Boys don’t cry. But why not?
From Russia with love Daria Sharova was a star in home country. Sports. 11
Opinion 6
Volume 49, Number 12 n Golden West College n April 8-21, 2015 n www.westernsun.us
Applications for ASGWC are available Deadline is April 30; elections will be held here May 11-15 By Amber Leikam Sun opinion editor
WESTERN SUN PHOTOS/TRE NESBIT
RAYMOND PERSINGER, sculpting instructor, with student Michael Cox.
Top sculptor sculpts students ing, something they feel they’ve needed.” He says that many discover their desire to be artists in his classes and “It’s nice to be Students have no need to travel to the that person that introduces them.” “I recall a particular moment when a Smithsonian Institute or the National Geographic museum to view some of the re- student slammed her first on the table and nowned sculptures featured there. They can said ‘this rocks! I had no idea this was out here.’ I told her ‘it’s been simply take a stroll right waiting for you for some down to Humanities 133 2,000 years,” he says right here on the Golden with a chuckle. West College campus to The 45-year-old was a view the artist whose work born handyman, building is featured in such places in things with his father’s action. tools from a young age. Raymond Persinger dou“I always loved making bles as a prolific sculptor things, I think on some whose work has been fealevel we all do as humans. tured in museums across the Raymond Persinger We like to express our exworld, and as a professor to periences be it spiritual, students wanting too learn sexual, music, food.” about the craft. Be it bronze, clay, or even He continued with his craftsmanship glasswork Persinger brings his extensive body of work and experience to the class- until a high school teacher encouraged him to expand on his handyman tendencies room to assist novice artists. Persinger’s eyes light up as he begins talk- through means of studying fine art. First ing about his students. “I really like teaching came his bachelor’s form California State at this level because for many people this is University (CSU) Long Beach. Next was when they discover what they’ve been missContinued on page 3
By Tre Nesbit Western Sun staff writer
“I recall a moment when a student slammed her fist on tte table and said ‘this rocks!’”
Do you want to be actively involved on your campus? Than get ready because it’s time to apply for positions on the Associated Students of Golden West College. With all positions available from president to sustainability commissioner the school is looking for a qualified students to fit now. The positions are: • president • vice president • student advocate • public relations officer • finance commissioner • club consultant • activities commissioner • sustainability commissioner • council secretary. Applications are due April 30 and are available in the student activity office, but along
with this you’ll also need 50 student signatures as well as a statement for intent, which describes why you want this position and what you hope to accomplish. Other qualifications include being enrolled in a minimum of five units and having completed five units and currently have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Having these basic qualifications makes you eligible to apply, but it takes more than just that to thrive as a member. Heather Sanchez, a receptionist for the activities office, says you need to be “dedicated to campus and the needs of the students.” And dedication will be key with being committed to your position of choice for the year (fall and spring semester.) After the applications are turned in the elections will be held May 11-May 15, and then GWC will find itself with new student officers for 2015-16.
STUDENT BODY elections will be held May 11-15.
The Newspaper of Golden West College, Huntington Beach, California
2 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Will drought bring restrictions to water use? By Katie O’Neill Western Sun staff writer
persistent drought like this one (let alone a 20-plus-year mega-drought), except, apparently, staying in emer“California has about one year of gency mode and praying for rain.” water stored. Will you ration now?” Famiglietti’s warnings were successThis was the title of an op-ed piece pub- ful in their desire to elicit serious aclished in the Los Angeles Times a few tions being taken to address this issue. Recently mandatory restrictions weeks ago that immediately generated buzz and started a conversation about were levied in an effort to limit water the effects of the four-year-old drought use, days later Gov. Jerry Brown anthat has been plaguing California. nounced a $1 billion relief plan that Will we lose the ability to take a will fund water recycling, desalinashower and flush the toilet? Will tion and flood prevention. Brown was we be forced to watch our lawns joined by Los Angeles Senate leader turn from green to brown? Will we Kevin de León who promised even have to resort to collecting buckets more action, “This is just a down of water from Huntington Beach? payment on our efforts to address the Probably not, so what does drought. This is just the first round.” “one year of water” mean? These actions will affect our schools According to Jay Famiglietti, senior more and more as the drought perwater scientist at NASA’s Jet Propul- sists. College campuses including sion Laboratory professor at UC Ir- Golden West, must abide by the genvine, and the author of the article that eral prohibitions given to all Calisounded the alarm, the term is a bit fornia residents, including: watering misleading. California has one year landscapes that cause runoff, using of water left stored in its reservoirs, drinkable water in a fountain unless which holds only a part of the state’s the water recirculates, directly washwater supply. The other main source ing hard surfaces such as sidewalks is groundwater, which Famiglietti or driveways, or using a hose without states is also rapidly disappearing. a shut-off nozzle to wash a vehicle. The areas affected by the drought the During a normal year, 30 percent of California’s water comes from most are experiencing a rippling effect groundwater, while in times of intense for their school systems. Communities drought we utilize 60 percent or more. where the majority of residents work Famiglietti’s article warns, “Cali- in agriculture are suffering devastatfornia has no contingency plan for a ing job loss that is resulting in parent’s
Rates As Low As
5.99 % APR*
News Analysis
leges, and prisons only account for 19 percent of water use in California. The majority of it comes from the home. having to up-root their lives to find Outdoor irrigation, including lawnnew jobs and pulling their kids out of watering, accounts for 44 percent of school. Some districts are predicted to water use, while indoor residential lose up to 5 percent of their students, use, such as toilets, showers and washresulting in cuts to their funding bud- ing machines account for 21 percent. gets, which are based on attendance. The biggest contribution we can make This issue is already being addressed. is to cut down on our shower time, The California Department of Edu- don’t leave the water running, try to recation says it’s going to work with sist watering your lawns, and conserve schools affected most by the drought water everywhere you can. Individual to make sure they don’t lose funding. steps like these can make a difference Commercial, industrial, and govern- to supporting our quickly diminishing ment entities, including schools, col- water supply.
Earth Day set for April 22 By Joey Blood/Western Sun staff writer To coincide with Earth Day on April 22 Golden West College will hold its own day event to raise awareness and engage students and the community to communicate about educational, economic, social and environmental impacts and beliefs. On Earth Day, events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Student actions on campus have played substantial roles in advancing practices in an effort to improve sustainability on campus since 2007 when GWC president Wes Bryan signed the College and University’s Climate Action Plan he pledged that the college would uphold events and efforts to reduce the institution’s impact on the environment. Ever since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, individuals have organized across he world to rally for environmental protection.
NuVision’s First Time Auto Buying Program If you are in high school or a college student 18 years or older, with little established credit history, buying your first car can be overwhelming and difficult. At NuVision we will make it easy! • Rate as low as 5.99% APR* • No credit history required! • Let Autoland (Free Auto Buying Service) help you find the perfect car so you can stay within your budget.
For more details call 800.444.6327 and mention our First Time Buyer Program. *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate shown reflects a .25% discount for Automatic Payment, a .25% discount for 20% Down Payment, and a .25% discount for GPA of 3.0 or higher. Payment example: For every $1,000 borrowed at 5.99% APR for 60 months, your monthly payment will be $19.33. Must show proof of employment, proof of income, and proof of insurance at the time of car loan closing. This offer does not apply to existing NuVision Federal Credit Union loans. Vehicle age and mileage restrictions may apply. GAP Plus Required. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. This offer is valid once membership is established and Auto Buying Quiz is completed with a minimum score of 7 out of 10. NuVision reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time. Subject to credit union policies and procedures.
THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 8-21, 2015 3
Start your own business with GW Entrepreneur Club
By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer
With her crisp blue button up and carefully organized agenda, Cari Rebollar looks like she’s all business. And, as president of Golden West’s freshly inaugurated Entrepreneurs Club, she kind of needs to be. The business-savvy club is the brainchild of business professor and club advisor Bern Buamgartner, who suggested it during a class Rebollar attended. Rebollar was intrigued, saying it was something she “definitely would want to be a part of.” Their first official meeting took place the first week of the spring semester, but they are quickly expanding their influence on campus and community. The Entrepreneurs Club will be present at the ribbon cutting ceremony May 1 for Golden West’s new Center for Entrepreneurship & Leadership. To be located in the old library building, the E&L Center will offer instruction and technical support for those looking to start or grow a business. One of the leaders of the new E&L Center, Betsy
Densmore, will also be a guest speaker on campus on April 30 (location to be decided). All students are invited to listen to her speak on social entrepreneurship and the world of business. Rebollar wants Entrepreneurs Club to be a place where “like-minded individuals can learn and discuss business ideas in a friendly, supportive environment.” During meetings, members share ideas and resources, such as crowd funding website Kickstarter, and business-pitching competition show Shark Tank. Rebollar stresses the importance of having a good team to be successful as an entrepreneur. In addition, “you have to be willing to deal with disappointment, be extroverted and never give up.” Even for those not headed for a career in business marketing or managing, entrepreneurial skills can be a handy tool. New member Aracely Fernandez explains, “I’m majoring in music and film but I might want to start a business selling records or movies.” The Entrepreneurs Club meets every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in Business 209.
COULD YOU BE the next Steve Jobs, legendary entrepreneur?
Top sculptor sculpts students
Datebook
Continued from page 1
n Saturday, April 11 Baseball: Santa Ana at Golden West 12 p.m. SQL Training Event 8 a.m. n Wednesday, April 15 CSU Fullerton Rep Appointments n Thursday, April 16 Spring 2015 Career Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the campus bookstore. n April 17 Softball: Cypress at Golden West 6 p.m. Tour to CSU Long Beach 9:15 a.m. n April 18 Tour of UC Irvine 8:45 am Men’s/women’s swimming OEC Conference Championship at Saddleback College, 9 a.m. n April 22 Women’s Sand Volleyball at Golden West Individual Championships 12 p.m.
his Master of Fine Arts degree from CSU Fullerton and next came his legacy. At the fresh age of 23 Persinger was commissioned for his first large public art piece, creating “Mustangs,” a life-size recreation of three horses for the city of Brea. Persinger was then recruited by Dinamation, creating life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs and other creatures for museums across the world. After 10 solid years with the company he left doing freelance work for Disney and was eventually asked to teach at the Laguna College of Art and Design from 1995-2013 which Persinger says is one the highlights of his career. “I’m really proud of what we did there, I mean we built the program from the ground up. It was eventually recognized as one of the best programs in the nation. It was just my wife Mary Ann and I. We had had good instructors, and so we were good instructors.” As an instructor Persinger says he continues to learn from his students. “I believe the Outside the classroom his work influences his whole family who gets in on the art. He works alongside his wife and even his children. “I remember when I had my first daugh-
ter she must have been only a toddler, I was so in love. I would let her create with me sometime, she would sculpt away at the base of a piece and I would go back and fix it or change things. It got to a point where she put her hand out at me once as if to see ‘no, this part is done.” Presinger’s favorite part about creating is that art “has a life of it’s own. You create it and so many people love it and means different things to so many different people. It continues to live on, people take pictures with your work and people tell you stories of how it influenced them or what it means to them. You love knowing you did something that mattered to someone.” In general terms of creating the sculptors best advice is to be true to yourself. “If you do your own work, people will find you. If you do someone else’s work they’ll end up finding them.” Raymond currently teaches 3D Design and Sculpting at Golden West College as well as classes at Mt. San Antonio, Orange Coast College, Golden West and Blizzard Entertainment Academy.
– Amber Leikam
4 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Yes, boys can cry, and that’s OK “Be a man,” “boys don’t cry,” which are supposed promote strength “man up” are common expressions and independence are literally harmheard amongst growing boys, mostly ing men. heard when they are sad or afraid, Suicide rates in men are four times meant to be a way to “help” them higher than they are in women and become stronger, braver, it is actually men are behind 90 percent of the helping them to become emotionally world’s homicides, but while studdistance and perpetuates the alpha ies show men and woman on avermale stereotypes that being tough is age have the same amount of anger, being a man. With masculinity being women are more likely to be madefined with such words as nipulative (also an unhealthy aggressive, hard, strong, and attitude) while men are more the idea of being the “prolikely to be violent, thought to vider” it leads to the thoughts be caused by the cultural idethat men must be entirely als that men are aggressive. self-reliant when it comes to Now all the blame does problems they may come to not lay solely on our society’s face. cultural standard’s feet as We live in a culture that biology will always come into Amber Leikam the situation. Higher testosterpraises strength and masculinity, and emotion is often one levels have been linked to associated as a sign of weakness or more violent and aggressive behavior at least being emotionally expresas well as through human evolution sive is seen as being feminine, which males have been physically stronger seems to be the ultimate insult among and the protector in groups so natuyoung men (“don’t be a girl about rally aggression ensued. it.”). Author Rhonda Jordan put it like But we don’t live in an age of this “We’ve short-changed our boys fighting to show power, but with a and men by defining masculinity in society that still promotes those ideals such a way as to constrict the complex is causing not only men, but humanity essence of their humanity.” But these to never reach their true potential on attitudes and want to “be a man,” an emotional and intellectual level.
ONE VERSION OF MASCULINITY All of this isn’t to say masculinity itself is a bad thing just like femininity itself is not a bad thing, but when you stick men in to having to be hyper masculine only and having attitudes that follow the strict stereotypes associated with it, it leads to unhealthy side effects, like increased drug use, domestic violence, and doesn’t lead to well rounded, well adjusted human
beings. The attitudes and traits that are brought up does not help men become men, it helps them to become distance and raises issues of insecurities. It doesn’t support the needs they have as people with their own variety of weaknesses and it doesn’t help them learn how to be healthy in the way they express themselves and their emotions.
Indiana’s new freedom to discriminate By Thom deMartino Western Sun entertainment editor
Comment
Few things do I enjoy more than watching a politician try and squirm their way out of a corner they’ve painted themselves into. The “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” that Indiana governor Mike Pence signed recently prohibits any state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow their religious beliefs (the definition of “person” including businesses, religious institutions and associations.) Critics’ concerns are, if a business owner disagrees with a certain person’s lifestyle or beliefs, they can refuse service to them: the proponents’
viewpoint presumably being, the federal government is “overreaching” and infringing on the rights of persons of faith who don’t approve of secularism and social progress by passing laws forbidding bias against particular individuals. Backlash was swift and fierce. The Indianapolis-based National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) expressed grave concerns about the legislation, even suggesting that it may move future events elsewhere; numerous leaders of the tech industry blasted the measure, including openly
Continued on page 5
EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Trevon Nesbitt News Editor: Trevon Nesbit Opinion Editor: Amber Leikam Entertainment Editor: Thom DeMartino Sports Editor: Chris Abdelmalek. Advisor: Jim Tortolano Ad Director & Webmaster: Katie Cumper Staff Writers and Photographers Lola Olvera, Joseph Blood, Justin Pierce, Katie O’Neil.
INDIANA GOV. MIKE PENCE
CREATIVE COMMONS
THE WESTERN SUN is published biweekly on Wednesdays by the newspaper production classes of Golden West College. Opinions expressed in The Sun, unless otherwise indicated, are those of the individual writer or artist and do not necessarily reflect those of the college, district, or any other organization or agency. The Sun is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and the California Newspaper Publishers’ Assn. Offices are at 15744 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647 in the Fine Arts building, room 138. Phones: 714-895-8786 (news), 895-8256 (advertising), 895-8795 (fax). E-mail: gwcwesternsun@gmail.com
THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 8-21, 2015 5
My plastic surgery not your concern By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer A furious debate churns constantly in tabloids and Instagram comments: is Nicki Minaj’s magnificent rear end actually real? Are Kylie Jenner’s pillowy lips the result of dermal fillers? For whatever reason people feel entitled to judge other people’s cosmetic decisions, often denouncing them as “shallow” and “fake.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 15.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed last year, and yes, some of them could have been influenced by society’s crushingly high beauty standards-definitely a negative reason. But for the average person, going under the knife is a big deal and a very personal decision. Most people don’t change their appearance to please other people, they do it to please themselves, and in these cases, cosmetic surgery is entirely positive. As Lady Gaga puts it, “...promoting insecurity in the form of plastic surgery is infinitely more harmful than an artistic expression related to body modification.” People modify their body for two main reasons: to change something they’re unhappy with or to decorate themselves. Doing this in small doses, such as wearing false lashes or pushup bras, is widely accepted. Step over the unspoken boundary, however, and you get criticism. Getting breast implants makes you
we are but still be unhappy with certain aspects of our appearance. Since our genes give us limited and random physical traits, many people make cosmetic “shallow” and “insecure.” Getting gi- adjustments in an attempt to match their ant gauges or surgically attached horns appearance with who they are. makes you a deformity and a freak. DNA chooses the option of four People react to surgical modification different hair colors for us but chemiwith anything from mild disapproval cals can give us any color we wish. to outspoken disgust. You may have inherited a large nose A popular stereotype is that people but a good surgeon can reshape it any get plastic surgery because they feel way you like. ugly or have low self-esteem. We are Cosmetic procedures are not often told that we should love the skin always the result of insecurity; they we’re born in, which is a pretty unfair can make people more comfortable suggestion, considering we have very with their body or allow self expreslittle say in what we look like. sion. When people choose surgery, the TV personality Lauren Conrad value of their character or their new has noticed that “...everyone has that body should not be up for debate-it is friend who’s...like ‘I hate my nose, their business alone. I hate my nose...’ You either need to Whether you are “natural” or come to peace with it...or change it.” “fake” should not matter. All beauty Who we are and how we look are should be celebrated, whether it comes two separate things. We can love who from a scalpel or a strand of DNA.
Comment
Photo Poll If you could go anywhere for spring break, where would you go?
“Bora bora, I’ve always wanted to stay in a hut on the water, it’s very clear and beautiful.” Nestor Carache, 18, nursing, Costa Mesa
“Ibiza, I’ve heard it’s a party island.“ Michael Haffner, 28, industrial design, Huntington Beach
Religious beliefs vs. gays battle continues Continued from page 4
gay Apple CEO Tim Cook; and the online local business review website Angie’s List (also based in Indianapolis) suspended plans for a multimillion dollar expansion in response to the new law. While protesters marched on the Indiana statehouse in a punctuation of public opinion, the governor couldn’t backpedal fast enough from the results of the legislation. In an interview, Pence said he wanted to “clarify the intent” of the law, that he’d been “taken aback by the mischaracterizations from outside the state of Indiana about what is in this bill” -- and while declining to provide details on that “clarification,” reiterating that protections for gay and lesbian Indiana residents were “not on my agenda.” This isn’t new: the conundrum of religious beliefs versus LGBTQ rights has been in the news almost constantly lately. Recall within the last year when an Oregon wedding cake company refused to make a cake for a lesbian couple, violating a state non-discrimination ordinance and now potentially facing a fine of up to $150,000 (which, incidentally, an RFRA law there could have shielded
them from); or the backlash when a Colorado baker refused to write a hardcore anti-gay message on a bibleshaped cake and was subsequently sued by the customer for violating his civil rights (even though she offered to give the customer the frosting and tools to write the vile message on the cake himself.) So, civil rights for everyone *except* who you don’t approve of? Do I have that right? There’s a prevailing myth in this country about a “War on Christianity” that doesn’t really exist, except in the minds of those espousing it: in a 2012 Gallup poll, 77 percent of Americans polled listed themselves as Christian, while 18 percent reported no religious affiliation and only five percent being of a non-Christian faith (so, if I list my religious preference as “Jedi,” as many did in a British census in 2001, does that mean that in Indiana I can refuse to serve you because you “reek of the Dark Side?”) In fact, in a 2013 FBI report on hate crimes in the United States, almost half of hate crimes reported were based on race (48.5 percent;) more than 20 percent because of sexual orientation; and 17.4 percent for religious reasons. Of those cases of hate crime against
the religious in the U.S. (based off stats from the 2001-2012 FBI Uniform Crime Reports), 66 percent of attacks were against Jews, 12 percent against Muslims, nearly 10 percent against various other religions, and eight percent -- combined -- against those who identified as Protestant or Catholic. This law isn’t about religious freedom: it’s about codifying one religion’s right to discriminate against anyone or anything else it doesn’t approve of. We’re not in ancient Rome, Christians are no longer being thrown to the lions -- but a petty and pious few are perfectly content tossing everyone else they disagree with into the beasts’ maw. You’re offended by gays? That’s your right to say. So I hope you can respect that I’m offended by your lack of Christ-like forgiveness and understanding. If you are able to worship in your own church, temple, mosque or any other place of belief, you can do that in this country because it was founded on freedom of religion, and because a state-sanctioned orthodoxy was rejected by the framers of the Constitution. We do not live in an American theocracy. And I do thank God for that.
“Sweden, because they take coffee breaks all the time called ‘fika,‘ it looks fun.“ Madelline Diaz, 23, nursing, Anaheim.
“Fiji, because I like the beach and warm weather.” Sarah Brown, 20, nursing, Garden Grove. Photos and interviews by Christopher Abdelmalek
6 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Brand-new material ‘girl’ Madonna reinvents herself again with ‘Rebel Heart’
MADONNA is back with a new, saucy recording. By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer It’s amazing how people keep insisting than Madonna tuck her cleavage away and buckle down like any other “proper” aging female pop star would. As she points out in the title track of her new album, “Rebel Heart,” she never did intend to follow the rules anyway -- which is good for her, and good for her music. Madonna appears to be leaving behind her dance-heavy “MDMA” phase, though not entirely. “Rebel Heart's"
sharp, sudden bursts of EDM -- most of which are thanks to Diplo’s producing efforts -- give the album an edge and much excitement. “Devil Pray,” in which she teams up with artist Avicii, first strums like a country song and then slips into a watery submersion of vocal effects. “Unapologetic B***h,”meanwhile, mixes a reggae groove with a sing-song hook and sudden doses of dubstep, narrowly missing “kinda annoying” for “pretty cool.” It doesn’t hurt that Madonna’s spitting out some blistering lyrics on the track-this could, after all,
be her anthem. A rawer talent is spotlighted on the equal parts gospel/rave opener “Living for Love,” and shiny ballads like breakup reflection “HeartBreak City” and “Ghosttown,” which she recently performed with her “new favorite guitar player” Taylor Swift. And, of course, what’s a Madonna album without a few songs about sex? On the surprisingly fresh and minimal “Body Shop,” she takes auto imagery for a raunchy test drive, then likens her body to a religious experience on the track “Holy Water.”
One of the more interesting things about “Rebel Heart” is its contrary, or maybe complementary, sense of self. On one hand, there’s “B***h I’m Madonna,” the playful, throne-asserting blast to which Nicki Minaj lends a fierce rap. On the other is “Joan of Arc,” exposing a devastating vulnerability under constant scrutiny and judgment. Madonna has and always will be a multi-faceted, relevant pop musician, no matter how much the media loves to hate her. She’s right: “You can’t mess with this lucky star.” H H H H
You wanna bite? ‘IZombie’ turns the genre on its head
ROSE McIVER has the brains in “IZombie.”
By Thom deMartino Western Sun entertainment editor
Television
Being a brain-eating zombie, shall we say, bites. Promising medical student Liv Moore (Rose McIver) had so much to live for -- with a successful career ahead of her, a handsome, charming fiancee just waiting to sweep her off her feet... until a random invitation to an evening boat party became an unsolicited opportunity to become undead. Six months later her career is derailed, her pigmentation drained, and her stomach growling for brains.
Fortunately, her new boss in the city morgue Dr. Ravi Chakrabarti (Rahul Kohli) not only suspects her secret, but once he knows, he even embraces it as an opportunity to both study and help her. Ravi sees her zombification as a disease vector and thinks he can somehow find a cure -- something she never dreamed possible since turning. While Liv finds a steady supply of gray matter through the help of her friend and co-worker, she also finds Continued on page 8
THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 8-21, 2015 7
What’s Up: April 8-21 Game of Thrones, Season 5 – After an interminably long year of waiting, “Game of Thrones” returns to form with a new season of love, lies, honor and betrayal. Myriad storylines promise to converge and clash, and as always, try not to get too attached to your favorite character: if there’s anyone more ruthless than Joffrey Baratheon or Littlefinger, it’s writer George R.R. Martin. Dracarys! Begins Sunday, April 12 on HBO.
Daredevil – The “Man Without Fear” comes to the small screen: the next stage of Marvel Comics’ media domination begins as “Daredevil” arrives on Netflix, the first of five original Marvel series on the streaming media platform. Matt Murdock is a lawyer in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, righting legal wrongs by day, while dealing out a different kind of justice by night (did I mention he’s blind?) The entire first season will be available for viewing on Netflix on Friday, April 10. Orphan Black – Multi-faceted actress Tatiana Maslany returns as the multiple “sister clones” (Sarah, Cosima, Alison, Helena and Rachel, just for starters), still struggling with the mystery of their origins, only to find they’re not the only... model, shall we say? The new season begins Saturday, April 18 on BBC America. Ex Machina – Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young programmer invited to the retreat of his reclusive boss Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaacs): but he discovers his real job is interacting with and testing the humanity of a beautiful A.I. (Alicia Vikander.) In wider release April 17.
FROM “DAREDEVIL.”
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 – Paul Blart (Kevin James) and his daughter are on a trip to Vegas before she’s off to college: but though he may be on vacation, he’s never off the job. Opens April 17.
‘GAME OF THRONES.” Unfriended – Bullied and shamed, Jennifer committed suicide last year – so who’s stalking her friends one by one through her social media account? It’s a new kind of horror, in theaters April 17. Star Wars Celebration VII @ Anaheim Convention Center – Star Wars fans can get an early look at Episode VII at
the Star Wars Celebration VII, including a “The Force Awakens” panel on Thursday with director J.J. Abrams, and guests including Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Ian McDiarmid. More info at www.starwarscelebration.com.) April 16-19. Compiled by Thom deMartino
Back on the chain gang Hart preps Farrell for the big house in ‘Get Hard’ By Christopher Abdelmalek Western Sun sports editor The time has come and you take a deep breath – you don’t know what to
Movies GET HARD
WIll Farrell, Kevin Hart and Alison Brie star in a knockout comedy about playing by the rules, then learning to break them. Rated R for nudity, language, suggestive scenes and some violence. HHH expect, how to act, or what to do. With a helpless heart and no guidance you jump in. That’s what James King (Will Ferrell) faces when he is sentenced to 10 years of federal prison at California’s San Quentin prison in the comedy “Get Hard.” He’s an up-and-coming stockbroker who just made partner at his firm, is about to marry the love of his life, and has everything he could ever want or need. Just as King and girlfriend Alissa (played by the beautiful Alison Brie) are about to celebrate their engagement, King is suddenly arrested and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. As he faces his problem, he implores the help of a man by the name of Darnell, played by the hilariously talented Kevin Hart. Darnell is hired
WILL FARRELL and Kevin Hart in “Get Hard.” to help King survive prison: he plans on doing this by putting King through the experience of what prison life will be like. Under the impression that Darnell has been prison before, King expects him to teach him the ropes on how to be “hard” while incarcerated. Darnell begins to put King through a series of comical training procedures in an effort to help him to survive the prison life. A cast of hilarious actors and a cleverly written script helped this movie
succeed in getting a laugh or two out of the crowd. Ferrell and Hart play perfect counterparts in the movie feeding off of each other’s comic genius. With Ferrell soft, yet adult like humor and Hart’s rough, yet clownish style of acting allows the movie to flow without any dull moments. The music in the movie is a plus as it provides a great score for almost every scene. Needless to say actor and rapper T.I. had a hand in music, as he provides some of the soundtrack for Continued on page 8
8 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
‘IZombie’ TV review Continued from page 6
there's side effects to her diet: she gets flashes of the life of her meal du jour, even finding herself taking on aspects of the personality of the deceased. She realizes she may have a way to help the dead who can't help themselves, tying up loose ends, even investigating their murders from, er, the inside out. Police Detective Clive Babineaux (Malcolm Goodwin) is Liv's contact within the department, convinced that she's psychic and with no clue of her true nature, while she has to stay one step ahead to keep him from figuring out her ghastly secret. Her relationships with both family and friends have been suffering too, as she hides what she has become from them as well, hoping against hope to find some kind of cure before she goes "full zombie mode." Adding to her undead angst is Blaine DeBeers (David Anders,) a former drug dealer who is himself a sentient zombie (the only oth-
er one Liv knows of), and jealous of the practicality of her food supply. While he was the one who scratched and turned her at the boat party, he claims to have no knowledge of how he came to be this way: and while she listens to him, she's certain there's something under the surface he's not letting on about, and hopes it won't bite her in the end later. "IZombie" is actually surprisingly funny, and not nearly as gory as the faint-of -heart viewers might fear. The characters are very relatable and well--acted, and you can see the chemistry between actress Rose McIver and her cast-mates. If there's anything to complain about the show, it's that the names of some of the main players do seem a bit much ("Major Lilywhite?" Really?) It’s a good show, interesting concept, with a main character who, despite her undeath, is sympathetic to the viewer. Will Liv’s inner hunger devour her? Tune in and find out. HHH
ROSE McIVER gets a bite in ‘IZombie.”
‘Get Hard’ film review Continued from page 7
movie. T.I. plays Russell, Darnell’s cousin, who offers King some protection in the movie but also serves up a few delightful scenes with the two main protagonists. The movie itself overall was great, I caught
myself laughing from beginning to end. The cast was enjoyable and my only complaint is that there is not enough Alison Brie. In the end “Get Hard” is definitely a must-watch comedy movie. If you are a Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell of even a Jon Mayer fan, you’re going to want to watch this movie.
They’re not just damsels in distress
Comics have undergone several metamorphosis in the last three decades, regardless which big comics company flag you fly. The role of women in comics is something that’s changed as well, though many today may ask if its really, truly evolved. There’s been a storm of debate reemerging about the topic after an alternate cover to a recent Batgirl comic set some people’s teeth on edge. For those that don’t know, there was a one-shot DC comic in 1988 called “Batman: The Killing Joke,” in which Batman’s nemesis The Joker kidnaps Commissioner Gorden in an attempt to drive him insane, after shooting his daughter Barbara in front of him (Barbara being the secret identity of Batgirl.) It’s considered one of the most influential Batman comics, and set the tone for many of the iterations to follow, including “The Dark Knight” trilogy. It also established Barbara Gordon as permanently crippled in the Batman mythos, yet overcoming and finding ways around her disability to continue to help “Bats” and other DC universe Thom heroes as the cyber-genius Oracle. DeMartino There was a revamp of the DC Universe a few years back with the “New 52” (for those who don’t know, comic companies tend to retrofit their universes every decade or two, starting from scratch to tell new tales of the old characters we’ve come to know), in which Barbara Gordon was once again able to walk, and once again assisting heroes as Batgirl. But a recent variant cover of her comic book angered many readers: an image of the Joker from “The Killing Joke,” arm around the shoulders of a wide-eyed and terrified Batgirl, with a smeared red smile across her face. It seemed to bring back fans anger about what was done to her in the previous DC Universe, while also reminding them how women are portrayed and used in many comic tales. Comic book writer Gail Simone terms it “women in refrigerators,” after an incident in a Green Lantern comic some years ago: the hero’s girlfriend is murdered, the body hidden in his refrigerator to discover later. It’s a perfect example of how women have been characterized in comics for years, usually two-dimensional, frequently a tool for the villain to get back at their foes; a plot device to enrage the hero and give justification for whatever vengeance they may take. You would think that in over 70 years of comics, that things would have changed, and they have: but only slightly. While there is some female empowerment in comics today, much of it seems to be based on a male fantasy conception: Wonder Woman, for instance. Is she a strong warrior princess and inspiring role model from a tribe of Amazons on a hidden island, or is she a sexualized stereotype of strength based on some men’s ideals of what a powerful woman should be like? Arguably, one of the problems is the comic-book community still being overwhelmingly male, and the need for more female writers. The boys’-club mentality of the industry doesn’t help: in the last year or two, writers Mark Millar and Todd McFarland have made some dismissive comments about the over-sexualization of women in comics that only fanned the flames of the contentious nature of the topic. It’s a complicated issue. While strong, well-rounded female characters are appearing more frequently in graphic novels and comic books, it often feels like it’s one step forward, two steps back in the comic book realm. But with an increasing female fan base (as demonstrated at conventions, such as the recent WonderCon,) and writers of both genders working to create relatable, realistic, complex and nuanced female characters, there may in fact be hope for the future and the suffragettes of the comic world.
THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 8-21, 2015 9
Mediterranean bliss at Luna Bella Terra eatery has the best in Greek cuisine By Christopher Abdelmalek Western Sun sports editor Some Mediterranean places claim to be the best around, with authentic taste and great prices, but at Luna Grill in Huntington Beach, their claim to fame is all about their freshness. Luna Grill serves farm fresh organically grown products seasoned to perfection. They offer a variety of classic Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and of course hummus, available in regular or spicy cilantro. Luna Grill also serves wraps with various choices to stuff them with including chicken, sirloin, falafel and Gyros meat. All these options are available on a number of different salad combinations.
Food LUNA GRILL FRESH MEDITERRANEAN
Delicious classic style dishes with a fresh organic twist. Located at 7511 Edinger Ave. (Bella Terra) in Huntington Beach, Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. HHH Their plates are the signature items, with unique platters available such as the Cornish hen on the bone, Norwegian Salmon and a Lamb Tenderloin kabob. They also offer a delectable veggie option which plates three rounds of falafel, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, pita and couscous salad. Luna Grill prides itself on using locally harvested produce, sustainable farming and local business whenever possible. They use no added hormones or preservatives in any of their meat products.
Interested in wriiting, photography, graphic design? Want some useful hands-on experience? Consider joining the staff of The Western Sun, GWC’s student newspaper and www. westernsun.us in the fall. Register for Journalism 284 (Newspaper Production) Thursdaysat 11 a.m.
GREEK SALAD with gyros meat at Luna Grill. Luna has been open for just over a year and a half now, and has seen a growth in its popularity with the community ever since. The staff is very friendly and welcoming and provide great service. This quick style service where you walk up and order and take a seat is a common theme amongst Mediterranean restaurants, but at Luna, the staff takes that extra step to make sure you are enjoying
WESTERN SUN PHOTO/CHRIS ABDELMALEK
your stay. The layout of the place is roomy to say the least. With a large patio seating area and family style booths inside, “lunatics” have plenty of space to sit, eat, drink, and enjoy the company of their friends. Did I mention drinks? Luna Grill has several beers on tap and a decent wine list to pair up with the food they serve. When your meal is completed, don’t forget to indulge in their
delicious dessert options including Baklava and assorted flavors of nut rolls and mini cupcakes. Located on the south side of Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, Luna Grill Fresh Mediterranean offers great food and an enjoyable atmosphere for all. Their prices are on the higher side, but you get what you pay for in places such as this. Prime quality food, prepared in a classic style.
Doers Do CSULB Summer Sessions 2015
Two 6-Week Sessions May 26 – July 2 (S1S) July 6 – August 14 (S3S)
One 12-Week Session May 26 – August 14 (SSD)
More than 75 Online Summer Classes No formal admission to CSULB required
Enroll on a “space available” basis
Earn units toward your degree
Register Now! (800) 963-2250 x 60001 | info@ccpe.csulb.edu www.ccpe.csulb.edu/summer #DoersDo @CSULBInterSessn
California State University, Long Beach College of Continuing and Professional Education SS_GWC_Ad_S15.indd 1
3/16/15 Lorinda Owens Ad size: 5.94 in. X 5 in.
10:52 AM
10 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Drop the mic, and everyone will be safe When is enough in the stands as the team was going to be enough? paraded up on stage before Every year more and their sweet sixteen match up. more athletes are being “God, she’s beautiful. Oh! Did scrutinized and patronyou hear that?” Yes Nigel, we ized for their comments heard that, everyone heard to the media and other that. avenues of opinions. The next issue, and what Why is it that every most people would say is the time a young man or biggest issue, was young KenChris woman is put in front tucky player Andrew Harrison Abdelmalek of a microphone and uttering not only a vulgar cuss paraded on stage, we word but also a racial slur, under his attack them with a barrage of quesbreathe. The worst part was Harrison tions and then step back and watch wasn’t even asked a question. When the train wreck that we as media have teammate Willey Cauley-Stein was produced. asked about Wisconsin player Frank The recent sound bites from the Kaminski, Harrison covered his mouth NCAA men’s basketball tournament and shared his opinion of Kaminski, which saw, or rather heard, two differ- not “realizing” that the microphone ent players say something, which they was still on under his mouth. assumed was to themselves, under Now I am not condoning any of their breathe yet right underneath a the things said by either player, nor microphone, was blasted all over soam I in favor for giving Harrison a cial, print, and news media outlets in pass on using the slur or the vulgarity an effort to do what exactly, embarrass of the words he used. What I am upset these young men? about is that the media is “shocked” What good comes from havover the outcome of the recent events. ing the microphone pointed at these Who would have guessed that young young men in this situation? The first men cussed, or give a glance to a incident saw a young athlete from young woman, or anything a normal Wisconsin, Nigel Hayes, comment on college age men would do in that situthe looks of a young female reporter ation. The only difference is that these
players have a microphone pointed right at their face. What can we do as a society to change this? Well, how about educating these athletes on how to deal with the media first and foremost? Most of the student athletes have no idea how to handle media interaction that they will just act casual or normal because they have no guidance on how to face
the situation. I’m not saying have them act up on stage, but rather teach them how to handle an interview. Unless you want to resort to what Marshawn Lynch and a few other notable players who would rather not say anything up on stage at all and cause us as writers to fish for stories for days rather than get to the true story.
Men’s volleyball struggles Continued from page 12
far “As a team, we've excelled at holding each other accountable, especially during practices. The team has made huge strides towards the right direction.” The Rustlers sit 7-11 overall with a 3-7 overall record in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference. It’s time to prepare for the final games of the season where Golden West will once again play Irvine Valley at home on April 8 and San Diego Mesa on April 10.
The next issue of The Western Sun is on the newsstands on April 25. Look for us there and online at www.westernsun.us
Dreamt is the only word that ends in a-m-t. With 1,025,108 other words in the English language, what are the odds? One in 1,025,109, actually. Learn even more earning a bachelor’s degree at National University. Online. On campus. Non-profit. Don’t think you have time to learn something new? You just did. Los Angeles Campus 5245 Pacific Concourse Drive (310) 662-2000
Keep learning at nu.edu/transfer © 2015 National University NU15_2346
THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 8-21, 2015 11
From Russia with love ... and speed By Katie O’Neil Western Sun staff writer Golden West College freshman Daria Sharova has been making waves on the Rustlers track and field team, and it is no surprise considering the impressive track record that she has accumulated in events worldwide. Sharova, a new student this semester hailing from Russia, came into this season after winning an incredible achievement in her home country last year. Described as her proudest moment in sports, she humbly reveals, “I am proud [to say] that I won second place all over Russia in hurdles last year.” The Russian superstar has dedicated her talents to the Rustlers track team this semester and has been more than successful in her journey toward success at Golden West. Sharova has won the most events for the Golden West track team this season and has a long history with running track and field after watching her dad race while she was growing up. She says that he has inspired her the most with her track and field dreams and that he is her all-time favorite athlete to watch compete. The 19-year-old heavyweight excels in the area of jumps and hurdles and has said that her goal for this semester on the track team is to improve the teams overall results in the hurdle
“The whole track team is very supportive of me, although [teammate] Elizabeth Cotociu supports and helps me the most.” Daria Sharova and long jump events, a feat she has been most successful in after winning first place in five competitive events and over ten combined high rankings of second or third place. She currently sits as the number one ranked athlete for the 100-meter hurdles in Orange Empire Conference with a time of 14.92 and is ranked third overall in the long jump with a distance of 5.42 meters Sharova was born in Moscow, Russia and is currently studying as one of Golden West’s International Students. She was attracted to the city of Huntington Beach and the campus, She stated that her time spent on the track team has been very helpful for her transition into a new school in a foreign country, “The whole track team is very supportive of me, although Elizabeth Cotociu [teammate] supports and helps
DARIA SHAROVA is only 19, but has much to offer the GWC track program. me the most. Also [the] track coaches help me so much too.” Sharova doesn’t have a special routine that she utilizes to get her ready to compete; instead she relies on a good, old-fashion warm up and stretching regimen. She encourages any students looking to find success on the track at Golden West to come join the team and stated, “If you really want to achieve success in track and field you should be patient and work hard to becoming a stronger athlete and improve your results.”
Losing streak continues for softball Rustlers struggle to convert runs; pitching injuries piling up By Christopher Abdelmalek Western Sun sports editor “Things have been very frustrating this season,” says coach Suzanne Brazney. Indeed it’s been a disappointing season for the Golden West College softball team, which has dropped nine straight and has an overall record of 6-24. The team is struggling to play consistent ball and it shows at the moment. It doesn’t help the Rustlers that one of their key starting pitchers was out with an injury in Miley Wilson, leaving Kiley Eskridge as one of the only pitchers left on the roster. She stepped up in a big way pitching for the team in three straight games, all at least five innings, including an astounding 11-inning marathon against Riverside City College on March 26in
WESTERN SUN PHOTO/CHRIS ABDELMALEK
KILEY ESKRIDGE stepped up for the Rustlers in the absences of Mylie Wilson. which Eskridge pitched the whole game. The problem the team is facing is much more than just an injury or pitch-
ing. It’s coming in clutch with runners in scoring positions. “We have been leaving almost 10 runners on base every game. It's hard to win that way,”
says Brazney. There is no team in college that can win leaving that many players out there. The team is trying to figure out a way to pull a win out but will need to help out their pitchers Eskridge and Wilson, who returned for the Rustlers recent tournament at Santa Barbara City Tournament. The tournament resulted in similar fashion with two losses for the Rustlers. “We know we have more athletic ability then we have had in a while,” Brazney states, but they haven’t been able to put it all together yet. “We plan to still battle to the end and possibly upset some teams post season chances!” The Rustlers have five games left in the season and hope to close out on a high note. The Rustlers have two more road games against Santa Ana City College on April 15 and Riverside City College on April 20. Three of their final five games are at home with rival Orange Coast College on April 8 and Cypress College on April 17. They close the season out against Fullerton City College on April 22.
12 APRIL 8-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Rustlers baseball looks to boost playoff propsects GWC stands now at 7-6 in Orange Empire action
OEC Baseball Standings
By Justin Pierce Western Sun staff writer If screaming "arigato"(Japanese for “thank you”) was supposed to intimidate the Rustlers squad into making mistakes, it failed just as miserably as did the Japanese Imperial army in World War 2. Golden West packed up Saddleback College like a bento box, beginning in the fourth inning thanks to three RBI singles by Gianni Castillo, Tyler Depreta and Kyle Stahl, which scored four runs and another run earned via a harrowing move to the plate by center fielder James Stea after a wild pitch, and finally ending with Golden West shutting out the Gauchos for the rest of
Team Orange Coast Cypress Fullerton Golden West Riverside Irvine Valley Saddleback Santa Ana
OEC All 10-3 19-9 9-4 20-8 7-6 18-10 7-6 15-13 6-7 18-10 6-7 16-10 5-8 18-10 2-11 12-15-1
Standings through games of April 4. Source: OEC.
the game to go on to win 7-1. Saddleback was no match for the Golden West team, who worked as a unit to nullify every attempt to respond in kind that the Gaucho's could muster up. Pitcher Ryan Kayoda garnered his fourth win, with only one run given up in 7 innings pitched, chalking up five strike-outs in the process. Golden West
WESTERN SUN PHOTO/JUSTIN PIERCE
RUSTLER PITCHER Ryan Kayoda had a stellar performance in a 7-1 win over Sadddleback College. relievers Andrew Arledge, and closer Alec Harris helped the wrangle the Gaucho's, with each pitcher contributing one scoreless inning. They dropped the next two games against Chaffey College losing 6-2 at home on March 31 and again on the road in a close one 6-5 on April 2. As the Rustlers approach the end of the season, they will look to tighten up their grip on the bat and make a push towards the playoffs as the Orange Empire Conference is in a close race as the Rustlers currently sit in a tie for
third with Fullerton with a conference record of 7-6. Orange Coast and Cypress currently sit one and two in the conference but are within striking distances. The Rustlers play at Irvine Valley on April 9, at Santa Ana on April 14, at Orange Coast on April 17 and at Riverside on April 21. They have homes games vs. Santa Ana on April 11, vs. Orange Coast on April 16 and close out the season vs. Riverside on April 23. This is their last chance to move up in the OEC for better playoff seeding.
Men’s volleyball struggles in OEC By Amber Leikam Western Sun opinion editor Golden West College men’s volleyball team faced off against rival Orange Coast College on March 25 and while the Rustlers played hard with Alvin Truong bringing the team 17 kills it’s effort just wasn’t enough to defeat the rival Pirates. The game was a quick one only lasting for three sets with scores of 25-15, 25-13, and 25-21. But the sting of the loss was short lived for the team with an away game victory against the San Diego City College Knights, who have had their own struggles this year. The game started off shaky with the Rustlers losing the first set 25-23, but then came back to win the next three sets with scores of 25-19, 25-23, and 25-19. Then the team had a winning the game against the Palomar Comets playing the full five sets. The Rustlers eventually finished them off for their six win of the season. Grossmont was next to face-off against the Rustlers and while the fight was hard the Griffins were able to overtake them in three sets with scores of 25-20, 25-21, 25-23. While this is another a setback for the team has Taivasa Alama still is happy with what the team has achieved so Continued on page 10
Next print issue of The Western Sun will be on April 25