Glendale College
Exercising Body and Mind:
Teachers and Students Interact In and Out Of Class See pages10
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Volume 104, Number 3
News
Features
Sports
Kinesiology department trains the atheletic trainers of the future. Page 2
Hang up the phone! Long lines mark iPhone 6 release .
Vaqs off to best start in years despite loss in Santa Monica. Page 14
Page 5
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NEWS
elVaquero editor in chief
Agnessa Kasumyan ARTS EDITOR Alexandra Duncan SPORTS EDITOR Kendall Faulkner PHOTO EDITOR Sal Polcino
STAFF WRITERS Louise Andersson Aimee Yeghiayan Beck Emiliano Chavez Kristine Dizon Melinda Ebrahimi Elie Georges Anahit Kardzhyan Miyu Kawamura Rikard Kohler Jennifer Rodman R.J. Saunders Production Manager
Richard Kontas
NEWSROOM Manager
Sal Polcino
design adviser
Charles Eastman
faculty adviser Michael Moreau mmoreau@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000 ext. 5214 advertising Jeff Smith jsmith@glendale.edu (818) 240-1000, ext. 5493 Send Letters to the Editor El Vaquero accepts story ideas from the public. To submit an idea or suggestion send e-mail elvaquero.eic@gmail.com or call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Member of the Journalism Asssociation of Community Colleges
Letters may be reproduced in full or in part and represent only the point of view of the writer, not the opinion of El Vaquero or Glendale Community College and its district. All letters must include the full name, address and phone number of the writer. You will be contacted before publication. El Vaquero is a First Amendment publication.
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Kinesiology Division Flexes its Muscles By Anahit Kardzhyan EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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inesiology, the study of human movement, is required in many fields, including sports and physical therapy, but little is know about its requirements or what the major actually entails. The kinesiology division held what they call a “Kinfo” Day on Friday afternoon, discussing the opportunities available for kinesiology majors. They also provided more information about the subject and what steps students should take in order to have a successful future in the field. Kinesiology majors can work in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor development and learning, sport and exercise psychology and sports medicine. Anything related to either of the two could lead to a potential career for kinesiology majors. More than 60 students from kinesiology and physical education classes attended the meeting held in the Student Center to get a better understanding of the subject. Erin Calderone is a kinesiology professor on campus who actively promotes the subject as a major because she believes it “is a growing field and it goes beyond what everyone else thinks.” She wanted to use the information session to help students move past the idea that physical therapy is their only option once they get a degree in kinesiology because it is untrue. Calderone and Yvette Ybarra, who teaches kinesiology and coaches the volleyball team, discussed the Fitness Specialist Certificate, which is coming next spring. The certificate requires a total of 20.5 units (23.5 with CPR) and takes about three semesters to complete. If students have previously taken one or more of the courses, those units will still be applicable for the completion of the certificate. The FSC will prepare students for the Certified Personal Trainer and/or Group Exercise instructor exams. It is an opportunity for students who plan on transferring to a four-year college or university and majoring in kinesiology. Another option that has proven successful since its debut last year is for students to complete their Associate in Arts for Transfer-Kinesiology.
Photo by Sal Polcino
KINESIOLOGY AT WORK: Athletic trainer Jose Gomez applies ice to the shoulder of a Vaquero baseball player last season. Kinesiology studies are an important step in the education of professional trainers
The AA-T in kinesiology provides students with applicable knowledge of the main concepts and skills needed to attain upper division status in the major. The degree also makes it possible for students to transfer to Cal State Northridge, Long Beach, Los Angeles or Fullerton, as well as Humboldt State University, San Jose State University, Cal Poly Pomona and more. According to Calderone, kinesiology majors can immerse themselves into areas of scientific research, occupational therapy, personal training, group exercise, sports coaching or physical education. They can also find jobs in sports conditioning, nutrition counseling, corporate wellness management, health club management, health education/ programming, orthopedic surgery, adapted physical education or even exercise equipment design depending on their area of interest. The careers mentioned all require a background in kinesiology and it is important for students to see that they have a variety of options to choose from, more so than what they had anticipated. Many of those options are often ignored or overlooked, but almost all of them require helping others. Kinesiologists often pursue careers that require helping people from all walks of life engage in physical activity for health and fitness, to improve sports performance and to rehabilitate from injuries. Four guest speakerss, CSUN students who are currently
involved in kinesiology, were also present at the presentation and they shared their experience and knowledge with the audience. Cesar De Jeronimo developed an interest in kinesiology when he realized that he would be able to help others with their health and fitness. He was determined to pursue this study and attended CSUN, where he did more with the major than he ever thought possible and encouraged others to do the same. While De Jeronimo went straight to CSUN as a freshman, it took Stephen Warren a few years to decide that he was going to major in kinesiology. Warren attended Santa Monica Community College before transferring to CSUN, but is glad he did because he feels like the entire experience was extremely rewarding. Students also got to meet Natalie Vartanian and Christopher Bostwick who, after spending some time at Glendale College, both transferred to CSUN. Vartanian, like many other kinesiology majors, started off with a focus on physical therapy, but realized there were more options out there and currently works for Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation after studying exercise science. Bostwick was at Glendale College for about four years and
On the Cover: History professor Roger Bowerman peeks between dribbles at the Verdugo gym. –Photo by Louise Andersson
did not take advantage of all of the opportunities available to him until he transferred and realized how important it was to form connections and gain experience. The speakers all agreed that kinesiology requires a lot of fieldwork and handson experience because that is how most students gain appreciation for the field. CSUN kinesiology students founded the 100 Citizens program in June 2011 to provide the community with “an affordable (free), accessible (public park), and sustainable physical activity program” in an effort to improve the public’s health, as described on 100citizens.org. The 100 citizens program was among the few that were mentioned at the meeting. For more “kinformation,” students are encouraged to attend the kinesiology workshop on Oct. 29 at 12:20 p.m. in the San Rafael building, room 138. There will be more information on the major and career paths. Anahit Kardzhyan can be reached at anahit.elvaq@gmail.com
IN THIS ISSUE News.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10 Entertainment .. . . . . . . . 11-12 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14 Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lifestyle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
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NEWS
Success Rates Rise as Students Meet Goals By Melinda Ebrahimi EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ue to the rising cost of university tuition fees, many students opt to attend a community college to complete their general education requirements before transferring in order to save money. Glendale College is one of the top schools in the state in terms of preparing their students for university and making sure they transfer within a set amount of time. “Success rates go up and down if you measure them year to year,” said superintendent/president David Viar. “But, overall, when you look at the data, we tend to be at the top three and most of the time in the top one of our region of 14 Los Angeles colleges and statewide.” With the college being one of the top transfer schools statewide, its transfer rate is nearly 10 percent above the statewide ranking. According to Glendale Community College’s Institutional Effectiveness Report of 2012-2013, the campus has ranked 10th out of 111 colleges in California. The school has also ranked highest out of 14 schools in its geographical region, compared to Santa Monica College with 47 percent, and Pasadena City College and Pierce College with 48 percent. Glendale ranked 49 percent between 2006 and 2007. Viar believes that the Glendale Unified School District contributes to this success. “Many of our students who come here from the [Glendale] high schools are often times a little better prepared than others,” he said. “But, overall, I give the credit to our faculty and staff.” Based on the Campus Profile of 2014, from the total of the 2,506 freshmen that enrolled in Glendale College in the fall of 2013, 826 students came from the Glendale Unified School District, which makes it a total of 33 percent of the student population. According to Edward Karpp, dean of research, planning, and grants, transferring students is one of the college’s biggest goals. Both Viar and Karpp believe that the instructional program at Glendale College contributes to accomplishing that goal. “It’s part of the culture here, where our philosophy is to prepare students to transfer over other goals,” said Karpp.
Photo by Kathy Bakowicz
STUDENT SUCCESS: The graduating class of 2014 shows off its awards as parents and friends look on during the ceremony at Sartoris Field.
Viar said that the faculty and staff focus on connecting with the students and helping them engage in school, which requires students to put in extra time outside of school and results in a greater desire to succeed. “It’s going beyond the office hours that are available and that are required for faculty members to have,” said Viar. “[We] are far beyond just the faculty standing in front of the students and lecturing. Ours roll up their sleeves and get involved.” The Retrospective Transfer History in the Campus Profile of 2014 shows that the number of students transferring to a fouryear college has increased in the past 15 years. In the academic year of 1995-1996, there were a total of 805 known transfers from Glendale College, 569 on which went to a CSU. In the 20122013 academic year, there were a total of 1,244 transfers. The reason for the high number of students transferring to four-year institutions, compared to 15 years ago, is the increase of students enrolling at Glendale College. Despite the high transfer rate, the number of students who receive an associate degree before moving on to another school has decreased significantly in the past few years. There has been a decline of 40 percent from the 2006-2007 academic year, when 575 associates degrees were received. According to the Institutional Effectiveness Report, there were only 258 between 2011 and 2012. Karpp attributes this to the
fact that the school used to have a General Education/ Transfer Studies degree that was given out to students who completed the General Education requirements without a specific major. Now, however, all degrees have a specific major and the Transfer Studies degree is no longer offered. “The states chancellor’s office of California community colleges decided that we couldn’t offer these general education associate degrees anymore,” said Karpp. “It is a standard from our accrediting commission of the community junior colleges.” The reason for the lack of associate degrees awarded is that there has not been enough money to provide the students with as many courses as they need to complete an associate degree. “The improvement in the economy has caused people not to necessarily complete [an associate degree],” said Viar. Only 16 of the General Education Transfer Studies degree have been given out for the 2013-2014 academic school year. “It used to be in the hundreds,” said Karpp The most degrees awarded in the academic year of 2013-2014 were in business administration with a total of 67 and social science with 66. Throughout his 20 years at the school, Karpp has seen a lot of changes. He explained that the availability of the classes can be compared to a cycle that changes every eight to 10 years.
The cycles are based on the economy. There is a high demand for classes when the economy is down, but the school cannot offer them due to lack of state funding. However, when the economy is good, many students do not see the need of attending community colleges because they can get jobs, which leads to problems for the enrollment rate of the school. “We are kind of in that cycle now, where enrollments are a little softer than they were,” said Karpp Although there are students who do not transfer, the college’s Institutional Effectiveness Report of 2012-2013 has shown that the campus ranks above the statewide transfer rates with 49 percent compared to the statewide rates of 41 percent. The school’s transfer rate is calculated by the chancellor’s office. The percentages of the students who actually transfer are those who have attempted transfer-level math and English and have transferred within six years. The average time students spend at Glendale College before tranferring to four-year universities is two to six years. “It is not unusual for an
individual to go through a sixyear period and then transfer to a university,” said Viar. “We are far beyond the old days where most everybody was in and out in two years.” Part of the reason most students take longer than two years, according to Viar, is that there is a large percentage of non-traditional students at the college, meaning many are not just straight out of high school and have jobs and families. “Even the students who are coming out of high school will often times need to have a job in order to be able to pay our tuition and to pay for the significant costs of the books,” said Viar. “My major goal is to provide the support and encouragement and the guidance to our faculty and our staff,” said Viar. “My second goal would be communicating with the public, Glendale and the region as to the role that Glendale Community College plays in serving the needs of our future work force, people and the jobs and skills that are necessary and help us be a strong region.” Melinda Ebrahimi can be reached at ebrahimimelinda@gmail.com
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NEWS
Mental Health Experts Teach Suicide Prevention By Jennifer Rodman EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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lthough depression is a common illness among Americans, most are not well equipped to handle its symptoms and aftermath, particularly when it results in suicide attempts. Last Thursday, William Barreto and Karen Austin of the Los Angeles County of Mental Health Partners in Suicide Prevention held a conference in CS177, where they informed the audience about suicide — the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. California, however, has the lowest rate of suicide attempts. Barreto and Austin discussed many different issues pertaining to suicide, including: paying attention to warning signs such as clinical depression, which involves chronic sadness, loss of interest in most activities, trouble sleeping, and drastic changes in eating habits. More warning signs of “death wish” behavior are: constantly talking and thinking about death and partaking in high-risk behaviors with an increased chance of death, such
Photo byAnahit Kardzhyan
STUDENTS LOOK ON: William Barreto informs students about the warning signs of depression at a Suicide Prevention conference last Thursday.
as driving fast or running red lights. A person contemplating suicide may also casually make comments like “It would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out,” and they might visit or call people to say goodbye. According to Barreto, women commit suicide more frequently than men.
Nationally, the highest rate of suicide ranges from 45 to 55 years of age, while teens have the lowest rate. The highest suicide rates occur in the month of April. Ninety percent of individuals who attempt to take their own lives also suffer from mental illness, including but not limited to depression, bipolar disorder,
and schizophrenia. Alcohol is also associated with impulsive suicide attempts. Other common reasons include physical illness, disability and bullying. Barreto recalls his uncle developing a hoarding disorder after his aunt passed away and making statements like “I won’t be here too long.” Barreto assumed his uncle was moving to Arizona at the time, but soon realized that his uncle was thinking about committing suicide. When confronted, his uncle admitted to his plans. Barreto advised the audience to pay attention to warning signs observed in their loved ones and to talk to them in a soft voice to get them through their ordeals. Also discussed were risk factors such as family history of mental disorders or substance abuse and suicide. Physical and sexual abuse can also lead to suicide. Austin explained the concept of “question, persuade and refer,” which is a guideline of questions to ask someone who is possibly thinking of killing themself. She said the first step was to ask the individual about suicidal thoughts with questions such as
“Have you been unhappy lately?” or “Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?” Austin said the second step is to try to persuade the person not to commit suicide, and if that does not work, then get professional help. During emergencies, one can call the suicide hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE or dial 2-1-1 for assistance. Another recommended resource is the National Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. Students suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts can seek help at the college’s Health Center. Crescent Orpelli, a mental health counselor and clinical supervisor, provide counseling to students and faculty. Orpelli said that the best way to help suicidal teens is to talk to them and make them express how they feel. Making comments such as “I’ve noticed that you’ve mentioned feeling hopeless a lot lately” and bringing up other warnings sign will also help them open up and most will not deny that something is bothering them. Jennifer Rodman can be reached at jrodman530@student.glendale.edu
OPINION
Students Should Start Saving for the Future Today By Jennifer Rodman EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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arely do college students start thinking about saving money or investing while they are still in school, typically putting it off until they graduate and find a stable job. Students get caught up in covering their school expenses while using any available money they have frivolously, never really paying attention to what they spend on and how they can save more money. However, the sooner students start saving, the more secure they will be in the future financially. Although many may argue that most students are “starving” as the expression goes even a few dollars a month can go a long way and accumulate over time. Financial advisers also recommend that students start saving money now, regardless of how small or how big the amount
may be, as it can help them secure a stable financial future or prepare for financial emergencies that may come along. “The earlier you start, the better for your future,” said Gennadiy Yankiv, a financial adviser and an associate vice president for Bank of America. Yankiv recommends that students apply for a 529 plan, which is an education savings plan operated by the state. It is designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs and can even be used for out-of-state institutions. The plan also offers other savings and prepaid plans, which requires paying in advance. He recommends that students apply for this type of plan both before and while attending college. The benefits include a 4 percent increase on the account, meaning the money accumulates more than the original amount saved through interest.
Ronald Bibonia, a private client adviser for Chase Bank, advises students to save money rather than look for ways to invest in stocks. Movies like “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) have escalated many students’ interest in investing due to the potential of wealth one can acquire; however, Bibonia said that students should start investing when they have a stable job and income. This would allow them to invest larger portions of money, which can potentially lead to a higher return on their investments. Additionally, Bibonia said that because students have so many expenses and the market goes up and down, they should not take the risk of losing money. Rather, they should make paying their bills and school fees a higher priority. According Bibonia, investing is the last thing to look at because students have a lot of expenses.
“I don’t recommend for you to invest because, sure, investing can give you money over time, but it has risks attached to it,” said Bibonia. “The biggest risk is that [the market] goes up and down every day.” Yankiv also agrees that, although it is good to invest money, the fluctuating market provides a real risk of loss. Instead, Bibonia advises college students to keep a threemonth allowance on reserve in case of emergency, such as suddenly being laid off. Money can be stored in savings accounts or certificate of deposit accounts, which function similarly to savings accounts but have a fixed interest rate and are federally insured. However, Bibonia does think that students should be more knowledgeable about investing because it can benefit them in the future. “I like young people to be
aware and ask questions about investing,” he said. He also advises students to keep daily track of their expenses and to categorize their spending so that they can see where their money is distributed at the end of the month. “That’s the best way to identify how you can save money every single day and every single month,” he said. “Everything becomes habitual and you’ll become aware about your spending habits for the rest of your life.” “The earlier you start, the better for your future,” said Yankiv. Jennifer Rodman can be reached at jrodman530@student.glendale.edu
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OPINION
Apple Makes Improvements Satisfies iPhone 6 Users By Melinda Ebrahimi EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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fter waiting in lines for hours, millions of people around the world were finally able to get their hands on the eighth generation iPhone — the iPhone6/6 Plus — on Sept. 19. iPhone customers have the choice between the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. The difference between the two phones is visible. While the iPhone 6 has 4.7 display and is 6.9 mm thick, the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5 display and is 7.1 mm thick. Customers were able to preorder their preferred iPhone a week before the release date to avoid the long lines, which is what Glendale College student Dikran Matevosyan did. He ordered his iPhone 6 the night of the pre-sale, which was Sept. 12, and received it the day of the official release. “It’s the right size, ” he said. The new phone is also easier to use with just one hand. Double tapping the home screen minimizes apps, making it easier for the finger to reach. The reason why Matevosyan chose the iPhone 6 over the iPhone 6 plus was the difference in their size.
Although the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are different in size, they both share some of the same qualities. Both have the storage options of 16GB, 64GB or 128GB. Both come in the same colors: white/silver, white/gold and space gray. In addition, they both have the new processor A8, which is the company’s fastest yet. Apple claims that with the new A8, the central processing unit performance is 25 percent higher while the graphic performance is 50 percent higher in quality despite using only half of the power the A7 required. According to Apple, the new CPU, also known as the brain of a device, and the graphic performance allows higher performance maintenance while enabling graphic-intensive games or videos with higher frame rates. Another change Apple made is the predictive texting on the keypad. The phone will predict, with a couple suggestions, what the owner of the phone wants to write next. “There is also a feature where you can send your voice,” said Matevosyan. There is a small microphone on the top right corner on the keypad, which allows users to record their
Ice Melts as Earth Warms By Miyu Kawamura EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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olar bears floating on chunks of ice as cubs are separated from their mothers is the typical guilt-inducing image that comes to mind when reminded of the planet’s melting ice caps. In 2007, former United States vice president Al Gore addressed the reduced ice in a speech that declared the North Pole’s supply would completely diminish by 2013. Although the North Pole is not completely “ice-free” like he predicted it would be, the melting is occurring rapidly. According to NASA, arctic sea ice levels have reached their sixth lowest level since 1978. Furthermore, according to Walter Meier, a NASA research scientist, the summer season ended with below-average sea ice, and because the ice is so thin, it is more likely to melt.
Meier also stated that, even though sea ice over the summer covered a greater surface area than it has in the past two years, this does not mean that the arctic regions will be restored to healthy conditions. Marla Conti, a physical geography professor, said that the effects of climate change are more drastic in the Arctic than anywhere else in the world. “The glaciers are rapidly receding and disappearing,” she said. According to a 2014 European Geosciences Union report, Greenland’s ice volume alone is diminishing by about 375 cubic kilometers a year. The dwindling ice levels present a domino effect of problems. The melting of the polar ice caps results in higher, warmer sea levels, which intensifies storms like tsunamis [See Ice Cap, page 12]
Photo by Anashen Navasartian
WORTH THE WAIT: Customers stood in line for up to 16 hours at the Americana in Glendale on Sept. 19, waiting to be some of the first to purchase the next generation of iPhone.
voice once they click on it. Users can send the recordings to their friends, but recipients do not have to have the new iPhone or upgrade to receive it. A feature that Matevosyan also liked is the Pass Book. “You can save coupons and gift cards on there,” he said. One of the biggest features of the new iPhones is Apple Pay, which allows a customer to
pay for items with their phone by holding up the Near-Field Communication to the cashier using a fingerprint that will identify the individual and the stored credit card information. The NFC makes the exchange of data between two devices possible. It combines a smart card and a reader in one. The NFC reader has been already built into the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
When deciding whether to purchase the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, remember that customers can now listen to up to 80 hours worth of audio, watch 40 hours of videos, talk up to 24 hours on the phone and even, even if they do not use their phone at all, it will stay on for 16 days. Melinda Ebrahimi can be reached at ebrahimimelinda@gmail.com
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FEATURES
Accounting Division Chair Wins Distinguished Faculty Award By Rikard Kohler
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ossing chocolate bars to the audience, accounting division chair Christine Kloezeman, 64, had one student crawling on the floor for Milky Way bars before delivering her Distinguished Faculty lecture on taxes Sept. 30. “Accounting can be a very dry subject and you have to make it fun,” Kloezeman said. Every year, faculty members nominate candidates for the Distinguished Faculty Award. Kloezeman was the first instructor in the accounting department to receive the plaque. Academic Senate President Andrew Young, who held the introduction before her lecture, explained that the award goes to faculty who have done exceptional work. The Distinguished Faculty Lecture and Award began in 1987. Since then, faculty members in the English department have been selected five times, making them the department with the most awards. “Maybe because it [the English department] is a bigger department, maybe people [within the department] turned in more nominations,” said the English division chair Monette Tiernan. Tiernan believes that the Distinguished Faculty Lecture is a way for teachers to learn from each other and apply methods from the lecture into to their own lives and classrooms.
With 30 years at the college, Kloezeman was selected for her love of and dedication to the craft of teaching her students. She describes her relationship with students as a symbiotic one, as she learns from them just as much as they learn from her. “When you stop learning from students, you might as well retire,” she said. Kloezeman incorporates the same chocolate toss trick she used on her audience in the classroom, describing it as a way to keep her accounting classes interesting. She also provides her students with brownies while telling them quirky personal stories. “Every so often, if they [the students] are good and I have talked about accounting and numbers, I go off on a different subject for about three minutes,” she said. “If they are really good, I tell them about the time I got hijacked to Cuba in 1972.” To protest against the war atrocities in Vietnam, a student from the University of Utah hijacked the plane Kloezeman’s plane was on, taking it from Salt Lake City to Cuba. Kloezeman, only 21 at the time, frustrated and impatient to get to her fiancé, started yelling, “You are crazy!” at the hijacker. She thinks that the general consensus of the other passengers was “is he going to kill her?” However, she and the others were eventually let go in Cuba. By telling stories like this, to mix up her accounting lectures
and keep the students awake, Kloezeman believes that she helps her students learn and remember her lessons more, as opposed to just cramming them with facts and numbers. Kloezeman is responsible for setting up the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at the college 17 years ago. Participation in the VITA program lets students help low-income people with their taxes for free. In order to participate in VITA, students should enroll in the Accounting 155, 156 and 157 courses. “We are here to help the people that are low income, that would have to pay $100 to have their taxes done,” she said. The program allows accounting students to get handson experience while allowing them to provide tax assistance, which benefits not only the public but also the IRS because the student accountants have different ethnic backgrounds and speak more languages. “The IRS loves us because we can translate a lot of things,” said Kloezeman referring to her students’ diverse language skills. Although some have offered to pay Kloezeman and her students, accepting a fee or monetary award is prohibited in the VITA program. During her lecture, Kloezeman offered the audience members, who scrambled to eat their chocolate bars and jot down points from her lecture, advice
Photo by Rikard Kohler LEADING THE WAY: Andrew Young awards Christine Kloezeman with the Distinguished Faculty Award plaque.
regarding how to save and make money. Kloezeman herself owns four houses that she has purchased over the last 40 years. She explained that following certain financial principles enables a return of investment. For example, she said it is better to never sell property but purchase whenever possible and keep good tenants to live in those properties. This, of course, is one person’s opinion. She said that by holding fast to her principles, the return of her investments is at 7 percent annually. This means that the money she spent on the properties was regained in less than 15 years. Kloezeman also gave the audience tips on how to minimize household taxes. For example, if a couple is planning to get married, Kloezeman recommends doing
so before Dec. 31 because the couple can file their taxes for that year as a married couple, which saves them money. She also warned about scams and people posing as IRS agents, to empty one’s bank accounts. Kloezeman explained that a real IRS agent would never ask about credit or debit numbers over the phone or threaten to call the police if someone failed to pay their taxes. Although the lecture went on longer than scheduled and there was no time to take questions from the audience, Kloezeman encouraged students to ask her questions any time and help themselves to more free chocolate (without crawling on the floor).
Rikard Kohler can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com
Scholars Help Raise Funds to Fight Cancer at Relay for Life By Aimee Yeghiayan Beck EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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embers of the college’s Scholars program, under the leadership of its community service committee, are gathering to “Scare Away Cancer” at the Glendale Relay for Life. The event will take place Oct. 18 and 19 starting at 9:00 in the morning at Scholl Canyon Baseball Field. Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Members fundraise to sponsor their team and collect money for the organization . It lasts for a day to symbolize the idea that cancer never sleeps. Team members take turns walking laps, beginning
with a lap of cancer survivors and their caregivers. There will also be a luminaria lap at dusk, where cancer victims, patients, and survivors are memorialized and honored with a candlelight procession. The American Cancer Society has worked toward eliminating cancer for more than 100 years. This nationwide communitybased organization not only aids in cancer research, but also helps cancer patients deal with their diagnoses. The society also helps provide everything from rides to treatments and Look Good Feel Better sessions, helping cancer patients cope with the physical changes that occur. This year, the Scholars
Photo by Alexandra Duncan
SPREADING CANCER AWARENESS: Scholars Program community service committee directors Misak Khachatryan and Erica Stepanian remind students to sign up for Relay for Life during a meeting.
program has formed a team of more than 60 students, comprising the second largest group at this year’s event, with Hoover High School’s being the first. Their goal is to have every Scholars student and even nonScholars join the fight against cancer. Although there is still more time to raise money, they have managed to collect $769 so far. Their ultimate goal is $1,000, which is $250 more than the amount they raised during the Foothills Relay for Life in April. Directors for the program’s community service committee and Relay for Life team cocaptains Mineli Tarverdian and [See Relay, page 10]
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Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Story and photography by Jane Pojawa
Madness is Back To The M By Jane Pojawa
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INSIDER MAGAZINE EDITOR
he race is on to see what cataclysmic event destroys society as we know it the fastest. Will it be a nuclear explosion? A virus such as Ebola? A volcanic winter? A dirty bomb? Perhaps it will be something more obscure like a zombie apocalypse, the wrath of god, or an alien invasion. Whatever
the scenario, someone at Wasteland Weekend has anticipated it and has a survival plan in place. Wasteland Weekend, now in its fifth year, happened in the desert of California City from Sept. 25 to 28. It is the brainchild of Jared Butler and Karol Bartoszynski. It is the largest post-apocalyptic -themed event in the world, attracting around 1,500 people who live as characters loosely based on the Mad Max universe for three days
without the comforts of civilization. All participants are required to be in costume within the confines of Wasteland City, and themed cars and camps are encouraged and celebrated. There is a certain verisimilitude with Burning Man, but Wasteland Weekend is smaller, friendlier and far less commercial. It is also less expensive (tickets range from $50$100 on a first-come, first-served basis) and closer – about 20 min-
utes from California City. Entertainment ranges from rock bands to trance music, fire spinning and burlesque, car rallies and fashion contests, “jugger,” a game resembling football except that the players whack each other with oars and morning stars over a dog’s skull and there’s a fighting cage for single combat. Some of the camps provide different entertainments such as “battle bots,” a postapocalyptic bikini contest and spo-
ken word presenta Wasteland Weeke the Atomic Café a the Nuke. Aside f this is a cashless encouraged. Allian Next year prom bigger and better, for the last weeke 2015.
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Max
ations. There is a end film festival, and the Temple of from bottle caps, s event. Barter is nces are formed. mises to be even , so save the date end in September
Pojawa can be reached at quero.editor@gmail.com
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FEATURES
The Hoop Becomes the Hope for Student Engagement By Louise Andersson EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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iming high for the basketball hoop might just translate into students aiming higher in their academics as well. Although most people attend college to prepare for university and future employment, some professors like to offer their students a break from a purely academic routine. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, history and ethnic studies professor Roger Bowerman can usually be found in the main gym, where he spends half an hour “shooting some hoops” with his students before the 9:10 class begins. “Basketball is this great combination of the physical and mental,” said Bowerman. For Bowerman, the main purpose for these basketball sessions is to make personal connections that he thinks can make a difference in his and his students’ lives, such as learning that working with others is an essential skill. Because basketball is a team sport, it helps them realize that winning is not a singular pursuit. “One of my goals with these students is [for them to learn that] the more you rely on others, the better you become, and for me translates into life as well as basketball,” he said. Bowerman first began playing basketball with his students 10 years ago and it soon became part of his routine. He has learned that what occurs on the court affects what happens in the classroom. For example, it breaks a barrier between him and the students and allows them to see the person behind the teacher. “If you get to know someone,
CLASS HIKE: Michael Harnett and his English 101 Honors class take to the trails at Monrovia Park Waterfall on Sept. 13.
the reason you try hard is because you do not want to let them down,” he said. “When you are in a relationship, it means equal responsibility.” Bowerman believes that non-academic activities are opportunities for interaction and engagement to occur, and basketball is just one of the many platforms. He is convinced that there are ways to engage in conversations and activities everywhere you go. “Everyone jumps in an elevator and looks at the numbers,” he said. “You just have to look the other way sometimes.” A similar approach to learning is adopted by Michael Harnett, an English professor and director of the Scholars program. Through researching motivation, he has found different ways of engaging students in non-academic activities as well. “People can really get the most out of what they are doing if they are motivated,” he said. “I can
encourage that and also help them be autonomous.” Every Friday, between 8 and 10 a.m., Harnett and his scholar students step onto the court. He also tries to arrange a monthly hike for his English 101 classes. “I have had students say ‘I think you are doing some kind of life lesson with this right?’ and if that is a good thing, then sure,” he said. Harnett describes himself as a “a teacher teaching in a teachable moment.” He sees exercise as an obligation for himself and since he is a people person, his motto is “we might as well all go. The more the merrier.” Harnett feels that spending all of this extra time with his students will help prepare them for larger universities, where “the standards are much higher and the help is much less.” According to the 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index Report, a study of more than 30,000 college graduates, the support
Photo by Lana Mousessian
from a single teacher can make a difference in a student’s level of engagement and college experience as a whole. Graduates who felt that they had support are nearly three times as likely to thrive than those who did not feel the same way. Harnett has come to a similar conclusion himself. “I think there is a connection between a sense of well-being and how your motivation is affected and maybe how your concentration is affected as well,” he said. Bowerman’s aim as a teacher is to provide his students with the extra support that he himself received. During his time at UCLA, Bowerman met a teacher who cared about his well-being and told him to shape up, and that is what he did. Bowerman hopes to be that difference for his students as well. “It is about making yourself available to being that person for
somebody,” he said. Bowerman himself has had a positive influence over his students’ lives. One day, when a car accident occurred on his street, Bowerman rushed out to help. The police officer at the scene turned out to be one of his old students who told him that he had his current job because of Bowerman’s class. He recalled the officer telling him that Bowerman made him think of education in a different way, which helped him take life more seriously. Both Bowerman and Harnett believe that playing basketball and interacting with their students helps them see their teachers as human beings. “Many teachers act like they have never been to college or never had any kinds of problems, troubles or challenges, and that is so not true,” said Harnett. “I was just like everybody here. I even had hair!”
“It inspired us even more, said Khachatryan. “It shows how cancer doesn’t discriminate.” The Scholars team will use wizarding and Harry Potter themes to display facts and tips. They will conjure spells as a fictional way of fighting cancer and allow Relay team members to make potions that symbolize cures for cancer. This ties in well with Glendale Relay’s Halloween theme. There will also be food, games, and
performances throughout the 24-hour event, which is open to everyone. A $10 donation can get anyone on a team and all of the proceeds will go toward the American Cancer Society. For more information, visit RelayForLife.org. To join the team or donate, search “GCC Scholars” under “Find a Team” and it will direct you to the page.
Louise Andersson can be reached at landers917@student.glendale.edu
Scholars Raise Money for Cancer Research [Relay, from page 7] Misak Khachatryan have been working strenuously since summer to make this their best Relay event yet. “It is a personal matter to me because I lost my grandpa to cancer and my grandmother fought cancer,” said Tarverdian. She is looking forward to meeting cancer survivors and their families and caregivers. “They are so inspiring to me,”
she said. For Khachatryan, his inspiration stems from a high school instructor who died from brain cancer. “It is motivating me to do Relay because so many good people die from cancer,” he said. “The point is to support them and celebrate cancer survivorship and to motivate them to never give up. I also love the research aspect of it.” One of the teachers who serves
as an inspiration for this year’s Relay is Tom Fry, who coached at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Canada, but passed away in October of 2009. Actress Maggie Smith also inspired the Scholars program’s theme for this year’s relay. Smith, who portrayed Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter movie series, fought breast cancer and underwent therapy while she filmed the sixth movie installment.
Aimee Yeghiayan Beck can be reached at aimeeyeghies@gmail.com
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Passionate Drama Student Excels in Spotlight By Alexandra Duncan
EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
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nthony Leyva, like any true actor, speaks with passion when he tells a story. His every inflection, articulation and gesture is fueled with spark and energy. His hand movements and his expressive face — half covered by a head of dark, thick curls and smudged spectacles — animate his storytelling. His inspiration to become an actor stemmed from an unlikely source. Seventeen years ago, a 4-year-old Leyva’s eyes were glued to the television, fixated on his favorite show. “I wanted to be a Power Ranger,” he said, delivering a swift headshake to free his eyes from his tendrils of hair. “Then I found out that those Power Rangers were just acting.” Leyva’s interest in acting manifested itself when he first took the Voice for the Actor class with Andrea Stark and the Fundamentals of Acting with Melissa Randel last fall. Both professors encouraged Leyva to audition for, “Almost, Maine,” by John Cariani. “I was pretty nervous, but I
must not have done horribly because I got cast,” he said. Leyva, 21, has a reputation for his impeccable sense of style. He will often keep a backup pea coat, fedora or blazer in the nearby Theater Guild office adjacent to the auditorium to maintain his fashionable look throughout the day. He can usually be seen dressed to the nines in slacks, a tie, a fedora and a blazer, laughing and enjoying himself while surrounded by a group of friends. “Ever since I learned how to tie a tie, I’m like why not [wear one]?” he said. His favorite actor at the moment is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Since watching “Brick,” an award-winning film directed by Rian Johnson in which GordonLevitt plays a teenager investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Leyva has grown steadily devoted to the young actor. Leyva has been the vice president of the Theater Guild for three consecutive semesters and is currently the stage manager for the theater department’s upcoming production of “The Bald Soprano” by Eugene Ionesco. Fellow actor and guild member Tayler Burgard said that
Anthony Leyva Leyva is “very authoritative and makes you want to listen. He is crazy dedicated and gets everyone going.” His younger sister, Solangel, 18, said that her brother is not afraid to chase his dreams. When she first saw him perform, she liked seeing him “light up in front of the crowd.” “It felt great to finally see what he was spending all his time doing,” she said. Leyva lives with his two older brothers, Martin and Alex, in L.A. When Martin first saw Leyva
Photo by Alexandra Duncan
perform, he was astonished with Anthony’s performance because it was there that he first encountered his individualism. “It’s great to see all of his hard work materialize into something beautiful,” Martin said. According to Aldo Garcia, a fellow actor and guild member, Anthony is that type of person that “you can talk to about anything.” His passion and enthusiasm as an actor are also well-known throughout the campus’ theater community.
“It’s a blast [to act with Anthony],” said Burgard. “You do your best because you see his passion and it sets you on fire.” “He is an extremely gifted and fun person,” Michael Ashby, a member of the Theater Guild said. During a recent Halloweenthemed guild meet and greet, Anthony, of course, was present, socializing with members of the club and clad in a black and white checkered tie and almost blindingly polished black dress shoes. The aftermath of the event left a mess of artificial spider webs and a number of plastic orange and black arachnid rings. Despite his rather formal attire, Anthony stayed till the end, sweeping away litter and dusting off cobwebs. Leyva said that being at Glendale College has inspired him and helped him build confidence as an actor, and he has come to love every aspect of theater. “My advice to my younger self would be to just got for it. Even if you’re scared, never stop trying,” he said. Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com
Adjunct Professor Writes Movie ‘Window of Opportunity’ By Alexandra Duncan
EL VAQUERO ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
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arm sunlight streamed in through the windows as arguably two of the most powerful men in all of corporate America: the CEO and the potential COO, played a game of chess. “Life is one big chess game,” Roger Sizemore, the CEO said. “In the end, it’s about protecting the king. We don’t give a s--about the average man.” This quick glimpse into the “Window of Opportunity,” a film written and produced by Samuel Joseph, an English professor on campus, is also a quick glimpse into the writer’s creative mind. Joseph’s inspiration for “Window of Opportunity” sprung from the Enron scandals in the early 2000s and the corrupt ties between politicians and large corporations. Joseph wrote and directed the stage play version in 2003 and it premiered at the MET Theater in Los Angeles in 2006.
“Window of Opportunity” is a “suspenseful dark comedy/thriller about greed and the corporate world,” said Joseph. Roger Sizemore (Oliver Muirhead), CEO of a Fortune 500 company and Carl Everett (Phil Proctor), his CFO, invite executive Peter Miller (Jack Maxwell) as well as a few porn stars to a remote cabin for some fun. The festivities escalate into trouble when Roger is caught with a dead call girl and calls to action Carl and Peter to fix his mess. Joseph, 61, has been writing movie scripts for more than 30 years, but it proved to be a difficult way to make a living so he took up teaching something that he has “come to love.” Joseph came to Glendale College accidentally 16 years ago when he went to his 25th annual high school reunion in New Jersey. There, he caught up with his good friend, the late Chris Mc-
Carthy, who at the time was vice president of the college. McCarthy set up an interview for Joseph, who was substitute teaching at the time, and he has been teaching at the campus as an adjunct since 1998. Joseph has written for television shows such as “Dennis the Menace,” “Batman: The Animated Series,” and “DuckTales,” not to mention writing original works including such as: “Campaign,” “Two Times Two,” and “Window of Opportunity.” “How you put together a story is part craft and part imagination,” said Joseph. During the production of the stage play of “Window of Opportunity,” Joseph worked closely with his friend, John Densmore, the drummer for The Doors. “John and I share a common belief that greed is destroying the planet,” Joseph said. Densmore encouraged the stage play onto the silver screen and in 2012, “Window of Oppor-
tunity” premiered. Edward Davoodian, 30, a student in Joseph’s English 104 class said that the instructor “speaks on everyone’s level and he treats everyone with respect and intelligence.” Davoodian “loved” the movie version of “Window of Opportunity” when Joseph showed it to his students in class. “There are a lot of vivid characters and it keeps you involved. It teaches you about corporate greed and ethics. It’s a really good message,” Davoodian said. Stephen Taylor, a fellow English instructor who has known Joseph for 15 years said that his colleague is “warm and forthcoming.” Taylor enjoyed the stage play version of “Window of Opportunity” and thought it to be a “fun and rousing political satire.” Joseph dedicated the film to his father, Milton Joseph. “Father often talked about how immoral the world was,” the
writer said. The stage play received praise from the Los Angeles Times, which said that “There may not be a more up-to-the-minute play in town than “Window of Opportunity,” “a comedy-with-plot-twists that dissects the putrid moral innards of a corporate Croesus,” and praised it as “ a counter-culture pedigree that’s vintage.” The “A Critic’s Pick” section of the New York Times said that “Joseph’s script is intended to address – and does so, quite nicely – the pervasive amorality that seems to keep business and government humming.” “Window of Opportunity” can be streamed on woothefilm.com. Standard quality of the film can be purchased for $2.99 and high definition quality can be purchased for $3.99 with a digital signed picture of John Densmore made out to your name. Alexandra Duncan can be reached at alexandran.duncan@gmail.com
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Affleck Comes Alive in Fincher’s ‘Gone Girl’ By Rikard Kohler
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ith a plot heavy in passion, jealousy, and a manipulative central character, “Gone Girl,” which premiered last Friday and is directed by David Fincher, had the audience chewing their nails in anticipation. Adapting Gillian Flynn’s novel, Fincher who directed critically acclaimed films like “Seven” (1995), “Fight Club,” (1999) and “The Social Network” (2010), the film centers on a modernday Missouri couple with marital problems. Miserable and about to reach the end of their fiveyear marriage on their anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), comes home to discover that his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), a sociopath that everyone will hate to love, has disappeared. The film is full of plot twists and surprises, keeping viewers on their toes from beginning to end. Fincher shot the movie in a suburban setting where it seems there is always something more under the surface, just waiting to leap out and shock the audience. Fincher uses flashbacks, narrated by Amy’s diary and dating back seven years, that all lead up to the events of her disappear-
ance. The flashbacks show how the couple met and also how the witty, smart, and perfect couple’s relationship began to unravel once they lost their jobs as writers and moved to Missouri from New York. Affleck flawlessly executes his role as Nick, a laid-back and careless American bar owner who would rather spend time drinking bourbon with his sister Margo (Carrie Coon) than his wife. After faltering performances in bombs like “Gigli” (2003), Affleck’s acting talent has been questioned; however, he redeems himself with his remarkable performance here. Ironically, Affleck’s acting seems to only shine when he has artistic control over the movie, such as “Good Will Hunting” (1997) and “Argo” (2012), which he starred in, co-wrote, and/or directed. However, his performance in “Gone Girl,” which he only acted in, makes one wonder if Fincher was able to help cultivate Affleck into a leading man that can do a good job when he is only acting in the film. Pike should be nominated for Best Female Actress at the Academy Awards for an Oscar-level performance. Her ability to capture Amy as a desirable, highly
intelligent and independent woman who is, at the same time, ruthless and manipulative, is meticulous. She makes the audience love her and hate her at the same time, making it understandable as to how Nick can feel about her. She constantly makes the audience question its perception of Amy in every scene. The plot begins to thicken as Nick’s moderate interest in finding his wife is questioned. All of the evidence of her disappearance points to Nick. As soon as the evidence is revealed, Nick’s public image as an innocent, grieving husband is marred, leaving audience members to anticipate the truth at the edge of their seats. Despite Nick’s cries of innocence, he is publicly dehumanized and is being regarded as a murderer, and so he sets off on a journey to clear his name.
Fincher does an impeccable job of depicting the growing animosity and distance between married couples that drift apart, and the possible consequences. “Gone Girl” proves that a great director can make a movie with even the most uneven actor, like Affleck, and help him grow in his craft. But when one’s nails are all grown out and it is time for the next Affleck movie, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” it will be decided if director Zack Snyder has what it takes to tame
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Affleck as Batman. Will Snyder turn Affleck into Batfleck or simply Batflop? Nevertheless, “Gone Girl” is an icebreaking ship heading into new waters of carefully crafted psychological thrillers, keeping the audience members on the edge of their seats during the viewing and having them double check that they locked the doors once they are home. Rikard Kohler can be reached at rikard.kohler@gmail.com
OPINION
Ice Caps Continue to Melt as Politicians Deny Climate Change [Ice, from page 5] and hurricanes. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that, in the past 100 years alone, the average sea level rose by around 7 inches. Most scientists agree that humans are responsible for global warming and climate change, which cause the melting of polar ice caps. Fossil fuels like coal and gas, which society is heavily dependent on, intensify weather patterns and accelerate global warming, as greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat into the atmosphere. Although the increased use of fossil fuels and the consequences this has on the planet is a manmade problem, public figures
like Donald Trump perpetuate a denial culture by claiming global warming and melting ice glaciers are “bullshit” simply because certain parts of the world are experiencing colder temperatures. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla, blocked a climate change resolution that would acknowledge that the dangerous phenomenon is occuring. Inhofe’s reasoning was that cold temperatures across the nation make scientists’ arguments about global warming invalid. What Trump and Inhofe may not realize, however, is that global
warming causes global climate change, meaning the temperatures in different parts of the world
heatwaves that increase wildfires and droughts. Such ignorant comments and
Illustration by Dikran Matevosyan
reach extremes. For example, certain regions may face heavier, more dangerous blizzards as a result of rising and warmer sea levels, while others may undergo
actions by public figures are dangerous and reckless. They create an illusion that the risks of global warming are inflated, when, in reality, both the planet
and its inhabitants are facing changes that can alter life as they know it. Government officials and people in the public eye whose words hold a lot of weight in mass media should be more responsible with the statements they make. Many people, when they see a successful billionaire like Donald Trump denounce the effects of global warming, assume scientists are inflating issue and trying to wreak havoc. However, evidence, such as the melting of the ice caps, rising sea levels, and intense weather, is on the side of science and society should take care to notice and take action. Miyu Kawamura can be reached at liveinsun820@gmail.com
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SPORTS
Meet Our Vaqueros:
Up and Coming Players this Season By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
Tanner Mays: (Football)
Number and Position: 81, Tight End Age :19 Bio: From Portland, Ore., Mays is a marketing major who chose to attend Glendale College because of the honesty and directness of the coaching staff and coach John Rome. Unsure of where he wants to transfer to, Mays said that being at the college has taught him to respect others and that hard work truly pays off. His goal this season is to have as much fun as he can with the sport. “Everyday that I get to play football is the happiest day of my life,” he said.
Shawn Hardge: (Football)
Number and Position: 10, Defensive Back Age: 18 Bio: From South Central, Rome and defensive coordinator Steve Flores recruited Hardge to the campus team. Hardge’s dream school is Humboldt State University, but he unsure about where he will transfer. During his time at Glendale College, Hardge said he has learned the importance of diversity and the different backgrounds and personalities of the people at Glendale. “My goal for this season is to play for the program and put Glendale on the map as the number one defense in the state,” said Hardge.
Rory Norman: (Men’s Cross country)
Age: 21 Bio: Rory is 21 years old. He is from Acton and was recommended to Glendale’s team by his previous running coach at Vasquez High School. The college is well known for its athletics, especially in running sports, both men and women cross country placed 2nd in the 2012 championships. He is majoring in geology and plans to transfer to Cal State Northridge or any school with a strong geology program. At Glendale, he has learned that hard work and patience will breed success. His goals for this season are to help his team claim a state title and win a conference. “You will never be the best if you do not train like the best,” he said.
Brooke Forrester: (Women’s Soccer)
Number and Position: 3, Forward Age: 20 Bio: From Sierra Madre, Forrester is majoring in Education at Glendale College while playing volleyball in addition to soccer. Her goal is to transfer to the University of Hawaii if she decides to leave the state; however, if she chooses to stay local, she will most likely attend Cal State Los Angeles. Playing for Glendale has helped her learn the importance of balance. “Whatever you do out on the field or court will reflect your actions on the outside,” she said. Her goals for this season include building a strong team dynamic and to play with a mindset that revolves not around winning but around doing their best. “Playing two sports at Glendale has been the biggest blessing,” she said. “I not only have been able to make some of my best friends, but I have learned so much from my coaches and the entire athletic department as a whole. This place is special and I truly do not know where I would be without the athletic community at Glendale.” Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com
Lady Vaqs Volleyball Drops One in Conference Play By RJ Saunders
EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
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ith tough losses in their two home games of the preseason, the Lady Vaqueros hoped to redeem themselves in their first home game of conference play against the Moorpark Raiders. The Lady Vaqueros, who were
2-12 before their game against Moorpark, were continuing to struggle as they came into the game with a four-game losing streak, as they were defeated by Santa Barbara City College, Orange Coast College, Mt. San Jacinto, and Victor Valley. Sara Kert, Assistant coach of the Lady Vaqueros, had some
thoughts on the slow season. “The problem is we haven’t found a way to play collectively as a unit yet,” said Kert. “Individually, as players, they’re great. We are [also] trying to fix these problems before conference play. However, when we fix one problem we end up having another problem.”
The Lady Raiders, who also started the season off slow, had a 2-7 record and a two-game losing streak going into the game, having previously lost to Pierce College and Golden West College. Hence, going into the game, both teams were evenly matched as far as wins and losses. However, the game told a whole different story.
The Lady Raiders were unstoppable, as they made timely blocks and a barrage of spikes from freshman Olivia Holeker. “She has been one of our goto players this season,” said head
[See Volleyball, page 14]
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SPORTS
Vaqs Winning Streak Ends in Santa Monica Scoreboard R e s u lt s Football: Sept. 27: LA Pierce 62-7 W Saturday: Santa Monica 48 31 L Men’s Soccer: Sept. 26: LA Mission 6-1 L Tuesday: Santa Barbara 5-0 L Friday: Santa Monica 1-0 W Women’s Soccer: Sept. 30: Bakersfield 1-0 L Friday: Citrus 5-0 L Women’s Volleyball: Sept. 24: Santa Barbara 3-0 L Sept. 25: Orange Coast 3-0 L Sept. 27: 2 sets of 3-0 L Wednesday: Moorpark 3-0 L Cross Country: women-Sept: 26 Golden West International first place Friday: WSC Preview first place men- Sept. 26: Golden West International 4th place Friday: WSC Preview second place
Upcoming Men’s Football: Oct. 18: vs Antelope Valley 6 p.m. Men’s Soccer: Friday: at Oxnard 4 p.m. Oct. 17: vs. Citrus College 7 p.m. Oct. 21: at Canyons 4 p.m. Women’s Volleyball: Friday: at Citrus 6 p.m. Oct. 22: at Santa Monica 7 p.m. Women’s Soccer: Friday: at Antelope Valley 4p.m. Oct. 14: at Canyons 4 p.m. Oct. 17: vs LA Valley 5 p.m. Oct. 21: vs. Santa Monica 7 p.m. Cross Country: Friday: Santa Barbara International, Santa Barbara, 3 p.m. Oct. Mt.information SAC Invitational, For17: more visit: Mt.www.glendale.edu/athletics SAC, 9 a.m. For more information visit: www.glendale.edu/athletics
By Kendall Faulkner EL VAQUERO SPORTS EDITOR
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espite a 4-0 winning streak, which has not been matched since the season of 1988, the college’s football team has remained humble and dedicated to reaching their full potential. Although that winning streak came to an end on Oct. 4 against Santa Monica on Saturday, when the Vaqs lost 48-31, the team is still determined to move forward. “We just have to continue to practice and to improve,” said freshman running back Cory Watkins. “We just have to keep reminding ourselves that all of our hard work will play off in the end.” After losing their shot at a championship title by just one game last year, the Vaqs are not settling until they have championship rings on their fingers. “The hunger we have is best described by you thinking about how bad you want your dreams,” said tight-end Austin Walker. “That is the best way to look at it.” With a team of returning sophomores who remember the raw feeling of having the championship title just out of their reach, the freshman teammates are influenced to play as if they were part of the defeat as well. “I definitely feel like the sophomores are helping me a lot,” said freshman starter Payton LowerySanders, “I think them pushing me, as a team, pushed me to become a starter.” The coaches and players agree that competition between the sophomores and freshmen for a position has diminished, as they now focus on the betterment of the whole team and not just them-
Volleyball [Volleyball, from page 13]
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coach Steve Burkart. “If she can play the way she did tonight, we will be okay this season,” she said. Although there were moments when it seemed the Vaqueros were on the verge of an excellent play, the ball would not stay inbound, giving all of the momentum to Moorpark and setting them off with an early lead. I“We were steadier in this game than we were in the past,” said
Photo by Sal Polcino
SWARMING DEFENSE: The Vaqueros’ defense smothers its opponents in the season opener at Sartoris Field on Sept 6. The Vaqs are now 4-1.
selves as individual players. “When the sophomores feel like their experience contributes to the success, even if it is a player in competition with them, to help their team play better shows their true character,” said head coach John Rome. Character is the word Rome used to describe the team this season, as they care about one another collectively. Watkins described the atmosphere the sophomores created as welcoming, which helped him and the other incoming freshmen get accustomed to the team. “We are learning from them and getting better each day,” he said. Watkins said that running back Marquise McGuire has been like a mentor to him. McGuire has really shown him the way. Without him he would not know the key plays and procedures. Former head coach John Cicuto, who was on the football staff from 1975 to 2008 and is now the director of athletics, has been on the sidelines at the football games
cheering on the Vaqueros. He sees this team as a very special one, as they are one that holds qualities of championship teams that he had coached years ago. One moment that has stood out for Cicuto was at a game on Sept. 20 against San Bernardino. The Vaqueros had a lead and almost gave it up after San Bernardino had three consecutive touchdowns, putting them ahead at 3128. After the defensive stop and the offensive line scoring, however, the Vaqueros took the win at 38-28. “As a defensive [player] you have to make a stop and you can not let the ball go down, gaining yards for the opposing team who is on offensive, and they made that stop,” said Cicuto. “Then our offensive scored, which shows their character and to me that was the highlight of this team, so far,” he said. The Vaqs motto is “win the down,” which translates to “one play at a time.” Each game they play is not viewed as being greater or less than the other.
Burkart. “We knew that this was the last game that we were going to play before conference, so we wanted to come out strong.” “We are young and very immature,” said Glendale’s Libero April Leyva. “We don’t know how to listen. If we can learn how to listen before conference play, we will be fine.” Kert also believes there is a mental factor to winning and losing. Although they were “pumped” going into the game, they quickly slowed down and lost their mojo. One highlight of the game was
the way Leyva and outside hitter Marisa Baltazar dove to the floor and keep the ball in play, opening the way for the Vaqueros to score. The most impressive part of the game, however, came from middle blocker and outside hitter Dominique Hall when, during the third set, her phenomenal play pumped up the rest of the team. Sara Kert went as far to say that she left a hole in the court when she spiked the ball. “We know that she’s a dominant player,” said Leyva. “However, I don’t know if she knows that yet.”
“We have to take it slow, week by week,” said Walker. “Then we go down by down. The main thing is to win the down. It even says it on the back of our shirts.” Cicuto recalls talking to Walker and tight-end Tanner Mays before the game, reminding them that they had a big game coming up. “They both looked at me and said: ‘Coach, every game is a big game to us.’” According to Rome, the team begins preparing weeks in advance. If the season is 11 weeks, they prepare for 41 weeks. Even just 45 minutes after a game, Walker and his teammates watch tapes of their games to see how they can improve and receive texts from their coaches reminding them to hydrate and work on their game. With a 4-1 record, the Vaqueros have five more games until season is over. According to the Southern California Football Association as of Sept. 29, Glendale College’s football team is ranked number 2 in the American Division right behind Victor Valley. If the team can continue to improve as they have done throughout the semester, they will be able to make the standings to the National Junior College Athletics Associations Bowl Games, which is a championship game. “We are looking at week by week, but I think we have the team and the squad to pull out something really special this season,” said Sanders. After their first loss of season, their next game will be Oct. 18 against Antelope Valley.
Kendall Faulkner can be reached at kendallafaulkner@gmail.com
With the preseason coming to a close, the Lady Vaqueros have their eyes set on a conference play, and they will be playing four games in three weeks. They will play Antelope Valley College, West Los Angeles College, Citrus College and College of the Canyons before they have their “bye week” on October 17. “We have nothing to lose,” she said. “We shouldn’t be afraid to make a mistake. We just need to go all out now.” RJ Saunders can be reached at rsaunde243@student.glendale.edu
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014
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Calendar On Campus events Shake Out — Gendale College will participate in the statewide “Great California Shakeout” earthquake drill on Oct. 16 at 10:16 a.m. Volunteers can partcipate at Plaza Vaquero, Sartoris Field and parking lots B, D and F. For information visit www. shakeout.org/california/drop/coverholdon. Humanitariam Crisis — Congressman Adam Schiff will host a forum to discuss response to the crises in Syria and Iraq. Guest speaker is Rob Jenkins of USAID. Takes place at the auditorium on Oct. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information call (818) 450-2900. Hall of Fame — A banquet and induction ceremony to welcome new members to the GCC Athletic Hall of Fame will be held at the Verdugo Gym on Saturday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person. For information call 818-2401000, ext. 5764.
Swap Meet — The GCC Swap meet takes place a the upper campus parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information call, (818) 240-1000, ext. 5805.
WORKSHOPS Learning Center Writing Workshop — “Outlining and Essay Structure” will be the topic on Thursday in AD 232 from 9 to 10 a.m. Library Workshops — “Research Strategies” will be held on Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and ”Citing Sources” will take place on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. followed by “Evaluating Sources” at 12:45 in LB 313.
MOVIES Friday Flix— The 1954 classic “On the Waterfront” directed by Elia Kazan and starring Marlon Brando, Karl Malden and Rod Steiger will be shown on Friday. Stanley Donen’s 1952 musi-
cal “Singin’ in the Rain,” starring Gene Kelly. Debbie Reynolds, Cyd Charisse and Donald O’Connor will be screened on Oct. 17. Mike Petros will facilitate a discussion after the films. Snacks and drinks are encouraged. Free. 12:30 p.m. in SG 334.
will also be performed on Oct. 16 through Oct. 19. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5612..
ART GALLERY Works in Clay — The exhibit “Sculpting in Time” showcases sculptors in the GCC Art Gallery located in the library through Thursday. Admission is free. Gallery hours are Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday hours are noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call (818) 240-1000, ext 5663.
Afternoon with the Stars — Students and staff can attend a free lunchtime program highlighting the planetarium’s features. “The Sun, Our Star” will be presented on Monday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. in CS 257 and “Our Moon” on Oct. 20 Shows will take place most Mondays throughout the semester. For more information visit www.glendale.edu/planetarium or (818) 240-1000, ext. 527.
THEATRE
FINANCIAL AID
Mainstage Production— The Theatre Arts department will present “Play” by Samuel Beckett and “The Bald Soprano” by Eugene Ionesco and directed by Jeanette Farr on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m and on Sunday at 2 p.m The plays
Scholarships— There are more than 500 scholarships available at Glendale Community College. To apply visit www.glendale.edu and log into MYGCC.
PLANETARIUM
Financial Aid — FAFSA workshop Thursday at 3 p.m. in SF 108
and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. in SF 107. Entrance Loan workshops will be held on Oct. 13. at 11 a.m. Sign up is required. For information, call (818) 240-1000 ext. 5916. Campus Project Support — A competetive grant program sponsored by ASGCC is available to students, faculty and staff and provides up to $25,000 in grants for projects that enrich the educational experience at GCC. The application deadline has been extended until Oct. 15. Visit www. glendale.edu/AS to apply.
PARKING Lot Closures — Due to the Canada Boulevard construction project, City Lot 34 will be closed to student parking through December for construction staging. City Lots 30, 31, 32, 33 and the Civic Auditorium garage may still be used for student parking unless restricted by the city for an event. Lot B (the open parking lot area and floors 3 to 6 of the parking structure) will remain open.
Around Town THEATER Glendale Centre Theatre — The Glendale Centre Theatre presents “Man of La Mancha,” which opens Saturday. Shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. with matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.glendalecentretheatre.com or call (818) 244-TKTS.
MUSIC Glendale Noon Concerts — The First Baptist Church of Glendale features classical and jazz concerts on the first and third Wednesday of each month. “Calico Winds,” performs the music of Bela Kovacs on Oct. 15 at 12:10 p.m. Free admission. 209 N. Louise St. in Glendale. For details call (818) 242-2113.
Brand Associates Dance Series — The Djanbazian Dance Company will perform in the Skylight Gallery at the Brand Library & Art Center on Sundayfrom 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit www. brandlibrary.org or call (818) 548-2030.
EVENTS K9s in the Park — The 6th annual K9s in the Park, presented by the Glendale K9 Unit will be held at Verdugo Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event raises funds for support dogs. For more information, contact officer Shawn Sholtis at ssholtis@glendaleca.gov. Relay for Life — A 24-hour walk will be held to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
GET YOUR EVENT LISTED on the calendar page
“Relay for Life” Starts 9 a.m. at Scholl Canyon Baseball field on Oct. 18 and 19. For details, visit www.RelayForLife.org. Archaeology Talks — The Autry Museum presents Stephen H. Lakson, Curator of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History on Sunday at 2 p.m. Lakson will share his insights into the archaeology of Southwestern New Mexico. Presnted at the Historic Southwest Museum Mt. Washington campus. Free. For more information, visit www.theautry.org.
EXHIBITIONS Pasadena Art Exhibitions — “An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert and Their Circle” continues through Jan 11, 2015 at the
Pasadena Museum of California Art,. “Stas Orlovski: Chimera” is also on display featuring the artist’s paintings and drawings based on Russian children’s literature and Japanese prints. Runs through Jan. 11, 2015. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors. For information visit www.pmcaonline.org or call (626) 568-3665.
MOVIES Alex Theatre — Screening of Robert Altman’s 1993 film, “Kansas City,” starring Harry Belafonte, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Steve Buscemi will be followed by Q&A with some of the stars from the film on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission and $11 for students and seniors. For moreinformation, visit www.alextheatre.org.
Film Festival — The Glendale International Film festivalwill take place Friday and Saturday at the MGN 5 Star Cinema with two hour blocks from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $16.75 for the 4 p.m. matinee and $19.75 for the 6, 8, and 10 p.m. shows.. The theater is located at 128 N. Maryland. For ticket information, visit www.mgnfivestarcinema.com Autry Museum — The Autry in Griffith Park will show the 1950 western “Broken Arrow” directed by Delmer Daves and starring Jimmy Stewart, on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Admission is included in Museum entrance fee. $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors and $4 for children 12 and under. For information call, (323) 667-2000. Compiled by Sal Polcino
• Email details to Elvaqed@gmail.com. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. • For details call (818) 240-1000, ext. 5349. Deadline is Oct. 15 for the Oct. 22 issue.
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014
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LIFESTYLE
Music Staff is Pitch Perfect
Photo by Emiliano Chavez
MUSIC STAFF: From left to right, Peter Green, Gayane Simonyan, Anita Protich, Theodora Primes, Catherine Card, Gail Acosta, and Mariné Ter-Kazaryan take a bow after their performances at the auditorium on Thursday.
By Emiliano Chavez EL VAQUERO STAFF WRITER
T
he sound of music echoed through the halls of the packed auditorium last Thursday when the music department presented its faculty recital. For the last six years, the bi-yearly recital has given the music department the opportunity to showcase its talent on the auditorium’s mainstage stage in front of students and other faculty members. The professors played to a full house during college hour. The show was launched with a rendition of “Hermit Songs,” a collection of songs written by Samuel Barber with lyrics taken from poems by Irish monks. Performing the vocal part was adjunct music professor and soprano Catherine Card. Peter Green, head of the music department, accompanied her on piano. He also accompanied Card on a piece from the opera “Rusalka.” Kasha Fernandes, a music major, had never heard Card sing before. “I’ve seen her in the music lab, and I knew she was a music teacher, but I was amazed at how graceful her performance was,” she said. Theodora Primes, an adjunct music instructor, performed a movement of Chopin’s “Nocturne” in d-flat major, a dreamy piece as a mesmerizing solo. “We have a wonderful music department,” she said. “They are great people to work with.” The longest and most vivid performance was by Marine TerKazaryan, a soprano and piano instructor who sang four pieces in Armenian with Green accompanying her on the piano. Green described the Armenian piece
as “big and dramatic.” The soaring vocals and the constantly changing dynamics of the piano, sounding soft and gentle in certain parts and like cataclysmic thunderstorms in others, reflected Green’s description. The performers each chose their own pieces, all of which, according to Green, were incredibly complex and “took months to learn.” “Summertime” from the 1935 opera “Porgy and Bess” by George and Ira Gershwin was sung by soprano Anita Protich with Gayane Simonyan on the piano. The duo also played “Diraiton” from “Les Chanson des Roses” by Morten Lauridsen. For the final piece, Green accompanied violinist Gail Acosta, who started with a brief history of the composition Johanne Brahms’ Sonatensatz. “He wrote it as a birthday present to a friend,” she said. The lively and brisk tempo of the piano may have reminded some listeners of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which Brahms paid homage to in the piece. When the final note faded, all of the performers returned to the stage and bowed to a thunderous applause. “Inspiring,” “breathtaking,” and “beautiful” were common adjectives uttered by audience members as the left they auditorium. “I loved the way the vocals were executed in their performances” said Natalia Bardawil, a business major. “They really conveyed emotion and it made the music feel real.” Bryon Delto, a music instructor who did not perform at this semester’s recital, called it “fantastic.” Emiliano Chavez can be reached at lanoism@gmail.com
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