Wednesday November 27, 2019
Serving the Rio Hondo Community
ILLUSTRATION BY ESTEVAN MACIAS/EPM
Volume 59 Issue 9
Fight for what you think is right.
NEWS
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Employee at Whittier Target Store Dies on the Job SAMUEL GARCIA News Editor
samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu
At a Target store in Whittier, an employee died while on the job. The incident took place Saturday, November 16. The store did not close following the employee’s death. Whittier police received a call from the Los Angeles County Fire Department at approximately 1:18 p.m., according to Business
Insider. They were asked to respond to a “man down” situation. Frank Polizzi, a representative from the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/ OSHA), confirmed that they were notified of the situation at 2:11 p.m. “We were notified on November 16 that an employee at Target at a retail store collapsed and passed away from natural causes due to
Rio Hondo College’s Pathway to Law Program Hosts Fundraiser Event In Uptown Whittier
DIANA LAUREANO/STUDENT BODY SECRETARY The Rio Hondo College Pathway to Law Program held a fundraising event in Uptown, Whittier. The “Hang It” event was meant to raise money for homelessnes and family crisis. SAMUEL GARCIA News Editor
samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu
The notion of loving your neighbor and treating others as you would want to be treated is a common thread throughout the Bible. Rio Hondo College’s Pathway to Law program put that saying to practical use. The Pathway to Law program held a fundraiser event in Uptown, Whittier Friday, November 22. The event, called “Hang It,” was created to raise money for homelessness and family crisis, with 70% of the profits going toward SPIRITT Family Services and The Midnight Mission. Established in 1972, SPIRITT Family Services, who have been partnered with Rio Hondo College for over 20 years, aims to empower families, provide crisis intervention, improve health and well-being, and strengthen communities, according to their website. “If the family is healthy, we’ll produce children who will succeed in life,” said Elvia Torres, Executive Director at SPIRITT. One of the services
provided by SPIRITT is an art workshop. Reynaldo Mora, a Prevention and Aftercare Specialist, stated that art acts as a form of escapism, especially for children in troubled households. Mora himself grew up in a troubled household, and stated that art helped him to get away from his problems at home. “Artists make sense out of chaos,” he said. Those in attendance were able to buy or donate clothes, as well as buy movies, crocheted hats and scarves, and paintings. Food was also provided in the form of tacos (as long as you bought them, of course). Mora stated that it is necessary for agencies, like SPIRITT, to attend these types of events. Most folks do not know or are not aware that these agencies exist, so it allows them to spread awareness and inform people of the services they provide, he said. If you or someone you know is dealing with issues in the household, you can contact SPIRITT at 855-7148800. You can also contact their administration office at 562-903-7000.
medical conditions,” Polizzi said in a statement. When the man collapsed, another Target team member called emergency responders and performed CPR until help arrived. Polizzi also stated that OSHA is not currently investigating the matter and the office did not receive any complaints as to how the body was handled in the store. Cal/OSHA does not
require a business to close after a fatality occurs in the workplace. “In partnership with law enforcement, we worked quickly with authorities to secure the area and create a more secluded space for our team member,” a Target spokesperson said in a statement. “Members of the Whittier Police Department remained with our team until the medical examiner arrived at the store.”
The other Target employees were given the option to go home early if they wished, Target confirmed. The company sectioned off part of the store, though some customers told ABC that they believed the store should have closed for the day. “Our thoughts go out to Thomas’ family, friends, and colleagues,” said Target in their statement.
Parnell Park Protestors want the Homeless Gone JAKE LAURELL Reporter
jake.laurell7011@my.riohondo.edu
Saturday morning, November 25th at Parnell Park was eventful day early in the morning around 8:30 a.m. The homeless that stay in Parnell Park planned a remembrance for a recently deceased member of their community. All the while a peaceful protest, protesting the homeless staying at Parnell Park. The homeless encampment had breakfast by the First Friends Church that lasted about an hour. Coffee and donuts were handed out to anyone that attended the breakfast. About 30 individuals Loletta Barrett, Pastor from the First Friends Church, said that “We wanted to have this breakfast to build middle ground from the people protesting and the homeless here. I live in
Whittier too most of my life and I get it you know? I get it that these people want their park back, but at the same time, these are people. And don’t they deserve a voice or someone saying something for them?” “I understand all these people want their park back, but I don’t even have a damn box I could call home. It is not like I choose to be homeless. Sure I am not a saint but doesn’t everyone deserve a spot of their own?” Jaime S. stated a homeless man staying in the encampment located in the park. Park maintenance at Parnell Park worker Vince C. stated his overall thoughts on the homeless encampment at the park. “ I lived here for nearly 53 years and I have never seen it like this. You know the homeless here currently are the nice ones.
They are the ones that don’t give us issues. The ones that don’t break stuff in the restrooms or do illicit things in them. Every day we have five to ten parents come up to them ask what are they going to do about the homeless over there.” The protestors were on the corner of the intersection making noise and trying to gather support for a storm the courthouse event that is supposed to take place on December 10th. “Listen I am just a concerned grandparent and citizen who wants to feel safe bringing my grandkids here. And it currently I don’t you know. I get tired of stuff being broken in the stalls and seeing these homeless do drugs right out in the open.” Steve Garcia, a protestor said when asked about his reasoning for being out here.
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NEWS Parnell Park Protestors want the Homeless Gone
Concerned parents and protestors gathered on the corner of Parnell Park in order to garner support for children in the park.
Homeless finishing up the breakfast of donuts, coffee, and other sugary delights all while keeping to themselves.
ALL PHOTOS BY JAKE LAURELL / EPM
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Music Professor Gives Students a Chance to Succeed with ‘Frank and Friends’ Concert
MEGAN DE LARA / EPM Professor Frank Accardo on stage in the Wray Theater during the opening performance for ‘Frank and Friends.’ Accardo has been playing guitar since he was a teenager. MEGAN DE LARA A&E Editor
megan.delara9233@my.riohondo.edu
If one were to ask Professor Frank Accardo the year “Frank and Friends” started, there would be no definite answer. However, he could easily state why he brings it back year after year: for the students. “We don’t really have a guitar ensemble or a guitar studio class where [students] have to perform at the end of the semester. So I thought it would be nice for them to get a chance to perform a piece or two, especially… the people playing classical guitar.” Accardo said. “But basically that’s what it was, to give people an opportunity to perform.” So on Nov. 12, Accar-
do invited a select group of past and present students to perform in the Wray Theater. For an hour, the musicians played acoustic and electric renditions of compositions by J.S. Bach, Francisco Tarrega, and Mauro Giuliani, to name a few. The stage setup consisted of two amplifiers, a pair of microphones to intensify the acoustic sounds, and some chairs and music stands. Accardo himself started off the night with “Prelude for Lute, BWV 999” by Bach. After, first-time performer Paul Pardinas sat down to play “Sonatine 1” by Giuliani. It was a smooth performance that set the tone for the rest of the night. “It gets cold when you’re nervous,” said alumni Juan Sixto as he rubbed his
hands together to prepare for his second song. Though nerves may have been at a high, the musicians kept their composure throughout the night. Both Sixto and Samantha Valadez, another alumni, made fingerpicking look simple as they demonstrated their prowess. Halfway through, the concert shifted from acoustic to a clean (sans any effects), electric set. Students Miguel Sandoval and Jacob Diaz played Bach Inventions No. 4 and 8, and Accardo revisited the stage with alumni Tina Kung to execute bossa nova arrangements. At the end of the night, Diaz and current student Xavier Pavon joined Accardo for one last performance. With Pavon on bass, it was the right amount of zest
Grammy Nominations Out, Billie Eilish Makes History KATHERINA O’BRIEN Reporter
katherina.obrien6215@my.riohondo.edu
Music’s biggest night is approaching! The 62nd Grammy Awards Right around the corner, airing January 26. Grammys host Alicia Keys and Bebe Rexha announced this year’s Grammy nominations on “CBS This
Morning.” At 17 years old and 6 nominations total, Billie Eilish has become the youngest person ever to be nominated in all 4 top Grammy categories: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best New Artist. Lizzo, another chart-topper this year, is the most nominated artist with
a total of 8 nominations, including the four top categories with her hit song “Truth Hurts” for song of the year. Another new artist, Lil Nas X, who had the hit song “Old Town Road,” has tied with Billie Eilish receiving six nominations. Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Lil Nas X, who are all top Grammy nominees, and are
to recapture the audience’s attention. All three had undeniable chemistry, which translated into an electrifying close that brought the concert to full circle. The importance of learning to perform in front of an audience is crucial, according to Accardo. Student musicians who wish to reach a professional level must break the walls of nervousness. Performing in front of a crowd is one way to accomplish the task. “The whole nerves thing is really what you have to overcome,” Accardo said. “Just be nervous.” The music professor, of course, speaks from years of experience. In his early days as a guitarist, Accardo freelanced and took part in light session work in Los Angeles. There were cabaret shows in Hollywood, small live performances here and there, but nothing too extravagant. Not until he received the opportunity to work with prominent musician and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. The three-week gig was originally offered to someone else, but unlike now, the opportunity to travel was
not always coveted. “In those days, going out on the road was the last resort kind of thing, because most people wanted to establish a career in town playing,” Accardo said. “It was really a different time… Most people didn’t want to leave…because they would lose gigs that were right there, steady gigs in town.” So Accardo took the spot instead, but the position came with its challenges. Rehearsal time before opening night was scarce: “My opening night was essentially my rehearsal.” Regardless, Accardo played and ended up making an impression on George Rhodes, Davis Jr.’s longtime music director. After the initial three weeks ended, Rhodes asked Accardo to stay and the small gig turned into a ten year residency. “You have to just have the confidence that you really know this stuff and you’re going to be fine,” Accardo said. With the continuation of his annual concert, students will always have the opportunity to pave their road to successful musicianship.
MEGAN DE LARA / EPM Rio Hondo alumni Samantha Valadez on stage in the Wray Theater during her performance on Nov. 12 all first-time nominees as well. With so many different nominations, there has been some confusion about the differences between Record of the Year and Album of the Year. The Record of the Year category only awards a single track and the success of the song overall and contributions of producers, mixers and engineers. Album of the Year, according to the Recording Academy guidelines, states that a recording must consist of
5 songs with a total playing time of 15 minutes or no minimum requirement but a total playing time of 30 minutes. The Grammys are an exciting time for the music industry, and it shows how much hard work pays off no matter how young you may be whether you can be young like Billie Eilish and breaking records of being a top nominated artist like Lizzo on your first year of nominations. The ceremony will take place January 26 at 5pm at the Staples Center.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Fall Choral Concert Dazzles the Audience JAZMINE MARTINEZ Reporter
jazmine.martinez7632@my.riohondo.edu
Rio Hondo’s Arts and Cultural Program hosted the Fall Choral Concert at the Wray Theater on Nov. 21st. The concert presented selected choral works that were performed by Rio Hondo singers. These singers had the support of Alexander Lee at the piano and full-time music faculty, Br. Joanne Choe, conducting the majority of the show. Dr. Joanne Choe is a decorated professor at Rio Hondo College and has won awards at Sigma Alpha Iota Vocal competition, Carpet Bridges Pacific Musical Society, and Stewart Brady Competition. Choe conducted the performances that involved all or a majority of the choir group. Some of these performances were “The First Noel,” “Domine Fili Unigenite,” “If Ye Love Me,” and “Tshotsholoza.” The concert was well-received by the audience, getting a positive reaction with every song the group sung. The group’s performance of a song called “Tshotsholoza” and another one titled “Dona Nobis Pacem” received the best
responses with the crowd. “Dona Nobis Pacem”, a number that intentionally strived to get the audience to sing along, actually got a couple of people to stand up and participate. In “Tshotsholoza” the execution was so well-delivered, it had audience members roaring and vocalizing their approval as if the crowd was at a pep rally. Besides the highlights of the night, the concert was able to keep the audience entertained throughout the whole show by doing something different with each song. Some of the pieces were presented with the accompany of a piano while others in acappella. In one number they used drums to enhance the production. Another had a guest dancer and even had a student singer, Derian Espinosa, conduct “Keep Your Lamps” in the show. The stage was simply designed and decorated with Christmas decor, getting the audience member into the holiday spirit. They had images of snowflake designs projected on either side of the walls of the theater. The stage’s boundaries were also covered in Christmas decor along with the piano. The singers were all dressed in
a black assemble; keeping it simple and classy. The show made sure the audience did not stay sitting in their seats throughout the whole performance. Singers were engaged with their audience, embracing the feedback they received with every song they sang. The interaction that singers were having with the crowd helped to entertain the little ones within the audience. The production had children engaged with every piece and kept them on their toes, giving them an act they did not expect. An example of this would be when the guest dancer, Tori Lopez, came up to the stage to dance with the singers’ version of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”. A little girl around the age of 2-4 could not help to contain her curiosity and asked loudly,“What is that!” The crowd could not help but laugh at the little girl’s excitement. The show lasted roughly 50 minutes from 7:30 pm starting time to ending around 8:20 pm. As they exited the stage, the singers received huge applause from the crowd. After the concert, two of the student singers drew a raffle for audience
Rio Hondo Student Art Sale
Co-A&E Editor
even.cookman1774@my.riohond.edu
The Division of Art & Cultural Programs will be hosting The Student Art Sale from November 25 through 27 at the Student Gallery from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. They will sell ceramics, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and clothing all made by students at Rio Hondo College. It is held every year a week before finals. It is run by the students, but supervised by the faculty. It is meant to “support students through selling their art pieces much like a professional at an art gallery,” according to the art gallery director, Robert Miller. Miller has been running this event for a decade now. Rio Hondo has had a similar event to this for years, but it only focused on ceramics instead of all forms of artwork. “We want to give them a trajectory for their
careers,” said Miller. “We love the idea of making this look like a professional gallery to help them in their future careers.” Any student can participate in this event, all they need to do is come into the art gallery, fill out forms and submit their artwork for approval. This is an opportunity for students to sell their artwork at the event. Miller would advise them the exact price they should sell their artwork. The students are given somewhat free range when it comes to creating their art. It can be anything from a sculpture to a piece of jewelry that covers any sort of topic. However, it must be school appropriate and approved by Miller himself. For any person, interested in buying a piece of artwork from this event, the prices for these artworks will vary from a few dollars to a couple of hundred dollars.
members to have a chance to win a hand-made merch item of the choir group. Four lucky winners were drawn and that concluded the show in its entirety. Rio Hondo will have
another similar concert on May 12, 2020, but until then there’s a list of musical events occurring year-round, which can be viewed in Rio Hondo’s Arts and Cultural Program website.
Album Review: Kanye West Returns with Controversial Rap Record, ‘Jesus Is King’
MEGAN DE LARA / EPM EVAN COOKMAN
JAZMINE MARTINEZ / EPM Vocalist Derian Espinosa was invited to conduct ‘Keep Your Lamps’ on stage in the Wray Theater.
KATHERINA O’BRIEN Reporter
katherina.obrien6215@my.riohondo.edu
After months of sneak peaks at his Sunday Services, and arriving later than expected, Kanye West finally released his new gospel album, “Jesus Is King.” The album is based off his relationship with God and his faith. After a delay on the release his ninth studio album, it was debuted on the same day as his IMAX documentary, also titled “Jesus Is King.” Come as a surprise, it is his first album to have no swearing. But although there is a lot of controversy about Kanye incorporating religion in his work, he has been doing this since the early 2000’s with a song titled “Jesus Walks.” The rapper has even stated that his album “The Life of Pablo” is “a gospel album with a whole lot of cursing on it.” With his previous
claims of being a Trump supporter and stating that slavery was a “choice,” many fans were not sure what to else expect from West or when he would return to music. Mara Sanchez, a student at Rio Hondo College, stated, “He’s very controversial, and I see why many people are opposed to his “crazy” ideas but if you think about it, it’s really a man pursuing his fate and transmitting it into music.” Mara is not a Christian herself, but believes West is putting in an effort to hopefully inspire his fans to get connected to God, separating his past comments and actions. Stephanie Perez, another student at Rio Hondo, stated, “It’s kind of good for church but it’s different. I feel like he tries to force this new personality and tries to find something that no one else does, even if it’s different
from his old albums.” Although Stephanie does believe this is a well written album, she would not be one to listen to it regularly. She believes he is trying too hard to portray his beliefs into his new projects and fans. As Kanye is a “brand new Christian,” many weren’t sure what to expect. Whether it was going to be like the contemporary Christian music many of us are used to, or how he was going to incorporate his faith into the type of rap music he has been producing for years. Since the album was released, there has been a lot of talk about it, mostly positive and has given not only fans, but everyone, a different type of Kanye. He is demonstrating that he is not just a rapper, but he is also a regular human being like everyone else and just wants to spread his word to the rest of the world but in the form of music.
RIO HONDO COLLEGE WRITERS’ RESOURCE CENTER
CALL FOR PAPERS & POSTER ART
Open submissions from ALL Rio Hondo College disciplines for Assemblages, RHC’s ILLUSTRATED Academic Journal published by the Writers’ Resource Center.
THEME FOR THE 2019-2020 EDITION OF ASSEMBLAGES
This theme, specified by the funding grant, that funds the project, can be unpacked, explored, redefined, examined, exhumed, animated, enlarged, or otherwise approached in any lively intellectual style.
GET PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
FOR PAPERS & ARTWORK 1.
Professors can nominate strong student papers or artwork OR students can submit their own work.
2.
Submission is required in print copy to A217A; Electronic Word file or jpg, emailed to jspringer@ riohondo.edu Include the following information: a. Author/Artist Information: Full name, address, phone number, and your full student ID number. b. Title of your piece.
3.
Papers should range between 1000-1500 words. Papers can include embedded graphic evidence (Charts, diagrams, maps, photos, drawings, cartoons, and other credible images that advance the thesis). Graphics must be documented or original.
4.
Poster Art submissions should be portrait orientation and submitted in digital form to jspringer@riohondo.edu. (May include original drawings, paintings, computer graphics, photographs). Format should match the paper’s academic field, including MLA, APA, and Chicago Manual of Style.
NEED HELP? Students can receive help editing their final version including adjusting graphics from managing editor Prof. JoAnn Springer, along with Writing Center faculty and staff.
SUBMISSION DATES FOR PAPERS & ARTWORK
FALL 2019
.
SPRING 2020
. PRIZES AWARDED
1ST – $75 | 2 – $50 | 3RD – $25 ND
MC/10.21.19
SPORTS
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Women’s Soccer: Lady Roadrunners Fall Short in the Postseason Against Saddleback JESUS MARQUEZ Reporter
jesus.marquez1625@my.riohondo.edu
The 2019 Rio Hondo women’s soccer season came to an end as Saddleback bested the Roadrunners 2-1 on Saturday, November. 24 in the first round of the postseason. It was a match that started well for the home side but ended as a nightmare for the 2019 SCC Champions. The Gauchos came back after losing 1-0 to the lady Roadrunners thanks to forward Paige Vitolo who scored two goals and sent her team to the next round. As the game began, Saddleback played on the front foot in the opening stages of the clash. The Lady
JESUS MANRIQUEZ
Vivian Miramontes scored 22 goals and registered 9 assists for the Roadrunners this season.
Roadrunners knew that this game wasn’t going to be easy for them to win. In the following few minutes, both teams began to study each other. After that, both teams began to display their tactics for the game. Rio Hondo tried to keep possession of the ball, something they had been doing all season long. Meanwhile, Saddleback looked for quick transitions in the attack with their fast wingers. In the 15th minute, Rio forward Vivian Viramontes almost gave the home side a 1-0 lead from a set piece but the linesmen caught her offside, putting their celebrations on hold. Minutes later, midfielder Alice Hernandez came close to opening the score with a shot but was denied by the post. The visitors responded quickly and nearly notched their first goal, but Rio goalkeeper Anaguisel Ramos came in clutch with a great save. Rio Hondo responded through midfielder Janessa Gallardo who tested goalkeeper Lehar Chawia with a long shot. Both goalkeepers saw a lot of action in the opening minutes of the match. After an even opening minutes, the lady Roadrunners managed to get on the scoreboard. Viramontes gave Rio Hondo the lead with a header following a cross from forward Lismed Salcido. Saddleback quickly scored the equalizer when Vitolo got a rebound inside the small box following a save from Ramos . Saddleback Wins it All In the second half,
JESUS MANRIQUEZ Saddleback College will face off against Santa Barbara City College on Tuesday, November 26. the Roadrunners began to struggle. The Gauchos were the dominant side for the remaining of the game. Vitolo scored her second goal of the match after a great cross from forward Maliyah Medley. With the lead on their hands, the visitors sit back to defend. Around the 80th minute of play, the game got its taste of controversy. Viramontes got the equalizer after Chawia let go of the ball after a save, but the referee disallowed the goal, calling that Chawia had full possession of the ball on the ground. The lady Roadrunners were unable to find the equalizer and saw their season come to an end. The
home side ended the game with anger and tears, as they felt negatively affected by the referee. Rio Hondo head coach Jennifer Tanaka-Hoshijo spoke about the disallowed goal that could have been the equalizer. “When it comes to this kind of games, one chance can make a big difference. We didn’t feel that she had a hand on the ball, we scored the goal and they [referee] took it away,” said Tanaka-Hoshijo. Rio ended the season with a record of 15-2-3, a better record than last season. Saddleback on the other hand advanced to the next round and will take on Santa Barbara City Col-
lege who defeated Ventura College in penalty kicks (4-3) after battling to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. This was the third conference title in the last last six years for the Rio Hondo women’s soccer team. Sophomore Vivian Miramontes lead the team with 22 goals. Meanwhile, midfielder Alice Hernandez lead the team in assists with 13 throughout the season.
Women’svolleyball: San Diego City College too much for Rio Hondo JESUS MANRIQUEZ Sports Editor
jesus.manriquez9661@my.riohondo.edu
Coming in from a 3rd place finish in the South Coast Conference Tournament,the Rio Hondo women’s volleyball team saw their season come to an end after losing 3-1 to No.15 seed San Diego City College on Saturday, November 23 in the first round of the postseason. The visitors won the match by scores of 25-17,25-20,20-25, 25-18. Sophomore Kiara Pena totaled a team high 20 kills for the visitors. In the first set, the lady Roadrunners started off well the first few rallies, but the visitors quickly took an 8-4 lead. After that, San Diego never looked back. Defensive errors from Rio Hondo
really hurt the home team. It took the home team a while to get their heads into the game, the Lady Roadrunners would lose the set 25-17. In the second set, the Roadrunners put up a bigger fight. Sophomore Nicole Vazquez pulled off a great performance throughout the second set, helping the home side put up the pressure, both teams taking the lead multiple times throughout the match. Halfways through the set and the score was leveled 17-17. After the set resumed, it seemed as if Rio Hondo had lost some of that momentum. The Roadrunners found it hard to keep up with the strong offense from San Diego. Rio Hondo finally responded back in the third set. It was similar to the third set, but this time the lady Road-
JESUS MANRIQUEZ Rio Hondo volleyball has not won a conference championship since 1995. runners managed to take their good momentum all the way to the end and win 25-20. Unfortunately, that good momentum was not carried all through the rest of the match and the Roadrunners would end up losing the fourth set
25-18, putting an end to their season. The lady Roadrunners finished the season with a record of 15-12 overall and 9-8 in their respective conference. The season didn’t end the way coach Teddi Esko and
her players would have wanted. But like Esko said at the beginning of the season, it is all about improvement and that is exactly what this team did. They took Rio Hondo to the postseason for the first time since 2012.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Bacteria May Contribute More to Climate Change as Planet Heats Up
ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME APARICIO/EPM As we age, our bodies try to adapt to the environment around us. Adapting to an ever changing atmosphere is a challenge we all have to take till the day we don’t have to. EVELYN VARGAS Reporter
evelyn.vargas3749@my.riohondo.edu
Respiration rate and the release of carbon happens as bacteria adapt to hotter temperatures as well as potentially accelerating climate change. Bacteria and other related organisms called archaea may be factors of increased climate warming at a much faster rate than current models suggest, all because of the release of more carbon when global temperature is rising. Collectively known as
prokaryotes, bacteria and archaea, are found on every continent and formaround half of global biomass - the total actual weight of all organisms on Earth. A vast majority of prokaryotes perform respiration that uses energy and releases carbon dioxide, the same way we do when we breathe out. The quantity of carbon dioxide released within a given time period all depends on the prokaryote’s respiration rate. The same relationship between temperature, respiration rate and carbon output has been
uncertain. By gathering up all the database of respiration rate changes according to temperature from 482 prokaryotes, it has been discovered by researchers that the majority will increase their carbon output as a response to higher temperatures. From the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, lead researcher, Dr. Samraat Pawar said, “In the short term, on a scale of days to hours, individual prokaryotes will increase their metabolism and produce more carbon dioxide. However, there is
still a maximum temperature at which their metabolism becomes inefficient. In the longer term, over the years, these prokaryote communities will evolve to be more efficient at higher temperatures, allowing them to further increase their metabolism and their carbon output.” Researchers arranged prokaryote answers to temperature changes worldwide, from salty Antarctic lakes below 0°C to thermal pools at above 120°C. It was also observed that prokaryotes that usually tend to operate in a medium
temperature range, reflect a strong response to rapidly changing temperature, by increasing their respiration in both short term and long term, in other words, days to weeks and/or months to years. Also, prokaryotes that operated in higher temperature ranges, were not as responsive but since they worked at such high temperatures in the beginning, they are thought to be unlikely to be impacted by climate change.
The Humpback Whale Recovers from Near Extinction
ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME APARICIO/EPM Being considered the top species of our planet, we as humans have an obligation to protect any animal that is unable to do so for themselves. JESUS MARQUEZ Reporter
jesus.marquez1625@my.riohondo.edu
Humpback Whales that live in the Southern Atlantic have finally recovered from the brink of extinction.
These beautiful creatures were once on the verge of becoming extinct, but today the population has increased up to 93 percent. Positive news for sure for anyone in appreciation of these fine mammals. Today, Humpback
Whales are mostly seen between South America and Antarctica. While some whales from different species are becoming extinct due to their reduced size and the whales have undergone an unbelievable recovery.
Before extinction there were more Humpbacks. Between the mid 1700s and mid 1900s hunters killed at least 300,000 whales around the globe. Also when hunters tried to harpoon a whale, they tend to escape and sadly die after hours of suffering. However. there is a new study that estimates there are 24,900 whales that live in the Southern Atlantic this year. Back in 1958, there were only 440 Humpbacks. But the International Whaling Commission put a decision to ban the commercial hunting of all whales species and populations in 1986. That meant whales had a chance to recover again by mating and create a newborn offspring every year. The more of these sea creatures mate, the more whales there will be in the sea. After the ban of killing whales, slowly they recovered little by little by 30 percent. However, researchers first
began to reassess how many whales existed before the hunting frenzy started. The International Whaling Commission survey did not check the data correctly from back in the early 1900s. During hunting seasons, techniques became more structured and whalers began to push further into sub-Antarctic and Antarctic habitats. Scientists hope that the new counting method will soon tell similar success stories with the other humpback populations. But Scientists are concerned because whales may face new threats such as climate change and marine debris. The only solution to keep the ocean clean and clear from marine debris is by putting the waste in the trash. Humans must understand that whales have emotional feelings and they need the ocean clean to stay safe.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
11
Discovery of New Methods to Store Renewable Energy JESUS MARQUEZ Reporter
jesus.marquez1625@my.riohondo.edu
For the first time Scientists have invented a new affordable flow battery membrane that can speed up renewable energy for the electrical grid. Individuals ask themselves how do experts store a renewable energy? It’s there when you need it, even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind is not blowing? Well these massive batteries are invented for the electrical grid called flow batteries. The flow battery is responsible to store power in tanks of liquid electrolyte and could be the solution for future alternative uses. However, the utilities have yet to find a cost effective battery that could reliably power thousands of houses throughout the lifecycle of 15 to 25 years. Today, the new membrane machine was developed by researchers at
the United States Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Experts developed a versatile affordable battery membrane from a group of polymers known as AquaPIMs. This group of polymers creates long-lasting and low-cost grid batteries possible based solely on readily available materials such as Zinc, iron, and water. The group of researchers also invented an easy model staging how different battery membranes impact the lifetime battery. The group’s goal is to expect that the battery to accelerate early stage R&D for flow-battery machines. The most grid battery chemistries have highly alkaline or basic electrodes which is a positively charged cathode on one side, while the negative charge anode on the other side. However, the current state of the art membranes are created for acidic chemistries, for example the fluorinated
ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME APARICIO/EPM With technology expanding and evolving every year, the discovery of an everlasting battery or power source is inevitable. membranes found in the fuel cells, but not for alkaline flow batteries. The fluorinated polymer membranes are expensive to purchase. This technology
can make up 15 percent to 20 percent of the battery cost, which can run in the range of $300/kWh. Creating the new flow battery is just beginning
for researchers as they have other ideas to apply more effective things along the way.
The Difference Between An Expert’s Brain and A Novice’s
ILLUSTRATION BY JAIME APARICIO/EPM Reading any type of material should ensure a healthy mind for as long as you take the time to expand on your mentality. Whether it’s reading an online article or picking up a random book of conspiracies, learning any subject matter should not be frowned upon. Reading is reading. EVELYN VARGAS Reporter
evelyn.vargas3749@my.riohondo.edu
As absurd as it may sound, when mice learn to do a new task, their brain activities and developments change within time passing by. Eventually they advance from ‘novice’ to ‘expert.’ These particular changes are reflected in the wiring of cell circuits and activities of neurons. With the use of a twophoton imaging microscope and a wealth of genetic tools, researchers from Cold Spring HArbor LAboratory (CSHL), Columbia University, University College Londo, and Flatiron Institute
discovered that neural networks become far more concentrated as mice became better at executing a trained task. With the data being collected, they managed to use it to construct computational models that are capable of informing their understanding of the neuroscience behind decision-making. Professor Anne Churchland, CSHL Associate says, “We recorded the activity from hundreds of neurons all at the same time, and studied what the neurons did over learning.” The first author on the study and a postdoctoral fellow in Churchland’s lab, Farzaneh Najafi, began by
training mice on visceral decision-making tasks. Mice then received multisensory stimuli, by the form of a sequence of clicks and flashes combined together. Their job was to let researchers know whether those occurred at a high or low rate by licking one of the three waterspouts in front of them. The middle spout was approached an dlicked to start the trial, one side to report high-rate decision and the other side for lowrate decision. If the mice succeeded with the task they were rewarded. The neurons, the team unveiled, turned more selective in responding to an activity dealing with a certain task.
When animals are just commencing to learn, neurons don’t respond until it is time to make the choice. Nonetheless, when expertise is gained, the response from neurons is further in advance. Researchers decoded neural activity by training a small artificial network called the ‘Linear Support Vector Machine’ using machine learning algorithms. This help collect performance data from several trials and combines it with activity of all neurons. When the animal gets better at the given task, the neural networks get refined, precise and specific. With that, researchers are then able to mirror that onto the artificial network. This
can later predict the animal’s decision with about 90 percent accuracy. This study, published in Neuron (Cell Press), it was found by the researchers that the inhibitory neurons are part of very selective subnetworks in the brain, and they’re strongly selective for the choice that the animal’s going to make. Part of a biophysical model, are these neurons,this helps researchers understand how decision making works. As researchers refine these models, they’re able to make more sense of how cognition informs behavior.
OPINION
12
CHICK-FIL-A Vs. Raising Canes SAMUEL GARCIA News Editor
Samuel.garcia8465@my.riohondo.edu
It’s a question that haunts every 14-20 something year old: Chick-fil-a or Raising Cane’s? Okay, maybe not, but it has been a question that has been up for debate recently. Now, I would say there’s no right answer, but not only would I be lying, this would be a very short story. And listen, I don’t live my life as a contrarian, going against the norms of society - I just happen to have opinions and those opinions are facts. Here’s why Chick-fil-a reigns supreme over Raising Cane’s: More variety. It’s not called Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers for nothing: that’s all they serve! Established in 1996, Raising Cane’s specializes and takes pride in their chicken fingers. Take a gander at their menu, and it consists of different variations and quantities of chicken finger. The box combo contains four chicken fingers, along with fries, Texas toast, coleslaw (gross), and a drink; the “3 finger” combo comes with three chicken fingers; the Caniac combo comes with six chicken fingers. Oh
ILLUSTRATION BY SAMUEL GARCIA/EPM Chicken fast food is one the largest growing fast food buisness with places like Popeyes, Chick-Fil-A and Raising Canes getting gradually more sales over the years. hey, they have a sandwich combo, which is three chicken finger on a Kaiser, with lettuce and Cane’s sauce. If you look at Chick-fila’s menu, they offer chicken nuggets, yes, but they also offer ACTUAL sandwiches, with actual chicken patties, and lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes (if you order the deluxe combo). Not only that, but from 6-10:30 a.m., they also serve breakfast items, like breakfast burritos. Granted, it’s all chicken-themed food items, but there’s variety: it’s
not just one food item. Their chicken has flavor. I probably should’ve put a “trigger” warning in the subheading - my apologies, Cane’s purists. But, you know, not really. The main problem yours truly has with Raising Cane’s is that their chicken tastes BLAND. Okay, yeah, you can’t really spice up chicken fingers/tenders, but for all the hullabaloo, for the never ending lines in the restaurant and the drivethrough, the chicken really doesn’t have a lot of flavor.
Justin Timberlake: Busted
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Saying it doesn’t have a lot of flavor is actually being nice it has no flavor. Zilch, nada. That’s why customers have to drench their food in Cane’s sauce. Chick-fil-a’s chicken, on the other hand, has plenty of flavor. Like I mentioned in the above paragraph, they offer a variety of chicken-themed foods. You can even ordered grilled chicken for your sandwich or nuggets. Speaking of variations… Mac. And. Cheese. You knew this one was coming. Since August,
Chick-fil-a has been serving macaroni and cheese, and if you haven’t tried it yet, then I suggest you do it. Now. Go, I’ll wait...Welcome back! Wasn’t that the most magical experience in your life, or at least one of them? I don’t always eat mac and cheese, but when I do, I eat Chick-fil-a mac and cheese. The only item on Raising Cane’s menu that comes close is probably their Texas toast, which I’ll admit is pretty good. But Cane’s also offers coleslaw in their combos, so it evens out. All in all, Chick-fil-a has more to offer in their menu, with a variety of meals and drinks to choose from, it almost seems like a nobrainer. However, this is not a perfect world and we can of course never all agree. But I hope I can sway the public to make a better choice. I have articulated why Chick-fil-a is superior to Raising Cane’s. If you agree, then awesome. We can be friends, or at least acquaintances. But more like classroom acquaintances, where if we see each other outside of school, we don’t say hi and chit chat, but kind of awkwardly acknowledge each other with a little nod. If you don’t agree, then enjoy eating your bland chicken fingers.
KIANA ARVIZU Opinion Editor
kiana.arvizu6791@my.riohondo.edu
OPEN COURSE
My nightmares … Your/You’re Their/There/They’re Who/Whom Comma splices Sentence fragments Passive voice Verb tenses
Put an end to costly grammar and usage errors. Explore the extraordinary history of standard American English, learn how to properly apply grammar to real-world communications, and enjoy the power and influence afforded by the effective use of written and spoken language. This course is especially helpful for students planning to go into teaching.
Justin Timberlake became the topic of conversation this past weekend, when he was photographed going out and cozying up to his costar, Alisha Waineright. The actor and singer was photographed all night holding hands and groping his co-star, and vice versa. they were photo graphed holding hands, stroking eachothers thighs, and more. Justin Timberlake was seen not wearing his wedding band all night. The actor and singer married actress Jessica Biel back in 2012, and they share their four year old son. Now that we know the facts, let’s talk about it. Apparently, this outing in New Oreleans was a postwork celebration, as both actors are on set for the film Palmer. Other sources close to both actors have said that their is nothing going on ro-
mantically between the two. Now, the problem with this is that there is evidence. Their are multiple photographs that were released of the heavy petting that occured all night. Cheating in my opinion is the lowest thing you could ever do to someone. It is really damaging to a person and it really pains me for Jessica Biel and their family to have had it become such a public spectacle. The media is so quick to report things, I can not imagine how celebrities feel in moments like this. Their lives are constantly blasted and often they do not get the chance to do damag control. I hope that this does not get any uglier and that it needs to. Unfortunately, I wish I could say “I hope this is not true”, but I mean, the facts are there. Its him. There are many, many, pictures of the act. To Justin Timberlake, I say: “What goes around comes around”.
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GRANT TOVMASIAN/INSTRUCTOR The Rio Hondo Speech and Debate team have their best tournament run yet taking home eight awards. GRANT TOVMASIAN Speech Professor gtovmasian@riohondo.edu
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