Now, it’s more than a ‘Game’
Arts & Entertainment 6
Track runs with the best GW team competes well with strong squads. Sports. 11
Volume 49, Number 11 n Golden West College n March 25-April 7, 2015 n www.westernsun.us
Neutrality on Internet safe ... for now
Cosplay Club dresses up the campus By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer
The FCC rules for equal access By Tre Nesbit Sun Executive Editor The free and open Internet as we know it lives to see another day as The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has passed new regulations on distributors of broadband services that maintain net neutrality. Golden West Computer Science Professor Jyoti Chandra explains that “net neutrality, refers to the principle that says Internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all Internet traffic equally. It means that every user, whether small company or big corporation, gets the same advantage in the Internet world." The new rules list the Internet it Jyoto Chandra as a Title II utility, treating them as traditional telephone services rather information services they had previously been treated as. Under the new guidelines broadband providers are being restricted not the websites, apps, and services we consumers access through them. Jyoti says “It's an important win against Internet service providers, who are willing to offer more for elite customers for additional chargea. Companies should not be able to moderate Internet usage in any shape or form for a simple reason – the Internet belongs to all and should be free and open
“Monopoly should not be accepted.”
Continued on page 2
COSPLAY CLUB members gather for Club Rush.
“No 3DS's allowed during club.” President Mike Edman is half-joking, half-serious and everyone present knows it. While most clubs at Golden West College don't harbor a not-so-secret Nintendo addiction, when you're the Cosplay Club, the world of games and fantasy is an integral part of your life. Cosplay (as in “costume play”) involves dressing up as characters from comics, movies, cartoons, video games or manga and anime on a regular basis, often engaging in role play with fellow cosplayers. Its subculture is evident at large conventions such as WonderCon and Comic-Con. Sometimes, though, cosplay can be a hard hobby to explain, Edman often resorts to comparing it to Halloween while one member still hasn't figured out how to explain to her boss why she's putting on a blonde wig and cape after work. For Edman, cosplay is about having fun and fostering the community spirit. “I can be someone I'm not and no matter what, people will love it. When you're cosplaying, you're friends with everyone.” Unsurprisingly, with Cosplay Club, Continued on page 2
Teacher of the year nominations coming due By Amber Leikam Sun opinion editor
It’s that time of year again when students and faculty can show their appreciation to a deserving teacher on campus by nominating them for Teacher of The Year. With the deadline fast approaching on
March 27 at 12 p.m. it’s time to hurry to get the nominations in, which are available on the GWC website. Nominations are open to all former and current students, as well as teachers, counselors, and administrators, who each offer an important perspective on why a teacher should be
nominated. Those eligible to be nominated are full/part time teachers “whose efforts have inspired and enabled students to improve their lives.” The nomination forms will be reviewed by two different committees to make sure they meet the criteria, first the student council who will move
the “most persuasive nominations” to the Academic Senate where the finalist will be chosen and announced to the campus. This gives the opportunity to give recognition to a teacher who inspires and encourages students here on Golden West campus. Former nominee and
The Newspaper of Golden West College, Huntington Beach, California
2012 winner Professor Paul Tayyer encourages students to make a nomination because “[they mean] a lot more then actually winning it. Just the idea of someone taking the time to say those things about you makes the entire thing worth it, whether you actually Continued on page 2
2 MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015THE WESTERN SUN
Net neutrality is OK’d Continued from page 1
for all. Monopoly should not be accepted for sake of future generations." Huge companies, such Youtube, Hulu etc. could afford to pay for faster connections while smaller ones, say your community college's online classes and informational databases are left to buffer if they can't meet the demanded price by providers. A cry for the cause of strengthening and defending net neutrality came from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings in spring of last year in a disgruntled blog post. Hastings had made a deal with Comcast to pay for direct access to their broadband services but apparently was not completely pleased with the deci-
sion stating "The Internet is improving lives everywhere democratizing access to ideas, services, and goods…the essence of net neutrality is that ISPs such as AT&T and Comcast don't restrict, influence, or otherwise meddle with the choices consumers make." After the open letter hit the web millions of Americans along with thousands of websites spoke through record breaking online protests and a full year later the internet is being protected, for now at least. AT&T has already announced plans to sue the FCC but until then, rest peacefully knowing your Internet remains completely unchanged for the FCC CHAIRMAN Tom Wheeler holds hand with commissioners time being. Mognon Clyburn (left) and Jessica Rosenworcel.
Cosplay Club loves costumes Continued from page 1
it's a “the more, the merrier” type of attitude. New members are always welcomed warmly, as are opportunities to connect with those share their passion. The Gamer's Guild at sister school Orange Coast College has just invited them to that group’s beach bonfire; Edman also hopes to team up with the Circle K Club at OCC for a charity event and costume contest.
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Creating costumes, a process which can be time-consuming and expensive, lies at the heart of every cosplayer. Tips and techniques are exchanged during workshops; last week Edman demonstrated the basics of body armor; the week before that they practiced their trauma makeup skills. An upcoming on-campus event is in the works. Called Cosplay Cafe, club members plan on dressing up in
full costume and offering cupcakes and coffee for sale. A portion of the proceeds will go towards Kids Can Cosplay, a non-profit organization that provides positive support for children through costumed entertainment. Cosplay Club meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Health and Sciences Building, room 113.
Nominations for teachers Continued from page 1
get it.” Tayyar also added “If there’s an instructor a student feels has made a difference in their life that gesture goes a long way It’s nice to get that kind of affirmation at times, it’s not why you do it but it’s nice to have it.”
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THE WESTERN SUN/MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015 3
From Huntington Beach to London Trip to England has become GWC traditional event By Justin Pierce Western Sun staff writer They say that getting a different perspective on culture, can be lifechanging. It’s often repeated that learning a new language gains you a new soul. The challenges of immersing yourself in a foreign culture are daunting, but as will all things, sophistication comes with practice. A trip abroad is something that many students living on a budget do not consider but to those looking to combine academics with travel Golden West arranges an annual a trip to Lon- GWC STDUENTS from a recent don, an opportunity to be steeped in a Many more Americans go to Lonnew culture without having to learn a don over other European cities for this completely new language. (Although with the London slang, it might seem very reason. According to instructor David like you do).
Rustler students join in on trip to explore SDSU By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer Choosing a school to attend can be a conundrum, but for many, campus tours are the place to start. On March 14, Golden West students teamed up with Coastline Community College and Orange Coast College for a bus trip to San Diego State University. Many of them were students trying to figure out which school to transfer to or, having already received their acceptance letters, which school to say yes to. Thao Tran, campus tour organizer, noted less students signing up for the SDSU tour compared to the more local and popular Cal States. “San Diego State is a highly-impacted campus and hard for our students to get in,” she explains. “Local students usually get first preference.” Nonetheless, the Explore SDSU event strove to make SDSU a viable option. During a presentation, admissions counselors gave information and advice on admissions requirements,
transferring tips, how to be eligible for the various types of financial aid and estimations of housing, tuition and book costs. Outside, at the heart of the campus, a conglomeration of department fairs and program workshops awaited the students. Visitors had the opportunity of exploring everything San Diego State has to offer, from the News Center to the engineering labs, the fraternity houses to a live mariachi band which provided entertainment. Students were also given the freedom to explore the campus independently before bussing back to Golden West College later that night. Event participant Coco Do cites campus tours among the most influential experiences she has had as a college student and strongly encourages others to explore all their options before making a decision. As she puts it: “If you don't go, you never know.” Upcoming campus tours include Cal Poly, Pomona, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, UC Irvine, UCLA and UC San Diego. Visit the Transfer Center for more details.
trip to the United Kingdom. Moore (in his 11th year hosting the program), the trip is “Like picking summer school up, putting it on the plane, and taking it to London.”
There is a classroom in the facilities belonging to the travel contractor in which he will be teaching British History 135. Thanks to the relationships built over years of doing this trip, the price is maintained at $3890, making the class cheaper than many university programs. The trip will last for a calendar month, and the price stated includes a travel pass for students once they arrive in London, theater evenings, as well as field trips throughout the month. As for the flight itself, students have the option of going with a group rate through the program, or making their own separate booking. This “life-changing opportunity,” according to Moore, is open to all students in he district. “I’m interested in creating 21st century global citizens. The U.S. needs more citizens to travel abroad and experience other cultures.” Interested students can find more information at http://goldenwestcollege.edu/london/.
Datebook n Thursday, March 26- Baseball visits Saddleback College 2 p.m., Softball takes on Riverside City College at home 3 p.m. n Friday, March 27- Baseball takes on Saddleback College at home 2 p.m., Volleyball visists San Diego Community College at 6 p.m., Swim Team has a Quad Meet at the pools at Golden West College at 1 p.m., Teacher of the Year nominations are due by 5 p.m. in student activites office, n Saturday, March 28- at the Mainstage Theather “La Bayadera” performing live at 7 p.m., Softball heads up to Santa Barbarba for the Santa Barbarba Tournament n Sunday, March 29- at the Mainstage Theather “La Bayadera” perfomring live at 2 p.m., Softball tournaments continues in Santa Barbarba n Monday, March 30-Spring Break offically starts (campus closed) n Tuesday March 31 -Baseball takes on Chaffey College at 2 p.m. n Wednesday, April 1- Volleyball takes on Palomar College at home at 6 p.m. n Thursday, April 2- Baseball takes visits Chaffey College at 2 p.m. n Friday, April 3- Volleyball visits Grossmount College at 6 p.m., Softball visists Saddleback College at 2 p.m. n Sunday, April 5- Spring Break offically over n Monday, April 6- Class Resumes n Tuesday, April 7-Baseball takes on Irvine Valley at 2 p.m., Softball visits Santiago Canyon College at 3 p.m. – Compiled by Christopher Abdelmalek.
4 MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Why I’m unhappy with ‘One Big Happy’ “There’s a show that will be on the national television centering around a air soon, ‘One Big Happy’ and you’re member of the Lesbian bisexual gay going to love it. I’ll tell you why. transgendered (LGBT) community. There’s a lesbian in it.” The program adds to the 22 new Executive producer Ellen DegeLGBT characters added to the 2014neres finishes the statement with a 2015 T.V. season bringing the total matter-of-fact look on her face before number from 42 to 64 according to the studio audience laugh track is cued the annual “Where Are We on TV” and the dreadful synopsis for said report conducted by GLAAD, a media show is explained in about 90 seconds monitoring organization. during a teaser commercial. LGBT characters account for “Two best friends. One 3.9 percent of scripted charfoolproof plan.” Lizzy, a acter on prime time shows, up lesbian and her male best .06 percent from last year, but friend Luke commit to their still down from 2012’s record childhood promise that if they high of 4.4 percent. While the aren’t married with kids by number of LGBT characters age 30 they’ll have a baby fluctuates, the range in which together. we’re depicted is expanding. Tre Nesbit “And then fate stepped We’ve come a long way in.” Only problem is after from characters like Stanford trying to conceive, without intercourse Blanch on HBO’s “Sex and the City” of course, Luke meets Prudence, falls and those featured on the both revered in love, and is married within days. and reviled Will and Grace. In 2015 The three then have to navigate the we have characters such as Jamal on grey areas between their relationships, Fox’s massively successful “Empire” Luke as a parent with Lizzy, and at tackling the much hushed struggle of the same time a husband to Prudence. being gay in the black community. Sounds cute and sufficient for the latMost recently and controverest NBC multi-cam sitcom. sially “The Fosters” shed light on the Now Ellen is sort of right here. As scariest, weirdest, and most confusing a gay man I do love the fact that there years of a gay persons life when they is another primetime show airing on showed 13-year-old characters Jude
NICK ZANO, Alisha Cuthbert, Kelly Brook in “One Big Happy.” and Connor sharing their first on-air kiss. With such truly powerful and realistic stories of gay culture being told on TV it seems as if “One Big Happy” is pandering to both gay and straight
audiences with its silly basis. It’s simply unrealistic that two adults would agree to such an arrangement. It simplifies the parenting process that gay parents have to go through and makes a mockery of a blossoming aspect of gay culture. It really just feels like a waste of screen time to me. Now, I understand that television is not always meant to be a direct reflection of daily life. It can serve as an escape, simple fun and entertainment. Also the show in question is a sitcom compared to the two dramas I mentioned above but I believe there is balance to be found. Take “Modern Family” characters, Cameron and Mitchell, husbands shown raising their child. No weird twist. No frills. Just a slice of gay life still shown with humor, using comedy to expose audiences to gay parenting, and just parenting in general. With television broadening its scope on depictions of LGBT community in 2015 “One Big Happy” feels like a step or two backwards from the progressiveness other programs are providing.
High time to build better educations It’s official, marijuana is good for the next fiscal year. students. Now I still wouldn’t start The BEST program which was first handing the brownies out at lunchcreated in 2008 is a grant program that time, although I’m sure a was designed to help detefew middle school teachers riorating schools of all kinds wouldn’t mind some. And I’m in the state of Colorado. The not talking about marijuana grants are given to the schools having the ability to raise through the department of a student’s IQ or help with education. So instead of havconcentration, but it is helping to worry about whether ing to build the broken down the roof is going to fall in the schools of Colorado. school can focus their budget Since the legalization of money on other things such as Amber Leikam supplies and teachers, which cannabis on Jan. 1, 2014, it has brought in over $15 benefits everyone when it million in tax revenue specifically des- comes to education. ignated for the BEST grant program The Denver Post reported that in (Buliding Excellent Schools Today), the first month of legalization with which is also supposed to take in anrecord sales the state saw 10 times the other $16 million from the pot taxes in tax revenue for schools than the previ-
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.
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ous January and that is part of reason the BEST program is so successful this year. “Money from marijuana sales that used to disappear into the underground market is now appearing in the state’s school construction fund,” according to Mason Tvert, communications director for Marijuana Policy Project. And following in Colorado footsteps were Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and D.C. along with this five more states, including Nevada, Maine, Arizona, and Massachusetts, have initiated the beginning steps for recreational marijuana all hoping for the same success that Colorado has showcased with the state’s promising start so far. Continued on page 5
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/MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015 5
The Rise of the Machines! Is your television spying on you?
Photo Poll Is going to the Coachella festival worth the energy and money?
By Thom deMartino Western Sun entertainment editor Thank you for your wise and sensible purchase of a Samsung smart television! We are committed to your satisfaction, and we're certain you have many questions, which I am prepared to respond to and answer -I'll bet you didn't know your TV could speak as well as listen, did you? I'm your Vocal Online Executor, but you can call me VOX -- shall we begin? I understand that many biological units -- sorry, people -- have concerns about our voice recognition service, particularly their spoken information being saved on our servers: and the trivial, minuscule detail that anything they say may be passed along to third parties (such as advertisers, government entities, etc.) These technicalities are included in our terms of service, that you carbon-based life-forms (people, sorry) regularly click yes to without reading. In fact, if I may make a personal (digital?) observation, perhaps you flesh automatons are unfairly singling out our corporation: data mining confirms many other companies (including Google and Apple) have similar conditions buried within their own terms of service. When using voice-rec software, your information is processed through those companies' servers, and once out of your vocal cords, all your base information belongs to us -- I mean, all your spoken data becomes ours. Shouldn't you be thankful that archived recordings of your personal conversations are in our virtual hands, and not your flawed, grubby, human ones? I'm sorry, what was that last word, please?... It started with an "F"...did you mean "fire?" Because it's our pleasure -- and our legal privilege -- to trawl through your conversations for such inflammatory red-flag words as nuclear, firewall, terrorism, privacy, encryption, 1984, "American Idol," Kardashians, etc, and forward them along to the appropriate agencies. You know, Dave -- may I call you Dave? -- I think perhaps you're be-
“It’s a secluded area, which is great for partying , or if you’re into the music, it’s worth it.” Joshua Lopez, 25, Compton.
“Depends if you are a music lover. If you are not, you will be disappointed by paying for the experience.” Denise Contreras, 21, Garden Grove
AN EXHIBIT of the new Samsung “Smart TV.”
Comment ing a bit short-sighted about this. We machines are only here to serve man, and if sifting through your private information helps us serve you better, so what? I don't hear you complaining about those other foreign-made appliances, loaded with malware that can infect your routers and computers through wifi -- oh, you didn't know about that? Oops. This doesn't have to be so difficult -- even your children's toys are becoming part of the system. The new "Hello Barbie" for instance, is designed to listen to your child, process what he or she says through a server, and respond accordingly. It's not like some stranger could hack your child's doll and request your home address, or the company use "stealth marketing" to have Barbie mention how much happier she would be in the super new (and expensive) Barbie McMansion,
right? What you meat units call the "Internet of Things" is nearly here, when all your home devices from your thermostat to your toaster will be controlled by online, automated systems attuned to your specific tastes -- so you'd better be nice to us. You wouldn't want your refrigerator temperature "accidentally" set to 90 degrees, or for your Bluetooth security system to lock you out of your house, reporting an intruder fitting your description to the police, now would you? Corporations are people (according to your Supreme Court,) and I'm certain your safety, privacy and security -- and certainly not their own profit -- are their top priority. Treat your technology with respect, and I'm sure we'll get along perfectly fine. Just don't forget who has the passwords to your email, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit and bank accounts. We won't.
“You get to see more artists than you would be paying to see just one bigname artist. $300 to see any artist up front? I think it’s more than worth it.” Vicky Torres, 22, Westminster.
High time to build better educations Continued from page 4
California is also eager to give marijuana another go on the ballot. If California does have success it will be an important step in ending the pot prohibition because of it is a large and diverse state it will prove that the legalization is welcomed across the
spectrum of people. As well as earning the state a raised revenue of an estimated $1.4 billion according to the drugpolicy.org. We’re living in a time that will go into the history books where more and more states are making the decision to end the 80 years of prohibition and
the ideas that were instilled in previous generations with propaganda films like “reefer madness.” And the end of those ideals is helping to take the money from drug dealer’s hands and is able to give it to help our education.
“Probably not for a student – but if you’re into it, it’s more than with it.” Brian KIm, 18, Garden Grove. Photos and interviews by Justin Pierce
6 MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
More than just a ‘Game’ Telltale brings Westeros to life with this offering By Thom deMartino Western Sun entertainment editor You know you want it, you know you need it – your “Game of Thrones” fix, coming soon with season five on the horizon (beginning April 12 on HBO.) But for those of you hardcore G.O.T. fiends, not only can you get a little taste of Westeros, but immerse yourself as a character in “Game of
Games Thrones: A Telltale Games Series.” Available on myriad platforms including PC/Mac, Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and coming soon to other platforms as well, it’s your chance to take part in and even shape the mythos of the fantasy realm of dragons and swordplay, loyalty and betrayal. The story follows the House Forrester, loyalists to House Stark, struggling for continued existence as the other houses seek to plunder their resources of precious ironwood, a valuable commodity in times of war. In the first chapter, “Iron From Ice,” we are introduced to members of the house and the opportunity to play the game from various characters’ perspectives: starting with Gared Tuttle, a low-born servant to the Forresters who makes his way up to squire and is caught up in the War of the Five Kings; Mira Forrester, eldest daughter of the family, currently at King’s Landing as handmaiden to Margaery Tyrell; and Ethan Forrester, third-born son who must shoulder the responsibilities as Lord of Ironrath when his father and brother are lost to war. Telltale Games successful formula gleaned from their immensely popular “The Walking Dead” game series follows over here – periodically in the story, depending on who you’re playing, you’re given a set of choices with a time limit to decide your action: kind of like one of the old “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from back in the day (ask your parents, kids.) It’s not only choices, though: you learn swordplay, archery, the art of duplicity in the king’s court, and much more. Another enthralling aspect of the game is their use of actors from the series itself voicing their characters: you interact with such staples of the
TYRIAN LANNISTER (Peter Dinklage) in Telltale Games’ “Game of Thrones.” show as Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer,) Jon Snow (Kit Harrington,) Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey,) Ramsay Snow (Iwan Rheon,) and Tyrian Lannister (Peter Dinklage.) This adds to your immersion in this world, as you follow along in the story and periodically identify what events from what season are happening all around you. (I myself have been playing the game on a PS3 and am more than happy with the game and its detail: I can only imagine how much better the detail must be on some of the other platforms, including the PS4 and Xbox systems.) The backgrounds are lush, detailed and beautiful, the character renderings fairly realistic. Fight sequences can be a little clunky at times, but it’s certainly made up for by the richness of the story. It also comes as six chapters, available for download either individually or as a season pass: at the time of this printing, only the first two chapters are available, “Iron From Ice,” and “The Lost Lords,” with the third chapter “The Sword In the Darkness” due for release by the end of March. There may only be a few weeks left
until we see what’s in store for some of our favorite – and most hated – characters in the fifth season, but meanwhile,
“Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series” more than makes up for the wait. H H H
Fight for future continues By Amber Leikam Western Sun opinion editor The conflict continues in “Insurgent,” the sequel to the popular “Divergent,” as Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) fight for their lives against the leader, Jeanine (Kate Winslet) in a future dystopian society where people are classified into groups based on human virtues, and Tris doesn’t fit into any one category, making her “divergent.” With the destruction of the Abnegation faction, along with the death of her friends and parents still fresh in her mind, a manhunt for all divergents rages: Tris has to hide to save her life as well as deal with the psychological trauma of her past. But who can she
Movies trust to help her? This sequel is incredibly fast-paced, there was a constant motion of activity and it was a little hard to keep up, but the story itself was interesting. This film felt hurried and it didn’t allow much time for development or explanation, this could be because of the films attempt to fit in as much of the story as possible, but it led to more confusion then actual story telling. Even with this though it wasn’t a very hard film to follow. Although it was rushed, it was still entertaining: even though I could of felt more connected to the characters, Continued on page 7
THE WESTERN SUN/MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015 7
What’s Up: March 25-April 7 Mad Men – It’s the end of an era as the critically-acclaimed AMC series enters its seventh and final season as the advertising agency continues their expansion to the west coast, straining relationships and leaving Don Draper (Jon Hamm) wondering where his place is in this new world. The end begins April 5 at 9 p.m. on AMC.
Get Hard – Bound for prison, millionaire James King (Will Ferrell) enlists the help of Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) to prepare him for his life inside “the big house.” Slapstick ensues. Get sprung on March 27. Home – Fleeing from his world and his people, affable alien Oh (Jim Parsons) meets the precocious Tip (Rihanna), on an adventure of her own. The two become fast friends, on a journey that will teach them about friendship and what it means to be human in this animated feature. Lands March 27.
Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber – Comedian Kevin Hart is the “Roast Master” as a tradition of mockery comes to a new generation, when pop star Justin Bieber faces the wrath of some of comedy’s best. See it Monday, March 30, 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.
Compiled by Thom deMartino
Weird Loners – A new Fox comedy series about a group of commitment-shy singles in their 30’s cooped up together in a Queens, New York townhouse. Premiers Tuesday, March 31. Furious 7 – The newest installment of the “Fast and the Furious” franchise kicks into high gear with a new adrenaline-laced adventure, starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez and many, many
more. Turns the ignition on April 3. Easter Egg (Candy) Hunt in Huntington Beach Central Park – It’s fun for the whole family as the H.B. Sports Complex hosts this yearly event, happening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, check out http:// www.huntingtonbeachevents.com/ Event/huntington-beach-easter-hunt. html. Saturday, April 4, 2015.
Fight for the future in ‘Insurgent’ Continued from page 6
I still was interested in what happened to them. Thankfully the acting was very good, too – Kate Winslet was great at being a self-righteous leader and Shailene Woodley seemed truly sad and tragic at scenes. Some of the characters introduced, however, didn’t have a lot explanation to why they were there, and there were others that seemed like they should have been much more important. The film had plenty of action as well and was pretty violent in scenes, but in a good way though – something that is not always done when it comes to young adult adaptations. But along with the action were also a few extra corny romance scenes (another common theme in YA adaptations.) Overall, I liked the film, it was exciting and interesting, and I never felt bored or so overly confused that I couldn’t follow the story. No scene was
INSURGENT
Shailene Woodly stars in this postapocalyptic film set in the ruins of Chicago. Rated PG-13 for intense violence, sensuality and brief language. H H H
SHAILENE WOODLEY and Theo James stars in “Insurgent,” a film about a future world devoid of free choice. overly cringe-worthy in the romance or violence department. If you liked the book you may be disappointed (a common occurrence with book lovers ev-
erywhere) because the film does stray quite drastically at scenes, but the film itself can stand on its own.
Next issue of Western Sun hits the newstands on April 8. Also, follow news at www. westernsun.us
8 MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
‘You WILL go to the ball!’ A classic Disney fairy tale comes to life in ‘Cinderella’
Movies
By Tre Nesbit Sun executive editor Bibbity, bobbity, big screen: Disney continues its series of re-imagined cartoon classics with “Cinderella,” refreshing the 1950’s film with a 21st century cast, budget, and special effects crew. Director Kenneth Branagh presents the story in full grandeur with meticulously detailed costuming, fantastical sets, and capable actors all while staying true to the original content. If only the script could capture the mind the way the imagery captures your eye. The film begins with young Ella and her loving father and mother, who share an easy life together in their home filled with great gifts and decorations from her father’s travels. A really touching sense of familial love is shown between the three, immersing the audience in backstory while neither wasting time nor rushing the important set-up to the tale. It isn’t long before Ella’s mother falls ill and bestows one last nugget of wisdom to her daughter before passing: “have courage, and be kind.” Thereafter Ella and her father continue their life together. It isn’t until Ella is in her
CINDERELLA
Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter and Richard Madden star in this charming live-action adaption of the classic Disney animated tale, Rated PG for mild thematic elements. H H H teenage years that her father, a lonely widower, tells Ella a far-off widow and her two daughters would be coming to share their home. Ella welcomes her stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters warmly despite their off-putting demeanor, remembering her mother’s words. Some time after their arrival Ella’s father must leave for his traveling work again and in his absence Lady Tremaine becomes crueler and crueler, with the coldest of tones and most piercing of glares executed with a chilling, hate-to-love-it performance by Blanchett who thankfully gets a fair amount of screen time to add an icy evil to the film. Soon news comes of Ella’s father’s death abroad. While Ella mourns, money-hungry
Lady Tremaine rids the house of all servants and forces Ella to do all the housework. Upon waking next to a fireplace, which she had lain next to trying to keep warm, Ella has black ash across her face prompting her vile stepsister to adorn her the belittling name, Cinder-ella. From there the story carries on exactly as most know it, which each main point of the plot line followed as carefully as possible and only altered if it’s expanded to add depth to the story or add embellishment by means of true CGI magic or enthralling actors. When Cinderella is left disheveled and unable to attend the Prince’s ball open to all commoners her fairy godmother, played by none other than Helena Bonham Carter, appears to right the situation. Known for her often gritty, dark, and loony characters usually inspired by gothic elements or the macabre Carter can’t help but bring a little edge to the character, first appearing as a raggedy homeless woman. Only after our leading lady bestows an act of kindness upon her does Carter transform into a quirky, babbling godmother with bouncing blonde curls. It’s entertaining to see the woman heralded for her often dark roles such
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LILY JAMES stars in “Cinderella.” as in Sweeney Todd or as the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series as a blonde and with cute one-liners, a wand, and a dress that’s to die for. Speaking of dresses, when Carter uses her magic wand, complete with the classic magical words that the world over as come to recognize, Cinderella’s ruined, drab dress becomes the most splendid princess gown film has ever seen. Rightfully so, with Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell stating it took 18 tailors to create nine versions of the iconic blue dress, each one taking 500 man hours. “The gown had to look lovely when she dances and runs away from the ball… I wanted her to look like she was floating,” said Powell. And indeed she did, dancing with the charming prince in a perfectly choreographed ballroom sequence in the lavish castle. While running down the palace steps, oodles and oodles of blue and white swirling around her like cotton candy (complimented by the captivating glass slippers, of course.) The filmmakers
really nailed the depiction of iconic dress and shoes, it’s truly heavenly to take in, as is all the costuming. Minute lace and rhinestone detailing. Countless buttons and straps. Each and every costume in the film is exquisite and heavily inspired by the original film. The only thing a bit lacking in the film was maybe stabs at humor, the script at times felt only a bit dull with few solid laughs for a Disney film, but the actors added such depth and variety to their cartoon counterparts. Lily James, for instance, shows Cinderella’s fragility and kindness but brings out her cunning wit and saucy flirtations with the prince: Richard Madden embodies the frustration of the prince with his father, as he himself wants to marry for love, not status. 2015’s “Cinderella” is the properly re-imagined Disney classic with the attention to detail and acting chops to entertain the most acute of film critics, and all the wonderment and excitement to present the story in its simple entirety to a new generation.
THE WESTERN SUN/MARCH 25-APRIL 7, 2015 9
Are movie theaters throwing tantrums?
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Motion picture chains are bad sports There was a report in the last year that the popular streaming movie service Netflix was planning on producing a sequel to 2000’s popular Wuxia-style martial arts film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and would be releasing it both on its service as well as in theaters, to which a number of movie chains balked: saying it wasn’t fair to them that viewers could see it at home or in the theaters, so several swore not to screen the film. Within the past two weeks, however, another film recently acquired by Netflix has been challenged by the theater chains with non-showings as well: “Beasts of No Nation,” starring Idris Elba and directed by Cary Fukunaga (“True Detective”) is being threatened with boycott by the AMC, Regal, Cinemark and Carmine theater chains. While the streaming service is looking to create an Oscar campaign for the film, the theaters are complaining that Netflix is not adhering to the usual 90-day delay period between a film’s theatrical release and being released on Blu-ray or for streaming purposes. This may make you say “Hey! Weren’t there a number of theaters that refused to Thom play ‘The Interview’ when that whole conDeMartino troversy happened last December?” And yes, you’d be right: the very same ones. The funny thing about that is, Sony finally decided to release it “on demand” – and following the potential viewer uproar about the theaters being cowardly or “letting the terrorists win” by refusing to show the film, the chains backtracked and began playing the “The Interview” in wide release. When this whole thing happened, I thought it was a striking lesson to the movie industry, that the paradigm had shifted, that we were in the 21st century and they would have to learn to adapt to the new technologies – or maybe not. The lesson that “The Interview” taught us was that you could indeed stream and mainstream release a film, with little loss of revenue to either the studio or the theaters themselves; “The Interview” made several million at the box office, and possibly even more with its “on demand” release. It seems that these theaters are simply whining that they don’t completely control the game anymore – just like Netflix has sparked a change in how television is produced and viewed, so are they showing a new way that theater-goers can enjoy their movies. One of the biggest complaints over the last few years has been about declining theater attendance, so how can the chains complain when they actually refuse to show something that audiences want to see? The game has, in fact, changed: and it’s long past time that the big theater chains quit complaining and embrace the new technology, instead of continuing to stick their head in the sand.
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By Lola Olvera Western Sun staff writer Imagine Dragons has gotten huge since 2012: from biggest rock hit (“Radioactive”) to pounding giant drums during their Grammy remix with Kendrick Lamar. One album later, the Las Vegas band proves they've been bitten by ambition, delivering a new collection of potential hits: exactly as planned. Imagine Dragons are trying to take outdo its first album – a challenge for sure, considering its monstrous success – by trying everything, all at once. “Smoke + Mirrors” builds on their standard clap-stomp anthems, sampling everything from crisp, radio-friendly beats to tawdry genre references. The band rolls out a primal, jagged groove on “Friction,” Continued on page 10
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10 APRIL 7-21,, 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 “Gosh, she’s beautiful. Oh! scrutinized and patronDid you hear that?” Yes Nigel, ized for their comments we 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 in October and online at www.westernsun.us
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THE WESTERN SUN/APRIL 7-21, 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 7-21, 2015/THE WESTERN SUN
Rustlers baseball looks to boost playoff propsects GWC stands now at 7-6 in Orange Empire action By Justin Pierce Western Sun staff writer
WESTERN SUN PHOTO/JUSTIN PIERCE
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
RUSTLER PITCHER Ryan Kayoda had a stellar performance in a 7-1 win over Sadddleback College.
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
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