The Telescope 62.17 by The Telescope

PALOMAR COLLEGE, SAN MARCOS, CALIF. MONDAY MARCH 16, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

VOL. 62, NO. 17

the-telescope.com

Will the recent stimulus plan benefit students? SHOKO HACHIYA THE TELESCOPE

President Barack Obama passed a $787-billion stimulus package, which is the biggest in history. The package is meant to create jobs, give relief to struggling families, homeowners and business owners in the worst economy since The Great Depression. The government will give tax cuts as well as spend to stimulate the economy. According to Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor in an e-mail from the Chancellor’s Office, he projects that California will receive more than $31 billion of the package. Of that California portion, K12 and higher education will receive $4.9 billion, which according to Palomar President Robert Deegan, means about 10 percent of that will be distributed to California’s Community College system and possibly the University of California and California State University systems as well. Some students are not optimistic about seeing any money. A student worker at the tutoring center, Nathan Harrenstein, said, “It’s a good stop-gap to help us get going for a short time of period.” But he does not think the stimulus plan will fix problems long term. Harrenstein said he thinks that the stimulus plan will probably help four-year universities, but will not impact students at Palomar. Deegan disagreed, saying he thinks Palomar students will receive some help from the stimulus plan by next semester. Alain Nguyen a student at the Natural Science building,

said he thinks the stimulus package won’t work long term. It “can be a good thing,” Nguyen said. “Some people would spend, but some people would save. Unless they spend and get the money flowing, it won’t work.” Palomar student Spencer White is not optimistic about the plan either. He said the plan will not benefit students. “From reading news, it is good for some corporations, but it does not seem many people want it,” he said. Palomar student Jay Styron, said, “They are spending money on non-stimulus. Lots of money is going to disappear into the government bureaucracies.” Styron said he thinks 25 percent of the money will be actual stimulus, but 75 percent will disappear. He also pointed out that although the plan will benefit students because they are spending more money on education, education is not an immediate stimulus. Styron’s wife, Liz Styron, agrees. She said that it will be great for the short term, but someone has to pay for it in future. There are students who have different thoughts. Palomar student Aly Dung, does not think the plan will affect her at all. She said, “I don’t pay attention to politics. Whatever he (Obama) comes up with is cool.” In the video on the recovery.gov, President Obama said that people can see how, when, and where the money is spent on the Web site, which will be frequently updated. President Obama also said the stimulus plan is counting on people’s participation.

Fashion club gets ready for March MELISSA SHANTE THE TELESCOPE

For anybody interested in building a career in fashion, Palomar College Fashion Club offers an opportunity to dive headfirst into its world with trips, charity events and of course, fashion shows. “We produce a lot,” said Gavin Gilinski, a fashion design student who entered the program at 14 years old, “and we get involved in our community. It’s a great start. ” The Fashion Club has a lot of activities planned for the spring

semester. Coming up in March, the club will be holding a fashion show with the hopes of collecting donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets to take to an all-girl orphanage in Mexico. “Fashion is not just what you wear,” said Deziray CadmanMendoza, the club’s president. “You have to be able to understand your community and relate to it.”The club will also be producing handmade T-shirts for the orphans.

OPINION

Does America still have separation of church and state? PAGE 4

TURN TO FASHION PAGE 3

ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE

Jarred Spears (right) as Roy Chon tickles Joe's gay feelings during a rehearsal of the play “Angels in America.” Daniel Hannify (left) plays Joe, who is a married Mormon man torn between obligation to his wife and religion and his gay impulses.

‘Angels’tackles tough issues ROBIN WITT THE TELESCOPE

The controversial play “Angels in America” is coming to Palomar College next month to tackle issues including politics, religion, sexual identify and AIDS. The play, set for April 17-26 at the Howard Brubeck Theatre, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Tony Kushner that has been swooning and shocking audiences since its original Broadway debut in 1993. “It is very powerful,”director and theater professor Michael Mufson said. “It is probably the best American play in the last 40 years.” Mufson said the play is still very relevant given the current political and economic situation. One of the main things he looks for when choosing a play is that it connects the community. What moved Mufson most about this play is the way the characters confront moments of crisis and what it reveals about who they are as individuals. “For some of the characters in

ENTERTAINMENT

U2 rediscovers rock and roll roots PAGE 10

this play, the crisis forces them to see tremendously painful, difficult and ugly things,”Mufson said.“And for some of them the crisis leads them to see tremendous beauty.” Someone that is in crisis is Harper Pitt, played by Calandra Crane. She describes her character as a mentally deranged, pill-popping, sex-starved Mormon housewife who is deathly afraid of life. Her Mormon husband, Joe Pitt, is played by Danny Hannify. His outward appearance makes it look like he has his act together, but he is struggling with a demon bigger than valium. He knows in his heart that he is a homosexual, which he tries to overcome by clinging to his faith and focusing on his wife’s flaws. Two of the themes in the play that everyone can relate to are abandonment and relationships, said actress Allison Bretall, who is studying history and plays the embodiment of the angel,a role she shares with another actress. Alex Guzman plays Louis Ironson, a gay, neurotic, overly-anx-

FOCUS

St. Patty’s Day in San Diego

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ious, offensive man who, according to Guzman, is “funny in his own Jewish way.” Ironson is the lover of Prior Walter, a man who is just beginning to show symptoms of AIDS. “There is definitely already a sweetness between Louis and Prior that has been discovered,” Bretall said.“Even people who will be uncomfortable with the aspects of homosexuality in this play, I think it will be hard for them to deny how these moments that they face are captured on stage.” Bretall said the sex scene in the park is intense. “I won’t say it is graphic, it is not like anyone is naked or anything,” Bretall said. “It is clear what is going on and it is very real.” Bretall admits that not all of her friends will be attending the performance because of the homosexual subject matter. “It is unfortunate because I know that there is something that this play could touch in almost anyT U R N TO ANGELS PAGE 3

SPORTS

Grand slam leads Comets to 9-3 victory

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2 | CAMPUS BEAT

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

CAMPUS CALENDAR

Committee against hate is formed

Two Palomar faculty members have received hateful and threatening mail. In response to this, President Robert Deegan issued a letter to the Palomar Community on March 11. “I want to make it clear that Palomar College strongly supports our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) faculty, staff and students. We will protect their right of freedom of expression and will continue to celebrate the diversity of the entire campus community,”he stated. The letter also lays out that the college should be a safe place in every sense of the word. “We believe that Palomar College should be a beacon in the community for tolerance and acceptance where — to paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — one is judged by the quality of his or her character,” Deegan wrote. A committee has being formed to promote tolerance of everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, said the Palomar Faculty Senate in a statement. The committee formed by faculty and students will actively encourage acceptance of everyone and assure the safety of all, including those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. The Senate also stated it will release more information on the committee soon.

Tuesday, March 17 GREEN RALLY Mission 2B Clean and Green, an environmentally focused club at Palomar, is holding a rally on the San Marcos Campus. Their goal is to make some noise on campus through activities and games. Teams will be put together to make the campus a greener place, with awards going to the highest-producing team.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT CLUB MEETING Palomar College’s Child Development Student Organization is holding a meeting from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in SU-17. The group is open to all students who are interested in the field of child development. See the bulletin board in A-18 for more information or email the club’s president, Alexandria Mason, at alexandriamason@gmail.com.

FILM SERIES Palomar College’s Communication Department’s Cinema Program film of the week is Alfred Hitchcock’s classic “Strangers on a Train.” The film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in room P-32. For more information on the film series, call (760) 744-1150, ext. 2444, or visit palomar.edu/communications/cinema/.

Career day teaches networking

The Graphic Communications Department will host its 12th Annual Career Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18 in the GJ Building. The goal is for students to meet and network with people in the graphics industry, ask questions, learn and be inspired. Presenters will bring in examples of their work, explain their typical day/routine and go over which entry-level skills are needed. There will be question-and-answer sessions and maybe some tutorials. This year, three speakers from the surf/skate/snow industry will be present. Because “San Diego is the birthplace of pro extreme sports … both amateurs and extreme enthusiasts have gone into media, web and sound. A lot of instructors (at Palomar) are active sports enthusiasts,” said Lillian Payn,the head of the Graphic Communications Department. The event focuses on the three aspects of graphic communications: media, web, and print.Job search strategies, resume (video and online) tips, entry into graphic design and selfpromotional tips are some of the topics that will be covered. Speaker highlights include Palomar alumni Matt and Josh Martelli from Mad Media Designs and Brent Altomare, owner and executive director of Groovy Like a Movie. Altmore, well-known in San Diego for giving back and knowing what is the latest thing in the movie industry, will focus on motion graphic opportunities. Presenters for the web portion will speak on user- generated content, social media marketing, Web 2.0 and Flash. Graphics majors who choose to specialize in Web tend to get better paying jobs and they are at the cutting edge of communication, Payn said. Print topics include following the trail of a production job by David LaMothe of Transworld Media, variable data printing, entry into graphic design, successful job search strategies. The graphics industry is “exciting, growing, challenging, and never boring, where one can be creative,” Payn said. Last year around 300 people turned out for the event. “People who came seemed to get a lot out of it … they were jazzed and it confirmed their career choice.” For complete schedule,times and classroom numbers please contact the Graphic Communications Department at (760) 7441150, ext. 2452, or via e-mail at graphics@palomar.edu.

CAMPUS WEATHER

Wednesday, March 18 GRAPHIC ARTS CAREER DAY

Body of art

RON WAY| THE TELESCOPE

“FIGURESCAPES”by LouAnne Kromschroeder-Davis is a reflection of her view that “the world and everything in it vibrates.”The piece is part of the current exhibit on display at the Boehm Art Gallery through April 4.

Transfer students will walk in spring

Each year transfer students have petitioned for their right to walk in the commencement ceremonies and this year they will get the chance. 2009 marks the first year transfer students, who haven’t received an associate’s degree, will be allowed to walk in the graduation ceremonies. In the past,walking in the ceremonies required a degree, but now transferring Palomar students can walk with just a certification of achievement. The certification of achievement acknowledges student’s efforts and academic accomplishment without requiring a transferrable degree. Students can apply for graduation by picking up a form in the counseling and Transfer center, also at Palomar.edu or through the Palomar catalog. The application is the same for all students applications must be returned to the evaluations office. Application deadline for spring has already past, however students can still apply for summer graduation. For more information visit the transfer center located in the Student Services building or at extension 2194 or 3125.

SDSU denies student transfers for fall ‘09

Students who planned on transferring to San Diego State University in the fall but have since been denied should contact the Palomar College Transfer Center immediately, according to Karen Huskey, Transfer Center director According to Huskey, San Diego community college students are having problems. “Many students are very upset because they were denied admission even though they completed all General Education, major preparation and earned high transferable GPAs such as 3.6, 3.7 and 3.9,” she said.

SDSU has reportedly denied several students on the basis that they did not correctly fill out the Supplemental Application.Huskey said the application was “somewhat confusing.” The Transfer Center plans on assisting all students in this predicament in writing a petition to SDSU, although SDSU has said they will not be accepting petitions. Transfer students who have been affected by this may call the Transfer Center for assistance at (760) 744-1150, ext. 2522.

Event to celebrate women’s history

The Associated Student Government is holding a Women’s History event to honor the achievements of women and their contributions to society. The event will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 18 in the Student Union quad. Palomar’s Women Choir will kick of the ceremony at noon by singing the National Anthem followed by several speakers. Palomar women’s basketball coach Sherri Jennum will be among those speaking. She is also being inducted into the California Community College Hall of Fame this month. Representatives from the military, the Women’s History Museum and the Association of Women in History have all been extended invitations to attend the festivities and share a women’s prospective with Palomar by Jessica Baker, the chairperson for the event. Various clubs will also be involved in the activities. The Palomar Engineering and Physics Student Organization will have a presentation of the history of women in engineering. The Black Student Union will focus on spotlighting different African-American women for each decade of the 20th century and the Fashion Club will be having a fashion show to represent how women’s fashion’s evolved through history.

The Graphic Communications Department is holding its 12th Annual Career Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the GJ Building. The event will feature speakers such as Jeff Monday from Apple Computers, along with other prominent names in the field.

WOMEN’S HISTORY EVENT Student Services is holding a celebration of Women’s History in the United States. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Student Union Quad.

CAMPUS EXPLORATIONS Speaker Sharon Reynolds of Palomar’s English Department will speak on the topic of “Beyond the Science: Saving Nature through Literary Arts.” The presentation is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and end at 2:50 p.m, in the room P-32.

Thursday, March 19 CONCERT HOUR This week’s concert will feature solo pianist Solon Pierce, who will perform Robert Schumann’s “Carnaval” as well as music from George Gershwin. Concert Hour is held at 12:30 p.m. every Thursday in Performance Lab D-10.

Friday, March 20 MONTHLY MULTICULTURAL FILM SERIES The Multicultural Studies Department and Palomar Encuentros Leadership invites students, staff and community members to view the HBO film “Walkout” at 6:30 p.m. in room P-32. This event is sponsored by the Financial Aid Department. Free food will be provided for the first 100 guests.

What’s up? Do you know something we should cover? 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.

Tuesday, March 17

Wednesday, March 18

Thursday, March 19

Friday, March 20

Saturday, March 21

Sunday, March 22

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SUNNY

MOSTLY SUNNY

SUNNY

Monday, March 16

SUNNY

NEWS | 3 Turmoil in Mexico puts damper on some Documentary by 2 professors students’plans for spring break tourism highlights trials of homosexuals

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

LAURENCE ILIFF MCT CAMPUS

Students preparing for spring break in Cancun have a spate of bad local news to factor into their plans: the brutal slaying of an army general, the jailing of the police chief for alleged complicity in the killing, and a link to the feared Zetas drug gang based along the Mexico-Texas border. The head of the city jail was also jailed late last month, and a dozen city police are being investigated after the discovery of a Zeta “cell” turned up a list of authorities alleged to be on the take. Recent events suggest that Cancun is starting to see the drug violence that has long plagued places like Ciudad Juarez. Mexican officials say it ain’t so, asserting that the 18-mile island with its hundreds of hotels, restaurants and bars is immune from the narco-violence popping up in the adjoining downtown and the larger metropolitan area on the mainland known as Benito Juarez. But some spring breakers already here,many from the U.S.Northeast, are taking extra precautions. “We have not left the resort, and we arranged transportation ahead of time,” said Adrienne Smith, 21, of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. She and her friends have no

plans to visit “the other Cancun” beyond the hotel strip. “Even before we came here, tons and tons of people told us how dangerous it is, like muggings,” she said. And some analysts say that the relative security in the “hotel zone” could disappear quickly should a drug turf war break out in a region long know for drug trafficking and immigrant smuggling. Ed Coleman, 23, came from the Rochester Institute of Technology prepared in case of trouble. He arranged cell phone service in Mexico and saved the phone numbers of the U.S. Consulate and Embassy. “So far, we have not seen much of anything” in terms of trouble, he said. But as the bulk of “los espring breakers,” as the Mexican media call them, start to arrive this weekend, analysts say that there is a latent fear that Cancun could go the direction of once-popular party spots for Americans like Ciudad Juarez,Tijuana and even Acapulco, which has had drug hits along its hotel strip. Arturo Yanez, a commentator on the drug trade, said Cancun “is on the verge of becoming the Ciudad Juarez of the southeast because it is one of the principal entrances for drugs from Central America.”

ANGELS

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body’s heart,” Bretall said. “It is the parts that make you feel uncomfortable that you really find what is in yourself.” Rane, who plays the Mormon wife, said there is probably something to offend everybody in the play. She added that it still ties in with what is going on today because AIDS was the gay issue back then and Prop. 8, which bans gay marriage, is the gay issue now. But she cautions that it much more than a “gay play.” Palomar student,Marian Darcy is not a member of the cast but is a member of the San Marcos Institute of Religion, Latter-Day Saints, near the campus. She is not familiar with the play but said she

was not offended by the college presenting a play with a Mormon character struggling with homosexuality “if it is done tastefully.” Another student Marisa McDowell has already seen a version of the play when it was produced by Diversionary Theater in San Diego. McDowell, who is studying political science and Chicano studies, said she is definitely going to see it. Mufson said even though the play is dark at times, it has such a compassionate view of humanity and there is a lot of humor that tempers the difficulty. “It is very much a play about courage,” Mufson said.“And I think we need a lot of that these days.”

FASHION

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In April, students will have the opportunity to add to their resume by working with the City of Escondido. Students can either compete in a visual merchandising contest where they will have five hours to create exciting representations of what Fashion Week is in empty storefronts in downtown Escondido, or, they can participate in a fashion show constructing crafty creations made of only recyclable materials. Winners will either receive a week long pass to Escondido Fashion Week April 6-11 or have a chance to have their designs seen on the runway. These contests give the students an opportunity to work under real world deadlines and pressures that may otherwise be avoided in an everyday classroom setting. As the semester winds down, students take all that they have learned and apply it to the grand finale; a live fashion show. Students are already working with models, designers and photographers as well. “This is really big! Everything is going down the runway!” Mendoza said in regards to the live event. MODA, the Italian word for

TYPHANIE SHARFNER THE TELESCOPE

Two Palomar professors have released a documentary that follows the lives of three gay and transgender people and their struggle for acceptance. Professors Pat Hahn and Gregg Baker have been making film and television shows for over 20 years. Their latest collaboration, called “Holding Families Together,” is a 30minute documentary that debuted Feb. 26 in Hillcrest. Hahn said the documentary profiles people’s fear of the unknown. “Ignorance leads to hate, but conversation is always helpful in these situations,” he said. The documentary was funded by a $10,000 county grant and will be distributed nationwide by an organization known as Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, or PFLAG, which helped coordinate the production. The filmmakers already have a few fans. “It makes me proud to be a Palomar student,” Micaela Drewett said. “We have teachers who have done things for outside of our school that help people and put Palomar on the map.” The purpose of the film is to shed some light on the difficulties homosexual and transgender people face. PFLAG reports that 50 percent of all gay and lesbian youth say their parents reject them due to their sexual orientation and 26 percent are forced to leave home because of this. One boy was kicked out of his home as a young teen, which led to prostitution and

CIARA KEITH | THE TELESCOPE

Palomar professors Pat Hahn (left) and Greg Baker (right) of the broadcast department are the directors of the documentary film "Holding Families Together." drugs, said Baker, an adjunct professor who manages postproduction for the college’s radio and television department. In meeting the prostitute, Baker said he felt like he understood him and could sympathize with the difficulties he faced. “It’s harder to hate someone after you meet them and get to know where they came from,” Baker said. He added that a lack of understanding could be deadly. “I was really surprised at the suicide rates,” Baker said. According to Outproud.org, the suicide rate is over 30 percent among the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and is the leading cause of deaths in these groups.

Another subject in the documentary is transgendered, and the family is more accepting but still had concerns. Palomar student Mandy Demiar said that the situations shown aren’t necessarily how all people react, but even students whose families accept them can see just how lucky they are. PFLAG also reported that gay and lesbian youth are more at risk of failing in school than heterosexual students. They also report 28 percent of high schoolers drop out due to verbal and physical abuse in the school environment. “It’s great they are doing this,” Demiar said of the documentary. “People can relate to these kids and it lets people know they aren’t alone.”

JML Copyediting/Proofreading Hand in written work with perfect punctuation,spelling,grammar. j.logue@cox.net (760) 732-1380

Swim Instructors Wanted fashion, will be the theme for this year’s fashion show. MODA will be held on May 1 at the California Center for the Arts, located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. in Escondido. For students who are a little skeptical about the cost of materials for projects, the Fashion Club also sponsors a scholarship. Applications are available for those who are in need. Awards will be given out in the form of gift cards for fabric supply stores. There are no requirements or prerequisites for joining the club, but there are some qualities that the club looks for: “Definitely a love for fashion and learning. If you love to learn then you’re basically able to succeed in all you do. And humor, too, humor is always important,” Mendoza said. If fashion is in your future, “this is where it starts,” said Marsha Roberts, the advanced sewing instructor “Palomar gives you the skills that you can take you can take to your job.” The club meetings are held noon on Tuesdays in the FASH building or go to www.palomar.edu/fashion. You can also contact the club’s president at Deziray_JCM@Hotmail.com.

Instructors $12-19/hour Customer service $10 / hour Contact Brett at (760) 744-7946

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| OPINION

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

OUR VIEWPOINT

Presidents should not be treated like movie stars Since the first magazine bearing his image hit newsstands, there has been no doubt the early days of Barack Obama’s presidency would garner a tremendous amount of media attention. Now it has been two months since inauguration day, and the level of coverage concerning the minutia of the president’s life — coverage usually reserved for actors and other stars — is beginning to detract from the importance of the ground-breaking presidency. While there is bound to be some curiosity surrounding Obama and his personal life, the level of dedication to unimportant details like what kind of dog the First Family will adopt, Obama’s Blackberry and what he looks like shirtless is obscene. It’s a sad day when one of this country’s greatest institutions can be condensed to mere tabloid fodder. With every idiotic tidbit that makes the day’s top news and with every story about White House life, this momentous achievement for Obama and for America is being cheapened. America is currently embroiled in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. In one of his first major acts as president, Obama pushed through a $789 billion stimulus plan. This is the sort of the news that should be at the forefront of the American consciousness but it’s hard to focus on the important things when the big story is his reliance on a TelePrompTer. It is still early in the presidency and Obama has yet to really prove himself. While most of the coverage seems to be well meaning, it will be difficult to convince that contingency of people who doubt his effectiveness as president when the majority of the news about him is coming from the pages of magazines. It’s entirely possible that the more superficial media attention will eventually die away, but as it stands right now there doesn’t seem to be any sign that it will. That fact of the matter is that Obama is still news and not because of what he does in office. The media’s obsession with Obama has been clear from the start. He graced a staggering number of magazine and newspaper covers when compared to those bearing the faces of John McCain or Sarah Palin, and the American public was not completely unaware. According to a poll conducted by the Rasmussen Report polling firm in July, 49 percent of voters believed that reporters were trying to help Obama win the election with their coverage. This is a 5 percent hike from June. These results came at almost the same time as another Rasmussen poll that showed that the majority of Americans believe the media is biased. The only real solution to this problem seems to be for the major media outlets to shift their focus away from Obama’s personal life, a feat that seems almost impossible. As long as the comparisons to Abraham Lincoln are still being made, people still want to read about he is wearing — and the tabloids will be reluctant to give up their cash cow.

MONDAY MARCH 16, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

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. 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

JOSEPH BONNET | THE TELESCOPE

Religion overflowing into politics ROBIN WITT THE TELESCOPE

equal rights, including freedom of Bible, many of them do not. speech and freedom of religion. Instead of the rules being for Practicing a certain religion or the purpose of protection, rules in The California Supreme Court deciding not to be religious is a churches can be an opportunity is in the process of hearing argu- right and an individual choice. for members to grow in their ments about whether to uphold Some countries require citizens faith. Sometimes these practices the public’s vote on Proposition 8. to follow a certain religion. The seem to be at odds with personal I am reminded of my own conflict- religious laws and the laws for cit- rights. ing values surrounding this issue. izens are one in the same. For example, some churches do As a Christian, I wrestled last Fortunately, this is not the case in not allow priests to marry while November with how to cast my the United States. others do not allow women or peovote on Prop. 8. After careful conWe have many Christians here, ple who are gay to be in leadersideration I voted in favor of but this is not a Christian nation. ship positions. In the church I legalizing same-sex marriages, a This is an important distinction. attend, the pastor will not marry a decision that did not come easily Unlike in the aforementioned couple if they are already living for me. nations, here, I have the right to together. Some people might consider practice my religion as I see fit, While I do not agree with all of me a hypocrite for this. Marriage but this should not come at the these practices, I respect the between members of the same expense of denying others their rights of churches to maintain trasex is not in alignment with the rights. ditions, creeds and disciplines Christian faith. Like coun- that enable members to practice We have many But for the most tries, reli- their faith in a way they feel is part, I believe in a Christians here, but gious groups authentic. separation of have specific I do not know what the outchurch and state: this is not a Christian rules for come of the California Supreme Government and their mem- Court hearings will be, but I am religion theoreti- nation. This is an b e r s . confident at some point we will cally have very A l t h o u g h legalize same-sex marriages just important distincdifferent roles. these rules like we granted women the right The main role tion. s o m e t i m e s to vote. of government is m i r r o r My hope is that we can move to protect its citizens. We have a American laws like in the case of beyond judgment to promote whole legal system based on this. “thou shall not murder” and equal rights while still honoring Laws are created, refined and “thou shall not steal” from the individual beliefs. enforced to discourage crime and promote fairness and equity for all. In addition, the government maintains specific agencies to protect citizens against fire, crime, acts of war and other dangers. For example, if a plague breaks out, we hear from the • San Diego Cruise Port • San Elijo State Beach Department of Health. On the • Wild Animal Park • The Zoo other hand, if a drug turns out to be unsafe, the Food and Drug • Other • Wineries Administration gets involved and so on. One of the most important roles To vote or comment on polls, go to www.the-telescope.com. of government is to guarantee

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POLLING PALOMAR

Which local getaway would you visit for spring break?

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STAFF WRITERS | SARA BURBIDGE, HEATHER CAMERON, SHAWNNA CLEARY, ANDRE COLEY, PAT CUBEL, SHOKO HACHIYA, NIGEL HARRIS, MELISSA SHANTE, SHAUN KAHMANN, BARBARA ANN MAC LAREN, CHRIS MEYER, CASEY OLAYA, TYPHANIE SHARFNER, JAVIER TOVAR, LESETT TUNNELL, KARA VERMEULEN, MATT WADLEIGH, GRAIANNE WARD, ROBIN WITT STAFF CARTOONISTS | JOSEPH BONNET

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS | HUGH COX, PAT CUBEL, CIARA KEITH

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MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Ask Aunt Gertrude Dear Aunt Gertrude:

SPEAK OUT!

How much should voters’ religious beliefs influence their politics?

“

Church and state are separated for a reason. This is the whole reason we took prayer out of schools. It shouldn’t influence our props or candidates for president.

I just moved into my first apartment and my budget is really tight. It is getting stretched thinner because I eat out all the time. The reason is simple: I am hopeless in the kitchen. I need to cut expenses but I don’t want to starve. What should I do?

Ptomaine Tony

Dear Ptomaine: Cooking is not as difficult as many make it out to be. It is all a matter of practice. But here are a few tips. Always cook with medium heat. If you turn up the heat too high food will not cook faster but they will burn, and high heat is terrible for Teflon pans. Get a good pan — I recommend a 12” with a lid and a Teflon III non-stick coating. In the beginning keep it simple and don’t multitask. Cooking is like driving a car, and the more time you spent behind the wheel the better driver you become. Don’t forget microwave meals and salads. They are pretty much idiot-proof. Good luck and bon appetit!

”

— Kaitlyn Terril,theater arts

“

Voting should be about what is best for the country. You can believe what you want, but don’t mandate others to live a certain way.

”

— Daniel Martin,English

“

Dear Aunt Gertrude:

My faith is everything, my belief in God. I base my life on Christian beliefs. If I don’t agree with the political platform I can’t support them.

”

Last year I was walking to class and signed up to get my first credit card from a guy at a stand in front of the Student Union. I was thrilled to have a card but soon found that instead of buying $10.00 worth of gas I was filling my tank; instead of getting fast food I was eating in proper restaurants. From iPods to new clothes, if I wanted it I could buy it. A year later I have maxed out my limit twice and now owe over $3,000. I am making my minimum payments but with the interest I am actually losing ground. Aunt Gertrude what can I do?

Maxed Plastic

—Yvette Martinez, health center staff

“

Dear Maxed: My dear, you have my sympathy. I often think giving a credit card to a college student is like giving a toddler a loaded gun! How can I put this? Dear, what you did is not only stupid but completely irresponsible! That is water under the bridge though — your question is, what can you do now? Step 1: Get rid of the card! Your actions show that you are not mature enough to have a credit card, so toss it. Step 2: Contact your credit card company and see if they can help you with a lower interest rate or a renegotiation of your debt. This may affect your credit rating so be careful. Step 3: Pay off your account as soon as you can. At 18 percent it will cost you about $4,500 to pay off your $3,000 if you make payments of about $200 per month. The faster you can pay off the debt the less it will cost you. I helped out my niece, and she is paying me $200 per month interest-free. The dear girl has never missed a payment (the fact that I am holding the pink slip on her car I’m sure has nothing to do with her diligence). Once you clear up the mess you have made, here are some credit rules to live by. Keep track of what you spend and never spend more than you can pay back at the end of the month. If an emergency should come up and you have to spend more, put the card away until the bill is paid off. You will pay interest, but not as much.

OPINION | 5

I don’t have any religious views, so it really doesn’t affect me.

”

— Stan Cuevas,business

“

It should be the basis of the decision. Religion guides me to my moral decisions including politics because they are so nonreligious.

” —Armando Telles,

human development

If you would like to Ask Aunt Gertrude, send your question to askauntgertie@aol.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sometimes revolutions begin in quiet moments that go unnoticed. One such moment occured here at Palomar on March 5, on a cold afternoon in front of the student center, when we — students, faculty and administrators — stood together at a vigil underscoring the rights of our gay, lesbian and transgendered colleagues and classmates to attend Palomar without fear. As a faculty member, I always begin classes telling my students that college is a place where we come together and express ideas from a range of perspectives. “Look around,” I say. “Represented in this room are all manner of faith traditions, cultural backgrounds and sexual orientations. I have one rule: regardless of our perspectives, we will treat each other with respect and civility; this classroom must be safe for all. Make no mistake about it: Safety and freedom to pursue one’s education regardless of one’s background is not a convenience, or a privilege of the few — it is an absolute right, particularly in America, at a public institution. All must feel safe here. So on a cold day in March, students and colleagues alike came together in a moment to acknowledge that Palomar will not tolerate hate. Embracing, smiling, standing together, we said this place belongs to all of us. Who would have thought that such a simple idea requires a revolution? — Carlton Smith, professor of English GRAPHIC BY MCT CAMPUS

| FOCUS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

San Diego offers numerous opportunit San Diego Cruise Port

KARA VERMEULEN | THE TELESCOPE

The price for a cruise includes a stateroom, onboard meals, entertainment and activities. Carnival Cruise line offers both three and four day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico departing from San Diego Bay. The Carnival Cruise ship Elation has a mini-golf course, three pools, a casino, a theatre, and nightlife clubs and lounges. Offshore excursions can be made ahead of time, or you can explore the area on your own and look for deals once off board. Prices for the week of Palomar’s spring break start around $220. Visit www.carnival.com for more information.

KARA VERMEULEN | THE TELESCOPE

With over 1,200 acres of land, there is plenty to do in Balboa Park. Admittance to the park grounds is free and there are many cost friendly things to do once inside. Every Tuesday select museums offer free admission. On March 24, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Hall of Champions and the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages will all be free. A list of 25 fun and affordable things to do in Balboa Park is available at the Web site www.balboapark.org.

The Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals and has 700,000 exotic plants on 100 acres in Balboa Park. The zoo is holding Bear Bonanza Discovery Days March 19 -22, which will highlight the zoo’s panda program. Zoo keepers will be enriching exhibits by adding to or changing an animal’s environment to satisfy the animal’s needs. Zoo keepers will also be giving speeches where guests can learn more about the animals and what it is like to care for them.

Winery

KARA VERMEULEN | THE TELESCOPE

Temecula boasts over 20 wineries in the valley region that creates an exceptional microclimate for grow-

ROB BACON| THE TELESCOPE

ing grapes. Most wineries offer wine tasting starting at $10 for four wines and includes a souvenir glass. Tours through transportation companies are available which allows everyone to enjoy wine tast-

ing at various wineries without having to worry about designating a driver. Visit www.temeculawines.org for a list of wineries and tour packages.

FOCUS | 7

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ties for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;staycationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;this spring break San Elijo State Beach Carlsbad State Beach offers surfing, swimming, fishing and picnicking. The campground sits atop a bluff overlooking the ocean with stair access to the beach. San Elijo State Beach offers all of the same recreational activities as Carlsbad State Beach, but also has a nearby reef for diving and snorkeling. Campground fees start at $25 per night. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more information and to make a reservation. ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE

Wild Animal Park

ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE

The Wild Animal Park wildlife sanctuary has more than 3,500 animals on 1,800 acres outside of Escondido. On March 27 and 28, families can spend the night park as part of the Roar and Snore sleepover program. Participants will learn about conservation efforts through park tours, animal presentations, and hand on activities. One day passes for both the zoo and Wild Animal Park start at $35. Students can purchase a membership pass for $42 and have unlimited visits to both parks all year long.

ROB BACON | THE TELESCOPE

| FOCUS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

Celebrating St. Patrick’s with traditional food MAGGIE AVANTS THE TELESCOPE

BOXTY CAKES

When the Great Potato Famine of Ireland occurred during the 1840s, large numbers of Irish immigrants came to the United States, bringing their recipes as well as their national holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. Whether going to a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering or celebrating with a small group of friends, many people will probably partake of some form of Irish fare this Tuesday. For most, the first dish that comes to mind is corned beef and cabbage. However, it did not originate in Ireland, but got its notoriety in the United States when it was used as a less expensive replacement for Irish bacon, according to the Web site Irish Cultures and Customs. While it is the most common meal for St. Patrick’s Day, there are several other dishes native to Ireland that are just as yummy. SARA BURBIDGE| THE TELESCOPE Tanuya Bivin, co-owner of Kilarney’s Restaurant and Irish Guinness soup is just one example of a traditional Irish dish. Kilarney’s Restaurant and Pub, located in Temecula, serves the soup, which Pub in Temecula, said that even is made with Guiness Beer. though corned beef is the most popular choice on St. were also easy to cook in the Ireland is bangers and mash, a Patrick’s Day, there are It is a magical day It’s small peasant dwellings typical dish made with sausages and other dishes that are of Ireland during that time peri- mashed potatoes and served more typical of the Irish. a day for people of all od. with gravy. Shepherd’s pie is Boxty is a potato pancake Kilarney’s is just one of severages to get together [...] ground beef mixed with stuffed with chicken, corned al local establishments that will peas and carrots and an and celebrate the Irish beef or ground beef and topped be holding an annual St. Irish demi sauce. with a demi sauce. Patrick’s Day extravaganza on “In Ireland it is made heritage Boxty can also be served as a March 17. with lamb, but over here dessert with strawberries or Last year, the restaurant — TANUYA BIVIN other fruit, said Bivin. people don’t want to eat served over 500 plates of Irish Co-owner of Kilarney’s Restaurant and Irish Pub lamb,” Bivin said. “So we Guinness soup is another food and had an estimated 1,000 make it with ground example of a traditional Irish guests, according to Bivin. beef.” their diet by the 1780s. dish. “It is a magical day,” Bivin A common theme throughout According to ukonline.com, Kilarney’s serves the soup, said. “It’s a day for people of all Irish food is the use of potatoes, potatoes were accepted as a which is made with Guinness ages to get together, from 6 years which came to Ireland in the field crop, and were eaten by Beer. old to 80 years old, and celebrate 1600s, and became a staple of both the rich and poor. Potatoes Another prominent meal in the Irish heritage.”

“

”

• 4 large grated potatoes • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoons of flour • 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder • Butter or desired toppings Peel and grate potatoes. Add eggs, salt and flour. Blend. Stir in baking powder. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto hot greased skillet. Cook over low heat until lightly browned on underside. Turn and cook until second side is brown. Serve hot with butter or desired toppings.

SHEPHERD’S PIE • 1 onion, diced • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound minced lamb (or ground beef) • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 1 large carrot, chopped • 1 beef stock cube • 1 pound chopped tomatoes • 1 tablespoon corn flour • 3 tablespoons tomato puree • Pinch of salt and pepper • 2 pounds potatoes • 1 stick of butter Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the onion, garlic and carrot, cooking until soft. Add the meat and stock cube. Brown meat, then stir in all tomatoes, and add the corn flour. Leave to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Meanwhile, peel and chop potatoes and boil until soft, then mash them with the butter, salt and pepper. Put the meat filling into a deep dish, then top with the mashed potatoes. Broil until the top is brown and crisp. Top with melted cheese.

DIVERSIONS | 9

MONDAY, MARCH. 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Horoscopes By Linda C. Black

March 16 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 22

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

People in authority are making major changes. People who have constructive theories will have a chance to be heard. Don't just criticize what's been done in the past. Have suggestions ready about what to do next.

Make time to think things over in the privacy of your own home. Even better, do it from your hot tub, with bubbles. Luxury frees up your muse. Chocolate helps, too.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Looks like your new project isn't going to be as much fun as you'd hoped it would be. Can you wait until tomorrow? Conditions are better then. Something important will change.

They say if you do what you love, the money will follow. What they don't say is that you still have to do it well. The assumption is that you'll practice more if you're happy doing it. Prove them right.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Paying off debt and building up savings is never easy. There are lots of things you'd like to buy and money's pretty tight. If you can do it, though, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.

A surprise windfall can help you get something you want for your home. This could be money you find in an old shirt pocket, or something more. Use your imagination.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Just when you think you have your partner figured out, she or he does something unexpected. This should teach you not to make assumptions, even wellfounded ones. People can actually change.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Once you set your mind to it, you can learn just about anything. Get a few books on whatever subject you've been wondering about. Economics, for example.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Cash in your coupons. Recycle your pop bottles. Don't overlook a Your workload will be increasing soon. Be prepared. Pack a cent of rebate or discount you lunch, just in case there's no time can take. It's like pennies from to go out. And you could let the heaven. But it takes a lot of them family know you may have to to buy a sandwich. Don't waste a work overtime. thing.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Do something special tonight with a person you love. Set aside your worries for a while and just have fun. Who knows, you might even come up with a new idea that solves all your problems.

If at first you don't succeed, wait and try again. Your luck is getting better. For the next several weeks, this applies directly to making money, if that gives you any ideas.

| ENTERTAINMENT

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING Monday, March 16

Who: Skid Row What: Hard Rock Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $17.50 - $34.50 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

Monday, March 16 Who: Cute Is What We Aim For, Breathe Caroline, Meg & Dia, Every Avenue and Anarbor What: Rock / Power-Pop Rock Where: House of Blues Anaheim Cost: $16.00 - $18.00 More info: (714) 778-BLUE

Tuesday, March 17 Who: Escape The Fate w/ Black Tide, William Control and Attack Attack What: Rock/ Alternative/ Punk Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $13.50 - $15.50 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

Tuesday, March 17 Who: T.I. w/ DJ Fingaz and DJ GIGI What: Rap Where: San Diego Sports Arena Cost: $44-64 More info: www.sandiegoarena.com

Wednesday, March 18 Who: Delirious? w/ Future of Forestry What: Christian Rock Where: House of Blues Anaheim Cost: $22.50 - $25.00 More info: (714) 778-BLUE

Friday, March 20 Who: OK GO w/ IO Echo and Jaguar Love What: Rock/ Alternative Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $15.00 - $17.50 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

Saturday, March 21 Who: Pitbull w/ Dago Braves What: Hip-Hop Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $22.50-$25.50 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

Black Tide rocks despite youth

COURTESY PHOTO

Zachary Sandler (left-right), Austin Diaz, Gabriel Garcia and Steven Spence make up the Miami-based metal outfit Black Tide. The band will be playing the House of Blues on March 17.

SPENCER MEYER THE TELESCOPE

San Diego has seen its share of waves and tides, but on March 17 it will see its first Black Tide. Crashing from the oceans off the coast of Florida; metal-rock band Black Tide will be playing at the house of Blues in San Diego, in support of Escape the Fate. The band members found each other through an unusual way; their middle school. “I went to middle school with the lead singer’s brother and everything started from there,” Black Tide bassist Zachary Sandler explained. Lead singer Gabriel Garcia and his older brother, Raul Garcia, began to put together the pieces of Black Tide at the ages of 11 and 13. Following Raul’s departure, Sandler and drummer Steven Spence were soon recruited. “We played house parties growing up. Basically, wherever we could play, we did. Then we started playing local shows and things grew from there,” Sandler said of their rise toward fame. Their early backdrops consist-

ed of no more than a couple of Iron Maiden posters taped to the wall. Atlantic Records soon picked up on the band, then called Radio, and signed them to a demo deal. The following year the band was signed for real. Interscope Records added Black Tide to their label and it seemed to spark from the beginning, as they put out their first hit single, “Shockwave.” The single, which quickly climbed the Billboard charts to number 25, serves as proof that Black Tide would not be ebbing anytime soon. Playing alongside artists such as, Lamb of God and Ozzy Osbourne, they have definitely seen their share of the limelight. Although categorized in the same search column as many of these bands, there is something that sets them apart: their age. Garcia is 16, guitarist Austin Diaz is 18, Sandler is 20 and Spence is 19. With all band members under the drinking age, they have shown that talent is not measured by wrinkles.

Their age sets them apart, but “At the end of the day, it’s still that cuts both ways. rock and roll,” he said. During Ozzfest in 2007, while Regardless of how they are playing on the second stage spon- labeled, Black Tide still basks in sored by alcoholic beverage their early success with popular Jägermeister, they were kicked music critics. Rolling Stone has off the tour for not being of legal given them the shared title of drinking age. “Best Rookies of 2008.” Their I.D. cards may close some Critics aren’t the only ones.The doors, but not the door leading to band boasts 5,000 fans on a popular tour alongside All That MySpace, indicating that Back Remains and Tide is far more Av e n g e d than just a Sevenfold. show opener. Such bands Currently are not only supporting defined by how Escape the they sound but Fate on their —Zachary Sandler the words that Lead singer of Black Tide This War is follow the tune. Ours tour, they Some bands work hard to com- will continue across the Pacific pose lyrics which lead listeners in soon after to land in Japan with a certain direction, but this is not the band Trivium. the way Sandler sees it. Expanding their horizons, “Who are we to define the lis- Black Tide is planning on crashtener’s interpretation of what our ing upon more coasts than just in music means? We leave our lyrics Miami. open to interpretation and free to Giving the fans in San Diego their way of thinking,” Sandler fair warning before the Tide said. crashes on St. Patrick’s Day at the Black Tide has been described House of Blues, Sandler left the as metal by most magazines and words, “Get ready for a rock Web sites, but Sandler disagrees. show.”

“

At the end of the day, it’s still rock and roll.

”

U2 surpasses the ‘Line On The Horizon’ BRIDGET ASKELSON THE TELESCOPE

A new look, Bono’s statement eye liner, plenty of political opinions, and a five-year waiting period proved to be worth it for U2’s new hot rock album “No Line on the Horizon.” A refreshing change from the previous two commercial — and at times shallow — albums released in 2000 and 2004, “No Line on the Horizon” attempts to reconnect U2 to their rock and roll soul. Several songs are radio-friendly, but will still please longtime COURTESY PHOTO fans.The album provides an interesting mix of electronics, Adam Clayton (left), The Edge, Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. release their first new album in 5 years. melodies and undeniable rhythm. However, moments of absent the mood. Beginning with a com- day lives. The light and relaxing emotions and peculiar manding combination of beat introducing “Moment of MUSIC REVIEW style choices threatdrums and guitar it then Surrender” transforms into a balened to hurt this winaccelerates into a defin- lad on the world and the part we ning arrangement. ing rock movement. play in our own self-destruction. The album begins Effortlessness within the He sings, “playing with the fire with a mission; U2 song supports the truth till the fire play with me,” evoking wants to prove it and talent of the band; humanity’s ignorance toward the knows rock music. this is their life and they planet’s vulnerability. Brilliant tones mixed are good at it. They are U2 falls from their potential U2 with Bono’s entrancmagnificent. momentarily, halfway through ‘No Line On The ing voice creates great Forever the activist, the album and gives the impresHorizon’ moments for the Bono cannot resist the sion of an artist simply going album. temptation to rattle the through the motions. Heart is HHH OUT OF FOUR STARS The song world and point out the missing and the undeniable need “Magnificent” sets mistakes we make in our every- to prove their message to the

world fades. “Stand up to Comedy,” a song about standing up to “the man,” makes an attempt toward being controversial but fails. “Get on Your Boots” is different, to say the least. With a sound completely offbeat for the band, the identity of U2 is lost. Sadly, this song ages them. When listening, an image of a middle-aged father in leather pants and a ripped rock band t-shirt attempting to make his way through a mosh pit springs to mind. The optimistic man in Bono breaks through in the end in “Breathe.” Oozing confidence with a classic, laid-back melody and complete with beautiful keyboards and unexpected vocal style, the song talks of how to find love in this world. Although preachy at times, the lyrics portray the environment we strive to live in, with “the kind of love you can’t defeat.” Hope, rebellion, peace and desire fill your veins while listening to “No Line on the Horizon.” U2 changes our opinions on life like no other rock band today. On their 12th album, it takes determination and talent to survive the constant change of music; however, U2 has restructured its sound while retaining their true selves.

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ENTERTAINMENT | 11

‘Last House on the Left’stays true to original KARA NESVIG MCT CAMPUS

What is it about lakeside vacation homes, so picturesque with their lush forest backdrop, rustic boat houses, and Pottery Barn decor that makes them so ripe for the murdering? Wes Craven filmed the original “The Last House on the Left” in 1972 (which was a remake of Ingmar Bergman’s 1960 film “The Virgin Spring”) and revolutionized the “when vacation’s at bay, the killers will play” genre, which churns out summertime slasher films to this day. Craven isn’t at directorial helm this time around (it’s Dennis Iliadis, guided by Craven), but the film retains major elements of his vicious original. Seventeen-year-old Mari (Sara Paxton, the mermaid from “Aquamarine”) and her parents are so looking forward to a break at their secluded lake home. But good girl Mari and her annoyingly bubbly friend Paige get into a very sticky situaCOURTESY PHOTO tion involving a veritable Manson family of traveling murders led by charismatic Francis (Aaron Paul, left), Krug (Garret Dillahunt), Justin (Spencer Treat Clark) and Sadie (Riki Lindhome) knock on the Collingswoods’ door in the thriller,“The Last House on the Left.” prison escapee Krug (Garret Dillahunt). Like the Manson crew, they’ve got a sadistic Sadie (the Siamese-catalerting her parents to the garbage disposals that are better left to behind the door?), but it keeps its audiMOVIE REVIEW like Riki Lindhorne, frequently killers asleep in the guest the imagination. Plenty of blood is shed ence on edge. ‘Last House on topless) and delight in graphically house, so Dr. and Mrs. and too many bones are audibly broken. Much of this is due to Iliadis’ camera torturing their victims, be they Collingwood (Tony Goldwyn It’s also uncomfortably sexual with gratu- angles; he peers up from dark corners and the Left’ policemen or young girls. and Monica Potter) take mat- itous shots of Mari and Paige’s tortured frames his subjects in shadows to build HH When the killers leave Mari for ters (and axes) into their own teenage bodies. An incredibly disturbing tension. OUT OF FOUR STARS dead within the lake’s murky conhands. rape scene is drawn out much too long. The acting lags whenever people aren’t fines, they manage to end up as STARRING: Sara Paxton, “The Last House on the Sure, the movie is predictable (a con- being clobbered by fire pokers; Paxton is Goldwyn and Monica her parent’s stormy-night guests. Tony Left” is not for the faint of venient storm causes power outages and a wet blanket, though Monica Potter as Potter Luckily, champion swimmer Mari RATED: R heart; it’s gruesome, it’s gory, therefore, the dark house is creepily can- her mother has a lovely, expressive face manages to make her way home, there are stunts involving dlelit — and who knows who’s lurking even when she’s plotting murder.

COMET SPORTS |

MONDAY, MARCH 16 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

SPORTS ON DECK

Anti’s grand slam lifts Comets to victory

Monday, March 16 MEN’S GOLF Canyons Invitational 10 a.m. at Wood Ranch CC

Tuesday, March 17 BASEBALL Palomar vs. San Diego Mesa 2 p.m. at Palomar

Wednesday, March 18 SOFTBALL Palomar vs. Imperial Valley 1 p.m. at Imperial Valley

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Palomar vs. Golden West 7 p.m. at Golden West

GOLF Palomar vs. Orange Coast 8:30 a.m. at Santa Ana CC

Thursday, March 19 BASEBALL Palomar vs. San Diego Mesa 2 p.m. at Palomar

Friday, March 20 SOFTBALL Palomar vs San Diego City 1 p.m. at San Diego City

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL San Diego Mesa vs. Orange Coast 6 p.m. at Palomar

Saturday, March 21 SOFTBALL Palomar vs. College of the Canyons 1 p.m. at Palomar Palomar vs. College of the Canyons 3 p.m. at Palomar.

BASEBALL Palomar vs. Southwestern 2 p.m. at Palomar

For updated Comet scores, go to www.the-telescope.com.

WANT MORE SPORTS? If you can’t get enough sports from Palomar and beyond, check out sports blogger Jarred Powell at: sportswithjarred .wordpress.com

ROB BACON| THE TELESCOPE Amanda Avili slides to trip up her opponent during a home game win against Southwestern College Feb 25. The Comets improved to 4-0 in the Pacific Coast Conference. JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

Former San Diego City player Andi Anti came up big against the Knights with a grand slam as the Palomar softball team defeated San Diego City 9-3 March 5. The Comets stay in first place in the Pacific Coast Conference with a 4-0 record and 11-8 overall with the win. The San Diego City Knights fall to 9-7-1 overall and 13 in conference play. Prior to coming to Palomar, Anti spent a year at San Diego City as a redshirt freshman. Until that at bat, Anti was hitless and had left several runners in scoring position. “I treat this game as if it’s any other game,” Anti said. “I still wanted this win badly regard-

less.” Her hit couldn’t have come at a better time, because up until that grand slam, it was a close game. “This showed us that every conference game is going to be a tough one,” assistant coach Lacey Craft said. “There won’t be any nights off; we have to fight for every win.” Palomar got out to a 3-0 lead before San Diego City’s Jenna Kirksey scored early on a tworun home run by in the second inning. Palomar played good fundamental baseball and sound defense to limit any scoring chances that City would have had after that home run. “They have a lot of left-handed hitters, so we played a tight infield and short outfield,” Alex

Hutchinson said. Hutchinson went 3-for-3 on the day. San Diego City didn’t help matters for themselves by committing errors. City had one error and one misplayed ball in the fourth inning that led to a single by Becca Mussatti. Mussatti ended up scoring to put Palomar up 4-2. The Comets got into a tough situation at one point when San Diego City had the bases loaded in the top of the sixth with no one out. “I knew we would get out of that jam, I just didn’t know how we would,” Hutchinson said. The Comets pitcher Chelsea Blackman proceeded to strike out the Knights’ cleanup hitter Caitlin Aimalefoe. She then

forced another City player to hit a line drive to Anti who threw to third for a double play, which ended the inning. “I was thinking double play the whole time,” Anti said. There was an interesting pattern of events in the fifth inning when Hutchinson appeared to be out twice, but the last pitch each time was called a bad pitch. In the rule book, the last pitch is repitched. “A bad pitched is similar to a balk in baseball only a player doesn’t walk in softball, they redo the pitch,” Craft said. Anti then came and hit her grand slam in the sixth inning to break the game open. “We’re getting better,” Anti said. “We aren’t as good as we’re gonna be.”

Comets lose in straight sets to rival Grossmont SHOKO HACHIYA THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar men’s volleyball team gradually improved throughout its March 6 game against Grossmont but still lost to the Griffins 3-0. “We were just inconsistent,” said head coach Bjorn Dahl. “We were doing some good things right, but we were missing key opportunities to be able to score points.” Some players said they felt that the team was as good as Grossmont but came up on the wrong end. “We’re on the same level as Grossmont,” Palomar’s Kevin Messer said. “Grossmont was not better equipped, but they were steadier than us tonight,” Dahl said. In the first set, Grossmont was leading Palomar with 13-4. Palomar’s offense was indecisive and could not take advantage of Grossmont’s mistakes. Both teams’ scores were tied

up, but the Comets had a moment when they were indecisive from a lack of communication, and Grossmont did not let the opportunity go. Grossmont won the second set 30-28. Dahl acknowledged the team’s lack of communication. Eric Bruhn, a middle blocker, performed strongly on both offense and defense. He scored three points in a row with two spikes and one block and contributed to lead Palomar at one point. Eric said that overall, he thought his teammates were working and coming together as a team. Palomar’s game wasn’t always lacking in teamwork. Chris Lockwood, an outside hitter, and Berry’s two blocks stopped a Grossmont spike and tied the score 27-27 in the third set. Messer, who performed excellent defense throughout the game and often saved Palomar spikes, ROB BACON| THE TELESCOPE said the team’s bonding is the key to be able to win future games. Palomar's Dylan Vessall (14) spikes the ball in a home game against Grossment on March 6.