Paper cranes decorate trees in Quad
Women in six-game win streak
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MONITOR OHLONE COLLEGE
Vol. XXXXI No. 15
Fremont, California
Ohlone disaster drill successful By OMER AHMED Staff writer Amidst the sounds of police dispatcher’s static, Ohlone ran an emergency response simulation exercise similar to the large scale Regional Golden Guardian terrorism response exercise that many Ohlone students attended in Oakland. The exercise was staged for the purpose of testing the college’s preparedness and for training officers and staff how to properly serve the school during a disaster. The Nov. 23 exercise simulated a close proximity earthquake, which is a significant risk for the school due to the closeness of the Hayward Fault. The school’s response to the simulated emergency was held in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) that all public agencies must follow. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was set up in the Smith Center dance studio. The response team received emergency calls and sent out officers and buildings and grounds staff to
help where they could. Efforts to assess the school’s damage, repair dangerous sections of the campus and assist students was also routed though the EOC. To demonstrate damage to the campus, large folded posters were attached to school buildings with descriptions of the site’s damage written on the inside of the fold. Some of the simulated on-campus dilemmas included the front of Building 5 collapsing and fires at various locations across campus. Ohlone’s response to the simulated disaster passed the scrutiny of SEMS guidelines but Police Chief Steven J. Fajardo said, “There is always something that we could do better.” He specifically pointed towards a lack of documentation and the possibility of improvements in communication. Current plans call for there to be at least one disaster exercise a semester and Fajardo hopes to make a few changes for the future, “The school knows that we are trying to be prepared and the next step is the get students and teachers more involved.”
Photo by Nick Zambrano
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Dancin’ in the NUMMI
Photo by Rostislav Tsvetanov
The Chops Big Band induced uncontrollable bouts of dancing during their concert Nov. 18 in the NUMMI Theater.
$2.2 million more for Newark By OMER AHMED Staff writer The budget for Ohlone’s future Newark Center of Health Science and Technology just rose slightly. At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees Monday, the request for over $2.2 million was approved unanimously. This vote returned money that had been previously taken away from the project and placed in an Unaligned Contingency Budget. With new funds, the total budget for the Newark Center has reached $99.2 million. Trustee Member Nick Nardolillo expressed concern over wither it was wise to take out money from reserves this early in the construction process, which is still in the first phase. Nardolillo said, “I’m concerned that if we get another hit, where will the money come from?” Deputy Superintendent Deanna Walston explained that there would be no money left in the Unaligned Contingency Budget if the request was passed but there would still be $3.5 million in other contingency funds that are part of the overall Measure A Bond projects budget. She also stated that the Board would
Mary Van Noord going to Newark.
not be able to award any bids for future construction phases if it did not have the money from the request. The board was slated to approve construction bids after deciding on the money request and, as such, were put in a tight spot. Board Member Robert Brunton explained, “Even if I don’t approve of the $2 million and 39 thousand, I still have to vote for it.” The project is still in Phase 1 Increment 1 where groundwork and the very basic foundation are being worked on. The building pads and earthwork for the parking lots are almost finished and the main waterline has been installed. There have been some issues with PG&E’s inability to get four-inch gas pipes due to rebuilding efforts after the recent hurricane season. The groundwater retaining bioswale could also be an issue, as West Nile viruscarrying mosquitoes have possibly been found at a site north of the construction grounds and the still water could be at risk. An update on the Newark Center focusing on the bids, as well as updates on the Student Support Services Building and the compressed calendar will be held tomorrow at the College Council Meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Library’s Video Conference Room.
Transfer and Career Services Center to be relocated By SARAH NOORI Staff writer The Transfer and Career Services Center (TCS), located on the fourth floor of Building One, may be relocated to the One Stop Center in Newark, moving its popular services off campus and becoming less accessible to most students. Reasons for the relocation include impending projects on the
Fremont campus, such as the demolition of Building 7 to make way for a new student services building. Dean of Counseling Martha Brown said the TCS will be moved out of its home in Room 1405 to maintain classroom space during the construction period. Among these adjustments, TCS may be shifted to a different location on campus. Brown said no firm decisions have been made as to where the TCS will
be relocated, although the TCS staff commented on the Newark site being mentioned. Work-Based Learning Specialist Mary Van Noord will become the Career Center Job Developer at the Newark One-Stop Center. She received the official news Monday that her present position as head of TCS was being terminated. She was offered the Career Center Job Developer position at the One Stop
Center, which she has accepted. Her duties at the college consisted of helping students on a personal basis with resumes and being the liaison between employers and students seeking jobs. “I would like to welcome students to come see me at the Newark center and hope I can be of service to them at my new location,” Van Noord said. The changes may take effect next semester. The current center in
Room 1102 will remain open and will remain in existence throughout any possible changes. “Students should continue to look forward to the services offered to them on campus,” Brown said. The center offers services in transfer assistance, job and internship search skills, career counseling and testing, on-campus and work-study jobs, and CSU & UC application workshops.
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MONITOR December 1, 2005
Associated Collegiate Press / National Scholastic Press Association All American 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 Regional Pacemaker 1988 Journalism Association of Community Colleges First in General Excellence, Northern California Fall 1994 General Excellence Fall 2000 General Excellence Fall 2004
OPINION Editor in chief: Aman Mehrzai News editor: Anna Nemchuk Opinion editor: Jerome Engelberts Features editor: Krista Martinez, Joyce Leung Sports editor: Nick Zambrano Photo editor: Devina Deo Staff writers: Omer Ahmed, Morgan Brinlee, Steven Chavez, Sara Kwan, Jessica Losee, Danelle Meyer, Eric Sanchez, Huda Shreim, Annie Utter, Gabriel Vila Ad Staff: Altanette Ford, Sarah Noori Photographers: Rostislav Tsvetanov Ad manager: Corie Howell Adviser: Bill Parks Printer: F-P Press
Offices are located in Room 5310 on campus, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont 945395884. Call (510) 659-6075. Fax: (510) 659-6076. E-mail: monitor@ohlone.cc.ca.us Opinions expressed in the MONITOR are those of the respective authors and are not necessarily those of the staff, the college or the Associated Students of Ohlone College. Unsigned editorials reflect the majority view of staff members. Advertising material is printed herein for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an expression of endorsement or verification of such commercial ventures by the staff or college. The MONITOR is funded by the district, by the Associated Students of Ohlone College, and through advertising revenue. The MONITOR is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, Community College Journalism Association, California Newspaper Publishers Association, College Media Advisers and Society of Newspaper Design.
OPINION
Attitude makes all the difference By ANNA NEMCHUK News editor On the first day of class, there’s a certain quivering in the air - a quickening, a pulsing, a flurry, if you will. A new beginning is at hand and the slate is wiped clean: new professors, new classes, new books. The instructor explains the class’s guidelines, hands out contact information, and the lecture begins. Half an hour passes, a day, perhaps a few sessions, the professor warming up to the subject, the discussions picking up energy...when there it is. The ball drops. A student lets fly a hand and imperviously demands, “Will this be on the test?” The professor, skin suddenly tight around the eyes, slowly turns around and, pinning the lumbering questioner with a resigned glare, bites out an answer. The mood is shattered. Convivial chatter trickles to naught, teacher and students tense - feeling as if treading on a minefield, the class takes on a bitter, battlesome nature. I am so tired of lazy students ruining my fun! Every class, every
year, some dolt will indubitably ask the dreaded question and remind the teacher, already bogged down by administrative balderdash, a puny salary and half the class having bought the incorrect text, of just what the students are really sitting there for. Not to learn, why would you do such a thing, but to pass the test, of course, then pass the course, complete a degree, transfer to another school, get another degree, find a job, and so on. When did education stop being about learning? Perhaps a bit of the idealist still survives in me, but I remain flabbergasted when hearing, “I just need to pass this class, what’s the lowest percentage for a C?” Why would you EVER go into a class intending only to pass it? It’s one thing to try your best and receive a B or C for your efforts, there is nothing dishonorable about not going through school with a 4.0 GPA, and quite another to begin with the attitude that a half-assed attempt is good enough. As a student, I abhor students like that. As a teacher, I imagine I might become homicidal. At the end of the summer semester, having successfully completed the course work for a history class and in the process of depart-
ing it for the last time, I asked the professor for a copy of the notes for a class I had missed earlier. His utter incomprehension at why I should desire information now totally unrelated to my grade and his more than mild shock when presented with the explanation that I had come there to learn and I wanted all the information I could get were depressing, to say the least. We have trained our teachers to expect the worst of us. There are sites dedicated to rating them by how easily they grade, how many tests are given, even how hot they are. This is what college is about?! And as for teachers: the best teacher I ever had, a MSJHS English teacher named Patricia Allen, never raised her voice in a class of more than thirty rowdy kids. One glance from her and the bun crowning her head was enough to silence the most irascible among us. Professor Barbara Tull starts out her week with two meetings and ends with twenty-four as the faculty senate president, yet her science fiction, Shakespeare and gothic novel courses are some of the most fascinating on campus. History and Political Science Professor John Kenney single(Continued on Page 3)
Your shrinking budget By ALTANETTE FORD Correspondent If you thought the cost of school was high last semester, I hope you’ve braced yourself for the next expected price hike. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder if the present GOP administration has an axe to grind with education, the elderly, and poor people. Bush has a tendency to pay back those who criticize him where it hurts the most- in the pocket book. It seems to be a habit of President Bush to seek revenge when folks don’t agree with his decisions. The House of Representatives approved a bill for a budget cut of $50 billion that will affect the poor, elderly, and students. School is getting harder and harder to pay for, that is unless you’re rich, or your dad is a CEO at Halliburton. Then of course, budget cuts don’t bother you, because you’ve lucked out and hit the lottery as far as the government goes. The already very wealthy will get hefty entitlement checks in the form of $70 billion in tax cuts. While the poor and middle-class students will get to pay 8.25 percent interest instead of the previous 6.8 percent on their student loans,
parents will now pay 9 percent on loans that previously carried an interest rate of 7.9 percent. ‘Students graduating with an average debt of loan of $17,500 the changes would increase the cost of paying off loans by $5,800 in interest and fees,” said Matt Petrie, Portland State University, Vanguard. College education in the future for middle-class and low-income students will be very slim. The budget, also, raises the interest rate for consolidation loans, and reduces subsidies paid to student lenders a total of $20.5 billion in cuts over a 10 year period. All of this is of course mainly the problem of people who are underprivileged already, and have the most despertae need of (additional) education. President Bush and his administration are just in time to play the part of Scrooge during the Christmas holidays, and his GOP Staff can play the evil ghosts or the spider-webs on the wall. Some of us are going to need borrow the mailman’s slogan for inspiration “come rain or shine” nothing will stop us from getting an education. Don’t let the Robbing Hood bunch stop you. Where there is a will, there is a way.
CAMPUS COMMENT > > >
Have you turned in your transfer papers? Where to?
GRETTA EMMONS Anthropology “ Yes, UC Davis”
KIRA MEIERS Anthropology “Yes. UC Davis.”
VINNIE CLIMENT Business “Yes. Sac or SCSU.”
MATTHEW WOUTERS Sociology “Yes, Indiana State for baseball.”
BRENDAN BLAKE Communications “Yes. UCLA”
December 1, 2005 MONITOR
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Listen more, talk less, get better grades Continued from Page 2 handedly overturned my hate of history, solely due to his passion for it. Bill Parks, Ohlone’s renowned journalism instructor, puts up with a quarrelsome, restive newspaper staff day in and day out without losing his love for the Monitor or chucking any of the aforementioned off a balcony. Ohlone is a community college. As such, it is not out to make a profit; it is out to make educated, thriving members of society out of students. The next time you’re in class and you’re wondering what will appear on the test? Read the book(s), listen to the professor, take notes, participate in any discussions, do your assignments, and I guarantee you’ll not only pass the class, you’ll very likely achieve an A in it, and all without driving your professor and fellow classmates bonkers. And just think: you might learn something, too!
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LETTER Student says police abusive at protest EDITOR: Having never been to a political protest before, I was excited to attend the events surrounding the Colin Powell appearance at De Anza College Nov. 11. My intentions were more for knowledge and experience than to support any political agenda. In other words, I went as an observer, to find out why people are moved to protest and how informed they are about what they are protesting. As I arrived, the protest was under way, filled with chanting and arm-locking, and fully stocked with police in riot gear. I began to talk to random people and within a few minutes had identified three wellrepresented groups: pacifists, Muslims and anarchists, with a few old hippies thrown in to spice things up. They all agreed that the current administration is bad and that the war must end, but all for very different reasons and purposes. I met
a few people who were well informed about current events, but I found that many were there for superficial reasons and were relatively uninformed. There were several people who thought themselves justified in throwing rocks and eggs at police, or harassing elderly folks trying to attend the speech. I wondered whose side they were on. Then we had the police. Presumably called upon to maintain peace and order, I found them arrogant and disrespectful to the people whom they are paid to serve. They wore an attitude of authoritarianism and superiority reminiscent of a Roman legion, while also mimicking their tactics. At times, they brutalized people with clubs and pepper spray and then justified their actions by their motto, “We’re only following orders.” This might sound familiar to your grandparents; it was the same defense that the Nazis used at the war crimes trials at Nuremberg. Someone should tell
the “boys in blue” that everyone is responsible for their own actions, regardless of orders. I was not a protestor. I did not identify with their cause or their methods of protest. Nor do I believe that this government is leading this country in the right direction, meaning the preservation of freedom. We have been and will continue to suffer intrusions upon our liberties, as were suffered by many innocent people at this protest, until we the people realize that “We the People...” means us. Despite my neutrality, I was assaulted by police and struck in the back more than several times by their clubs, as they advanced upon the crowd without warning. I witnessed the police severely beat and mace one individual who appeared to have done nothing wrong except to be slow to get out of the way.
TIRED OF COMPLAINING? Think things would be different if people were better informed? Want to do something about it? JOIN THE MONITOR STAFF! Call 510.659.6074 or email Monitor@Ohlone.edu
– KEN STEADMAN III Student
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MONITOR Decmber 1, 2005
Jessica Losee Staff writer
Suicide marriage Last month, three hotels in Amman, Jordan were rocked by explosions causing havoc throughout the city, a safe and stable area in the midst of the conflict of the Middle East. Fiftyseven people were killed in the three bombings, which occurred at different hotels in the city. At the Radisson Hotel, two of the suicide bombers, a husband and wife, were at a wedding. The husband’s explosives were set off, but the wife, Sajida Mubarak al-Rishawi, was unable to detonate her explosive belt. “He took one end and I took the other,” said al-Rishawi, in a quote from the New York Times. “The hotel had a wedding in it and there were women and children. My husband executed the attack. I tried to detonate it but it failed. People began to run, and I ran out with them.” It is unfathomable how one can run away from causing such a tragedy. Al-Rishawi was arrested and confessed to aiding in the bombing, then running away with the rest of the crowd afterwards. During her taped confession, she still wore the transparent belt of explosives around her waist. It is unknown whether alRishawi’s interrogators asked or forced her to wear the belt, as little of the taped confession was released. The interview included information about how the attack was organized, but not the targets of the attack. King Abdullah, ruler of the nation believes that despite the presence of foreign citizens at the hotels, the attacks were aimed at Jordanians. Had the explosives gone off, the woman would have been identified like the rest of the suicide bombers, by piecing together body parts on a coroner’s table. Yet now the world can look at this person, and wonder why she would choose to murder so many people for a selfish cause. These issues are apparent in headlines, but there is also a movie in theaters now about the subject. Paradise Now, a Warner Independent film, focuses on two Palestinian suicide bombers, Said and Khaled. The two are followed around with cameras during what they feel is their last 48 hours. In the future it can be hoped that people are able to express their opinions with words, not explosives. It is a sad day when the human voice is so oppressed that it can only be heard through bombs blasting. It is unfortunate that I was unable to discover the meaning behind the Amman suicide bombings. One can only judge from possessed knowledge, which can be biased, incomplete or completely inaccurate. Judge for yourself how such a desperate reaction can be brought about, but a man once told me, “People do severe things when they are severely oppressed.”
FEATURES Harry Potter Express: A humble review By KRISTA MARTINEZ Features editor Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth movie in the successful series on movies based on books, opened up in theaters Nov. 18 and as of Wednesday night has grossed more than $412 million worldwide. The thing to think about though, is this movie worth your $7.50? A wonderful cast, an enchanted world, interesting situations and colorful characters can still make a bad movie when directors and writers rush stories along and edit poorly. There is no way to enjoy this movie, beyond special effects, unless you have seen the previous three movies and have
read the novels. Many worthwhile events are completely ignored, changed or, even worse, combined in an effort to keep the plot plausible, while unimportant minutia somehow made their way into the final cut. The movie feels as if the director thought there wasn’t enough time to cover everything and pushed 9/10 of the book into- the first 20 minutes and the attempted to make the last bit cover another two hours. Yes, the full running time of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is 157 minutes. Not everything was awful. In fact, the editing was the only thing that could use help at all. The ages of the various actors
finally look spot on for the parts they play, most obviously Daniel Radcliff, playing the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter himself. Those who felt that Daniel looked exceptionally young in the first three films can rest assured that Harry looks the age he is supposed to be. Malfoy, on the other hand, played by Tom Felton, might have to be replaced for the last three movies if he continues to look so much older than any other character, barring professors. Michael Gambon plays a slightly more sinister, twitchier and creepier Albus Dumbledore than the one the late Richard Harris brought to life in the first films. Surprisingly, with the overall
darker tone of the fourth movie, this works well to the advantage of the film and will likely prove essential to the mood in the next movies as the themes become more serious. Special effects become central to the movie series as events become more outlandish and plotorientated. The green-screen effects are very nearly flawless, with characters interacting with real and digital elements with the same amount of natural movement. Dangerous times ahead for the whole cast but don't expect to understand one word of what happens unless you remember the contents of the previous novels. Now, all there is to do is wait for the next novel.
Black and white photography draws attention in a color world By DANELLE MEYER Staff writer For the longest time the art display case on the third floor of Building 2 has been dormant, barren of any work. But Paul Mueller, Professor of Photography, has brought life back to the dusty case ever since he began teaching at Ohlone. This semester, each of his Advanced Black and White Photo students has had a chance to fill the case with their best artwork. “It was always intended to be a display case for photo students,” said Mueller. The artwork has included different photographs from students Nikki Ho, Joey Pardo, CJ Jones and Ian Long; and will feature the best pictures from the beginning photography classes. “I’ve been gathering beginning student’s best work to
put up at the end of the semester,” remarked Mueller. Photography is not just clicking the button of a camera, but an entire art form. Each photographer has their own unique personality that can be seen through their pictures. “My favorite way to photograph is to walk around in an area and look for strange relationships that objects have with one another,” said CJ Jones. “I absolutely love photography because it’s inspiring. It’s a motive for me and there are so many things you can do with it. I enjoy doing it all the time. My favorite way to photograph is with people,” said Joey Pardo. Not only is the case a great way to add flavor to a hidden area of the campus, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity for photography students to see their work all together
at once. “I put up 22 of my photos from the previous semester and it gave me a sense that I had really advanced as a photographer,” said Jones. Students and teachers alike have remarked on the quality of art that has been showcased through the semester. “The other teachers in the
hallway are always commenting. I think it’s interesting for them to see new work,” said Mueller. “It’s fantastic. It’s really nice for students to have something like this to do,” started Muller. “I encourage people to come and take a look at the great work that’s being put up. There’s always something there.”
Smith Center Presents: What you want to see Is it hard for you to find an interesting show? Want to see something special? Take the Smith Centers survey to voice your opinions on upcoming shows. http://www.SmithCenterPresents.com
Paper cranes decorate campus trees By DANELLE MEYER Staff Writer It has always been said that art is in the eye of the beholder. So imagine taking a piece of paper, flat and nothing more that what it appears, and folding it in every direction, creasing and bending the square to your will, to create something more than just paper. This practice of creating new shapes, forms or even animals from simple pieces of paper has been done for many years all throughout China. Would this be art or not to you? For many the art of origami is anything but bland. Origami, which actually translates to “paper folding” fromJapanese, is an art form that takes pieces of ordinary paper and produces enticing pieces of art, sometimes with simple functionalities like hopping frogs or flapping wings. At the finish of a folded creation there is no longer a piece of paper, but a masterpiece of shapes. The range of origami possibilities is endless, from the very
Photo by Devina Deo
Crane flocks gather here wind brushing their wings aside forever in flight easy to the extremely difficult levels of technique. One can create almost anything they can imagine. Books upon books have been created to cover just the most commonly created origami shapes, such as cranes, boxes, roosters, stars of almost any shape or,
for the advenerous, dragons. A shape that has become very popular and widely known is the paper crane because of its ease and simple attraction. The crane starts humbly, with a square piece of paper folded in half diagonally the ends pinched to eventually become the beak.
When the sheet is finished, the shape of a bird will be left standing proudly, break up and wings at its sides. To Professor Kris Lyons, and her class, constructing these paper cranes became their ideal work of art. Students folded the many cranes and strung them together, ranging from small to large to gigantic, and hung from the various branches in one of the trees in the quad. While a single crane figure alone may not seem like much, seeing this many cranes all together on one tree at once makes each individual crane seem like so much more. Contrasting cranes of color are spread throughtout the display, making each white crane even more pristine looking than if the whole nimbus of crans were white. This display can be seen currently next to the library in the quad. Learn to make your own crane from any commercially availiable book of origami or at:0 www.sadako.com/fold/ folding.html.
December 1, 2005 MONITOR
FEATURES
Csárdás at Ohlone: ‘I’m loving it’
The Voice Within
By GABRIEL VILA Staff writer
By Aman Mehrzai
With a brilliant stir of traditional music the curtain rose to unveil an evening of stunning performances, perfectly timed comedy and exciting dance that all fell under the title of Csárdás (pronounced “chardash”). The performance took place on Saturday, Nov. 18 in the Smith Center and opened to a more than sold-out house. The audience loved Csárdás, clapping in time to the music. And when the performance was over, the dancers came down from the stage with their musicians and had the audience join in on the fun. Csárdás is the name of a series of folkdances from Hungary and Slovakia, which at 200 years old is still fairly young among other traditional dances. Popular even
today in the Carpathian Basin, regional variants of the dance are abundant. Like most new dances, Csárdás was born of a musical transformation, incorporating influences from all over Europe. The dance is popular among men and women and for the most part improvised. Even on stage the dancers ad-lib their dance steps to keep things fresh and different every night. “All of the dancers are authentic,” said producer Kalman Magyar. “We searched far and wide for the best dancers, and these are them, the best. What you see on stage is improvised on the spot, but based largely on the folk dance that you would find walking into any village.” The program, put together by renowned choreographer Zoltan Zsurafszki, arranged the dances to conform to a story. While none of
the actors had any lines, the story was clearly evident simply from the way they danced and the expressions on their faces. Two men were chasing after a woman, one suited in red, and the other in blue. The man dressed in red won the girl’s heart but the blue-suited man steals her away, and so the first man must journey to win her back. He does, and they get married and make peace with the man in blue. A simple story, but so well told through color and dance that the audience felt as though they lived every moment of it themselves. “I’m loving it,” said Walter Birkedahl, Dean of Fine & Performing Arts, during intermission. “I love how the story progresses from dance to dance...it’s amazing.” A wonderful part of the performance was the music, supplied
by a small six-man band on stage. With amazing clarity and flow they brought the piece home with crowd-pleasing solo pieces in the midst of the dances and footwork. As the dancers leapt about the stage exhibiting near-superhuman stamina and energy (the lead dancer, Fitos Dezso, playing the role of the man in red, dance=d nearly non-stop from the start of the performance to the end) the audience cheered on the violinist, Pap Istvan, who played with superhuman speed, and put their hands together for Mako Peter, who played on a strange predecessor of the clarinet. The show toured the East Coast in 2000 to rave reviews. If this performance is any indication of how well the dancers perform, the current West Coast tour can only turn out well.
International deaf students here By ANNIE UTTER Staff writer Peek inside into the lives of Ohlone Deaf students who come from all over the world. Some deaf students attending Ohlone for the first time knew nothing about American Sign Language (ASL) while others more familiar with signing soaked up ASL quickly. Many countries simply do not have the support or the money to provide the interpreters. Hudson Asiema moved from his homeland in Kenya to Fremont two and a half years ago. Asiema, born deaf, grew up with Kenyan Sign Language (KSL) and learned English as well. Once he graduated from high school he started learning American Sign Language (ASL) from a book borrowed from a family friend in America. Since Kenyan colleges do not provide any support for deaf students, Asiema moved to Fremont to attend Ohlone. “It was hard at first with ASL because it was not in perfect grammar like English. It has more face expressions,” said Asiema. Asiema does not know the Kenyan language well since he is used to KSL. “Most deaf students ignore the written language and are into the KSL,” said Asiema. Asiema wishes there were more support for deaf students in colleges and beyond. Another interesting fact is that KSL is not offered to the
public like ASL is in America. It was strange for Asiema to see a lot of hearing people know signing. KSL is mostly shared by friends and families. Dileep Mathew who was born deaf in Kerala, India moved to Fremont in 2003. Mathew grew up with Indian Sign Language (ISL). When Mathew graduated from high school he went to work for his father’s business. After Mathew married he moved here to attend Ohlone. It took Mathew a year and a half to learn ASL. Mathew decided to move to America because of the limited opportunities and services for deaf people in India. There was a lack of sign language interpreters and a low percentage of deaf people
being hired. “Only about 1 percent of deaf people are hired,” said Mathew. Sandhya Sudanagunta hails from Andhra Pradhesh, India and moved here nine years ago in 1996. Sudanagunta who is hard of hearing, grew up in India using Indian Sign Language (ISL). Sudanagunta decided to go to Ohlone because of the deaf programs and the opportunity to meet new students, deaf and hearing. “It’s very interesting for me to interact with new people,” said Sudanagunta. “Also, there are many Indian students who are attending Ohlone College.” Yao-Li Yuan was born deaf in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to California in 1996. Yuan was never exposed to sign language since he was put into oral school.
Yuan remembers seeing a young student using a sign language interpreter in his grade school in Taiwan and felt useless that he didn’t know sign language. Mylene Mendiola born in Manila, Philippines moved to San Jose in 1996 when she was 12 years old. Mendiola did use sign language in her country but had forgotten most of it. At that time, the schools did not have sign language or English and Mendiola’s mother decided that America would be better for her daughter's education. “It was awkward at first but then got better,” said Mendiola. “At first I not sure about Deaf Community,” said Mendiola. “It’s a lot of fun and I feel big welcome here.”
Dancing away at Desi Night The Ohlone IndianFijian Club hosted a night of dancing and fun in the Cafeteria last Saturday for any to attend. Photo by Devina Deo
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Editor-in-Chief
Unpatriotic act Of the noble attributes the United States has to offer the world, its justice system seems to be one that is constantly bragged about. Over the years, citizens of countries abroad who face severe oppression and lack of freedom, long to reach our borders so they can express their opinions without fear of being beat by the strong arm of their police nation. Is our nation changing towards a police like state that takes away basic freedoms of the people? Some say that such sacrifices are necessary for the sake of ensuring security from potential terrorists. However, if we accept this train of thought, then we must also realize and admit that our country can no longer parade itself to the world as a free state that is better than others because we are a “freedom loving people” who offer liberty to its citizens and to those who follow our footsteps. Many in the world believe that our constant promising to other nations of freedom through democracy is confusing when we are tightening freedoms both domestically and abroad. The Patriot Act takes away many rights of citizens and gives rights to authorities such as the police, federal agents, and other government entities. This leaves police with new broad powers, who don’t quite know how to deal with it except through experimental lapses of trial and error. Allow me to give a basic, local example of how things are changing: last month at De Anza College the protests against Colin Powell proved violent and abusive, and made me wonder what a police state might look like in America. Officers went after some who say they were innocent and others who are accused of committing crimes such as throwing eggs. The general understanding of our justice system is “innocent until proven guilty.” Albeit, I am a firm believer in the law, and agree that if someone broke the law, they should face trial. But what I saw that night was the police acting as authority, judge, and punisher all in one - symptomatic of fascism. The police waited until the end of the protest, went after protesters and beat many of them excessively in plain view of several witnesses. Whether someone is guilty or not, it is not the job of the police to execute the role of the judiciary. When a person is detained, punished/judged (by beating), arrested by the police, then later jailed for a supposed crime, the balance of justice has been tilted - this feeling will cause nothing less of resentment and a separation between the people and its governing party. Such inequities serve as a great danger to our fragile society, who already suffers from an identity crises of claiming moral superiority in the world with the mask of so-called democracy.
6 MONITOR
December 1, 2005
NEWS
December 1, 2005 MONITOR
CAMPUS EVENTS DECEMBER
2-4
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet -- In The Smith Center. Bring your children and grandchildren to this wonderful holiday classic! And following the Sunday matinee, bring them to the Sugar Plum Party for refreshments, special holiday treats, and a chance to meet and have their pictures taken with the costumed dancers. Shows on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 will be held at 8 p.m. and the Sunday showing will be at 2 p.m. Buy your tickets online at www.fremontsymphony.org.
3 Community Chorale -- At 8 p.m. in The Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont. The Community Chorale, directed by Darry Guzman, with special guests The Philippine Saringhimig Choir from San Francisco under the direction of George Hernandez will present a combined concert of “Holiday Delights” at Centerville Presbyterian Church in Fremont, located at 4360 Central Ave. Buy tickets online or at the Smith Center Box Office.
5-6
College and Job Recruitment Days -- All Day. If the weather is nice, the recruiters will be outside in the Quad (between Buildings 1 and 5). Otherwise, the recruiters will be in the Cafeteria lobby (Building 5, second floor).
6 Ohlone Community
Band -- At 8 p.m. in The Smith
Center. Buy tickets online or at the Smith Center Box Office.
6 Free and Anonymous
HIV Testing -- In the Student Health Center, Building 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment necessary. Your results will be ready in two weeks. Orasure Method used - no needles!
8 Textbook Buy Back
Days Begin -- In the Bookstore. The bookstore is open Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The bookstore is closed Sundays.
8-10
Winter Dance Showcase -- At 8 p.m. in The Smith Center, NUMMI Theatre. Show on Dec. 10 also runs at 2 p.m.
9-15 Final Exams -Fall 2005 Final Exam schedule can now be found online at www.Ohlone.edu.
sion is free and parking is $2. Vendor spaces are $30-$35. All proceeds support Ohlone College programs.
11 Holiday Concert,
Ohlone Chamber Orchestra -- In the Smith Center at 2 p.m. Featuring Handel’s Royal Fireworks Music, Mozart’s Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra and Haydn’s Symphony No. 73 in D, followed by a light reception and the 4th Annual Sing Along Messiah at 4 p.m.
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Free and Anonymous HIV Testing -- In the Student Health Center, Building 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment necessary.
ONGOING Library display cases available for students and staff. Flu shots: $15 for students, $20 for staff. Available until supply runs out in Building 16. Call for an appointment: (510) 659-6258. Gay Straight Alliance will meet every Tuesday in SC116 at 3 - 4 p.m. The Louie-Meager Art Gallery exhibits a show each month. From October 21 until November 22, Magi Amma's Chair Series will be on display. Spring 2006 schedules are available in the Bookstore. Smith Center Box Office is open Tuesday to Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.
Spring 2006 Placement Tests Schedule You must contact the Testing Center at (510) 659-6126 for more information, or log onto Ohlone.edu. December 1, Thursday 9:00am English / 10:30am Math December 2, Friday 1:00pm English / 2:30pm Math December 5, Monday 1:00pm English / 2:30pm Math December 6, Tuesday 9:00am English / 10:30am Math December 7, Wednesday 6:00pm English / 7:30pm Math December 8, Thursday 9:00am English / 10:30am Math December 12, Monday 1:00pm English / 2:30pm Math December 13, Tuesday 9:00am English / 10:30am Math December 14, Wednesday 6:00pm English / 7:30pm Math
10 Ohlone College Su-
December 15, Thursday 1:00pm English / 2:30pm Math
College, Parking lots E and H from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Merchandise for sale includes clothing, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, cosmetics, food, comics, and more. Admis-
December 19, Monday 1:00pm English / 2:30pm Math
per Flea Market -- At Ohlone
December 20, Tuesday 9:00am English / 10:30am Math
The Monitor invites your comments. Letters should be 250 words or less, include your name and relationship to Ohlone. Letters become property of The Monitor and may be edited for spelling and length.
JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS Students are Welcome to visit. Transfer & Career Services, Building 1 Room 1405A. Open Monday thru Thursday 9 to 12 a.m. & 1 to 3 p.m. Closed Fridays.
LEASING CONSULTANT - Full-time. Entry Level. In Fremont, CA. Will work around school schedule. Part time also available. Job qualifications include telephone professionalism, customer service, friendly, English-speaking, and organization. Job duties include telephones, filing, basic computer (Word Processing) skills, good customer service, perhaps travel between locations Fremont to Milpitas. #1012757 OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT - Part-time. $8 to $12, but negotiable. In Fremont, CA. Tue, Wed, Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thurs 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. We are looking for the right person to join and grow with us. Experiences in the following areas are highly desirable optometric assisting, optical or optician experience, medical front office. Good telephone techniques, computer skills, knowledge of medical insurance, and the ability to deal well with people are also good skills to have. In addition we look for honest, dedicated contributors. Duties as optometric assistant include front office reception, scheduling of appointments, checking patients in /out, insurance work, optometric pre-testing and screening, optical dispensing and verification, and other duties as needed for the day-to-day operation of an optometric office. #1580872 ACCOUNTING TUTOR - Part-time. $6.75 per hour. In Fremont, CA. Flexible hours. Must have either completed 2 semesters of accounting, or completed 1 semester and be currently enrolled in a second semester. Must be familiar with computer operation. Completion of tutor training is a big plus. Can be enrolled in 101B. Job duties include: tutor students in accounting, help students use software on computer, help students to access information on Internet, set up videos for student viewing, and conduct review sessions for exams. #102295870 CHESS INSTRUCTOR - Part-time. $25 - $50 per hour. In Fremont, CA M-F: 12 - 5 p.m. You must work well with children, have reliable transportation. Have chess knowledge or be willing to learn. Presentable appearance. You will be instructing children in the game of Chess. Experience not important but must be willing to learn the game. A plus if you already understand the game of chess. Prior work with children a plus as well. #1514333 CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE - Part-time. $10 per hour. In Fremont, San Ramon, Union City, and Milpitas CA. Flexible, Nights and weekends required. No experience necessary, will train. Looking for someone who is willing to grow with the company and is able to be a self-motivated employee. Must be able to approach and speak to everyone (potential customers) Please call for more information. Looking for a lead generator (appointment generator) to represent the company in a local retail store. Basic job description is talking to customers offering free in-home estimates for our services. #1571885 RECEPTIONIST/OPTICAL ASST/OPTOMETRIC AST - Part-time. $12 per hour & up. In Fremont, CA. Full Time and Part Time available. You must have people skills, attention to detail, punctuality, courtesy to others, and previous optical experience a plus. Job duties include roles as receptionist, optical assistant, optometric assistant, pretest patient, assist patients in selecting eye care products. #804258 ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER - Part-time. $15 or more based on experience. In Fremont, CA. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 pm. The candidate must have completed or be in the process of completing the coursework for a undergraduate degree in accounting or a masters degree in accounting or taxation Experience or coursework in payroll, individual and corporate income tax preparation is a plus. A working knowledge of MS Word and Excel is required. The candidate will assist in the preparation of financial statements, payroll and payroll taxes, individual, corporate and other income tax returns for our clients. Our clients range from individuals to small businesses who operate as sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, estates and trusts. There will be longer hours during Tax Season from January to April. #1573998 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME INTERNSHIPS - Intern/Extern in Fremont, CA. Flexible. Candidates should be ambitious self-starters with excellent communication skills and have the ability to learn new tasks. This internship program is a great opportunity for those students who are interested in working in a learning environment. When considering an internship, please keep in mind that EIB asks for a three-month commitment. Internships: We are offering Internships in Fremont, CA to those interested in Marketing, Bookkeeping, Sales, Web Development, Software Development, Networking, Graphic Artists, Administrative and Customer Service. We are offering full-time and part-time internships. These positions offer valuable experience toward your major. Gain career experience while working with our team. We have flexible schedules available. We have a limited number of positions available and for the right candidates it could lead to full-time positions within the company. The opportunity is endless in this organization. #1440664 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - Part-time. $8 - $10 per hour. In Fremont, CA. Monday Friday. We are looking for somebody who is able to speak and write English fluently. Some Word/Excel/Outlook experience is a plus. Ability to type 35+ wpm is preferred. Excellent phone skills. Able to multi-task. Main duty will be to assist the Office Manager with answering phones, filing and light typing. We will provide training. Position is part time and seasonal (until approx. April 2006). We need somebody to come in Monday - Friday. Depending on applicant’s class schedules, we can be flexible with work hours. Position pays $8 - $10/hr, depending on prior experience. Great opportunity for students in the Fremont, CA area. #1576730
Read the Monitor Online: http://ohlone.edu/org/monitor
Campus Events listings are free for collegerelated events. To have your event added or to place an ad, contact Corie Howell at (510) 396-4209 or email c.howell@comcast.net
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MONITOR S P O R T S OHLONE COLLEGE
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Swing Away By NICK ZAMBRANO Sports editor
Indy is cruising Going undefeated for the season is a rare feat. Teams have come close, but none have repeated what the Dolphins did in 1972. However, for many reasons, the Indianapolis Colts got people thinking that the act can and will be duplicated. I agree. The boys from Indy just came off an impressive Monday night victory that put them at 11-0. A lot of teams were picked to break the streak, but none have even come close to succeeding. Let’s go down the list of victims: St. Louis, Cincinnati, New England and as of this past Monday night, Pittsburgh (26-7, ouch). All teams with powerful offenses capable of blowing any team out the water. So that must mean that they’re doing it on the defensive side of the ball, right? Right. Led by defensive linemen Dwight Freeney (7 sacks), Montae Reagor (4.5 sacks) and Robert Mathis (10 sacks) the Colts defense is ranked eighth in the NFL in total defense. This past Monday night, the Colts did not allow the Steelers a first down until their fourth drive of the game. Another factor in the Colts’ success would have to be playing inside the RCA Dome. The noise factor has placed a burden on all visiting teams. Playing in the dome has caused numerous false starts for the opposition and just makes it easier for Freeney and the defense to clear way for the offense. Even Al Michaels and John Madden say it’s like having that twelfth man on the field. The Colts are also well disciplined. Unlike our hometown team, the Raiders, who have committed the most penalties in the league, the Colts have committed the least. In the 12 weeks of play, the Colts have only 120 penalties (53 on offense, 67 on defense) to their rap sheet. We all wondered how Peyton Manning was going to follow up his record-breaking touchdown performance last season, but none of us thought that this was going to happen but honestly, with the weapons Manning has on offense I’m surprise we didn’t see this sooner. Edgerrin James has provided that great rushing attack to balance Manning’s passing game, averaging 111.6 yards per game. James also adds to the arsenal of targets that Manning deploys. “Oh my, James, Harrison, Wayne, or Clark, who am I going to throw to now?” Not bad for a team who didn’t win a single game in the preseason.
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Stanley’s girls on six game win streak By NICK ZAMBRANO Sports editor On fire. That’s it, that’s how you could describe Ohlone’s ladies of the hardwood. Honestly, how else could you describe a team that has won six out of their first seven games? This current streak has been no easy task for the Lady Renegades, as they have taken on some of the tougher opponents in the state. Earlier this month, they took on Sierra College, who are one of the top five in the Northern California area, and won, 69-67. What was even more impressive is that they beat Sierra on their own court, in their own tournament. Sierra had not suffered a loss at home in more than two years before Ohlone came to visit. Spearheading the Ohlone attack was Alcha Strane. The sharpshooting Strane had 25 points, and was three of four from the three-point line. During the tournament sophomore Kaycie Zimmerman was named MVP of the tournament. She put up 11 points and six rebounds in the game against Sierra. Sierra sought revenge as they
Photo by Nick Zambrano
Photo by Nick Zambrano
From left: Angelica Benjamin, Liezel Dacuycuy, Aofie Sands, Tasha Gonzalez, Kaycie Zimmerman, Laura Elliot, Alcha Strane, Erika Mahler, Amanda Everett, Erin Stewart, LaKesha Hokes-Vaught, Jenna Nicholson, Christine Vargas and Erica Scoles. came down to face the Lady Renegades in Epler Gym Nov. 26. And once again our ladies of the hardwood prevailed winning by the same score as in the first game. “I’m extremely happy for our
team,” said Head Coach Elizabeth Stanley of her team’s success. The dominance should be a clear sign of things to come. “Success will be anticipated,” said Stanley. Stanley certainly does have the
right team for the job. All five starters are experienced sophomores and the bench is filled with freshmen with raw talent. “This is the most coachable group of team I’ve ever had,” said Stanley.
Lady Renegades out, but not down By NICK ZAMBRANO Sports editor It is often said that in defeat, lessons can be learned. No one can tell you that better than first year Women’s Head Volleyball Coach Jamie Cortez. Cortez and the Lady Renegades went through the year constantly changing and rebuilding. This year’s squad only had three returning players, forcing Cortez to recruit. And did she ever, in the short amount of time between the first day of school and the team’s first match, she managed to suit up a team. Getting a team together was just step one. In her recruiting efforts, Cortez attracted all experience levels. Thus presenting the task of teaching all the rules and aspects of the game. “If the heart is there, you can teach them anything,” said Cortez. Luck-
ily, Cortez also had some help. Enter her three returning players, Donnalynn Sanchez, Angelica Benjamin and Melanie Inouye. The trio helped Cortez by acting as the leaders on the court. “They did awesome. I couldn’t ask for anything more from them,” said Cortez. However, Sanchez and Benjamin are among the players that are departing from the Ohlone volleyball court. Sanchez will pursue nursing at Western Career College, while Benjamin is waiting until the end of the women’s basketball season to decide where she will be going. Also parting ways with Ohlone are Heather Flynn and Kaycie Zimmerman. Flynn will be heading to San Francisco to attend the Academy of Arts University. Zimmerman is following in Benjamin’s footsteps and
is also waiting until the end of the basketball season to see what the future holds for her. Although, the likes of Sanchez, Benjamin, and Zimmerman are gone, Cortez will have more returning faces than she did when took over the team this year. Returning to wear the green and gold again will be Inouye, along with Jessica Sodderholm, Taylor Stevenson and Nahal Nassabeh. This will prove beneficial to Cortez as she will not have to bring in as many players as last year. “Recruiting was something I wasn’t able to do well this year,” said Cortez. With Inouye, Sodderholm, Stevenson, and Nassabeh returning, Cortez will once again have what she had with Sanchez, Benjamin and Zimmerman this year. Leaders
on the floor, and the right ingredients for team chemistry. Any coach will tell you that these are a neccessity, but Cortez will be the one to tell you that it is a blessing. With all the obstacles in her way, chemistry was something Cortez needed to get out of the team themselves, and they did. Even though their record read a dismal 4-12 (3-9 in conference play), the Lady Renegades kept their heads held high. After disappointing plays on the court, they were quick to pick each other up and get right back to it. One of the best tools to have as an athlete is a quick memory. Determination is also something that you cannot teach, and that was something Cortez did not have to do. Look for a vast improvement out of Cortez and the Lady Renegades when the 2006 season comes rolling around.
Interested in writing sports for the Monitor?
Photo courtesy of women's volleyball team
Coach Cortez and the Lady Renegades are all smiles despite their win-loss record this season.
Ever sit down and read the sports page of your local news paper (hopefully the Monitor), and consider how much fun it can be to write about something that consumes most of your life? Well today is your lucky day! The Monitor is currently looking for people interested in writing about the happenings of the Ohlone Athletics department and the wide world of sports for next semester. All are welcome to join in on this positive learning experience. Joining will also get you those credits you so direly need. You have your pick of a one, two or three unit class. You also receive practical experience on how to put an article and page together. Anyone interested can contact Sports Editor Nick Zambrano or Monitor adviser Bill Parks at (510) 659-6074 or monitor@ohlone.edu.