04.17.15

Students thrive in MIDI

“My Block” now open

Baseball eeks out a win

Music Department program inspires students while teaching trade skill. Story inside — page 3

First Bay Area hip-hop musical open at the Little Theater.

Standalone inside — page 4

Mustangs win 9-8 over Yuba College 49ers in tight game.

Coverage inside — page 5

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Calendar conundrum

Compression is considered

April is National Poetry Month

By BEATRIZ HERNANDEZ

bhernandez@lmcexperience.com

April 24

Last day to drop class with “W” appearing on transcript

April 24

Student Recital from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Admission is free

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Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Teacher Janice Townsend, second from left, relays concerns for a shorter semester at a recent meeting.

After picking up the discussions started by the Compressed Calendar Task Force in 2005, the Contra Costa Community College District is considering switching to a compressed academic calendar similar to what some other community colleges in California have adopted in the last few decades.

Rather than vote as a senate, the LMC’s academic senate has decided to vote as a faculty.

So far, only DVC has sent in their advisory vote in favor of furthering the discussion of the compressed calendar to the union. CCC is still in the process of voting.

As part of the district’s fact-finding process, representatives from colleges that have made the change addressed members of the Los Medanos College Academic Senate at its March 23 meeting. Professors Mitra Moassessi and Fran Chandler from Santa Monica College, and Librarian Donald Brown from El Camino College shared their transition experiences in shortening the length of a semester from 18 to 16 weeks.

If the district decides to make the change in the academic calendar daily class time would increase to make up for the loss of two weeks of instruction.

See SHORT, page 6

Apply to be grad speaker

Debate team battles

Los Medanos Collge is looking for a Commencement Student Speaker for the upcoming graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. The chosen student will present a three-minute speech during the event. Applications are due Thursday, April 23. For more information, or to fill out an application visit www. losmedanos.edu/graduation/speaker.asp.

Does well in Nat’l tourney

By JOSH WOOD

Career Fair upcoming The ACS-010: Becoming a College Scholar, a firstyear seminar, classes will present and display their chosen career disciplines at their Informational Career Fair. The Career Fair will take place Monday, April 20, from 2 to 3:20 p.m. and Tuesday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in the Student Services Center, Room SS-412. For more information, contact ACS-010 instructor Ashley Adams at aadams@losmedanos. edu.

21st Gospel celebrated LMC is hosting the 21st Annual Gospel Celebration Saturday, May 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Recital Hall located in the Music Building. The event is to celebrate and support African American males.

The Gospel Celebration will have featured guest Dr. Tyrone Howard, A professor at University of California, Los Angeles, he will give motivational speeches talking about how to improve success for African American men.

The concert’s special musical guest is Lena Byrd-Miles. The event costs $16 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information, visit www.losmedanos.edu

Let your voice be heard

jwood@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Laurie Huffman talked about her travels to eager listeners as part of the Books Alive! event April 14.

Books animate at LMC

Volunteers endear life advice to readers

By JAMARI SNIPES Staff Writer

Students, staff and members of the community gathered in Los Medanos College Room L-109 to take part in the librar y’s Books Alive Event April 14. Seventeen people signed up to be books and tell students about their experiences.

There were only a few students who checked out books at the beginning, but about 20 minutes into the event, crowds of people started coming in to see what the affair was all about. Eventually, it got to a point where students had to wait around for books to become available because the room was filled.

There were a total of 17 books that students could check out and roughly 45-50 people checked them out.

There were a wide variety of book subjects to choose from — including travel, aquatics, college experiences, etc.

On such person was author and former Peace Corps volunteer Dorothy Crews Herzberg. She talked about the time she spent teaching kids in Nigeria and she noted even though the weather was “dif ficult to get used to,” given the humidity and extreme heat, and it was easy to get sick, she wouldn’t mind going back. Herzberg also mentioned her desire to go to Thailand but said she was too old to actively participate in the Peace Corps.

“I learned more than I expected,” said Jacqueline Abad Santos. “They have a wide variety of books.”

But one of the most popular books was Holly Hingtgen

The LMC Experience is doing a story on body image and is looking for feedback from the students, faculty and staff from the campus community. Visit surveymonkey. com/s/body_shaming to take the survey.

Experience • Cathie Lawrence

Nurse Holly Hingtgen, above, talked about her career as a traveling nurse. because many of the students who expressed an interest in nursing crowded around her to listen to her story.

She told those who checked her out what it is like to be a travelling nurse and explained how she arrived at where she’s at. Hingtgen said she started out as a Pharmacy Technician and then became a unit secretary.

Afterwards, she went on to become a licensed vocational,

then received an associate’s degree in nursing and finally received a bachelor of science in nursing.

This seemed to be the case for many of the books, who had numerous stories to share with attendees.

“I could really connect to them. Their stories were really fun,” said LMC student Irene Orellana.

There were other books

See BOOKS, page 6

The Los Medanos College Debate team returned from Alaska and the national debate tournament that was held last weekend, where it competed as one of only two community colleges against 58 four-year colleges.

“As an experience, it was amazing!” exclaimed debater Dennis Tekell. “The level of competition, diverse background of debaters and excitement of Alaska contributed to an amazing time.”

With a turnout of over 170 teams from around 60 schools, the tournament was packed.

“It was way bigger than other tournaments,” said student debater Katie Lucido.

“The biggest tournament we went to had 80 teams, and this had over double that.”

As a national tournament, the massive field of competitors led to some differences from earlier tournaments, such as the previous one at Sal Louis Obispo.

“It was also nice to meet people from all around the country and form friendships and connections,” said Tekell, adding, “the atmosphere was competitive and positive … debaters throughout tended to be supportive and motivating.”

“It’s not just a normal tournament,” said Lucido, “so everyone school took it seriously.”

Tekell noted that ever y team was at a competitive level. Debate coach Kasey Gardner added, “when we’re debating Yale or Stanford people don’t know we’re a community college. We get the opportunity to compete on equal footing.”

The team not only did well See TEAM, page 6

Nakaji is remembered

By TAYLOR STROUD

tstroud@lmcexperience.com

Experience • Katrina Butler

Karen Nakaji’s daughter Janelle Haskell attended the memorial with boyfriend James West.

The lights were dimmed and a somber song from Fleetwood Mac played as guests embraced and were seated for the April 10 memorial of English Department Chair Karen Nakaji. A photo slideshow of Nakaji and her loved ones was displayed at the front of the room while guests arrived to celebrate the life of a beloved friend and colleague.

Karen died March 7, three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The loss was unexpected and a great loss for

many as she had been a part of Los Medanos College for over 30 years as a student, tutor, professor and the first director of the Center for Academic Support. She accomplished a lot in her career, including creating a new degree for English majors, and inspiring countless people along the way.

“Karen loved Los Medanos,” said her sister Jodee White. “More importantly, she loved the people who are Los Medanos. From her students to co-workers, many became family and enriched her life in so many ways. I’m sure we all know See KAREN, page 6

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Perspectives

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“Solitude vivifies; isolation kills.”

— Joseph Roux

Steven Luke

Rene De Amaral

QUIETLY THINKING

AWKWARD SAUCE

If you take life, you’ll get life

iPhone emoji update a plus

Domestic violence, drug charges and rape all have one thing in common – the NFL. Over the past few years the NFL has had a serious issue with players breaking the law, but on Wednesday, April 15 one of the biggest blemishes on the face of the league Aaron Hernandez was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

In 2010 the New England Patriots introduced tight end Aaron Hernandez to the world, and three seasons later he was considered one half of the best tight end duos possibly of all time with Rob Gronkowski.

That would all change in the summer of 2013.

This is not the first, and unfortunately probably not the last, time a NFL player has been suspected and convicted of murder.

On Nov. 16, 1999 Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth took part in the murder of the woman who was pregnant with his child.

One year later, shortly after Carruth was convicted of planning the murder of his girlfriend, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was celebrating his team’s Super Bowl victory when he was a part of an altercation that led to the stabbing death of two men.

Lewis testified against his two companions of the evening and negotiated a plea deal.

While both of these cases were huge black eyes on the face of the league, and the Lewis case came after his team winning the Super Bowl, neither compare to the Hernandez case.

While all three were in the prime of their careers when they were accused of or took part in a murder, the accusations against Hernandez drew the most attention, and for good reason.

His murder case came 13 years after that of Lewis and Carruth, when fantasy sports had made him a household name and he was a part of the winningest team this century.

Because it had been awhile since the NFL player murder trials occured, fans were able to put them out of their minds.

But the NFL’s image was not great because of arrests increasing each year.

Before Hernandez, players like cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones were being arrested for fighting outside of strip clubs and quarter back Michael Vick, who held a dog fighting ring and took part in injuring dogs on his property.

The biggest negative story was when wide receiver Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg.

A superstar being suspected of murder was far worse than anything the NFL had seen in recent history.

Not only was Hernandez becoming a superstar because of his play and the team he was on, he was quickly becoming a household name because of his statistics.

In the world of fantasy football scoring is king and tight end is not a huge position for scoring touchdowns, so when Hernandez scored 18 touchdowns in three years, diehard fantasy players began to take notice.

While the Patriots had a tainted image of cheating, they were well known for their squeaky clean image off of the field.

Because of this image the team was quick to release Hernandez despite not knowing the full story.

Now, nearly two years since Lloyd was murdered, Hernandez’s black eye to the league and the Patriots continues to show, and there is no amount of cover up that the NFL can use to conceal it as his conviction and life sentence dominates sports news headlines.

While eventually the wound caused by Hernandez will heal, it will always be a scar on the face of the NFL and this time there is nothing they can do to get rid of it.

It is time. The day we’ve all been waiting for. The dawn of a revolution is upon us.

Apple just released Software Update 8.3.

Along with minor bug fixes and improved performance for apps and other functions, an exciting new feature is being added to our keyboards: 300 new Emojis. It’s about time.

When I first updated my phone, I felt the need to tell everyone I knew and I laugh at those who hadn’t yet updated their iPhones.

I didn’t gloat simply because I’m mean, I just couldn’t contain my excitement because I love emojis.

Anyone with an iPhone knows they can add a little extra flare to a conversation, whether it’s sending a happy birthday text, congratulating someone or sliding confidently into the DMs. In addition, Apple has done something that makes these new emojis even better.

There are 15 different family options, 10 of those showing same-sex relationships, with smiling parents and children.

Almost every emoji that featured a person, their skin tone could be changed. There are now six skin tone options, families with same-sex parents and a young same-sex couple about to kiss and hold hands.

According to Forbes.com the update also features 32 additional country flags and new electronic emojis that look like other Apple products, such as the iPhone 6 and the Apple Watch. Software Update 8.3 is a step in the right direction because it is the first time that Apple has released an update of this variety that is diverse and inclusive.

According to the Washington Post there has been some controversy over the base Emojis being yellow. The color is supposed to be neutral — most of the Emojis that had faces were all bright yellow until recently.

An iPhone representative refused to comment on the situation but an employee from Unicode Consortium, the company that designs the basic outlines of the emojis, said the color is determined by the cellphone companies.

The layout of the emojis on the keyboard has also changed, with more emojis per page.

In addition, if you want to actually access the new options, you must hold your finger down on the selected icon for a few seconds until the options appear on the screen.

Most of these new icons can be customized to the user’s liking.

Sadly, we were yet again robbed of our coveted middle finger emoji, and given others that seem unnecessary such as the additional clock and arrow. I also think we really didn’t need two additional cable cars.

Some Emoji’s that I wish had made the cut was the Taco emoji, which according to bustle.com, was one of the 37 candidates for this update, along with a Burrito and Unicorn Face Emoji.

While it would have been nice if Apple had included a fingers crossed icon or the sought after middle finger icon, Apple did put a little surprise into the newest update.

According to cnet.com, the company has made it possible for iPhone users to add the Vulcan salute as a shortcut. It may not be officially part of the keyboard, but it is still fun for a Star Trek fan with an iPhone. So naturally, as a Star Trek fan with an iPhone, I had to see whether or not it worked.

I went through the steps, which I found with a simple Google search. I sent a text message and excitedly realized that it had actually worked.

While that hidden gem was an exciting find, I still believe that Apple has more to offer, or they don’t entirely know what we, as their buyers, want in our emoji usage.

A good option to let them know is to visit www.apple.com/feedback/iPhone. html, where you can enter in your name and select a feedback type.

Experience • Tim N. Stelly Sr.

Editorial

Base your vote on quality

H

illary Clinton announced Monday she will be giving the running for president of the United States a second shot.

It’s great having a woman running for president – depending on your political views – but the issue here is people are starting to see the 2016 election season as “Hillary Clinton vs. The Republicans.” We need to take a step back, look outside the gender factor and consider other candidates as well.

There are several Democrats who have either announced their bids for the presidency, expressed a serious interest in running or have officially filed with the Federal Election Commission. Jim Webb, Martin O’Malley and Joe Bidden — who still hasn’t made up his mind — are amongst these individuals.

There is even a chance a Republican can win the presidency, despite their problematic stances on serious issues. Some of the Republican candidates who have run in the past have been accused of being too liberal – they’ll have a tough time getting votes from people in their own party.

Jeb Bush, who is running this time around has this issue but just because people have some qualms about electing another Bush after the last fiasco, doesn’t mean we should completely count him or the others out.

Another issue with Clinton running for president is people might be inclined to vote for her because her husband was president. You shouldn’t vote for someone soley based on the fact that they have had a family member in office. The same goes for Jeb, though he seems to be trying to distance himself from his brother.

Until we know more about these people, who’s to say they aren’t just as qualified as Hillary?

Hillary just might be the best candidate and it’s not like we have a lot of options to choose from so far but when it comes to picking the person who will have a huge impact on the way the country is run, you must take their policies and viewpoints into consideration. When Barack Obama ran, there were a lot of people who voted for him on the basis he was drastically different from the other candidates either age or race-wise. It was disheartening to find out a large portion of people were ignorant about his political stance but voted him for him based on trivial characteristics.

This isn’t to discredit the president because he’s done a pretty good job but a lot of people didn’t know what they were getting themselves into because they didn’t do their research and they didn’t pay attention to any of his speeches or debates.

We’re in danger of treating Hillary the same way. We are so hell-bent on progression that it seems we will ignore any major problems with a presidential candidate just to elect someone with different physical characteristics.

Yes we want a woman president, but people shouldn’t vote for her if her views are different from that of the people she desires to govern over. Besides, if she wins the presidency, she will have to think about what’s best for the entire country not just a specific group of people.

She will advocate for women’s rights but it’s complete fantasy to think she’s going to be able to satisfy each woman’s wishes in this country. It’s important to remember that before voting so you don’t end up bitter or disappointed if she wins and halfway through her presidency she hasn’t done what you wanted her to do.

She has an impressive track record. According to the New York Times, Clinton was the first woman elected to the board of Wal-Mart and the first female politician to win a Grammy.

She was more importantly “the first first lady elected to office and the first person to simultaneously serve in both the legislative and executive branches of government.”

But she has also had issues in her past campaign. Back in 2008 she was accused of lying about being under sniper fire when she arrived in Bosnia in 1996 and with the recent e-mail scandal, she might not be seen as the most trustworthy candidate.

New York Times writer William Safire wrote a column which points out all of Clinton’s lies over the years.

He said he suspected the reason she deleted her emails was because she didn’t want anyone bringing up those past transgressions. It’s up to you to decide whether the good outweighs the bad.

Clinton may be the best person for the job. She’s likeable and she’s clearly interested in getting things done. All we’re asking is to consider the pros and cons before voting for someone – don’t just base your vote on gender.

Reader Opinion Policy

The Experience welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Columns. All members of the Los Medanos College community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to write.

If you are interested in expressing your opinions on campus, national or world issues, bring your submissions to room CC3-301 and put them in the Perspectives Editor’s mailbox or mail them to Experience c/o Los Medanos College, 2700 E Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565. You may also send them electronically through the Experience online newsite lmcexperience.com.

Letters and columns must be typed, signed and include a phone number for verification. They may be edited for clarity, content taste and length at the editor’s discretion.

Voices

LOS MEDANOS COLLEGE

What are you doing to conserve water?

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“Taking less time washing your hands. We can also limit the amount of water we drink.”

— Conte Watson

“I don’t water my lawn.”

— Cory Quinn

“Take shorter showers and use less water by taking less time washing your hands and use less water to water your grass.”

— Juels McClary

“Turn the water off when you’re not using it and when you’re taking showers, use a bucket.”

— Natojateo McClary

“Limiting the amount of water I use in the shower and also watching the way I use water when I’m washing my car.”

— Noel Garcia

“My family and I wash on the weekends.

It at actually saves a lot of time. Can you imagine doing your laundry on a weekday then having to go to school?”

— Sketch Choice

“Were it left for me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

— Thomas Jefferson

Editor-in-Chief .................... JOSEPH DELANO Managing Editor................. BRENDAN CROSS Perspectives Editor........... KIMBERLY STELLY Campus Editor ...........................RATTANA KIM Features Editor ............................JOSH WOOD Arts Editor................................ DAMIAN LEWIN Sports Editor .............................STEVEN LUKE Photo Editor..................... CATHIE LAWRENCE Multimedia Editor.............. JAZMINE GORDON Copy Chief...........................CASSIE DICKMAN Web Editor .................. STEPHANIE PATTISON The LMC Experience is published Fridays by students in the Journalism Program. The newspaper serves both as a laboratory for journalism classes and as a First Amendment forum for campus communication. Opinions expressed in the Experience are solely those of the students and do not represent the views of the college.

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Campus Newswatch Alcohol Awareness Month

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“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

— C. S. Lewis

MIDI mixing music

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) sponsors the NCADD Alcohol Awareness Month each April since 1987.

Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for America’s youth and is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined.

This organization aims to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues.

This year’s theme is “For the Health of It: Early Education on Alcoholism and Addiction.” NCADD highlights on the important public health issue of underage drinking, which is a problem with devastating individual, family and community consequences.

Underage drinking is directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problematic behaviors, even for those who may never develop a dependence or addiction.

There will be local, state and national events aimed at educating people about the treatment and prevention of alcoholism.

Elevating Diversity Conference

LMC will be hosting the Elevating Diversity Conference Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the CORE, room CC3-365.

The Conference will be celebrating 25 years of the Americans of Disabilities Act, and will include workshops for all attendees, and is open to all high school and community college students. Keynote speakers will include former US Department of Education Chief Regional Attorney Paul Grossman, and former LMC graduate Dr. Michelle Hernandez.

For more information, visit losmedanos.edu/access.

Check-in time is 9 to 10 a.m.

Experience • Ashley Castaldii

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface/Electronic Music (MIDI) Program Director Kyle Chuah and student Taylor Ramey work with the equipment.

Diverse styles come together

By YETUNDE OGUNLEYE

yogunleye@lmcexperience.com

Photo Courtesy • www.campusexplorer.com

Morrill Hall (1886) is the first building to be constructed on the University of Nevada, Reno.

Free campus tours available

Unsure of where to transfer? Sign-up for the Transfer Center’s upcoming university campus tours: n University of Nevada, Reno: May 1. Registration is open n Southern California Tour: May 26-29. Registration opens April 21 The Transfer Center will provide transportation. For additional information, registration, future tours and tour suggestions contact the Transfer Center at 473-7444 or check out its website losmedanos.edu/transfer/default. asp. The Transfer Center is currently located in Student Services, SS4-435.

Student mentors wanted

LMC’s Transfer Ally Program is looking for students to mentor incoming Transfer Academy students. Mentor responsibilities include being mentored by the Transfer Academy Director, Coordinator or Counselor, attend a mentor and student gathering held at the end of the semester and meet with your assigned student at least twice during the semester.

To become a mentor, students must have completed a minimum of two semesters at LMC. For more information, contact the Coordinator for Transfer Programs and Services, Ade Origunwa at aorigunwa@losmedanos.edu or 473-7443. To fill out a mentor application, visit tinyurl.com/k4zjnek.

READ seeking members

Club READ welcomes ideas, suggestions, and people who would like to work toward adding more borrowable textbooks for LMC students. Selling donated books online could raise money to buy borrowable textbooks.

For meeting times and other inquiries, please contact prince112592@yahoo.com or READ-LMC@outlook.com.

Honoring advisors ceremony

The Inter Club Council (ICC) Advisor Appreciation Ceremony is an annual event that will be held Wednesday, April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Library Room L109.

This event will recognize the supportive role of faculty and staff advisors.

Counselors ready to assist

Looking to make an educational plan, or review your current one? Do you need career advice or a personal counselor? LMC offers general counseling at both campuses.

Drop-in hours are offered weekly. Students must have a student ID number and a photo ID to meet with a counselor.

Appointments at Pittsburg can be made in person, by calling the Counseling Department at 473-7449, or by visiting www.losmedanos.edu/counseling and clicking on the Make an Appointment link.

Appointments at the Brentwood Center can be made in person, or by calling 513-1625.

Four-year transfer workshop

Students interested in transferring to a 4-year university are encouraged to attend the Guaranteed Transfers Workshop. It is an opportunity for students to get started on the transferring process or for those that have already begun it. Students can learn about the process and how to successfully get accepted admission.

The Guaranteed Transfers Workshop will be held Wednesday, April 29 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Student Services Center, SS4-412.

— compiled from press releases and staff reports

“This isn’t just a music class, it’s life,” said Los Medanos College MIDI Program student Gianni Torres.

LMC has a well-earned reputation for being one the best schools for Music Production and Recording Arts.

According the it’s website, “recording arts at Los Medanos College is one of the finest programs of its kind in the country.”

Also, the college boasts alumni who collectively have over 30 Grammy nominations and 20 wins, and a staff packed with successful industry professionals, including Doug Beavers, who is a Grammy award-winning musician and a composer and Duana Leslie, who has received multiple honors, such as the West Bay Opera Superstar competition, Loren Zachary Competition National semi-finalist, 1st place in National Association Teachers of Singing competition and others.

The Musical Instrument Digital Interface/Electronic Music program is a set of courses offered to students that teaches the basics of music production, mixing technology and musical equipment.

Directed by professor Kyle (Cheong) Chuah, students said his teaching style

Paper staff shines

is a big part of the program’s success.

Although he’s an expert in the field of MIDI, he teaches in a way that makes the complicated process of music production simple and relatable. Students Lamare Smith, Gianni Torres and David McRay all gave sparkling testimonies to Chuah’s easy-going teaching pace.

“He speaks in a way that’s easy to understand, not like he’s speaking a different language, which some professors tend to do,” said former student, turned MIDI program tutor, Felix Cordova.

The MIDI courses teach the basics of mixing music in a studio setting, whether it is a home studio, which many students of the program have, or a professional one like LMC’s.

According to Rick Shiner, the man who designed the college’s Music and Recording Arts Studio, LMC has one the best studios in the Bay Area and has state of the art equipment and computer programs. Students use it for the lab portion of their course.

“What we’re doing here is making the drumline beat sound more alive”, says Chuah as he walks them step by step through the art of mixing music as the students nod their heads to the beat

Chuah created in seconds.

The success of the program can be seen in the passion of the students that take the courses. The musical mind and style of thinking that’s unique to artists is melded perfectly with the program and makes it so that even those with decades of experience in recording studios still learn a lot.

McRay, who raps under the stage name Citrukain, is an “OG”, as fellow student Smith calls him. McRay is 53 and has decades of experience producing his own music. Even so, he found there were a lot of steps that he had missed.

McRay said he believes the program and Chuah are life changing.

“Music is an important platform; Music touches people in different ways,” said McRay. The program is versatile because it’s adaptable to many different forms of music and is able to mold to the students needs.

“I really enjoy working with some of these guys that have all these skills that can rap or can sing or can play an instrument but they don’t know how to set up a home studio,” said Cordova. He witnessed this first hand when tutoring See MIDI page 6

Experience wins 8 awards

By LISSETTE URBINA

lurbina@lmcexperience.com

The Los Medanos College Experience staff brought home eight awards from the 60th annual Journalism Association of Community Colleges State Conference April 9-11 held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel events center in Sacramento.

“While we don’t do it for the awards, it’s nice to receive them,” said Editor-in-Chief Joseph Delano.

California community college students went to workshops, which taught key skills needed to be a good journalist, par ticipated in on-the-spot contests and attended the JACC Publications Awards ceremony, which recognized work published in community college newspapers and magazines from the spring and fall semesters of 2014.

The convention started with Keynote Speaker Jason Wells’ take on the relevance of news today. He is a Los Angeles Buzzfeed news editor and JACC alumnus. Wells, very bluntly, expressed the reality of the dying print media and told students to stay relevant.

With different workshops, from investigative writing

Photo courtesy of Randy Allen

The LMC Experience staff members with the awards won at the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) State Convention. to social media writing, the activities catered to ever y form of journalism, and the many on-the-spot contests put students in real-life journalistic scenarios.

Managing Editor Brendan Cross took part in the Twitter/ Instagram/Storify Contest, in which they covered the Sacramento State University “Festival of the Ar ts, You Create!” event and the Sports Writing contest, which covered a University of California, Davis baseball game.

“It was the first time JACC has taken a group of reporters to Davis for sports.” said Cross.

During the conference’s two separate awards ceremonies, one for publication on Friday and another for On-the-Spot Saturday, the Experience news team took home several awards, most notably for General Excellence for both its print edition, published

weekly and distributed Fridays, and its online news site lmcexperience.com. Several staff members won awards for their work as well.

Chief Copyeditor Cassie Dickman said her fourth-place win for Feature Profile, a story about engineering major Fiona Pizarro, was unexpected.

“Since it was the first JACC state conference I attended, I was surprised and excited to receive an award,” said Dickman.

Other awards received by the LMC Experience staff include: n Second place for Feature Story, awarded to Arts Editor Damian Lewin for a story about two sons of a late auto mechanic following in their father’s footsteps by opening a local automotive repair business. n Fourth place for Inside Page Layout, awarded to Cross and former Photo Editor Irvin Trigueros for their two-page

spread “Framing the Future” about the construction of the new Student Services Center. n Honorable mention for Inside Page Layout, awarded to Cross and Delano for their two-page spread previewing the 2014 Oscars. n Honorable mention for Photo Essay, awarded to Trigueres for his depicture of the 2014 annual “March in March” at the State Capital in Sacramento. n Honorable mention for On-the-Spot Copyediting contest, awarded to Delano for his ability to demonstrate his knowledge of journalistic news-writing style.

“I think for a state tournament we did very well in that we were able to receive both Print and Online Excellence,” said Delano. “Just goes to show how well our staff is doing and hopefully continue to do a good job in the future.”

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“Being on Broadway is the modern equivalent of being a monk. I sleep a lot, eat a lot and rest a lot.”

— Hugh Jackman

A ‘Grande’ production

Hip-hop gets real

Back in Bay Area

BY RATTANA KIM

rkim@lmcexperience.com

Ariana Grande’s “Honeymoon Tour” was everything I ever needed in my life and seeing other girls dressed in Grande’s signature styles — cat ears, skirts, crop tops, curled half ponytails — made me feel at home. She performed at San Jose SAP Center Monday, April 12 with opening act, UK band, Rixton.

It was my second time seeing Grande perform live at the same arena in the same floor seating area, where, being amongst the short girls who made up the majority of the crowd, I could actually see over people’s heads.

Instead of performing along side other well-known artists, this time she was the headliner and did not disappoint. It was an incredible experience of dancing and singing to all the songs I love — I knew the lyrics by heart.

I thought I would be desensitized after watching YouTube videos of her live performances and actually seeing her perform live once before, but I was completely wrong.

Coming to the concert, I already knew Grande possessed an impeccable voice.

She sounds just like she does on the records and even more amazing live. I expected her to just sing and prance around the stage with her dancers but all the pink, the sparkles, the lights and the pyrotechnics surprised me. Being a Grande fan ever since her acting days

REVIEW

Photos by Cathie Lawrence • Experience

“My Block” premiered Thursday, April 16 in the Little Theater and will run through April 27. Above, Simone (played by Gabrielle Brown) acts as Ralphie’s (played by Lenard Jackson) love interest.

Top, Lawrence White and Trey Bell’s characters are robbing Ralphie at gunpoint. Right, Anthony (played

by Jaeson Jones) and Ralphie are engaged in a conversation.

Marvelous ‘Daredevil’

By JOSEPH DELANO

jdelano@lmcexperience.com

To say that Netflix’s newest series Daredevil may very well be its best would be an extreme understatement.

My love for the reboot of one of my favorite Marvel characters satisfies all my cravings that still lingered after the disappointing Affleck-driven monstrosity from 2003.

I appreciate when a storyline gets to be gritty, grisly and everything else that is generally lacking in the more widely accepted, family-friendly formats like movies and cable television, where toned-down content is

REVIEW

preferred to draw a larger number of viewers. I mean, are you really going to see the protagonist stab someone in the eye on the Fox network?

To me that dark and somewhat questionable behavior is not only justified, it’s necessary when telling stories of horrible crimes. So when Netflix announced the series, I got very excited.

Led by Charlie Cox (“Stardust”) as Matthew Murdock/Daredevil, the show gives the audience what it has been lacking in many comic book adaptations of late, blood and gore.

Netflix definitely has no problem with graphic shows. Have you seen Hemlock Grove?

Cox is stellar, playing two roles as blind lawyer Murdock and nighttime vigilante Daredevil.

He works with nurse Claire Temple, portrayed by Rosario Dawson (“Rent”) at night and law firm co-workers Franklin “Foggy” Nelson and Karen Page, portrayed by Elden Henson (“Mighty Ducks”) and Deborah Ann Woll (“True Blood,”) during the day to make New York City a better place.

Although all of the actors excel in portraying their characters, the real choice acting comes from Vincent D’Onofrio (“Law and Order: Criminal Intent”) as Wilson Fisk, the villain of the series.

See DEVIL, page 6

on the Nickelodeon show Victorious, it was a proud and exciting moment to see her rising as an established female music artist.

Although I loved ever y moment of her show, like her floating on the cloud and the chandelier, I especially loved when she sang “My Everything.” During the 20-minute intersession that followed Rixton’s one hour opening, a few girls ran down the aisles and gave away cut-out hearts that read, “This is forever (hold up during ‘My Everything’).”

This took Grande by surprise.

What us fans did for her was endearing because “My Everything” is dedicated to her late grandfather, and before the song she always includes an audio clip of him spreading positive thoughts.

The lights were hands down amazing. For those who purchased the cat ears merchandise, the cat ears lit up to synchronize with the lighting of each song. This was all programmed and managed through Wi-Fi. I was honestly so jealous, and still regretful, that I did not get my hands on those cat ears and, believe me, that 40 dollars would have been worth it.

One particular song, “All My Love,” which was produced for the Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I, had the best lighting arrangement. It reminded me of an electronic dance music set.

Other favorite moments included the pyrotechnics during songs like “Bang Bang,” “HonSee SHOW, page 6

Photo courtesy of imdb.com

Daredevil takes a criminal down to the ground in a fight.

healthy

lifestyles

HELPING YOU thrive

Stay Fit - Safely!

by Dr. William Lide, MD

P

laying sports, exercising and physical activities are great for your health, but they can lead to injuries if done incorrectly or if you push yourself too hard.

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting to exercise, here are some tips to help you ward off injuries: • Warm up: Stretch your arms and legs or take a light jog to loosen up your muscles. Warm muscles are less susceptible to strains, pulls and other injuries.

• Slow and steady: If you haven’t been exercising regularly, start out slow and gradually increase the frequency, duration and level of activity.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water before, during, and after your activity (especially on warm days) to ward off dehydration.

• Get into gear: Wear protective pads, mouth guards, helmets, gloves, and other equipment, if necessary. Also, protect your skin with sunscreen.

• “No pain, no gain?” Forget it: Pain is your body’s way of saying stop or slow down. If you experience pain or discomfort (more than the usual soreness after a workout) that doesn’t disappear after the activity, talk with your doctor.

• Mix it up: Varying your routine will reduce boredom, increase your skill level, and improve flexibility.

Doing the same activity repeatedly increases the risk of an “overuse” injury.

Remember to consult your doctor before starting a new sport or exercise routine. For more information on sports and fitness injuries, go to the Kaiser Permanente Web site at www.kp.org/diablo.

This article is proudly sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

William Lide, MD is a Physician Site Leader for tha Pleasanton Medical Offices.

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“The only way to prove that you’re a good sport is to lose.”

— Ernie Banks

Mustangs edge out the 49ers

LMC wins a close one

By KESHAWN WARD Staff Writer

Experience • Logan Jones

Mike Alexander pitched seven innings in a win over Yuba College while striking out six.

Softball splits a pair Mustangs shut out Yuba with 8-0

Extra Innings a heart-breaker

By ALLANYA SERNA

By TYLER MORTIMORE

A crowd of about 40 watched and cheered on both teams in a game that went down to the wire Friday, April 10 as Mustangs baseball pulled out a 9-8 win over conference opponent Yuba College.

The Los Medanos College baseball team beat the 49ers in a game where the momentum went back-and-forth.

Yuba was coming off of a loss to Solano College and needed a win to keep playoff hopes alive, but the Stangs were in a similar position as both teams are sitting in the middle of the pack in the conference. The issue for both teams has been inconsistency, and LMC hasn’t been able to build momentum after wins because of it.

After the win over Yuba, LMC and Yuba players had a few choice words for one another, a sign that tensions are high because the playoffs are near.

Early in the game, the teams were neck-and-neck with a tight 3-2 score after three innings.

That all changed in the sixth inning when the Mustangs capitalized on the 49ers mistakes. Yuba committed multiple errors in the inning leading to two unearned runs in the inning and Stangs third baseman Carlos Carrillo capped it off with a two-run triple upping the lead to 7-2.

No lead was safe in this game and Yuba got back into the game when left fielder Ryan Glazner hit a home run with two men on base cutting the lead down to two in the ninth inning.

This woke up the entire Yuba team

and turned the momentum back in the favor of the 49ers, and they would add an unearned run later in the inning to cut the lead to one.

The 49ers could not hold on to the momentum as the Mustangs came right back with two runs of their own to take a three run lead. Yuba wasn’t going down without a fight and was able to strike back with two runs of their own in the top of the ninth but it wasn’t enough and they fell one run short of sending the game to the bottom of the ninth thanks to a great play.

“The play at the end, you get a good finish by the shortstop, you get a first baseman that’s ready to finish the play, and obviously he catches it and makes the play, which is huge,” said Los Medanos Head Coach Anthony D’Albora after huddling with his team.

“You got to finish games regardless how you get there.”

And he said, for the Mustangs, it’s about staying positive “You get so caught up in one at bat and they start to come back and score a couple of runs and it’s easy to start thinking about the negative,” said D’Albora, adding that “when we had the lead early, it was free and easy.”

Yuba’s Head Coach Ryan Evangelho agreed that it was a good game despite the loss. He said they knew they were in a battle early so they were ready to go to the bullpen if necessary.

Although the game ended chippy with players from both sides of the See BALL, page 6

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

The Los Medanos College softball team fell 2-1 to Yuba College in the second game of a double-header Thursday, April 9. An 8th inning run sunk the Mustangs after strong defensive showings from both teams.

Coming off an 8-0 romp in the first game, the Mustangs struggled to drive in runs after a 1-1 1st inning, eventually giving up a run in extra innings.

“We played an exceptional defensive game, especially Crystal Hicks,” said LMC Head Coach Tim Rognlien.

Yuba City opened the scoring in the 1st after pitcher Jenna Leavitt, coming off a shutout in the first game, hit two batters and gave up two singles.

She quickly regained her composure and struck out the next batter to leave the bases loaded and end the half inning.

The bottom of the first saw Lyrica Langlois get on base with a walk and Jasmina Cross get the first of three hits before Vaneasia Olson drove Langlois home with a groundout.

Quincy Pierce took over pitching duties in See SOFT, page 6 the 4th inning and threw well for four innings,

Mustangs softball shutout Yuba College 8-0 during the first game of a doubleheader at home Thursday, April 9.

With a good turn out of around thirty people, the women had cheering from not only the dugout, but the bleachers as well.

To get psyched for their games, left fielder Vaneasia Olson said, “we play street ball.”

All of their energy was present from start to finish.

“I was excited for the game because I knew we were gonna beat them,” said Olson. “It was our game.”

Having lost to Yuba in a previous game, the Los Medanos College women were determined to win and get payback. Pitcher Jenna Leavitt pitched a complete game shutout in the victory and showed Yuba the Stangs meant business.

The Mustangs were on a roll throughout the game, never once giving Yuba a chance to score a single run.

After the win Maria Reyes, who plays third base for the Stangs, smiled and said, “I feel amazing because we played like a team.”

Experience • Logan Jones

Jenna Leavitt allowed only one hit against Yuba College in the first game of a doubleheader April 9. The Mustangs split the twin bill. inducing Yuba’s hitters into pop-ups and fly-outs.

Both teams had opportunities over the next four innings but did not capitalize.

“We left a lot of runners on base when we couldn’t get a timely hit,” Rognlien said.

Yuba finally broke the deadlock in the 8th.

Tamara Ables cracked one onto the warning track in center field for a double, Alyssa Peterson got Ables to third base on a groundout and Ashley Gilmore hit her home with an

RBI single.

LMC failed to find a response in the bottom half of the inning and fell back to .500 in conference with a record of 7-7 — 13-16 overall.

Coming into the game having won four of their last five games before this loss, Coach Rognlien said he is optimistic about the rest of the season. “(The) ladies are playing outstanding softball,” he said.

First time at ballpark

Experience • Joseph Delano

Fans reach out for Sacramento Rivercats mascot Dinger as he rolls around the park delivering gifts and collectibles between innings.

When I was a kid I used to hate when my dad watched baseball because it was confusing to me and it often interfered with my desire to watch “The Powerpuff Girls.” Now my dad and I watch games together on TV, which is fun, but it wasn’t until last Sunday that I got to watch my first live game and I can say it was a deeply satisfying experience.

I didn’t know I was going until that morning, and when I realized this would be my first professional sporting event I got a little anxious. I didn’t know the ticket purchasing procedure and I didn’t know if there would be any sort of ballgame traditions I’d be left out of given my lack of experience with such things. However, everything went smoothly and soon a group of friends and I were making our way to the field.

It was hard to take in everything. Everyone there was wearing some sort of merchandise.

There were Giants and A’s fans mingling, and kids were running around — some of whom seemed to be unattended. Though I had seen overpriced food and long lines before, I still saw every aspect of that part of the day in a positive light.

Kimberly Stelly SOCIALLY UNWELL

Before the game even started, I was so busy thinking about where I was and what was about to take place, that I almost missed the performance of the National Anthem. In fact, by the time I snapped out of my daze, we were about a third of the way through the song and everyone around me was standing already. I was embarrassed but, since no one was there to scold me, I sang what remained of the song then waited patiently, but earnestly, for the game to start.

For the first few innings, it was hard to pay attention to the game itself. I was too busy running my fingers through the blades of grass and listening to the chatter around me.

I spent an inordinate amount of time staring at the sky and watching my friends trade quips See PARK, page 6

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SHORT BOOKS KAREN From page 1

From page 1

The district wants colleges to consider this conversion because statistics show student success improves in a 16-week calendar and, because most Bay Area community colleges have not yet made the change, it could potentially provide an advantage in recruiting students to LMC, as well as to Diablo Valley and Contra Costa colleges. Santa Monica was the first college in the state to make the switch about 25 years ago after being proposed by its Academic Senate vice president.

“I can think of absolutely no one who would go back to the old calendar,” said Chandler.

Initially resistance came from the math and science depar tments as they had concerns about whether they could cover the material in a shorter number of weeks and still have students learn effectively.

However Moassessi, who is a math teacher, found professors had a better chance of covering all of their material as the compressed calendar lengthened class time from 50 to 80 minutes a session at Santa Monica College.

El Camino went to the compressed calendar in 2002 after two years of discussion and has a class schedule designed similar to Santa Monica College.

But there are differences in the calendars, which include the number of flex days — faculty ser vice days for professional development — and the number of Saturdays they choose to include in their academic year.

But LMC staff and faculty expressed some concerns about the space for classes due to the increased class time. El Camino and Santa Monica College have classes that start at 6:30 a.m. and to accommodate the lengthened class time here at LMC, which starts at 8 a.m., the school day would have to begin earlier as well.

“When this came up in the mid-2000s we ultimately turned it down,” said LMC biology professor Mark Lewis.

As a chance for students to make up units they may have lost by eliminating the longer semesters, Santa Monica College also has a six-week winter intersession and a six-to-eight-week summer session while other colleges have made their summer sessions longer.

“The pass rates were no different, our students were just as successful,” said Chandler.

The length of a compressed calendar is similar to those of the California State University and University of California systems, which can make transfer easier for students.

“Santa Monica College has one of the highest transfer rates,” explained Brown, ”El Camino is only a little bit behind that rate.”

The next step in the discussion over the proposal to reduce the academic calendar from 18 to 16 weeks is for the academic senates at LMC, DVC and CCC to fur ther discuss and then vote on the proposal.

If a decision is made to make the change, the soonest it could be implemented is the Fall 2016 semester.

For more information and access to the videos of the presentations made at Los Medanos College’s academic senate meeting, as well as those at Diablo Valley and Contra Costa colleges visit uf4cd.org.

who traveled to various countries. Computer science professor Clayton Smith, told those who checked him out he has traveled to 26 countries and he shared with them what he has learned about those different countries, and what the requirements are before you can travel.

“People can be ver y different, but still the same,” Smith said.

Jessica Navarro, who listened to Smith, said she found what he had to say interesting because he has done things she would also like to do.

“It was really cool,” Jessica Navarro said. “I always wanted to travel, so it was nice to hear someone who traveled to so many countries.”

Some event attendees checked out more than one book and mostly people sat one on one with a book, but some listened in groups.

The next Books Alive event will be during the 2015 Fall semester and it will include people sharing about their careers. For more information about the future Books Alive event, visit the LMC library.

SOFT From page 5

The bench was constantly yelling chants and words of encouragement from the dugout when one of their players was up to bat, always making sure every player was getting pumped up and ready to fight for victory.

And they had plenty to cheer for as the team scored in four of the five innings, highlighted by a five-run third inning. While Leavitt dominated the game from the mound the offense was highlighted by Ashleigh Stephens-Coley who knocked in three runs, while four others each drove in one run.

The home bleachers also buzzed with voices of encouragement throughout the whole game, and ultimately cheered the team into celebration of the shutout in game one. There was not one sour face in the home stands.

One of the fans in those stands, LMC student Kendall Paige, was vocally excited about the first game in the doubleheader.

She said, “we creamed the other team, go Mustangs.”

TEAM From page 1

in debate, but in representing LMC as a school.

Coach Marie Arcidiacono said, “I’m very proud of how our team represented the campus.”

“I think that when you go to any tournament, but particularly a large tournament, you know that people are looking and judging your institution based on your students.”

“The positive comments we got about our students let me know they were representing LMC to the best of their ability,” added Arcidiacono.

While the official results for all teams beyond the final four are not out yet, the team feels they did well as one of two community colleges in attendance.

The debate team’s next event will be a public and intramural debate on May 1 at LMC. The results will be posted with this story online at www. lmcexperience.com as they become available.

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field feeling frustrated with each other, both head coaches made it clear that there is no bad blood.

It’s just that time of season where emotions are high.

“We’ve seen each other a couple of times and right now we want to win badly,” said Evangelho.

Despite the win for LMC, D’Albora said, “there were chances [where] we could’ve been better.”

“You score early that’s great, but it’s always about the next one.”

The Mustangs followed the win up with a 7-5 win over Mendocino College. The Stangs have a 9-10 record with five games left to play.

Their next home game is Tuesday, April 21 against College of Marin at 2:30 p.m.

eymoon Avenue” and “Problem,” and the confetti that rained down.

Just as Grande opened her per formance with a bang, she ended the show without a problem.

It was a magical experience that every Ariana Grande fan should get to experience.

Although Grande’s performance was amazing, credit should also be given to the opening band Rixton because they were able to get us excited.

I am familiar with the band but I have never seen them live, and I was blown away.

It was impressive that, for over an hour, they were able to have so much energy and charisma, and captured the crowd’s attention.

Everyone should see her in concert. She’s amazeballs!

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of lives she touched, careers she launched and people she supported with her friendship and attentive care. Her mark at LMC will live on for many years, I am sure.”

The memorial was open to everyone from noon to 1:30 p.m. and all the seats in the Librar y Community Room were filled with standing room only.

LMC President Bob Kratochvil opened the celebration with a quote from Buddha: “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the light of that candle cannot be shortened.

Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

He compared the light in this quote to that of Nakaji, before passing the microphone to master of ceremonies and former LMC President Peter Garcia.

“We’re going to celebrate, but if we’re not sad, we probably can’t have the celebration she deserves,” Garcia said through tears.

But then he lightened the mood by speaking of Karen’s character while at work.

“She knew how to not let you know how stupid you really were,” said Garcia, who recounted that she would often laugh, smile and wait until you left to fix whatever work you’d presented her with. Judging by the laughter in the room, Garcia was not the only one to meet this type of response.

Garcia then introduced English professor JoAnn Hobbs, the first of Karen’s four best friends set to speak.

Hobbs spoke on Karen as an educator and colleague. She recalled the time when they were both part-timers and interviewing for the same job at LMC. They’d become close and were sad that only one of

them could get the job, until a new position opened up and they were both hired. They were best friends ever since.

Of their many collaborations, Hobbs said, “the magic was working together and creating wonderful lessons and projects and supporting each other along the way.”

When one of them was not entirely prepared for class, the other would readily provide handouts and any other material needed that day. They spent a lot of time working together on curriculum and lesson plans to keep classes interesting for their students.

And, of course, they supported each other endlessly.

Hobbs quoted Karen, who would say, “to paraphrase [her husband] Dave Nakaji, you are never as bad as you think you are. But remember, you’re never as good either.”

Next to speak was long-time friend Chris Smith. She and Karen met as LMC students because both of their daughters attended the preschool on campus. Despite Karen pursuing a career in English and Smith following a medical path, their companionship was unwavering.

Smith said their 30 years of friendship were spent “supporting each other through multiple college degrees, a couple of husbands, a few divorces, some boyfriends, four kids with chicken pox, girl scout troops, teenagers, single parenting, 18 house moves, and many, many diets.”

The laughs continued as Smith recalled asking Karen to accompany her to Maui, where she was scheduled to teach a pediatric course at a conference. Karen offered to help her teach as long as Smith taught her all that she knew ahead of time. At the conference, Smith said, Karen performed as a master and impressed everyone with her

PARK

MIDI

back and forth.

In the middle innings, I watched the game closely. I couldn’t quite see or interpret everything that was happening but I knew enough to know when it was appropriate to cheer and clap.

It wasn’t until the game came close to ending that I actually started paying attention to the score. I realized that the game would be ending soon, as would the best part of the day. I didn’t like that. I didn’t want the feeling of camaraderie with people I didn’t know through the appreciation of this sport to end. I didn’t want to have to say goodbye to my friends, then go home where my primary activity is worrying about all the homework assignments due on Monday, but eventually I did.

Normally, I’d want to take pictures, but I took three. The reason being that I knew I wouldn’t easily forget this first experience or the feelings that came with it.

If you have the chance go to a baseball game. You get to feel a sense of togetherness with people who came out to do the same thing as you — have a good time.

many students with a wide variety of music tastes, he said they where able to apply the techniques learned in class to each and every genre of music.

“There’s such a diverse group of people that come in that its cool and interesting to see these people link up and start recording together,” said Cordova.

The styles that use MIDI are relatable to the diverse student population. The diversity is what makes the process so fun for the students and the teachers. Each new student broadens the reach of the program by offering opportunities that would be hard to come by.

This idea that the MIDI Program is not only a step to a degree but also an important life step to fulfilling a dream is most evident in the inspiring stories of the program’s students.

Gianni Torres, a 20 year old born and raised in Antioch, said without music he would probably be dead. Things like sequencing a beat combined with Chuah’s explanations are already helping him to perfect the art of producing music.

Chuah himself is inspired by his students and was sur-

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knowledge. They never found out she was not a medical practitioner.

Following Smith, English professor Barbara Austin spoke of Karen’s “wild” taste for life.

She opened with a short Emily Dickenson poem about a dying woman who has yet to tell her garden, then continued “to understand Karen, poems are not enough. You need prose. You need story.

You need thesis.”

Austin then read a piece she wrote entitled “Becoming Karen.” In it she said Karen was about “the things that mattered” – in her case her children, her students and her colleagues.

Austin said, while the majority of the English department tends to shy away from one another, they all came together in the nature preserve on the Monday after Karen died “and for one brief moment we loved each other, because we all loved Karen.”

“We honor her by becoming what we loved in her,” said Austin in closing.

Nancy Ybarra, Dean of Liberal Arts, personal friend of Karen’s and main coordinator of the memorial, chose to speak about Karen’s emotional and spiritual maturity.

She remembered how Karen would often deliver messages to people based on dreams she’d had of them.

Many times she’d be right – including when Ybarra applied for the dean position.

As many people in the room agreed, Karen was always there as a confidante.

“When Karen listened, we felt understood,” said Ybarra.

“One of our last conversations was about eternity … she said that although it might seem like she was going to depart from this world far sooner than I, that in fact it was really just a heartbeat

on the scale of eternal time.”

Ybarra ended her speech with mention of the quote on the back of the program, one that she said captures the essence of Karen’s message: “We’re all just walking each other home.”

After speeches from Karen’s friends, the microphone circled the room for anybody who wanted to speak. And many did, including English instructors Wendy Alexander, Laura Burnell and James Noel, recording ar ts instr uctor Frank Dorritie and several of Karen’s former students.

ESL instructor Yongmin Zhu stood at the front of the room and sang a heartfelt rendition of “Always On My Mind” by Willie Nelson, springing tears all in the room.

Although not necessarily expected to speak, Karen’s sister Jodee said a few words and Karen’s daughter Kayla thanked everyone for coming, saying “we love you, mom.”

But most surprising to hear was the final speaker, Karen’s husband Dave Nakaji. He admitted that he wasn’t planning on speaking, but decided to share a poem that he wrote about the things that brought his wife joy.

The final lines in the poem depicting Karen read, “carefully pruning, lovingly attending to the roses, knowing each by name; adding color, delight, and amazement to all that she touches.”

After a grand applause guests were encouraged to share memories and enjoy tea and cookies – Karen’s favorite treat.

One of Karen’s favorite places was the nature preserve and the English department would like to place a plaque there in her honor. If you would like to donate to this cause, you can do so through the Los Medanos College Foundation.

prised to learn just how much his classes impacted their lives. He said after hearing Smith, a 25 year older rapper from Oakland, explain that his discovery of his love for producing music had a deep impact on him growing up in a harsh street environment, Chuah said he that he is now realizing that the work he’s doing has reached past the boundaries of LMC and into the hearts of his students.

Cordova said he knows just how exceptional the program’s students are. He couldn’t help but praise the talent of the young students that come to LMC to learn about mixing music and also expressed the sentiment that the business side of the music industr y is one of the most important things to learn.

“A lot of youngsters just get ripped off,” said Cordova, “so knowing the business side is really important.”

Cordova is a testament to the success of the program, after earning his Associate’s Degree in Recording Arts he has gone on to work as a sound engineer and music producer,.

The MIDI program is a way out of a lifetime of hard living and suffering for a lot of students. It offers an alterna-

tive; an opportunity that is not being taken for granted. Gianni Torres takes the MIDI courses instead of going to work for what he calls the ‘Steel Mill’, the local Pittsburg oil refinery that employs a large portion of local residents, sometimes for generations.

The success of the program has effects on the life of the students like Gianni. “Music is life,” he said.

DEVIL From page 4

Fisk is a quiet man of terrible power, capable of a great and scary evil,.

Unfortunately for our hero Daredevil, Fisk’s temperament makes him seem like a good guy. Murdock must figure out how to use the legal system to stop the evil plans of Fisk and his flunkies before they come to fruition. Where the legal system fails, the devil comes out to pick up the slack.

Having seen 10 of the 13 48-59 minute episodes, I am already dying for more and dreading the end, which I’m sure will not disappoint.

Just be careful and pace yourself. Who am I kidding?

Consume it all.