May 28, 2008

El Vaquero May 28, 2008

Glendale College

Glendale College Community Orchestra

Director Theodore Stern’s Last Performance as Conductor Story page 16

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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NEWS / LETTER TO THE EDITOR

El Vaquero Glendale Community College

editor in chief

Richard Kontas SPORTS EDITOR

Ross Coleman

PHOTO EDITOR

Ismael Reyes

STAFF WRITERS

Claudia Anaya Sharese Mirzakhanyan Jessica Bourse Chabeli Sanchez Mariam Grigoryan Corinna Scott Eric Konarki Katherine Sosa Jake Madrigal Brent Wallace Arpee Markarian STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Graig Agop Allan Beglarian Fabienne Niederberger Production Manager

Jane Pojawa design adviser

Charles Eastman faculty adviser

Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 551-5214

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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.

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ppening

at’s Ha h W ’s e r e

Student Officers Elected for Fall

By Allan Beglarian EL VAQUERO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

T

he results are in for the student government elections that concluded last Thursday after two days of voting.

Steven Ferguson, 19, a political science major, who ran unopposed, was elected president of ASGCC with 352 votes.

Anna Nersisyan, 20, a business administration major, beat her opponent Mathew Verstraete, 18, undecided major, for the vice president of administration by a vote of 378 to 143.

Ovsanna Khachikian, 19, international business major, the only nominee for the position of vice president of finance, received 341 votes.

Sesil B. Aksu, 18, communications major, won the vice president of campus activities, with 289 votes.

Rober Terziyan, 18, economics major, will be the vice president of campus relations. He was the only contender for this position and received 319 votes.

Lilya Avagyan, 20, biology major, overcame Tigran Avakyan, 20, public policy major, for the position of vice president campus organizations by a vote of 388 to 267.

Four students competed for the position of senator of administration, and the three elected to the position were: Irina Melik-Bakhshyan, 19, international studies major, 373 votes; Siranush Sarkisyan, 19, biology major, 308 votes; and Ruzan Stepanyan, 20, psychology major, with 263 votes.

Only three students ran for the position of senator of finance.

Lilit Garibyan, 185 votes, Melisa Hanparsn, 189 votes and Hakop Saribekyan, 148 votes.

From the four candidates who competed, Martin Arzoumanins, 20, psychology major, 330 votes; Christine R. Shirvanian, 256 votes; and Hisae Konishi, 178 votes, were the elected students to the senator of campus activities.

There were three candidates for senator of campus relations: Milton J. Alvarez-Ramos, 171 votes; Beno Manokian, 18, biology major, 226 votes; and Joseph Roszhart, 20, psychology major, 146 votes.

Out of the four competing students for the position of senator of campus organizations, the three appointes are: Nina Tshavrushyan, 18, political science major, 312 votes; Lauren Shenian, 20, cheer major, 249 votes; and Yazmin Moreno, 165 votes.

There were 922 ballots cast for 11 vacancies and each voter could vote for up to three candidates for each vacant position, provided there were three or

more candidates running for that particular position.

After many hours spent in Plaza Vaquero campaigning for positions on the governing student body, the 26 candidates who ran for office impatiently waited for the following day to reveal the much-anticipated results.

“They are not voting as much as they should,” said Tigran Avakyan, 20, public policy major, who was running for vice president of campus organizations.

“When I ask them [students] to vote, they say they did already.

It’s like they don’t care who is going to be elected and how they are going to allocate $325,000 on the college programs,” said Avakyan.

For more information contact the student affairs office in the Student Center.

Allan Beglarian can be reached at Allan_Beglarian@elvaq.com

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Lauren Shenian, 20, left, a candidate for senator of campus organizations, and Christine R. Shirvanian, candidate for senator of campus activities do hand-stands to attract voters on Thursday in Plaza Vaquero.

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issue in this 2008 May 28, ber 6

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1 olume 9

Num

. 2-6 ........... . . . . . s w Ne . 7-11 ......... s e r u t a Fe t...12-17 n e m in a Entert 8 ..........1 . . . . . . . . s t Spor . . 19 .......... r a d n le Ca

Letter to the Editor From: v.o.i.c.e.s (formerly Voces Del Mañana) As a member of V.O.I.C.E.S, (Voices Organizing Immigrant Communities for Educational Success), formerly known as “Voces Del Mañana,” I am disappointed with the image in the front page of your May 14, 2008 issue. The image/ headline does not represent neither our cause as a club on campus nor the meaning behind our manifestation.

The image represents a

rebel who not only fails our cause but who wants to hide his identity.

It goes against the purpose of our organization.

V.O.I.C.E.S is about actively and openly organizing the diverse community in our campus for gaining equal access to both education and financial aid.

El Vaquero represents the Glendale College community, at a minimum an image should be representative of the story

and should add value to both the source writing and for the organization being represented.

V.O.I.C.E.S will continue advocating for the immigrant communities and hope that in future issues your images/ stories will be representative of the organizations you are writing a story on.

—Jose Del Real

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 3

NEWS / FINALS SCHEDULE

Teachers Demand Salary Increase From Trustees “For the first time, in quite a while, the district set aside no EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER money for staff pay raises. Now I’ve heard various excuses from ore than 100 faculty blaming the budget committee, to members, many of them blaming Larry Serot, to my own holding up protest signs, filled theory which I will share with Kreider Hall May 19, making the you a little bit later.” board of trustees an unusually Marsden said later in the heavily attended event. meeting that he feels that the One of the signs showed board is using a “I’ll show you Glendale with “zero percent” at we won’t budget anything” the bottom of a list of colleges approach. “I’ve been negotiating that have received pay raises. a long time and I’ve talked to The faculty guild is negotiating enough knowledgeable people to a pay raise with the board of know,” he said. trustees because they believe Marsden proceeded to show there was enough money in the with charts that the numbers the budget for a pay raise, but the administration was using did board and the administration had not add up. Also, he showed the other priorities. board where it Also, there is a was specifically five percent reserve stated that the that Glendale has money had been that the faculty spent before the guild wants the pay raises could administration to be made. spend on balancing He said this the budget and faculty steps giving pay raises to up to the plate instructors. when asked.

“Our reserves “We voluntarily are made up of took a 1 percent savings, i.e. onepay cut,” said time funds that Marsden. “This once spent do not year we brought get replaced, and in the enrollment should not be used numbers.

The to balance the faculty needs to budget or give pay spend our time raises as this only in teaching, creates a bigger counseling, problem in the serving our next fiscal year,” s t u d e n t s , said Larry Serot, developing grants vice president of for innovative administrative student programs, —Larry Serot services in an working on email. the upcoming “The guild accreditation, only wants to look getting ready for at one fiscal year at a time. The graduation and not getting caught board and the administration must up in political action.” take a long term approach to the He concluded his presentation college’s finances,” Serot said. by saying that the modest pay Steve Marsden, a math raises faculty would receive professor and guild representative, would be nothing compared to made a presentation at the what could happen if morale was meeting that projected a mock-up lost. of the popular Idiot’s guide series When asked what he thought onto a screen titled “The Guide to about Steve Marsden’s and the Asking the Board of Trustees for guild‘s theories, as to why the Money.” Next thing up was a sign faculty has not received any pay that said “It’s not about $$$. It’s raises, Larry Serot said via email: about priorities.”

“The college’s first priority is Amid laughter, Marsden said to students. This means first the “Those of you who know me instructional program, second know that I have a good sense of adequate student services, third humor, but tonight I have to be a clean functioning environment. serious, because we’re at a critical In addition the college has stage of negotiations.” a responsibility to maintain

By Corinna Scott

M

“The college’s first priority is to students.

This means first, the instructional program; second, adequate student services; third, a clean functioning environment.”

adequate insurance and to honor its contracts. Last year we gave our employees raises because we could afford to do so. The year before, we gave a 4.3 percent increase. In addition to pay raises we have also agreed to other cost items for our employees.”

In other news, during a presentation on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s May budget revise, college controller Ron Nakasone said there would be no increase in the enrollment fees at the state level. The governor is looking to stabilize the revenue with a with a rainy-day fund through the California Lottery that is proposed to break the cycle of deficit and stop cuts to education, law enforcement and other programs.

Given the state’s economic condition from January to May, the revise is actually very positive for community colleges.

“I think it shows a commitment for the governor and I think it shows that community colleges are very important,” Nakasone said.

While the budget revise has no impact on the tuition fees statewide, for Glendale Community College it will have

separate negative effects.

Because the property tax shortfall, which funds community college budgets, Glendale will lose funding for up to 200 Cal Grant students if the revise is passed.

“The revise is not supported

by Democrats or Republicans,” said Nakasone.

The Democrats in the state legislature are concerned that the revise will cut funds from various welfare and health care

programs.

The revise contains an automatic 1 percent sales tax that is triggered if the legislature or the taxpayers do not vote in favor of the rainy day fund in the revise.

The Republicans are opposed to the sales tax trigger.

Corinna Scott can be reached at Corinna_Scott@elvaq.com

Corrections: In the Creative Minds Club story in the May 14 issue, on page 16, Benny Aviles’ last name was misspelled and his email address was incorrect. Benny Aviles can be reached at bennyaviles007@yahoo.com In the “Garfield Campus Diploma Program Offers Pathway to Success” story in the May 14 issue, on page 7, it should have stated that Karen Holden-Ferkich, Associate Vice President of Continuing Education, not Jan Young, Developmental Skills Lab Coordinator, hired Jane DiLucchio. Jane DiLucchio hired Jan Young eight years ago, 13 years after she got the program up and running.

We apologize for the inaccuracies.

SPRING 2008 FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY JUNE 4 -WEDNESDAY JUNE 11

Day

7:30-10:00am All classes that start between 9:30-10:30am daily, MTWTH, MWF, or MW.OR a W only class between 10:3010:45am.

10:30am-1:00pm All classes that start between 12:00-1:00pm daily, MTWTH, MWTHF, MWF, MW. OR W only starting between 1:00-2:15pm.

Thursday June 5

All classes that start between 6:30-8:15am TTH or any TH only class between 8:009:30am.

All classes that start between 10:1511:45am TTH or TH only.

Friday June 6

All classes that start between 7-8:00 am daily, MTWTH, MTTHF, MWTHF, MWF, or MW.

Wednesday June 4

Saturday June 7

All classes that start between 8:00am 1:00pm on Friday only.

1:30-4:00pm All classes that start between 2:30-3:45pm MW or W only.

All classes that start between 2:30-3:30pm TTH or a TH only class that starts between 1:153:30pm.

All classes that start between 1:15-1:45pm daily, MTWTH, MWF, MW.

4:30-7:00pm All classes that start between 4:00-5:30pm W only or any afternoon conflicts.

7:30-10:00pm All classes that start between 6:00-8:00pm on W only.

All classes that start between 3:45-5:30pm TTH or TH only.

All classes that start between 6:30-8:00pm TTH, or any TH only class between 6:008:00pm.

All classes that start between 1:15-2:30pm on Friday only.

All classes that start at 5 p.m. or later on Friday only.

Assigned class time

Assigned class time

Assigned class time

Assigned class time

Monday June 9

All classes that start between 8:15-9:15am daily, MTWTH, TWTHF, MWF, MW, or M only.

All classes that start between 10:4511:45am daily, MTWTH, MWTHF, MTWF, MWF, or MW.OR a M only class between 12-1pm.

Assigned class time

All classes that start between 2:00-3:30pm daily, MTWTH, MWF, or M only.

All classes that start between 4:00-5:30pm MTWTH, MW, or M only.

All classes that start between 5:45-7:30pm MW or M.

Tuesday June 10

All classes that start between 8:30-9:30am TTH or any T only class between 6:309:30am.

All classes that start between 12:00-1:00pm TTH, T only, or any morning conflicts.

All classes that start between 1:15-2:15pm on TTH or a T only class that starts between 1:30 – 2:30pm.

All classes that start between 3:00-5:30pm T only.

All classes that start between 5:45-6:15pm TTH or any T only class between 5:458:30pm.

Wednesday June 11

Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary)

Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary)

Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary)

Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary)

Make-Up Final Exam (Prior approval by the instructor is necessary)

** For Math 101, Math 120, Math 141, and Math 146 classes there will be a common final held on Tuesday **10, For2008 Mathfrom 101,4:30-7:30 Math 120, Math 141, and Math 146 classes there will be a common final held on Tuesday, June p.m.

June 10, 2008 from 4:30-7:00 pm.

4

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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NEWS

Fire Academy Open House Promotes Cadet Program

By Arpee Markarian EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

P

laza Vaquero filled with firefighters and red and yellow fire engines on May 19 as students stopped by and asked what was happening.

They had gathered for the Fire Academy Open House, an event that gave students handson demonstrations of firefighting gear, and that highlighted the college’s Fire Academy program, a one-year training curriculum that prepares students to become firefighters.

The program is a partnership between GCC, the Glendale Fire Department, and the Verdugo Fire Academy, accredited by the office of the state fire marshal. It meets the training requirements for certification as Firefighter I in the state of California.

Upon completing 920 hours of combined classroom lectures and extensive hands-on instruction at the fire department training grounds, students earn an associate’s degree in fire technology. Courses are taught by instructors from various fire

departments, such as LA City, Glendale, Vernon, Santa Monica, and San Diego, among others.

“It’s a very rigorous program,” said Cadet Tim Walker, a fivemonth trainee who wants to give back to the community by becoming a firefighter. “It takes up your weekend. You’re making a year-long sacrifice. There’s a lot I’m giving up to be at this academy … but it’s worth every bit of it.”

Walker said he chose the Verdugo Fire Academy because it’s the only one in California that offers the most hours of training and certifications, compared to the 300 hours others offer.

Newly appointed Glendale Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, who replaced interim fire chief Don Biggs, received his associate in science degree in fire science from Glendale in 1994, before the academy program began.

He then earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration.

Out of his 23 years as a firefighter, he has served 18 years in the Glendale Fire Department.

He said that fire departments

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Members of the Glendale fire department and Verdugo Fire Academy from left, Lydia Basmajian, adjunct counselor; Tony Bagan, captain; Jason Walker, cadet; Mike McGee, instructor; Kelly Chulick, instructor; Carlos Saldana, cadet; and Jeff Brooks, Glendale firefighter.

are always hiring.

“If you really stay after it and keep sharpening your tools and investing in yourself, then in the end you’re going to be successful,” Scoggins said.

Classes meet from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The estimated current cost of the program is as follows: $20 per unit for 32 units; $1,000 lab fee; and $2,500 for uniform and equipment.

After the one-year program, students move onto a one-year volunteer program where they work four 24-hour shifts in a month at a Fire Department of their choosing anywhere in California.

Addison Arce, 20, will join the academy next January or in 2010.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and I’ve always thought it’s a cool job,” said Arce who has wanted to be a firefighter since age 4. “I’m excited.”

He’s been preparing for the program by visiting local fire departments, talking with the firefighters, and learning from their experiences; running, exercising, and eating healthy;

and taking EMT courses.

The first Thursday of each month, at 7 p.m. on campus, there is a free information and career planning workshop for those interested in a career in fire service and earning a degree. Academy staff, instructors, cadets, and college counselors help students with questions.

Nov. 1 is the deadline to apply for the Fire Academy beginning in January 2009. A maximum of 60 applicants are accepted.

“If you’re interested, start acting now,” said Walker. “If you’re not an EMT, get an EMT certification; take fire science courses; read about it; visit local fire stations. There is always something you can do. Just be proactive.”

For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/fire or call Lydia Basmajian at (818) 2401000, ext. 5918.

Arpee Markarian can be reached at arpee_markarian@elvaq.com

Free Pregnancy Tests Are Available

• V isit or call the Asian Pacific Health Care Venture – a community health center.

• Family Planning Services (STD Testing, Birth Control Methods, etc.), • Emergency Contraception Pill (ECP), and • Free Pregnancy Tests (walk-ins available) APHCV 1530 Hillhurst Ave., Suite 200,Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 644-3888 • www.aphcv.org

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 5

NEWS

Team Baja Dominates Academic Decathalon

By Sharese Mirzakhanyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith only 60 seconds to put five presidents — John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson — in proper order, Team Baja succeeded and won first place.

They won the grand prize of $500 along with a trophy and medals for each teammate. 12 teams competed at the third annual Academic Decathlon on May 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Verdugo Gym, coordinated by the Associated Students.

Glendale is the only community college in the nation to hold an academic decathlon. The college hopes to continue the tradition for years to come.

The teams registered to participate were: Blood Diamonds, the Conservative Club, Debate, Flip Status, Honors Biology Club, Scholars Program, Speech, Team Baja, The Dog Pound, Voces del Manana, Wronskians, and Getting Pumped. The Blood Diamonds did not show up.

The two teams with the highest score from each round advanced to the final round. The teams had a variety of categories to choose from with each question worth 100 points. If a team answered a question incorrectly, it cost them 50 points.

Topics for the questions consisted of English, psychology, chemistry, biology, physics, political science and art history.

The decathlon began with the first five groups: Conservative Club, Flip Status, Honors Biology Club, Speech, and the Dog Pound.

The Dog Pound won the first round with 400 points followed by the Conservative Club with 150 points.

The second round consisted of the Debate team, Team Scholars, Team Baja, Voces, Wronskians, and Getting Pumped. The Wronskians finished with 650 points and Team Baja with 300 points sending both to the final round.

“I’m very disappointed that we lost, however three other members who are in scholars have qualified into the next round, for this I am

very grateful,” said Jackie Felix, 20, global studies major, a Team Scholars member.

The pressure mounted during the final round where the four finalists — Conservative Club, Dog Pound, Team Baja, and the Wronskians came together to compete for the top honors.

It was neck-in-neck up to the last question where the Wronskians made a quick come back and tied with Team Baja and the Dog Pound with 400 points.

Team Baja, Wronskians, and the Dog Pound then moved into a tie-breaker round. All three teams got the right answer so the organizers got together to come up with another tie-breaker.

Wronskians came in second, followed by the Dog Pound.

“It was a very interesting competition and you were never sure who was going to win. I’m actually happy that Team Baja won,” said Ruzana Saahakyan, 18, business economics major.

The winners of the 2008 Academic Decathlon from Team Baja are Maral Hovasapian, 19, psychology major, Ailin

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Team Baja, from left: Jacob Spruill, 18, biology; Ailin Pedrossian, 18, English; Maral Hovasepian, 19, psychology; Armig Khodaian, 18, English; and Nolan Ku, 18, economics, winners of the ASGCC academic decathlon proudly pose with their trophy and team sign on May 15.

Pedrosian, 18, English major, Armig Khodaian, 18, English major, Nolan Ku, 18, business and economics major, and Jake Spruill, 18, biology major.

“When we first put the team together we didn’t think we would actually win, but it’s such a great feeling,” Pedrosian said.

For more information on the

Academic Decathlon contact ASGCC vice president of administration, Edytte Arakelyan, at asvpad@glendale.edu or call 818-240-1000 ext. 5601.

Sharese Mirzakhanyan can be reached at smirzakhanyan@elvaq.com

Armenian Culture Day Benefits Sister School

some of the works of writers Hovhanne Shiraz (“There We Were”), and Toumanian he delicious aroma of tabule, Hovhanne hummus and Armenian (“My Song”).

One booth displayed barbecue took over Plaza Vaquero on May 15 when, the Armenian many Armenian artifacts, musical Student Association (A.S.A.) including instruments presented Armenian and brief Culture Day from 11 descriptions a.m. until 2 p.m. of each Students and “[ASA is] artifact. others gathered Many of the around as members a great way pieces were of the ASA lined up hand crafted to meet new many booths, with a from wood. variety of displays of people who “ [ T h e Armenian culture. association] Many people share similar welcomes stopped by to interests” many,” and take a look at the “it is a great educational posters, —Lauren Shenian club to join, but an even bigger and a great number purchased way to meet the plates of food, Photo by Ismael Reyes new people which cost $8. who share Sevak Shakhabandarian, 26, right, and Armen Manuk-khaloyan, 21, prepare shish kabobs for the Armenian Culture Day There was a booth picturing the kings that ruled similar interests,” said event in Plaza Vaquero on May 15. Shish kabobs were one of various entrées that came with the eight dollar meal. throughout Armenian history. executive adviser Lauren day as well as our car wash in made it a great success. Students from noon until 1 p.m. in LB220.

There also were a few posters Shenian, 18, biology major ASA member Anahit Isayan, which we raise money for our also enjoyed a satisfying lunch, informing students who passed while checking out the many by about the history of Armenian 18, said, “the club is only $5 to sister school in Armenia.”

Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at Many students came out to booths and cultural displays.

Christianity, and of Armenian join, and there is a lot of fundchabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com ASA meets every Thursday literature. The poster included raising involved, we have culture show support for the ASA which

By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

6

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

www.elvaq.com

NEWS

Japanese-Americans in WWII Subject of Lecture

By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

M

ore than 100 people crowded Kreider Hall on May 15 to listen to guest speakers Jim Makino and Frank Emi, two Japanese Americans who lived in internment camps during World War II. The lecture, co-sponsored by the Associated Students (ASGCC) and the Cultural Diversity Program, was held from noon to 1 p.m. and included a question and answer period between the audience and the speakers.

Makino spoke first, discussing what it was like living in the Los Angeles area before World War II. “My family had a store in San Bernardino,” said Makino. “It was on 1718 N. San Fernando Road. Times were very hard and everyone was looking for something better to do…”

In the 1930s, Makino’s family moved to Alhambra, where his father set up another store. The store was successful until it caught fire and burned down. The Makino family, with support from customers, rebuilt another store.

Makino remembered delivering grocery orders to the home of George S. Patton, the famous army general, who served in both world wars and whose family home was in San Marino.

After the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, AsianAmericans, especially those of Japanese descent, were facing serious racial profiling by the government and racism from non-Asian citizens.

On Feb. 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which

gave power to the federal government and military to remove any suspicious citizens from coastal areas, and relocate them to internment camps.

“The word came out that we had to move,” said Makino.

“Most people had three days to prepare to leave — to where? We had no idea.”

Makino continued, “The internment camps were called ‘assembly centers.’

From Washington to Oregon, to California, were 16 assembly centers.”

During the next three years, more than 120,000 Japanese Americans were seized and sent to the camps.

While Makino’s family remained in the Gila River Relocation Camp in Arizona, he served in the American Armed Forces. He was part of the 442 Regimental Combat Team, which was composed mostly of Japanese Americans.

“We turned out to be the most highly decorated unit of the armed forces, known as the ‘Purple Heart Battalion,’ ” said Makino.

Makino and his unit underwent a rescue mission in which they had to find a lost battalion. When Makino returned with the lost troop, a general asked, “I told you all to be here. Where are your men?”

“All the men weren’t there,” said Makino, “and he wanted to know why we weren’t all there... and I said, ‘Sir, we saved 211 of your Texans [the missing troop]… in the hospital. We have over 800 of our men.”

Kreider Hall echoed with the sound of applause as Makino received a standing ovation from the audience.

The next speaker was Emi, co-founder of the Fair Play

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Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Jim Makino shares his experience about internment camps and being part of the 442 Regimental Combat Team during World War II, at the Kreider Hall lecture on May 15.

Committee, a group of internment camp detainees that resisted the draft during World War II. Emi recalled the injustice that Japanese Americans faced.

“We [the United States] were also at war with Germany and Italy,” said Emi, “but the Germans and the Italians were not similarly treated.”

Emi read loyalty oaths that Japanese Americans had to sign, such as loyalty oath 28, which asked if they would “forswear any form of allegiance or obedience to the Japanese emperor, or any other foreign government, power, or organization.”

“All the rest of the internees just said ‘yes’ and ‘yes’ to the questions,” said Emi, “…in my case, I just answered, ‘Under the current conditions and circumstances, I can not answer these questions.’ ” Emi then made copies of his answer and distributed the papers around the camp. This was his first action as an activist.

In 1943, while they were in the Heart Mountain camp in Wisconsin, Emi and his friend, Kiyoshi Okamoto, organized the Fair Play Committee.

Emi read an abbreviated version of the committee’s manifesto, which included passages from the Bill of Rights.

“We, the members of the FPC are not afraid to go war — we are not afraid to risk our lives for our country,” said Emi, “We would gladly sacrifice our lives to protect and uphold the principles and ideals of our country as set forth in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, for on its inviolability depends the freedom, liberty, justice, and protection of all people including Japanese Americans and all other minority groups.

“But have we been given such freedom, such liberty, such justice, such protection? No. Without any hearings, without due process of law as guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights, without any charges filed against us, without any evidence of wrongdoing on our part, 110,000 innocent people were kicked out of their homes, literally uprooted from where they have lived for the greater part of their life, and herded like dangerous criminals into concentration camps with barbed wire fences and military

police guarding it…”

The audience applauded Emi for his courage and actions that have changed Japanese American history.

Diana Lorenz, ESL-credit instructor, shared a personal memory with the audience and speakers.

“I had the advantage of growing up in a Japanese area during the war,” said Lorenz.“I remember the devastation that Japanese people suffered in their homes…it was awful for people coming back to their homes — things had been stolen, houses had been destroyed and broken. It was a terrible, terrible time…”

Students Suzie Daibyan, 20, undecided major, and Exene Tejano, 19, nursing major, both agreed that the lecture was “a very enlightening experience,” in which they learned a piece of history they didn’t know about before.

For more information on the Cultural Diversity program, contact Kerry Riley at (818) 2401000, ext. 5768.

Jessica Bourse can be reached at jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

7

FEATURES

White Doves Fly High Over Graduation Events

By Arpee Markarian EL VAQUERO COPY EDITOR

O

ne hundred pure white doves will soar and swirl above Sartoris field on June 6 after the grads cross their gold-colored tassels from right to left during Glendale’s 81st commencement ceremony.

Friends, family and loved ones will gather at 5 p.m. to honor more than 1,000 students who have completed their associate’s degrees and certificates during the 2007-2008 academic year, 150 of them with honors. They will all see the white doves circling the skies at the end of graduation, a tradition at GCC for more than 10 years.

“The graduation steering committee wants to make the event as nice as they can for our graduates,” said Paul Schlossman, dean of student affairs. “They thought this would be a nice touch and we’ve been doing it ever since.”

For about eight years, Luthor Nelson, owner of White Dove Release in Hacienda Heights, has supplied the college with 50 to 100 rock doves, a species of racing pigeons that can fly up to 600 miles to get back home.

The birds live up to 20 years, and are used not only for graduation ceremonies, but also films, television and advertising.

In years past, the military used racing pigeons as the primary method to send messages from the battlefront to the command post in World War I, World War II and the Gulf War.

Photo by Richard Kontas

The white rock doves, just after release during the 2007 commencement ceremonies, circle over Sartoris Field before their flight back home.

In the 1800s, Reuter’s, the British news agency, sent their pigeons between London and Paris to bring them news two days before everyone else did.

Pigeons carried news all over Europe much faster than horses.

Nelson said nowadays, however, the pigeons are used primarily for such occasions as weddings, funerals, birthdays and anniversaries.

For 20 years, he has bred, raised and trained these birds.

“My favorite thing to do all my life, since I was a boy, has been to build cages for pigeons, and raise them,” he said. “And now I have found a way to share that beauty with hundreds of thousands of

people.

“I think it’s a great way to celebrate,” he said. “I think it just speaks of a joyous celebration when people see white birds flying. It’s very exciting and breathtaking.”

Both the mother and father produce milk, which they feed their babies for four to five days, and both incubate them. The parents give them regular feed after they are weaned.

Then Nelson begins to train them. He releases them from their cage so they can learn to return for food. The first month, they are let out to fly around the garden. From there, each month he increases the distance they are

released from home until they can navigate a 50-mile radius. It takes four months for them to learn to travel this distance.

Studies have shown that these birds use magnetic fields and the location of the sun to find their way back home, according to Nelson. If left in the wild, they will stay in one location.

The day of the commencement ceremony at GCC, Nelson or one of his employees takes a cage of pigeons to Sartoris Field, 20 miles away from his home, until they are ready to be released. As soon as the cage doors are opened, they soar up 50 to 100 feet above the field, circle around together until they orient themselves to

their location, and then begin to fly home to Hacienda Heights at about 55 mph.

Graduates and guests walk away with smiles and memories of commencement and those white doves.

“The feedback we have gotten from participants in the graduation, from students, faculty and guests has always given us positive feedback” said Schlossman, “so that’s why we’ve decided to keep doing it every year.”

Arpee Markarian can be reached at arpee_markarian@elvaq.com

Campus Comments What Are You Doing to Prepare for Finals?

Siranush Sarkisyan 19

Karen Guillory 49

Kevin Vong 19

Benny Aviles 24

BIOLOGY

SOCIOLOGY

BUSINESS

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

“Reading the book mainly. I’m going through my old material.”

“A lot of all nighters until 5 a.m. Waking up early and studying.”

“Nothing. I just have an essay I have to do, so it’s not much.”

“I’m doing study groups, lots of reading, and reviewing my notes.”

­­—Compiled by Katherine Sosa and photographed by Allan Beglarian

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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FEATURES

Toys and Treasures Converge Balancing School, at Monthly College Swap Meet Relationships Can

By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

H

undreds of vendor stalls were lined up on May 18, each one heavily stocked with items such as toys, antiques and jewelry as dozens of customers came to browse and buy.

Since 1994, the Glendale College swap meet has lured bargain hunters to campus every third Sunday of the month.

Vendors pay $40 in advance or $50 the morning event to rent a space. They must also have a seller’s permit, which may be obtained at any State Board of

Equalization office at no charge, unless they are considered an “occasional seller,” that is one who only sells items from his or her garage or closet.

“Most of us who come here collect things, and our garages are packed full of things that never get used,” said Don Warner, one of the regular dealers. “So we come here to sell them.”

About 150 vendors attended this month’s event , but there was a disappointingly small turn out of customers as the temperature soared above 100 degrees for most of the day and only a few dozen browsers could be seen at any time.

This month’s swap meet was the fourth time the event had been held since the new parking structure was opened. The swap meet had used the upper parking lot until construction on the new parking structure began. All of the vendors’ stalls were set-up outside, just east of the structure.

“It’s close, convenient, and it’s really friendly here, believe it or not,” said Donnie Smith, a dealer attending the event.

For more information on the swap meet, contact Jon Harris at (818) 240-3942, ext. 5805.

Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Be a Challenge

By Sharese Mirzakhanyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

A

s you flip through the pages of the GCC catalog you’ll never find Relationships 101 or Love 120. But just like math and English, relationships are part of our every day lives.

Individuals have their own view of how relationships may or may not affect studies. Some state that relationships will cause many problems and others argue that relationships do not affect studies whatsoever.

Psychology professor Jessica Gillooly believes that relationships affect studies in two ways.

As long as one’s partner is supportive then there is a positive outcome. The partners must understand that as students, one must allow the other sufficient time to study.

If they are both pursuing their education, then they can both benefit from the relationship.

They may study together and help one another reach their goals. “Together they can move toward their degree,” Gillooly said. In other words, the main factor is support.

However, relationships can also have a negative influence on a student’s studies.

“If one person values education and the other doesn’t, then their priorities are split,” Gillooly said. In this case, the

partner will have a negative affect on the student causing him or her to fall behind in school.

“Parents can also make it difficult for students to maintain good grades. Some parents do not understand what college is all about and may interfere in their children’s education,” Gillooly said. Parents may question students’ use of time, particularly if they spend many hours in their rooms reading.

According to the context effect theory in psychology, students have a tendency to do better in school when they study in the area where the information was first presented.

“I advise students to study outside of their homes. They can go to the library on campus or any other library, study groups, and there are always empty classrooms on campus,” Gillooly said.

According to some students, relationships are a big mistake during college years.

“All your attention is set on the relationship rather than focusing on studying for your exams,” said Angelica Kyurkchyan, 19, a criminal justice major. Kyurkchyan believes that a relationship will dramatically affect a student’s work habits.

[See Relationships, Page 9]

Vendor Mark Baehr displays a wide variety of items for sale at the swap meet on May 18.

The Roundup

by Corinna Scott

www.elvaq.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

9

COLUMN/OPINION

Hollywood Columnist Takes on Traffic Cam, Coffee Bean

By Graig Agop

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER

We’ve turned Graig loose on campus…and look what he came up with!

A

re you bored on campus?

Have no one to play with?

Startle the help at the information desk! Play 20 questions. They love it! They’re supposed to have the answer to like everything.

So after math, I had my palm read by this not-so-gentle man.

He told me I was going to be a star! He also read my horoscope: I will meet someone next Tuesday and then I will forget it ever happened. That sounds promising. I’ll wear my play clothes!

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I think the Coffee Bean across from campus is running an operation. Come closer, there is this one guy who has, like, this clipboard and he is always waiting for something. He disguises himself as the parking lot monitor, but I think he’s sketchy.

He is always on the phone saying things like, “Hola hola, bien, bien, Corolla,” which I think translates to “Is it is here? Yes, it

got here 10 minutes ago. It’s Colombian. They are in bricks and I put them in the Corolla.” I don’t trust him, or maybe I don’t trust my Spanish. Maybe hola means hello…and not ... OMG, maybe he really is the parking lot monitor, I should look in to that.

Welcome to GCC anonymous!

What are you here for? Math! I don’t believe in mathematicians.

To me it’s just like the tooth fairy and global warming. Tell me this, if there really are mathematicians, why won’t they just make math disappear? Come on I’m struggling here! If it wasn’t for math I’d be out of this place I don’t want to be, and transfer into another place I don’t want to be, so I can eventually get a job in a place where I don’t want to be. I love maple scones.

The Glendale police just installed this really-cool hi-tech drive-thru photo booth at the intersection of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street. They call it a “photo enforced light.” My friend Tabucky and I love it. We make silly faces, scream and put our hands up in the air like we do at Bugs Bunny World.

I can’t wait for the contact sheets to come in the mail. My

dad’s going to be so mad when he finds out I had them re-shoot 14 times, but they should count to three before they snap.

Oh, but I found this trick, if you wait till the light is red and go through right then it will automatically take your picture! Tabucky is going to put our picture in her portfolio. She wants to be a model. The man at the information desk said Tabucky was going to be a star too!

Earth week was dreadful! No offense Monica, you’re sweet, but organic this, organic that, no thanks! I don’t swing that way. I went home and secretly destroyed four packs of paper that night for no good reason. If I’m going down, I’m taking this earth down with me!

Have you guys been to the Montrose area? I hope you have.

I loose my s**t when I’m in Montrose! I walk in a fast pace looking around, franticly screaming Loralie, Loralie! I feel like I’m on the set of the Gilmore Girls, (Look it’s Jess!). Give me a bad attitude and call me Rory. I love it, but it doesn’t make much sense because they have a restraining order against me. How did I get here?

Doesn’t mass com professor Michael Eberts remind you of the rabbit in “Alice In Wonderland”? Watch out people, ‘cause after class is over, he needs to get a move on. This professor is late, but after three months I never found out what actually he’s late for. He’s so nice.

People at the bus stop look so desperate waiting for the bus.

You’re not going to get anywhere in life if you keep waiting. Let

the bus come to you. That’s what Oprah would do, and when it gets here Oprah would sit in the front because she has rights! I learned that in history class last week.

I hope you learned something today. Now I need your help. Yes you! Say no to Beyonce. One of you look up “hola” in the dictionary, see you next issue!

Graig Agop can be reached at Graig_Agop@elvaq.com

Campus Romance Can Be Balancing Act to have a support system.

A number of students may It may start off with missing have a hard time balancing a class or two, then progress to everything when they are failing exams, and may even suddenly in a relationship, result in dropping out. whereas before studies were “If you have a fight with a their top priority. boyfriend or girlfriend, you Therefore, relationships can can fall behind in classes and either adversely affect your cannot concentrate during a studies or can take the place of lecture or even attend class,” a support system for those who said Kyurkchyan. Most people need it. put everything they have into According to an eHow a relationship article (www. in order to keep e h o w. c o m ) , it going and are “being a good blinded to the student doesn’t fact that they are mean you losing in other have to drop areas. everything else.

Although It’s possible to relationships have a healthy may take away social life while from studies, earning good other students grades. It’s all disagree with about balance.” this thesis.

G e n e r a l l y, “I think it anything else depends on the added to a person and not student’s life all relationships —Lusine Khachikyan can affect a result in a decline student’s school of grades,” performance. said Lusine For example, Khachikyan, 20, liberal arts. anything else that will take up “No two individuals are alike.” time outside of school, or change “Even though at times the what he or she is thinking about person’s entire attention is set and concentrating on during on the relationship, it is useful school will alter how a student because some people need the may perform. support that their boyfriend In other words, students or girlfriend can give,” said must have the ability to balance Khachikyan. Some students their studies and relationships need to understand that they in order to have a positive too are strong individuals and outcome in both cases. do not have to rely on another person in order to succeed, even Sharese Mirzakhanyan can be reached at smirzakhanyan@elvaq.com though in some cases it is useful [Relationships, from Page 8]

“It depends on the person... not all relationships result in a decline of grades”

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

www.elvaq.com 11

FEATURE

Simpsons Ride Opens at Universal Studios — See Related Story Page 15

A

ttending the opening day ceremonies were Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and the voice of Sideshow Bob, Kelsey Grammar, among others. The $40 million ride officially opened with the firing of a human cannonball 70 feet over the heads of assembled media and invited guests. Clockwise from upper left, the first riders enter through Krusty’s mouth; Simpsons executive producer James L. Brooks; Simpsons creator Matt Groening addresses the crowd; Homer and family display a taste of what awaits the riders; the human cannonball launches over the guests and into a waiting net and a circus sideshow stiltwalker entertains the crowd.

Richard Kontas can be reached at Richard_Kontas@elvaq.com

— Photos by Richard Kontas

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Annual Art Exhibit Showcases Student Talent

By Claudia Anaya

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he artistic diversity of the student body was displayed at the annual student art exhibit reception May 14, which featured a colorful array of paintings, photographs, ceramics, clay sculptures and jewelry.

An oil painting by Raquel Martinez (number 43) of two women sitting on yellow chairs with a forest surrounding them, a necklace of a human heart painted around their necks and a bubble like shape around their heads, brought up questions in some visitors’ minds.

Taylor Keyte, 23, business

Photo by Allan Beglarian

A self portrait by the artist Aska Tsuzuki, 28, an art/ceramics major.

major, wondered about the bubbles around their heads, “are they there to protect them? Or is it because they feel trapped?”

Visitors enjoyed “Tree Women” (number 41), a charcoal piece by Linda Rodriguez, 30, art major.

It’s a painting with three female figures blended into trees, one stands on the left side leaning to the right, the hair turns into branches as does the arm.

“I love the figures on the tree, it humanizes the tree,” said Keyte as he viewed the piece.

Ryan Gold, 18, a computer science major, said it was his favorite piece in the exhibition, “I like that you can see the human figure in the tree, it blends well.”

Rodriguez found the inspiration of her paintings (numbers 40 through 43) from femininity and nature. She finds her paintings to be a reflection of women and what they go through.

Roger Dickes, gallery art director and animation instructor has been putting the event together for three years.

“It’s very Zen,” said Susan Sing, a drawing and design instructor about “Roots,” a ceramics piece by her former student Aska Tsuzuki, 28, ceramics major.

Sing enjoys attending the

Photo by Allan Beglarian

Students admire and discuss artwork during the current exhibit in the campus art gallery on May 14.

exhibits, “I get to see my students evolve into artists.”

Tsuzuki used a technique in her ceramics piece called waku flowering. Roots and trees are seen in her piece, and she explained her inspiration for the piece.

“Each person has their own roots,” Tsuzuki said looking at her piece, “it’s about knowing yourself.”

Four faculty members from the art department choose the students whose work would appear and each student had three pieces displayed.

David Yamamoto, a photography instructor, was one of the teachers who chose the

A Fan’s View: Hilty Says Goodbye to ‘Wicked’

By Graig Agop

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER/ PHOTOGRAPHER

W

ith her lips pierced tightly and her eyes gazed above. Tears begun gently strolling down the porcelain like face of the dazzling, brave, and stunning Megan Hilty only as the golden lights began to dim over the stage and her time as “Galinda the Good” in The L.A Company’s production of “Wicked. “ Fans of the perky Broadway bombshell gathered early and wore round violet glow-sticks around their necks in show of support. Hilty was welcomed with an overwhelming standing ovation during her final bubbly entrance. Instead of crying, Hilty kept it together until the very end. She laughed alongside “Alphaba” Teal Wicks in “Popular,” which

highlights glittery persona that theater-goers so easily fall in love with night after night.

Though Hilty had been with the L.A. cast since opening day, her four-year-run was scheduled to end May 11. After being asked to stay an additional week, Hilty bid farewell on the warm evening of May 18 at The Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

After her performance Hilty stayed out until after 11:30 signing autographs, taking photos and greeting her devoted fans.

Hilty was Galinda. The sense of humor and fun she brought to her role will be impossible to replace. As for Hilty she can see this as a “regime change.” Her next role will be onstage in Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5: The Musical,” playing at The Ahmanson Theatre this September.

Graig Agop can be reached at Graig_Agop@elvaq.com

student work to be displayed.

Works (numbers 23 through 25) by Jay Oligny, 18, were among the photographs selected

by Yamamoto.

One of Oligny’s pieces is a black-and-white photograph of the Americana at Brand under construction.

Dawn Lindsay, vice president of instruction, attended the exhibit, and said “it’s amazing, and it reflects the diversity of the students.”

The exhibit in the gallery of the library building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. through June 6. Admission is free and open to the public.

If interested in purchasing any pieces, or for more information, contact Dickes at rdickes@ glendale.edu or call (818) 2401000, ext. 5663.

Claudia Anaya can be reached at claudia_anaya@elvaq.com

Dianetics The Evolution of a Science by L. Ron Hubbard Your first book on the applied philosophy which shows you the road to a better life with fewer problems.

Just get it. Read it and use it.

Contact: Dori Talevi Photo by Joan Marcus

Megan Hilty, gets Galinda-fied one last time on May 18 . Hilty is leaving Oz after four amazing years.

(818) 247-9822

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

13

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Mario Kart Wii: An Old Cake With Some New Icing

By Brent Wallace

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

I

f you are familiar with the mascot kart racing genre you’ll know the Mario Kart series. Not only is it a widely popular series, it’s the series that essentially invented the genre with Super Mario Kart back in 1992. Now Nintendo has brought the series to the Wii for the first time with Mario Kart Wii. While Mario Kart Wii is another decent entry in the series thanks to the excellent Wii Wheel control scheme and well implemented online play, the whole experience is hampered by a major sense of déjà vu. However, many people will probably be able to look past this issue and enjoy Mario Kart Wii. The basic premise of the Mario Kart series has always been focused on letting people race as their favorite characters from Mario’s universe. You can play as characters such as Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and many more. From a game play perspective, character selection is not as important as

the kart selection, with each kart having its own strengths and weaknesses.

By introducing bikes, Mario Kart Wii vastly increases the number of available vehicles compared to the series’ previous entries. The bikes don’t handle all that differently from the karts, but they can perform wheelies, which gives them slightly increased speed at the cost of steering capability.

Just like previous entries in the series, your main goal in Mario Kart Wii is to finish at as high a ranking as possible while punishing your opponents with power-ups such as red and green shells, the dreaded blue shell, lightning bolts, bananas, and more.

Over-powered power-ups have always been a part of the Mario Kart formula, but Mario Kart Wii takes the term “over-powered” to a whole new level with the bullet bill power-up.

All considered, the bullet bill power-up is a bit too powerful in that it lets a racer get close to the lead in one go, with no racing skill required. The other strong power-ups are at least balanced

out by the fact that you do need some racing skill to make the most of them.

Mario Kart Wii offers a healthy number of modes for single-player, multi-player or if you have an online connection for your Wii system.

In the single-player mode, the main attraction is Grand Prix, which has you racing against 11 artificial intelligence opponents (AI) in a preset lineup of four courses. This is the mode to play if you want to achieve most of the game’s unlockable content, which includes additional characters, karts and tracks.

The single-player has never been the strength of the series, and this is still the case in Mario Kart Wii. This is because the AI is boring to play against, even though the game lets it cheat at times.

Fortunately, Mario Kart Wii is a blast to play both locally with friends and online. The online play is definitely the star of the show here, as it allows you to play against up to 11 human opponents.

Local multiplayer is also decent, but not nearly as entertaining as the online play since you can only play with up to three other people. And unlike the game’s online mode, you have to tolerate the company of the lackluster AI. The game does let you exclude the AI from local multiplayer matches, but this also hampers the experience as most of the tracks in the game are obviously designed for a full amount of players.

Mario Kart Wii offers an abundance of options for how you play with no less than four separate control schemes offered. The Wii Wheel, which comes packaged with the game, is arguably the most intuitive of the control schemes, as it actually feels as if you were driving a car.

The Wii Wheel initially takes some getting used to, but in practice, it quickly becomes a very rewarding experience in its own right. If you don’t like the Wii Wheel however, you can play with a Wii remote and nunchuck, a gamecube controller, or a classic controller.

Graphically, Mario Kart Wii is acceptable, but far from impressive. The karts themselves look nice, and the environments

are suitably colorful. But the character models look very blocky up close, and the textures are only slightly sharper than they were in Mario Kart: Double Dash on the Gamecube. The only truly notable fact with the graphics is that the game moves smoothly at 60 frames per second with no drop whatsoever in frame rate.

Mario Kart Wii is not impressive in the sound department either. The music is mostly composed of basic tunes that fit with their corresponding tracks well enough, but none of it is high quality. The voice over work for the game is made up of the short voice clips you would expect from the series characters, and they get repetitive fairly quickly.

The biggest problem with Mario Kart Wii, however, is simply the fact that the base game play is completely unchanged from previous entries in the series. Essentially, Nintendo has served an old cake with some brand new icing in the form of the game’s online play and the

Wii Wheel control scheme.

But the old cake that is the ancient Mario Kart formula still holds up surprisingly well, and the new icing helps the experience last for new players and veterans alike.

If you are newcomer to the series, Mario Kart Wii is a great place to start, especially with the new Wii Wheel control scheme.

Veterans may have trouble getting past the feeling of déjà vu they may encounter while playing the game, but if you have kept up with the series and still enjoy the classic formula, the online play will undoubtedly be immensely satisfying for you.

Released: April 27 ESRB rating:E for Everyone: Comic Mischief Availability: Retail stores and online vendors.

My rating: 2 ½ out of 4 stars.

Brent Wallace can be reached at brent_wallace@elvaq.com

Photo by Graig Agop

See The Dance Performace 2008 directed by Lynn McMurrey, running through Sunday at the Sierra Nevada gym. Admission is free and it’s a ton of fun! Stand-out Selin Minassians, above, dazzles on stage.

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Queen of Pop Is No Longer Number One

By Chabeli Sanchez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he Queen of Pop, Madonna, has been able to reinvent herself time and time again.

From “Like a Virgin” (1984) to “Erotica,” from “Ray of Light,” (1992) to “Confessions on a Dance Floor,”(2005) with each album this pop icon has been able to bring new sounds to fans and revamp her image. However, her latest release “Hard Candy,” is nothing near Queen material.

The new album, which moves in a more urban direction hit stores last month. According to Billboard magazine, it had disappointing sales, with 200,000 sold in its first week, which is nothing compared to her previous sales during a first week. Looks like the nearly 50-year-old “Material Girl” has maybe, finally lost her touch.

This time around Madonna enlisted the help of hip-hop’s finest to produce and accompany her on vocals for this album.

Timbaland and Pharrell Williams lead the pack. Timbaland’s bestknown works have been with artists like Nelly Furtado and the always sexy Justin Timberlake, who also joins Madonna on three

tracks. Williams also worked with Justin Timberlake on his first solo album “Justified” (2002), and is part of the duo NERD. Williams handled most of the production duties on “Hard Candy,” which is strange since Timbaland has had much more success in creating the socalled make it or break it song for an album, take for example, “Sexyback” (2006).

Williams, on the other hand has a problem with recreating songs that sound like ones he has done in the past. This is very evident with the first single off this album, “4 Minutes,” featuring Justin Timberlake. The marching band rhythms and the overly repeated chorus resemble Gwen Stefani’s 2005 “Hollaback Girl,” which Williams also produced.

Williams also does this in the flamenco sounding guitar song “Spanish Lesson” which sounds like Williams first works with Justin Timberlake’s song, “Like I Love You” (2002).

With tracks like, “Heartbeat” and “Miles Away,” the disengagement in Madonna’s voice is unmistakable. The words are so evenly spaced out and emphasized that it sounds as if she is reading them out loud to a

classroom full of students, rather then singing them to a crowd with feeling and passion.

“Miles Away” is like one of those annoying songs that you just can’t get out of your head, but it is not because of its catchy lyrics or because it’s a great song, it’s because of the monotone way she delivers it. “Heartbeat” is a complete snooze, but strangely reminiscent of her once big hit “Into the Groove” but sung so detached you might as well be in some boring lecture hall.

As expected, the best tracks on “Hard Candy” are the ones in which Madonna sounds engaged and enjoying herself. The track entitled “Beat Goes On” which is a collaboration with Kanye West (“Gold Digger,” 2005) brings back that ’80s funk that the music nowadays lacks, as well as the track “Dance 2 Night” featuring Timberlake. The vocals in this song sound like an old Bee Gees (“Stayin’ Alive,” 1977) track. Another track, “She’s Not Me” is a self-defense track with a chic-disco touch with a modern pop twist, one of the albums more emotional and compelling pieces.

Although there are a few good tracks on the album, it looks like

Madonna gets her licks in, but “Hard Candy” doesn’t live up to the hype.

it is time for the Queen to step down from the throne. Times are changing, and though she is able to constantly reinvent herself, maybe it is just time to stop.

“Hard Candy” will be Madonna’s 11th and final studio album with Warner Bros. Records.

A compilation album is set to be released later this year or in early

2009.

“Hard Candy” is available nationwide.

Price: $13.99 I give this album a rating of 3 stars out of 4.

Chabeli Sanchez can be reached at chabeli_sanchez@elvaq.com

Aging Indiana Comes Back for More in ‘Crystal Skull’

By Eric Konarki

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

H

e’s back...Henry “Indiana” Jones, the famous archaeologist and adventurer, returns in the fourth film of the Indiana Jones series directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Spielberg (“War of the Worlds,” 2005) with new surprises and thrills.

“Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” starts off in the year 1957 with an older and wiser Indiana Jones blowing the dust off of his hat and whip to go up against the agents of the Soviet Union, led by Irina Spalko, in the quest for the Crystal Skull.

Harrison Ford portrays Indiana Jones just as well as he did in the previous three movies.

However, the movie lacks a certain believable quality because Jones takes more punches and kicks then a man his age could endure.

Academy award winner Cate Blanchett (“Notes on a Scandal,”

2006), portrays the role of Soviet Union spy, Irina Spalko brilliantly.

Blanchett’s look is vicious and her attitude labels her the villain.

Jones’ former lover Marion Ravenwood/Williams portrayed

by Karen Allen (“When Will I Be Loved,” 2004) was charming and funny because despite her older age, her spirit and nature kept her young.

Motorcycle-riding greaser and sidekick, Henry “Mutt” Williams whose portrayal by Shia LaBeouf (“Disturbia,” 2007) is sufficient.

LaBeouf provides the movie with its comedic aspect by cracking jokes about Jones’ age.

Spielberg’s filmmaking skills are shown off in this movie. The action scenes are exhilarating and do not disappoint.

Although this movie is a part of the adventure/fantasy genre the mixture of special and visual effects and set decorations provides a realistic understanding of the visual aspects.

The locations like the caves and the temples looked as if they

actually existed and were not made in a Hollywood soundstage.

The stunts in this fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series are gut-wrenching due to the situations they are set in; like the car chase through the jungle.

Both costume designers Bernie Pollack (“Hollywood Homicide, 2003”) and Mary Zophres (“Lions for Lambs, 2007”) are very skilled. The costumes are appropriate for the 1950s.

This movie brings memories back from the past and builds new memories. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a movie that has been long awaited and fulfills the expectations of a feel good, action/adventure movie.

My rating: 3 out of 4 stars.

Rated PG-13 Runtime:124 minutes

Eric Konarki can be reached at eric_konarki@elvaq.com

Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones in “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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‘Speed Racer’ Crashes and Burns at Starting

By Jake Madrigal

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

W

ith the growing anticipation of this summer’s new release from Warner Brothers, “Speed Racer,” it seems as if this legend’s race to the checkered flag has come to an end.

When many hear the title “Speed Racer,” they begin to think back on childhood memories of watching the popular cartoon that first hit television screens in the late 1960s, brought to America

by Japanese creator and writer Tatsuo Yoshida and Tatsunoko Productions.

As the release of the new “Speed Racer” hits the theater, I think it is clear to any classic

“Speed Racer” fan that it’s just not the same without Yoshida around.

Written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers, who brought us the “Matrix” trilogy (1999-2005), and “V for Vendetta” (2005), they accepted the job of bringing this classic cartoon back to life.

As the movie begins with young Speed Racer (Nicholas Elia, “White Noise,” 2005) sitting in class dreaming about one day being a great racer like his older brother Rex (Scott Porter, “Prom Night,” 2008) the newcomer to this classic cartoon gets a weak background compared to the original plot where more detail of Speed’s childhood is given.

When Speed’s brother, Rex, kills his identity in a fatal car accident, Speed is driven even harder. The family racing company is closed and Speed’s father, Pops, played by John Goodman (“Evan Almighty,” 2007) doesn’t step foot in the garage for a year.

As Speed grows up and turns into the racer that he knew he could always be, played by Emile Hirsch (“Into the Wild,” 2007, “Alpha Dog,” 2006), he begins to dominate the racing world with his style, speed and intensity — always chasing the ghost of his deceased brother Rex. While the popularity of Speed begins to grow, he is approached by many mainstream sponsors, which try and tear him away from

Speed (Emile Hirsch) hits the track with the release of this year’s “Speed Racer.”

the family team and business.

When he gets the unbelievable offer from Mr. Royalton, played

by Roger Allam, he has second thoughts about his past and his future.

As flashbacks of memories with his brother, past races, and classic times with his father go through his head his future is more and more on his mind.

When he declines the offer that was given to him, Royalton lets him in on a little secret revealing the truth of the racing business, leaving Speed in a pickle. He is left to decide whether to fall into the pit of popularity and corruption, or to race from the heart and play by the rules.

When Speed is immediately convinced by his mother (Susan Sarandon, “Enchanted,” 2007) and girlfriend Trixi, played by Christina Ricci (“Monster,” 2003) to get back on the track for the right reasons, and for the love of the race, he teams up with legendary Racer X played

by Matthew Fox (“Lost,” 20042008) to break the tradition of corruption in the race world.

As Speed and Racer X go on their mission we see what the future of movies and car racing could be in for.

When the races hit the screens, the special effects and digital filming has a great effect on the viewer. With some of the scenes looking as if you were watching a 3D movie, the colors begin to hop off the screen and right

into your lap.

Although the Wachowski Brothers do a good job of building on their Matrix style of filming and cinematography, they get the viewer lost along the way with the confusing plot that jumps around too much to follow, especially for a movie that is made for young kids.

As the movie comes to an end, the viewer is thrown into a predictable conclusion. It feels as if more time was spent on the cinematography and special effects and not enough on the plot and story writing, which is what made the original “Speed Racer” great in the first place.

When it comes to the remake of a classic cartoon that influenced many of our childhoods, it is very clear that the Wachowski Brothers failed to improve and recreate the cartoon.

Speed Racer falls into a tragic spinout somewhere around the third turn of the final lap.

As the checkered flag waves and the movie comes to an end, the real fans of the original and legendary “Speed Racer” will be leaving the theater greatly disappointed with this weak remake.

Warner Brothers: Rated PG for sequences of action, some violence and language.

My rating: 2 out of 4 stars

Jake Madrigal can be reached at jake_madrigal@elvaq.com

Simpsons Ride Opens at Universal Studios

By Allan Beglarian

EL VAQUERO STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

G

rab hold of the safety bars and hold on for dear life while Sideshow Bob tries to kill America’s favorite animated family. That is the theme behind the new $40-million megaattraction “The Simpsons Ride,” which opened at Hollywood’s Universal Studios, on May 17.

The ride showcases everything that is popular with the Simpsons family, from Homer and his love for donuts, Bart’s enthusiastic

hollers, the pessimistic Lisa and the forgetful grandfather and the rest of the cast of this popular series that takes traditional family life and transforms it into a satire.

Guests will be ushered into Krustyland, a theme park created by the show’s profit-chasing crazy clown, Krusty, while the sadistic Sideshow Bob, an escaped convict, takes control of the theme park to exact revenge on Krusty and the Simpsons for a previously foiled robbery.

“Totally fun. Like you’re in a rollercoaster and you have to

shut your eyes and scream,” said Anthony Manalastas, 34, of Santa Clarita.

A 32-foot-tall Krusty welcomes the patrons as they walk through Krusty’s mouth on his extended tongue to the giant dome that houses the wraparound cinematic show. It is pure multimedia. The guests will be seated in a rather boxy sidecar reminiscent of the old-time carnivals, but that is where the old stops and high tech begins in the form of animation, vibrations, sound, splatters of water, fog and computer-controlled twists

and turns, manifesting into the world’s first-ever animated cork screw that is bound to wake up the dead.

“It was great,” said Fred Brager, 30, of Long Beach, accompanied by his family.“It was a bit of a wait, but it was well worth it. Quite a bit of fun. We’ve been to the “Back to The Future” ride in Orlando, but this was lot better.”

“For 20 years I’ve been dreaming about this, and there it is – a wild, thrilling Simpsons Ride put together by a huge number of talented artists and

amusement-park maniacs,” said Matt Groening, the creator of the original series.

Normal, non-peak, operating hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Prices vary. For more information visit: www. universalstudioshollywood.com.

Allan Beglarian can be reached at Allan_Beglarian@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Community Orchestra Brings Down the House

By Jessica Bourse

EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

T

he auditorium buzzed with excitement as hundreds of people, young and old, swarmed the aisles, anticipating the glorious music their ears were yearning to hear. On stage, music stands and chairs sat unattended, longing for the moment that the sounds of feet could be heard, as the musicians quietly sauntered to their proper places.

On May 18, the music department presented the annual spring concert, performed by the Glendale College Community Orchestra and conducted by Dr. Theodore Stern in the college auditorium.

This night’s performance would be unlike any other, being that this was Stern’s last concert as conductor.

Music could be heard as a film played on a white screen, showing a younger, dark-haired Stern fiercely conducting the 1986 Glendale College Community Orchestra. As his baton struck the air, keeping a steady common time, the musicians played German composer Richard Wagner’s 1840 “Rienzi Overture.”

As the film ended, the musicians, many with instruments in hand, made their way to their seats — some tuned up, others waited. The orchestra consists of students from the college and Glendale community members.

The audience hushed as the concert mistress, Lynne Ludeke, made her way to center stage. She warmed up the orchestra with her violin, playing single, long notes, ensuring that the musicians were in-tune and ready.

Applause erupted from the

audience as Stern emerged from stage left, smiling and waving to the audience as he made his way to the conductor’s podium.

The first piece was “Mars” from Gustav Holst’s 1916 score, “The Planets.”

Inspired by the Roman god of war, this piece was nothing short of an epic battle between good and evil.

“Mars” began with a steady war-like percussion, beating like the sounds of soldiers’ Photo by Fabienne Niederberger boots, marching off Lynne Ludeke expresses thanks to conductor Theodore Stern while Chris Krambo disinto war. The strings plays a list of more than 300 works the orchestra has presented over the years. accompanied, playing short, staccato-like detached darkness, the winds bellowed, filled with delight and terraced notes, emphasizing the march bringing a foreboding sense of dynamics, with sudden shifts into battle. From the depths of the chaos to come. As the volume between loud and soft. As the began to crescendo, so did the tempo increased, the percussion intensity. become more pronounced and “Mars” was superbly executed, continued to crescendo until the leaving audience members with final crash of the cymbals. hearts pounding and imaginations The audience stirred with soaring. excitement as the orchestra and The next two pieces performed conductor took a bow. were Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Ludeke took the microphone, 1906 piece, “Norfolk Rhapsody announcing it was Stern’s final No. 1,” and Leos Janácek’s 1890 performance as conductor of the “Lachian Dances 1 & 2.” orchestra. She “conducted” the The Williams piece was orchestra, moving her arm in the stunning.

The strings and air as the orchestra rang in unison, woodwinds wove a delicate veil “Thank you, Dr. Stern! Thank of sound, softly enveloping the you, Ted!” audience’s senses with a deep Twenty-eight years ago, Stern melodic wonderment. created the Glendale College The Janácek piece was Community Orchestra, which charming and pleasant. Both over the years has presented more movements, “Starodávny” (The than 300 pieces of music to the Ancient One), and “Pozehnany” community — the pieces were (The Blessed), painted clear displayed on a list almost 6 feet images of a little Czech village, long. filled with festivities and Stern took his final bow on dancing. stage as the audience and orchestra Richard Strauss’ 1882 rose to a standing ovation.

“Serenade for Winds,” was a Professor Beth Pflueger will joyful piece, performed solely by take over as new conductor in the the wind section of the orchestra. fall.

The winds carried out the piece The annual spring concert on their own magnificently, still was an enchanting experience, producing the complexity and complete with an outstanding layers that a full orchestra brings. orchestra and a brilliant conductor.

The final piece, Franz Liszt’s It was a concert to remember, filled 1847 “Hungarian Rhapsody with emotion and enthusiasm.

No. 2,” was a powerhouse. The My rating: Four stars out of rhapsody began with a “lassú,” a four. slow, dark Hungarian dance. The violins created a rich sound — he music dripping off the strings like For more information about honey. As the piece continued, the the music department, contact music intensified, becoming thick Dr. Peter Green at (818) 240with emotion.

1000, ext. 5622.

The rhapsody transformed from a heart-tugging piece of Jessica Bourse can be reached at music to a whimsical fantasy, jessica_bourse@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

17

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT / SPORTS

Drawing Marathon Brings New Meaning to ‘Sketchy’

By Sharese Mirzakhanyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER

“C

ircus, Circus was the theme of this semester’s drawing marathon with both nude and costumed models playing their parts on May 18 from noon to 8 p.m. in the Aviation building.

Caryl St. Ama, professor of painting and life drawing, and David Attyah, professor of drawing and design, coordinated the event.

Throughout the day art students had the opportunity to work on their portfolios and had access to three live models during the day. More than 30 art students attended the event.

“Studio art is committed to making some of the best artists in L.A. We help the students with their art work so they can transfer out to a university to pursue their interests and hope they may credit us for their fame,” said St. Ama. The drawing marathon has been held bi-annually for the past three years.

“Every year it gets bigger and bigger, and this year has been the most elaborate one so far,” Attyah said.

The circus theme was

well organized and brilliantly decorated. There were trapezes hanging, balloons covering the floor, and colorful decoratives along with everything to satisfy a circus.

“It’s really one of the most amazing events that has come across my path on campus. It is a great opportunity for art students.

I believe everyone should take advantage of this opportunity that the college offers,” said Masihi, 30, architecture major.

The models were very excited about this year’s marathon. Model Sarah Streeter, who has been modeling for 12 years, attended the event. “I can swallow three swords all at once,” said Streeter.

Her art form is referred to as the Pirate of Identities.

“I come from a ballet background so I love to dress up, which makes this year’s theme even better,” said Streeter, who models throughout Los Angeles.

Since she is running from one event to another, some may have difficulty booking her for their event.

“During the year students learn about anatomy and work extremely hard, so this is a reward for all their hard work,” Attyah

Photo by Fabienne Niederberger

Eric Burroughs, left, draws “circus performer,” Steve Jacobsen during the drawing marathon.

said.

Greg Fujita, Glendale alumnus from the ’90s, also attended the drawing marathon. “This art department shaped me into the artist I am today,” Fujita said.

He has been working as an artist at Disney for about seven years

now.

The co-founders of the Art Club on campus, John Fox, 27, 3D animation and fine arts major, and Donato Bragagnolo, 23, media arts major, participated at the event as well.

They assisted both St. Ama

and Attyah to coordinate and plan the event. “We went through 10 different themes for the marathon until we finally came down to this one,” Fox said.

[See Drawing, Page 18]

Track and Field Adds To Running Success On Campus

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

E

Photo by Richard Kontas

Vaquero stars, from left, Vivien Wadeck, Zitlalic Ley, James Poet, Ashley Baucham and Tove Berg.

ver since Tove Berg stepped on campus in September 2006, she has put up fast times in both cross-country and track and field.

Now she will go down as one of the greatest runners in Glendale College history after capturing state championships in the 5,000meter and defending her crown in the 10,000-meter at the state championship meet at Cerritos College on May 16 and 17.

The two state championships bring her total up to four total state championships in her career; one in cross-country and three in track and field. What’s next for Berg? “I am going to keep running and hopefully improve on my longer distances,” she said.

The Olympics? “No,” she said. “I like running just for fun.”

Berg was named co-athlete of the meet and earned All-American honors in both events for her impressive season.

However, Berg wasn’t the only Vaquero to be decorated.

Zitlalic Ley was also named to the All-America team after a fifth place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and a ninth place finish in the 5,000 meter. James Poet also earned All-American honors for his sixth place finish in the hammer toss.

Sophomore Vivien Wadeck finished second for the first time all year in the 1,500-meters and she finished third in the 5,000meters. Although she did not win a state championship, her strong running helped the Lady Vaqs finish eighth in the overall team standings.

Freshman Ashley Baucham also finished sixth in the high jump for the Lady Vaqs this year and looks to continue the winning success in the future. “It feels good,” she said. “Hopefully we will be back here next year.”

Sophomore Michael Flowers finished his Vaquero career with an 11th place finish in the 3000meter steeplechase.

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

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SPORTS / OPINION

USC Should Be Punished for the Mayo Debacle

By Ross Coleman

EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR

U

SC has been under fire for almost a year now for allegations that Reggie Bush may have received nearly $300,000 in cash and gifts during his stint as a Trojan — gifts that included a new home for his parents.

Taking gifts or money, as a college athlete, is an illegal act that can damage not only the school, but also the image of the athletes.

Now USC is back in the spotlight for having another questionable athlete on one of its sports teams.

O.J. Mayo has been labeled as a “can’t miss” basketball product since he was in junior high. As a result, his every move has been scrutinized. In a September 2007 article in Slam Magazine the world was introduced to Mayo’s confidant, Rodney Guillory.

Guillory is a name that USC should have remembered when they were recruiting Mayo. In 2000 Guillory was responsible for getting star USC player Jeff Trepagnier suspended for accepting airfare to Las Vegas.

Even then Guillory was someone who befriends potential clients and gives them gifts to entice them to sign with certain sports agencies.

That agency is BDA Sports, with whom Mayo signed last month when he announced that he would forego his final three years of eligibility at USC to enter the NBA draft. It’s also the same agency that allegedly set up a credit card for Guillory in order to pay for Mayo’s plasma TV in his dorm room, hotels for Mayo and his friends, and many other expenses that most college students can’t afford.

The biggest question raised from the situation is what should the punishment be and who should be punished?

Well, both Mayo and Bush are no longer USC students.

However, USC has a duty to keep tabs on any illegal activities of current students. That means USC should be held responsible for the actions of these two high profile students.

But what should the punishment be?

In the NCAA bylaws there is a seldom-used punishment that is referred to as “the death penalty,”

the harshest punishment that the NCAA can use and it has only been enacted two other times in history.

The death penalty prevents a school from competing in certain sports for one to two seasons. It is the penalty that USC should face due to its blatant disregard for keeping tabs on its athletes.

The NCAA has been very careful about doling out the death penalty after the last time they used this harsh punishment.

In 1986 Southern Methodist University (SMU) faced allegations that football players were being paid to attend. This was just one year after the college was placed on three years probation for recruiting violations. As a result of the ensuing investigation SMU was given the death penalty.

The 1987 football season was canceled for SMU. Also all home games in 1988 were cancelled, they were banned from bowl games until 1990, the probation was also extended until 1990, the school lost 55 scholarships over the next four years, and finally, the football program was allowed to hire only five full-time assistant coaches instead of the customary nine.

Prior to the death penalty, SMU had a proud football program that many viewed as one of the top football schools in the country.

They played in the Southwest Conference, where they headlined the program.

As a result of the death penalty, many players were unwilling to stay at, let alone come to SMU, to play. However, the most devastation was felt by the entire conference.

The Southwest Conference folded in 1996 because of the money lost during the punishment of SMU. The punishment was so devastating that it has never been given since, even during times when the punishment seemed fair.

Because of the activity that USC has allowed to occur with their two largest revenue producing programs, they should be given the death penalty.

It seems like there has been a blatant disregard for fair treatment of students on campus. It is evident that athletes are treated differently by the school. There is a lack of institutional control that needs to be enforced until the programs are clean enough to have an even playing field.

Photo by Dieuwertje Kast

O.J. Mayo and other student athletes are said to be offered unfair incentives to play for top colleges.

Yes, the death penalty has been labeled the atomic bomb of college sports, but USC is a different school than SMU. During the time that SMU was punished, they were on the rise. The death penalty was really a death penalty. If it were given to USC, it would be more of a pruning. Cut out the bad and allow the healthy to grow.

The Pac10 Conference is one of the few conferences in college athletics that could sustain a team suffering the death penalty.

There are enough high-profile teams to keep the revenue of the conference at a maximum even without one of its top teams.

We may find that this is a norm in college sports, athletes being treated differently than everyone else. But it is important to make an example of such a high-profile school in order to scare all other

schools into following the rules of the NCAA.

Ross Coleman can be reached at Ross_Coleman@elvaq.com

Annual Marathon Draws Crowd of Student Artists [Drawing, from Page 17] There had not been an art club on campus for several years before the club was started in the fall. It now consists of more than 100 members.

“We all work together and put in an equal share into the club,” Bragagnolo said.

The club’s main purpose is to give art students more

opportunities to pursue their interests in fine arts. Among the activities are field trips to art studios.

“We are very proud of our students and the success of the drawing marathon,” St. Ama said.

For more information contact St. Ama at stama@glendale. edu.

Sharese Mirzakhanyan can be reached at smirzakhanyan@elvaq.com

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

19

Calendar On Campus

events Graduation Ceremony— The day you’ve all been waiting for.

Celebrate with more than 1,000 graduates and certificate recipients. Sartoris Field . Free and open to all. June 6 at 5 p.m.

CSUN — Representatives from Cal State Northridge will be on campus to answer questions. Today from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the San Rafael Plaza.

Spring Ceramics Sale — Ceramic students will hold their semi-annual holiday ceramics sale June 7 from 1 to 5 p.m. in SC212. Proceeds from the sale will go to the GCC ceramics department. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 3059.

events League of Women Voters — Los Feliz Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles. Join the League of Women voters at one of its monthly meetings to discuss the 2008 elections. Today at 10 a.m. Free admission. For more information, visit www. www.lwvlosangeles.org or call (323) 9134710.

Los Angeles Summer Jobfair 2008: For English-Japanese Bilinguals and International Students — Torrance Marriott Hotel, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance. The job fair is open to English-Japanese bilinguals and international students from Japan. June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free but participants must register. For more information, visit www.jobfair.jp or call (310) 3811-9251.

Armen Hovhannisyan — Glendale High School Auditorium, 1440 E. Broadway. Gala Production presents the performer live in concert. June 8 at 6 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.itsmyseat.com or call (818) 481-2083.

exhibitions Doctor’s House Museum — 1601 W. Mountain St. Built dur-

Applied Music Recital — This recital features GCC student vocalists and instrumentalists. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Auditorium. Admission is free.

College Choir Spring Performance — Directed by Jayne Campbell and featuring choral works and opera excerpts. General admission is $7 and $5 for students. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Mainstage. For more information, call (818) 2401000, ext. 5660.

club activities A.G.S. Spring Banquet — The Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society hosts a scholarship and awards banquet Saturday at 7 p.m.

in SC212. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/ags.

P.C.O. — The Philippine Cultural Organization hosts a food sale. The combo plate is $5 and includes rice, eggrolls, noodles, and beef steak. Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Plaza Vaquero.

exhibitions Annual Student Exhibition — The GCC Art Gallery presents its Annual Student Exhibition.

Today through June 6. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www. glendale.edu/artgallery or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5663.

dance Dance Performance 2008 — Directed by Lynn McMurrey and featuring GCC student dancers and choreographers. Today, Thursday, and Friday, at noon and 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Dance Theater, Sierra Nevada Gym. Free admission with limited seating. For more information, visit www.glendale.edu/dance or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5556.

films “The Debut” — The first Filipino American film that grossed over a million dollars at the box office will be shown in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage

Around Town ing Glendale’s boom time in 1889, the Doctor’s House was home to four doctors and silent film star Nell Shipman. It was saved by the Glendale Historical Society in 1979. Guided tours every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Closed during the month of July. Admission is $1. For more information, call (818) 242-7447.

All the Saints of the City of the Angeles — Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. This exhibition includes 50 exquisitely detailed, large-scale paintings set among precious objects and artifacts from the collections of the Museum of the American West and Southwest Museum of the American Indian. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 and $5 for sudents. For more information, visit www.autrynationalcenter.org or call (323) 667-2000.

Wifredo Lam in North America: El Gran Mambo — Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. The Afro-Chinese Cuban artist Wifredo Lam is the most celebrated artist of the Caribbean region. This exhibition presents 57 of the most important paintings, gouaches and drawings by Lam. The exhibition runs June 15 through Aug 31. Museum hours vary. Admission is $7.50 and $5 for students. For more information, visit www.molaa.org

or call (562) 437-1689.

The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito — Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. Shinjo Ito is the founder of the Shinnyo En sect of Buddhisim. This traveling exhibition showcases some of Ito’s best work. The forum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Now through June 29.

For more information, visit www. westwoodartforum.com or call (310) 208-0627.

Pavillion of Wings — Natural History Museum of Los Angeles Conty, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. Enter a world of free-flying butterflies and stroll through a beautifully landscaped temporary exhibit housed at the museum’s South Lawn. Now through Sept.

1. Admission prices are $3 for adults and $2 for students and seniors and $1 for children 5 to 12.

For more information, visit www. nhm.org or call (213) 763-3466.

theater 2008 GUSD Student Showcase — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd. The 2008 GUSD Student Showcase will feature the top student performers in Glendale Unified School District. High school, middle school and elementary levels will be represented by actors, musicians and dancers of superior

quality. June 6 at 8 p.m. General admission is $10. For more information, visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539.

“Black and Bluestein” — Santa Monica Group Theatre, 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica. Jews and Blacks test democracy, tempers, home values, flawed liberal thinking and Jewish guilt in conservative St. Louis, 1963. Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m. Admission is $25.

For more information, visit www. santamonicaplayhouse.com or call (310) 394-9779.

music “Salonen’s Piano Concerto” — Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

A piano concert by longtime Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. Thursday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.laphil.com or call (323) 850-2000.

L.A. Choir—Is looking for college voices to join the 300 members singing sacred, contemporary, classic and movie themes and songs from around the world, Rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. at 1653 S. Glendale Ave. For audition info visit: www.LAChoir. com or email MrKeith@att.net Season Finale Concert — Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd.

Month ASGCC and the Cultural Diversity Program. “The Debut” tells the story of a high schooler who wants to become an artist despite his father’s wishes. Associate producer Patricio Ginelsa will be available after the film for discussion. Today from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Kreider Hall SR138.

lectures Humanities and Social Science Lecture Series: Lang Lecture — Speaker is former GCC student and author Maria del Toro who uses the pen name Margo Candelas. Her book “Underneath it All” will be available for signing. The Lang Lecture is named for retired dean Dr. Veloris Lang.

Thursday at noon in Kreider Hall.

Free and open to the public.

The Glendale Youth Orchestra presents the final concert of its 2007/2008 season. June 3 at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $9.50.

For more information, visit www. alextheatre.org or call (818) 2432539. For more information, visit, www.glendaleyouthorchestra. com.

wellness Busy Life, Peaceful Mind — Unitarian Universalist Church Verdugo Hills, 4451 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta. The Kadampa Meditation Center California offers a meditation class tonight from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $12. For more information, visit www.meditateinla.org.

Free Health Clinic — Open Tuesdays 6 to 8:30 p.m. On a first come, first serve 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.

Free Yoga in the Park— Runyon Canyon Park, 2000 Fuller Drive, Los Angeles. Free yoga lessons every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (323) 666-5046.

Compiled by Tina Hagopian

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Los Angeles Federal Credit Union P.O. Box 53032 • Los Angeles, CA 90053-0032 (877) MY LAFCU (695-2328) e-Mail: memberservices@lafcu.org • Website: www.lafcu.org

*Annual Percentage Rate as of 4/1/08, and depends on your V.I.P. account level. Above new vehicle fixed sample rate includes a 0.375 % Premier V.I.P. Account discount, a credit score above 680, applying online with e-Loan Express, and is for 80% financing for 36 months.

The approximate monthly payment per $1,000 borrowed is $30 for a new vehicle at 5.25% APR or a used vehicle at 5.50% APR. Variable rates also available at one point less than the fixed rate with the same term. The APR quoted does not apply to refinances of existing LAFCU loans. If you opt for and are approved to have any payments delayed, interest will accrue on the loan balance. Rates are based on the term, collateral, down payment, account relationship and credit history. All loans are subject to credit-granting criteria. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. You must be a LAFCU member to obtain credit.