The Telescope 63.10 by The Telescope

PALOMAR COLLEGE, SAN MARCOS, CALIF.

MONDAY NOV. 16, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

VOL. 63, NO. 10

the-telescope.com

New student leader optimistic about end to troubled times for gov’t YVONNE LANOT THE TELESCOPE

KELLEY FOYT | THE TELESCOPE

Gerardo Hernandez, a mechanics major, works on a Honda Accord at the Palomar Industrial Technologies building during free time in his Automotive Technology 100 class. Hernandez and his twin brother, Luis, are both enrolled in mechanic classes at Palomar.

Student Mechanics: Auto program teaches do-it-yourself skills HOLLY MEZA THE TELESCOPE

Hundreds of Palomar students drive to school — and most likely every day there is at least one driver that has car trouble, but may do not have the knowledge to fix the problem themselves. At Palomar, students have a program where they can learn these skills. In the Automotive and Diesel Technology program at Palomar, students can learn how to solve these problems themselves. The

INSIDE

ENTERTAINMENT ‘Call of Duty’ blows away competition

PAGE 8

OPINION What to do about Pendleton bison?

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FOCUS

Students break it down in the Extreme Creative Talent Club

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SPORTS

What it takes for a wrestling workout

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automotive technology program offers 15 classes, from specific lessons in automotive electricity and automotive air conditioning to general knowledge taught in auto maintenance and minor repair. Although there are many people who take auto classes to excel in their major, quite a few of them enroll in the program to simply have an understanding of how their car functions for emergency situations. The program is funded like any other at Palomar. Although it has received Perkins money (finan-

After the current president resigned from the Associated Student Government on Oct. 21, former Vice President Ann Hong took over the vacant presidency position. Hong serves while Palomar officials investigate claims the ASG was mismanaged by the Office of Student Affairs. Ann Hong is a 20-year-old international student from Korea who, four and a half years ago, arrived alone in America. She said that she believes she is very lucky to have the opportunity to be living in America, especially given her new position as the ASG President. Hong graduated from Orange Glen High School in Escondido and is

cial aid) for equipment, the classes have suffered from financial cutbacks. Mark Coppedge, a professor in the program, explained how he has five classes, and each has approximately 40 students. “Each of those classes should be two classes,” he said. Palomar student Kawika Aledo has recognized the effects of such large class size. “It’s difficult to get anything done in (auto) shop when there’s TURN TO

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currently in her second year at Palomar. As president, Hong said that she aims to keep the ASG on schedule to accomplish set goals. “I am really happy with the things happening in ASG right now,” Hong said. “I honestly think that there are a lot of people who support me. Everyone is really helpful; they always give me positive comments on things.They definitely help me out.” When she ran for ASG Vice President last May, Hong said that she had no expectations of being president. “Honestly, when I ran for vice president I really wanted to be the righthand for the president and work together … that’s why (becoming president) came to me as a surprise,” Hong said. TURN TO

ASG

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ROYNON TILTON | THE TELESCOPE

Job training program slowly phasing out AMBER VARNES THE TELESCOPE

Palomar College’s vocation training program is being phased out despite the need in a shaky economy, school officials said recently. The school’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP) allows students and members of the community to obtain tuitionfree classes in the area of their choice. But Palomar’s ROP district will be phased out by 2011. Although there are about 23 ROP districts in the North County area, Palomar will no longer be one of them. Associate Professor Jackie Martin-Klement said this is mainly due to the state wanting to put more focus and attention on high school students. “The funding and foundation of ROP was first geared toward high school students and because of our economic crisis, is choosing to return to the high school level and will no longer exist at the community college level,” MartinKlement said. According to Palomar’s ROP

homepage, it is a tax-supported its services and gain a free educastatewide public education vocation for as long as possible. tional training program. It serves Black, who takes care of enrollall California residents 16 years of ment, registration and scheduling age and older. for ROP, said that Palomar’s ROP “This program is geared toward district offers six areas of study helping students transition into that students can takes classes the career field of their choice,” from: auto body repair/finishing, said Ponnice Black, Palomar computer applications, computerCollege’s ROP Office ized graphic design, Specialist. cosmetology, culiPalomar College’s nary arts and optiPalomar’s ROP Director Paul Kelly Regional Occupation cal. classes said that students Program’s “Due to our budginclude auto body et, we had to cut have the option of taking classes for repair, computer appli- down on the number college credit, also cations, cosmetology, and variety of coursand optical studies. tuition-free and will es we offer quite a Computer technoloappear on a Palomar gy, drafting, diesel, and bit. Hopefully we transcript. Credits optical technology are can change that,” may be applied no longer offered. Black said. toward numerous The classes that For more information degree and certifi- on ROP courses and regis- are offered through cate programs at tration, visit the Web site Palomar’s ROP are Palomar. All ROP www.palomar.edu/rop. essentially the same courses that are in terms of traditionavailable for college al lectures and labs. credit conform to the school’s cur- However, an important part of riculum standards. ROP training is the focus on pracWhile there are only a few tical hands-on experience. semesters left to Palomar About 50 percent of ROP stuCollege’s ROP, students are dents are traditional-aged college encouraged to continue to utilize students and the other 50 percent

are students returning from the workforce. Martin-Klement said that the instructors in ROP are known for the amount of assistance they give their students. “Many students have said that without ROP, they would be afraid to come back to college,” she said. Microsoft Office Suite and Related Programs is the most demanding class Martin-Klement teaches. It prepares students to be computer-literate for their personal and academic life. There are many classes that are offered that assist students to prepare them for the competitive workforce. In our tough economic times, don’t miss the opportunity to take a job search class. MartinKlement, who teaches the job search class said she helps with resume and cover letter writing, business cards and interviewing. Spring 2010 ROP classes are posted online and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 10. There only requirements are the student must at least 16 years of age and a California resident. Register online at www.palomar.edu/rop.

2 | CAMPUS BEAT

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009

Student government lays out new goals

CAMPUS CALENDAR

Changes in the ASG bring about action

Monday, Nov. 16 • Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 1 p.m. in SU203.

Tuesday, Nov. 17 • Fashion Club meeting at 5 p.m.in Fash.#1.. • Gay/Straight Alliance meeting at 3:30 p.m. in SU-204. • International Club meeting at 5 p.m. in SU203.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 • Free STD screenings are being offered at Health Services from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.760744-1150, ext. 2380. • Pre-med Club meeting at 4 p.m. in TNS217. • GIS Day at Palomar College at 2 p.m. in NS building.

The Associated Student Government has been working on participation in a statewide assembly, workshops, new activities and setting goals, announced the new executive officers Ann Hong and John Aragon. In the last two weeks, President Hong, Vice President Aragon and the other members of the ASG has set in motion a few things. “We have a positive momentum going now,” Aragon said. One of those was the participation in the General Assembly of the Student Senate of California Community Colleges, which was held in San Francisco at the beginning of November. During the assembly, the ASG discussed resolutions with other student leadership and decided on resolutions that should be presented to the California Registrar. Those resolutions will continue on to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office on the chance that they may become a legislative recommendation. The ASG formed a committee to work out the details of the workshops at the Nov. 4 meeting. The workshops will be geared to educate the senators in the different aspects of their duties

• Food for Food at 10:30 a.m. in SU Quad. • Associated Student Government meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in SU-204.

Thursday, Nov. 19 • Black Student Union meeting at 11:30 a.m. in SU-17. • Fashion Club meeting at 5 p.m. in Fash. #1. ASHLEY PLAYER | THE TELESCOPE

• MEChA meeting at 4:30 p.m. in SU-17.

President Robert Deegan, Nancy Chadwick and Martin Garrick at the Grand Opening, Sept. 16.

Friday, Nov. 20 • Tifaolemona Samoan Club meeting at 11 a.m. in SU-204. • Palomar Engineering and Physics students meeting in SU-255 at 2 p.m.

New center opens

What’s up? Do you know something we don’t? Let us know. To submit story tips or events for the campus calendar, e-mail us at telescope@palomar.edu or call 760-891-7865.

GIS Day Nov. 18 RSVP to:

Wing Cheung (760) 744-1150, ext. 3652 wcheung@palomar.edu

The Escondido campus’Teaching and Learning Center is now open for students and faculty. The center offers free tutoring to registered students for a variety of subjects. Tutoring is only offered at night on Tuesday. Workshops will be offered to students, as well as computers and GoPrint. For the faculty, Mac or Dell notebook computers can be checked out. The center is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at ESC 500 for more information call 760-744-1150 ext. 8171.

along with bringing new ideas to the organization for discussion. The student government hopes to sponsor new and different activities on campus,such as a dance competition. “I think now a lot of the senators are realizing that there is we have a lot to do,” Hong said. Their goals for the year have been decided on and they are now working to decide on the specific objectives to accomplish these goals. The first goal is student awareness, followed by improve student quality of life on campus, with the third goal being student space. The student government has discussed participating in a rally held at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 in Balboa Park to protest budget cuts to community colleges. Participants from around San Diego will take part in the civil protest where they will wear black or blue shirts. All the changes in the ASG have caused the organization to become more focused, Hong said. “For the first time this year, we have a full board,” Aragon said. With a focus and a full board, the executive officers intend to keep moving forward. “Keep your eyes open. There will be things happening that give ASG more of a presence on campus,” Aragon said.

Holiday meal drive The 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Drive to benefit EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs students is accepting Thanksgiving dinners through Nov. 18 and will distribute the meals on Nov. 23 and 24. Each donated meal is to include; One box of each: stuffing and potatoes. Two cans of each: corn, green beans, yams. One can of cranberry sauce. One chicken broth. One turkey or gift certificate. If a turkey is donated it’s to be delivered to the EOPS office in the TCA building on Nov. 23 or 24. For checks make it payable to, Palomar College Foundation, subject: EOPS Holiday Fund. For more information email Anel Gonzalez at agonzalez@palomar.edu or call 760-744-1150 ext. 2239.

Food for food event

Phi Theta Kappa is sponsoring the “Food for Food” program where students and faculty can donate three cans of food and receive a free lunch or they can bring in three books to donate for a free lunch. The event will be take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 in the SU Quad. The donated food will go to the Palomar Foundation for the food bank. For more information email Marilyn Lunde at mlunde@palomar.edu or call 760-44-1150 ext. 2594.

ROYNON TILTON | THE TELESCOPE

Associated Student Government President Ann Hong and Vice President John Aragon on Nov. 9 in front of the Office of Student Affairs.

The 2010 edition of the wildly popular diet book “Eat This, Not That” by Men’s Health editor David Zinczenko (with Matt Goulding) has hit bookstores. It once again instructs readers about food choices, from condiments on store shelves to a less-fat-saturated pizza. Take our quiz with information gleaned from the book: 1. What is the calorie and sodium-content difference between a serving of Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup (the “Eat This” selection) and Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup (“Not That”)? a) 10 calories and 200 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon b) 5 calories and 40 mg of sodium c) zero calories and 15 mg of sodium 2. At Dairy Queen, which meal is healthier to order? a) The chicken strip basket with country gravy b) The all-beef chili cheese dog 3. How much more in calories and fat do Chips Ahoy Chunky chocolate chip cookies contain compared to Chips Ahoy Chewy chocolate chip cookies? a) Same amount b) 4 calories, 0.5 grams of fat c) 40 calories, 3 grams of fat ANSWERS: 1: b; 2: b (chili dog, 430 calories; chicken strips, 1,360 calories); 3: b; Source: Courtesy of MCT Campus

Speech team diversity offers variety of areas of excellence Palomar College’s Speech Communication and Forensics Department offers students a variety of courses in the communication field and the opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized competitive speech and debate program. According to the Palomar Forensics Web site, the Palomar College Speech Team is among the most successful in the nation at any level. Participants represent the college in numerous speech competitions across the country throughout the year. Chris Lowry, chair of the Speech and ASL Department and assistant director of Forensics (Speech and Debate) said, the program has 200 Palomar students compete in at least one tournament every year but only about 16 students who compete on a full-time basis. The speech team participates in five to eight tournaments each semester, which mostly takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The

student participants compete at schools in teams of six. “Students who rank the highest in (preliminaries) advance to finals.All finalists receive awards,” Lowry said. The speech team participants range in age from 13 to over 40 years old and come from diverse backgrounds.As most of the participants have only been on the team since August, it is difficult to single any one person out as the “star debater.” This year, there are two returning debators Alyssa Sambor and Steven Ramirez. However, Palomar’s Forensics Department faculty agrees that the group of students representing Palomar is capable of great success. “We do have a talented group with tons of potential,” Lowry said. Palomar’s Speech Team has done well at past tournaments, like Pasadena City College for the

Lancer Invitational, and their first tournament, the PSCFAWarm-Up Seminar was a huge success for Palomar’s Speech Team. “One of our teams went undefeated and won all four rounds through the finals,” said Marc Ouimet, student coach and teammate of the Lancer Invitational. Dane Thorp and Stephanie Sorensen were among the six individuals who were a part of the winning team. Both are novices but as Ouimet said, are learning quickly and doing very well. “In terms of merit, we generally have people that do very well in their specific areas where they excel. Everyone has their own area of speech that they do extremely well in,” Ouimet said. The next event for the speech team is the Ray Dahlin Invitational at Grossmont College on Nov. 20-22, which they participate in every year. For the rest of the article go to www.the-telescope.com.

CAMPUS WEATHER Monday, Nov. 16

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Thursday, Nov. 19

Friday, Nov. 20

Saturday, Nov. 21

Sunday, Nov.22

72˚/42˚

71˚/44˚

70˚/45˚

71˚/45˚

70˚/45˚

69˚/44˚

70˚/45˚

PARTLY CLOUDY

SUNNY

PARTLY CLOUDY

NEWS | 3

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Struggling? TRIO is there to help let them know that there are options to help make their college experience easier and more Struggling first generation rewarding. students are the aim of the Video editing major Joaquin Student Support Services and Gamboa credits the program TRIO. with his success. “Without TRIO TRIO/SSS is a program I would not be transferring next designed to support low-income year,” Gamboa said. students and those whose parHe added, “They held my ents never attended college. hand and showed me where to The program teaches students go when I started four years ago. the skills and habits needed to They also helped me out with succeed at Palomar as well as books and counseling, the counwhatever future universities seling was very important.” they might attend. Gamboa added, that TRIO “We have 225 students in the also helped him with money for program and despite the recent books and supplies while attendbudget cuts we want to let every- ing Palomar, Oscar said, “It all one know that TRIO is proven to was very important to my suchelp students succeed,” said cess here at Palomar.” Claudia Cortes, the co-coordina“They really helped me gain tor of Trio. confidence,” said Norma Izabel, Co-coordinator Ricardo a business management major Navarette elabwho is transferorated on ring to Cal Poly, TRIO’s funcPomona. tions: “We also She added: like to promote “The counprograms selors help already here to everybody indimake sure that vidually. They students take are consistent full advantage and they help of all of the keep track of resources that in — Joaquin Gamboa progress Palomar has to classes. Video editing major your offer. They focus on “They really what you need helped me out by providing a lot to succeed.” of resources that helped me to TRIO is not necessarily for raise my GPA,” said Oscar Meza, everyone, though. a graphic design major. Meza is Aside from the aforementransferring to Cal State Long tioned qualifiers, students must Beach. be enrolled in 12 credits. They “We offer workshops to help must also have an academic goal our students improve their study leading to a four-year university, and test-taking skills as well as and demonstrate a proper need workshops on scholarship appli- for the program, determined by cations and resume viewing and the TRIO program coordinators. interviewing,” Navarette said. To learn more, check the TRIO Cortes added that TRIO wants Web site at palomar.edu/triosss to get the word out to students and fill out an application at the that might be struggling amidst TCB building on the Palomar the recent economic turmoil and campus. AMBER VARNES THE TELESCOPE

“

They held my hand and showed me where to go when I started four years ago.

”

AUTO TECH

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only one technician trying to help out 40 of us,” Aledo said. “Just to do a 5-minute oil change takes 15 to 20 minutes easily because there are so many students demanding help.” Not only is it difficult to get assistance, but getting department supplies has become a struggle as well, Coppedge said. Coppedge added that despite financial shortfalls, the program is “improving, because we’re getting new facilities and new insights.” The new facility, the Industrial Technologies Center, will be the home of the Automotive Technologies department. The construction has not started and has no definite date of completion. The new center will be paid for by money from Prop. M, the bonds that the community approved in November 2006.

ASG

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“In the beginning, I was worried and shocked. I didn’t know what to do. But it worked out better than I thought,” she added. The new vice president, John Aragon, said he believes that Hong is a hard worker. “Her personality works out really well and people really like her,” Aragon said. Being the new president comes with a lot of responsibility. Hong attends the Palomar District Governing Board meetings and the Strategic Planning Council, is in charge of the agenda, calls and chairs ASG meetings, makes sure senators are doing the jobs and attends various ASG committees. “It can be stressful to manage my time with school, schoolwork and ASG. But I think I am getting a lot of skills to manage time well, leadership skills and how to say no to people,” Hong said. “It can be hard, but I have to do it.” “She’s definitely committed to

Palomar offers internship aid YVONNE LANOT THE TELESCOPE

As college gears students up for their future careers, internships can make them stand out when they enter the working world. “Internships are always perfect,”said Nicole Moreau, a representative at P a l o m a r College’s career center. “No matter how difficult the economy is, all sorts of businesses have internships.” Students need to start valuing their skills, she added. Having an internship will not only help bring about those specific skills you learn, but also help build those skills for future use. “It can also help you land a job in that same field you intern at,” Moreau said. Dennis Foley, who handles internships at the Orange County

Register, advised students at a conference last month to “start interning early.” He explained that interning while in school will help your chances when trying to find a good job. Especially with the tough economy, internships always give people more experience to put on any resume. Also, interning at more than one place is a good thing. Having more experience in different fields and different businesses will show that you can be flexible and work in any type of environment closely related to your field of study, Foley said. When asked about how to find internships, Foley said, “Choose where you want to work and the type of job you want. Then target your search. Once you find a place of interest, never hesitate to call and ask about their internships.” Be knowledgeable of the busi-

Though finances can get in the way of many things, students are still excelling in the class. “The class has given me a taste of what my future may look like,” Aledo said. Aledo plans on becoming a master technician. Another student, Erik Tyler, a fire science major, is using the class for his own personal benefit. “This class has taught me how to be more professional when working on cars,” Tyler said. “Before, I would fix things until they worked, (...) even if it wasn’t the correct way to do the job.” He added, “Now I’m a little more careful and try to be neater and do jobs the correct way.” The auto and diesel programs are open to anyone. For more KELLEY FOYT | THE TELESCOPE information go to www.palomar.edu/ti/Auto or call 760-744- Luis Hernandez fixes a spark plug during 1150 ext. 2545. free time in his auto mechanic class.

ness and have questions to ask when calling on internships. Employers want people who know their stuff and have passion for what they want to do in life and be passionate about interning in that specific field.” Moreau said she believes that passion is also a big part of landing an internship. “Students need to be proactive,” Moreau said. “Get in touch with someone in your field of study. Have them mentor you if they cannot offer you an internship at that moment. Network yourself.” Networking has become a big deal when trying to find a job or an internship. Networking allows you to find contacts with internship and job opportunities. “Interning is a great way to start your network,” Moreau said. “By having a great network of people, it will make your chances into getting a permanent job, or even just an internship, even greater than most.” Students looking for information on internships can go to the Student Services Center and talk with a Career Center representative, or look on the Palomar Web site (www.palomar.edu) and click on the Career Center links, which will lead to the internships link.

Palomar and not afraid to take on a lot of work,” Aragon said. “She’s really organized considering she has to go to at least 10 hours worth of meetings a week. She does school at night to go to meetings during the day, as well as work for a tutoring program called Gear Up,” he added. After completing her education at Palomar and fulfilling her duty as ASG President, Hong wants to transfer to UCLA and major in accounting. “I consider myself extremely lucky,” Hong said.

“Right now, the experiences I go through, even though they might be stressful and hard, or I don’t want to do it, (…) I’m gaining so much that I would never exchange this experience for anything else,” she added. “I’m actually glad [to be president]. It’s really fun to be with people who like to be involved with school and who like to put in time to do things for school.” She added that she thinks the ASG will be able to look past the mismanagement allegations and focus on getting things done.

| OPINION

OUR VIEWPOINT

Reluctance to read threatens education People need to read more. Especially students. Reading provides a well-rounded education and a lack of readers poses numerous problems. In the documentary ‘2 Million Minutes,’ which compares the education systems of China, India and the U.S., the filmmakers point out the stark contrast between the ways students study across the globe. In India and China, students further themselves through education. In America, students, even those on the honor roll, seem to concentrate more on extra-curricular activities and social life. American students focus on the wrong things. A Gallup poll on reading habits in the United States found that only about half of Americans are currently reading a book. But it gets worse. In age groups over 30, the percentages of people currently reading a book are around 50 percent, but those numbers are more than 10 percent higher than for people younger than 30. Part of the problem is that not enough emphasis is placed on education in the home. Starting from childhood, many parents do not encourage their children to learn how to read well and often. These children grow up to be college students who don’t care about reading. Rather than challenging ourselves to read more we rely on the wrong forms of media for information. Books and newspapers include important information that can’t be found in a blurb or by scanning the Internet. People prefer to watch their stories on the big screen instead of picking up a book. The movie industry has admitted to dumbing down its scripts and characters and is gearing the visual aspect of its films toward marketability in foreign countries. This is not the best form of education. But what are we supposed to do when even libraries are becoming media centers? From elementary schools to colleges, students are taught to go online to find resources for papers. There is nothing wrong with using the Internet or other types of technology, but we shouldn’t limit ourselves. For instance Wikipedia should be used as a starting point, not a reference point. Students are too intimidated to learn how to use the library’s resources. Earlier this year, Palomar’s library received a grant to help alleviate “library anxiety.” Hopefully that can help, because without an interest in reading, libraries and newspapers will continue to close. Reading doesn’t have to be boring, if it is, you’re reading the wrong things. Materials are cheap and easy to access. It’s time for students to put down the remote and pick up a book or newspaper.

ZACH MARCUS| THE TELESCOPE

MONDAY NOV. 16, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009

Protect the local bison REBECCA LEVIN THE TELESCOPE

About 35 years ago, 14 American Bison from the San Diego Zoo were freed in Camp Pendleton’s backcountry. Protected under federal law, the herd has grown and thrived in the area’s ideal conditions, expanding to 150 bison. However, this gross expansion of the species has led Camp Pendleton into a predicament: bison have recently been caught in barbed wiring and have been interfering in Marine training. The question now arises: what is to be done about these gentle giants? According to an Oct. 31 North County Times article on the subject, the options are few, the most realistic of these being to move some or all of the herd. Another option would be to thin out their numbers through hunting. The first of these options is the most humane and the most logical of these choices. American Bison are ranked “near threatened” on International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species because of the severe lack of pure blood bison currently living (many animals considered to be bison are actually crossbreeds with other bovine). The bison at Camp Pendleton are of the small percentage of bison that are pureblood. These animals have the potential to generate a very large sum in tourism money. Their economic value would be disregarded, were they to be killed off by hunters.

Seeing such a large and abnormal animal is an experience many would value. Furthermore, the American Bison is classified as a keystone species, meaning that were the bison to be killed; other wildlife at Camp Pendleton could be in jeopardy of extinction locally (though the species was nonnative to the region and originally invasive). To kill such an animal for pure enjoyment or for money is, therefore, certainly out of the question. The only other option, then, is relocation. Moving some of the herd would make sense, except for the fact that living organisms do reproduce; so what is to happen when the herd grows in size again? To save a great deal of money, time, and hassle, the relocation of the full herd is most logical. The closest and most reasonable relocation facility for the bison would be the Cleveland National Forest. Because this forest is directly adjacent to Camp Pendleton, the cost of transportation would be significantly less than any other site — not to mention that the climate the bison are used to would be almost exactly replicated in this forest due to its proximity. All in all, this facili-

JOSEPH BONNET| THE TELESCOPE

ty is almost ideal for these bison. If this location is not available, then other locations should be found throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Web site, American Bison herds can be found in 31 locations in 15 states; at least one of these locations should be suitable for the flourishing herd. Camp Pendleton was once an ideal range for this animal, but the recent increase in its numbers has forced Pendleton officials to reconsider the herd’s home. However, hunting these animals is not the answer and the American Bison can definitely not thrive on the base for much longer.

Skaters need to put the brakes on MELINA FICKAS THE TELESCOPE

Think of how often you see students riding their bicycles or skateboards on campus at Palomar. Now think of how often you see those students getting cited for it. I never have. The Palomar Community College District Procedure states, “No person shall use a roller device upon any District Property.” These students should get warnings and then tickets for their offense of the District Procedure, and not be able to get away with it every day like they do now. There have been many times when people riding their bicycles or skateboards through the walkways have almost run into students walking to or from classes. This is a serious problem being addressed light-heartedly. The current procedures for violations are set in three stages.The first time a student is caught violating procedure their names are supposed to be taken and put into a master file. A second violation

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 10

The Telescope is published 11 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.

results in a student conduct violation being written up and sent to the Office of Student Affairs. The third time a student is caught they will be cited, according to the San Marcos Municipal Code Section 12.24.020. This last penalty means that if a person is convicted of having made the same violation three times within a one-year period they can be fined, put in San Diego County Jail for no longer than six months, or both. None of this is ever seen, though. Students ride freely through the campus without a worry that they could serve jail time for this infraction. When Palomar Campus Police see a student violating this District Procedure, they tell the student to get off of their skateboard or bicycle, according to Elijah Gobel, community service officer. Then their names through are run through the Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.), which tells officers if there is a warrant out for the student. Palomar’s main walkways are wide enough for the constant flow of students going through the

ADDRESS | The Telescope, Palomar College 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069 NEWSROOM | Room MB-1 PHONE | (760) 891-7865 FAX| (760) 891-3401 E-MAIL | telescope@palomar.edu ADVERTISING E-MAIL | telescopead@palomar.edu STAFF WRITERS |CAMILO BARRERO,TONYCAGALA,ROMYCHEAIB,STEPHANIE DAO, MELINAFICKAS,REBECCAFREDRICKS,BERTHANSEN,NIGELHARRIS,REBECCALEVIN, AMANDA MCCARTHY,DAN MCCARTHY,HOLLYMEZA, BECKETT MUFSON,CHRISTINA PARKER,MARYPAULET,JARRED POWELL,ARIANNARIVERA,TYPHANIE SHARFNER,TARA STEFANIUK,CHRISTIAN STINCHFIELD, JESSICATOURINO, AMBER VARNES, GRAIANNE WARD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS |SALVADOR AYALA,JESSICABABCOCK,STEVEN BALUBAR, CHRISTINABECHTEL,ALLEN J CARROLL,PHYLLIS CELMER,STEVEN DAVIS,KARADONOVAN,KEN FARREN,PATTYFIETES,YSENIAGARCIA,VICTORIAHARTMAN,DEB HELLMAN, HANNAH HOUZE,DUDLEYJOHNSON,COLLEEN LANGILL,LUCERO MARTINEZ,STEVEN MCCOLLUM,CORALMCMURTRY,ASHLEYPLAYER,NATALIE PLAYER,LAURATUCKLE,KEVIN WINTER

campus, but when you have someone on wheels weaving through pedestrians, a major accident is bound to happen. In theory, special bike paths would be a good idea for Palomar, but in practice it wouldn’t work. There is no real place that such pathways could be made. Also, in the 2022 Master Plan, there are no special pathways for people riding bicycles or skateboards. Students riding their bicycles or skateboards on campus are an issue on Palomar’s campuses that needs to be resolved. Campus Police should station an officer in the main hallway by the B building and near the SU building, because this is where most of the violations occur. This may be an ongoing struggle for the first semester or two, but once students realize what consequences their actions have there will be more peace on campus. Students walking around campus will be able to walk through the halls without having to worry that someone on their bicycle or skateboard could crash into them at any possible moment.

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 can be e-mailed to telescope@palomar.edu or delivered to the newsroom in Room MB-1. 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.

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OPINION | 5

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009| THE TELESCOPE

Madison rolling over in his grave Conservatively Speaking DAN MCCARTHY

With the stench of cordite still lingering from the Left vs. Right fusillade levied on Capitol Hill these past months, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi took the time to place herself squarely athwart the document that serves as perhaps the only entity confidant of her job security and also, in a minor and increasingly mitigated role, as the basis for all American governance. In a bold, flamboyantly revolutionary and nauseatingly anti-government instance of journalistic infamy, a reporter from CNSNews.com, an obscure conservative-leaning media outlet I only learnt of from their involvement in this case, asked, “Madam Speaker, where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?” She cackled back, “Are you serious?” Said reporter responded, “Yes, yes I am.” There these crazy teabaggers go again, bringing up the Constitution and questioning the legitimacy of forced enrollment in a product pool. Because, you know, that idea of liberty is overrated, overstated and diametrically opposed to the modern progressive movement. Excuse us, how dare we. I must retort, Madam Speaker,

that the Constitution is not relegated to practical obsolescence merely because you find its bounds to be restrictive. Certainly it is you, not your opponents, whom these constraints were intended for. In the sound bite’s wake, Steny Hoyer (D-M.D.), the House majority leader offered a possible — though foundationally unreasoned — Constitutional go-ahead to require Americans to purchase a health care plan or go to jail: the general welfare clause. Not so, Congressman. The general welfare clause appears in two areas: once in the Preamble of the Constitution, and again in the eighth section of the first article, when listing the enumerated powers. The former grants no power to any body of government, and is merely a pretext to the authoritative content. The latter, however, says this: “The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States…” Now, that does not mean the citizenry of the United States, but rather the nation as a whole. There is a difference. The intent here is to ensure Congress would keep the federal government safe, operational and in good trade relations with other nations, respective of the defense, general welfare and debt payment mandates. Speaking platonically, had the framers intended for the federal government to assume responsibility for every American’s debt, defense and welfare, you would, right now, have a bodyguard, a

limit-free credit card and government mandated and controlled health care. Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? And so I channel the late Senator from South Carolina William Drayton, who in 1828 asked,“If Congress can determine what constitutes the general welfare and can appropriate money for its advancement, where is the limitation to carrying into execution whatever can be effected by money?” Furthermore, Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1789, “Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.” They number 21. A healthcare mandate is not among them. Or as James Madison, the author and, by default, scholar-inchief of the Constitution wrote in Federalist Paper No. 41, “it may open a boundless field for rhetoric and declamation; it may inflame the passions of the unthinking, and may confirm the prejudices of the misthinking: but cool and candid people will at once reflect…that in every political institution, a power to advance the public happiness involves a discretion which may be misapplied and abused. They will see, therefore, that in all cases where power is to be conferred, the point first to be decided is, whether such a power be necessary to the public good; as the next will be, in case of an affirmative decision, to guard as effectually as possible against a perversion of the power to the public detriment.” Fie, President Madison and your Constitution, the Speaker would say.

You’re a Facebook addict if... GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

Facebook: A delightful treat for those that want to branch out and reconnect with friends old and new and create business relations. But when does playful catching up turn into a serious addiction? There are several people out there who could have Facebook Addiction Disorder. I am sure a few of my friends do, and you could even be sitting next to an addict as you read this. FAD is a serious disorder, defined as a psycho-physiological disorder involving tolerance; withdrawal symptoms; affective disturbances; and interruption of social relationships, according to Idris Mootee’s article “Are You Suffering from Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD)?” on futurelab.net. According to Mootee, there are a few ways to tell if you fit the mold of a Facebook junkie. At least two or three of these scenarios must be present within a six to eightmonth period. • Tolerance: it takes more and more time online to get your fix. Multiple windows being open at the same time is a clear sign. • Any withdrawal causes distress, anxiety, impairs social/personal/occupational functioning, and constant worrying of what is written on your Facebook wall. • All things socially important are abridged or done on Facebook. You post your friends messages instead of calling them to cancel a dinner date, and try to wean your parents onto Facebook so they’ll stop calling that phone you don’t answer anymore. • When sweet caresses, kisses, and intimate dates are all online something is seriously wrong. • When you don’t know 8 out of 10 people in your friends list, you should worry.

SPEAK OUT!

Are you addicted to Facebook?

“

No. I think (I have a Facebook). I haven’t checked it in a while. My girlfriend actually made one for me.

”

—MarkTurner, business marketing

“

No. (I spend) less than an hour on Facebook…and check it once a week.

”

— Andre Uptgrow, undecided

“

Yes...I have it on my iPhone so I’m on it like 12 times a day. Then when I’m at home, I’ll log in on my computer. It’s pretty ridiculous, I am addicted to Facebook.

”

— Cynthia Preclaro, nursing

“

I might be in denial. I sneak out of class and go to the library... (I spend) probably three hours in total on it and I check it four, maybe five times a day.

”

— Dominique Bonano, undecided

friends, and 42 percent said they do so every day. Even 5 year olds use KidsSwirl, Disney’s Club Penguin, WebKinz, and Whyville. They may spend no more than five minutes online, but they are already getting addicted to the toxic formula Facebook and Myspace have concocted. As of yet, there is no cure for FAD — no subscription a doctor could write so people can get hooked on more pharmaceutical JOSEPH BONNET| THE TELESCOPE drugs — but there are a • When you meet people and leave few things you can do to try and rid them saying “see you on Facebook” or yourself of the succubus known as your dog has a profile. Or if you get a Facebook. gambler’s high whenever you get notifiLess is more cations and invites then it’s time to get The longer you stay away from the help. computer the more popular you seem. If According to a CNN article dated Oct. you’re not on there for three days, when 22, out of 935 teens polled, 38 percent of you come back you’ll look like a rock respondents ages 12 to 14 said they had star. an online profile of some sort. Time yourself Sixty-one percent of those in the Get a stopwatch or an alarm clock and study, ages 12 to 17, said they use social- set it for an hour. Turn the clock on networking sites to send messages to when you go onto Facebook, and if you

get off before the hour is up, pause the clock. When you go back on again, start the clock. When it buzzes, you are done for the day, no “just one more message” or any of that mess. Discipline! Live in the real world Sometimes life isn’t what we want it to be, so we lose ourselves in a virtual reality where nagging lovers and parents are silenced with a click on an X, babies don’t cry and all your wishes come true. But not all of life is bad. Join clubs, sign up for sports or hang out with friends. You can dance in your chair to your favorite song but is it really as much fun as when someone is dancing with you? Don’t let Facebook ruin your life, your marriage, your sleep or anything else that may be important to you. Yes, it’s a wonderful way to reconnect with people and stay in touch with those you forgot about or those you want to get to know, but there is a small dusty line between something excellent and something ghastly; and it’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Facebook addiction is a real thing. People should measure how much time they spend on it, and then ask themselves if it is healthy. If you have a problem, seek immediate help from a mental health professional.

| ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S HAPPENING

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009

Digital Ink:

from paper to the screen

Thursday, Nov. 19 Who: Bless the Fall Finch, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Of Mice and Men, Let’s Get It What: Hardcore When: 6:30 p.m. Where: SOMA Cost: Advanced tickets $13

Saturday, Nov. 21 Who: Say Anything (+21) What: Alternative Where: House of Blues San Diego When: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $14-$17.50

Sunday, Nov. 22 Who: The Black Crows, Truth, Salvage Company (+21) What: Rock When: 8 p.m. Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $42.50-$80

Sunday, Nov. 22 - Dec. 20 What Bonnie and Clyde (play) Where: Mandell Weis Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse Cost: $43-$78 More info: 858-550-1010

Thursday, Nov. 26 What: Turkey Trot 5k run When: 6:15 a.m. Where: Oceanside Civic Center Cost: $28-$35

Friday, Dec. 4 Who: Thrice What: Hardcore When: 7 p.m. Where: SOMA Cost: Advanced tickets $13 Who: Trans-Siberian Orchestra When: 8 p.m. Where: San Diego Sports Arena Cost: $25-$58

NOW ON SALE

Lady Gaga Concert at the Sports Arena on Dec. 19, tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com

The Aquabats Concert at the House of Blues in San Diego on Dec. 19, tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

CAMILO BARRERO THE TELESCOPE

The book printing industry, specifically paperbacks, could be coming to an end as more and more books are becoming digitized. This year from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18 in Frankfurt, Germany the Frankfurt Book Fair took place. The focus was on the new technologies used to publish and distribute books. The feared transformation is coming to an end, and the Internet is becoming one of the most important tools for marketing and publishing. As proposed by the official Web site of the fair, business models have to be adjusted to meet changing market and customer needs, an idea that the Internet company Google has been forging for the past two years where they have scanned nearly 10 million books trough alliances with publishers worldwide and make available to read online. Companies such as Forrester Research estimate that 3 million electronic readers will be sold in the United States this year and double that number next year. College students are already been part of that number. The number of academic textbooks that can be acquired in a down-

loadable format is increasing and there are many portable reading devices the Kindle from Amazon.com and the Reader from Sony on which to play the books. “I think it’s necessary; it’s kind of hard to get used to reading on a screen but eventually it’s the way we will get all our books and newspapers. Technology will figure out how to make a smooth switch,” said Nick Lund, a design student at Palomar College. The idea that readers should have access to books on their digital devices in the same way they get their music, news and photos has accelerated this transition and things like portability, price and time have taken precedence in conversation on the topic. Reading books online or on digital devices seems to be gaining followers every day,. Some studies show the sales for e-books are 63 percent in contrast to the 37 percent for print, according to a last year’s research. The service offered by Google has different options to preview, rate and also buy books ,but the site is still trying to compile more titles and to win a lawsuit filed by U.S publishers. If it wins, the Internet giant would have the rights to upload titles with fewer restrictions,

YESENIA GARCIA | THE TELESCOPE

Electronic textbooks might be making printed materials like this at risk of going extinct. helping new authors and publishers as well as permitting access to books out of print. As the technology comes and the accessibility is greater we will see less printed books and more electronic gadgets aiming

to bring us material in an innovative way. The future of the book trade is still uncertain. Its survival depends on the readers.

Latin film festival brings actor’s dreams to life CAMILO BARRERO THE TELESCOPE

The final installment of the 2009 “Cinema en Tu Idioma” film series from the Media Arts Center San Diego came to an end last week with very good results and expectation for the next’s year edition of the annual film festival. Showcasing three international films from Colombia, Mexico and Spain at the conclusion of the 16th San Diego Latino Film Festival, the Media Arts Center San Diego featured screenings of “Perro Come Perro,”(Dog Eat Dog) “Voy A Explotar”(I’m Gonna Explode) and “Fermat’s Room” from Nov. 6 to 12.

At the director’s circle reception held in San Diego, Ethan Van Thillo, executive director and founder of Media Arts Center San Diego, announced that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences granted the festival a $20.000 grant. Maria Deschamps, the lead actress from the Mexican film “Voy A Explotar,” said that being part of the film was “like a dream come true.” Deschamps, 19, filmed the movie when she was 17 years old in Guanajuato, Mexico and right after she graduated from high school. The actress, who had only previously been part of small theatrical pieces, stepped to the big

through several award nominations worldwide. When asked about future projects or participation in national shows, known as novelas, the actress said: “Those are different kind of productions that require something I don’t fit in. I started my acting career in a different discipline … I prefer theatrical art and as for now I want to continue with my studies.” Throughout the screening week Deschamps led different acting workshops at Mission SARA BURBIDGE | THE TELESCOPE Valley Center in San Diego. Maria Deschamps stars in ‘Voy A Explotar.’ To learn more about the San Diego Latino Film Festival, screen along with another fresh- watch trailers and learn man actor. about upcoming events visit The film has met with success sdlatinofilm.com.

Ancient treats found in ‘Biblical Feast’ HOLLY MEZA THE TELESCOPE

Palomar professor Kitty Morse continues her series of recipe books with “A Biblical Feast: Ancient Mediterranean Flavors for Today’s Table.” The book includes scriptures from the Bible and historical explanations of each recipe. Morse’s recipes are intended to supply a feast for taste buds, minds and spirits. Recipes in “A Biblical Feast” incorporate ingredients and staple foods mentioned in the Bible, giving a modern twist on ancient flavors. The recipes range from the sim-

plicity of “Seasoned, Brine-cured Olives” to the wholesome meal of “Chicken, Leek, and Garbanzo Bean stew.” After taste-testing the “Chicken, Leek, and Garbanzo Bean Stew” myself, I got a true taste of the books straightforwardness, from its ingredients to the steps of making it. Following the directions was uncomplicated, but it would have been nice to know beforehand how long it was going to take to make the dish. Although the ingredients were simple, the meal was full of flavor

and fulfilling. In fact, the entire book was reader friendly, with distinct sections, such as “simple dishes” and “main meals.” Each section has an outline of all the recipes within it, making finding a recipe quick and easy. A simple organization of the recipes adds to the traditional theme of the book. Along with Bible verses and historical background, many of the recipes include photographs of the dish, which have been taken

by Morse’s husband, Owen. The book’s physical appeal is a match to its cultural and spiritual theme; as a whole, “A Biblical Feast” and its contents are physically attractive. Personally, I hate recipes with ingredients that are practically unheard of. But despite nuoc mam, an ingredient that is explained by Morse in the recipe, the ingredients in the book are common, household items. “A Biblical Feast: Ancient Mediterranean Flavors for Today’s Table” is, overall, an original twist of history, spirituality and delicacy. Feast for yourself at abiblical feast.com.

ENTERTAINMENT | 7

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

BRANDON CULLEY | THE TELESCOPE

Two Palomar students participate in a dress rehearsal for Part 2 of the controversial “Angels in America.”

World lies in gay man’s hands in ‘Angels’finale The Palomar Performing Arts Department will present the second part of the controversial “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes” by Tony Kushner Nov. 13-22. In part one, which Palomar presented in the spring, the main character, a gay man named Prior Walter, contracts AIDS. He then experiences a sequence of heavenly visions and miracles that culminate in a visit by an angel charging him with a holy crusade to stop human-

In their arms, codependency, feeling a feeling with you like no other if I can’t have you no one will, hurt, pain, obsession we have all thought these thoughts at one time or another. Ode to all the breakups and selected lyrics that say it all from these songs…

ity from progressing. In part two, Prior refuses to accept his new role as prophet of the new millennium, resulting in all hell breaking loose. The play will show Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursday at 4 p.m at the Howard Brubeck Theatre. Tickets are $8 for students, $10 for seniors and staff and $12 for general admission. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit palomarperforms.com or call the box office at (760)744.1150, ext. 2453.

NG O BREA S K UP

MELISSA LERAY THE TELESCOPE

Nothing Compares, Sinead O’Conner “It's been so lonely without you here. Like a bird without a song”

Ex Factor, Lauryn Hill “No one's hurt me more than you and no one ever will”

Bell Bottom Blues, Eric Clapton “Do you want to see me crawl across the floor to you?”

This Love, Pantera

Don’t Speak, No Doubt “It's all ending, I gotta stop pretending who we are”

The Thrill is Gone, B.B. King “You know you done me wrong baby, and you'll be sorry someday”

Back Off Bitch, Guns and Roses “Face of an angel with the love of a witch”

“I'd take my life and leave love with you”

Pictures of You,The Cure “If only I’d thought of the right words I could have held on to your heart”

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8 | ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

‘Modern Warfare’ ref ines proven formula Infinity Ward keeps what works, fixes what didn’t, produces a contender for Game of the Year

long term objective is to get close to Makarov and kill him).The target is an airport terminal in Moscow, where you slaughter When I say this, I really am try- both unarmed civilians and law ing to not be a fan boy or become enforcement officers in a hail of mired in the prerelease hype, but grenade and rifle fire. As you sometimes the product will live clamber into a van with your comup to, and surpass, its expecta- patriots at the level’s end, the tions. This is one of those times. American you play remarks, Without question, “Call of “We’ve sent a strong message Duty: Modern Warfare 2” is the with this attack, Makarov.” best shooter on consoles. The Russian retorts by shooting Period. you in the face. “That was no mesResuming five years after sage,” he says, drawing a pistol. killing Imran Zakhaev, a Russian “This is a message.” Bang. Ultranationalist/terrorist Like I said, clichés from the last game, abound. VIDEO GAME REVIEW “Modern Warfare 2” cenThe Moscow attack ters around his protégé, a is quickly blamed on fellow named Vladimir America, and in short Makarov — noted, if not order, Russian parafor his brutality, then for troopers are dropping his oddly feminine and on Virginia and nasally voice — who Washington D.C. With ‘CALL OF DUTY: seeks to use Zakhaev’s the aforementioned MODERN death for his casus belli death of your first charWARFARE 2’ against the West. But if acter, you then take HHHH you’re looking for Tom control of an American OUT OF FOUR STARS Clancy-like story weaving Army Ranger, Private and presentation, search else- James Ramirez. Though I rarely where. “Modern Warfare 2” plays get excited about a fictitious batout as some unholy fusion, albeit tleground setting, I quickly found one with a flair for the ostenta- myself engaging the autumn-camtiously dramatic, of Fox’s systemi- ouflage clad Russians with all cally cliché “24” and “Red haste and extreme prejudice. Dawn.” And it was awesome. Actually, it The spark for “Modern Warfare was doubly awesome. 2’s” campaign is an early mission Alas, this wouldn’t be a “Call of that pits you as an Army Ranger Duty” game without multiple turned undercover CIA operative fronts, and this installment does partaking in a terrorist attack nothing to break the mold. with Makarov and his lot (the Players switch between Ramirez DAN MCCARTHY THE TELESCOPE

COURTESY PHOTO

Task Force 141 member Sgt. Gary “Roach” Sanderson tracks a target through a slum of Rio de Janeiro in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. and the mohawk-sporting Sgt. form of new weapons, maps and are quite as nifty. Gary “Roach” Sanderson, a mem- game settings, the latter of which The third and last game type, ber of the elite Task Force 141 includes a new third-person, over “Spec Ops,” is a cooperative play who globe trots from Kazakhstan the shoulder mode. Many of the enabled quick mission setting to Rio de Janeiro to Russia venti- previous weapons imbalances that you can play online or locally lating skulls to his heart’s con- have also been corrected, elimi- with a friend. tent. nating, at least in part, some of Using set piece battles and Sadly, the campaign abruptly “Call of Duty 4’s” most infuriat- time limits, the missions are linends with a “24”-type twist that ing moments. ear and non story line related never clearly wraps up Makarov’s Thankfully, the core mechanics that focus solely on action. involvement with the Russian stay the same, although when Surprisingly, this proved to be a invasion draws into question dealing with industry-standard- great alternative to jumping into exactly what you had been doing setting game play, that’s typically an online game. Considering the for the past five or so hours of the best route taken. One thing, lack of any local cooperative play game play. It’s a minor issue, but however, stood: you can nuke the in the previous “Modern is nonetheless bothersome. map. Warfare,” its inclusion now is Even better, though, is the That’s right, get 25 kills in a most welcome. online multiplayer. Despite reset- row, and you can call in a game In the aggregate, “Modern ting the bar by which other online ending tactical nuke that, regard- Warfare 2” is terrific. Despite shooters will be judged by, the less of the score, gives your team some minor story line pitfalls changes are more subtle, rather a win. There are a fair amount of inherent to titles with modern than revolutionary. The bulk of kill streak bonuses of a lower subject matter, the online play’s the new content comes in the denomination as well, but none depth more than makes up for it.

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FOCUS |

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ASHLEY PLAYER | THE TELESCOPE

Members of the Extreme Creative Talent Club (back row from left) Winston Homshpuph, Le' Vonce Jackson, Marc Arjona, Dominic Cruz, Kelly Elliot, (Front Row) Jhey Romeo, Justin Fernandez, Providencia Gonzalez and Jessica Xaisong Kham. Members practice their own choreography on Mondays in the D building at Palomar College.

Taking talent to the extreme YVONNE LANOT THE TELESCOPE

If you think YOU can dance, Palomar has a club for you. Extreme Creative Talent is a club made up of student choreographers who get together and do freestyle dancing. Marc Arjona, the President and founder of the club, along with the vice president and cofo u n d e r, Dominic Cruz, created this club in t h e summer o f 2009. “Basically [we were] just chillin’ and kind of tired of not being able to enroll into any hip-hop classes because I’ve taken it too much. So why not create a club where it’s free and you don’t have to feel pressured about a grade or testing,” Arjona said. “So why not [create this club and] learn from not just one choreographer, but mainly? because there is a lot of people with lots of talent here.” Club adviser Patriceann Mead had been trying for many years to start up a dance club. “I put the word out there for more than three years,” Mead said. “We have a lot of talent on the campus, like

break dancers, krumpers and hip-hop dancers, all who may not be in a formal dance classes, but are really good dancers. What I have done was allowed them to come in and use space in my classroom when I’m not using the whole space in the dance studio.” So far the club is in its beginning stages. “The club just started,” Cruz said. “We already knew we couldn’t expect a lot of people, but ET, or Extreme Talent, is slowly going up and we’re starting to get choreographers to come in and teach us.” “Once the club grows more, we hope to get a bigger crew,” Arjona added. Mead has a lot of faith in this club and with the officers. “I had been waiting for students with leadership skills who can actually get it together,” Mead said. “I had been working closely with these two students, and I believed these would be the group of students who can actually make it happen. “I am really looking forward to watch them grow,” she said. President Arjona said he wants to bring all sorts of people into the club to learn different styles of dancing. “I want [the students] to get away from the old main choreography and expand each students limits toward teaching and also learning new choreography and different styles,” Arjona said. “Also it brings more of a union toward the students. You trust one another and also learn

PHOTOS BY ASHLEY PLAYER | THE TELESCOPE

one other’s gifts and talents. All while learning their style and their personality.” New member Arnold Barrera said he has really enjoyed his time in the club. “I really like it,” Barrera said. “With all the people I’m meeting here, it’s a lot of fun.” Recently members of the club attended the Halloween Escape Event on Oct. 29 at Palomar. Many of them including Arjona performed break dancing moves while in costume. Another one of their first projects is a collaboration with the Black Student Union club on Dec 4. “We have to make up a routine, teach choreography and cut music. The choreography will be easy; it’s the cutting music that will be hard,” Cruz said. Even though Extreme Talent is just beginning, it is expected to grow and expand. “ N e x t semester we are hoping to get together two days in a week, instead of just on Mondays and have the club meet a night so more peo— Marc Arjona ple can come,” Extreme Creative Talent Club President Cruz said. “So, in the future, we hope to form a dance crew within the club.”

“

Why not create a club where it’s free and you don’t have to feel pressures about a grade or testing?

”

10 | FOCUS

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

niversity of iTunes iTunes store now offers lectures for busy students to download

ARIANNA RIVERA THE TELESCOPE

Lack of time and lack of money are no longer excuses to keep putting education off. iTunes users can now download music and college lectures at the same time. iTunes University includes lectures from Ivy League schools, such as Yale, Stanford and even Oxford. iTunes offers anything from psychology to interpretations of Dante’s work. Although some lectures are only available to paying students, many are available for the public. According to the Apple Web site, “iTunes U is the world’s greatest collection of free education media available to students, teachers and lifelong learners, with over 200,000 educational files available.” Students, whose classes are available to download, may no longer have a reason to fall behind. Before teachers can start using the iTunes University, there are four steps professors are encouraged to take. First, they are asked to think ahead. According to the site, this includes assembling a team of “forward-thinking leaders from a variety of disciplines.” Next, “Tech skills are a must,” the

Web site stated. Not only does this mean finding someone (or several people) willing to set up the account, but also making sure it’s constantly updated. From what Bill Wisneski, PCTV producer was told; there are technical limitations. He said it has an inconvenient setup. Third, the content must be created. Apple states that, “When it comes to creating content, a long-term plan is needed.” After the content is created, it needs to be promoted. Just like everything else, for iTunes U to be a success, marketing is the key. For students, iTunes U is proving to be a success. Dani McKinney’s study, “iTunes University and the classroom: Can podcasts replace professors?” suggests that students who listen to podcasts instead of lectures are scoring higher on tests. H o w e v e r , McKinney concluded, “It isn’t so much that you have a podcast, it’s what you do with it.” In other words, the students who down-

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loaded the podcast took extensive notes and paid closer attention. Also, unlike the students that attended class, they had the opportunity to listen to the lecture more than once. Those that believe it is not fair will be pleased to know that Palomar College does not offer free lectures through iTunes U. According to Wisneski, it is not necessary. All videos are available using the Palomar video server. If a Palomar professor wants to film his or her lectures, they can do so through PCTV; PCTV then offers the students the choice to download it to their iPods or iPhones. Wisneski made it clear, “It is only for students enrolled in the class.” Although some “Professors want videos to be password protected,” Wisneski said, there are some using the service. PCTV is not assowith — Dani Mckinney ciated iTunes U. Author Those few professors that do use the service are downloading the content themselves and are filming it themselves.

It isn’t so much that you have a podcast, it’s what you do with it.

COURTESY PHOTO

If you own a portable audio player and have an Internet connection, you can listen to lectures from some of the nation's top universities.

Students celebrate in non-traditional ways JANA ROWLAND THE TELESCOPE

Tradition once dictated that every year families and friends come together to celebrate Thanksgiving with all the trappings usually reserved for a Hallmark card, but these days students at Palomar are bucking traditions in favor of more memorable Thanksgiving practices. Student Justin Calibuyot said that when it comes to Thanksgiving traditions, “Filipinos like to eat pancit as it is a celebratory dish that provokes a longer and healthier life.” Food is arguably the most important part of any Thanksgiving celebration. There’s nothing more iconic than turkey with all of the fixings and a side of mashed potatoes. But for sophomore Joscelyn Bowley, her Thanksgiving holidays took on a more Latin flair when her uncle decided to switch up the menu by making it a Mexican-themed Thanksgiving. They had burritos, tacos, chips and salsa. No cranberry sauce or gravy anywhere to be found. For vegetarian Courtney Purvis, the most important part of the meal is her biggest taboo. “Anytime I smell turkey baking in the oven, I get out of my house,” Purvis said.

hands, going around and saying what everyone is thankful for. If getting together in a circle with family is not enough, how about playing a game of football? For Rick Torres, Thanksgiving always has a walk of shame involved. He and some people from his hometown get together and play a game of touch football at a park in Valencia, Calif. After the game is over, the losers have to take off their shoes and walk almost a mile home, barefoot, while the winners hold their shoes hostage. F r o m h a v i n g numerous choices of wonderful foods to eat, to playing football at a park; — Courtney Purvis with all Student these traditions from different families, ethnic backgrounds and lifestyles; who knows, maybe you will find a new tradition to celebrate with your family this Thanksgiving.

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ZACK MARCUS | THE TELESCOPE

Palomar sophomore Karisa Cunningham said she celebrates the holiday like most Americans with her family around the table, drinks being poured, and turkey being served. The tradition that she became accustomed to was the day after Thanksgiving, her family would open

their Christmas tree farm in Vista to the public. For some, Thanksgiving is still simply an opportunity to give thanks. For the past 50 years, Ashley Reichel’s family has been doing this by joining their family and another’s together in a big circle, holding

Anytime I smell turkey baking in the oven, I get out of my house.

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FOCUS | 11

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Are you young, uninsured and uninformed? ALEXIA ELEJALDE-RUIZ MCT CAMPUS

As a full-time nanny, Louisa Ferrer, 26, is exposed to plenty of germs, but not to health insurance. Ferrer said she’s “always sick” because the kids are sick,” but she avoids going to the doctor like the plague because she fears how much it will cost. The last time she visited a doctor, Ferrer said, was three years ago, when she started coughing up blood after three weeks of flu-like symptoms. (It turned out she had walking pneumonia.) Ferrer, whose employer doesn’t offer a health plan, said she tried to buy individual health insurance, but was turned down because the insurance company deemed her high risk due to previous health issues. Uninsured since she was dropped from her parents’ health plan upon leaving college five years ago, Ferrer said she hasn’t had a regular doctor since visiting her pediatrician in high school. “I don’t know that anyone even has my medical records,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer is among the many young adults wandering in medical no-man’s land, often waiting until they’re on death’s door before seeking medical attention. Young adults are more likely than any other group to be uninsured, but even those with health plans sometimes forgo doctor visits because they don’t have a primary care physician or they assume their young bodies can beat any ailment. Seventeen percent of 18- to 29-year-olds reported needing but not receiving medical attention in the past year because they couldn’t afford it, and that age group is the least likely to have seen a dentist, according to a special report published this year as part of the National Center for Health Statistics’ annual “Health, United States” survey. While young adulthood is generally a healthy period, the study said, it also sets the foundation for future health behaviors and may be the time when health education and preventive care have the biggest effect. “Everyone assumes (young adults) are all healthy, and that’s just not true,” said study author Amy Bernstein. About 15 percent of young adults, defined by the study as 18- to 29-yearolds, suffer from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and cancer, according to the report. Twenty-four percent of them are obese. Young adults account for the most injury-related emergency room visits. Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia, peak during young adulthood, as do rates of smoking, alcohol and drug use. “People aren’t thinking about the things they’re doing now that can hurt them in the long run,” Bernstein said. While mortality rates double between adolescence and young adulthood (70 percent of deaths among young adults are from suicide, homicide or accidents), young adults are more likely to be uninsured than any other group. Among 19- to 29-year-olds, 29 percent or 13.2 million people were uninsured in 2007, representing 30 percent of uninsured Americans, according to an August report from the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that advocates for a high performing health care system. But even some young people with health insurance are strangers to the medical system. Zoli Laczko, 35, said he hadn’t been to

GRAPHICS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Many young adults wander in medical no-man’s land, often waiting until they’re on death’s door before seeking medical attention. Young adults are more likely than any other group to be uninsured, but even those with health plans sometimes forgo doctor visits because they don’t have a primary care physician or they assume their bodies can beat any ailment. the doctor in almost 20 years until three months ago, when he scheduled a visit because he was experiencing disconcerting heart palpitations. Though he’s been paying for insurance through his employer for years, Laczko said he never felt sick enough that there was a point in going to the doctor, and he didn’t know how to find a primary physician anyway. “I didn’t know how the system worked,” Laczko said. “What do you do? Do you look in the phone book or online or something?” The heart palpitations ended up being stressinduced, Laczko said, and they subsided when he reduced his workload. But now that he’s found a doctor through a referral by a family member Laczko said he hopes to get an annual physical. “It’s probably a good idea, especially now that I’m getting older,” Laczko said. “I’ll make it a habit to go more.”

| COMET SPORTS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2009

SPORTS ON DECK

Friday, Nov. 20 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Moorpark at Palomar, 4 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Los Angeles Valley at Palomar, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Santa Monica at Palomar, 5 p.m.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WRESTLERS WORKING HARD

| THE TELESCOPE The Comet wrestling team runs the track at one of their 6:30 a.m. workouts that take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the Palomar practice football field. PATTY FLETES

BERT HANSEN THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar wrestling team’s early season struggles are not due to the lack of effort in practices and workouts. The team is just getting by posting a 2-2 record against Southern Coast Conference opponents, as of last week. Head Coach Byron Campbell keeps his wrestlers in shape with intense morning workouts, as well as afternoon practices that focus on wrestling technique.

The morning workouts start at 6:30 every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and involve mainly cardiovascular exercises, such as sprints and longdistance running. One of the most grueling exercises that the team does is partner carries. These workouts are exactly what they sound like. One wrestler will carry a teammate and run laps or do squats. “The hardest part of the workout is the partner carries,” said freshman Oren Grossberg-Dramen. “The

partner carries around the track are right after interval sprints, which make them especially hard.” The partner carry is vital to combat athletes. While weight training is needed to build up an athlete’s frame, partner carries work the entire body in a way that is more specific to wrestling. Sprinting is also a main ingredient of the wrestlers’ conditioning routine. “The hardest part of our morning routine is running interval sprints. You have to

run a lap in 80 seconds. If you don’t make it the first time you have to keep going. It’s tough,” said sophomore Clayton MacFarlane. Interval sprints are practiced by athletes of many sports primarily due to their proven effectiveness in helping athletic performance. According to factsaboutfitness.com, properly concentrating energy into short interval bursts has proven to increase cardiovascular exercises effectiveness by as much as 169 percent.

Santa Barbara City College at Palomar, 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 22 CROSS COUNTRY State Championships at Fresno/Woodward, 10 a.m.

FOOTBALL Comet Football finished 4-2 in PCC, leaving their hopes for a playoff birth solely on a Grossmont loss against Saddleback on Saturday. To find out if Palomar made the playoffs go to www.the-telescope.com.