The Telescope 62.18 by The Telescope

NEWS | 3

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Cheating doesn’t pay BRIDGET ASKELSON THE TELESCOPE

If you are caught cheating it will result in an ‘F’ on the assignment or test and a possible failing grade for the course. This statement is seen on nearly every syllabus a Palomar student receives on the first day of classes. Cheating is wrong. Plagiarism is a crime. Since kindergarten students are taught that cheaters will be punished, but who determines what the punishment is? Palomar’s Faculty Senate and the Palomar’s Code of Conduct believe it is the professor’s decision. However, Palomar’s Chancellor Office staff expressed doubts about that role. Palomar’s current academic dispolicy honesty states that each individual professor has the ability to determine what the punishment for a cheating student should be. They have the power to give students a failing grade for the specific assignment, or can fail the student for the entire class. Some students think failing the course is too extreme. “Why would you get failed for the entire class for just one assignment?” Jackie Puccino, a second-semester Palomar student said. She believes in the teachers’ right to determine the punishment as long as the student doesn’t fail the course. The Chancellor’s Office agrees. In September 2008, the Faculty Senate discussed the issue. Palomar’s Chancellor Office had overlooked the college’s academic dishonesty policy and found areas of concern. The senate members questioned the legality of the plan and sent it to their in-house legal council. After the council had reviewed it, they found the plan illegal. Their concerns were addressed at the Faculty Senate meeting in September. Bruce Bishop, a member of the

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Faculty Senate, said the Senate issued a statement regarding their dishonesty plan at a meeting a few weeks ago. Although the senate members respected and appreciated the concern of the Chancellor’s Office and their legal council, they stand by their previous position and remain content in keeping the responsibility of a student’s punishment with the professors. Lydon Miniter, who is currently taking Palomar’s extended education classes for his job with the Valley Center water district, said he believes that the Senate is right. “You learn a good lesson,” Miniter said. He believes that if you cheat on something as large as an essay or a test and receive a failing grade on it then it will be difficult to pass the class regardless. “Why not learn the ultimate Do not lesson? — LYDON MINITER cheat.” Palomar Student Some students remain torn by the plans. Student Rachel Lutz said she thinks her teachers do a good job of administering their policies at the beginning of the semester. Her professors laid out their plan, regarding cheating and what is acceptable and not, during the first week and said she thinks that as long as the punishment is reasonable, the professors should maintain their control. Although the policy’s fate remains undetermined, one aspect has changed. A computer device called The Turnitin program, which has been used for years by teachers through Blackboard, has been replaced a less expensive system called Safe Assign. . Both allow professors to check if any information within their students’ essays or assignments were plagiarized. This gives students another incentive for students to properly cite their quotes and information. Although the decision on the proper punishment is uncertain, one fact remains true, cheating gets you no where.

Why not learn the ultimate lesson? Do not cheat.

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SARA BURBIDGE| THE TELESCOPE

Instructor Paul Palika gives rider Juan Flores tips on emergency breaking during the Advanced RiderCourse.

MOTORCYCLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The company provides upwards of 40 bikes for student use during the Basic RiderCourse because most students do not yet own a bike. “We do our best to make sure they are maintained safely but they aren’t pretty,” Tyra said. Helmets are also required and provided by the company. It takes many steps to prepare the best course offered in North County, she said. The handbook used for classroom instruction and skills training were developed by the MSF. Tyra’s fiance is a coach for Decart, as well as being employed with the MSF. He helps ensure quality control standards are met. Jon Hal, the site manger, has worked for the course since before Decart took over five years ago. Hal said he ensures all staff are coached and provide good teaching quality. He has been riding for 27 years and is local to the area. The students in both the Basic and Experienced RiderCourses include returning riders who either rode when younger and come for retraining, military personnel or people who wish to gain advanced skills. We “always encourage our students lifelong learning because there is always something you can do to improve, it takes constant practice to be good,” Tyra said. In the Experienced RiderCourse a black Harley pulls up for an emergency stop, the rider wears a leather jacket and one could guess he is a U.S. Marine by his haircut and neat appearance. Juan Flores said he learned to ride through the Basic RiderCourse about a year and a half ago and although riders are encouraged to ride a smaller bike he went for the Harley. “Like everything else, you have to respect it,” Flores said. It is required by the military to keep his rider skills up and he won’t have to re-up his training for another three years after this course. Another rider, Don Ramer, 66, said he took the Experience RiderCourse because it’s “practice that I would not normally do.” Experienced RidersCourse The includes five hours of on-cycle practice. Students use their own bike to practice advanced braking, cornering, swerving,

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understanding correct motorcycle techniques, and motorcycle handling. “I’m not sure I would classify this as enjoyment but it is certainly good experience,” Ramer said. Ramer has been riding for a few years, he said it was never his intention to buy a motorcycle, he just wanted to rent a loud Harley, ride it to his daughter’s house and “rattle the neighborhood.” But he changed his mind. Ramer bought his Yamaha about three months after he took the Basic RiderCourse. Ramer said he took the Experience RiderCourse because it’s “practice that I would not normally do.” In the beginning course, student Katrina O’Donnell completes her first five hours of the on-cycle portion. As she gets off the motorcycle, she is smiling and appears satisfied. She runs her hand through her damp hair and wipes her forehead with her sleeved arm. O’Donnell said until now, she has always been a passenger on street bikes. She added that she had very little experience but thinks the course is “really fun.” She was “really apprehensive at first on the motorcycle” because it seemed like it could easily fall over, but she said she feels more confident now. Part of that confidence comes from the in-class education, she added. “The classroom instruction was really good,” O’Donnell said. “They got everyone involved, reading paragraphs, it was not so drone-like, (it was) more interactive.” At home she has a 250 Kawasaki Ninja that she can — JUAN FLORES now legally drive Palomar Student on the streets. Tyra said there are a fair number of Palomar students who hear about the Community through course Development. After registering for the course students usually wait two to three weeks to get in. Each class is capped at a small number of students for specialized attention and there are more classes offered in the spring and summer. The Basic RiderCourse costs $250 or $150 for riders under 21.The Experienced RiderCourse is $125. Classroom instruction is in the evening during the week and range riding times are scheduled on the weekend. To learn more visit decartmoto.com or call (760) 744-1150, ext. 2702.

Like everything else, you have to respect it.

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| OPINION

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

OUR VIEWPOINT

Chase that alcohol with some responsibility Last weekend, two San Diego residents, aged 19 and 21 left a small party after drinking earlier that night. The two were pulled over for going 80 mph in a 25 mph zone. The officer let them off with a warning. Later that night, both were killed in a car accident. Each year, more than 100,000 Americans die of alcohol-related causes. That means that about every 10 days, just as many people die from alcohol-related causes as those that died in the Sept. 11 attacks. Approximately 80 percent of American college students consume alcohol on a regular basis, according to an article from Villanova University. Core Institute, an organization that surveys college drinking habits, reports that 300,000 of today’s college students will ultimately die from alcohol-related causes. College students, who have goals of a successful career and prosperous future, expect to gain respect in this fast-paced world. Yet we continue to make irrational and immature decisions as each weekend rolls around. Everyone at that party can find a reason to blame themselves. On one hand, it was just an accident — the crash was something that was completely out of everyone else’s control. Nobody but the person in the driver’s seat actually made the decision to drive that night. On the other hand, today’s young adults need to toughen up and start taking some responsibility for their actions. We are in control of our future. It’s not about alcohol abuse, it’s a matter of maturity and the ability to make conscientious decisions. College students gain an enormous degree of freedom when they leave home. When they’re ready to spread their wings, they need to be willing to undertake the accountability that it takes to be independent. The driver and the passenger in that car had a family. They left behind a mother, a girlfriend, a brother, friends and everyone they had somehow affected during their lives. They never had a chance to experience the life they deserved. Was that drink really worth it? We always think that something like this could happen to someone else. What we don’t factor into that logic is that to everybody else, we are just another somebody else. The numbers are certainly not on our side, and we are not invincible. It’s not hard to think twice about whether or not you should take that extra drink, or go on that joyride. When your life is at stake, the right choice should be as clear as the vodka that’s clouded so many students’ judgment. Higher education should have higher standards.

MONDAY APRIL 13, 2009

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Maybe it’s time to build an ark MARK NOTARIAN THE TELESCOPE

Perspective is everything. Sacramento has a perception of reality that anywhere else on the planet would be pure absurdity. The governor signed a new budget Feb. 25 to address California’s enormous budget deficit. However, they did nothing to address the causes of the deficit. Instead, they decided the answer was to raise revenue by increasing taxes and fees. Before you nod off and turn to the sports page, consider the effect this will have on you. For every dollar you spend, 20 cents will go toward the state government. If you buy $500 worth of textbooks at the bookstore, add an additional $50 in sales tax. California’s state income taxes — already the highest in the nation — are going up an average of $1,200 a year. The state promised not to raise tuitions at colleges and universities, however, since the budget has been signed the state has announced that its projections were overly optimistic: Costs are likely to increase by 10 percent in the fall, and another 10 percent next spring. If you own a car, look forward to a doubling of registration fees. The cherry on the cake is, if you vote for Proposition 1A in the special election, you get all these things for an extra two years. The reason for this approach is a legislature firmly in the pocket of the state’s employee unions. The number of state employees has doubled since 2002 but instead of cutting state jobs the legislature bows to their masters and hands us the bill. To make this situation even worse the real unemployment figures in California, if you count those who

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 18

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.

no longer have unemployment benefits, is nearing 20 percent. You will literally be competing against people with master’s degrees as you apply for that job at Dollar Tree this summer. California not only has the highest taxes and fees in the country, it also has the most unfriendly business environment in the western United States. like Ultra Companies Couchbuilder, a Corona-based company that employs close to 200 people, will be leaving California for Nevada because the new environmental and global warming regulations make it economically prohibitive to stay. Ultra’s story is not unusual. Can we afford to be ecologically trendy when one in five

POLLING PALOMAR

Californians are out of work? If California went totally carbonneutral tomorrow it would amount to one-tenth of one percent of global carbon emissions. It’s not worth it. When God wanted a “do over” he flooded the world so he could start over. It is time that we as Californians demand the flood option. Vote no on Prop 1A and force the state to go bankrupt. This would mean renegotiations of all state employee contracts — an audit of the $55 billion state education budget to see where that money actually goes. The California Bond rating would go down, but their rating is already bad. If we can get our fiscal house in order those rating would eventually go up.

What should Palomar’s policy be on smoking? • • • •

Let the smokers smoke Designated smoking areas Smoking allowed only in the parking lots No smoking on campus Results from last poll (as of April 8)

To participate in polls, go to www.the-telescope.com.

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6 | OPINION

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

The ‘sexting’ overkill PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER MCT CAMPUS

Any district attorney who said he wanted to pursue one out of every five teenagers on felony child pornography charges would be laughed out of the courthouse — then booted from office by voters at the next election. But that’s the implication of the disturbing crackdowns by prosecutors in upstate Pennsylvania, North Jersey, and other communities over teens’ immature practice of circulating racy photos of themselves by cell phone message and online. Fully one-fifth of teenagers and a third of young adults in their early 20s have told pollsters that they have sent sexually suggestive text messages — so-called sexting — or posted nude or seminude photos of themselves on the Web. Prosecutors like Wyoming County District Attorney George Skumanick Jr. say criminal charges against these teens is the best way to send a message on the

dangers of children baring themselves in cyberspace. Perhaps, but they are on a fool’s errand. Criminal charges for this brand of adolescent stupidity are the equivalent of going nuclear. Convict a teen under child porn laws and he or she will be branded as a sex offender, forced to register under Megan’s Law-style statutes, and basically scarred for life. Trying to make an example of a few kids also ignores that these are teens and that this practice apparently is more widespread than jaywalking. Trying to stamp it out isn’t something for law enforcement officers, but better left to parents and school counselors. Just think back to an earlier generation’s opposition to that sexy rock ‘n’ roll. Prosecutorial discretion is what’s needed here, along with common sense, and a good talking-to for teens and parental supervision of kids’ use of phones and the Web.Above all, it’s time to remember who the adults are in the room.

Killer gets royal welcome

GRAPHIC BY MCT CAMPUS

JOEL BRINKLEY MCT CAMPUS

The beginning of a positive U.S.-India relationship

GRAPHIC BY MCT CAMPUS

JOHN C. BERSIA MCT CAMPUS

The future of the United States and India, in broad terms, beckons largely from the same direction. Thus, it was encouraging to learn that a substantive meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India in London recently went well. Obama called India a critical partner, and Singh described the president as a visionary who has given hope to oppressed people around the world. Could we be witnessing the cementing of a new lynchpin relationship? The foundation is solid. New Delhi's move to open its economy in the early 1990s placed it on a path not only toward economic success but to a much-improved friendship with the United States. Already, the two were considerably in sync because of their democratic orientations. In addition, New Delhi poses none of the threats to the United States that can emanate from rising powers. It is pursuing a primarily economic agenda, although it can be expected to amass more political clout as time unfolds. India deserves a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. The global economy provided the main context for the ObamaSingh meeting. Their commitment to guard against protectionism was an exceedingly important outcome. Once the two nations move beyond the recession there is reason for optimism. India has a

young, well-educated population, along with strong creative sectors such as information technology and software, that will help lead the world back to prosperity. The violent, transnational, ideological, revolutionary forces that threaten our way of life have left multiple scars on both countries, including America's 9-11 and India's 26-11 — last year's attacks in Mumbai. Long before the present wave of terrorist atrocities, though, India had accumulated substantial experience in dealing with such behavior. Its expanded participation in counter-terrorism efforts will boost the Obama administration's diplomacy-development-defense strategy to uproot extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also help to confront the scourge in other parts of the world. Joint U.S.India efforts will hasten the day when the modern spate of terrorism ebbs. Just about everyone understands the significance of the climate change problem; now the awareness must build to additional levels. We must prepare for other consequences, including forced migration and escalating political tensions. The United States and India can make a substantial, positive impact through consistent leadership, scientific cooperation and an unerring commitment to diminishing the impact of this world-changing phenomenon. Formidable tasks? Yes, but I believe that the team of America and India is up for the challenge.

The Arab world has a new jetset traveler, hopping from place to place on his presidential plane — five nations in just the last week. But this itinerant potentate is different from most. He's an indicted war criminal who is subject to immediate arrest anyplace he lands. But so far he is still free man. In fact his hosts, in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, Egypt and Eritrea have laid down red carpets and greeted him with kisses on both cheeks. This traveler is none other than Omar al-Bashir, president of Sudan. A man, the International Criminal Court says, who has the blood of 300,000 Darfurians on his hands. The court issued an arrest warrant on March 4 — executable, in theory, anyplace in the world. Most people across of the globe have reason to reprove the leaders of the Arab world. For many, it's their role in founding OPEC, the cartel of oil-producing states that tries to fix the prices everyone pays at the gas pump so that Arab dictators can further enrich themselves. Many others view it as the seat of Islamic terrorism. The list could go on — and, to be fair, Arab leaders have justifiable grievances of their own. But I would argue that their performance last week — welcoming a man guilty of genocide, excusing and explaining away his crimes, blaming the West for his deviltry, embracing one of the world's most loathsome individuals — should hold Arab leaders up for contempt by everyone. For six years, Bashir has system-

atically manipulated Western leaders who have come to talk to him about the continuing death and destruction in Darfur — telling each president and foreign minister who climbed the steps to his lair that he was trying to end the violence. In each and every case, he was lying. One sterling example came four years ago, when thenSecretary of State Condoleezza Rice stopped by Khartoum to ask Bashir, once again, to stop the killing. The morning she arrived came the published report that Bashir was still paying the militiamen who were responsible for the carnage in Darfur. So when Rice's party arrived at Bashir's office, his guards beat up members of her staff and the reporters accompanying her.When everyone finally made it inside, bruised and aghast, a TV reporter asked Bashir about that published report. Two of his guards dragged her out of the room, kicking and screaming. Bashir sat quietly and watched. I saw this. I was there. Does this man sound like someone worthy of respect? Well, last week the emir of Qatar laid down a red carpet for Bashir, who was coming to Doha for an Arab summit — his first venture out of Sudan since the court issued its arrest warrant. After Bashir stepped from his plane, the emir kissed him on the cheek. And when he arrived at the summit meeting, his colleagues embraced him. Amr Moussa, secretary-general of the Arab League, told the accused that the league's member states would “continue our efforts to halt the implementation of the warrant.”

Then came exclamations of the Arab world's old chestnut, their doctrine of moral equivalency. How could the West indict Bashir and do nothing about Israel’s “war crimes” in the West Bank and Gaza? Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, put it this way: “We can discuss” Bashir’s indictment “after they bring those who committed the atrocities and massacres in Palestine, Lebanon and Iraq to the court, implicated for the same crimes.” But then, turn that old trope on its head, and its asks a different question: How can these Arab leaders complain that no one is prosecuting Israel for its actions in Gaza — while explaining away the prosecution of one of their own? Undeterred by that embarrassing bit of hypocrisy, the summiteers issued a statement at the meeting’s end declaring “our solidarity with Sudan and our rejection of the International Criminal Court’s measure against his excellency.” Legally, the states Bashir has visited thus far are not required to arrest him; they are not members of the court. And, I suppose, if these Bashir supporters work at it, perhaps they can convince themselves that no positive public proof exists linking Bashir to the slaughter in Darfur. (Presumably that evidence would come out in court.) But Bashir did put his name, in bold letters, on his latest lethal act — evicting 16 international aid agencies from Darfur, where they had been sustaining more than 2 million refugees. Already some refugees are dying. How do you explain that away?

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NEWS | 7

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

CARLOS VON SON| COURTESY PHOTO Students, faculty and community members participate in a candlelight vigil to commemorate the struggles of immigrants and to express hope in more humane policies.

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affected by adversely immigration. The United Students for the D.R.E.A.M. Act (USDA) also sent around petitions to make Cesar Chavez Day a national holiday. While a majority of those involved were of Latino heritage there were also partici-

pants from other backgrounds who stayed the night alongside their Latino classmates as a symbol of solidarity. A group of the supporters call themselves AB540s after the exemption code for nonresidents trying to go to college. “[We want to] reach out to AB540s and other undocumented students,” M.E.Ch.A. secretary Marisa MacDowell said. “Many of my best friends are undocumented students

and every day I fear something will happen to someone I know.” Enrique Morones, founder of Border Angels, expressed his distaste for how immigration has been handled in the United States. “Society is judged by how we treat our children,” Morones said. “What we’re doing right now with raids, taking kids out of school and separating families is absolutely wrong.” Border Angels is a non-profit

organization that works to help immigrants from Latino countries that fights for humane treatment of everyone, including illegals immigrants. Morones has spent the past four years traveling across the country, conducting demonstrations and holding fasts to bring attention to the struggles of Latino immigrants and to support immigration reform. Despite the tragedy surrounding immigration, Morones said he is hopeful

because of all the support he has received. “It’s a step in the right direction,” he said. “Of the volunteers we have working for Border Angles, 90 percent of them are students. Many of those students are in [bad] situations.” At the end, participants were thanked and Costco donated food for them to end their fast. Both the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 and the D.R.E.A.M. Act are slated to be up for congressional vote sometime this year. The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 would have granted legal status to about 12 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. The D.R.E.A.M. Act is a way to provide undocumented immigrant youth in the United States a pathway to citizenship with conditional residency. As long as they graduate from high school or get a general education diploma, attend a twoyear college or join the military and have no criminal record, an immigrant’s path to residency is just about guaranteed. According the Web site Dreamact.info, about 2.6 million students graduate from high school with the opportunity to decide whether they will continue their education or go to the military. But for 65,000 students who have been dubbed undocumented immigrants, they don’t get that choice under the current law.

FOCUS | 9

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Gay community finds few resources in North County by the numbers SPENCER MEYER THE TELESCOPE

The walls of a large auditorium are draped with pictures of past gay rights activists, such as Harvey Milk, with his words, “Hope Will Never Be Silent.” It’s décor is meant to encapsulate the vision that is transcendent in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The Center, which contains the auditorium, is located on 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. Equipped with 500 volunteers, psychological and health services, a library full of LGBT literature, a computer lab and other services, The Center has the tools to serve a whole county. With Palomar College being approximately 35 miles away,The Center is not the most accessible option for a student looking for LGBT resources, but is currently the closest establishment Previously,The Center had a building in North County, but closed it due to a lack of funding and volunteers. “There really are no available services in the North County for gay individuals like myself, so I turn to keeping it bottled up inside myself,” said a Palomar sophomore who wished to remain anonymous due to potential targeting by other students because of his sexuality. But there are resources available for Palomar students. HealthyPlace, an online medical resource journal, states that homosexual teenagers are three times more likely to commit suicide than heterosexual teenagers. With a lack of resources in the North County, LGBT teens are at a greater risk. Anthony Lupian, coordinator of the The Center’s Youth Community Center, suggested teens communicate with him and other LGBT teens on his myspace, w w w . m y s p a c e . c o m / hycsd. If they are unable to visit The Center themselves, they can resort to the Internet resource. As the organizer of the Web site, Lupian said that he is constantly giving advice to members and friends on the site. Lupian, who grew up in San Diego, explained that he has firsthand experience dealing with society as a homosexual teen. "In the past, I have seen LGBT teens who bottle up their emotions about their sexuality,” Lupian said. “The ones who do this have usually seemed more down or depressed about other things in their life than the ones who embraced it." He said teens can feel comforted on the MySpace site as he does extensive, informal pre-screening before friends are added on the Web site.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Network conducted a survey of 904 gay and lesbian high school students to find out what they had experienced.

95% report hearing homophobic remarks in school. How often? Very often (79%) Often (15%) Sometimes (5%) Rarely (1%) Never (1%)

One in five have been so concerned for their safety that they had to be absent from school. No absence (69%) 1 day (11%) 2–3 days (11%) 6+ days (6%) 4–5 days (3%) SCOTT S. HAMRICK

| MCT CAMPUS

Susan Wheeler is hugged by her daughter Elizabeth Wheeler,18, both of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, as she holds a photograph of her son Jim Wheeler, is featured in a documentary "Jim in Bold" about gay youth. Jim Wheeler committed suicide in 1997. Lupian said that many LGBT students in San Diego have experienced harassment by teachers and classmates. “Gay students at Palomar are not treated as fairly as say, Hillcrest,” gay Palomar freshman Jesus Perea said. “I have

received awkward stares from peers and staff members, simply just by wearing certain clothes and even styling my hair a certain way.” Students like Perea have a positive outlet for this discrimination, with the assistance of the newly established Palomar Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). This latest installment is an attempt to bring the comfort and equality closer to Palomar College is becoming a reality. On a BBC special report about students “coming out” in school, a student wanted

“

There really are no available resources [...] for gay individuals like myself, so I turn to keeping it bottled up inside myself.

”

— Anonymous Palomar student

to tell other LGBT students that the easiest way to adapt to their perfectly normal sexuality is through communication. Whether it is The Center in Hillcrest, an online resource such as MySpace or the local resource of Palomar’s GSA, students have available resources to help them become comfortable with the thought of being homosexual. Support is available for those contemplating suicide. Lupian said it best, when speaking of his own resource center for someone in need of a friendly listener, by putting it in a metaphor: “We are like a rock, very solid and will always be there. Whether or not you use it, we will always be there.”

Almost half have been physically harassed in the past year. Never (69%) Rarely (15%) Sometimes (12%) Very Often (9%) Often (6%)

Where to go

Source: Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education’s 2991 National School Climate Survey of 904 gay and lesbian students.

Many people and organizations are ready to help gay and lesbian students who need it. Here’s some of their info:

•The Hillcrest Youth Center 3909 Centre St, San Diego 92103 myspace.com/hycsd www.thecentersd.org Phone: (619) 497-2920 •Palomar’s GSA palomargsa@yahoo.com

NEWS | 11

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Palomar offers women classes in rape defense GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

ROB BACON| THE TELESCOPE Teresa Schultz practices with her instructor, Master Gary Amen, who is playing the role of an attacker in this photo. On Palomar Campus, instruction in rape defense is available from Officer Monika Forest.

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

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

The Rape Aggression Defense program is a self-defense class that teaches women how to be aware and to reduce the risk of being a victim with basic, hands-on defense. The class was started at Palomar in 2006 and is taught by Campus Police Officer Monika Forest. “I’d always wanted to teach self defense for women because I did feel that there’s a need for it in our society,” Forest said. “Most women are not taught basic self-defense. So this is something I intended to do from the very beginning when I was hired here.” Palomar student Cindy Accurso understands the necessity of being able to defend herself. “My daughter was a victim of child molestation. It was my ex-husband and I wanted to be able to stand up and be able to say no,” she said. Despite the serious subject matter, the class has a relaxed feel. During warm ups, breaks and throughout the class, the women discuss their experiences and how they used the techniques they learn in real life. Accurso used her defensive skills to look out for her family at Disneyland. While Accurso waited in line for the Snow White ride, a man in front of her seemed very agitated as he tried to get his family in line. “My son accidentally bumped him and he gave my son this look like, ‘Don’t mess with me, kid,’ and I grabbed my son by the shoulder and pulled him back and my son was looking at me and didn’t question it. He just knew mom knows what she’s doing,” Accurso said. “And I took my protective stance against this guy and I gave him this look like, you know, ‘Come on! Don’t mess with me and my son.’ He knew he couldn’t mess with me because he assessed the situation that I wasn’t going to take it and I attribute it to this class,” she said. “Normally, I would have stepped out of line and gone to a different ride. I would have avoided the situation instead of being able to face it. (Now) my no means no. ‘Get back’ means ‘get back,’” Accurso said. The first day of class the women get a binder that Forest signs making it so they can attend any class in the program anywhere in the country. The next batch of classes will be offered in September on Saturdays, three hours each. The first class consists of lectures on how to avoid dangerous situations like checking your car before you get in it, where to stand in an elevator or sit on a bus. Most parking lots don’t have security so the are the most dangerous places to be, especially during Christmas time. Tiffany, who declined to use her last name, described some cautionary tricks she learned before taking the class.

FACULTY

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salaries and benefits, said Rocco Versaci, the lead negotiator for the union. Members would especially like to see changes in regards to part-time faculty. Additionally, the union would like to clear up some ambiguities in the contract by cleaning up the language, he said. So far, the two groups have agreed on ground rules for the negotiation process, including what each party’s responsibility is and what the contract language will be. Both groups have a team of about five negotiators, Versaci said. John Tartarolo, who is head of the Human Resources Services Office, serves as the lead negotiator for the board. The board will tell the federation what parts of the contract it would like to negotiate at its April board meeting. A month later, a public hearing will be held so the public can weigh in on the contract negotiations. Palomar student Joey Hosford said that trying to increase salaries at this point in time would be saying “taxpayers give me more money.” Another student felt that professors

“I carry pepper spray on my keychain. I always check my car out before getting in,” she said, explaining that she once found her car with the tires slashed and has been more wary ever since. “So I check out my car. But there are a lot of other things where it’s really like common sense but you don’t think about it and it has to be pointed out to you,” Tiffany said. “It’s a really small class, and from talking it seems like at least half the class has had some type of situation, and unfortunately I think that makes you more aware of having to need to defend yourselves,” Tiffany said. The class teaches that body language speaks louder than words, but using the warnings “no” and “get back” help get the point across. They regularly review stances and blocking and stress the importance of being able to get out of situations. The main point is to get to the closest exit. Most of the women said they felt more confident after taking the class. “I think I’ve gained confidence, not just in my own physical presence, but I think that confidence is an element of growth where you can do anything,” student Claudia Foster said. “One of the key steps to this type of defense is the art of surprise. Surprise the attacker the first time and get out of there,” Forest said. She said not to stick around and try to battle them head-on because they could be a martial artist and the victim may have no chance against them. The class also teaches that it’s good to have a dozen defenses in your arsenal even if you only use one. Tiffany said a friend believed she didn’t need the class, because nothing had happened to her friend and she didn’t think anything ever would. “It seems that women that have had something happen to them are more aware of a need for this class than women that haven’t,” she said. Foster added,“(I’ve) gained confidence, face the possibilities of my greatest fears, and the knowledge that I’m far stronger than I ever might have thought I am.” Foster said she felt that the natural tendency of humans is to protect themselves against harm and to protect their loved ones. But that instinct goes against what society teaches women about being gentle, kind and passive. She said this class helped her get beyond cultural norms and empower and protect herself. “Sometimes society or Hollywood or fearful parents that might have engrained in us that we’re helpless — when in fact the natural tendencies (are) that we’re not helpless at all,” Foster said. “I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to take this class.” For more information, email mforest@palomar.edu. should be rewarded for good work. “If a teacher is doing well . . . and the students are getting good grades because of the teacher’s help, then they should get a raise,” said student Jessica Austin, adding that with the recession, this may not be the best time for a teacher to ask for better pay. However, the board should be rewarding good teachers, “if there is the means,” she said. Another student, Zach Laliberte, had an idea for a way teachers who are not making enough to support themselves could be helped if there is no extra money available. He said high-level employees could take a pay cut to help the lower-level employees. “It’s an honorable thing to make the sacrifice of lowering your salary so other can survive . . . but these people may have families they have to provide for.” Whatever agreements the union and the board come to, negotiations could take months to finish, Lienhart said. Negotiations are not locked in, explained Versaci. Either side could bring up a topic not previously discussed earlier in the negotiation process. Budget changes will slow negotiations regarding money, Versaci added. However, he was hopeful that negotiations could be finished relatively soon.

| ENTERTAINMENT

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING Monday,April 13

Who: Aterciopelados w/ Alex Cuba What: Latin pop/Rock Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $20.50 - $42.50 More info: (619) 299-BLUE

Tuesday,April 14 Who: Jenny Lewis w/ Dawes What: Indie/Folk Where: Belly Up Tavern Cost: $18.00 - $20.00 More info: (858)481-8140

Friday,April 17 Who: Avenged Sevenfold w/ Buckcherry, Atreyu and Rev Theory What: Rock/ Alternative/ Punk Where: San Diego Sports Arena Cost: $13.50 - $15.50 More info: (619) 224-4171

Friday,April 17 Who: Flight To Athena w/ Children Of Nova, The Haven, Sound Of Surrender, The Sequence, Five More Days What: Rock/ Alternative/ Punk Where: Soma Cost: $8.00 More info: www.somasd.com

Friday,April 17 Who: Calexico w/ Bartender’s Bible What: Alternative/Country Where: Belly Up Tavern Cost: $18-$20 More info: (858)481-8140

Saturday,April 18 Who: Murder On The Dance Floor w/ The 25th Hour, Seconds From Disaster, Aphotic Murder, Pink Sock, Eighth Round What: Rock/Alternative Where: Soma Cost: $8 More info: www.somasd.com

Sunday,April 19 Who: Kottonmouth Kings w/ OPM and Sen Dog What: Hip-Hop/Punk Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $22.50-$45 More info: www.sandiegoarena.com

‘Fast’ rises above its predecessors

COURTESY PHOTO

Paul Walker (left) and Vin Diesel reprise their roles as Brian O’Conner and Dominic Toretto in the latest addition to the “Fast and the Furious” franchise.“Fast” is set between the second and third film.

JARRED POWELL THE TELESCOPE

The fourth installment of “The Fast and the Furious,” dubbed simply “Fast and Furious,” is the best it has been since the origin of the franchise in 2002. The movie starts out from different scene locations around the world and ends up in the United States. It goes from the Dominican Republic to the United States and back to Panama City. Most of the original cast members star in this movie. The plot of this movie surrounds Dominic Toretto’s longtime girlfriend Letty Ortiz, played by Michelle Rodriguez.

Ortiz is murdered by Fenix Rise (Laz Alonso), a hit man for Campos (John Ortiz), a Mexican drug kingpin. Toretto is informed of the murder by his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster) while he is in Panama City, Panama. Even though he knows the federal government wants him, Toretto goes back to the United States to find his girlfriend’s killer is and to avenge her death. Unbeknown to Toretto, former friend Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) is also on the path to the killer, but it’s from a different angle. O’Connor is working for the FBI once again. “Fast and Furious” pulls a complete 360 from the direction of the other sequels in the fran-

chise and goes back to its roots. actors that perform in sequels. From the same house, charac- Its as if there characters never ters and streets, everything ties miss a beat. Walker plays a cop who doesn’t know what side of back to the original. The biggest things that were the fence he’s on and Diesel is a missing from the other two methodical street hustler with a sequels were the cars. Japanese code. An honor amongst thieves skylines are great, as well as lit- so to speak. The stunts performed were also tle Mitsubishi’s, but amazing, almost too nothing beats an old MOVIE REVIEW good to be true. American muscle car. ‘Fast and Furious’ Good action, nice “It felt like seeing fast heavy cars, excelan old friend that I HHHH OUT OF FOUR STARS lent driving and acthaven’t seen in a long ing equal a great time” Diesel said in a Vin Diesel, Paul movie. After the first recent interview about STARRING: Walker, Jordana Brewster weekend of at the box getting behind the office, it was first and wheel of a Ford again. RATED: PG-13 pulled in $71 million. The acting the charThe most the series acters do is very has pulled in since believable. Diesel and Walker display a consistency the first movie, which is a good that is very uncommon among sign.

New Rascal Flatts album sticks to successful formula GLENN GAMBOA MCT CAMPUS

Rascal Flatts is a multiplatinum success because like WalMart, Applebee’s and the Gap it is overwhelmingly predictable. Fans know exactly what to expect. A Rascal Flatts ballad, no matter who writes it, will almost always feature soft, aching country verses, big, MUSIC REVIEW anthem-like choruses that show off Gary L e Vo x ’s poignant and vocals flecks of rock guitar and pop Rascal Flatts harmony. ‘Unstoppable’ That goes “What for HHH OUT OF FOUR STARS Hurts the Most” and “Take Me There” and pretty much all of “Unstoppable” (Lyric Street), which is not necessarily a bad thing. The trio soars using that triedand-true formula on the working man’s pep talk “Things That Matter,” which will grow into one of the most powerful songs in the band’s catalog.

COURTESY PHOTO

Rascal Flatts released its sixth album,“Unstoppable,” April 7. The band is made up of Gary LeVox (left), Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus.

of title track The “Unstoppable” also is remarkably strong, building on the U2meets-country sound they have dabbled with. And the single “Here Comes Goodbye” blends bits of their recent successes to create a new one. While Rascal Flatts used to try out different styles on its albums,

the band seems to be homing in on a singular sound. Why fix what isn’t broken, right? Unfortunately, applying the same dynamics to lesser songs only makes their deficiencies more obvious, leading to LeVox’s misplaced repetitive concern of “It wasn’t long enough” on

“Forever” and some awkward phrasing on “Once,” co-written by “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi. When Rascal Flatts fires on all cylinders, “Unstoppable” really does live up to its name, but it also shows the trio can occasionally stop themselves.

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

ENTERTAINMENT | 13

‘Observe and Report’ fails to impress CHRISTOPHER KELLY MCT CAMPUS

Aggressively mean and even more aggressively stupid, director Jody Hill’s “Observe and Report” is bound to become a cult classic for a certain type of moviegoer, the kind who enjoys a side dish of nihilism with his popcorn. Set mostly at a suburban shopping mall where a flasher is terrorizing female shoppers and employees and where one very aggressive security guard is trying to prove his masculinity. The movie humiliates its actors, mocks overweight and substance-addicted people, and punctuates the comic sets pieces with bursts of graphic violence. It strains so hard to be hipper-than-thou an R-rated, “cutting edge” comedy that refuses to play by any ordinary rules that it forgets entirely about the non-hipsters in the crowd. Seth Rogen plays Ronnie Barnhardt, a 20-something still living at home with his drunken mom (the wonderful Celia Weston, who deserves much better) and harboring a serious crush on the makeup counter girl Brandi (Anna Faris). When the pasty-skinned, overCOURTESY PHOTO weight flasher in a trench coat begins making his presence felt, Ronnie sees an opportunity: Not Anna Faris (left) stars as Brandi, the object of unstable mall cop, Ronnie Barnhardt’s (Seth Rogan) affection in the raunchy new film from Warner Brothers,“Observe and Report.” only can he solve the most vex“Observe and Report’s” grisly ing crime ever to strike Forest Report” tries to distinguish er determined to shock his par- screenplay (also by Hill, who itself with a series of ents. wrote and directed “The Foot shootouts and obnoxious jokes, Ridge Mall, he can also MOVIE REVIEW bizarrely brutal set As the movie drags on, Ronnie Fist Way” and who created the many of them at the expense of prove that he deserves pieces, in which blood becomes more obsessed with HBO series “Eastbound & Ronnie’s dim-witted fellow mall a place on the local ‘Observe and splatters in every the case and with avenging the Down”) is so shoddy, allowing security guards (played by police force. Report’ direction. betrayals of Detective Harrison Faris’ character to disappear for Michael Pena, Jesse Plemons All of this bears a The same strategy (Ray Liotta), who sabotages long stretches, that it’s hard to and twin brothers John and dismaying resemH was employed, to a Ronnie’s efforts to make it onto glean any larger thematic pur- Matt Yuan) just keep coming OUT OF FOUR STARS blance to “Paul Blart: goofy and the police force, and the vio- pose. more until the climax of the movie, Mall Cop,” the inexpli- STARRING: Seth Rogen, charming effect, in lence becomes more proRogen does a credible enough which relies upon watching a cable box-office smash Anna Faris, Ray Liotta last summer’s nounced. job playing a sad sack on the fat, pasty naked man, in all of from earlier this year, RATED: R “Pineapple Express.” Early reviews have suggested edge, but the performance ulti- his full-frontal glory, racing starring Kevin James Here, it just comes that “Observe and Report” is a mately feels like a stunt; he’s far through the mall as the security as a mall security officer who dreams of the across as grating and obvious comic gloss on “Taxi Driver,” more engaging when he plays guards chase after him. “Look-at-me-I’m-so- partly because Ronnie is so res- sweet and menschy (“Knocked Talk about the last refuge of respectability of a spot on the the the desperate. local police force. “Observe and naughty” pranks of a sixth-grad- olutely unlikable. But the Up”).

14 | DIVERSIONS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

Horoscopes By Linda C. Black

Brewster Rockit by Tim Rickard

April 13 - April 19

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Postpone a new endeavor for just a little while. Give yourself longer to think about what you'll need and what you have. Prepare for emergencies and develop a backup plan, and an alternate route.

You could be suffering from unfulfilled expectations. Things didn't turn out exactly as you pictured. If you can't change the facts, you'd better change the picture.over.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Don't assume your friends will go along with your every whim. Something that looks good to you may look too expensive to them. This is rare, but it does happen.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Not a good day to gamble. Don't even think about it. Cut out the flirting and other subtle means of seduction, too. Watch and see what happens, but don't be a player. Conditions have changed.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Sagittarius (Nov.22-Dec.21)

Don't let your partner do anything to mess up your long-range There's something not quite plans. This may require you right about your comfortable spend some time talking together home. You need to act quickly to about them. Make sure you can preserve the peace. It shouldn't support each other. be too difficult to figure out what that is. Don't hesitate.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec.22-Jan.19)

A nice outing you've been thinking about should probably You may have just won an be postponed. Put it off until important battle. Share your prilater in the week and it'll be a lot vate success with the person you more fun. There are too many love, but nobody else. Don't make complications now. promises now; wait until the dust settles.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan.20-Feb.18)

You and your sweetheart may not agree on your shopping priorTurn down all invitations to celities. Try to work out a compromise, possibly by waiting. Don't ebrate. It's a little too soon. rush into a decision that will Gather more resources. Don't spend, give away or share with plunge you deeper into debt. others yet. Wait to find out how much you have.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

A hassle at home interferes with your plans. Don't be surYou're creative, assertive and prised if tempers are short, including your own. Best not to lucky. If you don't like what's make life-changing decisions dur- going on, tell your adversary to stop. You can do amazing things ing these conditions. with your tone of voice and your take-charge attitude.