‘DOGS TAKE DOWN RAMS IN FIRST ROAD WIN
You decide: The ban on plastic bags OPINION Class resurrects Mazda to be turbocharged racecar FEATURES Theater season begins with “Wonder of the World” CULTURE
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MONDAY Issue OCTOBER 8, 2012 FRESNO STATE
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SERVING CAMPUS SINCE 1922
Cellphones become new theft target By Mark Smith and Rogue Morales The Collegian Cellphone thefts are on the rise at Fresno State, and authorities say students need to keep watch. Eight cellphones were stolen or attempted to be stolen between August through September. C a m p u s Po l i c e S g t . John Gavel said that represented an 800 percent increase from previous years in the same time period. “For the same time period, there was only one reported last year,” Gavel said. “The same goes for 2010— there was Yoceline Gallardo/ The Collegian only one.” In the 2010 to 2011 Cellphone thefts are on the rise with an 800 percent increase, said Sgt. John Gavel. Smartphones school year, there were a are the target of choice because of their value said Gavel Eight cellphones have been stolen or total of 19 reported cellattempted to be stolen between August through September.
Collegian hosts first-ever Student Choice Awards
phone thefts on campus all year. For 2011 to 2012, there were 15. Gavel said that the main targets were smartphones because the value of such devices has increased greatly. On August 30, several robberies took place where two male suspects with guns approached individuals on campus and demanded the vict i m s g ive t h e m t h e i r cellphones, said campus police. The suspects then rode away on bicycles. Another incident took place on September 18 where an unknown suspect attempted to steal a cellphone from a victim who was walking with a bicycle near Shaw and Chestnut Avenues. The suspect approached the victim on a bicycle and
asked to use their cellphone. The suspect then tried to leave on his bicycle with the cellphone, but the victim was able to get it back. “Basically the smartphones are the target of choice,” Gavel said. “IPhones are big. But Samsung Galaxies and other similar phones are popular targets.” Gave l said th at th e main reason phones are stolen is lack of student awareness. “It doesn’t take much to get your phone stolen,” Gavel said. “Most of the time it’s people forget their phone. They go into the restroom or something and think ‘oh man, I forgot my phone.’ Then, when they come back, it’s See THEFT, Page 3
Valley weather starts to cool down
By Rogue Morales The Collegian The Colle gian is hosting the first ever Student Choice Awards at Fresno State. The awards allow students, faculty and staff to cast their votes in favor of their favorite businesses. Similar contests have taken place in the Fresno community such as The Best of Fresno and People’s Choice awards. However, this is the first time the Fresno State community will be the only voice. “I’m really excited about the Student Choice Awards because it allows students to express their opinions in a time when a lot of people feel unheard,” said Julie Waite, an advertising senior. “I think Fresno businesses will really like knowing who Fresno State thinks is the best.” Nominations are currently being accepted through The Collegian’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ TheCollegianOnline and will See CHOICE, Page 3
Dalton Runberg / The Collegian
As the sun sets in a splash of vivid colors over Fresno State’s vineyard, the Valley was noticeably cooler going into the evening hours on Sunday. After a week of unseasonably hot weather, Fresno will get a reprieve of low 80’s and mid-70’s throughout the week, with a small chance of much-needed rainfall.
USU Productions plans series of political talks By Alan Wileman The Collegian
University Student Union Productions is planning to host a series of political talks prior to the November elections. Last week, the USU hosted a talk by California State Senator Michael Rubio in the Free Speech Area, which drew a crowd of students. He discussed different topics such as Proposition 30, prison spend-
ing and education. Now USU Productions hopes to open up the talks in a panel-based discussion. T h e p a n e l i s s p o n s o re d by The Point, a committee involved in USU Productions, and is designed to help students uncover the importance of the upcoming election as well as give the perspective of some distinguished professionals. Issues will include topics
that involve the Central Valley and the state of California. The panel hopes to have at least two local and statewide political figure; which could include Califor nia S t at e A s s e m bly m e m b e r s David Valdadao and Linda Halderman, as well as local figures such as KMPH news personality Rich Rodriguez. Both Halderman, who is part of the 29 assembly district, and Valdadao, who is part of the 30
assembly district, are involved in Central Valley issues and look to serve the Valley as they see best. Bianca Maglalang, who is part of the USU Production’s public relations department, and a student at Fresno State, said that the political discussion are a way for students to better understand some of the issues that will be in the upcoming elections. “This event will be a great
open forum for students to have their voice heard and questions answered,” Maglalang said. “This event is a great way for the student body to come together and understand what political issues our nation faces.” The panel will consist of a brief introduction from the USU representative and followed up by a brief self-introSee POLITICAL, Page 3
The
Collegian
Opinion PAGE 2
IS 10 OCTOBER Popcorn Poppin’ Month
OPINION EDITOR, LIANA WHITEHEAD • COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8. 2012
OUTSIDE OPINION
Onto
the dinner plates of aliens
By Loraina Ward Senior, psychology major
The classic episode of “The Twilight Zone” ends with a government codebreaker discovering the subject matter of the book, “To Serve Man.” The book was brought to Earth by aliens who solved all of mankind’s problems. The aliens, rather than swoop down and grab whomever they wanted, incrementally gained the trust of the people, gave them everything they wanted and solved all of their energy, food, air, water and health problems. Finally, the benevolent aliens hosted trips to the home planet for the Earthlings. How exciting! A trip to space! Instead, it was a one-way trip to the dinner plates of the aliens. How sinister, how evil are those who would befriend someone just to plan to control him or her and harm them in the long run (eat them, in the case of The Twilight Zone story). What would they have to gain by befriending the Earthlings? Why not just grab them up and force them into the ships? I have a theory: If you are an alien with a looming food shortage, you probably have had the time to find out where that thing you need is and created a plan of how to get it. You want those you wish to control to go willingly. It is important for you to convince them that it is for their own benefit to trust what you say and do. Then, follow it up with free things, solutions to all problems and promises of even greater things to come - all the while controlling every part of their existence.
The people you want to control must not be agitated. No, forceful attacks are messy and eventually lead to too much trouble. You certainly do not want to damage the merchandise. They must be kept in the dark and fresh for your purposes. It is much easier to just have them go along willingly in your evil plan, thinking all is right with the world. It does not matter how long it takes. Eventually, you will get what you want tenfold. Later, if the people resist, you can just lock them up or kill the ones who resist. By then, all the others will agree that you should eliminate the troublemakers. In ancient times, the society with the most warriors and weapons simply defeated and took from the weaker one. In societies where the populace is armed, it is much more difficult to overtake and control the people. So, since World War II, we have seen more sinister methods: infiltrate a society, promise friendship, “democracy” and cooperation, and then incrementally remove the rights from the people. The goals are always the same: control the populace. Sometimes it is for “the common good,” sometimes it is to “save the planet” or “save the children” or “education.” And sometimes it is just for the greedy need of a few to have much (of course, always for your own good) and for the many to serve the few. It was the 1950s and early 1960s when Damon Knight wrote “To Serve Man” and Rod Serling adapted it for his television show. The zeitgeist was post-WWII and they both had been traumatized by the horrors of war. Knight and Serling had witnessed
You
Decide
Several Califor nia cities have already implemented a ban on plastic bags in retail and grocery stores, including Los Angeles County and Oakland. The law has been adopted on a global scale in places such as Bangladesh, Haiti and New Delhi. As with any controversial subject, there are a myriad of pros and cons facing the ban. Some support it, claiming that it will change the environment considerably. Others feel that it is simply another governmentimposed tax on the American people. Supporters of the ban propose that replacing plastic bags with reusable cloth sacks and charging a 10 cent tax per paper bag will encourage shoppers to “go green.” The
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Culled each week from discussions on The Collegian’s website.
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By Liana Whitehead Opinion Editor
ban was initiated in hopes of reducing litter on city grounds and ocean waste, according to the Los Angeles Times. Some supporters believe that the greatest damage caused by the bags is economic, while others suggest it is environmental. It is also said that the ban can save shoppers $18 - $30 yearly without the rooted plastic charges. The consequence of violating the law can result in fines of $100 - $500. Those who oppose the ban say that plastic ba gs account for only 0.3 percent of California’s waste, while yard clippings and food waste make up 32 percent. Others argue that over 30,000 American manufacturing jobs and 349 plants will be affected by the ban. Studies done in Los Angeles
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Step back a moment. Is your head telling you something different than what you are hearing are the “facts?” You are probably right. Do your own homework and then trust your instincts. Vote accordingly. Is it not wonderful that you have this power? Use it wisely. The point of this foray into the current election is clear: Whether or not you are a first-time voter, more than ever you must be a critical thinker. Your voice does count, and you and your children’s future will be impacted. You must not fall for eloquent speeches full of promises of wonderful things to come. This is the beauty and the curse of a representative republic like America. We do get to choose how we want to live and not be under the control of others — unless we give them that control. It is a brilliant design of government — you get what you choose. So choose wisely. The government truly is of, by and for the people. But more than any other time in our history, we must take an active role and not follow blindly into the spaceship. “The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs, and explosions, and fallout,” Serling said in a 1967 Los Angeles Times interview. “There are weapons that are simply thoughts, ideas, prejudices, to be found only in the minds of men . . . and the pity of it is that these things cannot be confined to the Twilight Zone.”
The ban on WEB-SPE@K plastic bags
Collegian
The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.
firsthand the unfolding terror of leaders who initially promised solutions to all problems, only to resort to mass murder to accomplish their evil goals. They saw the Nazi and Soviet threat and predicted the infiltration of communism into the American government. These days, the threats are still there — they just come in different ideologies. Many of us will soon vote in our first election, be it for president, senator, propositions or state representatives. Many questions come to my mind: Have you researched the candidates? Who really is he or she? If they are up for reelection, how have they voted? What is their background? Have you read any books they have written? What policies have they championed? Did their speeches sound one way during their campaign and their actions prove completely different? What was their true agenda? Vote them out if you please. Do not count on the press to inform you — inform yourself. Have you read your voter guide about the propositions? The analyses and “pros and cons” sections paint a very different picture than what you hear in the radio or television commercials. As you study the issues, ask yourself: How will this affect my family and me? How is this going to impact my paycheck and tax return? What is this going to cost us? Are the benefits worth the cost? (Sadly, it is almost always about your money and who controls it). While you are at it, check out the state budget. It is there for all to see on the California state website. Eyeopening.
show a reduction in retail and grocery revenue since the ban was issued in 2011, according to CBS. The opposition feels it hinders personal freedom when forced to choose from purchasing reusable bags, paying 10 cents per paper bag and not having the option to choose otherwise. Is the plastic bag ban an economically and environmentally friendly proposition, or is it a legislation that will tax Americans and deplete jobs? You decide. Visit http://collegian.csufresno.edu and let us know what you think under “Opinion.”
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Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu) All letters submitted to The Collegian must not exceed 250 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian. Each member of the campus community is permitted one copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. Contact the Editor in Chief for details. All content Copyright © 2012 The Collegian.
‘The not-so-great debate’ Belgaron: “I applaud your decision, although I feel that Romney is someone to vote for and not the lesser of two evils. Government needs more people who understand business, budgets and their interaction with the economy. There are too many lawyers in D.C. and not enough engineers and problem solvers. Romney has real strategies to balance the budget, save Social Security and Medicaid and return to a robust and growing job market.”
Response: ‘Presidential debate watch hosted on campus’ William S: “Seems to be a huge disconnect between how students viewed Obama as winning by a small percentage, when in truth even the liberal mainstream media machine is very upset over Obama’s poor performance. In the words of Chris Matthews, ‘and what was Romney doing? He was winning.’ In the words of Bill Maher, ‘Looks like [Obama] took my million and spent it on weed.’ Obama was a colossal failure. How students missed that is stunning.” Editor in Chief News Editor Features Editor Science/Culture Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Staff Reporter Multimedia Director Multimedia Journalist Multimedia Journalist Multimedia Journalist Multimedia Journalist Webmaster Local Advertising Manager Local Advertising Manager
Dalton Runberg Rogue Morales Cameron Woolsey Jeffery Smith Liana Whitehead Luke Shaffer Roe Borunda Ricardo Cano Sergio Robles Garrett Horn Rachel Waldron Michael Price Yocelin Gallardo Brad Soo Arevik Chakhlasyan Matthew Tracey
National Advertising Manager Account Executive/Special Projects Art Director Assistant Art Director Distribution Manager Accountancy Assistant General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Chair
Russell Goolsby Maxine Rodriguez Carlos Lujan Diana Williams Kirsten Hernandez Valerie Gomez Rich Marshall Toni A. Carmona Jan Edwards Ron Orozco Katherine Adams
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
News Briefs Hispanic Heritage Month Final Event Wednesday Hispanic Heritage Month’s final event at 6 p.m. is the presentation of the film “Miss Representation” in the Henry Madden Library, Room 2206. Entre Mujeres, the Center for Women and Culture and Hispanas Organized for Political Equality will host the film. Ly n n e t t e Z e l e z n y a w a r d e d Fulbright Scholar grant Lynnette Zelezny, associate vice president of Continuing and Global Education and associate provost at Fresno State, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to study and observe educational developments in international education in Germany.
THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS NEWS EDITOR, ROGUE MORALES • COLLEGIAN-NEWS@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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CHOICE: Students can vote for their favorite business CONTINUED from page 1 continue through Wednesday. Students can also visit The Collegian’s table in the Free Speech Area on today from noon to 2 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. Cate gories include: best winter vacation; best chicken wings; best local winery; best thrift shop; best Thai food; best tanning salon; best student living; best salon; best movie theater; best auto shop; best casino; best bakery; best fast food; best local bar; best Italian
Logo by Dan Koenig / The Collegian
The Fresno State community can nominate its favorite businesses at https://www.facebook.com/TheCollegianOnline
or use the QR code below to be taken to the site on a smartphone. food; best pizza; best gym; best sushi; best boutique; best frozen yogurt; best car wash; best microbrewery; best barbeque; best coffee shop; best Mexican food; best bike shop; best farmer’s market; best barber shop; best vitamin store; best seafood restaurant; best auto dealer; best general restaurant; and best Chinese food. The top five nominees in
each category will then be voted on to select the best businesses. Voting will begin on Tuesday via The Collegian Online at http://colle gian.csufresno. edu and will continue through Tuesday, Nov. 6. The winners will be announced in the Student Choice insert on Monday, Nov. 26.
THEFT: Students advised to be aware of surroundings
CONTINUED from page 1
gone.” Though statistics on thieves were not accessible, as many are not caught, Gavel estimated that people who are not Fresno State students carried out a high percentage of the thefts that are happening on or near campus. Gavel said that criminals attempt to blend in to their surroundings before making thefts by dressing in an unassuming way. “The urban camouflage is you dress like students— you throw on a backpack so you blend in and as you walk past someone you pick something up, like their phone, and take it with you,” Gavel said. To keep phones and laptops safe, Gavel suggested a few sim-
“I
’d say try to keep it (cellphone) out of sight depending on what place you go it.” — Durrel Simpson, Computer engineering major
ple actions. “You can have your friends watch your stuff for you,” Gavel said. “Or, just always be aware of what you have on you. Take it with you, no matter where you go.” Students on campus also feel that cellphones should be kept out of sight. Sara Walters, a master’s of fine arts student in creative writing at Fresno State, moved to Califor nia from Florida and was warned by friends to keep her cellphone close to her because cellphone theft was a problem. “I try not to hold it in my hand when I’m walking at night,” Walters said. The emails that campus police send to students, alerting them to different crimes that take place on campus such as cellphone thefts, have also made an impact on the way Walters carries her cellphone. Dur rel Simpson, a computer engineering student in his junior year, said students should keep their cellphones out of sight and travel in groups when they are on campus at night. “I say travel in groups— it’s always best to travel in groups,” Simpson said. Simpson had a cellphone
Yoceline Gallardo / The Collegian
Fresno State Police Sgt. John Gavel said students should be aware of who is around them since people who steal cellphones are usually dressed like students. Students who wish to report stolen property can call 559-278-8400.
stolen two years ago near Manchester Mall. He and a friend were attacked and had their possessions stolen. “I’d say the only way to prevent that type of stuff is just not show it off as much. People
walk around with their phones in their hand and it’s kind of a signal,” Simpson said. “I’d say try to keep it out of sight depending on what place you go to.” To report cellphone thefts
or other stolen property, call Campus Police at 559-278-8400.
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COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. http://collegian.csufresno.edu
POLITICAL: Political talks set up to inform students CONTINUED from page 1 duction of each member of the panel. Following the introduc tion there will be a 40-minute orchestrated panel discussion and a 10-minute Q-and-A ses-
sion where students can get involved in a dialogue with the members of the panel. Possible topics at the discussion will include propositions 30 and 32, education and the Central Valley water issue. Students are also encouraged
to bring other topics they feel are significant to the discussion Maglalang said that the panel would help students like herself better understand the political issues before voting. “I think this event would be a
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great opportunity for students to attend,” Magalang said. “As a student myself, I know a lot of us are unsure of what is to come during the this year’s presidential election. I am curious myself when it comes to politics. Having a panel to discuss and answer my questions will help me and other students decide on who to vote for in November.” Justin West, a junior kinesiology major, thinks that it is important for the campus to host these events and for students to get involved. “This will be the first time a lot students will have a opportunity to vote for the president
and I think it is important that the school hosts discussions and allows access to this information,” West said. “We are at an important crossroads for our country. The more we know about the issues the more informed we will be to make educated decisions.” The discussion will be held at the Satellite Student Union at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23 and is free for all students. The time is tentative but students are encouraged to get there early. Fo r m o re i n fo r m at i o n about the panel, visit USU Productions online at www. fresnostate.edu/USU or on Facebook and Twitter.
“W
e are at an important crossroads for our country. The more we know about the issues the more informed we will be to make educated decisions.” — Justin West Kinesiology major
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THE COLLEGIAN • FEATURES FEATURES EDITOR,CAMERON WOOLSEY • COLLEGIAN-FEATURES@CSUFRESNO.EDU
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
Class gives junkyard car new lease on life By Cameron Woolsey The Collegian Industrial technology instructor Daming Zhang’s IT 127 class went to a junkyard and picked out an old 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata earlier this year. In another story, that old Miata would have stayed at the junkyard, ultimately picked to pieces and left to weather the elements. But Zhang’s class, which is part of the Fresno State Motorsports club, is giving the car a new destiny: to be rebuilt, part-by-part, as a 220-horsepower racecar, and race it in the Sports Car Club of America Autocross. The task the 12-student class has is to take the small, light, two-seated sports car and resurrect it as a powerful racing machine. The 1989 Miata was the first model of its kind, and its frontengine, compact design favored speed much like its British and Italian 1960 roadster predecessors such as the Lotus and Alfa Romeo. Zhang said that the class is designed for students nearing the end of their engineering education. The class requires students to have general knowledge on how to fix and modify a vehicle, he said. “The class is a pure activity class,” Zhang said. “Students will have to use their knowledge they have learned to do this project. So, for example, they need to know how to do
the welding and they need to know how to use the machine room.” Since given a new lease on life, the car has been stripped bare, without an engine, wheels or seats. The students are currently reinforcing the build by adding cross-stitching. The next step for the class is to add a roll cage, then redesign the engine and add a supercharger, bringing the car from 100 to around 220 horsepower. “Turbo charging a Mazda Miata—that’s something new for everybody,” senior Joaquin Serrano said. Serrano said this is the first semester he has worked on the vehicle. He said the class has several goals to meet at the end of the year, including putting qualified students behind the wheel. “The project is to try to get the car back together, get students open to the field of racing and automotive classes and see how it’s done and try to get two seniors this year to get their racing license so they can go out and race this car,” Serrano said. Ser rano believes that In order to get licensed, students will have to go through training courses for safety and do several trial runs in order to get a hang of driving a vehicle built for high-speed racing. While the class is meant for experienced students, it’s open to anyone willing to learn what goes into vehicle design and repair. “We invite other students from all different majors, too,”
Roe Borunda / The Collegian
Daming Zhang and his class have stripped down a 1989 Mazda Miata to rebuild it as a powerful racecar.
Serrano said. “So you can come here and you can learn how to weld, you can learn how to use machine tools and stuff like that.” Serrano said he hopes the club will be finished with the car in fall of 2013. He said he plans on graduating next May, but will come back to see the car on the road for the first time. “It’s a process,” Serrano said. “You can’t really build a car like this, especially with the resources we have, we can’t really put it together as quickly as you think.” Progress on the vehicle has been steady, Serrano said, but
the team has run into some challenges. Senior Jesse Lee is working on the car as a fabricator. He said that the biggest hurdle for the team has been the lack of proper equipment. The class is able to buy new car parts using a I n s t r u c t i o n a l ly Re l at e d Activities grant, Zhang said. However, the money can’t be used on new tools. “There’s not much usable stuff,” Lee said. Lee said that many of the tools are so old they can no longer be refitted for new bits. Zhang said that some of the students have been bringing
their own equipment from work and home. However, the lack of new equipment isn’t deterring the class. “In the end, you look back on it and (you think), ‘Wow, I did all that with nothing,’ so it’s kind of cool,” Lee said “It offers the students a really good opportunity to learn what’s all involved in motorsports and racing.” “The meaning of this project is about the career of the student,” Zhang said. “We want students to learn, and maybe in the future, (use) that as a career.”
What’s your favorite business? presents:
We will accept Nominations: 9/26/12-10/9/12
Vote now on The Collegian’s Facebook!
The
Collegian
SCIENCE & CULTURE MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
SCIENCE & CULTURE EDITOR, JEFF SMITH • COLLEGIAN-FEATURES@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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Theater season starts ‘Wonder’-fully By Ricardo Cano The Collegian In the first scene of American playwright David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Wonder of the World,” Cass, the main character, introduces the play’s central plot when she explains to her husband, Kip, that she’s made a huge mistake in life. She asks him, rhetorically, “Do you remember that time you proposed and I said, ‘yes’?” “Wonder of the World,” this year’s opening production for Fresno State’s University Theatre, tells the tale of a woman who leaves her husband – seemingly stifled and conflicted by a secret he has kept from her – and boards a bus to Niagara Falls in search for meaning and guidance. Director Brad Myers’ adaptation of the comedy opened Friday. The production will continue playing through Oct. 13 at the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts building. “We often like to kick off our season with a comedy, just kind of a more festive sort of start,” Myers said. Myers said Lindsay-Abaire is a playwright that is “very hot right now.” Lindsay-Abaire’s “Rabbit Hole” won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2007. His most recent production, “Good
Roe Borunda / The Collegian
“Wonder of the World,” a Fresno State performing arts play, opened its doors Friday night to students and the community. The theatrical performance is a comedy and will show until Oct. 15.
People,” is currently the mostproduced play in the country, according to The Theatre Communications Group, the industry’s largest trade group. “I think he’s a very funny writer. And yet, there’s some
serious issues that he deals with as well,” Myers said. “I’ve been dying to do one of his plays, and I thought this particular one suited the acting pool that I knew we would have this fall.”
Senior theater arts major Elisa Alpizar stars as Cass, an optimistic woman who ventures off to Niagara Falls with nothing but a suitcase and a bucket list consisting of wearing velvet, talking to a stranger
and wearing a wig. “There’s something kind of childlike and naive and optimistic about Cass — and I think Elisa really has those qualities,” Myers said. “She’s also very, very bright. That’s a nice combination. “You could get an actor who’s just going to mock the character, and I didn’t want that. I wanted someone who really understood her and would advocate her.” Alongside Alpizar’s Cass is Lois, played by Aubrianne Scott, a sophomore theater arts major. Scott plays a suicidal and jilted alcoholic who befriends Cass, begrudgingly, at first, on her journey to Niagara Falls. Scott’s character — depressed and careless — is as much the antithesis of the peppy Cass as she is her own catalyst for comic relief. “Getting to know Lois and trying to be in her brain was a little bit harder because I’m not an alcoholic,” Scott said. “The certain things that she would say I didn’t quite understand until the last couple weeks of rehearsal. Even though (her lines are) raunchy, she doesn’t have any censors. She just says whatever she See PLAY, Page 6
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THE COLLEGIAN • SCIENCE & CULTURE SCIENCE & CULTURE EDITOR, JEFF SMITH • COLLEGIAN-FEATURES@CSUFRESNO.EDU
The daily crossword Across 1 Fermented honey drink 5 Put in the pantry 10 Prepare email 14 Fairly large fair 15 Symphonic wrapups 16 Fuel for a firepit 17 Take an ax to 18 Place for sporting events 19 Money in Milan 20 It makes sense 23 Roses-red link 24 Firepit residue 25 Seeing red 27 __ au poivre 29 Takes a downturn 32 “Little Red Book” chairman 33 Nightstand spot 36 Camping trip dampener 37 It makes cents 40 Easy pace 41 Rested on one’s laurels 42 Parking facility 43 Lines of pews 44 Painter of ballerinas 48 California’s __ Mesa 50 “Just __ thought!” 52 Wagon wheel groove 53 It makes scents 58 Boyfriend 59 Threescore 60 GI sought by MPs 61 Uneaten morsels
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis Los Angeles Times
Puzzle by Mike Peluso
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62 They’re blue when they’re fair 63 Inca territory 64 Hissed “Hey!” 65 Fashionably dated 66 Periods in history Down 1 Popular tourist destinations
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
2 Caution earnestly 3 Highest point in a satellite’s orbit 4 Info 5 Sings like Ella Fitzgerald 6 Synagogue reading 7 Poland-Germany border river 8 Sounded the bell 9 Biblical twin
10 Many a junior high student 11 Violin-playing comedian 12 Rogues’ gallery item 13 Shogun’s capital 21 In the buff 22 English Lit. majors’ degrees 26 Over there, back when 28 Act the accessory 29 Opera headliners 30 Foreboding March day 31 Fresh-mouthed 34 Artistic style of the Empire State Building 35 Hoped-for Christmas weather 36 Ferris wheel, e.g. 37 Speed trap setters 38 Under-the-gun situations 39 Company doctor 40 Comfort from mom, briefly 43 WWII fliers 45 Produce producer 46 __ borealis 47 Touchscreentouching tool 49 Expect loyalty from 50 In pursuit of 51 Last word 54 Georgia was a part of it: Abbr. 55 Emcee’s need 56 Leave 57 Sprinter’s goal 58 Jazz genre
PLAY: First play opens in John Wright Theater
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Word of the Day
Lockblock When one person prematurely attempts to open the passenger door on a vehicle while the driver simultaneously tries to unlock the door, causing it to relock and keep the passenger outside. Source: Urban Dictionary
CONTINUED from page 5 wants because she’s going to kill herself, so why not? “She’s hilarious. Hilarious.” The play features nine different settings and locations — such as a hotel room, two airborne helicopters and three themed restaurants—that span two acts. The play, for the most part, is based in a hotel room near Niagara Falls. “I think a big challenge is the fact that there are so many locations,” Myers said. “There are a lot of plays that are set in one location, and you build that set and you don’t have to do any shifts or transitions.” Myers said one of the difficulties of having many set changes in this play is figuring out the logistics of the quick transitions between different scenes, such as between a bedroom in the first scene to a hotel room. The production also features a cast that had to undergo drastic makeovers for its respective roles — from a financially impaired elderly couple, odd-jobbing as shoe shiners and private inves-
tigators, to a clown doubling as a relationship counselor. “To be honest, that’s the final stage that you go through as an actor,” said Jochebed Smith, who plays Janie, the clown counselor. “You go through all of the rehearsals and memorize all of your lines, but finally getting into character gets real when you get into hair and makeup.” The comedy – featuring a wit-heavy script that references decapitated Barbie dolls, Costco bulk brands of peanut butter and Donkey Kong-sized barrels—is also a play that delves into the serious theme of finding the meaning of life, Myers said. “It’s what I call an absurdist play masked as a comedy,” Myers said. “Are there signs in life, meaningful events that are telling us something about the life that we’re living? — That’s what Cass is after. She believes in those signs. She believes in destiny. She believes in fate, as opposed to an absurdist point of view that there is no meaning in life. That’s her search.”
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In a dramatic scene, lead character Cass (played by Elisa Alpizar) is held up by the bellhop, Glen (Ryan D. Torres), who is paid to kill her by husband Kip (Jacob Rico).
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS SPORTS EDITOR, LUKE SHAFFER • COLLEGIAN-SPORTS@CSUFRESNO.EDU
PAGE 7
RAMS: Bulldogs finish with 408 yards of total offense and four passing TD’s CONTINUED from page 8 of Saturday’s game. However, Fresno State was still able to slowly pull away entering the second half. “I think it was good that he (Carr) threw through this,” DeRuyter said. “But I think when guys start making plays it gets us in a rhythm.” Late in the second quarter, Carr was able to widen the
’Dogs’ lead. On third down and five, Carr threw to his left and hooked up with wide receiver Josh Harper for a 20-yard touchdown. “We have so many weapons, so many guys that are really good at what they do,” Carr said. “Defenses can’t doubleteam one guy and leave one guy one-on-one.” This score put Fresno State up by 14-0 at the end of the half
and was a momentum-changing play for the ’Dogs. “I trust and believe in our of fense, and they’re doing exactly what they need to do,” Thomas said. Entering the final quarter of play, Fresno State was able to strike early and potentially put the game away. On another passing play from Carr, receiver Isaiah Burse caught a 15-yard touchdown to put the
’Dogs up 21-0. “They do a great job on winning routes. And they make my job a lot easier,” Carr said. On Colorado State’s ensuing possession, the Rams were able to convert a fourth-and-long to continue their drive. However, safety Thomas flashed his ballhawking skills and intercepted the pass from Rams running back Donn Alexander. “We’re out there to force
Photos courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Collegian
Leading the Bulldogs with 174 all-purpose yards, running back Robbie Rouse dashes his way pass Colorado State players last Saturday at Hughes Stadium.
turnovers and make big plays. And that’s what this defense is all about,” Thomas said. “It was the running back and he was going to throw it. And it came right to me.” Fresno State was then able to march down one final time and score on another Carr touchdown pass to receiver Davante Adams. This score put the ’Dogs up by 28 points and all but ended the game. With 42 seconds left in the game, Colorado State was able to get a touchdown to thwart the Bulldogs’ bid at a shutout. “I was proud of our guys for handling adversity like this because we’re used to getting 58 points,” Carr said. The ’Dogs continue on the road next week in conference play facing Boise State. The Broncos lead 10-4 in the series against Fresno State, which dates back to 1977. DeRuyter, Carr and the Bulldogs will look to continue their recent road success as they face an excellent Broncos team in their home stadium. “To finally get a road win, that’s huge,” Carr said. “We can take that off so that’s now done. Now we just got to play football and limit mistakes and just go.” DeRuyter added, “We know we’ve got a challenge against a team that we haven’t beaten in while this week. So we better have a good week of practice because we’re going to play a team that has won a heck of a lot of ball games.”
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COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. http://collegian.csufresno.edu
MOMENT: Carr believes he needs to continue to improve his game CONTINUED from page 8 In fact, Carr feels honored when comparisons are drawn between the two of them. “Those have been there my whole life,” he said. “If you want to compare me to him, I’ll take that as a compliment.” Based on his play so far this year, Carr may not have to worry about measuring up to others. So far, he has completed an astounding 68.5% of his passes, throwing for 1,816 yards and 18 touchdowns. And ag ainst Colorado State on Saturday, he threw four more touchdowns in guiding the Bulldogs to a 28-7 victory. Carr’s exploits have caught the attention of the NCAA. In the preseason, he was named to the watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award, which is given at the end of the year to the best quarterback in college football. Carr joins a list that includes Matt Barkley of USC, Landry Jones of Oklahoma and Geno Smith of West Virginia. “It’s awesome,” Carr said. “It’s a great honor to be men-
“T
hose have been there my whole life. If you want to compare me to him, I’ll take that as a compliment.” — Derek Carr, Junior quarterback
“I
t’s awesome. It’s a great honor to be mentioned on that list.” — Derek Carr, Junior quarterback
tioned on that list.” Despite preseason accolades and record-breaking performances, Carr knows the best is yet to come. He says that he is still making adjustments to a new game plan, and acknowledges there is always some tweaking to do in the spread offense. Carr will continue to show how much he’s grown when the Bulldogs travel to Boise, Idaho next weekend to take on their old rivals, the Broncos. For Fresno State, it’ll be another chance to take down its heated foe. For Carr, it’ll be another chance to pad that record book with more numbers, this time against a program that has been a thorn in the Bulldogs’ side. If the previous six games are any indication, Car r’s offensive excellence should continue. After all, he is in the “zone.” Hopefully, he won’t be disturbed.
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COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. http://collegian.csufresno.edu
Carr believes that his and the offense’s best performance is yet to come. The ’Dogs will travel to Boise State next week to try to win another game on the road.
The
Collegian
SPORTS PAGE 8
THURSDAY...
The Volleyball team starts a four game home series at the Save Mart Center against Colorado State this week. SPORTS EDITOR, LUKE SHAFFER • COLLEGIAN-SPORTS@CSUFRESNO.EDU
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
Bulldogs rout Rams, win 28-7 ’Dogs’ bid for shutout ends in fourth quarter By Luke Shaffer The Collegian In what was another strong defensive victory, Fresno State defeated the Rams of Colorado State 28-7. Safety Phillip Thomas was again at the helm of another solid outing by the Bulldogs. Amazingly, Fresno State held the Rams scoreless for almost the entire game. “We come out every week with the mindset that we’re going to win the game for us,” Thomas said.
“I
thought our third down defense was good and we were getting off the field quickly. I thought our defense did a good job stopping the run and getting them into where it was tough for them on third down.” — Tim DeRuyter, Head coach
“I think our defense understood what they (Colorado State) were trying to do,” head coach Tim DeRuyter said. Although the Bulldogs were strong on offense, collecting a team total 408 yards and four passing touchdowns, Fresno State’s defense really shined. The Bulldogs limited Colorado State’s offense to 249 total yards and only 55 rushing yards. “I thought our third down defense was good and we were getting off the field quickly,” DeRuyter said. “I thought our defense did a good job stopping the run and getting them into where it was tough for them on third down.” The first half of the game was riddled with penalties on both sides of the ball. Fresno State was held by the Rams for only one touchdown in the first quarter, which accounted for the ’Dogs’ lowest scoring output this season. “We had a bunch of firstand-long situations and we have got to get rid of them,” DeRuyter said. Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr and running back Robbie Rouse were held to subpar performances during the first half Photos courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Collegian
See RAMS, Page 7
Fresno State had six different players with multiple receptions against the Rams in Saturday’s game. The ’Dogs finished with 217 total passing yards and three different players with at least one touchdown.
’Dogs quarterback Derek Carr is seizing the moment Carr joins the Davey O’Brien Award list along with USC’s Matt Barkley
Six games into the season, quarterback Derek Carr and the ’Dogs are putting up spectacular offensive numbers. With 2,963 total yards, Carr and the offense are enjoying a great turnaround from last season.
By Jason Smith The Collegian
Every now and then, you’ll hear athletes say they’re in the “zone.” The zone is supposed to be that place where nothing can distract them. It also happens to be the place where tremendous feats of athletic prowess are put on display. And if Fresno State junior quarterback Derek Carr has found the “zone,” it looks like he won’t be leaving any time soon. Just six games into the 2012 college football season, Carr and the Bulldogs are putting on an offensive showcase that is thrilling fans and leaving opponents shaking their heads in disbelief. With Carr at the helm of the offense, the Bulldogs have gotten off to a successful start in their first year in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) going 2-0 in conference play and 4-2 overall. It seems like whenever that ball zips out of Carr’s hand, something magical is about to happen. And it usually does. “I’ve tried to put in as much hard work as I could to get ready for the season,” said Carr. “I’m just trying to run it to the best of my abilities.” Well, so far, Carr seems to have taken to the changes pretty in the ’Dogs offense scheme pretty well. Recently, he was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week after he shredded the San Diego State Aztecs by completing 42 passes for 536 yards
“I
’ve tried to put in as much hard work as I could to get ready for the season. I’m just trying to run it to the best of my abilities.” — Derek Carr, Junior quarterback and five touchdowns. It was a record-setting performance and tied the school single-game passing mark held by Dave Telford. Yet, despite his early season success, Carr says there’s still room to grow – for him and the team. “I have so much room to grow,” he said. “I’m going to continue to learn as much as I can.” And if he continues to learn – and thrive – in coach Tim DeRuyter’s spread offense, Carr is going to place himself in the upper echelon of other great Bulldogs quarterbacks like Trent Dilfer, Kevin Sweeney, Mark Barsotti and some other guy named David Carr, who helped carry Fresno State to national prominence in 2000 and 2001 and became the first overall pick of the Houston Texans in the 2002 NFL Draft. If you think that the younger Carr would find it unnerving to be compared to his older brother, you’d be wrong. See MOMENT, Page 7