other protests since

the war started, this one too, was undermined by corporate media. The demonstration initiated by the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER) Coalition was one of the many events held throughout the world in remembrance of the launch of “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” on March 19. “The cost of war extends to U.S. civilians. The government spends $425 million a day on

Student Government Conducts Smoking Survey By Allan Beglarian

EL VAQUERO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

he smoking issue is turning another page at GCC as the student government organization (ASGCC) conducted a survey of students to get a better pulse on what the student body thinks and wants. The survey was conducted from 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 11 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 12 in Plaza Vaquero [faculty members have reported that they filled out the survey and weren’t asked if they were students], as well as in classrooms randomly chosen by ASGCC the same days. “ASGCC was encouraged by President Audre Levy, vice president student services Rick Perez and Dean student affairs Paul Schlossman to do this survey,” said Robert Agaverdian, 20, biology major and an officer of ASGCC. “We want to know what the students think.” A total of 1,025 students participated in this survey, which offered three choices to the participants: ban smoking, allow smoking only in designated smoking areas, or continue with what’s in place now, that is designated nonsmoking areas which prohibit smoking within 20 feet of any open entrance. Although the survey is not a scientific poll, the results are

as follows: Out of the 807 nonsmokers who took the survey, 413 were against a complete ban on smoking versus 394 who opted for a complete ban, according to the Student Affairs Office. Out of the 218 smokers who partook in the survey, 105 chose to have some sort of change to the present conditions as opposed to 113 who want to keep the status quo. “ It’s not fair to ban smoking all together,” said Sevak Agazaryan, 20, a biology major, “ but others should not have to smell the smoke either. There should be a way to accommodate both sides.” “ I think it’s a free choice, it [smoking] should be allowed. It would be democracy at its worst to inflict a rule that destroys free choice,” said Laura Dayao, 20, an architectural major. “The request for this survey came from the board,” said Tzoler Oukayan, a student activities coordinator. “ It is difficult to enforce the policy in place (No smoking within 20 feet of open entrances) and we want to know how the student body feels about this issue.” “A lot of students were thankful that someone was taking the initiative in this survey process and hoping some kind of action will take place,” said Oukayan. Allan Beglarian can be reached at Allan_Beglarian@elvaq.com

contracts for war profiteers while slashing billions from education, health care, housing and job training programs,” ANSWER said in a press release. During the event, which lasted more than three hours, marchers condemned what they call an “unjust and unnecessary war,” and remembered the deaths of the nearly 4,000 U.S. soldiers, as well as the deaths of over a million Iraqis since this war began. “When you talk about destruction, don’t you think you can count us!” read the banner carried by students Jessica Pineda, 22, and Channel Scebur, 20. The march proceeded undisturbed. No arrests were made during this demonstration. Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, author of the book “Born on the 4th of July,” led the march. “This is what democracy looks like,” he said as he took to the stage to begin his speech. “I used to see him back in the ’80s at the anti-nuclear war protests,” said Lynn Cohen, 50, who cheered as Kovic came on

stage. Other speakers included U.S. presidential candidate Gloria La Riva, of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Malalai Joya, a former member of the parliament in Afghanistan. “[US policy in Afghanistan] is a mockery of US foreign policy and a mockery of the war on terror,” Joya said. March participants included progressive, left-leaning organizations such as KPFK (FM90.7) Pacifica radio and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Many reformist ideals were evident during the march. There were youths with red and black flags, banners demanding a halt to occupation in Latin America and the Middle East, and, inevitably, the various ways and means (words and pictures, signs and banners) of insulting President George W. Bush. All of these, including the man holding a sign that read “So many hippies, so few grenades,” would have made this event a true affirmation of free speech, except

for the expected censorship that the corporate media would later impose. The organizers of the event knew that their message wouldn’t be conveyed through the mainstream press, so they traced the path of the march to end in front of the Cable News Network building located in the intersection of Sunset and Cahuenga boulevards. “Don’t you see CNN? Put the peace march on TV,” some protesters yelled. But, this was in vain, as of March 19, the only coverage CNN.com had about the many protests held that date, began with the headline: “Anti-war Protesters arrested at IRS.” And although this report mentioned some other rallies around the country, the network neglected the one that was (literally) right under its nose. [See related photos, pages 10-11] Fabiola Prieto can be reached at fabiola_prieto@elvaq.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

www.elvaq.com 11

NEWS

Iraq Warâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th Anniversary Thousands Gather for Hollywood Protest March

The march kicked off on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and ended in front of the Cable News Network (CNN) building on Sunset and Cahuenga Boulevards.

An estimated 2,000 people participated in the peaceful rally on March 15 in Hollywood.

The Hella Klowns, a movement group that raises awairness about the war, were one of many groups involved in the march on March 15. Among the adults, children also took part in the rally in joining their parents denouncing the Iraq War.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photos by Ismael Reyes

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

www.elvaq.com

FEATURE

Self-Help Book: Dating Tips For College Women By Arpee Markarian EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

or the college woman searching for clues on how to develop a fulfilling relationship with a man, there is now another source to turn to besides friends. And no, it’s not advice on the Internet. It’s an easy-to-read book: “Empowering College Women: Strategies for Campus Relationships.” The first-time, self-published author, Rick Becker, offers information on romantic relationships, which he developed during 20 years of observing people at a large college nightclub he helped start at age 26. His discoveries are presented as tools for selfimprovement, dating and forming relationships. “This book is about the stuff that doesn’t change with fashion because the trend is always about empowering one’s talents and charting an amazing life for one’s self,” Barker writes in the introduction. His insights are aimed at helping a woman find a man who will empower her — a man who will enable her to reach her goals and dreams — one who will accept her support in return. With 100 concepts, 36 opportunities,

and more than 60 strategies and techniques featured, a woman learns how to meet, attract and maintain a strong connection with this type of man. A concept recurring throughout the book is that of harmony, defined as “interacting in a way that keeps and encourages the individuality of each partner.” On the first page of all eight sections of the book (equivalent to eight very short chapters) the author writes 10 axioms of this concept. “LOVE is the child of harmony. Harmony comes with accommodation. Accommodation begins with recognition. Recognition confers admiration and respect. Admiration and respect build self-confidence. Self-confidence is the engine of accomplishment. Accomplishment is selfactualizing. Self-actualization is fulfillment. Fulfillment is harmony. Harmony is Bliss.” One of the keys the book cites to achieving harmony is to employ the techniques provided by the author, some of which might already be practiced by women, such as smiling at people and complimenting them. To some this might seem like an obvious gesture to display. The mention of this social behavior is

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important, Becker says, because it helps people feel more at ease. Another key concept in the book is effective communication. In section one, “Coaching College Men,” the author sheds light on the kind of verbal exchange a man favorably responds to. Through a description of the interactions between athletes and their coaches, Becker states: “Coaches have a way of getting the best out of their athletes by encouraging, praising, guiding, cheering, and believing in them. …When he experiences you compliment, encourage and cheer the people you come across in everyday life, he will appreciate you and want to study you whenever you are present.” “This means learning to coach, and men love to be coached by positive-minded goal setters,” said Becker. “Great coaching requires behavior modification techniques that focus on positive what should be, and never negative what is or was.” When communication is framed this way it is easier to understand the male mind. It sure opened my eyes to seeing men in a different way. Other valuable lessons and resources are presented in the 224-page. The glossary defines the essential terms of the book — words such as accommodation, enable, possibility thinking and recognition. The four appendices outline specific strategies in empowering oneself, including questions that can help reveal information about a person’s family life; rating your prospect on their character, talents and

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personality on a scale of one to five; an event journal; and the three most important things a woman must learn about a man who she is interested in. Although the author thoroughly develops the purpose of his book — the concept of empowerment — this is the ONLY part of a relationship that he points out. Other important factors between couples such as trust, intimacy, communication in difficult times, and others are not explored. Addressing these points would have made the book more comprehensive. Also lacking in the book are well-written sentences; instead they were full of grammar and punctuation errors. Sometimes

www.

the punctuation was just plain missing. At times I couldn’t believe my eyes. My train of thought was repeatedly disrupted by poor syntax and lack of clarity. I had to backtrack and reread. Despite these setbacks, Becker’s message is clear. It offers women useful tips and is worth reading. Even those beyond college can benefit from it. 2007 ViolinPlay.Com LLC 224 pages $14.95 Rating 2 out of 4 stars

Arpee Markarian can be reached at arpee_markarian@elvaq.com

elvaq.

com

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Wednesday, March 26, 2007

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT o

review Film ‘Never Give Up’ Theme of ‘Never Back Down’

By Eric Konarki

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

ight for what you believe in. “Never Back Down” written by Chris Hauty (Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Fransisco, 1996), is the story of a rebellious teenager who is lured to an underground fight club. He gets trained and mentored by a mixed martial arts veteran. After training his body, mind and soul, he is prepared to fight for his friends and family’s protection in a no-holds-barred elimination against a local martial arts champion, who is distributing threats. The role of Jake Tyler played by Sean Faris, 25, (“Forever Strong,” 2008) is challenging to endure. Faris’ determination to portray a rebellious high school teenager is displayed on the screen. His childish and inappropriate rants represent his young age. Baja Miller, the beautiful, blonde, girlfriend of Jake Tyler is played by Amber Heard (“Pineapple Express,” 2008). Her acting is amateurish and unskilled. Miller, 21, is very sexy and easy to fall in love with character.

Ryan McCarthy, played by Cam Gigandet (“Who’s Your Caddy?”, 2007), is a character filled with anger, antagonism, and determination. Gigandet, 25, is the nemesis of the movie. His performance is sufficient and could have had different emotions. The dorky and determined best friend of Jake Tyler is Max Cooperman played by Evan Peters (“Mama’s Boy,” 2007). Peters, 21, is a quirky character who was appreciated. Margot Tyler, Jake’s mother, played by Leslie Hope, 42, (“Jesse Stone: Thin Ice,” 2008) performed exceptionally. Hope’s portrayal of a mother, who doesn’t want her child fighting was endearing. Charlie Tyler, son of Margot and brother of Jake, as played by Wyatt Smith II, 13, (“The Perfect Game,” 2008) is exceptional. Smith’s acting is very mature for his age. A job well done. Two-time Oscar nominee, Djimon Hounsou’s (“Blood Diamond,” 2006) performance as Jean Roqua, the martial arts trainer is superb. Hounsou’s technique and performance was riveting. He commands the screen

yet has modesty. Overall the character choices are decent, ranging from great acting to mediocre. Jeff Wadlow’s (“Cry Wolf,” 2005) direction of the movie is unique and keeps your mind active and moving around like the fighters. “Never Back Down” is set in Orlando, Fla. Many students live in huge, beautiful, and expensive homes, “Never give up on what you believe in,” is the theme of this mediocre movie. which leaves you wishing they were your own. The city has a beautiful and welcoming the elements of a teen flick. The entertaining. “Never Back Down” presence to it. plot of the movie is sufficient. has a message for viewers: Never The clothing the characters The movie’s serious aspect is not give up on what you believe in. wear is somewhat abnormal. The acknowledged due to the poor girls wear bikinis to school, which choices of actors and costumes. 2 stars out of 4 would be against any dress code. The exaggerated parting scenes Rating: PG-13 This made the movie seem poorly are unrealistic. The fight scenes Runtime: 110 min. constructed. The male costumes are a bit graphic for children are very Florida oriented; wife- under the age of 16, although it beaters and board shorts, to has a PG-13 rating. accommodate the weather. The movie could have been Eric Konarki can be reached at “Never Back Down” has all better, although it was very eric_konarki@elvaq.com

Get ready to do your thing on the dance floor! By Katherine Sosa

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Dance Department Upcoming Events Auditions: • H ip hop team auditions will be held Saturday in SN104 at 10 a.m.

in SN104 and Chuck Maldanano (“Stomp the Yard”), on April 12 at noon also in SN104. • S alsa workshops featuring Alex Da Silva (“So You Think You Can Dance”), will be held on four consecutive Friday nights starting April 25 at 6 p.m. in SN104. All workshops are $5 at the door, for nore information contact Alexandra Blackbird at ablackbi@glendale.edu

• P hanatics dance show auditions will be held April 4 in SN104 at 5 p.m., for the upcoming show to be held April 26 – Time to be announced. Workshops: • “Hip-Hop Guest Week” will be hosted by Alexandra Blackbird, hip hop and salsa instructor and will feature Tony Banks (LA Breakers), on April 10 at 6 p.m.

Photo by Ismael Reyes

Katherine Sosa can be reached at katherine_sosa@elvaq.com

Ariel Sands (left) and Emma Mesrobian in Mesrobian’s piece, “Unusual Affairs,” at the Couture Dance Company’s performance on Friday.

Wednesday, March 26, 2007

www.elvaq.com

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

‘Chains of Olympus’: Luxury on the PSP By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

od of War: Chains of Olympus is the third installment in the highly popular God of War series. The God of War series has always been regarded as one of the best series on the Playstation 2 (PS2), so now it’s come to the Playstation portable (PSP). How well does the series fare on a portable platform? Well, it has to be said that Kratos, the series protagonist, has made out like a bandit and has turned your PSP into a luxury vehicle for himself. That should give you an idea of how top-notch Chains of Olympus is. The storyline of Chains of Olympus is set before the events of the original game. Kratos is a servant to the Greek gods and has been sent to the city of Attica to kill a monstrous Basilisk, a massive lizard-like creature, which has been unleashed on the city by the invading Persians. The course of the storyline quickly changes however, as Kratos gets involved in a mysterious chain of events that start when the sun suddenly plummets from the sky. It’s an epic tale that people who have played the previous two God of War games will definitely appreciate for how it expands Kratos character. The gameplay of Chains of Olympus does not change the standard God of War formula in any fashion. This isn’t a problem though, for its still incredibly sharp all around. For those unfamiliar with the series, the basic gameplay of God of War has you running through linear levels and fighting against hordes of creatures taken from Greek mythology, such as satyrs, cyclopses, minotaurs, undead soldiers, harpies, and more. You get to dice up all these enemies with the ferocious combos that Kratos can pull off with his weapon of choice; the blades of chaos. As you proceed through the game, you collect red orbs that allow you to upgrade the various weapons and spells you obtain in the game. These upgrades allow you to pull off even longer and deadlier combos. It’s a relatively simple, but effective and intense system that will entertain you throughout the entire game. What is impressive with Chains of Olympus is just how well it transfers the God of War

formula onto the PSP. The fact that the PSP has fewer buttons than a standard PS2 controller is not an issue at all here. The game’s control scheme gives the player a very satisfying sense of control. What is perhaps even more impressive is the Chains of Olympus graphics. Chains of Olympus is without a doubt the best looking game on the PSP. Everything from the environments, the character models, to the animation and cut scenes both in-game and out benefit from an incredible amount of detail that easily measures up to Chains of Olympus PS2 brethren; all with only an occasional sign of slow down with the frame rate. The sound of the game also measures up incredibly well with excellent sounds and a superb soundtrack. The only real problem with Chains of Olympus is its length. It only takes about seven hours to get through the game. But this is less of a problem considering the fact that most people will want to play through the game at least twice, especially since it

is extremely high-quality all the way through. There are also quite a few unlockable extras such as a video showing the levels that did not make it into the game and a series of bonus levels called the Challenges of Hades, each of which has you try to complete an extremely tough objective, such as defeating 20 enemies without getting hit. All in all, God of War: Chains of Olympus is one of the best games available for the PSP. It does not fully measure up to its console counter-parts since it is a bit shorter than those games were. But the quality of the God of War series’ transfer to the PSP raises the bar for what the PSP is capable of, and makes for a game that any PSP owner should not miss. Released: March 4 ESRB rating: M (Mature), for intense violence, blood and gore, nudity, and sexual content. Retail Price: $39.99 My rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Kratos brutally serves the gods with a vengeance.

Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

Phenomenal Pharaoh at Centre Theatre By Mariam Grigoryan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

s the lights dimmed, the Glendale Centre Theatre (GCT) in the round, became silent. Blackout. A woman wearing all black, introduced as the narrator, began singing the story of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” In the prologue, narrator Jessica Dynice sang of the power that dreams can have and the story of Jacob (James Warnock), his favorite son Joseph (Chanlon Jay Kaufman) and the 11 envious sons. Then the sons were introduced (“Jacob and Sons”). The audience becomes aware of Jacob’s favoritism of Joseph when he gives him a colorful coat (“Joseph’s coat”). Tired of being second in the eyes of Jacob, the 11 sons plot to sell Joseph as a slave (“Poor, Poor Joseph”) and tell their father that he died (“One More Angel in Heaven”). While his father is mourning his death and his brothers are celebrating his absence, Joseph falls in the hands of Potiphar, also played by James Warnock, an Egyptian millionaire. After a misunderstanding with his wife, the angered Potiphar sends Joseph to prison (“Close Every Door”) where he aids two cellmates, a baker and a butler, to tell the meaning of their dreams. After a 15-minute intermission the scene begins with the Pharaoh, performed by Lance Zitron dressed as Elvis Presley, and sings of his confusing dreams of seven fat cows, seven skinny cows, seven healthy ears of corn, and seven dead ears of corn (“Poor, Poor Pharaoh/Song of the King”). He hears that Joseph would be the man to help him. Joseph foresees seven years of famine. By helping the king, he gains favor, and becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt. The famine sends his brothers home to Egypt in hopes of salvation not realizing that they were begging their own brother for help they were reunied. Joseph sends for his father receives his colorful coat back and the musical ends with a happy note (“Any Dream Will Do”). “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” directed and choreographed by Mark Knowles, is a biblical story

from the Old Testament book of Genesis. The story was adapted by the collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber, music and Tim Rice, lyrics. Musical director Steven Applegate. Costumes were provided by Glendale Costumes and Angela Manke. Director/choreographer Knowles has done more than 300 productions, including “Beauty and the Beast”, “Camelot” and “Hello Dolly.” Kaufman (Joseph) has graced the GCT stage as Freddy in “My Fair Lady” and Frederic in “Pirates of Penzance.” The cast included an aspiring 19-year-old Drew Foronda (Asher). His first role after graduating the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Zintron (Pharaoh) gave a spectacular performance, making his role memorable among the other performances. He connected well with the audience, even included one of them in his song. The golden costume and energetic song made it seem as though we were at an Elvis concert. Dynice integrated her role as a narrator as a part of the cast, interacting with them. Swiftly moving from one end of the theater to the other, she kept the attention of the audience at all times. Her vocals were great, as were her monologues at the beginning and toward the end. Children in the audiance adored her. The cast carried the props on and off stage quickly, leaving the viewers shocked after the brief blackouts. The theater in the round setting made it a more personalized environment. Overall a great and enthusiastic cast was put together to bring this intriguing story to life. It takes a lighter look at the biblical story. A few comical lines and a lively performance kept the audience yearning for more. This musical features ballet, tap dance and folk dance. It is somewhat of a comedy, with the lesson that we must dream big. It runs until April 12, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Glendale Centre Theatre 324 N. Orange St. For more information call (818) 244-8481. Or visit www. glendalecentretheatre.com. My: rating 3 out of 4 stars

Mariam Grigoryan can be reached at mariam_grigoryan@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

“Silence

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The

Now Showing at

of Infinite

The Campus Art Gallery

Space ” Photos by Fabienne Niederberger

Flag art pieces “American,” “British 1” and “British 2” created by Jedediah Caesar.

Mike McMillin contemplating the art piece “Things We Use to Stand Against” by Paul Kajander.

Artists Joel Kyack and Justin Beal, center, author of the piece “Notes: The Passenger / Mark Frechette,”discussing with guests at the opening. Guests are intrigued by the art piece made by Paul Kajander.

Artist, Joel Kyack, right, shows his art piece “Radio Mountain” to Lisa Williamson and other gallery patrons during the art exhibition opening on Friday.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

www.elvaq.com

SPORTS

Vaquero Golf Coach Makes Huge First Impression — Once Again By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

fter a 23-year absence, golf has been reborn on the GCC campus and it has a leader who loves his school as much as he loves the sport he coaches. Head coach Greg Osbourne, a GCC student in 1976-1977, has brought a winning attitude and a willingness to build the program the right way. GCC has also received support from Osbourne’s longtime friend and Academy Award Nominee (“The Godfather”) James Caan. Caan, who gets golf lessons from Osbourne regularly, has served as an assistant coach during his free time for the team. “[Caan] has been very influential to me. We are very close friends and he is extremely well respected,” said Osbourne. “Because of him we have gotten national attention, now we have to use that to get ready for competition.”

Not only is Osbourne a member of the Screen Actors Guild for his work on the television show “Las Vegas,” he is also a member of the Professional Golfers Association. Osbourne credits GCC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Mike Haney with the idea of a rebirth of the program in 2006. However, after a year of looking for a coach, Osbourne was offered the job after moving from Washington back to his old stomping grounds. Osbourne was a two-star athlete during his time at GCC, playing both golf and football, along with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid and former NFL quarterback Bob Gagliano. Former athletic director Jim Sartoris was his head coach and current athletic director John Cicuto was his defensive coordinator. Osbourne was the hire who bridged the gap between the two athletic directors, something Osbourne is very proud of. “I idolize those guys,” Osbourne said. “They were so influential to

Photo by wq Niederberger

Former GCC athelete James W. Evangelatos, left, assistant coach James Caan and head coach Greg Osbourne at the Glendale’s WSC tournament.

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Vaquero Dave Song concentrating during the golf tournament at the Oakmont Country Club in Glendale.

me, and what I do today is based on how they treated me.” This year’s inaugural team may not jump off the page with their ability or their god-given skills, but Osbourne is more concerned with their ability to work hard and get better. “Down the road these are the guys that are going to have the legacy of being the first team,” Osbourne said. “When you bring in guys that really want to do well because of who you are, what you are trying to accomplish, and who they are representing, that’s when you have a winning team.” While the team has not been as strong as they hoped it’s the future that Osbourne is excited for. “Our goal is a championship, we may never win one, but that is always going to be the goal,” said Osbourne. The Vaqs hosted their first home event on March 3 at Oakmont Country Club. The team earned the respect of the prestigious club and used that respect to put on a very successful tournament. Many school administrators, friends, family and club members showed up for the event. Even the opposing coaches took notice of the work that Osbourne put into the team. “The Oakmont treated us like kings and allowed us to put on a show for all the teams in the league,” Osbourne said. The team consists of 12 players, three of whom are redshirting, or not competing this

year in hopes of making the team next year. All 12 players have freshman eligibility and have a desire to help build a winning program. Andrew Lepore, 20, from North Hollywood High School has been playing extremely well recently, including shooting one under par for the first 10 holes on the very difficult Oakmont course. Lepore looks to be the teams number one player for the rest of the season. Tanner Theel, 17, from Kingman High School in Arizona ,played on a championship golf team and has shown much maturation this season. Ryan Richardson, 22, from El Camino Real High School, is a former baseball player from San Francisco State, has started to show leadership for the team. Patrick Grimes, 21, from Crespi High School, has shown a better grasp on the game lately. Alex Sarkissian, 19, from Saint Francis High School, has battled illness this year, but is looking to finish out the year strong. Marc McClure, 50, is the elder statesman on the team. McClure is a former actor who appeared in the films “Superman” and “Back to the Future,” among others, who is starting to compete at a high level. Ernie Giapapas, 19, from Campbell Hall High School has a lot of experience and is improving his consistency.

Vittavat Klinmalai, 18, from Bell-Jeff High School is originally from Thailand is a great player who has experience. Dave Song, 21, from Prairie Ridge High School in Illinois has only been playing a few years but is arguably the hardest working player on the team. Micah Soule, 21, from Crescenta Valley High School, is redshirting and is working hard to refine his skills. Antreas Hindoyan Jr., 18, also played at Bell-Jeff High where he was one of the top players is also redshirting this year and brings a positive attitude to the team. Roman Hernandez, 20, from Alhambra High School ,has played little golf and is also redshirting this year. “I am so proud of these guys and the work they have put in, said Osbourne. “They go down as the legacy no matter what.” Osbourne has already started building next year’s team. With recruits coming from Northern California, Texas, and Nebraska, the coach has gotten his message out there and people have listened. “I am looking for guys that are here for three reasons: school, golf and transferring on a scholarship,” said Osbourne. “I want to be known for coming here and transferring kids out.”

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

SPORTS

Rain Cools Vaqs Bats; Valley Gains Wet Win By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

ain soaked not only the field, but also the Glendale offense during a 7-2 loss to L.A. Valley College on March 15 at Stengel Field. The loss drops the Vaqs (912, 5-6 in conference) to fourth in the conference. The Vaqs were led on offense by freshman Michael Mendoza, who went 2 for 2 with one RBI, two walks, and a stolen base, and sophomore Bryan Jackson who went 3 for 4. The rest of the Vaqs were only able to muster two hits and an RBI. Freshman pitcher Andrew Sember, who was making a spot start for the Vaqs, looked solid early on but only lasted four innings. Sember gave up one run on four hits with one strikeout. “He [Sember] did an awesome job,” said coach Chris Cicuto. The losing pitcher for the Vaqs was freshman Patrick Vandehey who struggled during his 1 1-3 innings of work. Vandehey gave up five runs on just two hits. He also hit two batters. While neither of the hit batsmen scored, L.A. Valley seemed to feed off the bean balls and used the momentum to score five runs in the sixth. After getting one out in the sixth, freshman Byron Pacheco came in from the bullpen for Vandehey and immediately made

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

The Vaqs take the field against L.A. Valley at Stengel Field on March 15.

Pacheco’s presence felt by hitting the first batter. He was, however, able to settle down and turned in a nice performance, finishing the game by throwing the final 3 2-3 innings. Pacheco allowed one run on three hits with a team high of three strikeouts. “We just lost our energy, that’s it,” Cicuto said.

No Vaq pitcher was able to come close to the performance put on by Valley pitcher sophomore Drew Vassil. Vassil was able to come back from a two run first inning to throw a complete game allowing just the two runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Valley also received a shot

from freshman Eddie Urquiza who went 2 for 4 with a double two RBIs and a run scored. The rain came in the sixth just as Valley was finishing their big rally to take the lead in the game. On more than one (rain) occasion the umpires came close to calling the game, however, the game was completed just as the sun came

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Vaquero pitcher Andrew Sember delivers against L.A. Valley.

back out. Maybe the sun is a sign of things to come for the Vaqs. For information on upcoming games see the Sports Summary or visit www.glendale.edu/athletics

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Vaquero batter Ellis Bowen Jr. makes contact against L.A. Valley.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

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SPORTS

The Vaqueros Win Their Longest Game of the Season By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

n March 18, the Vaqueros baseball team beat El Camino College in the longest game of the season, which ended after 12 innings with a final score of 7-6. “We’ve been very persistent,” said coach Chris Cicuto. After lots of back and forth scoring the Vaqs led 4-3 entering the ninth inning. However they were unable to hold the lead as El Camino scored another run and tied the game 4-4. The game then went into extra innings. After a quiet 10th, both teams had runs come across in the 11th.

The game ended in the 12th inning when the Vaqs were able to answer El Camino’s run in the bottom half of the inning with two of their own. Freshman Yuya Okuda led the Vaqs resurgence with three RBIs and a run scored. “Our pitchers did an outstanding job the whole game,” said Cicuto.

Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

Photo by Jake Madrigal

El Vaquero batter swings for the fences during the 12th inning win against El Camino College. This win puts the Vaqueros at 9-11 for this season with more games to come.

Vaquero Sports Summaries Scores

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field: March 21-22 competed in the Bakersfield Invitational at Cerritos Relays Baseball: March 13 March 15 March 18 March 19 March 20

defeated Citrus 9-4 lost to L.A.Valley 7-2 defeated El Camino 7-6 lost to San Bernadino 6-4 lost to Rio Hondo 16-2

Softball: March 13 lost to L.A. Mission 1-0 March 17 defeated Pasadena 10-4 March 18 defeated College of the Canyons in both games of a doubleheader 5-3; 7-3

Photo by Jake Madrigal

Pitcher Ryan Perez looks to teammate Yuya Okuda for the pick off at first base during the 7-6 win against El Camino College.

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Men’s Golf: March 17 competed in the College of the Canyons Invitational at River Ridge March 19 at Rio Hondo Invitational finished fourth Men’s Tennis: March 13 lost to Ventura 8-1 March 20 lost to Mt. San Jacinto 7-2 Women’s Tennis: March 13 lost to Ventura 6-3 March 21 lost to Santa Monica 5-4 For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics/

Upcoming Events Men’s and Women’s Track and Field: April 4 WSC # 4 vs. College of the Canyons, Santa Barbara and Santa Monica at GCC 2 p.m. Baseball: Thursday vs. College of the Canyons at GCC 2:30 p.m. Saturday at College of the Canyons 1 p.m. Tuesday at West L.A. 2:30 p.m. April 3 vs. West L.A. at GCC 2:30 p.m. April 5 at L.A. Pierce 1 p.m. April 8 vs. L.A. Pierce at GCC 2:30 p.m. Men’s Tennis: Thursday at Santa Barbara 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday Round Robin at Fresno Tuesday vs. Hancock at GCC 2 p.m. April 3 vs. L.A. Pierce at GCC 2 p.m. .

Softball: Thursday vs. Santa Monica at Glendale Sports Complex, (GSC) 2200 Fern Lane 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Ventura Tournament Tuesday vs. Citrus (DH) at GSC 1 and 3 p.m. April 3 at L.A. Valley 2:30 p.m. April 8 vs. L.os Angeles Mission (DH) at GSC 1 and 3 p.m. Men’s Golf: Monday at Citrus Invitational 10 a.m. April 7 WSC at Ventura at Saticoy Country Club 10 a.m. Women’s Tennis: Thursday vs. Santa Barbara at GCC 2 p.m. Tuesday at Hancock 2 p.m. April 8 vs. Cuesta at GCC 2 p.m.

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Wednesday, March 26, 2008 19

Calendar On Campus exhibitions Tech Expo — GCC faculty and industry representatives will showcase various programs and give information about the certificate and associate degree options and career opportunities. Includes a tour of the technology departments and demonstrations. Today from noon to 6 p.m. Advanced Technology Center. Admission is free. For more information, contact Lydia Basmajian at (818) 240-1000, ext. 5918.

theater “This Is Not A Tree” — An original, experimental, multimedia theater piece co-created by Anita Bloom, Melissa R. Randel with members of the theatre arts 163 and 164 workshops. April 3 through 13. Showtimes vary. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/theatre or

call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5618.

club activities Bake Sale — Creative Minds will hold a fundraiser Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero. Burrito Sale — Voces Del Mañana will hold a fundraiser Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in Plaza Vaquero. Fundraiser — The Philippine Cultural Club will hold two fundraising events. The first event will be at Shakey’s Pizza, 1133 S. Glendale Ave. Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. The second event will be at Pickwick Ice, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. A.L.A.S. — Association of Latin American Students presents a transfer workshop. Thursday noon to 1 p.m. in SC 212.

Swing Dance Club — Instructor Philippe Leibzig. Free for students. Beginners are welcome. Fridays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in SN104. For more information, visit www.myspace. com/pleibzig or call (818) 7616042.

events 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off — Local high School culinary arts programs will complete in a chili cook-off hosted by the GCC Culinary Arts, Nutrition, and Hospitality Managment departments. April 4 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Los Robles building patio area. Power Soccer Clinic— A free clinic hosted by the GCC Center for Students with Disabilities. provides a sports opportunity for students who use power wheelchairs. Verdugo Gym. April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more

information, and to register, call Laura Matsumoto at (818) 2401000, ext. 3192 or Dr. Lee Miller Parks at ext. 5557. Yoga Workshop: Making Peace with Your Mind — L.A. Shambala Center Teachers and the GCC Health Center present “Finding the Freedom Aspect of Emotions” Thursday and “Facing Fear With an Open Heart” April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. in SR112. Flex credit avaliable. Spring Transfer Fair — Local universities will be on campus to provide transfer information and answer questions about their institutions. April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m in the San Rafael Plaza. Transfer Center — University Representatives from Mount St. Mary’s, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Dominguez Hills, UC San Diego, UCLA, and National

University will be on campus Thursday through April 9 to help answer questions. The Transfer Center in San Rafael building second floor. For more information ,visit www.glendale.edu/transfercenter. Child Development Laboratory School — Now enrolling for evening childcare. Free or low-cost for ages 2 through 5. Monday through Thursday 6 to 10 p.m. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5665.

lecture “Women’s Role as Activists in Today’s Culture of Violence: A Culture of Wife-Beating, Workplace Shooting, Waterboarding, and War.” — Speaker is activist/author Eisha Mason. Thursday noon to 1 p.m. in Kreider Hall.

Around Town events A Taste of Dance — Music Center Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Sample a variety of dance styles with 20-minute lessons available for only $1 each. Styles include Caribbean, Korean fan dance, Scandinavian folk dance, Viennese waltz, pop and others. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (213) 972-3660. Vintage Clothing and Textile Show — Pickwick Banquet and Entertainment Center, 1001 Riverside Drive, Burbank. More than 60 dealers will offer antique textiles and vintage clothing including table and bed linens, Victorian lace, buttons, shoes, handbags and more. Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $6. For more information visit www.caskeylees.com or call (310) 455-2886.

exhibitions Off-Road Expo — Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, presents a three-day show featuring trucks, sand rails, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, Jeeps, accessories, the latest toys for the off-road enthusiast, live

action entertainment, and a freestyle motocross exhibition by the leading championship riders. April 4 through 6.Ticket prices and event times vary. For more information, visit www.offroadexpo.com or call (909) 623-3111 The Goat’s Dance: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide — The Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. This exhibition loosely surveys more than 30 years of Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbides’ international career highlighting work from Mexico and the United States. Now through April 13. Free admission. Parking $8 Museum hours vary. For more information visit www.getty.edu or call (310) 440-7300 Screen Deaths: Visitations— Pasadena Museum of California Art, 490 E. Union St., Pasadena. This exhibition fuses aural sensation with cinematic themes that arise from artist Dane Picard’s other career as a filmmaker. Now through April 13. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students. For more information visit www. pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.

Tradition as Innovation in African Art — Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. This exhibition includes the works of more than 30 African artists. Now through Nov. 2. Adult admission is $12, $8 for students with ID. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www.lacma.org or call (323) 857-6000.

music Picasso in the 20th Century: The Music of His Time— The Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, presents Dr. Polli Chambers-Salazar, who will perform a variety of piano works and discuss the connections between art and music in the first decades of the 20th century. Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is $8, students get in free. Museum hours vary. For more information, visit www. nortonsimon.org or call (626) 449-6840. London Triumph — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents Harry Bicket as he performs the last and greatest of Haydn’s “London” symphonies.

Saturday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-7700. USC Thornton Wind Ensemble — The Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Philharmonic presents H. Robert Reynolds, principal conductor of the USC Thornton Wind Ensemble. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.com or call (323) 850-2000.

theater “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”— Ahmanson Theatre, 135. N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. The legendary demon barber, takes up with his enterprising neighbor in a plot to slice their way through London’s upper crust. Directed by Tony Award-winner John Doyle. Ticket prices and showtimes vary. For more information, visit www.centertheatregroup.org or call (213) 628-2772. “The Flu Season”— John Anson Ford Theatre Complex,

2580 E. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Circle X Theatre Company presents Will Eno’s story of love and melancholia in a psychiatric treatment center. Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is $20. For more information, visit www.circlextheatre.org or call (323) 461-3673

workshops Armenian Computer Workshop— Glendale Public Library, 222 E. Harvard St., is offering computer workshops in Armenian. Seats are limited and are offered on a first-come, firstserved basis. For ages 18 and older reading and speaking Armenian is required. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 548-2030.

free clinic Community Free Health Clinic— Open Tuesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. On a first come, first served basis. Located at 134 N. Kenwood St. Third floor, room 330. No job related physical exams offered. For more information visit www.glendaleclinic.org or call (818) 243-2105, ext. 202. Compiled by Tina Hagopian

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

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VAQUERO VIEWS

een sensation Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, has taken America’s ‘tweenagers’ by storm, but our Hollywood columnist senses scandal. See page 8 for part I of a 2-part exposé. — Photo by Graig Agop