The Puyallup Post | Volume 6 | Issue 8 | May 2001

Step up to the mic See page 8

meet the candidates

this flick is race-y

page 4-5

See page 7

Puyallup PoSt the

S e r v i n g t h e P u ya L L u P C a m P u S o f P i e r C e C o L L e g e

Pierce to name Library/Science building in honor of Brouillet

Bands prepare to rock ’n’ roll at the Liberty

By Lonny Sulfaro

By Lonny Sulfaro Puyallup Post

Pierce College at Puyallup will be dedicating the Library/Science building to the late Frank “Buster” Brouillet on Wednesday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the building’s lobby.

Brouillet, who died on January 20, 2001 after battling leukemia for eight years, was a strong proponent of education.

He served as Pierce College’s president from 1989 until 1993.

Brouillet was a member of the House of Representatives for 12 years.

During his tenure in the House, Brouillet helped pass the Community College Act of 1967, which was the main force behind two-year colleges being created statewide.

Brouillet then spent 16 years as the

Superintendent of Public Instruction, where he helped to create the Basic Education Act and the Education for All Act. After retiring from his position in 1993, Brouillet continued to help Pierce College.

He was instrumental in helping the Puyallup campus in become the 34th community college in the state.

“Buster demonstrated his concern for education of all citizens of the state of Washington throughout his entire career, whether it was through the legislature, his tenure as superintendent of public instruction, or as president of Pierce College,” said Pierce College President Steve Wall. “Even after he retired from Pierce College, he worked very hard to see that there was a comprehensive campus here in Puyallup.”

Puyallup Post

Buster Brouillet, a former Pierce College president, was a strong supporter of education.

Jordan visits Puyallup campus

Former Secretary of State talks on cancer battle

By David Johnson Puyallup Post

Pierce College at Puyallup’s Student Programs recently hosted Hamilton Jordan, Secretary of State under President Jimmy Carter.

After a brief introduction, Jordan spoke about his life struggle with three episodes of cancer.

He is presently the leading representative of Camp Sunshine, a special camp for children with cancer. He started the camp work in 1980 with a group of 38 children. Now it serves

Hamilton Jordan spoke on his battle with cancer during his recent speech at the Puyallup campus.

thousands of children.

One of the stories he shared about

the camp was that of a young boy named Cory Greer.

He was a giant fellow, six-foot-two but was very ill with a tumor in his colon. The doctors told Cory he didn't have but two months to live, but Cory determined to make it to camp one more time — and he did make it.

He did manage to get there and see his friends once more, though he only weighed about 100 pounds.

He returned home by helicopter and died peacefully that same evening.

Jordan told this story to emphasize the power of the human spirit and how it affects recovery from diseases.

Jordan has experienced three ordeals with cancer. First, with a type of cancer called Lymphoma, which he believes was aggravated by exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

See Jordan on page 6

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 7 ¥ MAY 2001

The Liberty Theatre will be rocking on Friday, May 18 as it will play host to Pierce Fest.

The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The show will feature music by Spacepilot, The Geeks, and The Ross and Darla Mackavoids.

Spacepilot’s two core members—lead vocalist and guitarist Alan Kropf and bassist Hunter Lea—have been together for three years. The band just recently added drummer Carl Merideth and keyboardist Andy Spectacular to the lineup.

Spacepilot’s music has the same sound of some of today’s top pop rock bands such as Coldplay, U2, and Third Eye Blind.

“It’s going to be a great show. You can’t beat the prices or the location.

We’ll give you your money’s worth,” said Kropf, a Puyallup campus student.

For more information on Spacepilot, check out its web site at www.spacepilot.iwarp.com.

Also in the lineup are The Geeks, a rock band that has been together for two years and have a lineup that consists of vocalists and guitarists Shannon Donahue and Nate Daily and drummer Jimmy Davis.

“Rick Johnson also sings with the band but only when he’s not wrestling for the WWF,” said Daily “We put on a really good live show and people say we are fun to watch. We like to have fun,” Daily added.

For more information on The Geeks, check out its web site at www.rockthegeeks.com.

The Ross and Darla Mackavoids are a pop/punk band that have a sound that resembles bands such bands as MXPX and Blink 182.

Admission is $5. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster outlets, in room A120 at the college, and at the door.

The Liberty Theatre is at 116 W. Main St. in Puyallup.

2

Puyallup Post

editorial

are tuition increases a good thing?

I

n the last issue of The Post, we asked students what they thought about the proposed tuition increases for the 2001-02 school year.

We received a mixed reaction. Some students said it was good, while others were not pleased at all.

I spoke recently with Pierce College President Steve Wall to find out exactly what students should be expecting to pay to continue their education.

Wall wasn’t sure exactly how much tuition would be raised because the legislature is still in a special session.

He explained that the tuition increase will probably be between 3 to 5 percent.

Tuition currently costs students $547 per quarter without the technology fee.

The approximate $600 all of us pay every quarter for tuition is slightly below the average tuition rate for community colleges in the state.

The percentage that tuition goes up will certainly make a difference in the amount we will be paying, because a 3 percent increase is a lot different than a 5 percent increase. So lets look at each increment and see exactly how much it will cost students.

A three percent increase would have students paying about $564 per quarter. If the technology fee is included, each quarter at Pierce would cost students about $614.

A 4 percent increase would mean students would pay about $619 with the technology fee.

If a 5 percent increase is implemented, then students will be paying about $625 per quarter.

This means for students who normally attend all four quarters, they will pay more than a $100 more per year.

This is a lot of money for some students. It’s even possible that some students may not be able to attend all the quarters or take as many classes as they want to.

This will only make those fortunate students who can afford an increase in tuition pay more or will students who aren’t wealthy enough to afford to go to college on their own be affected as well.

According to the state Legislature, students receiving financial aid are supposed to be accommodated by having their funds increase to meet the tuition increases, but we all know that with the government, nothing is written is stone.

Granted, the money from the tuition increases will go to a good cause.

Teachers are underpaid, so with the extra revenue going toward their raises, it can only make the college experience better. The money will also help fund school programs and special events.

If the money go toward what it is supposed to, then it’s okay to raise the tuition, but if the money is spent some other way once the college receives it, which is was what some students think may happen, then raising tuition is not a good idea.

So will the tuition increase be beneficial or will it just put a bigger dent in students pocketbooks. We’ll have to wait and see.

—Your Puyallup Post Editor Lonny Sulfaro

Sierra Club president talks on environmental issues

By Megan Peart Puyallup Post

Attending a presentation on the environment could be pretty dry, unless someone was passionate about the subject, however, Sierra Club President Adam Werbach’s recent speech on the Puyallup campus didn’t seem to bore the audience.

At 23, Werbach is the youngest person in the Sierra Club’s history to become president.

In Puyallup, Werbach discussed current problems with the nation’s environment such as how the government gets involved. He gave President George W. Bush an incomplete for his first 100 days as president.

“President Bush recently reclassified carbon dioxide as no longer a

Earth watchEr: At 23, Adam Werbach was named the youngest president of the environmental group, Sierra Club.

pollutant, which has been the cause of problems such as the spreading of disease, increasing amounts of mosquitoes and melting of the polar ice caps,” Werbach said.

“Even an island near Australia’s

coast is feeling the results of the melting ice cap,” said Werbach.

Residents on the island of Keirobas have watched, as nearly 30 to 40 percent of their land disappear because of the rise in ocean’s water level.

“Global warming is happening and everyone needs to pay attention to the problem and do something about it,” he added.

Werbach gave some helpful tips on what people can do to help.

“We must try to conserve our fossil fuel and cut back on the use of things that create CO2,” said Werbach.

“The United States contains almost 5 percent of the world’s population, however; it is responsible for 30 to 40 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases,” he said.

Speak out

Jan Skaggs, left, and Lynn Abegglen spoke during a presentation entitled “Gay or Straight: What is there to be afraid of” on April 18.

Letters of the Editor deli article didn’t tell the whole story

Dear Editor, This letter is in regards to the “Deli Gets Debit machine” article in the April, 2001 issue of the Post.

I am disturbed because nowhere in the article does it mention the efforts given by student government to purchase this debit machine. I personally did the calls to local banks, to Vern in purchasing, and to Inga Thomas (Fort Steilacoom Deli) to find out what needed to take place to purchase a debit machine.

Purchasing the debit machine was a campaign promise I intended to keep, so I went out of my way to investigate the purchasing of it.

I was Technology Fee Committee’s Student Chair, so to pay for the debit machine I introduced the option to Technology Fee Committee, we voted and agreed we would be willing to pay for it. FMC at Ft. Steilacoom paid initially for the debit machine so that we could bypass some extra paper work, however in the end Tech. Fee and Student Government put

it all together and paid FMC back.

I spoke with a reporter from the paper earlier about emphasizing the extra work put in by Student Government, that’s why I was shocked when I read the article and there was no mention of the involvement. I would greatly appreciate it if you would be so kind as to write a continuance of the article stating the involvement of Student Government; students have a right to know we are for them.

Sincerely, Christine Chilton Representative 2 Pierce College at Puyallup Student Government

n Christine and other student government members definitely deserve credit for their hard work in obtaining the new ATM in the deli. Watch for more about Student Programs projects during 2000-01 in the next edition of The Post.

—Editor

may 2001

3

grants available for students

By Lonny Sulfaro Puyallup Post

Applications for the 2001-2002 Washington State Educational Opportunity Grant are now available.

The purpose of the Educational Opportunity Grant Program is to give $2,500 grants to place-bound Washington residents to encourage them to finish their four year degrees at an eligible public university or college in Washington.

To be considered place-bound a student must live in an eligible county in Washington. They must have completed only two years of their four-year degree, and show need because of family or employment commitments, health problems or a financial situa-

tion.

Students must have completed an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree program or achieved junior status at the college they plan to transfer to by fall quarter 2001 in order to be eligible.

Also to be eligible a student must have filled out a Federal Student Aid Form and qualified for financial aid through the college which the student plans to attend.

Eligible counties in Washington include Benton, Clark, King, Kitsap, and Pierce counties.

Students interested in applying can get an application at www.hecb.wa.gov/ paying/aidprograms.html.

Events Calendar

By Lonny Sulfaro Puyallup Post

The quarter is beginning to wind down and there are a lot of things happening at the college.

If you don’t know what’s going on then don’t worry.

It’s all here for you in this month’s events calendar.

On May 7, there will be a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Library/Science building lobby. There will also be concert by the college choir at noon in the atrium.

The 8th is transfer day in the atrium from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

May 9 and 10 are student government elections days. Students can vote from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m in either the atrium or L/S building lobby.

Also on the 9th, there will be a concert

by Loni Rose at noon in the atrium.

On the 10th, there will be fast tracks car racing from 11 a.m until 1 p.m.

Also on May 10, there will be a success workshop titled “ABC’s of Resume Writing” at noon in A141.

There are no classes on Friday, May 11.

On May 14, there will be a student success workshop titled “Auto Mechanics 101” at noon in A141. There will also be a student council meeting at 5 p.m. in the atrium.

There will a presentation at noon in the atrium titled “Dysfunctional Diets: How to Eat Smart.”

There will also be a peer to peer workshop on Word 2000 in L207 at noon.

the

On May 16, there will be a career/job fair in the atrium and L/S building lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m.

On May 17, there will be a peer to peer workshop on MS Powerpoint presentations at noon in L207.

May 18 is the last day to withdraw from classes.

Also Pierce Fest is on May 18. Tickets are $5 and are available at Ticketmaster outlets, in A120, or at the door.

There will be hike to the Ape Caves at Mt. St. Helens on May 19. The cost is $1 and students interested can sign up in A120.

During the week of May 21through 25, there will be a book drive.

On May 21, there will be a student success workshop titled “Investing 101” at noon in A141.

There will be a student speak out at noon in the atrium on May 22.

On the 23rd, there will be an afternoon coffee house and open microphone at noon in the atrium. There will also be peer to peer workshop on internet searching at noon in L207.

There will a brown bag seminar titled “Fieldwork 101” on May 24 at noon in L126.

Evening students will also be treated to dessert and a saxophone concert by Darren Montamedy at 6:30 p.m. in the atrium.

There are no classes and the college will be closed on May 28 for Memorial Day.

Puyallup Post

For information on how to submit a story idea or advertising rates, please call 840-8496.

Editor: Lonny Sulfaro advisors: Teresa Josten Steve Heeb

reporters: Dolores Mahoney Megan Peart David Johnson

n Staff photos by Delores Mahoney and Lonny Sulfaro

Come find me...

These photos are of objects found on the campus. Indicate their locations (“A” for the above photo and “B” for the photo below) on campus on the map and submit in the Post’s mail box in the faculty mail room.

Name: Age:

the

Puyallup Post

is looking for students interested in writing for the student newspaper.

No experience is necessary.

caLL 840-8496 for more information.

4

Student government elections

Puyallup Post

Student government elections for the 2001/02 school year will be on May 9 and 10.

All students are eligible to vote and can do so in the atrium or in the library/science building lobby from 7 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The positions on the ballot are president, vice president of government concerns and vice president of activities.

The candidates are Kristian Nason for ASPCP president, Zac Green for ASPCP vice president of government concerns and Rocki DuCharme for ASPCP vice president of activities.

S p e a k o u t What do you think is the most important quality for a student government candidate?

david hendrickson They should be active and participate in things.

Jenn tolle Dedication and a true concern for what they’re working for.

darian malarcher The ability to work with others and cooperation.

Joe adams Leadership and the ability to listen.

ron mcabe An individual needs to bring enthusiasm and have a desire to get things done.

The best ideas are worthless without followthrough.

Jeff ehli The ability to get things done.

tyler fobes They need to be willing to make a difference.

dave yurovchak They have to have a lot of free time, so they can do all the things they have to do.

may 2001

Kristian nason Running for ASPCP Student Body President I believe I am best qualified for this important role, because of my prior experience with Student Programs as the clubs/diversity coordinator. I have also been a part of this year’s Student Government. Helping with issues like Tax-Free Textbooks legislation and planning of Student Government based activities.

As president; I will work hard to bring the best to the 01-02 Student Programs, and bring to you a fun and unforgettable year at Pierce.

rocki duCharme Running for ASPCP Vice President for Activities This position requires a person with Student Programs experience, diligence, and dedication. As the recreation coordinator of Pierce College Puyallup this year, I have acquired the in-depth knowledge of what goes into being both a student programmer and team player.

There are many responsibilities and commitments that accompany this position and I believe I’m the best prepared, and experienced person to fulfill those duties.

I look forward to providing students at Pierce an elevated student life next year full of memorable and entertaining events.

5 What experience do you have? As of right now I am the Orientation/ Clubs/Special Events Coordinator for Student Programs right here at Pierce College. Moreover, I have experience working as a part of the Student Government team. I have worked with our current President on issues like TaxFree Textbooks legislation and fund raising for our new building.

Furthermore, I work on three committees and participate in many events that benefit our campus and community.

What do you hope to bring to the position if elected? As President I hope

What experience do you have? I have been involved in leadership positions for over four years.

My experience also includes my current position in Student Programs as the Recreation Coordinator.

In this position, I have worked on the Activities Board to provide Pierce students and community members diverse and enjoyable events.

What do you hope to bring to the position if elected? The in-depth knowledge of what student programmers need to know in order to make next year's activities at Pierce College at Puyallup an awesome experience for all students. As chairman of the Activities Board I will ensure activities are diverse, fun, educational and applicable in the five core abilities. do you plan on making any changes at the college if elected and if so what are they? I intend to carry out current

Zac green Running for ASPCP Vice President of Government Concerns I have served you this year in the position of Representative 1, and I feel that I have come to know a diverse enough selection of the student body to represent the entire student body well next year as your vice president of government concerns, allowing me to interact with students with many different backgrounds and goals.

A vote for Zac Green is a vote for the candidate with experience, and the definitive ability to represent all of our fellow students.

What experience do you have? In terms of practical experience, I have served this year as Representative 1, and in my senior year at Rogers High School I served as president of the Rogers chapter of Future Business Leaders of America.

From an academic perspective, I have excelled in political science and have a sound knowledge of legislative processes which will aid me greatly in this position.

What do you hope to bring to the position if elected? I hope to bring energy and enthusiasm, as well as knowledge and experience, to the position of vice president of government concerns. I feel that I can serve the students well in this position, and be an

to bring hard work and dedicated involvement. I will work hard to bring the best to Student Government and to student life on our campus.

career. These individuals are extremely important to our future success, and I find their knowledge and insight invaluable.

do you plan on making any changes at the college if elected and if so what are they? One issue that I believe effects everyone on our campus is the lack of books, and the availability of those books. If elected Student Government will work with the bookstore to help improve the valuable service they provide.

Why are you running for office? I have chosen to run for office to help further the college experience for fellow students, and expand my learning opportunities.

What is your favorite thing about Pierce College? As a first year student here at Pierce my favorite aspect is the friendliness of the entire staff/faculty.

They really support our educational

projects including: trail development, fund raising 1.3 million dollars for the 5,000 square feet student center, and work on a new entrance to the college. If elected, I will ensure that these issues are addressed and pursued by the parties involved.

What is your favorite thing about Pierce College? The students and staff/ faculty at Pierce College form a unique community atmosphere that is a consistent welcoming environment. With that atmosphere students feel more comfortable at the college and participate in Student Program sponsored events. Students and staff/faculty have the opportunity to interact with one another in a positive and personal way at Pierce College at Puyallup.

Why are you running for office? I love being a part of Student Programs at Pierce College at Puyallup and contributing to improving student life on campus. My experience as the Recreation Coordinator has given me the

effective voice for their concerns. do you plan on making any changes at the college if elected and if so what are they? I would like to not only continue the strong tradition of excellence in Pierce College Student Government, but help expand it as well.

What is your favorite thing about Pierce College? The people would have to be my favorite part of Pierce College. There is a diverse array of students here, with widely varied backgrounds and experiences. I have come to know many interesting people, and have grown richer from the experience. The staff and faculty here are likewise diverse and in quality are far above what I would perceive as the norm.

Why are you running for office? I have two primary reasons for running for office. The first and foremost is my belief

Why should students vote for you?

Students should vote for me because of my proven dedication to Pierce College.

As the diversity/clubs coordinator I have worked hard to provide events for students that meet the diversity goals of Pierce College. If elected I will work hard to meet the needs of all students at Pierce College.

motivation to assist the future coordinators and elevate next year's programs as the Vice President of Activities.

Why are you running for the specific position? I am a detailed, organized and diligent person. The ASPCP Vice President for Activities requires someone with these qualities and the ability to fulfill many responsibilities. These responsibilities include being the chairman of the ASPCP Activities Board.

Being the Recreation Coordinator this year I have attained the information and experience that is critical to assisting next year’s coordinators.

Why should students vote for you?

Students should vote for me because I am the most qualified person for the Vice President of Activities position. I will work hard to bring events to Pierce College at Puyallup that will appeal to a diverse group of students and improve student life on campus.

that I can serve the students well at an important job that needs doing. The second is that after serving as Representative 1, I have come to dearly love the experience of working in Pierce College Student Programs.

Why are you running for this specific position? I felt that out of the three positions up for election at this time, I was most qualified to serve as vice president of government concerns. There were also others more qualified than I for the other two positions, so it all worked out nicely.

Why should students vote for you? I feel that the combination of my experiences, education, and personality make me very qualified to serve the students well in this position, and would be most grateful if they would honor me with their votes.

6

Puyallup Post

Q&A

with

Lonny megan and

“You have questions, we have answers.”

Q:

My parents are having trouble and I am wondering if I should or could do anything?

Lonny: Just try to wait and see if it works itself out if not, then you can ask if you can help.

Megan: When your parents are having problems, it is never easy. All you can do is let them know that you love them. There is not a whole bunch past that, that you can do. They need to figure things out for themselves and as much as you want to help, it is better if they talk it through. I know it is hard and I hope you will be ok in the end.

Q:

How do I break up with someone I despise without hurting them?

Megan: You can never break up with someone without hurting him or her or wrecking their pride, that is, unless they feel the same. Do not be rude about it and just let them know how you feel. Be sensitive and you will be just fine.

Q:

How do I get my friends to realize I have changed as a person?

Lonny: Give them some time to get used to the new you they will eventually come around.

Megan: It is hard to change people’s opinions of you once they have one set in their minds, If they are your friends, try to talk to them about it and tell them about your personal changes, which might help speed the process up a little.

Good luck.

Lonny: Breaking up is hard to do without hurting the other person, try to break it to them gently.

it was a dark and stormy . . .

Part 2 of 3. (from Previous) then i felt the hair on the back stand up. a chill shot up my spine as i turned slowly. then, emerging from the inky fingers of shadow, i saw it...

Yes, there was no mistaking it—I was trapped in the building with Sydney. Sydney, as everyone knows is the campus political zealot and expert on all current events. He was totally off the charts on the political spectrum and brought a large briefcase of folders, reprints, magazines and cassettes to lunch hall each day. Woe be unto the hapless dupe that fell into his not-so-subtle trap and asked: “What do you have in the bag Sydney?”

Well there he was, with the look of a hungry bear in his eyes as he approached his victim from the shadowy hall.

Soon he was within about 20 feet and made his opening salvo.

“Say you, have you read the latest data on the South Hill zoning rules?”

I knew I had no way of escape and that whatever I answered to Sydney, I’d have to endure about two hours of minutiae on every thread of the subject. Thinking fast, I hit upon a strategy to avoid this loquacious long-play album in the flesh.

“Sidney,” I replied, “You had better check the lights on your car. Someone has left their lights on in the parking lot, and it looks like your Pacer is the one.”

I couldn’t really identify the car in that dark and stormy parking lot, but this might serve to allow my escape—provided Sydney knew of another way out. After all, he was somehow in the building at this late hour.

“Well gaaaaawly!” shouted Sydney as he headed towards another door down the hall and disappeared.

Out of curiosity, I followed about 100 feet behind him. Along the way he had dropped all of his peculiar bulletins on the UFO conspiracy to put Chlorine in our water, the Republican plan to annex Montana for clear cutting sagebrush, and some alarming warnings about the hazards of the Teletubbies secret agenda.

I would have been tempted to pick one of these peculiar flyers up to amuse myself, but the risk of Sydney finding me taking the bait would be unbelievable, so I restrained myself and entered the room into which he had just gone.

I did not know that there was another door out to the parking lot, but here in room A 354 behind a hidden panel was, in fact, another door. For some reason the door was a secret to most of the students and perhaps faculty as well. Sydney seemed to know quite well of it.

Now, I had to think fast...

n Well, we started it for you — now it’s your turn. Write the next segment in this gripping tale of mystery and intrigue. Submissions should be 150-250 words in length, and should pick up where the story above ends and should end as a cliffhanger for someone else to continue.

Submit your story along with your name and telephone number (in case we have a question) to room A160B. We will run our favorite in the next issue of The Post. Stories may be edited for length and clarity.

Jordan from front page

He went to Bethesda Maryland for treatment with chemotherapy for his condition. It was successful.

Ten years later, Jordan found out he had prostate cancer.

He told a humorous story about drinking green tea during this time.

Someone had told him green tea was helpful in fighting cancer, so he bought 75 pounds of the stuff and was drinking about 10 cups a day.

Later he learned that he had bought the wrong sort of “green tea,” but the surgery was a success and he was through that battle.

The third episode of cancer that Jordan had was skin cancer. During the 10 years he was a lifeguard, he would coat his skin with a mixture of iodine and baby oil, which is one of the worst things a sunbather can do. His battle with skin cancer also was successful.

Jordan then shifted his comments to what he’d learned through the ordeals with cancer.

First, he said everyone will have a ‘bad report” eventually, in terms of health. This actually helps to define the meaning of our lives. For Jordan, cancer became a sort of ironic blessing. When facing such life-threatening problems, “every day is precious and special.”

Jordan gave out a grim statistic and said that one in two Americans will get cancer in their lifetime.

After the speech, audience members asked questions about government policy, health care and Vietnam.

Presently, Jordan and his wife, Dorothy, work out of their home in Georgia.

He is an active speaker on the subject of medical research funding for cancer and has written two books.

the

Puyallup Post IS LOOKING FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN JOINING NEXT YEAR’S STAFF. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 120.

Reporter and Photographer positions available

caLL 840-8496 for more information.

may 2001

7

Movie Review: Sylvester Stallone plays a retired race car driver who is recruited to coach an upand-coming young CART driver (Schweiger) who needs his assistance.

Burt Reynolds plays a wheelchair-bound former driver.

Written by Stallone after a huge amount of research, the film is, as he says, as much about the racers, family, and emotions as it is about the actual racing, much like his legendary Rocky movies.

Steve heeb: At first, I was going to rip this movie apart, but I’ve had at least a partial change of heart.

As a race fan by profession, and having attended several CART Champ Car races, my first impression was to snicker at the overblown destructive action during the crash scenes. I’ve never actually seen cars leap off the ground and rocket skyward.

Also, the car chase — mandatory in all action movies — is so far-fetched (not to mention practically impossible) that it is truly ridiculous. It’s too bad Stallone didn’t omit the chase entirely. The movie would have been better without it. Just chalk it up to comic relief.

I know Dolores is a “real” CART fan, so I’ll let her break down the films shortcomings in reality.

It donned on me that I can appreciate movies like Top Gun and Days of Thunder, at least for their entertainment value. Driven rises to the same caliber, while surpassing them in the quality of special effects.

Just don’t go to the movie expecting to gain insight to the “real” racing world, which is far more exciting in reality.

Thankfully, the movie did capture some of the “hotties” that race fans find in the CART pit circus. However, an up-andcoming CART champion would never hook up with an ugly girlfriend.

Enjoy Driven for what it is. dolores mahoney: How does one describe something that isn’t possible? Oh yeah, it’s a movie. It isn’t suppose to be real.

Written by Stallone, his latest effort is truly unbelievable. He’s replaced guns and bullets for rockets with wheels. I’ve now seen more cars flying in the air than fireworks on a Fourth of July. It’s too bad he didn’t develop the characters as the graphics department did the effects.

Being an open wheel fan, I couldn’t help cringe in my seat as I watched the countless wrecks take place before my eyes. I had to remind myself that this wasn’t real. No one was getting hurt. Computer animation and graphics along with choreographed stunts had us see million dollar cars do the inconceivable and human beings survive the improbable. There was some stock footage. That’s when they showed what real drivers’ do when they are really racing. Too bad there wasn’t

more of it.

As for the street scene shown in the movie trailer, it’s beyond the bounds of reality.

This movie is a huge commercial for the dwindling open wheel series. If you’ve been to a CART event, this movie will have you asking yourself, “Where were all those fans when I was there?” The camera was drawn to the unusual number of women race fans. Yes, there are many of us there. However, most of us are not the “pit lizards” as seen in the movie. For those of you who don’t know what that is, I’ll use another term, camp follower. Racing really

driven is a family sport. Fortunately, the real drivers showed that when they had their momentary cameos. The credits list them at the end, under the category of “The Race Car Drivers.” Not only do they deserve credit in the movie but also a huge amount of thanks.

If Stallone could’ve focused on one story line, he may have had something.

There were just too many ideas and not enough time spent developing one of them.

As I left the theater, I looked at my ticket stub. Printed on it, there was the title of the movie, Driven I. Undesirable.

director: Renny Harlin Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Kip Pardue, Burt Reynolds, Robert Sean Leonard, Estella Warren, Gina Gershon, Brent Briscoe rated: PG-13 - for language and some intense crash sequences on a scale of five popcorns... dolores says:

Steve says:

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taurus April 20 - May 20 You know that vacation you have been saving up for? Now is the time to buy that ticket and pay for the hotel! Get out, get busy, get that adrenaline going! gemini May 21 - June 21 Hate to be ragged on? Then why are you doing it? Keep it up and you will be left all alone. Time you quit being a nag and do something about it yourself. cancer June 22 - July 22 You have a lot going on. You need to tie up those loose ends before you find yourself in a whole heap of mess. Get organized, get back on track.

leo July 23 -August 22 Focus, keep your mind on the task at hand.

Someone might get hurt if you do not pay attention. Watch the small details. virgo August 23 - September 22 Many empty promises are coming your way. Be prepared to have to do most of the work on your own. It will be okay, just plan your time wisely. libra September 23 - October 22 You need to be entertained. Go out with friends.

Pamper yourself. Be a little selfish. You will get a new attitude and you will feel like a new you! scorpio October 23 - November 21 Go with the flow. It is a bit hard, especially for one who likes to control one’s own destiny. It will be okay; a little unnerving at first but it will turn out to be a good thing. sagittarius November 22 - December 21 It is time to say no to spending your hardearned cash, especially to those who want to spend it for you! Do not let your emotions get in the way. Use your head.

capricorn December 22 - January 19 Talk to the one you love. Voice your feelings before you let your hostility explode. Let others express their feelings and listen as well. With understanding, things will work out. aquarius January 21 - February 19 When working with others, remember to acknowledge their efforts. Share your ideas and get their opinions as well. Listening will win their respect. pisces February 20 - March 20 You are feeling stifled and trapped. Get out and meet new people. Try a new sport or hobby.

Attend a cultural event. Do something different; it is good for the soul! aries March 21 - April 19 Get plenty of rest. Watch your “P’s” and “Q’s.”

Be careful not to say something you may regret!

Once something has been said, it cannot be erased.

strummin’ thE day away: Joules Graves performs for students outside on the Puyallup campus with her original version of folks songs with an environmental message.

hoops: Pierce students taking advantage of some dry spring weather.

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