Monitor 2006-2-9

Places to have Valentine's dinner – Page 5

Swimming dominates Pentathlon – Page 8

Fremont, California

Vol. XXXXI No. 4

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Steve Fajardo vacates post of Ohlone Campus Police chief; Ben Peralta fills in

By JEROME ENGELBERTS Editor-in-chief Last week, the Ohlone Board of Trustees decided not to renew Police Chief Steve Fajardo’s contract, slated to expire in June of this year. According to President Doug Treadway, the decision was not based on personal or performance issues, but rather because of an ongoing process to review the role and division of labor between Campus Police and security personnel.

Steve Fajardo

- Staff Photo.

Somewhat more surprising was the fact that, as it turns out, Fajardo will not be working out the remainder of his contract.

President Treadway said the board felt there were circumstances that would make it “not in the best interest of the students” to continue Fajardo’s presence on campus.

Although there have been rumors about the actual reason behind his immediate dismissal from campus, the Monitor has so far not been able to substantiate them.

Telereg no longer an option?

By GABRIEL VILA Staff writer Recent events have brought to light that Telereg, Ohlone’s telephone registration system, has become and has been a source of inconvenience for both Ohlone College’s technical support staff and the students.

“Over Christmas break, we had about five days in a row where periodically Telereg would drop lines for one reason or another,” said Associated Vice President of Student Services Ron Travenick.

Travenick told the ASOC that Telereg would be turned off within a week or so.

Thankfully, Ohlone’s IT staff was able to diagnose this and get the lines up and working again but the system is becoming more and more unreliable.

The Telereg system was first instated 15 years ago, and since

then has lost support from both its original vendor and by the student record depository Datatel. The entire burden of maintenance thus falls to the IT department at Ohlone, already burdened with Ohlone’s own computer systems.

The system is prone to failure, not only periodically dropping service, but also at times giving students incorrect information.

Because the system is not ecommerce secure, students cannot use it to pay by credit cards. This necessasitates the student to have to complete the transaction either by WebAdvisor or in person.

In the event that Telereg were to be phased out, web registration through WebAdvisor would take on even more of the registration burden.

WebAdvisor already handles 80 percent of all registration for Ohlone. The remaining 20 percent is made up of both Telereg and stu-

dents registering at the admissions desk in person.

With Telereg gone, or at least pulled back, additional lines could be dedicated to Web Advisor.

“So, clearly, students are voting that the web is their preferred way of getting information,” said Travenick. “And certainly their preferred way to register.”

Freeing up in-person services, adding the welcome table staff and the work of student leaders has helped this a great deal. Ohlone College has come a long way from the paper applications and in-person registration lines of 4-5 years ago but still needs to continue to try and make the process as smooth as possible.

“We need to look at ease of use of all systems and do everything we can to make the application, registration and student account process as seamless, fast and efficient as possible,” said Travenick.

For the remainder of this semester, the Campus Police will be led by Officer Ben Peralta, and all matters regarding police matters should be taken up with him.

To reach campus policy, call (510) 659-6111.

As for a possible replacement for Chief Fajardo, the future is somewhat unclear.

The board is apparently considering several alternatives, one of which would be to hire a new chief of police, another to make a new

division of labor between Campus Police and security personnel.

A third possibility would be for Fremont police to have a more active role on campus, a move that might free up funds currently allocated for security personnels' salaries to other areas.

At the moment, all funds collected from parking revenues go toward these ends.

Regardless, policing of Ohlone’s campus will carry on uninterrupted.

'Women in Love'

Dance performance review on Page 4.

Trustee Archer to Sexual Responsibility Week resign from board

By IRA LAZO Staff writer

Every year the Ohlone Health Center and ASOC, along with the Tri-City Teen Health Center, try to bring awareness for sexual responsibility by hosting a weeklong bonanza chock-full of games, free goodie bags and condoms.

The fun and games will start next Monday, Feb. 13.

There will be a booth set up where students can grab free condoms, lubrication and pamphlets about safe sex, birth-control methods and how

Condom rose - Photo: Ira Lazo

to prevent STDs - available at both the Health Center and the Tri-City Teen Clinic.

National Condom Day is on the same day as Valentine's Day, so, in honor of the two special occasions, the Health Center will be selling condom roses.

The roses are made up of a pencil for the stem, paper that is folded in such a way that it resembles a rose, and condoms that are wrapped around the stem as a clever reminder for couples to have safe sex.

They sell for a dollar, and they do sell-out quickly! Have fun! Be safe! Learn!

By OMER AHMED Opinion editor Long-time Ohlone Board of Trustees member Dan Archer has announced that he shall retire from his duties effective May 25.

Archer has been on the board for 26 years and was honored by the League of California Community Colleges for his quarter century of distinguished service. Now he says it is time to “move on.”

During his announcement, Archer said, “I have other plans and interests to pursue and feel that this is a good time to step down from the board.” He explained that he

had no plans to disappear from his civic responsibilities. Archer has other activities planned in the future and said, “ I will remain involved with Ohlone College wherever I can be of assistance.” When discussing the nature of his retirement he explained, “I think of my retirement as an additional career.”

The process of finding Archer’s replacement will be addressed during the next board meeting on Feb. 22, but Board of Trustees President Robert Brunton said, “The new trustee will probably be sitting by June or July at best.”

Archer’s history assisting the Continued on Page 3

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Opinion

monitor February 9, 2006

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

Editor in chief: News editor: Opinion editor: Features editors:

Sports editor: Photo editor:

Jerome Engelberts Anna Nemchuk Omer Ahmed Krista Martinez, Joyce Leung Nick Zambrano Mo Mohtashimi

Investigative editor: Sean Crawford Maria Adame, Frank Staff writers: Addiego, Naomi Balagot, Rahul Batra, Morgan Brinlee, Wayne Chow, Thomas Hsu, Sheraz Khan, Tae Kim, Ira Lazo, Jessica Losee, Chris Marshall, Danele Meyer, Jason Montalvo, Chirag Patel, Erick Sanchez, Ying Yam Frank Addiego Ad Staff: Photographers: Jerome Engelberts, Jessica Losee, Rostislav Tsvetanov Corie Howell Ad manager: Bill Parks Adviser: 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.

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Opinion

Let's talk about sex, baby...and think about it?

By ANNA NEMCHUK News editor Snapshot 1: “I had a really great time tonight,” he says, smiling into her eyes. She giggles, warm and feeling treasured. She doesn’t really know him, but he’s so nice, and those biceps, and the lobster dinner was so expensive, and everyone will be so jealous and she’ll be careful, she will, and if she’s not, well, she trusts him, really. Why not? Even though it feels just a little wrong.

Snapshot 2: Bad girl, that’s what

Letters

her parents would say. Bad, bad for even thinking it, disobedient, dirty, a whore. They’re in love, they’re so good to and for each other, but they won’t have sex until marriage because it wouldn’t be right in the eyes of her god. Her parents have told her so and she won’t think for herself about this; it’s just too scary.

Even though it feels so right.

Sex is the most controversial topic in the world - everything around it is just the fixings. It’s difficult to talk about it, doubly so with people that know you, can

put the face to the words. Some of us refuse to discourse completely, falling into fits of nervous tittering and rabid blushes, some scream defiance to the skies, jabbering sex into submission, panting to show they’re not afraid of it. The lucky few have made peace with it, having successfully sought out a balance that makes sense to them.

Valentine’s Day throws the topic into sharp relief. Ostentatiously about Agape, the Greek word for spiritual love, it delves and flirts and shies into Eros, physical love.

Love and lust - forever entwined, so often confused. The two together are a revelation, yet they stand apart proudly.

You don’t need to love someone to have sex with him or her; much worse is deluding yourself that you are and using it as an excuse to. Sex gets your heart rate up, floods your system with pheromones, provides a connection with another person on a different level than can be had with any type of platonic love.

It is denounced because of power - people that are unhappy, sexually

frustrated and wracked with guilt even if they do indulge are much more easily manipulated. Hence, most religions that garner a power stronghold frown deeply on sex, and even more so on “promiscuous” sex, i.e. that outside a government/ church controlled environment: marriage.

In the first snapshot, chances are that the girl will sleep with her date, out of a sense of obligation, the thrill of danger and a heady thread of desire. Has she thought it Continued on Page 4

Freedom of speech vs. Danish cartoon blasphemy EDITOR’S NOTE - The following letter was sent to the Monitor under the pseudonym Farid Joya.

It mentions 12 Danish cartoons which the Monitor has chosen not to reprint in respect of Islamic religious beliefs. However, these cartoons can be easily accessed online at http://www.faithfreedom.org/Gallery/28.htm free of charge.

EDITOR: For the past two weeks the Muslim world has been protesting, often violently, over 12 cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad which were first published by the Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten back in September. Since Islamic culture forbids any depiction of Mohammad, I can understand these protests over what they deem offensive. However, I don’t think it is acceptable for the cartoonists to

have to go into hiding after receiving death threats. Islamists are calling for the killing of these cartoonists who were simply practicing their basic human rights by drawing satirical cartoons.

Moslems have burned Danish embassies in Lebanon and Syria.

In Gaza, over a dozen Islamists attacked the E.U. embassy.

These violent acts cannot be accepted as legitimate reactions against cartoons. Saudi Arabia, has already declared they would boycott

Danish products because of the cartoons. Ambassadors from other Islamic countries in Denmark have demanded that the Prime Minister take measures against Jyllands Posten. Fortunately, the Prime Minister stated that Denmark is a country where freedom of speech is highly valued.

I believe our western society is in danger of loosing its freedom of speech if we bow to the demands and threats of these antidemocratic groups. All freedom loving people

should support the Danish people and their freedom of speech.

I realize that the Monitor only focuses on issues related to Ohlone.

However, the paper could provide a platform for students to discuss their opinions on freedom of speech and religious intolerance.

If we do not stand together, we will all slowly lose our freedoms.

This is not an attack on Denmark but on all mankind.

- Farid Joya

Campus Comment > > > Which businesses would you want for the frontage?

Laura Lansford Archeology “I’d like to see some place with vegetarian Thai food.”

Abdul Meskienyar Mathematics “Something for the community.

This is a community college.”

Ashin Nanika Psychology “I don’t think we should put stores there. I like nature.”

Chanelle Brown Deaf Studies “A McDonalds for cheap food.

For the dollar menu.”

Tom Tran Software “Not fast food. Something with sandwiches or things like that.”

News

February 9, 2006 MONITOR

Dan Archer retires after 25 years Continued from Page 1. educational system and servicing his country stretches further then even his time on the board of trustees. A long-time Fremont resident, Archer has worked as an administrator and teacher in the Newark School District. He was also one of the founding members of the Ohlone College Foundation and has served on the Board of Trustees as president, vice president and secretary. Outside of Ohlone he has served on the Fremont Art Association, Fremont Library Commission, Fremont Symphony Board and Society of Western Artists. He has volunteered so often at Wash-

ington Hospital that, if you add up his hours, his total time spent there equals 3.7 months. Even further in the past, he served in the Marine Corps during World War II in the South Pacific theatre. He has also written for Tri-Cities Futures Magazine and currently hosts a television program on Network Cable TV, “Dan Archer Profiles.” Dan and Marie Archer Art Scholarship is also given to local art students.

No official retirement ceremony has been planed but Brunton said, “I know there is a roast...toast planned.” Archer’s final official action as a trustee will be at the May 25 Commencement ceremony.

Letter to the Editor In defense of the bookstore EDITOR: While Jessica Losee is correct in noting there are less expensive ways to buy books than using the Ohlone bookstore, she does not do herself credit when she accuses the bookstore staff of exploiting students at Ohlone.

They supply hundreds of classes with books, provide crucial support for EOPS students, have always been very helpful ordering additional books for my classes and making last-minute changes to orders. I’ve never found anything less than great support from them in my six years at Ohlone.

Their prices may be higher than many, but the service they provide the campus is much more complex and crucial than anything Amazon could do.

Instead of just carping about the prices, some attention should be given to the crucial role Lydia Garcia and the rest have in making this college work.

- Rick Flynn, Adjunct English

Muslim Valentine's day speaker

By JESSICA LOSEE Staff writer The Muslim Student Association will have a speaker in the Quad on Valentine’s Day. Given by speaker Yahya Rhodus, the topic will be about true love and how it relates to one’s love for God. The event will be held on Feb. 14 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will be pizza and refreshments for those who attend.

Parking at Ohlone

By GABRIEL VILA Staff writer As of Monday Feb 6, all of the daily parking pass dispensers on all of the parking lots up here at Ohlone will have been fixed and are now operational. Which means no more free parking.

Since late last fall, it may have been noticed by the student body that Campus Security has not been giving out tickets on parking with their customary frequency. Lacking these pass dispensers, they have been unable to perform their duties.

But now they’ll be back on patrol.

“We don’t want students to be surprised,” said Deanna Walston, Vice President and Deputy Superintendent in the Business Services division. “But, we will be ticketing students without semester and daily parking passes.”

While free parking is certainly

nice, the money is needed around Ohlone College, especially to fund the parking areas themselves.

Ohlone receives no money from the state for upkeep in the parking lots, a series of services including sweeping the lots, filling in potholes, as well as administration services.

“We’re not out to get students or anything,” continued Deanna.

“But if everyone follows the rules, we ought to be ok.”

As of yet, there are no plans to increase parking pass fees for either daily passes or semester passes. Looking into the next year, once deconstruction on Building 7 has begun and construction on the new student wellness center is under way, it is expected for some parking to be lost in the upper lots.

However, by that time it is hoped that the new parking lots (taking the place of the baseball fields) will be complete.

Register forJournalism 170 to work on the Ohlone College Monitor staff.

We need writers, editors, photographers, cartoonists, graphic artists and web site editors.

Call 659-6074 or visit Room 5310

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Features

monitor February 9. 2006

‘Woman in Love’ makes hearts and pulses race

By Morgan Brinlee Staff writer Within the Ohlone dance community, there has been much talk about the new on-campus dance company, Bliss.

Rumors, speculation and expectations have surrounded the Bliss Dance Company since its arrival at Ohlone last year. There has been talk of grueling, intense and time consuming rehearsals, last-minute choreography and favoritism among choreographers.

Last Friday, Bliss debuted their second original production, “Woman In Love,” at the Jackson Theater.

While the audience was relatively small, the performances’ impact was not.

“Woman In Love” featured the stories of three unnamed women and their experiences with love: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The performance was comprised of three acts, each containing three dances. Prior to each act was a monologue that summarized each woman’s experience with love.

Act I was forgettable. It lacked any real value. While the choreography was original, it was at times poorly executed. This improved with the second and third acts; both spoke volumes emotionally.

“Frustration” and “Taking a

Bliss Company dancers perform choreography from "Dancing in Harmony" at last Friday's performance of "Woman in Love". Photo by Mojhgan Mohtashimi.

Risk,” choreographed by Bliss well as other gestures while a pair stage floor, the top of her head faces founder and Artistic Director, on stage acted out love making. the audience with the audience’s Cassie Begley, featured fantastic Another memorable moment view being between her bent legs. original choreography, intense en- came from “The Rape,” choreo- Behind her the six dancers dressed ergy and eye catching formations. graphed by Jana Morris. in white stand in a “V” formation, Behind the curtains, dancers mimImagine this if you will, a woman walking toward and then away from icked masturbatory movements as in a red dress lying on her back on the her until finally they walk over her

completely.

By far the best performance of the show went to Madeleine Hoang for her monologue in Act III. Hoang captured the emotions of an abused woman perfectly.

Furthermore, the photographs of a dramatized rape that were shown along with the monologue created more than a few tense, sometimes uncomfortable moments. “I felt violated,” said Stephanie Hammock.

Overall it was a good show, although there were times when the choreography seemed awkward, sloppy and forced. There was also a lack of emotion shown by the dancers. The writing and choreography for “Woman In Love” was intensely emotional and therefore should have been reflected by the dancers. However, many of the performers remained blank and devoid of any emotion or sported goofy grins during scenes of intense pain and anger.

“I thought overall the choreography and music selection was very well chosen, though I think they do need to work more on their synchronization. Synchronization is emotional as well as physical and I think they neeed to understand that,” said Ben Park.

One thing is for sure: Bliss Dance Company certainly left an impression.

Sex: Get it if you want it - but think about it Continued from Page 2 through? Does she know how it will affect her physically, emotionally, or financially? Does she have recently purchased condoms handy? Is she on birth control?

Probably not - though she may style herself as suave, facing what sex means to you as an individual can be extremely difficult.

It means sorting through your psyche and ferreting out all the

assumptions and prejudices that weasel into your subconscious thanks to others’ beliefs: that sex is bad because it demeans you; that it is degrading because women are taken advantage of and men never care; that there is a magic age at which point no matter your state of maturity you are ready to make decisions rationally; that there is something wrong with two people, no matter

their sex, nationality, creed, etc., consenting adults by virtue of mentality, not just age, having fun together; that other people have the right to make those decisions for you.

And in the second situation?

Some people may consider it par for the course, but she is missing out on a wonderfully good time she may be having in a strong, caring relationship. Why? Because she’s afraid to trust herself, afraid to of-

fend, terrorized by her religion, her parents, her culture - the culture that titillates and cringes in equal part, sending a message about sex that is anything but healthy - until she is so bewildered she clings to her given tenets for dear life, because making an informed choice is much more agonizing than depriving yourself.

I wonder why the divorce statistics in America, one of the most sexually discombobulated countries

in the world, are so high. Love and lust are taken for each other in a desperate yearning for both since, after all, that’s what everybody tells us we want.

This Valentine’s Day, think about it for a change. Do you really want show your affection, in whatever form that may take, to this person?

THINK about it, damn it. And then wallow itn it.

And then wallow in it.

Can the life of a pet ever be long enough?

State of Illusion

By Chris Marshall Staff writer Two weeks ago, I lost one of the best friends I have ever had.

Despite the fact she walked on four legs instead of my two, her loyalty was beyond comparison and her love was truly unconditional. Her name was Gemini and she was my German Shepherd.

Gemini had Degenerative Myelopathy, which is similar to Multiple Sclerosis in humans. Around August of last year, she began to walk oddly, wobbling from side to side, much like a canine drunkard.

At the time I was worried it might be a problem with her hips, an ailment common to large dogs. However, I now wish it had been her hips.

After many visits, the vet determined that she was losing feeling and mobility in her hind quarters, which led to the diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is common in German Shepherds,

and the timeline suggested by the vet made my heart heavy. With no treatment available, Gemini would soon be completely paralyzed in her back end, losing her ability to walk and control of her bladder and bowels. She was completely unable to walk by October.

I tried to make her a doggie wheelchair of some sort, however I am not known for my ability to build things. I opted to buy a professionally made one. The memory of her running around the neighborhood park for the first time, frolicking in the grass much like her old self, is one I will cherish forever.

A wheelchair for a 90-pound German Shepherd, however, is quite a bulky contraption and is not logical to use in the home. While the wheelchair gave her some semblance of a normal dog life, while she was out of the chair she could do little more than lie around or slowly scoot about the house with her front legs. She lost her ability to control her bladder and bowels around Thanksgiving.

Life for my mom and I changed then, as we spent most of our time moving Gemini around: inside and

Gemini with her wheelchair. Photo provided by Chris Marshall. outside, to and from her water dish and into the garage to clean the filth from her.

I watched Gemini’s life change as well; she was no longer living the life of a happy dog, rather one of pure frustration. I saw the embarrassment on her face when she messed herself and the light in her eyes fade to the dim look of sorrow and I knew it was time.

I selfishly put off the decision to euthanize her for at least another month, something I very much regret. I argued that she was in no pain and that her cognitive faculties were

intact. Looking back I realize these arguments were not for her but for myself; I did not want to lose her and did everything to keep her around.

I am glad to say that my selfishness did not hold for long.

On Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., supporting her back legs, I walked her into the vet along with my mother and stepfather. I had brushed her all the previous day, deciding that if she was going to go out, she was going to go out on top.

The vet staff, kindly having everything ready, had me lay her down on a blanket. At this point I started

to cry, and Gemini, being the dog that she was, licked at my face as if to say, “don’t worry, everything is going to be okay.” I began to have a panic attack and not wanting to make it hard on the others there, I said my goodbyes and went and sat in the car.

Crying profusely, I had a spiritual crisis. I realized I could not delude myself into believing in an afterlife or a God, but I decided I never wanted to be more wrong about anything in my life.

My stepdad brought her collar out to me, which I eagerly took, then returned to my mother as she filled out paperwork for Gemini’s ashes. I sat alone in the car weeping, holding Gemini’s collar, which I couldn’t clutch tight enough. It was over, she was gone, and from that point on, I could only rightfully talk about her using the past tense.

Gemini was an amazing dog.

Sure she wasn’t very German and she had wet-dog smell, even when dry. But she was the best friend I have had in a long time and I will remember her forever. I had Gemini for 10 years; not long enough for friendship and love.

Features

February 9. 2006 monitor

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Valentine's Day: For the Love of Food By joyce leung Features editor and ira lazo Staff writer Whether you're coupled up, happily unattached or adopted the mantra that Valentine’s Day is just a commercial ploy, the love of food is universal.

Spending Valentine’s Day weeping into a carton of Ben & Jerry’s is so passé but so is taking your beloved to the Sizzler for the fifth time. The Bay Area is home to such a variety of cultures that it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to venture into a different cuisine.

However intimidating their exotic ingredients may be, take the chance to expand your palates! You may find that dishes like Laksa and Mantoo become your meat and potatoes.

Bon Appétit!

Steps of Rome Café 348 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, CA 94133 415.397.0435 www.stepsofrome.com Guys, this is not the place to bring your girlfriend, for fear that she will be charmed away by a flirtatious Italian waiter. However, this always lively and always boisterous café is the perfect getaway for a party of single gals looking to be doted upon by attentive waiters dressed in Cupid’s wings for Valentine’s Day. The café’s affordable menu of grilled paninis, pastas and salads will certainly leave room for something sweet afterward, and that’s not counting the parting kiss that you receive at the door.

Banyan Garden 1771 Decoto Road Union City, CA 94587 510.324.8506 www.banyan.us Tucked in the corner of an Asian strip mall, Banyan Garden offers

a vast menu that spans Malaysian, Singaporean and Thai cuisine.

Darkly painted walls and dimly lit interiors provide for an intimate ambiance, though heavy weekend traffic might ruin a quiet dinner for two. The food arrives almost as soon as you order which may make patrons feel rushed, but take this as an advantage to satisfy your hunger quickly.

Salang Pass 37462 Fremont Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Low couches and plush pillows invite patrons to sit in a room swathed in a rainbow of fabrics as they dine on generous portions of affordable Afghani dishes. For those who feel uncomfortable sitting so close to the ground, the restaurant also offers tables by a rich mural of their namesake, a scenic mountain pass stretching from Kabul to Mazar-eSharif. A must to order is the Bolani ($6.50), an Afghani calzone stuffed with chopped leeks and potatoes, cilantro and special seasonings.

Ray’s Sushi 888 West A Street Hayward, CA 94541 510.887.0701 Ray’s sushi is by far the most affordable yet well-worth sushi restaurant in the East Bay. Ray’s is known for its generous servings of fresh cuts of fish. For a special first time visit to Ray’s, try the Rainbow Roll ($13) which is rice rolled with roasted vegetables in diagonal strips. Another favorite is the Chirashi ($14), which includes a variety of sashimi: yellowtail, salmon, sea bass and a julienne egg. Ray’s Sushi’s prices are hard to beat, but it is easy to beat the crowd so come early on Valentines Day, because they don’t take reservations.

Gelato Classico 39191 Farwell Drive Fremont, CA 94538 510.795.1492

This quaint little Gelato shop, located across the street from Olive Garden, serves affordable yet satisfying Italian ice creams. Each scoop comes with a triangular waffle crisp to dip into the gelato.

The flavors range from Espresso to Mint Chocolate Chip to the classic Vanilla Bean to Tiramisu, which has real bites of ladyfingers inside!

There are also fruit flavors such as Burgundy Cherry, Ginger (which is surprisingly good), and Banana Walnut that tastes almost uncannily like banana bread. They also have a great selection of fruit sorbets, coffees and pastries.

the general feel of a Parisian Bistro on the inside and a petite café on the outside. The atmosphere is chic and casual. If you are planning on going to Left Bank, be sure to call ahead for reservations since there will be a hefty line, especially around Valentine’s Day. While waiting for a table, couples can either shop around or snuggle up next to one of the two outdoor fireplaces.

Buca di Beppo 643 Emerson Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 650.329.0665 www.bucadibeppo.com

Buca di Beppo, which literally means hole in the ground, is a celebrated restaurant that features Southern Italian dining. Be prepared for massive quantities of foods. The Buca small size can feed two people, two desperately starved people. The atmosphere is family style, homelike, lively, up beat and definitely loud. It is a great place to go with the girls, since the waiters are adorable and so attentive. However, if you want to bring your date be sure to let them know that quiet alone time will not be possible.

La Nouvelle Bistro 4353 Mission Blvd Fremont, CA 945309 510.226.0588 www.nouvellebistro.com Thought there were no fancy places to eat in Fremont? La Nouvelle Bistro is one of the premier Asian fusion restaurants that put a familiar twist to Italian and French cuisine.

The restaurant has an extended Valentine’s Day hours that stretches from Feb 12-14 that includes a live jazz band and a delicious four-course meal, aptly titled the Aphrodite’s Dinner ($45) for the ladies and the Poseidon’s Dinner ($65) for the gentlemen. The restaurant does have a classy touch, and with the perfect soft candle-lit atmosphere, you and your sweetie will enjoy the romantic ambiance as well as getting all dressed up for that special day. Be sure to make reservations in advance. There will be a waiting list as to who gets in for Valentines Day! Left Bank 1100-377 Santana Row San Jose, CA 95128 408.984.3500 www.leftbank.com Located on the glitzy aisle of Santana Row, Left Bank offers fantastic dining options! The restaurant has

Plush seating and dim lighting create a lavish atmosphere at Salang Pass.

Photo by Joyce Leung.

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News

February 9, 2006

Environmental specialist visits campus

By GABRIEL VILA Staff writer After being on campus for only four hours, Dr. Susan Frey already had a host of suggestions and ideas for improvement, ranging from better climate control to interior design and classroom layout. She had only been through Building 8.

Dr. Frey, a neuroscientist specializing in healthy learning environments and the effect thereon of colors and furnishings, was called in

by President Doug =Treadway to give advice and provide a scientific background for the construction of the new student center being erected after the fall of Building 7 scheduled for this summer, as well as provide ideas for the rest of campus.

Needless to say, with the de-

cades-old design of Ohlone College, improvements can be made.

“A simple improvement would be the color scheme,” she said, talking to staff members in Treadway’s office last Wednesday.

“Studies done in Canada show that warm colors are conducive to learning, while cold colors inhibit it.

Warm colors provide a background stimulation for the mind - reds, yellows, oranges - which help the brain create new neurons.”

Suggestions ranged from more decorations, such as art galleries designed by students and changed classroom layout (from the traditional rectangular classroom with seats in rows and columns to personalized seating arrangements) to functional: portable whiteboards and chalk boards would cut costs

and save space, while a cove lighting system would provide all the necessary illumination while using less energy.

They were all, in the end, nothing more than suggestions. “I’m only here to act as a consultant,” she professed during the meeting. “I’m here to tweak the design team out of patterns, to act as a catalyst.”

Dr. Frey’s professional life has been long and complex. After spending a tour with a triage unit in the Vietnam War, she came back to the states to work as a nurse. This ultimately led to her leaving the healthcare field in favor of architecture and design, simply because of how she felt about the environment in hospitals.

“If you’ve ever been in a hospital, you know that it’s a clinical envi-

ronment, even inhuman,” she said.

“What I wanted to do was design environments that were actually hospitable.”

However, she lost sight of her dream, working on designing restaurants, country clubs and office buildings. In the late '80s, she left the field in the face of a recession in the Northeast, and in this crisis point decided to go into massage therapy. There she dealt with people reporting signs of repetitive stress and strain, ironically related to many of the environments that she herself had designed.

Realizing that starting in the massage therapy field in her 50’s was perhaps lacking in a future, and returning to her earlier ambition, she took a distance-learning course in naturopathic medicine, a precursor

to neuroscience. She later received a PhD in the field with a doctoral thesis on enriched environment studies based on rats in 1962. She wrote a book titled “The Road to Avalon II: Cultivating Spirituality in the Classroom” in which she explored the best environments for learning and healing humans as multi-sensory beings.

President Treadway has worked with Dr. Frey before in his days with Shasta College, calling on her for assistance with their then new Wellness Center.

“What I was looking for was a good, conducive learning environment and use of space,” said Treadway during the meeting.

Dr. Frey received $3,000 for her three days of consultation on the Ohlone Fremont campus.

Construction projects currently under way stir up disabled students' protests

Kevin Kirk must wait for someone to open this door for him on a daily basis. Staff photo.

By THOMAS HSU Staff writer Two wheelchair access ramps are making the College on the Hill increasingly easy to surmount - but disabled students may not be ready to rejoice.

Paula Bray, the assistant director

of facilities, said that these renovations going on at Buildings 4 and 6 are part of an ongoing effort to make the campus meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Kevin Kirk, who must drive his electronic wheelchair up the hill to his office in the Adaptive Technology Center every day, expressed

his opinion that the money being spent on the ramps could go to better use.

“They are putting them in because they are required by law, not necessarily to benefit people. I do not understand the ramps because there are elevators up here,” he said.

The ramps, which will be in place by the end of spring semester, only eliminate the necessity for wheelchairs to go into the elevators for half a floor.

But on Kirk's daily commute between the parking lot and Building 4, he must take four elevators, as well as cross uneven pavement and circumvent curbs that lack ramps.

If Kirk wants to go to Hyman Hall from his office on the northeast side of campus, he must crisscross the school, go through the main building, take an elevator at the southwest end, and, finally, cross the front of the school again before arriving at his destination, which is at the northwest end of campus.

There, he has to bang on the door, too heavy for him to open, until a passerby gives him assistance.

Kirk finds this experience “very embarrassing.”

A disabled student, who wishes to be identified simply as Ben, added that, “They are making progress under this situation, but they still need to go further from where they are.” Ben also deals with the “many access issues on campus,” sharing his discontent of the lack of automatic doors in Hyman Hall, the library, and the cafeteria.

Ben said that he feels the campus does not pay enough attention to

disabled students because they do not make up a large percentage of Ohlone College’s constituency. He also said he was concerned that there may be many students on campus who face accessibility issues but do not tell anyone because they are embarrassed.

Bray said she is aware of the antiquated accessibility features on campus. She said that there are already plans to install new, lighter doors that do meet the ADA requirements, as well as automatic doors.

“The elevators are too small.

They do not conform to ADA standards,” she added. Most of Ohlone’s elevators do not meet the act’s minimum dimension requirements, making it hard for wheelchairs to maneuver within, and nearly impossible to fit two wheelchairs.

On the multitude of renovations necessary on campus, Bray commented that “we are working very hard,” but explained that budget constraints mean that changes will be gradual.

Kirk said that compared to San Jose State University’s campus, which he attended in 1994, “we are far behind.”

Ben made similar comparisons with Chabot College, but added that “Ohlone is much better than when

Health Center suffers

By SEAN CRAWFORD Investigative editor The Ohlone Student Health Center is enduring a financial crunch after losing almost $100,000 in funding over the last two years.

Health center funding is tied directly to student enrollment, which has been notably down. All full-time students are required to pay a $14 health services fee, which directly funds the health center.

An initiative to increase the Student Health Center’s funding took effect this semester. The initiative eliminated a program that provided fee waivers for low income

students, which has provided the Student Health Center an additional $15,000, bringing their yearly budget up to $218,000. This budget covers every aspect of the Student Health Center’s operation.

Low enrollment levels have forced the health center to lay off four employees, including a part time nurse and a medical assistant.

Operating hours were also cut; the Student Health Center now closes an hour earlier than it did previously and is no longer open on Fridays.

However, the health center still offers every on-site program it had offered before the budget shortfall because of funding and assistance

from the Tri-City Health Center and the Associated Students of Ohlone College. These programs includes: counseling, immunizations, family planning in conjunction with the Tri-City Health Center and a range of accessible nonprescription drugs, “from condoms to cough drops,” said Director of the Ohlone Student Health Center, Sally Bratton. The health center also continues to offer HIV testing on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The health center’s annual Sexual Responsibility Week will still take place, as well as the National Condom Day event in the Quad on Feb. 14.

Sally Bratton examines a student. Photo by Mojhgan Mohtashimi.

Campus Events FEBRUARY 10 Women’s Basketball -- 7 p.m. Versus San Jose City College at Ohlone.

10-28 Be My Valentine Art Show -- The ever-popular Valentine show returns this year in the Louie-Meager Art Gallery.

11 Ohlone College Super Flea Market. Free admission, $2 per car for parking. Vendor spaces are $30. All proceeds support Ohlone College programs.

12 Ohlone Cash for College for High School Students and Parent Workshop -- 11 a.m. in Hyman Hall. Help pay for your college next year by getting an early start at the 3rd Annual Ohlone Cash For College. Co-sponsored by Ohlone College Financial Aid Office, California Student Aid Commission and Assemblyman Alberto Torico, this workshop will help you complete the first step toward obtaining all the financial aid resources available. This event is open to all high school seniors attending Ohlone College or elsewhere in Fall 2006.

College Student Health Center. Games, prizes, and True Love packets.

14 True Love Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association -- 11:45 a.m. -1:30 p.m., in the Quad. Free event with speaker Yahya Rhodus. Pizza, refreshments and interpreter provided.

14 Gay/Straight Alliance Club Meeting -- In the Smith Center, Room SC-116, from 3 to 4 p.m.

14 Locke Heemstra: Dream Tours -- Ongoing in the Smith Center. Travel locations and romantic landscapes in Greece, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Hawaii and most recently, Florence are photographed on site with a “4 x 5 camera” which are exhibited as large-size giclee prints on stretched canvas. Crisp details, bright color and Heemstra’s aesthetic bring a fresh view to seemingly familiar yet far away exotic sites.

17-20 President’s Day Holiday -- No classes.

14 Free and Anonymous HIV Testing -- In the Health Center, Building 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

21 In Memory of Malcolm X Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association -- 11:45 a.m. -1 p.m., in the Quad. Free event with speaker Abdul Malik Ali. Refreshments and interpreter provided.

14 Sexual Responsibility Week/National Condom Day -- In the Quad with representatives from Tri-City Health Center and the Ohlone

22 Locke Heemstra: Workshop -- Noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Smith Center. Locke Heemstra, photographer displayed in the Louie Meager

Gallery, will give a workshop sharing his experience in actually making a living via his artwork. This event is free.

25 Circus Center: Performance -- 8 p.m., in the Smith Center. Performances of Circus Center combine the fine arts, including dance, theater, music and film, with highenergy circus acts as a way of expanding the definitions of these art forms. Highly imaginative and evocative, the blending of these art forms brings accessible high culture to American audiences, which have warmly embraced the fusion of fine art with popular tradition. Student tickets are $15, and adult tickets are $25.

Available at the box office.

February 9, 2006 monitor

Library Announcement Ohlone's Library has four glass-enclosed display cases available to showcase student, faculty & staff talent (artistic, literary) as well as to promote campus clubs and upcoming community events of potential interest to the campus at large. Bookings are for a two-week period and are accepted on a first-come basis. Several of the cases are lockable. To learn about availability this semester, please stop by the Library Information Desk or e-mail Librarian Elizabeth Silva at esilva@ohlone.edu.

28 World Forum: The Palestinian Bazian -- Noon, in the Eppler Gymnasian. Dr. Hatem Bazian from U.C. Berkeley, a specialist in Islamic Law and Jerusalem’s Islamic history presents the Palestinian perspective.

CLASSIFIEDS Hiring 10 People by Feb. 28.Happy Fish Swim School.

Seeking smart, friendly swim instructors to work with children and adults. Indoor heated pool open 7 days a week. Pays $9/hr - $12/hr DOE. Part Time Availability, Fun Environment, Friendly People. Flexible/Steady schedule works well with school schedule. Print application at www.SwimHappyFish.com

Read the Monitor Online at http://ohlone.edu/org/monitor

The Monitor invites your comments. Letters should be 250 words or less and include your name and relationship to Ohlone. Letters become property of The Monitor and may be edited for spelling and length. Campus Events listings are free for college-related events.

To have your event added or to place an ad, contact Danelle Meyer at (510) 659-6075 or email monitorads@ohlone.edu

7

Thursday, February 9, 2006

Page 8

The final score

Swing away

By Nick Zambrano Sports editor

By Steven Chavez Correspondent

Really great game, refs Now I’m not one to blame referees or umpires during a game and say they were completely responsible for the outcome.

After watching Sunday’s game, however, I have to point out the referees blew this one.

Blew it bad.

Whether you’re a Pittsburgh fan, Seattle fan or just a guy wanting to watch a good game, there was no escaping the fact, read it again FACT, that every single close or influential or game-breaking call made in Sunday’s game went against the Seahawks. From ghost holding penalties that would have gotten the Seahawks into the end zone to ghost pass interference penalties that would have yielded a touchdown to another ghost holding penalty that cost the Seahawks a 33-yard punt return into Steelers territory.

Not only that, but Hall of Famer John Madden was so confused about the holding penalty on the punt return that he said it was for what happened at the line of scrimmage, but ball placement said it came down field after the punt was away. And we can’t forget the fact that Matt Hasselbeck was penalized 15 yards for tackling Ike Taylor after an interception. I’m not kidding.

He was penalized for “blocking below the waist” on a tackle.

A f$%^ing tackle! Then, on a lighter note, the referee granted Steeler Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a timeout with 0 seconds on the play clock. That’s not a penalty, that’s a timeout. Only five yards, but you should be getting my point.

Seattle outplayed the Steelers in nearly every phase of the game, leading in first downs, total yards, passing yards, time of possession, return yards, but most notably, penalties (ghost penalties). When a team wins in every single facet of the game the way Seattle did on Sunday and they lose the game, I personally look for reasons why. This week, unfortunately, the only reason I could see were the zebras. This was the most blatant example of why people don’t like referees.

Again, I’m a sports guy. I don’t like to blame the refs for the outcome of a game. Could the Seahawks have won despite all this? Yes, of course.

But why, after thirty-something years of struggling to make it to the Super Bowl, do they have to go into an already unfriendly dome and play the Steelers (who were tough enough to beat by themselves) AND the crew of referees? It just doesn’t seem quote-unquote fair.

Time for a commercial

First year Ohlone swimmer Katie O‘Dea is one of three newcomers to Coach Kendall‘s already experienced squad. Ohlone, led by swimmers Erin Morgan and Andre Soen looks to defend their Coast Conference title.

Photo by Mojhgan Mohtashimi

Ohlone cruises in Pentathlon

By Morgan Brinlee Staff writer The Ohlone Renegades women’s and men’s swim teams opened the season last Saturday at the Ohlone College Pentathlon with promising beginnings. The women’s team placed first out of 11 teams,while the men’s team took home a respectable third place out of 10 teams, while Erin Morgan and Andre Soen won the women’s and men’s individual titles.

The Pentathlon featured five events (the 100-yard butterfly, 100-yard breaststroke, 100-yard freestyle, 100-yard backstroke, and the 100-yard Individual Medley) and 11 teams, including Chabot, Shasta Community College, Merced, Cabrillo, Sacramento City College, De Anza College, Valley Christian and Santa Rosa, the defending women’s state champions.

The women’s team looked solid this year, with 12 returning swimmers in a team of 18. The team’s golden girl, Morgan, did not disappoint in her performance at the Pentathlon. Last season Morgan was named the 2005 state Co-Swimmer of the year, and had state championship wins in the 100

yard breaststroke, 100-yard IM, and 50-meter breaststroke. She is the first state champion Ohlone has had since 1993, when Kathy Kendall brought home a championship win.

Last season, Morgan then went on to lead Ohlone to its first Coast Conference crown since 1998.

If her performance during this season continues to match her performance at the Pentathlon, she is sure to rack up a few more championship wins. At the Pentathlon, Morgan placed first in the 100-yard fly, 100-yard breast, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard IM. However, Morgan isn’t the only swimmer to look out for in the upcoming season. Returning swimmers Ashley Kendall and Aubrey Nolan, along with first timers Ashley Rodgers, Katie O’Dea and Kat Ashley all show impressive talent in the pool.

“They’re probably the top tier of the team,” said Head Coach Gene Kendall.

This season the women’s team is looking to continue dominating the pool, and judging from the outstanding performance of the team on Saturday that goal is not out of reach. “We’re trying to repeat as Coast Conference Champions. We were undefeated last year and were looking to repeat that as well,” said

Kendall.

For the Ohlone men’s swim team, it’s a slightly different story. After closing the previous season with a roster of only four swimmers, due mainly to injury, the men’s team has returned this year with a roster of 12 promising individuals.

Casey Cardone, Billy Purta, Eric Meyer, Po-Han Chen, Brandon McDowell, Luke Green and Ricky DeClerq are all highlighted as swimmers to watch out for this season on the men’s team. “We’re really good at freestyle and breaststroke events, those are our strengths at this point,” said Kendall.

This season the men’s toughest competition is shaping up to be West Valley College and Chabot.

Although they’re keeping their goals modest for the season the team’s performance on Saturday showed promise. “For the men, we’re trying to place in the top three,” said Kendall.

Upcoming events for the men’s and women’s swim teams include the Nor Cal Relays on Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at Santa Rosa. The following week the team will swim against the College of San Mateo at 2 p.m. at Ohlone College on Feb. 17 and face De Anza College there at 2 p.m. on Feb. 24.

rebounding skills and punishing defense in preventing Skyline from scoring, and Ohlone’s offense consisted of an uncanny amount of free throws. Toward the end of the game, the Renegades consistently utilized the glass and Alex Arias showed his hops with a breath taking slam dunk.

“I felt great about tonight's win. I

thought we played terrific, and we were good collectively. Especially on the defensive end,” said Ohlone head Coach John Peterson.

Next up for Ohlone will be rival Chabot. If the Renegades beat Chabot, they will take sole possession of first place in the conference.

Renegades roll over Skyline

By Naomi Balagot Staff writer Lastnight the Ohlone men's basketball team defeated Skyline 75-47 in coast conference play. In the first half, the Renegades started to light it up on the court with a hefty amount of intensity. The men’s hoop squad applied aggressive offensive skills displaying outstanding team chemistry on the court. Skyline tried to apply offensive pressure but it was no match for Ohlone’s unforgiving defense.

Within the last four seconds of the first half, Washington High alum Sam Kim sank in a three-pointer, contributing to the score of 32-13 to end the first half. At the start of the second half, Ohlone kept their level of intensity, with consistent ball movement and impressive offensive skills. Ohlone displayed intense

Time to play some ball Now that football is over, it’s time to look forward to baseball season. Whether it’s college or pro, fans can appreciate the skill and determination of any team that goes out and gives it their all for nine innings.

The Ohlone-Mission 2006 Baseball Tournament begins today at 2 p.m. This annual tournament will consist of 10 teams from junior colleges throughout the Bay Area, and it will continue on to Saturday. So go out and support whatever team you choose to.

All Ohlone fans can watch the Renegades at home throughout this exciting tournament. Get ready to appreciate and look forward to a great time with great baseball.

As the first commercial break rolled on this year’s Super Bowl, neither my friends or myself left our seats to grab more food, make phone calls or go to the bathroom.

Instead, we sat with anticipation... for the commercials.

For as long as I can remember, I always saw the Super Bowl as a shameless publicity tool for corporations to get publicly noticed.

Lately, I’ve begun to see beyond the barefaced plugs and distractions and enjoy the entertainment.

My particular favorite from this past weekend was the Budweiser Clydesdale football game with the streaking sheep. What an amazing concept, I thought. After I finished laughing, I began to ponder. If these companies put as much thought and concentration into these commercials and advertisements that air for one day, why not do it all year long?

Why be remembered for just one great commercial when you can be remembered for several great ones? I know these things cost money, but companies such as Budweiser, Radio Shack and Pepsi all have money to dish out.

Without consumers like you and me, these companies wouldn’t exist. Reward us, I say!

Reward us for buying all your products that don’t even cost you that much to make to begin with.

For example, Radio Shack makes cables that sell for $15 to $20 but only cost approximately $2 or $4 to make.

With that left-over cash you can give us commercials that won’t make us change the channel and look for something else to watch. I would love to see commercials that weren’t put together half-baked and would actually keep me from an old habit.

Tell me, what do you normally do when you’re watching a really good show and then a commercial comes on and it feels like it’ll never end?

You search for another show to watch to make the commercials go by faster, only to find out that the “long as a redwood” commercial ended and your program is back on. And then what else happens? You miss key moments of your show and it’s all because of those lame commercials. This wouldn’t happen if commercials weren’t so damn dreadful.

Finally, to the men who do the advertising for Budweiser, if you could last as long as you did with frogs saying “bud,” “weis,” and “er,” then you can do more with no problem. And if it’s any consolation, there are actually people out who buy products based on how cool the commercials are.