The Telescope 67.5

TRICK-OR-TREAT Look inside for fun Halloween facts, as well as the top movies, songs and hangouts according to The Telescope staff • Page 6

Palomar College’s Independent Newspaper

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Vol. 67, No. 5 • Monday, October 28, 2013

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1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, Calif.

CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK & GENEVIEVE GREEN • THE TELESCOPE

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etting up booths decorated with pink tablecloths, balloons and flowers, the staff of the Palomar College Health Center and North County Health Services (NCHS) were on campus to help promote breast cancer awareness on Oct. 15.

PALOMAR MARKS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Both organizations provided free breast examinations and handed out pamphlets explaining breast cancer and its affects. The Health Center also had a raffle for a free “Booby Prize.”

Joyce Paarman and staff assistant Lenka Schanka were manning the Health Center booth. Paarman, a registered nurse, spoke of the importance of getting a breast exam. “(Self-examination) is good for teenage girls and young men,” Paarman said.

“It’s good to become aware of their breast shape — what feels normal and what feels abnormal. We as individuals are more aware of how our different body parts feel compared to the doctor who performs the exam once a year.”

According to Paarman, students can help spread awareness by educating themselves and making sure both male and female family members know the facts TURN TO CANCER, PAGE 9

2013 BREAST CANCER ESTIMATES

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str ati on

by Sc ott

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•There are 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. • An estimated 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 65,000 new non-invasive cases will be reported • 40,000 U.S. women are expected to die this year • 2,200 new cases diagnosed in men • Although rare, 5 percent of breast cancer is diagnosed in women who are under age 40

UPCOMING EVENTS Walk-in Flu Vaccines • Oct. 29, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. @ Health Services Center

More choices with Cross Enrollment PAIGE HARVEY

Halloween Escape • Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. @ Student Union Quad

THE TELESCOPE

“The Kingdom Fungi” • Nov. 2.

10 a.m. - noon @ Palomar College Arboretum

Cross enrollment is offered to Palomar students who would like to enroll in additional courses at a four-year university without formal admission.

According to the transfer center staff, cross enrollment is available for Palomar College students at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), San Diego State University (SDSU), and University of California San Diego (UCSD).

Students may choose to enroll in one course per academic semester on a space available, crash term basis.

The students who attend the host school full time will have

Movie Night (featuring “42”) • Oct. 28, 1 p.m. @ SU 204

COFFEE CONFIDENTIAL

Learn what our Telescope barista has to say about the famous French Press • Page 7

priority over students from Palomar if thy both are trying to crash the same course.

The transfer center staff also stated that in order to be eligible for cross enrollment you must have a 2.0 GPA, paid all outstanding tuition and fees at your home campus for the current term, completed at least one semester at Palomar College and be currently enrolled in at least six units.

Most students commented that they were happy the option to cross enroll was offered.

“The option to cross enroll will probably help me in more ways than one. It could help with both the decision making process on where I should transfer, and bettering my time management

skills,” said student Jessica Groeper.

“This is my first semester, so after I will try and take advantage of this (option),” said student Zach Reed. “It would be cool to take one course at each campus (if eligible) to see which one is the best fit.”

Another student, Christy Jones, said “I really want to transfer out of Palomar to SDSU. Getting to know the campus before being accepted will help me really make my decision.”

The transfer center’s website states that cross enrollment forms can be picked up at the transfer center and must be signed off and stamped by a counselor at Palomar College before taking it to the host campus for review. The

application must be approved by both the home and host campus administrators to qualify.

The website also mentions academic advising and library use are only available at the student’s home campus. Financial aid students are also eligible for cross enrolling, but the course at the host campus is not included in the 12 units required by Palomar College. In addition, due to overlapping academic calendars this program is only offered in certain combinations.

Contact a counselor at 760891-7500 or the transfer center at 760-744-1150 ext. 2552 for further information.

PHARVEY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

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2 • NEWS

NEWSWORTHY THINGS TO KNOW Here are a few things you may have missed on campus last week, along with a few upcoming events that will be happening on campus this week.

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Students attain health tips

DANIEL GAGLIO GENEVIEVE GREEN THE TELESCOPE

Organizations and clubs gathered in Palomar’s student union quad to bring health information and advice to students.

Palomar College’s Office of Student Affairs hosted a health fair on Oct. 21 to bring students attention toward different ideas and methods on how to stay healthy and feel great.

Palomar Health Services representative, Lenka Schanka wants students to have access to resources to promote both a healthy mind and body.

“It’s really important that they are healthy in mind, body, and spirit,” Schanka said.

Katie Alvarez of North County Health Services stated she noticed that students often times get so focused on their studies, that they may end up forgetting about the importance of maintaining their physical and mental health.

Denise Zirpolo of The HELP Mental Health and Counseling Services was there to explain that they offer free therapy to students

right here at Palomar.

“We provide two therapists from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays to manage stress and for suicide prevention,” According to Zirpolo at home counseling is also available, and covered by most health insurance providers.

Palomar’s student-run Nutrition Club also had their own booth displaying the negative effects of fatty foods and saturated oils.

President of the nutrition club, Laura Stanwick was happy to serve as a resource for the students.

“We are here to make students aware of what they are eating,” Stanwick said.

With so much help available, some students expressed their gratitude for what Palomar has to offer. Brandon Holten, a 23 year old Palomar student stated he was very happy our school has these services available.

For more information about what Palomar offers for health safety visit palomar.edu/ healthservices.

DGAGLIO@THETELESCOPE.COM GGREEN@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Monday, October 28, 2013

2 Intersession to return Summer of 2014 HEATHER RANDALL THE TELESCOPE

Officials have confirmed that Intersession courses will be offered at Palomar College between spring and summer of 2014.

Vice President of Instructional Services Berta Cuaron confirmed that approximately 100 classes will be available during the intensive, four week session.

“We’re leaving it up to the departments to determine whether or not their courses make sense to offer in that short time frame,”

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begin May 20 and run through June 13. More information will be available on the Palomar website when the selection of courses being offered is finalized.

In general, intersession courses consist predominantly of general education requirements, which include both three and four unit courses. Please check Palomar’s homepage for more information throughout the end of this semester for updates and additional information.

HRANDALL@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Office of Student Affairs to host ‘Food 4 Food’ food drive event

KEHANI GERONILLA THE TELESCOPE

The holidays are fast approaching and now is your chance to help give back by participating in this years Food 4 Food event on Nov. 6.

The event, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Quad. All participants are required to bring three nonperishable items or a $5 cash donation. Those who contribute to

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Cuaron said.

Intersession courses allow students to complete an entire semester long course in just four weeks. Each intersession class meets Monday through Thursday, or Tuesday through Friday for four hours per day.

Due to the intensity that comes with completing a course in such a short period, it is not recommended that students enroll in more than one course during intersession.

Intersession is being offered after spring semester ends and before summer session begins. Classes

the Food 4 Food event will receive a free lunch of pasta, breadsticks, and drinks.

Student Activities Coordinator Lindsay Kretchman said, “We raised over 500 donations during last years event alone!”

Kretchman added she also encourages members of campus clubs to bring in as many donations as possible in hopes of topping last year’s Food 4 Food event.

The Palomar College food bank specifically caters only to the aid of Palomar students, and any time

throughout the year anyone can make a donation.

So clean out that pantry of yours, get rid of those non-perishable canned goods and donate them to someone who could use them to help make their loved ones a delicious holiday dinner.

For further information on the Food 4 Food event you can contact the Office of Student Affairs at (760) 744-1150 ext 2594 or visit them on campus located in the SU- 201.

KGERONILLA@THETELESCOPE.COM

Over 50 colleges and universities on campus for college fair

RALPH CHAPOCO THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College’s Transfer Center welcomed admissions representatives to the San Marcos campus recently for the annual College Fair to provide students a chance to learn about what options are available to them for transfer.

Over 50 colleges and universities attended Palomar College’s annual college fair in the hopes of attracting students to their respective schools on Oct. 22.

It was a diverse group of representatives with 60 schools registered for the event.

Many of the representatives were from the University of California and California State University system, but there were also representatives from schools as far east as Illinois and as far north as Alaska.

Although diverse in population, location, and program offerings, there were a number of striking similarities among them.

Schools shared similar programs among popular majors. Many of the schools cited business management and biology as their most favored majors.

Louis Martin, admissions counselor from Cal State Monterrey Bay, spoke about the trends he’s noticed over the years.

“The traditional majors are always the most popular. Business, psychology, liberal studies, and kinesiology,” Martin said.

The second similarity among the different schools is the advice they give potential transfer students, especially with respect to their grade point averages.

All of the representatives stressed how important grades are. Although each school listed a different minimum grade point average (GPA), the range was from 2.5 to 3.0, all of the representatives stressed that each student should try and get the highest GPA possible.

Karolia Macias, admissions counselor from UC Riverside said: “The GPA is very important. We

want to get students who are well prepared for college.”

She added that students who meet only the minimum GPA should not assume they will be accepted.

The schools also advised students to make sure they have fulfilled the specific requirements the university they wish to attend, specifies.

If they have any doubt about their school’s requirements, they should ask rather than guess.

Overall, the majority of the feedback from the fair was positive. Many of the students’ target schools attended the fair and most of the students had a good time interacting with the representatives.

Stephanie Ferkins, a firstyear Palomar student, shared her sentiments.

“The people at the booths are not trying to push you to go their schools they’re just simply saying here are the majors,” she said.

RCHAPOCO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

WHAT YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT IS WORKING ON • The ASG recently represented Palomar College at the California Community Colleges Student Affairs Association convention in California’s capitol, Sacramento.

• ASG has begun preparations for the upcoming Homecoming event hosted by the organization on Nov. 14, 2013.

• The ASG is working on plans to get student opinion on electronic cigarettes and is in the process of establishing straw votes on campus and online polls.

• The ASG is seeking student participation in the student segment of Palomar’s 2015 Accreditation Report, Section 2b Student Support Services.

• The ASG is working on promoting the GRAD (Goals, Responsibility, Attitude, Determination) program, which aims to help students succeed in school.

• The ASG is re-designing its website and will let the student body and public know when it is complete.

• ASG’s secretary position has recently been filled by international student Andrea Schmidt.

NEWS • 3

the telescope

New VP of student services has big plans for Palomar JORDAN GREENE THE TELESCOPE

Stormy Buonantony, Alex Tamayo and Erica Kirtides present the news on Prep Sports Live. • Jennifer Fasulo/Telescope

Palomar offers award winning program ROSE MIRIAM BABIARZ THE TELESCOPE

High school football enthusiasts have a program available at Palomar college dedicated to covering and reporting the highlights of high school football in North San Diego County.

Prep Sports Live (PSL) is a live television sports broadcast which airs on television every Tuesday night.

According to their website, PSL travels around North San Diego County to bring students and viewers highlights of games played on Friday nights at local high schools.

PSL is offered as a course at Palomar under the Media Studies Department in the Radio and Television Category. The specific title of the course is DBA 240B. “Prep Sports Live is a unique class related to the real world,” Department Chair Pat Hahn said.

PSL has won several Emmy awards and has produced students who have won Emmy awards as well.

Rebecca Peters is a Palomar student and PSL’s current sports director. She just won her first Emmy award this past summer.

“PSL is very goal-oriented to everyone that’s here. They’re not just here to take a class that’s going to move them to the next level of

college. This is to help the students prepare for a career,” she said.

According to PSL Executive Producer and Program Instructor Jim Zrake, “Prep Sports Live gives the students a real hands-on opportunity to produce a live halfhour weekly television show for thirteen weeks.”

PSL airs on Time Warner channel 16 and AT&T channel 99 every Tuesday from 6:00-6:30 P.M. For more information about PSL, visit the website at www. prepsportslivesd.com. For more information about the course, visit www.palomar.edu/mediastudies.

RBABIARZ@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Adrian Gonzales is Palomar’s new Vice President of Student Services.

After being appointed, Gonzales has made it his mission to efficiently assist students on their educational journeys by any means necessary.

Wanting students to know there is a wide variety of services on campus that offer help not only with education, but career planning as well.

Gonzales began his college education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and went on to receive his master’s from the University of Washington in Seattle.

After graduating, he began his career in education at the Ford Foundation. His role was working to create an endless educational loop linking K-12 curriculum with college and continuing it through life after college. After this, Gonzales became employed as a dean at the College of the Desert, a position he held for 14 years before being promoted to Interim Dean of Student Services.

“I want to have good communication with the students,” Gonzales said. “We need a more defined plan, and constant support for students with continuing their education, career development and job placement.”

He went on to say the biggest challenge he is expecting to face during his time at Palomar is the implementation of the Student Success Act, which was designed to help better prepare community college students for the workforce during economic hardships.

“We really have to look at all the details and determine how effectively we can implement it without wasting resources,” Gonzales said.

He gave two examples.

Adrian Gonzales at his desk as the new Vice President of Student Services on Oct. 16.•Julio de la Torre/Telescope

He said repeatability is an important issue and it is his job to figure out how to keep it going while continuing to provide support for students who cannot complete classes due to work or other commitments.

Priority enrollment was another factor he mentioned.

“I have to look at the technical and fiscal sides of the system to make sure the people who really should have the first pick of classes actually have it,” he said.

Gonzales said he has walked around campus and talked with students about their involvement with Palomar. He expressed excitement with knowing students feel an attachment to the campus and to other students in the community.

Gonzales said the thing he is most looking forward to at Palomar is helping students succeed.

“I want to help them achieve that light bulb moment, where you can see the light in their eyes and that look of complete understanding.

Many students feel voiceless, but I want to get them excited about being here and about learning. There’s nothing better than that,” he said.

JGREENE@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Victims of vandalism discussed at Governing Board meeting JENNIFER FASULO THE TELESCOPE

Palomar’s staff is uniting to publicly criticized vandalism against the Palomar College Pride Center during a board meeting recently.

Palomar College President Robert Deegan voiced his concern at a Palomar College Governing Board meeting on Oct. 8. He told the board a series of signs and rainbow flags put up by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/ Questioning and Ally (LGBTQA) community had been torn down or vandalized, and that Palomar staff would not tolerate it.

“You know, whenever you think that bigotry and discrimination has gone, you know what, it rears it’s ugly head. We need to be ever vigilant,” Deegan said.

Professor Peter Bowman, an adviser of the LGBTQA group

on campus said while people can disagree with the lifestyle, the vandals took it too far.

“The First Amendment guarantees them their right to have their ideas,” Bowman said. “The speech is protected by the First Amendment, the vandalism is not.

You do not have the right to touch people’s private property.”

Palomar College faculty and staff are no strangers to these types of incidents.

Deegan made a similar statement in 2009, pledging his support to the LGBTQA community after Palomar College faculty members received disturbing, threatening letters through the mail.

One of the targeted faculty members was Fergal O’Doherty, who stated he is openly gay. This was not the only offense against O’Doherty.

Previously, his class was interrupted by an unidentified student yelling derogatory slang into his classroom.

It is always hard to protect against all human behavior.

BILL JAHNEL • PROFESSOR

These events led the school to assist in creating organizations such as the Palomar College Committee to Combat Hate, PC3H, and the Palomar College Pride Center in addition to the LGBTQA group.

The PC3H is a committee on campus dedicated to the safety of all students. Their mission statement reads in part, “We are committed, in compliance with the guidelines of AB 537 and all applicable state and federal laws, to creating a safe, secure environment.” The committee is overseen by faculty members, including Abbie Cory

and Monika Brannick.

The Palomar College Pride Center was created in 2011, and made Palomar College the second community college in the country to have a center like it. The center acts as a resource center and safe zone for students where they can feel safe and be themselves. The Pride Center is overseen by the PC3H and is located in room ST72.

Even with the implementing of clubs, resources and committees, and with the commitment of the administration, the incidents continue to occur.

Connor Wilson, a second-year sports medicine major, said he felt embarrassed after hearing news of the harassment. He followed with, “I feel like it’s a safe campus but that doesn’t mean that bullying can’t happen.”

The perpetrators may have ruined signs and flags, but they did

not ruin the LGBTQA community’s spirit. Cory said they have plans to buy many more flags and signs hang around campus. Deegan told the board he supports this decision.

“I ensure if they are taken down, or vandalized, I will buy another one, and you know what? I’ll buy another one and another one and another one,” Deegan said.

Another LGBTQA Group Adviser, History Professor Bill Jahnell, said it is clear to him the administration has a commitment, and Palomar is very fortunate that they have become more aware of wrongdoings on campus.

“It is always hard to protect against all human behavior,” he added.

If you would like more information on the LGBTQ Pride Center or the PC3H, visit www. palomar.edu/pc3h.

JFASULO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

the telescope

4 • OPINION

Monday, October 28, 2013

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Students express apathy toward ASG

Focused On Palomar Monday, October 28, 2013 Vol. 67, No. 5 Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif.

RACHEL KEENEY THE TELESCOPE

CLIFF IRELAND EDITOR IN CHIEF MARISSA MILLOY MANAGING EDITOR HEATHER RANDALL NEWS EDITOR CHRISTINE FORONDA NEWS EDITOR JORDAN GREENE OPINION EDITOR & COPY EDITOR LLOYD BRAVO A&E EDITOR SCOTT MORTON ONLINE EDITOR & SPORTS EDITOR CAROLYNE CORELIS PHOTO EDITOR ERIN HIRO ADVISER DEB HELLMAN BUSINESS MANAGER STAFF WRITERS ZANDALEE ARCINIEGA, ROSE MIRIAM BABIARZ, CHRIS BULLOCK, RALPH CHAPOCO, JENNIFER FASULO, DANIEL GAGLIO, KEHANI GERONILLA, GENEVIEVE GREEN, PAIGE HARVEY, STEPHEN KECK, RACHEL KEENEY, JAZMINE LEONING, CESAR LOYA, JAVIER PEREZ, ARMOND PLACIDE, JOSHUA RAY, KYLE ROSA, DEMARCUS STOKELY, CHASE VERNON, SUSAN WHALEY PHOTOGRAPHERS HARIM ARJON, SCOTT COLSON, STEVE DAVIS, JULIO-ADRIAN DE LA TORRE, STEPHANIE DURHAM, GUILLERMO ESCAMILLA, PAUL FRANCIS, JANET FRY, MARCO GONZALEZ, YOLANDA GRANADOS, MACIE GUZMAN, NIKO HOLT, SIERA HUFF, CORI JEPSEN, EMILY LAURANCE, ABBY MORA, CAITLYN NEAL, XENIA SPATACEAN, LUCAS SPENSER, FRANCOIS SWART, COURTNEY TOMESCH, LUCY WHEELER, LEI YAP

ADDRESS THE TELESCOPE PALOMAR COLLEGE 1140 W. MISSION ROAD, SAN MARCOS, CA 92069 PHONE / 760-891-7865 NEWSROOM / MD-228 WEBSITE/ WWW.THE-TELESCOPE.COM FACEBOOK/ SEARCH “THE TELESCOPE” TWITTER/ @TELESCOPENEWS EMAIL/ EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM AD EMAIL/ ADS@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

THE TELESCOPE WELCOMES ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. LETTERS MUST BE TYPEWRITTEN, UNDER 300 WORDS AND INCLUDE THE AUTHOR’S FIRST AND LAST NAMES, MAJOR AND PHONE NUMBER. PHONE NUMBERS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. LETTERS SHOULD BE EMAILED TO EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM. THE TELESCOPE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT LETTERS FOR SPACE AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS AND NOT TO PRINT LEWD OR LIBELOUS LETTERS. LETTERS MUST BE RECEIVED ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE NEWSPAPER’S PUBLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION. THE TELESCOPE IS PUBLISHED 8 TIMES PER SEMESTER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE NEWSPAPER ARE THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL WRITERS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF THE ENTIRE NEWSPAPER STAFF, PALOMAR FACULTY AND STAFF MEMBERS OR THE GOVERNING BOARD TRUSTEES.

ASSOCIATED COLLEGE PRESS

CALIFORNIA NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER’S ASSOCIATION

Image courtesy of blogspot.com

Palomar College students react: government shutdown CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK THE TELESCOPE

Feb. 7, 2014: prepare for another pay-per-view masterpiece. No, it’s not Floyd Mayweather, Jr. versus some no name fighter who doesn’t have a chance at winning. It’s not another classic UFC matchup, it’s not even Girls Gone Wild.

On this day, we will see President Barack Obama, Dem-Illinois square off against House Speaker, John Boehner, Rep-Ohio in the rematch of “Obamacare v. No Obamacare,” that is unless we can agree to raise the debt ceiling yet again by that time.

As I speak, the U.S. Government is back in business. Hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers will go back to having to earn their paychecks; veterans of our Armed Forces’ past and present will no longer have to tear down barricades to visit their favorite memorials and yes, for the time being, no footage of pizzas being delivered to the Senate while they bicker over who gets the biggest slice of the kickback pie.

During the shutdown (or “slowdown” as FOX News called it), many important functions went out of commission.

Some of you may know: the Department of Homeland Security, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Government Ethics (irony at its finest) and plenty more.

Military bases had to furlough many of its workers, closing down commissaries (which are tax-free for those who live on base or are active duty), and leaving a lot of staff to fend for themselves.

People who wanted to go on vacation and visit Yellowstone Park, were greeted with closed signs.

It makes no sense to me that the people who volunteer to risk

life and limb for the pursuit of our freedoms couldn’t get their basic needs at a discount they deserve.

The people who had to scrimp and save just to make their once-a-year vacation budget all of a sudden find themselves in a bind because 1) they’ve already filed for vacation at work, so it’s time lost (and pay for some who don’t have benefits) and 2) re-arranging a planned trip is no easy feat at the last second. So they are being inconvenienced, which only leads to more frustration and discontent.

According to a Standard & Poor’s analysis, the shutdown cost the U.S. economy about $24 billion.

Yet, our beloved Congress continued to rake in their paychecks, netting just over $4 million collectively during the shutdown, according to CongressStillGetsPaid. com, who figured that the average Congressmen makes roughly $174,000 a year.

While some members have stated they will donate their salaries to charity, some had no remorse about collecting their pay.

In an interview with the Omaha World-Herald, Rep. Lee Terry, R-Nebraska, basically mocked his fellow congressman.

While the minority of them decided to do the right thing, Terry said, “God bless them. But you know what? I’ve got a nice house and a kid in college, and I’ll tell you we cannot handle it. Giving our paycheck away when you still worked and earned it?

That’s just not going to fly.”

This is our Congress at “work.”

While a good majority of us have to work 40-50 hours a week just to pay the bills, Congress continued to rake in big dollars to do nothing.

They got to go home on weekends to spend time with their families while most families sat at

home stressing over how they may have to find work.

Mom-and-pop businesses sweated bullets because they may have to close their doors; and all they have to say is “Giving our paycheck away when you still worked and earned it?” They have earned nothing. If even one citizen had to go without a paycheck, Congress should have set a precedent and vetoed their right to accept their pay.

If they want to make a difference, how about they donate their entire pay for a year toward the citizens who had to miss out on pay?

A few calculations I did myself, led me to the staggering figure of $92 million as the cumulative amount of income members of Congress make in one year.

That kind of money could go a long way toward helping pay the bills for those who can’t afford the finer things in life.

What is most interesting is how both Republicans and Democrats tried to paint opposing sides as the villain in this escapade.

But at the end of the day it is both parties who end up losing. You held the citizens of this country hostage, all because you couldn’t agree to disagree.

We can only hope that when February comes around, Congress will have enough collective common sense to say, no more games. Let’s figure out how to close this debt ceiling and get back to serving our citizens.

Because if they can’t run our country, and our government, they run the risk of being looked at as the laughing stock of the world.

America, the class clown of superpowers. Does that sound like a title you would be proud of bearing?

CBULLOCK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Apathy is defined in the dictionary as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Many Palomar College students are no strangers to this term, seeing as it best describes them when it comes to anything related to involvement at the college.

In previous years, the Associated Student Government (ASG) of Palomar College held their elections for executive positions at the end of each spring semester (or in some cases mid-Fall for special elections.)

Unfortunately, with each election comes a lack of interest from the students. Voting participation averages around one hundred students out of thousands of students that attend Palomar each year.

The ASG is held under constant fire for their voter turnouts with many criticizing their lack of advertisement and absence of presence on campus. However, they are not the only ones worth blaming.

Students have found little to no interest in the ASG or anything logistically related to Palomar.

During voting periods, ASG Senators spend the majority of their day walking throughout the Student Union advertising the election as well as offering a computer students can vote from in the Senator’s office.

Students respond the same every time, with unfortunate, extensive apathy.

The ASG can only do so much to capture students’ attention. With the many events the ASG hosts, the easiest way to stir in foot traffic is to give free items to lure in students to inform them of what their objectives for the campus are.

In October of 2012, the ASG held a voter registration event open to all students from both San Diego and Riverside counties. In this event they did their best using many resources to inform the students of the upcoming election that had propositions including Props 30 and 32 on the ballot. Both of these would affect students and their future learning.

Of the thousands of students who attended the event, only 52 students actually registered to vote. Their main interest was leading only to the free food. We can see where their main interest is.

Free food? What about food for the mind? Students are so uninterested in anything pertaining to governmental structure, not only at Palomar but also in America’s own government.

To read the rest of this article, visit the-telescope.com RKEENEY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

OPINION • 5

the telescope EDITORIAL

Unacceptable vandalism committed against campus group To whom it may concern: The Telescope staff was disheartened to hear that a club on our campus has suffered at the hands of a few, who have taken it upon themselves to intimidate and disrespect a group of students on campus for no apparent reason other than a simple difference in lifestyle choices.

The acts to which we are referring were reported during the October Governing Board meeting by President Deegan. Palomar’s Pride Center experienced defacement of their signs and flags; this was both

shocking and upsetting to hear.

On a positive note, we beamed with pride as we listened to President Deegan condemn such behavior. Not only did he speak out against those who caused damage to the Pride center, he also made it clear that he would continue to stand behind, and support members of the (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer/Questioning, and Ally Club) LGBTQA in their continued efforts to educate and provide resources for Palomar’s community.

Palomar College is a public campus filled with amazing, talented, bright, tolerant people. We have the luxury

of listening to gifted professors and speakers in various lectures. We could go on as to why the Telescope staff, the college President and countless others are so hurt by news of bigotry and intolerance on our campus.

Palomar’s community has stuck together through budget cuts, government shut-downs, dominating negativity, and a weak economy; yet it still has always managed to rise above.

So, to you, whoever you are: You think you’re going to be all high and mighty by being a bully? Sorry to burst your bubble, but that just isn’t an effective tactic.

As a privileged member of our college educated community, we expect that differences in opinion will be brought up and discussed in a reasonable fashion. If you’re too immature to handle that, then Palomar College is not the place for you.

There are many people, young and old, who would love to have a chance to sit in your seat and participate in lectures and contribute to the greater good.

So if you are offended by people who have a different lifestyle than you, for one, you definitely need an

education. No doubt about that and it’s up to you to keep yourself and your attitude in check. No one here is going to do it for you. What we will do though, is shut you out.

Palomar’s community is strong, dedicated and unbreakable. If you think you’re going to make an impact by acting like a petulant child, I highly advise you to go elsewhere. There’s no room for people like you in a community like this.

Best wishes, The Telescope Staff EDITOR@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

People paying the wrong professionals ZANDALEE ARCINIEGA THE TELESCOPE

Image courtesy of collective-evolution.com

Alien life exists beyond our natural realm of thought LLOYD BRAVO THE TELESCOPE

As humans, we fear the unexplained, the unknown and the paranormal. We strive for answers, but we cannot accept as truth that we are not alone in the universe. The evidence is out there, both in the corn fields and in the sky.

Signs of extraterrestrials are etched in time. Throughout history we have seen marks of the alien phenomenon all over the world: the pyramids of Egypt, flying saucers sketched in the Egyptians hieroglyphics, and even the recent discovery of a microchip embedded in the skull of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Though the lore of aliens has been popular in modern society in the last 60 years, their existence has been dated back to the pharaohs of Egypt.

One of the seven wonders of the world is the great pyramids in Egypt.

Anywhere from one to 20 tons of stone were needed to build these massive structures. It is improbable that the Egyptians were able to carry out this feat without high-tech machinery.

The pyramids were also perfectly aligned with the constellation Orion; the dimensions of which would have been nearly impossible to determine with their primitive technology.

The Egyptians even spoke about beings opening the sky as lights came down to earth. These encounters were described in the hieroglyphics making ancient Egyptians one of the first societies to make first contact.

Though it is not conclusive, it is highly unlikely that ancient

Egyptians not only built the pyramids without assistance, but aligned them perfectly with stars light-years away.

Even documents from the Egyptians themselves were written on the unexplained lights in the skies. It is hard not to ponder the existence of alien life.

Egypt was just the stepping stone up to the vast history of extraterrestrials coming to Earth.

However, even today thousands claim to have been taken up on vessels in the sky. Some cases are seen as delusional or “crazy”, but what if a person with credibility and a historic presence was abducted?

Recently, in an article by Gregory Brewer in the Examiner entitled, “Alien intervention throughout human history? Scientists stumble on possible proof ” explained how a French scientist found a microchip inside the skull of Napoleon Bonaparte.

“The possible ramifications of this discovery are almost too enormous to comprehend,” declared Dr. Andre Dubois, who uncovered this astonishing revelation in a French medical journal.

This discovery opened the door to the possibility that encounters and abductions may not just happen to unknown civilians, but to key members of society and history. If Napoleon was abducted, who else in recent history could have been taken and possibly influenced by the fourth kind?

Even though it is not confirmed that extraterrestrial life actually exist, all over the world we have seen an influx of sightings. This can be due

to the ability to get news out to the world faster on the internet, and to portable camcorders which catch the weird lights outside windows or in corn fields.

According to ufoevidence. org, crop circles are complex mathematical fractals arranged in lengths of up to three quarters of a mile and areas as large as 36,000 square feet. These incredible patterns are believed to be messages from the sky formed by aliens trying to communicate with earthlings for reasons unknown.

Though manmade crop circles are more common today, the first known crop circle was reported in 1686 by British scientist Robert Plot who reported seeing fairy rings in his book, “The Natural History of Staffordshire”.

We live in a culture full of skeptics. We are told that everything has a logical explanation and we should never think outside the realm of reality. It is deemed socially acceptable to have religious beliefs and faith in a higher power.

Even though there is debate of an omnipotent being, it is harder to argue the case of extraterrestrials.

With countless videos, pictures, encounters and historical evidence, the question “Are we alone in the universe?” should be more obvious, but gets stuck in the pantheon of science fiction.

All I can say is keep an open mind and watch the skies more carefully, because the next story nobody else believes could be yours.

LBRAVO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Actors, singers and athletes provide us with entertainment, but I don’t think it’s accurate for them to be paid higher than many other professionals.

I am a huge movie aficionado, and I never fail to show up to see the latest release at the cinema.

Everyone has TV shows we watch religiously and actors we look up to and admire. I think highly of people who possess the ability to bring characters to life. But should they be paid more than doctors or lawyers? Absolutely not.

In no way do I want to downplay what talented celebrities do for a living, because I respect them, but I don’t necessarily think they should be paid more than other professionals who help people on a daily basis. There are many celebrities who use their name to help fund charities or campaign for certain research programs. It is true that some celebrities also help people, but are they making as much of a difference as doctors who are constantly saving lives?

The amount of money actors get paid depends on a variety of reasons, including how in demand they are. According to Examiner. com, Johnny Depp makes close to $20 million per film on average.

That doesn’t include the royalty money he gets paid every time said film is shown or bought.

Actors continue to get paid even after they complete a project.

They earn further profits from endorsements deals, DVD sales, public appearances, etc.

According to MedRounds, a medical news publication, surgeons make an average of $192,000 - $299,000 per year.

While a doctor may get paid a significant amount one time, they do not continue to get paid every day that his or her patient lives.

The Law Dictionary claims that a successful lawyer can earn between $155,000 and $170,000 per year. For the most part, actors, singers and athletes are discovered based on their talents, whereas many people who wish to become doctors and lawyers immerse themselves in schooling

and are drowned by student loans for several years.

Many people probably are not aware of the significant difference in the salaries of all these professionals. Professional boxer, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, earned a whopping $41.5 million in his most recent fight against Mexican boxer, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. On top of being paid for the actual fights, boxers and athletes in general also get paid for public appearances and endorsement deals.

Entertainment professionals earn an immensely higher income than any other type of professional.

Overall, people overemphasize the significance of the entertainment industry. I think Americans hold celebrities on a much higher pedestal than they should. I admit I would much rather fill my mind with fun and gossip instead of negative things going on in the world, but it seems like some people take it to the extreme and block out every important piece of news just to find out what Kim Kardashian ate for lunch that day.

It seems Americans simply love to be entertained. They’re able to let go of all their worries when they go see a concert or catch the latest sports game. We think of celebrities as living a lavish lifestyle and having an easy life. A lot of people wish they had the life of their favorite celeb and could be rich and famous just like them. For that reason, we think so highly of them and feel like they should be paid a lot for entertaining us.

As a society, we overlook the importance of the doctors who take care of us when we’re injured or sick, the doctors who work in clinics flooded with patients who aren’t able to afford better health care. Those professionals earn even less than surgeons and are under-appreciated daily. Let’s not forget about the lawyers who help us get out of serious dilemmas or even the most minor situations.

It’s these professionals who deserve to be paid extravagently for their efforts.

ZARCINIEGA@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

6 • A&E

Monday, October 28, 2013

This is Halloween THE TELESCOPE

Celebrating the New Year on November 1, over 2000 years ago the Celts who lived in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Northern France celebrated the night before with the

Top 10 Halloween Movies

Pagan festival of Samhain.

Samhain means the end of summer and it was believed that during this night, the worlds of both the living and the dead combined.

Besides the fear of the ghosts causing damage to the crops and various other troubles, the ancient Celts also believed that

during this night their priests, the Druids, had the ability to make predictions about the future.

To celebrate the festival, huge bonfires were built by the Druids where animal and crops were burned to show homage to the Celtic Deities.

It was also during this festival costumes became common because the Celts, would dress up in animal skins or heads to possibly ward off or even assist the spirits from the other world.

CIRELAND@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Top 5 Scary Songs 1. Laughing Hieroglyphic by Avey Tare (Album: “Down There” 2010 on Paw Tracks.)

2. Cellz by DOOM (Album “Born Like This”on Lex Records on March 24, 2009)

Top 10 Horror Movies

1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

3. Mind is Playing Tricks on Me by The Geto Boys (Album “We Can’t be Stopped released in 1991 on Rap-A-Lot Records )

1. The Exorcist

4. Psycho Killer by Talking Heads (Album “Talking Heads: 77” released in 1977 on Sire)

2. The Shining

2. Hocus Pocus

5. 1-800 Suicide by Graveddigaz (Album” 6 Feet Deep” August 1994 on Gee Street Records.)

3. The Evil Dead

3. Nightmare Before Christmas 4. Beetlejuice 5. Young Frankenstein 6. Ghostbusters 7. Zombieland 8. Addams Family

Top 5 Halloween Hangouts

5. Nosferatu

1. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park (All outdoor haunted attraction located in Balboa Park)

6. The Thing

2. The Haunted Hotel (San Diego’s Premier Haunted Attraction located in the Gaslamp District)

7. Halloween

3. The Savage House (San Diego’s newest haunted attraction located at Grossmont Center in La Mesa)

8. Psycho

4. The Scream Zone Del Mar (Located at the Del Mar Scaregrounds) 5. Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours (Renowned as “San Diego’s Best Ghost Tour”. Call 619-255-6170 to find out location and to reserve your spot)

9. Monster House

9. Nightmare on Elm Street 10. Dawn of the Dead

10. Rocky Horror Picture Show

Americans are expected to spend $2.6 billion on costumes this year.

4. Poltergeist

81 percent of parents confess they take candy from their child’s Halloween hull.

72 percent of Americans prefer chocolate as their Halloween candy choice, while 12 percent prefer candy corn.

Illustrations by Carolyne Corelis/ Telescope

CLIFF IRELAND

A&E • 7

the telescope

The Telescope Guide: How to survive a zombie apocalypse CHASE VERNON THE TELESCOPE

If you’ve turned on the TV or gone to a movie any time in the last decade, odds are that you’ve encountered the un-dead horde in one way or another – and more than likely, they’ve showcased all the wrong ways to avoid the infamous bite or contagious virus.

With Halloween around the corner and various forms of the dead soon to be walking the streets, here’s the Telescope guide to surviving a zombie apocalypse.

Dust off the sleeping bag Make like a Boy Scout and be prepared: the first tip is all about the gear. Think back to every zombie flick you’ve seen where the struggling band of survivors hole up in a cabin as the undead mass outside. These are the people who didn’t pack a tent, compass or camping stove, waiting for their inevitable end as zombie munchies.

Carrying the necessary rations and shelter on your back may be a hard way to travel, but in the world of the zombie apocalypse, the ability to stay mobile is life.

Lock and load However, even the most sophisticated tent in the world won’t help you when the day arrives

that you’re cornered by zombies with nowhere left to run; that’s when carrying the right weapons comes in. From the close-quarters dominance of the 12 gauge shotgun to the reliability of a machete, some weapons are superior to others in the land of the dead. Aim for weapons with widely-available ammunition, high reliability and a quick reload time.

Location, location, location The central mantra of the real estate business applies even after the day that the fanciest New York apartments turn into zombieinfested warrens. Of course, the crowded streets of the inner-city won’t be your best option; plan your retreat to a rural area with moderate temperatures, abundant fresh water and plenty of escape routes. Laying claim to the high ground doesn’t hurt either!

Know thy enemy Enduring the pandemic is more than good planning or the right gear – it’s also a matter of knowing what attracts your foe. If anything that popular fiction tells us is true, the zombies of tomorrow’s reckoning will be slow-moving, tough to stop and more attracted to loud noises than moths to a light bulb. If there were ever a time to turn off that cell phone reminder, the zombie

apocalypse is probably it.

Keep your friends close Ever need an incentive to get back in touch with the friends and relatives you’ve been neglecting to call? Luckily for you, there are few better motivators than the desire to survive. Surround yourself with enough trusted people to watch your back when you’re not able to.

Even more than extra sets of eyes, however, is the morale boost that good company offers. Hopelessness is one of the few things more dangerous than the living dead, which brings us to a final tip…

Always look on the bright side With society rapidly collapsing, your closest friends developing a serious case of the munchies and your cell phone permanently out of service, it might become easy to get a little down. The last and final tip is this: don’t! Surrounded by a world of brain-less zombies, your best weapon for survival is your mind – when your knife dulls or your rifle rusts over, a positive attitude and refusal to give up will very likely be the element that separates you from the hordes of the zombie apocalypse.

CVERNON@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

COFFEE CONFIDENTIAL

A ‘Pressing’ Matter

DANIEL GAGLIO THE TELESCOPE

Preferred by coffee experts all over the world this brewing method is a fast and inexpensive way to enjoy a great cup of coffee.

A French press is the best way to appreciate all the flavors and aromas coffee has to offer. This method had been used for more than 75 years, and undergone several design changes.

It all started in 1929 with Attilio Calimani, an Italian living in France with a passion for coffee.

Calimani designed a method to allow coffee grounds and hot water to brew in a cup then later be filtered out using a cheese cloth. He called this method a French press and after undergoing numerous changes it is still used today.

A modern French press is broken up into two different parts. The main part, the cup, is used to brew and hold the coffee. The second part is the plunger which is used to separate the grounds from the coffee making it drinkable.

Now that we know what piece does what we can move on to the three stages. To begin fill your french press with 2 ounces of coarsely ground coffee and the rest with 200 degree

filtered water. Next, have the grounds and the water brew for five minutes to allow all the oils and flavors to be absorbed by the water. Finally put the plunger over the cup and press down to filter out all the grounds leaving you with a rich and delicious cup of coffee.

No other method in the world allows for a full body flavor at little to no cost.

Coffee experts use french presses everyday when trying to determine the notes and aromas present in their cup. By allowing the grounds and water to brew for so long it brings out everything about the coffee including the region, roast and age.

Priced at only $10 to $20, this marvel of coffee engineering is a bargain. It is even perfectly customizable for your lifestyle with tons of different styles. Some can be found being up to 40 ounces while others are heavily insulated for the savoring coffee drinkers. There is a French press out there for everyone.

For a visual representation of how to use a French press go online at thetelescope.com and join us next issue as we go over the most widely used brewing system in America.

DGAGLIO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

8 • A&E

Monday, October 28, 2013

Acoustic performance shakes house STEPHEN KECK THE TELESCOPE

If you had ever wondered what it would be like to have a soundtrack to an event in your life, the audience of the Electro Acoustic Music Festival was the place to be.

Palomar College students gathered in the studio theater on Oct. 17 for an unforgettable experience.

Michael Dessen, trombonist and UC Irvine professor backed with 35 years of experience, took center stage with a guest performer, Palomar Symphony Orchestra Director and Music Professor Ellen Weller.

Spectators found themselves in a dimly lit room filled with what Dessen calls the ‘digibone’, a bluesy/ jazz/electric sound which Dessen explains as a world of live electronics the slide trombone invokes.

Professor of Music Composition and Appreciation Madelyn Byrne directs the Electro Music Festival at Palomar College each year and always brings in new and interesting talent.

Byrne said, “Generally I like to bring in somebody who has something that we don’t do here in

Instructor Dr. Ellen Weller performs alongside Michael Dessen on Oct. 17 at the Howard Brubeck Theatre. • Cori Jepsen/Telescope

some way or another.” Byrne has her hands full at Palomar and it seems that she prefers it that way.

MOVIE REVIEW

“Fortunately, we have a great support staff,” said Byrne as she gave thanks to her staff for making the night

possible.

Dessen played pre-composed tracks on his computer while playing

his trombone in an improvisatory manner.

Spectator and MSJC student Kalyn Wilson described the performance as “an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ type feel of music.” The atmosphere was one that could be felt better than described.

All but one piece was written and composed by Dessen himself. “I use a computer to explore some ideas I want to work with,” Dessen explained.

Ellen Weller joined Dessen for the final piece of the night, which was completely improvised from start to finish.

She helped end the night in applause as she and Dessen reunited to play their very own “real time composition,” as Weller put it.

“Michael and I were in an improvisational class at UCSD together,” said Weller.

This statement was reflected as they fed off each other on stage; their flow was similar to that of a graceful dance.

Wilson stated the style of music played throughout the night could “take you from a walk in a green meadow to a dark chamber.”

SKECK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

ALBUM REVIEW

Glasser’s ‘Interiors’ gives loyal listeners intense inward journey JAVIER PEREZ THE TELESCOPE

Image courtesy of thereeldealiansblog.blogspot.com.

‘Captain Phillips’ captivated audiences with pirate excursion ROSE MIRIAM BABIARZ THE TELESCOPE

I have never watched a movie that made me hold on to the edge of my seat screaming at the actors as if I was the only one in the theatre quite like this one did.

“Captain Phillips” is a must see movie.

Based on a true story, Tom Hanks stars as Richard Phillips, captain of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in 200 years. The story focused on how Phillips tried to save his crew on the ship when he was held hostage

by Somali pirates.

The movie is a combination of action and nail-biting suspense.

Directed by Paul Greengrass, every scene is a series of “what’s going to happen next?”

As the main antagonist, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), played his role so well it’s as if I had the same love-hate relationship he had with Phillips.

One of the most interesting parts of the movie is the hijacking scene. The way the actors portrayed their roles made the whole scene more believable. It’s almost as if I was in the same boat with them.

Tom Hanks’ versatility is not lost on him. His acting gave life to what really happened to Phillips in 2009.

While there were a few flaws with the camera angles in the movie due to repeated and unnecessary close ups of every character, the overall cinematography is effective. The story’s plot still turned out to be interesting and intriguing.

In the end, I would recommend “Captain Phillips” to all the Tom Hanks fanatics out there.

Moreover, I would recommend this movie to all captains to make them feel and see what’s it like to fight, not only for your territory, but for your team as well.

RBABIARZ@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Cameron Mesirow plays experimental synth-pop, then puts the listener in the midst of an ethereal dream. She achieves this in her second album “Interiors” which dropped Oct. 8 on True Panther Sounds.

“Glasser was a name that I heard in my dream,” “a midnight vision of a figure hovering over water,” she told The Guardian.

Under the name Glasser, Mesirow gained the attention of the music industry with her first album from 2010, “Ring,” with positive reviews from The A.V. Club, Under the Radar, Spin, The Guardian and New Musical Express (NME) who even compared her to an “electro Joni Mitchell crossed with Cocteau Twins.”

Glasser’s music has always seemed to be personal and introspective.

“Between sleep and wakefulness,” is how Mesirow describes the band’s sound and she followed so with her new album.

“Interiors,” is a lively scream for human warmth under a cold computer created landscape. Nowhere is the overall dazed feeling of the 12 track album seen than on the cover by artist Jonathan Turner.

Turner’s photography captures the sense of doubt, confusion and celebration that Mesirow’s experimental “Interiors” gives the listener, an image that is half illusion and half Dali painting.

Her second full-length release was inspired by architecture; Mesirow cited Rem Koolhaas’ book “Delirious New York.” The author suggests that NYC’s massive, stoic-faced buildings are monuments rife with

Album art courtesy of tasteslikecaramel.com.

secrets, which is felt in the lyrics of Mesiorow’s sophomore album. This album is a lucid dream with lyrics that seem subconscious like “I’m in your landscape and I don’t wanna go back to mine,” in the third track of the album appropriately titled “Landscapes” or “How long before I know you?” in “Keam Theme.”

The album has soaring vocals by Mesirow accompanied by a rainstorm of synths and bouncy 808s under the watchful eye of Swedish co-producer Van Rivers.

Rivers also contributed to the debut album “Ring.” He is also known for his production credits from albums such as “Penny Sparkle”

by Blonde Redhead and The Knife’s Karin Dreijer Andersson’s self-titled and 2009 solo album “Fever Ray.” “I was like the designer, and he was the architect,” Mesirow told Billboard referring to Rivers.

The structure of the songs are a mixture of rigid and organic sounds bound to changes on a drum machine.

A surreal atmosphere is created by the

ambient sound effects, drum loops and altered claps and snare hits.

The element bringing a breath of life to that precise techno-like production is Mesirow’s singing and double tracked vocals that ease and mark transitions from verse to chorus that work with a quiet and loud dynamics in “Shape.”

“I like music where you’re not thinking about what a specific instrument is,” she says. “An instrument-less quality. It doesn’t come from a band, but from a whisper in the wind.”

“Interiors” follows where Björk left off and on the heels of fellow artist like Zola Jesus and Grimes; it is an infectious electronic pop album that will hypnotize you with Mesirow croon and screams. If you are looking for an electro pop companion to be the soundtrack to the fall, you are in luck. We can only hope she doesn’t make us wait three years for her next release.

JPEREZ-TORRES@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

NEWS • 9

the telescope

New program changes financial aid policy KYLE ROSA THE TELESCOPE

The state and federal government staff are sending down new laws that will keep students on track to graduation but threatens to take their money and classes if they falter.

The federal government has established a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SSAP) policy that can be found in the financial aid section of the campus website. Palomar officials say they plan to use those rules, too.

The SAP includes new penalties in financial aid and BOG (Board of Governors) waivers if students fail, encourages declaring majors and priority registration.

Don’t meet standards, lose money One change in the financial aid policy is that if students don’t meet the requirements, they lose their money for a longer period of time.

The policy started in the 20132014 academic year. If a student on financial aid fails to meet just one of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, they will lose their federal loan for a full year instead of four months as it was previously. However, the appeals process will remain the same.

Changes part of Student Success The SAP requirements are part of the state Student Success Act. The Student Success Task Force was started in 2011 to make recommendations for California Community Colleges students to be more successful in their education.

Some of these recommendations are turning into law, (such as course repeatability) according to Vice President of Student Services Adrian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said the job of the faculty will be to make resources available to support students before it is too late.

“Students will need to be proactive and knowledgeable so they don’t fall below the academic standards,” Gonzalez said.

Three standards to note According to the SAP, there are three standards that could potentially disqualify a student.

The first is grade point average (GPA), students must maintain a cumulative GPA equal to or higher than 2.0. Fall below that threshold and you could lose your aid or be billed for any payment made to you after your disqualification.

Don’t take too many units The second SAP standard to look out for is the unit limit, which is a cap on the number of classes you can take.

The policy states, “students shall be held to a unit limit equal to 150 percent of the units required to complete their declared major.”

If your declared major has 60 required units, then you must complete that major within 90 units (60 units x 150 percent) to keep your financial aid.

“You know that saying, some students go to college (to try and) find themselves...you have less time to find yourself now,” Gonzalez said.

By the Fall 2014 semester, the state Student Success Task Force recommendations will swing in full effect, such as the changes to priority enrollment and access to the BOG Fee Waiver.

If a student takes too many units, over 100, they could lose their priority enrollment and their BOG.

Don’t linger too long The third SAP standard to watch is your pace. “You must complete at least 67 percent of your attempted units to make sure you are able to complete your major within the unit limit,” according to the policy.

Earning a grade of A through D and P are considered to be a completed course.

On average you need to pass two out of every three classes you take to keep pace.

“If you get yourself in academic trouble or take too many units, you start to lose access to priority enrollment and the BOG Waiver,” Gonzalez said about the 2014 Fall semester changes.

CANCER CONT FROM PAGE 1

Veronica Molina informs students about the importance of breast cancer awareness on Oct. 15.•Yolanda Granados/Telescope

about preventing this type of cancer and following up on self exams.

Katy Alvarez, an NCHS staff member, said they like that Palomar offers free breast exams.

“I think it’s great. Everyone needs to have exams, so it is great that they offer it for free.

Why make them pay for it if they are supposed to do it anyway?”

Alvarez said.

When asked if he would be comfortable having a breast exam, Student Angel Moreno, 18, said, “Honestly, I would feel comfortable with it. It’s a health

Making the most of majors Students will be encouraged to declare a major after their first semester so the staff at Palomar can better guide them and can be given the tools to succeed.

Director of the Career Center Rosie Antonecchia said students will be allowed a lot of room to “wiggle” with changing their major.

“I think it is a dual benefit for students and (the) community college...I don’t see what the downfall is in that,” Antonecchia said.

When student Zane Penix was asked if he would care if he was required to declare a major he responded: “I am just taking classes I am interested in...I’m not really thinking about my (general education) right now.”

Really learning toward success Since 2011, Palomar College has been implementing new policies geared toward “tightening up,” said Mary San Agustin, the Director of Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs and Scholarship Services.

“Our volume of appeals after disqualification is low,” San Agustin said, referring to the financial aid department. “It has minimized the workload.”

This type of change to financial aid policy puts a lot more pressure on students receiving loans to be more efficient and focused.

Elvia Vasquez, a student currently receiving financial aid, said that the new policy “is helpful to people that are struggling and gives them an opportunity to be successful.”

Palomar College is not the first or only institution making this change.

Every school defines success differently and Palomar College has to define, as a school, what success means to the students, Antonecchia said.

Antonecchia added, “success to me is being able to obtain an education that led to a job.”

KROSA@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

risk. It happens to anyone. Might as well just stay healthy.”

Child Development major Paige Beauchamp, 22, said, “I have a best friend and her mom had breast cancer and it runs in her family. I’m going to tell her about it.”

“You don’t want to just go through life like, ‘Oh my god, now I have it.’ You could possibly die from it instead of catching it way early on,” Moreno said.

For a breast cancer photo galary, visit the-telescope.com.

For more information on breast health, visit Health Services or www.komen.org.

CBULLOCK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM GGREEN@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Palomar educates foreign students STEPHEN KECK THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College hosts one of the largest groups of international students to ever attend the school.

According to International Admissions Assistant Judy Gervasio, the college is home to 248 students from 36 foreign countries; with half of the international students being from Japan and the others from different countries.

In order to qualify for admissions into Palomar, students are required to take a test known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), obtaining a minimum score of 47 out of 120.

The cost of the test ranges from $160 to $250 depending on the country.

In addition, Gervasio said, “In order to apply, students must show a bank statement of 16,100 American dollars to prove they can afford to live here for a year.”

“International students spend $228 a unit,” Gervasio said. This is compared to California residents who pay only $46 per unit.

Once admitted, they must stay enrolled in 12 units to maintain their student VISA or they lose status and get in trouble with immigration, Gervasio explained.

Recalling a story from the previous year, Gervasio mentioned the initial culture shock international students go through when they first come to the states.

“There were some students from Africa trying to cross the street in

front of Palomar and didn’t know what to do until they saw another student push the button to cross,” Gervasio said.

“For the first time in their lives they are completely on their own at 18 and in a foreign country,” Gervasio said.

Aside from being newly independent, the American and foreign education differences have also often been a topic of discussion in college English classes.

Japanese student Ami Yamasaki, 20, said education in America is not different from education in Japan. “I think it’s the same. People here just have different opinions,” she said.

Yamasaki explained that she found out about Palomar College through her high school in Japan when she started looking abroad for schools to attend.

“Palomar was one of the schools on the list to choose from,” Yamasaki said.

Students often stay with families when they first study abroad through different home stay agencies, according to the international students handbook on the campus website.

But eventually, according to Gervasio, students tend to make friends and move into local San Marcos apartments together.

With nothing but kind words about her students, Gervasio says her job is very rewarding and her international students are the “cream of the crop.”

SKECK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree at Azusa Pacific University Jemel Thomas ’12 B.S. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Earn your accredited degree in as little as two years.

Azusa Pacific’s accelerated programs can help you complete your bachelor’s degree and advance your career. Take classes in a streamlined sequence as you progress toward graduation day with a community of peers.

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B.S. in Organizational Leadership

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10 • NEWS

Monday, October 28, 2013

Journalism students take home awards at JACC CLIFF IRELAND THE TELESCOPE

Current and former students of Palomar College bring home twentyone awards from the Southern California Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC) conference.

Showcasing their talents with publications from last semester and testing their skills with on-the-spot competitions, a total of seventeen students from both the journalism and photojournalism programs attended the conference that was held Oct. 11 and Oct. 12 at the California State Fullerton Campus.

The Southern California JACC is an annual two day affair that takes place every fall semester. During each conference, students are given the opportunity to attend a variety of competitions, workshops and

meetings to help network and learn in the journalism field.

This year, over 350 students from various Southern California community colleges competed in over 50 events. The events were split into three major categories that were judged by advisors from the participating colleges’ journalism programs.

The competitions included mailin publications from the previous semester featuring each school’s magazine and some of the best issues that each newspaper staff produced.

There was a also a bring-in competition in which staff members could submit never before seen work such as photographs or an in-house advertisement representing their own paper.

The on-the-spot competitions allowed students from each school to compete in various events such

as opinion writing, editorial cartoon drawing, feature story writing and broadcast news.

The competitions and the different workshops began at noon on the first day and didn’t stop until shortly before the award ceremony on the second day.

Together, both the Telescope and Impact’s staff won 18 awards individual or team awards. However, the highlight of the night was when the Telescope, Impact and the Telescope’s website all won the General Excellence award. The General Excellence award is based on a point system that encompasses the overall body of work.

For a complete listing of the awards and the winners, please visit our website at www.the-telescope. com CIRELAND@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

The Telescope staff with their awards at the JACC SoCal Conference at California State University, Fullerton on Oct. 11. • Photo courtesy of Deb Hellman

ASG represents Palomar at college conference CHRISTOPHER BULLOCK THE TELESCOPE

Members of the Palomar Associated Student Government (ASG) attended the California Community Colleges Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA) in Sacramento on Oct.18.

The CCCSAA, according to the mission statement on its website, is “committed to advocating

and advancing Student Affairs professionals and student leadership in California Community Colleges.”

During the three-day event, students from several community colleges across California attended seminars ranging from social media, to attracting students to your brand, as well as student advocacy.

ASG Sen. Justin Harper, who also doubles as the Chairman of Public Relations, offered his take on the

conference.

“The conference consisted of learning about overall advocacy for students, and interacting more with the student body,” Harper said.

When asked what he took from it, he added, “I took a social media workshop and learned the importance of Twitter, and how to control Twitter accounts to better communicate with students.”

Among the keynote speakers

at the conference was Director of Training for Build.com Mike Martin.

He offered an interactive speech on building interest among the student body.

ASG President Jennifer Gonzalez said she took a lot away from the conference.

She said her main focus at the conference was “to learn how to be more involved with advocacy for students.”

Gonzalez added, “I found it very informative. it was nice to see how other ASG’s are run.”

Gonzalez also said that the ASG is looking to bring back the G.R.A.D. program and make the ASG have more of a presence on campus.

For more on the CCCSAA, check their website at http://www.cccsaa. org/index.html.

CBULLOCK@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

SPORTS • 11

the telescope

Raised on Palomar Athletics LLOYD BRAVO THE TELESCOPE

Palomar student Drasko Bogdanovich throws Nathan Rodriquez in the 184 weight class from Mt San Antonio College to the mat during the Southern California Dual Championships in the Dome on Oct.19. •Francios Swart/Telescope

Palomar hosts SoCal Dual Tournament ROSE MIRIAM BABIARZ THE TELESCOPE

Despite an injured team member, the Comets finished fourth in the recently held Southern California Dual Wrestling Tournament.

The tournament was held at the Palomar Dome on Oct. 16.

The Comets were off to a good start, having defeated their first opponent East L.A. 46-9.

But in the next round, the team lost to Mt. San Antonio College

(Mt. SAC). Palomar was trailing 19-18, with one minute and 29 seconds remaining on the clock, when Comets’ Nolan Browne dislocated his elbow.

According to Assistant Coach Don Barrios, the team had to forfeit because of the injury, causing Mt. SAC to pick up six points. By the end, they had defeated the Comets 25-18.

Prior to the tournament, Head Coach Brody Barrios, along with the rest of his team, said they have very positive outlooks about

bringing home the title.

“We set our sights high. We have a goal of winning the state (championship) and we have an opportunity to do that,” Barrios said.

Team member Drasko Bognadovic said, “I feel like we’re gonna come out on top.”

After Brown was taken to the hospital, the Comets continued to have their match with All-Star teams, which defeated them 426. They then entered their last match against Cerritos.

Junior Lule, Drasko Bogdanovic and Freshman Marshall Palmer were the three wrestlers who won all four matches during the tournament that day.

Before the injury, Brown won his match against East L.A. Cerritos finished in third place, while Santa Ana College and Mt. San Antonio College grabbed the state titles. Palomar stands 6-3 on the season at the time of print.

RBABIARZ@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Cross country teams compete in Cougar Challenge SCOTT MORTON THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar cross country teams faced off against four-year colleges in the Cougar Challenge at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM).

The men placed fifth out of nine teams, ending with 157 points. Palomar’s fastest time was Gerry Alvarez with a 27:31. The fastest men’s time overall was Sergio Gonzalez with 25:03.

The women faired equally well, placing fifth out of eight teams, with a score of 114 in the 5K. Bethany Garcia had the fastest Palomar time of 19:12, compared with first place finisher Kate Bouvatte’s 17:30.

“They did great today,” said Women’s Head Coach Jennifer Williams. “They’ve been working on their speed so we’ve seen some turnaround in their legs. They’ve all improved their times in the past two weeks. It’s exciting.”

Men’s coach Hugh Gerhardt was equally enthusiastic.

“This is the fastest men’s team

Palomar’s women’s cross country team start their race at the 2013 Cougar Challenge 5k at Cal State San Marcos on Oct. 19. •Scott Colson /Telescope

we’ve had in years,” Gerhardt said.

The course at CSUSM is mostly flat, smooth terrain of asphalt and grass. This leads to quick times and lots of personal record breaking (PR).

“My favorite part was that it

was 5 miles and it was all flat. It made it easy to PR,” said Freshman Leonardo Alcarez. “It was quick. It made it easy to catch up to people.”

Gerhardt agreed this was a good course for the team.

“On a hilly course they see

their times and start freaking out.

‘Why am I so slow at mile one and mile two?’ Here it’s always pretty quick,” Gerhardt said.

Although the course is the closest distance to Palomar of any of the events this season, there is no home-court advantage for the team. The Comets have run the course before, but usually train in more dimentional places, such as the hills or beach. The only advantage comes from not having to commute far distances to schools such as Pasadena City College and Cuyamaca, members said.

This was the final meet before the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Finals, which would be followed by the Regional Finals.

Looking forward to the final meets of the season, Gerhardt pointed out there is a lot to go up against.

“The conference this year is incredibly quick,” Gerhardt said. “Three of our men’s teams will finish in the top 10-15 in state, which is unbelievable for a conference.”

SMORTON@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Softball Coach Lacey Craft has always been a part of Palomar her entire life, as a spectator while watching her father coach football, playing softball for the comets in 2002, and now currently coaching softball, Craft has an agenda to give back to the school that has given her so much.

After Palomar won the state championship last season in softball, coach Lacey Craft and staff were recognized by the National Fast pitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Craft believes it was her team’s perseverance and dedication that helped her and the rest of the staff to win the title.

Coach Craft has always had athletics in her Lacey Craft blood. Craft was an exceptional softball player and earned most valuable player awards through out her sophomore and senior years in high school. Her dominance is in part due to her father Tom Craft, former legendary Palomar football head coach (83-00’).

Her success led her to a brief by significant stint at Palomar College and was named first-team all-conference and second-team all-state in 2002.

Craft gives credit to her head coach and recent inductee in the NFCA Hall of Fame, Mark Elridge. “He was a mentor and like a second father to me,” said Craft After she graduated from SDSU in 2005 she went back to Palomar and talked to Mark Elridge and learned her coaching technique from the Hall of Fame coach.

Even after all the accolades and accomplishments coach Craft and her staff have earned in the past year, Craft is modest when it comes to accepting full credit for her teams accomplishments “The girls deserve all of the credit for their hard work through out the season, which made us [the coaching staff] look good,” said craft.

Even though coach Craft prides her self on becoming a formidable coach, her main goal is to see her girls grow and earn acceptance in a four year school. “That’s the best thing about this program at Palomar.

It gives the opportunity for theses girls to earn there way into a brighter future,” said Craft.

It is more than a game to coach Craft. There is a sense of responsibility in her role has head coach. Through out her career, Craft’s major influences including her father and coach Elridge, have given her the ability to teach and express her passion for winning on and off the field.

“The main goal is to get these girls something that is more permanent and substantial, that they can be used forever.”

LBRAVO@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

12 • SPORTS

Monday, October 28, 2013

UPCOMING PALOMAR HOME GAMES OCT. 28 Women’s Golf Orange Empire Conference 10:00 a.m. @ Twin Oaks Golf Course

OCT. 30 Women’s Water Polo vs. Miramar 2:00 p.m. @ Wallace Memorial Pool

OCT. 30 Men’s Water Polo vs. Miramar 3:30 p.m. @ Wallace Memorial Pool

NOV. 1 Men’s Soccer vs.

Imperial Valley 3:00 p.m. @ Minkoff Field

NOV. 1 Women’s Volleyball vs.

Southwestern 5:00 p.m. @ The Dome

RESULTS MEN’S SOCCER

Palomar women’s volleyball team line up in their annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness match at The Dome on Oct.16. •Scott Colson/Telescope

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness JAZMINE LEONING THE TELESCOPE

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Palomar athletes showed their pink pride on and off the court.

The women’s basketball team participated in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” fundraising walk held by the American Cancer Society on Oct. 20 at Balboa Park in San Diego.

This non-competitive, 4-mile walk to help fight this disease will use donations received to forward research and health services for breast cancer patients.

According to the American Cancer Society, “An estimated

232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the U.S. during 2013; about 2,240 new cases are expected in men.”

Sophomore Guard Mikaela Stanton said, “I just want to support breast cancer, and be supportive to women who have it during this walk.”

The team also made and sported pink shirts during this walk.

The women’s volleyball team also supported Breast Cancer by wearing pink jerseys during their home game against San Diego City College on Oct 16.

JLEONING@THE-TELESCOPE.COM

Palomar’s women’s basketball team poses in their breast cancer awareness T-shirts in The Dome on Oct. 17. •Scott Colson/Telescope

Oct. 17: Palomar 3, College of the Desert 1

Concussions taken seriously on campus

Record: 1-11-2

SUSAN WHALEY THE TELESCOPE

MEN’S WATER POLO Oct. 9: Palomar 11, Grossmont 16 Record: 6-10

FOOTBALL Oct. 12: Palomar 10, Cerritos 23 Record: 2-4

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Oct. 16: Palomar 3, San Diego City College 1 Record: 10-7

After recent controversy that the NFL is not taking player safety seriously, Palomar trainers said they take all precautions when it comes to head injuries.

The athletic trainers at Palomar College said they make sure concussions are handled seriously.

“There is no definite way to treat a concussion except with time,” said Certified Athletic Trainer Dennis Greenhill.

“It is one of the most frustrating (injuries) because there is no physical, outward sign,” Greenhill said. He added, “that it feels like being drunk.”

This topic has been under scrutiny since the release of a book called “League of Denial,” which accuses the NFL of underplaying the effects of a concussion, according to ESPN. NFL

Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a letter to 10 million fans about player safety in response.

A concussion is one of the worst injuries when looking at the potential for long-term risk. Trauma builds up over time and can lead to brain damage if not handled correctly, Greenhill said.

Head football coach, Joe Early, said when he or the other football staff notice anything abnormal after a blow to the head or the player complains of headaches, the player is sent to the trainers.

“We go by what the trainers tell us,” Early said.

But players often underplay the impacts to stay on the field, according to a former Palomar athlete.

Former Comets quarterback David Fisher said via email, “I took some hard hits where I probably had a concussion, but I was the type of guy

to stay away from the trainers because I wanted to keep playing.”

Fisher wrote that his teammates would have to sit out a couple of weeks after suffering a concussion.

Greenhill said men usually don’t report a concussion, or they will report a less severe head injury so they can go back out and play.

A famous example of the debate on football and head injuries came from former Chargers player Junior Seau, who, after committing suicide, was found to have “degenerative changes in his brain that led to a diagnosis of brain damage,” Greenhill said.

A lawsuit was filed against the NFL by 4,500 former players claiming the NFL gave them “fraudulent research to hide the connection between football and brain damage,” according to ESPN. The NFL settled the lawsuit for $765 million in August.

“I do think it is up to the league and

up to us (the athletic trainers) to follow up with these kids and make sure they are doing okay,” Greenhill said.

In Goodell’s letter, he acknowledged the influence the NFL has on college, high school and youth football. He stated highlighting player safety is key.

Goodell mentioned which moves have been made illegal due to safety issues such as the head slap, clubbing and the horse-collar tackle. He added when the NFL identifies dangerous techniques, rules are adopted to eliminate them.

“The helmet is for protection.

It is not a weapon. The goal is to take the head out of the game.

Sustaining a head injury is a possibility, or else there would be no need for the helmet,” Greenhill said. “It is common sense to not steer a tackle with your head.”

SWHALEY@THE-TELESCOPE.COM