Wednesday April 14, 2021
Vol. 62 Issue 5
Champions! Has a Nice Ring to It! Dodgers Celebrate Home Opening Weekend, Sweep Nationals
Screenshot by Enrique Medina via Dodgers Youtube
The Dodgers championship ring includes many features including the LA logo crafted from 17 custom-cut genuine sapphires. The ring also includes the teams the Dodgers beat in the playoffs for their 2020 championship. Enrique Medina Broadcast Director
enrique.medina4922@my.riohondo.edu
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fter 32 years and one whole year without playing in front of fans, the Dodgers once again returned home. This time coming home as World Champions. The boys in blue had their Opening Day set for Friday the 9th and their home Opening Weekend Series this weekend against the Washington Nationals. The last time fans were at Chavez Ravine, the fans left home heartbroken after another postseason loss, which just so happened to be against the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS. But, this time around, Opening Day in 2021 would be a time of celebration. The Dodg-
ers were to celebrate their 2020 World Series win with the fans for the first time, with the team ring ceremony/championship banner presentation prior to Opening Day. During the ceremony, all players, coaches, and staff received their rings, with each player getting a message from their favorite player growing up. Ovations for all players alike, but especially for Clayton Kershaw, the future Hall of Famer, and longest-tenured Dodger, who waited 13 seasons to finally get his first ring. For Dodgers fans, it was also the first time they see Mookie Betts at Dodger Stadium. The now Dodger for 12 more years saw his first glimpse of fans at Dodger Stadium after signing a contract extension with the
team prior to last season after his trade to LA from Boston. After the ring ceremony, the team unveiled the 2020 Championship banner on top of the new 2020 decal along with the other team’s championship years down the right-field line. Throughout Opening Day and Opening Weekend at Dodger Stadium as well, it was the first time fans were able to see the new stadium renovations. The stadium renovations were completed back in 2020 for last season when no fans were able to attend. The renovations include a new stadium main entrance in center field, a boardwalk to travel around the stadiums, and displays showing parts of the 2020 World Series run and other parts of Dodgers history.
Even with the celebration pregame, the team was still there to do their job: win a ballgame. On the hill for the opener was Walker Buehler for the Dodgers, opposed by Joe Ross of the Nationals. The game would be a pitcher’s duel from the get-go as the Dodgers ultimately pulled out a 1-0 win. This, thanks to a home run by third baseman Justin Turner in the bottom of the sixth. The Dodgers were backed by six innings by Buehler in the win. Meanwhile, new Dodgers reliever Corey Knebel came in to shut the door in the ninth. For game two, the team would put on another pre-game ceremony, this time for the late Tommy Lasorda. The Dodgers held a video tribute for Lasorda, highlighting his passion, and also his loving nature for the Dodgers. As for game two of the series, Julio Urias got the nod against Nationals starter Patrick Corbin. After a quick Nationals run in the first inning, the Dodger offense fired back with a five-run second off of Corbin. Rookie Zach McKinstry would come through with a two-run RBI hit and Chris Taylor would hit a three-run home run. Urias cruised from the first inning on, only allowing two more runs to score. The Dodgers would get more insurance thanks to a three-run double by A.J Pollock in what ultimately was a 9-5
Prince Philip Dies At 99 Viviana Reyes Reporter
viviana.reyes5718@my.riohondo.edu
O Michael Gwyther-Jones via Flickr.com
Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh outside of St. Paul’s Cathedral for the Queen’s 80th birthday on June 15, 2006.
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n Friday April 9th, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away. He was 99 years old. The Buckingham Palace said that he passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle. That evening, the bells from London’s Westminster Abbey rung 99 times to honor him, which was where him and the Queen said “I do”. This past February he was
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admitted to King Edward VII’s hospital in central London after not feeling well and was treated for an infection. He was later transferred to another hospital, St Bartholomew’s, and had an operation done for an ongoing heart condition. He wasn’t discharged from the hospital until mid March. Prince Philip was the longest-serving consort (spouse of a reigning monarch) in British history. The Queen and him were married for 73 years. Together they had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 10 great
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grandchildren. He was a working member of the Royal Family up until May 2017 when he announced his retirement. People are leaving flowers at the hospitals he was treated at and also at Windsor Castle. Of course many people are gathering outside of Buckingham Palace. The funeral will be intimate due to COVID-19. The UK’s current rule is that 30 people at max can attend funerals. If it wasn’t for the restrictions, thousands of people would have lined up to view his coffin El Paisano Media Network
win.
Game three would yet again honor another Dodger legend pregame. This time the Dodgers celebrated the 40th anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela’s debut. As for the game, it set Kershaw to pitch against another potential future hall of famer in the Nationals’ Max Scherzer. Game 3 would be similar to the Dodger Stadium opener: a pitcher’s duel. Kershaw put on a dominant outing, striking out six Nationals in six innings. As for the Dodgers offense, they only mustered one run against Scherzer, which ultimately was enough. That run came around on a McKinstry double who later hit a two-run home run in the eighth, plating in all three runs. The 3-0 Dodgers win puts the team at now 8-2 on the young season, the best record at the moment in the MLB. The Dodgers look to continue their winning ways as they play a three-game series with Colorado starting on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.
Enrique Medina for El Paisano Media
One of the new features of Dodger Stadium is the new center field entrance. Includes new restaurants like Shake Shack, a walkway around the stadium, and more.
and paid their respects. Gun salutes have been happening across the nation in his tribute. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who took a step back from the royal family and now lives in Santa Barbara, California will be attending the funeral. His Duchess, Meghan Markle, will not be attending. Doctors advised her that traveling pregnant during a pandemic is risky. All UK government buildings are flying their flags halfway in tribute to the duke until 08:00 BST on the day after the funeral. The funeral is taking place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on Saturday April 17th. The ceremony will be televised. El Paisano Media Network
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Brandon R amirez Opinion Editor
Brandon.ramirez3017@my.riohondo.edu
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recent study carried out by the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton found a direct link between loot boxes and gambling. The study was commissioned by GambleAware on behalf of the UK House of Lords in relation to the Gambling Act. The study found “ that relationships between loot box engagement and problem gambling have been robustly verified”. This comes after years of public outcry at the severity of loot box integration. Gaming communities took particular issue with the prevalence of loot boxes in games aimed towards wide audiences or children, and games that allowed for players to cash out with real money. The study looked at what motivates players to purchase loot boxes. It noted the lack of previous studies of this topic. The study found that the reasons behind purchasing loot boxes overlap, “motivations include both social interactions (such as gaining status and approval, or as part of a group experience) and game-related motivations (such as improving performance, aesthetics or gameplay experience).” The study noted that feelings like the fear of missing out could propagate purchasing loot boxes. This fear stems from social and financial pressures.
Study Finds Link Between Loot Boxes And Gambling
Screenshot by Brandon Ramirez via Xbox
Some forms of monetization differ from the loot box system. One way is through "editions" most commonly seen in free to play games. They are usually sold for a fractiion of the games pricecand offer benefits or exclusive content. Beyond social reasoning the study also found that players are encouraged by other well-known psychological techniques. These included systems like giving away locked loot boxes for free and charging for keys, and obfuscation of cost via in-game currency. They highlight that the value of loot box items can go beyond monetary value,” prized items in loot boxes can hold significant
social or psychological capital.” The study notes that game developers have talked about using tactics like loot boxes as ways to increase a game's monetization. The monetization of games has long been criticized by players. Recently, models of monetization have closely followed those of mobile games. Mobile games, and their largely arcade-like format, are often
Multiple Murder-Suicide Commited By Former NFL Player, Philip Adams
Lorenzo A rce News Editor
Lorenzo.arce1393@my.riohondo.edu
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ormer NFL corner back, Philip Adams, murdered six people and later died of a self inflicted gunshot in Rock Hill, South Carolina on April 7. He shot six people, including two children, with .45 Caliber AND 9mm handguns with no apparent motive. Adams stormed into the home of Dr. Robert Lesslie, a doctor well known throughout Rock Hill. He proceeded to shoot Lesslie, 70, his wife Barbara, 69, and their two grand-
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children. The children were nine and five years old. Two air conditioning technicians were shot outside the family home; one of which died. Afterwards, the sole survivor of the attack called his superiors who in turn alerted the authorities. He died two days later. When first responders arrived, evidence of Adams’s presence was found. The police found him a quarter of a mile away in his own home. Meanwhile, he shot himself with the .45 in the head and was found dead after not responding to law enforcement’s orders to come out of his home.
Adams lived most in life in Rock Hill. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2010 Draft from South Carolina State to the San Francisco 49’rs. Adams only spent a single season with them and was traded to multiple teams. He broke his ankle and sustained two major concussions before leaving professional football. According to Adams’s father, Alonzo Adams, he had CTE, a traumatic brain injury. Adam’s said his son had a habit of self isolating. He said, “I can say he's a good kid - he was a good kid, and I think the football messed him up..."
compared to casino games by users. While console and PC games have begun to follow the trends introduced by mobile games, they also began to monetize the single player experience. With some companies offering “time savers” to make it easier to attain in game items. This route of monetization is often accompanied by complaints of artificial difficulty from players. They argue that by making
Rapper DMX Dies at 50 Years-Old Bryan Chavez Reporter
Bryan.chavez5634@my.riohondo.edu
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ecord breaking rapper DMX has passed away after being in coma for over a week. After being on life support the 50 year old rapper has died from a heart attack that was caused from a drug overdose. The three time Grammy nominated rapper leaves the music industry as a legend. After rising into the scene in the late 90’s DMX’s energetic carisma helped him into having stadium filled concerts and festivals. His debut album “It's Dark and Hell is Hot” hit number 1, but was not his most
“..... and then there was X” known album.
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
Philip Adams practicing with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015, his last year in the NFL.
games more “grindy”, or take longer to beat, developers create an unnecessary situation where players feel the need to pay to make the game easier. The trend of hyper-monetization has been something many have been concerned about. Gamers, near universally, have applauded the UK’s efforts to crack down on the more detrimental and dangerous forms of monetization.
was nominated for best rap album. For being such a prolific rapper his personal life always caught up to him. Being known for having a drug abuse problem X always had a problem with the law and was even
Photo Courtesy of John B. Muller
DMX has struggled with addiction since his mentor tricked him into smoking a p dog, a crack cocaine laced joint, when he was 14. sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud. We now wish his family peace and harmony in these difficult times
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Rating Monster Hunter Rise R aymond Luna Editor-In-Chief
ramon.luna5365@my.riohondo.edu
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onster Hunter Rise was released for the Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021. Three versions of the game were released; for $59.99 you get the standard edition (just a copy of the game) , for $69.99 is the deluxe edition (includes the game and DLC), and the collector's edition retails for $99.99 and comes
with pins, stickers, DLC and a Magnamallo Amiibo figure. “Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that will transport players to the colorful Kamura Village, an all-new serene mountain locale that attracts visitors with its unique culture and innovative hunting technologies. After hunters equip their armor and select from one of the various weapon types, all-new hunting grounds await, including the ancient Shrine Ruins and more. As players defeat
monsters and progress through the game, items from fallen foes can be used to craft unique weapons and armor that will increase their chances of future success and survival. Hunters can tackle these challenges solo, or with up to three other players in local or cooperative online play.” -Nintendo.com With being a newcomer to the Monster Hunter series I can say I’ve had loads of fun playing. It’s a breath of fresh air coming from playing Call Raymond Luna for El Paisano Media
Monster Hunter Rise is an action RPG that sends players off to hunt monsters, equip weapons and upgrade armor. The game is currently available where video games are sold and on Nintendo’s Eshop.
Raymond Luna for El Paisano Media
Players can hop online and work with others to take down monsters, and collect loot.
of Duty or Grand Theft Auto. It took me a while to get used to all of the buttons and controls the game has to offer. I ended up having to go on Youtube to look up where certain items or places are found. Monster Hunter Rise is most certainly a grind! I’ve only put a few hours into the game, but defeating some monsters can take close to half an hour or longer. Knowing that I’ve defeated a large beast is a great feeling. I’ve found myself in joining online parties rather
than doing them myself. Seeing everyones armor and abilities unlocked along the way is definitely encouraging to keep pressing forward and upgrading my armor and weapons Would I recommend this game to others? YES! That is if you can find them available in stores. Physical copies of the game have been sold out, luckily you can still get a digital version on Nintendo’s Eshop. I give Monster Hunter Rise a 4.5/5.
Drinking Age: The US vs Different Countries
The award for the highest legal drinking ages goes to the United States. A lyson Gonzalez Editor-In-Chief
alyson.gonzalez0312@my.riohondo.edu
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hen someone hits the age 18, it is a milestone for them because they are a legal adult. They are no longer under their parents guardianship. They can form their own life without
parent’s approval. Also, when you turn 18, you can buy lottery tickets. You can even vote for your next leader. One thing you can’t buy is alcohol. You have three more years in order to purchase alcohol. If you are under 21 and wanted to buy alcohol, you can always take a trip to a different country. Out of the 195 countries in
the world, 61% have a minimum drinking age of 18 or 19. The U.S is one of the 11 countries that the drinking age is 21. In Mexico, the drinking age is 18 while in Canada, the drinking age is 19. Individuals under 21 who lived in the United States can easily head to Canada or Mexico to have a drink of alcohol. Now, some people think
Photo Courtesy of www.tripsavvy.com
that most 18-20 year-olds don’t drink. Though we all know that is false. How come the drinking age is 21 in the United States? Why can’t it be 18 or 19 like their neighbor states. The legal age in the U.S is 18 years-old. Not only can you buy lottery tickets, but you can join the military. Apparently, the U.S thinks we can risk losing
our lives instead of taking a glass of beer. If the drinking age in the U.S were to be lowered to 18 years-old, the government wouldn't need a law that it’s illegal to drink if you’re under 21. The government probably doesn’t want that law to be diminished. The drinking age is set at 21 because supposedly 21 years-old are mature at that age. Even though they are mature 18 years-old and 19 and 20 years-old. Therefore, why does it need to be at 21. It’s only a few years gap. It is strange that when you turn 18 in the U.S, you can gamble through lottery tickets, but can’t gamble in the casinos. We can waste our money on lottery tickets, but not in Las Vegas. Young 18-years-old can risk dying so soon in the military before they had their first drink. Furthermore, the legal drinking age was once at 18,19, and 20 years-old in some states. It changed over time because of the responsibilities and rights. The drinking age in the U.S shouldn’t be 21. It should stick somewhere around 19 or 20. It feels like a long wait till someone reaches 21 years-old. Some youngsters are already doing it illegally because they feel it's taking too long. On the other hand, people rather wait till they reach the 21 mark. Overall, the government doesn’t seem to be open-minded about minimum age in certain things.
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El Clásico Real Madrid Vs Barcelona Fernando R amos Sports Editor
fernando.ramos9660@my.riohondo.edu
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he 2020-2021 La Liga season is set to be one of the closest title race in recent years. The three giants of La Liga; Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico de Madrid are neck at neck at the top of the table. The most anticipated game of the year was played this past Saturday between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The “Clasico of Clasicos” was without a doubt a title deciding game. Barcelona were one point behind league leaders Atletico de Madrid with a game in hand against “los colchoneros”. If Barcelona could have managed to take all three points against Real Madrid they would have overtaken Atletico at the top. In Real Madrid's case, they were three points behind Atletico, which meant that a win against Barcelona would put them tied for first place with Atletico Madrid. With only 6 games of the La Liga season left to play, there is no room for error for these three teams. Before the game started, there were lots of questions on Barcelona whether or not they were capable of continuing the good run of form they had in domestic competitions. As for Real Madrid, they’re main concern was the players that would miss the clasico due to injury. Real Madrid came into this
game without some of their biggest players like Rafael Varane, Danny Carvajal, and most notably their captain Sergio Ramos. With 3 of their 4 starting defenders out due to injury, many did not expect for Real Madrid's defence to stop a front line of Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele, and Antoine Griezman, however Real Madrid's defence played a perfect game. Eder Militao, Nacho Fernandez, and Lucas Vasquez were the three defenders to replace Sergio Ramos, Rafa Varane, and Danny Carvajal respectfully. Real Madrid were able to counter everything Barcelona threw at them, as los Merengues played a near perfect game. Barcelona as expected controlled most of the possession, however that was expected from before the game even started. Whenever Barcelona got control of the ball, Madrid's players pressed in numbers forcing Barcelona to play a bad ball, or just winning the tackle themselves. The first goal came from Real Madrid’s French Striker Karim Benzema. A quick counter attack from Madrid which caught Barcelona’s defence out of position, it was a nice, cool, back heel finish from Benzema. The second goal was scored by German Midfielder Toni Kroos. A freekick right outside the 18 yard box taken by Kroos took two huge deflections which managed to find
Fernando Ramos For El Paisano Media
This is the first time since the 2007/08 La Liga season where Real Madrid win both league games against Barcelona. Ronald Koeman has also been the first Barcelona Manager in 70 years to not win a single of his first two games against Real Madrid itself inside the net. There was nothing for Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen to do. Barcelona managed to get a goal back from a “La Masia” graduate in youngster Oscar Mingueza. The youngster got on the end of a cross by Lionel Messi to put the game at 2-1
for Real Madrid. Barcelona had more chances at goal but they were not able to convert any into the 2nd goal. Real Madrid’s defensive midfielder Casemiro got sent off in the 90th minute, however it was too late for Barcelona to bring the game back.
A victory for Real Madrid which now puts them just one point behind Atletico Madrid after Atletico’s draw against Real Betis on Sunday April 11. The top of the table is tight, and is set to decide pretty soon.
Baylor Denies Gonzaga’s Perfect Season Justin Gomez Reporter
justin.gomez6391@my.riohondo.edu
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eading into the National Championship game, most people had Gonzaga winning the whole thing being 31-0 and all. Especially after their crazy game against UCLA where Gonzaga’s very own Jalen Suggs hitting a game winner at the buzzer. Even though Gonzaga had the perfect record, Baylor was gonna be no push over for them. Baylor sat on a 27-2 overall record giving them first in the big 12. With these two powerhouses meeting up in the championship game, it had to be a great game. Baylor did not wait any minute to start going at Gonzaga. Right from the tip, they were scoring however they wanted too. From layups and dunks to mid range jumpers and three pointers. They went up 13-4 within the first five and a half
minutes into the game. At one point in the first half they led as much as 19 points while shooting 5/5 from three. The score at the time was 29-10 with Baylor in cruise control over Gonzaga. Although it was looking slow for the Bulldogs at the start of the game, they showed life late in the first half. After being down 19 points they decided to go on their own little run. This was led by Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs and Drew Timme. Gonzaga was doing a great job of attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line. Therefore, by the end of the first half they had 13 free throw attempts to Baylor’s two. After a string of baskets and great defensive plays, they were able to cut the deficit to 10 by halftime. To start the second half the two teams were going back and forth with scoring. Baylor was unable to pull away but Gonzaga was not able to come back as well. It wasn't till eight minutes
Photo Courtesy of Baylot Bears
The Baylor Bears showed what a true powerhouse they were all tournament long and especially in the championship game. into the second half where it started to look like Baylor was gonna start to pull away. As a matter of fact, it was after a play where Baylor’s Mark Vital got a huge block which led to a three by Adam Flagner. This
sparked the momentum boost for the Bears and after they got this they never looked back. After this play, Baylor coasted the rest of the game keeping this lead which eventually led to the national championship
win. Finally after the game, Baylor’s very own Jared Butler was named Most Outstanding Player of the tournament as he led the way to Baylor’s first ever championship.
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