The Telescope 63.14 by The Telescope

Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif. Monday FEb. 8, 2010 Vol. 63, No. 14

the-telescope.com

More than just grades fact checked on UC apps

INSIDE SPORTS High hopes for upcoming tennis season page

lisa m. krieger mct campus

OPINION

ban

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rka bra Bu gles g bo

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courtesy photo | University of tennessee health science center

“Meth mouth,” as shown above, is used to refer to the effects of the drug methamphetamine on a users’ teeth. Meth use shrinks blood vessels, which is part of the cause for the tooth decay. Meth is the fastest growing drug abuse problem in the United States, according to the Frontline Web site in a story entitled “The Meth Epidemic.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Poor chemistry hurts ‘Dear John’ page

FOCUS

Pucker up, meth mouth Technology shows students drugs’ physical effects christine byers mct campus

page

9 V-Day for boys?

Sheriff deputy Larry Michaels has tried everything to teach students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol - but nothing has held their attention quite like a new computer program that shows them what they will look like after they use methamphetamine.

“I’ve never seen the look of shock on their faces like I have with this,” Michaels said, shortly after several Windsor High School students volunteered to have their faces digitally altered during a health class to show how they would look after six months, one year and three years of meth abuse. Face2Face mimics the physical effects of the drug. The health class initially laughed and giggled when the images first appeared on the screen. But the laughs soon subsided, eyes widened and comments began. “Why would anyone do that?” “Oh, my God, that’s horrible.” High school senior Jessica Ack-

Surviving the storms: graianne ward the telescope

Rain, hail and winds that drew tornado warnings swept through North County recently, causing trees to tumble and several accidents. Students said that they faced lightning strikes close to their homes, pools almost over-flooding and impaired vision due to the weather. “I hydroplaned making a right hand turn into an apartment complex and crashed my car,” said Greg Paramore, 20. “I don’t know how I survived it … I got lucky.” Anthony Keeter, 20, had a rough time as well.

ermann said her face altered to simulate three years of meth abuse resembled a zombie from Michael Jackson’s music video for “Thriller.” In the six-month simulation, her fair skin faded to an even lighter pallor. After one year of meth use, her forehead had pronounced wrinkles. Dark circles formed under her eyes. After three years, her eyes bulged, lesions covered her face and her cheeks sunk and sagged. Jessica said it was unlike any other anti-drug presentation she had ever experienced. turn to METH page

Did you donate profits from your violin recital to support a homeless shelter? Were you part of a deer rescue squad during a forest fire? Was that you who donated blood to the Red Cross? Well, if you said so on your University of California application, you better be ready to prove it. Unlike any other higher education system, the University of California has a team of auditors that review the accuracy of randomly selected applications - and may yank embellished applicants. Their biggest weapon: the fear factor they may pick yours. “We expect integrity,” said Han Mi Yoon-Wu, admissions coordinator for the university system. “Students need to know that they might be selected, and they should make sure that everything on the application is accurate.” In January, UC sent letters to 1,000 applicants asking them for evidence to support their “personal statements” and accomplishments. The office gets daily deliveries of a wide array of evidence from those who have been challenged. There are photos, certificates and DVDs, theatre playbills, pay stubs and newspaper articles. California’s top students offer stunning accomplishments, and the vast majority are honest, said Yoon-Wu. “But there was concern that some kids would start to pad their applications to make themselves look better,” she said. turn to UC page

Students share their stories

“(I) broke my car driving through a mud puddle. My axel snapped in half, so that kind of pissed me off,” he said. Traffic was considerably heavier and roads were closed throughout most of the week. “There was a tree that fell on Buena Creek and South Santa Fe and a power line that fell over the tracks,” said James Gordon, 28. “So the new trolley couldn’t run to Palomar and the buses couldn’t run on Santa Fe for probably about 3 or 4 hours. I didn’t get to crash class that day or get what I wanted.” Despite the weather conditions, students still attended class. This dedication has been evident of previous Palo-

mar students as well, Mike Ellis, Palomar’s facilities director, said. From the ‘80s to the early ‘90s every time it rained, it would flood the campus in certain spots. The brick walls students often sit on are there to retain water, according to Ellis. In 1991, an earthen dam above the college broke and flooded classrooms with two feet of water. Instead of calling it quits and going home, most students lifted their feet turn to STORMS page

3 courtesy photo | flagstaffotos

|CAMPUS BEAT

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010

Club Rush

Campus Calendar Monday, Feb. 8

• International Club at 1 p.m. in

A-15 • LDSSA Club at 7 a.m. at the LDSSA Institute. • Phi Theta Kappa Chapter at 1 p.m. in SU-204

Tuesday, Feb. 9

• Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) Club at 3:30 p.m. in SU-204 • Fashion Club at 5 p.m. in Fash. #1 • Extreme Creative Talent Club 2:15 p.m. in D-6 • Film Series at 6:30 p.m. in P-32

Wednesday, Feb. 10

• The Jesus Club at 11 a.m.

under the Clock Tower • The Black Union (BSU) at 3:30 p.m. in SU-204 • Club Rush at 9 a.m. in the Quad

Thursday, Feb. 11

• Tifaolemoana Samoan Club at

11 a.m. in SU-204 • The Palomar Fire Club at 4 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Center • MECHa Club at 4:30 p.m. in SU-1 • Fashion Club at 5 p.m. in Fash. #1 • Extreme Creative Talent Club at 2:15 p.m. in D-6 • The Jordan Club at 11 a.m. under the Clock Tower

Club Rush, a chance for Palomar clubs on campus to recruit members is Feb. 10. Any club can register to participate by visiting the Student Affairs office. This is also a chance for those who want to start a club to get the exposure they need. To start a club, students must fill out a packet to fill out and gather signatures from students who want to join. The signatures can be collect during Club Rush. Tables and chairs are provided and it’s a first-come first-served basis. For more information, contact the Student Affairs office in SU-201 or SU-202, or at ext. 2595.

Get Published! Students with a flair for writing, photography or producing visual art are invited to submit their works for publication in Palomar College’s 46th annual Bravura Literary Journal. “It is a forum for Palomar students. It is an award-winning journal with a long history and tradition at this college,” said English professor Rocco Versaci, who has been a student adviser for the journal for the last 11 years. The 2009 edition of “Bravura” won second place in a national competition for literary journals among community colleges. What is unique about the journal is it is entirely put together by students in the English 137 class. Versaci and his fellow English professor, Carleton Smith, act as the advisers. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each category: poetry, prose and visual arts. First place entries will receive $100, and second and third place will get $75. A gala to announce the winners will be held on May 17. The deadline to submit is March 8. Student entries of original poems, short stories, creative non-fiction pieces and high-quality scanned visual art can be e-mailed to rversaci@palomar.edu. Questions can be directed to Rocco Versaci at 760-744-1150, ext. 2971. Students can also visit his office, located in ST-31.

Courtesy Photo| MCT Campus

Ways to help Haiti •Escondido salon ROCKnHAIR will be giving discounted haircuts for $25 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Save the Children! There will be food, entertainment and raffle opportunities. The event will take place Feb. 14. Appointments will be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Jamie at (760) 8052783 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more information, visit firstgiving.com/haircutsforhaiti. •La Jolla-based AdventureCORPS Inc. will host an “80 for Haiti” cycling event Feb. 13.The ride is 80 miles long down California Highway 80 and has an $80 entrance fee.All

proceeds are being donated to Mercy Corps. For more information, visit mercycorps.org. •The organization Invisible Children is a finalist in a competition to win $1 million for their“big idea”for how to end Africa’s longest-running war. The group has revised its spending plan and set aside $100,000 to donate to Haiti Relief efforts. You can vote at InvisibleChildren.com.Voting ends Feb. 22. •In response to the earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 12, Palomar College sponsored a shoe donation drive from Jan. 22-29 that in total received 1466 pairs of shoes.

Police Blotter Car burglary

A student who left his car door unlocked on Feb. 2 returned to his car to find his parking permit stolen. He reported the burglary to Campus Police.

Friday, Feb. 12

• Palomar Engineering and Physics Student Organization (PEPSO) at 2:30 p.m. in NS255 • Anime Club at 2 p.m. in P-20

Public intoxication

Campus Police escorted an intoxicated student off of campus Feb. 2.According to a police report, the student was too intoxicated to attend class, and was reported for a student conduct code violation.

What’s up?

Counterfeit money

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

Campus Police were called when a student tried to pass counterfeit money on Jan. 29 in the bookstore.

Graffiti

Campus Police responded to a graffiti incident on Jan. 27.The graffiti took place on the first floor of the library on the San Marcos campus.

CAMPUS WEATHER Monday Tuesday Feb. 8

Feb. 9

63°/39°

65°/42°

Partly Cloudy

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

66°/41°

67°/42°

68°/43°

69°/44°

Feb. 10

Few Showers

Feb. 11

Sunny

Feb. 12

Partly Cloudy

Feb. 13

Partly Cloudy

Feb. 14

Partly Cloudy

NEWS| 3

Monday, feb. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

meth

storms

Continued from Page 1

while class went on, Ellis said. During the most recent storms, classes were able to take place because of the ground personnel, Ellis said. There were only minor problems throughout the campuses. Students explained that they were unaccustomed to the severe weather. “In California you don’t see that too much. You hear about Florida and Alabama, all those places get tornados,” said Keeter. Jaleh Majmi, 16, went to a boarding school in India and was prepared to handle monsoons for three months. “I’ve never seen wind that strong or hail coming down like that so I was surprised it was that powerful,” Majmi said. “Tornado in California! All you hear is earthquakes.”

Students acknowledge that applications are embellished, but many insist that falsehoods are rare. “People rarely outright make things up, but lines are definitely blurred,” said Kriti Garg, a junior in high school. She said that the title of “club president” could mean hanging out with a handful of friends. UC investigators say they find few instances of outright fibbing. More common are instances of vanished coursework - typically, a failed class that was later repeated. For those who are caught, the indiscretion is noted in permanent records, said Yoon-Wu.

“Other ones tell you about it; this one actually shows you what you would look like,” she said. Michaels said he knew the program had been a success because just hours after the first students had seen it, other teachers were asking if they could use it in their classes. “They’re definitely talking about it,” Michaels said. Cindy Pharis, P.R.I.D.E. programs coordinator, has been taking pictures of students and morphing them into meth addicts. She said she hasn’t incorporated much lecturing into the presentations because the images are powerful enough. She’s been amazed at how quiet the students have remained while waiting for the pictures to load. “It’s not overblown,” Pharis said. “It’s putting reality in their face.” There are those who believe that the fear-based tactices created by programs such as Face2Face are not effective. Research has found that these programs don’t prevent high-risk teens from deviant behavior, said Dennis Embry, a leading prevention scientist and advocate. Embry said research shows fearmongering fails to prevent high-risk teens from using drugs. In fact, such tactics can reinforce the thrill they are seeking through risky behavior. Those most likely to respond to programs like Face2Face are not prone to use drugs anyway, he said. “You can walk into an average classroom of 30 kids, and you might have two in the room who have the predictors of meth use,” Embry said. “What you can get is a very pronounced reaction by the 28 kids who are unlikely to use in first place, but the question is, ‘What does it to do for the one kid who bears all the predictors?’” Embry said the idea of using a teen’s own image may have some value because it could cause them to shift their drug of choice. “Maybe you stop them from trying meth, and that’s a good thing.”

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|Opinion

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010

Riverside school goes too far in banning dictionary Mike garza The Telescope

Banning books in schools is nothing new or unheard of, but when one thinks of a title deemed worthy of a ban, a dictionary probably ranks dead last.Yet a parent complaint caused the Menifee Union School District to temporarily pull its copies of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Tenth Edition Dictionary because it included a definition of oral sex. A student at Oak Meadows Elementary School stumbled upon the definition which reads “oral stimulation of the genitals.” Ironically, this specific dictionary was placed in fourth and fifth grade classrooms so advanced students could look up words they could not find in student dictionaries. It’s quite strange how a book made for the sole purpose of defining words in our language is considered inappropriate. The dictionary is one of the few books that has no bias and shows no discrimination; it is a pure source of information, despite having words that some may find impure. The book is not glorifying or promoting sexual behavior, it’s simply saying what it means. Scanning the dictionary for dirty words is hardly a new fad. When I was a young boy I remember laughing while looking up words such as breasts and penis. In order to do this though, I had prior knowledge of the terms; the dictionary was not my original source. Let’s not forget that most sexual education courses begin around the fifth grade level. It is counter

intuitive to ban a book which defines certain words instead of a book that is the source of such words. What it all comes down to is simple: can fourth and fifth graders even comprehend the meaning behind oral stimulation? Fellatio and cunnilingus are far more specific terms used to describe oral sex and have been in dictionaries for much longer. Maybe it’s only a matter of time until a student is looking up the word “cunning” and finds a surprise instead. The Menifee Union School District responded quite quickly to the complaint of one parent. Yes, the complaint from one parent cast doubt on the teaching materials that could affect around 9,000 students. Imagine if every parent called the district and gave his or her two cents about what is inappropriate. It would be complete mayhem. The idea of possibly corrupting our youth served as a good accelerant in decision making. A committee of parents, teachers and administrators put together to tackle this dilemma decided the book’s fate rather quickly. They must have concluded that sheltering our children from such important and essential books as a dictionary was not necessary, because the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Tenth Edition Dictionary is going back in classrooms. To accommodate all sides (or possibly the side of that one parent), they are putting a second dictionary geared toward students in every classroom. It’s comforting to know that our tax dollars are being well invested during California’s school budget crisis.

joseph bonnet | the telescope

SPEA K O U T ! ...

We’ve heard some talk about Cal-State San Marcos students enrolling in Palomar classes in order to buy a Palomar parking ticket (which is more than $250 cheaper than a CSUSM permit). Once the semester starts, they drop the Palomar class but keep the permit. Is this fair?

“Parking sucks. It makes sense though. We are college students and the costs are really high.” -Terry Edwards, Mechanical Engineering

“No. If it’s true, it’s not fair to Palomar students. If I was a Cal-State student, I might do the same. I would find a different parking place. Parking sucks here.” -Petar Nikolov, Engineering

“I’m mad. They chose the school; they should figure out another way. We have enough trouble parking as it is.” -Michaela Peters, Engineering

Our viewpoint

Even for students, freedom of speech is an unalienable right When a parent of an elementary school student in Menifee tried to get a dictionary removed from the classroom for containing a sexually graphic term, it should have reminded us all of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and how we must never stop the fight to think and speak for ourselves. Whether censorship attempts make headlines or are quietly swept under the rug, it is important that citizens continue to stand up for these rights. In 2007, administrators at Fallbrook High School removed a journalism adviser for encouraging students to write about the removal of the school district’s superintendent, according to an incident report listed on the National Coalition against Censorship Web site. Fallbrook High School’s student newspaper, The Tomahawk, was censored again that school year by the principal, Rod King, after he disagreed with an editorial written about federal support of abstinence-only education. More recently, the National Coalition against Censorship protested the 2009 removal of the novel “Speak” from high school classrooms in the Temecula Valley Unified School District. By author Laurie Halse Anderson, the main character in the book is a high school student dealing with the aftermath of being

Focused on Palomar

Volume 62 Number 13

Monday Feb. 1, 2010

“It’s already backed up and there’s a lot of traffic. It’s not fair to our students.” -Danielle Bennett, Business

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.

raped at a party. In a letter written to the Temecula school board, NCAC’s Executive Director Joan Bertin wrote, “It is precisely this kind of literature that enlarges students’ knowledge of the world and prepares them for college and adult life.” The book remains in the classroom, but just as in the case of the Menifee dictionary, parents are given the ability to opt-out of required reading materials. This is a slow, subtle form of censorship. If parents don’t want their kids exposed to what they deem inappropriate and want to force their Dark Ages mentality on their children, they should not be attending public schools. A public institution is the last place censorship should take place; governed by elected officials, these entities have an obligation to uphold citizens’ First Amendment rights. There will always be those who try to smother our freedoms of the press, expression and reading materials. Just as one person can start a chain of events leading to the removal of reading material from public education classrooms, so too can one keep it there. To learn more about the continuing struggle against censorship in America, visit www.ncac.org.

The Telescope welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters must be typewritten, under 300 words and include the author’s first and last names, major and phone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters can be e-mailed to telescope@ palomar.edu or delivered to the newsroom in Room MB-1. The Telescope reserves the right to edit letters for space and grammatical errors and not to print lewd or libelous letters. Lettesr must be receieved one week prior to the newspaper’s publication to be considered for inclusion.

Staff Writers |Roberto Alcaraz, Victor Amador, Diana Baier, Ryan Baird, America Barcelo, Camilo Barrero, Brian Blakely, Rocio Castaneda, Melissa Caston, Loghan Call, Belinda Callin, Stephanie Dao, Kirby Darland, Denny Dorsey, Christian Fortmueller, Michael Garza, Caitlin Geckeler, Amy Genduso, Bert Hansen, Evan Hatheway, Clint Jones, Brian Kay, Adam Knechtel, Yvonne Lanot, Chris Meyer, Melody Parks, Teresa Probart, Diana Sanchez, Mark Sauders, Typhanie Sharfner, Nick Shumate, Taylor Smith, Brittany Stockham, Danny Sumstine, Sydnie Taylor, Victoria Tran, Fa’amasani Unutoa, Amber Varnes Staff Photographers | Phyllis Celmer, Deb Hellman, Coral McMurtry

Associated Collegiate PRess

CFAC

California Newspaper Publishers Association

Journalism Association California First Amendment Coalition of Community Colleges

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, feb. 8, 2010

Veil of Ignorance

Proposed French ban on traditional Muslim head wear in public places, schools, rips expression rights from women Brian blakely The Telescope

French lawmakers are currently looking to ban Muslim women of the right to wear fullbody veils in public facilities such as buses, trains, hospitals, restaurants, schools and other public places. The issue erupted when French President Nicolas Sarkozy controversially said the veils were “not welcome” in France, leaving many Muslim women feeling discriminated against and insulted. Though the French haven’t approved the measure yet, lawmakers continue to lobby to pass the law and possibly add extra consequences — such as fines up to a $1,000 for women from wearing complete body veils in public. It’s one thing to ask the women to not wear these veils in public, but to charge them with a fine of any amount is completely unreason-

able, even if it is just to “frighten” them. Opposing sides feel that wearing the veils is an insult, and that many Muslim women are forced to wear these veils by their husbands and fathers. However many women disagree. The French government seems to be acting out of fear toward the Muslim women’s beliefs and practices. Either way, isolating these women only serves to highlight the overbearing and pushy nature of a misguided legislature. Make no mistake: the French parliament is ripping their rights out of their hands. A six-month multiparty parliamentary commission of 32 members addressed whether or not to strip French Muslim women of their right to free expression. This is not the first time the question of Muslim regalia in French society has risen, though. In 2004, France banned the right for girls to wear head scarves in state schools. This law also banned other religious symbols, in-

cluding jewelry crucifixes, Sikh turbans and Jewish skull caps, proving they weren’t aimed solely at the Muslim people. But the fact that France is so struck by a minority is baffling. There are roughly 2,000 Muslim women out of the millions of French citizens roaming the streets of France wearing these veils, and it is the same 2,000 women igniting such a ruckus. . Taking such a drastic step is a bit unnecessary. The French government should look for alternatives to help settle the problem, rather than set a strict “ban” on undeniable human rights. With the ban will inevitably come defiance. These Muslim women aren’t going to sit back and just accept this new law just because it’s there. This is quite a line to cross. Politics and rhetoric aside, the Muslim women represent their side with relentless pride an honor, and those feelings are stronger than any law written on a piece of paper.

Opinion| 5 Conservatively Speaking Dan McCarthy

A jersey for the opposing team Possibly the most infuriating aspect of my previous descriptions of war, peace, the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry and Chargers fans in general is that I assume, often incorrectly, that I can drop the term “enemy” and everyone will nod in unison with a solid grasp of what I mean. Certainly it’s not a one-size-fits-all title; there are various degrees of formal antagonism that warrant an explanation, or at least an analogous face to a name. Now sounds about the right time to pick up that residential block analogy I left you with last week. With modern travel, trans-oceanic shipping and no shortage of funds heading to the most unscrupulous of folks, it’s a known and widely accepted fact that a handful of citizens from an officially allied or neutral nation can, on their own power, bring war to your doorstep. It’s just like the wacky guy down the street — the principle is the same, the only difference is in degrees. The thing that’s interesting is that in terms of motivation, intent and means to an end, the brazen neighbor bears a strikingly similar resemblance to a faction still prevalent in our house, but far from mainstream. Back in 2001, “The West Wing” got the analogy about terrorism right in a one-off episode called “Isaac and Ishmael” — the United States is at war with the militarized, Muslim form of the Ku Klux Klan. It’s certainly interesting that people have taken this long to figure it out, but radical (insert ideology here) isn’t that hard to fight once you stop thinking in abstractions and instead start putting names of ideas you know and understand in places of ones you don’t. Both the Klan and Al Qaeda/the Taliban/Islamic Jihad/Hamas/ Jihadist group XYZ follow a nearly cookie cutter pattern of social factors and group ethos which makes dealing with them as much a public relations endeavor as a combative one. The similarities between the Klan and Muslim extremist groups are striking. Both promote an extremely conservative, narrow interpretation of their religious texts, racial and religious supremacy and foster an unbridled hatred for the groups deemed inherently sinful and blasphemous to their god. They tirelessly advocate a pure, untainted society basking in the divine glow of their deity of choice; they propagate violence to affect those ends (lynching, anyone?). So that less-than-friendly-neighbor is hardly anything new to your world, but rather embodies the same underlying goals of societal retrogression and stagnation wearing a new hat (or a turban, whatever). A more apt description is this: the enemy is collectively people and cultures violently or latently impeding globalization. I can say globalization in that context simply because it encompasses everything the United States and the expanding world seeks to accomplish in the developing world: greater information and economic connectivity, a rise in liberal society, further integration into the global community and a corresponding increase in quality of life. It’s the three households banding together to pave roads to the fourth house and outlying parts of town to extend both the rule of established and fair law to those people, yet also letting them reap the benefits of digital communication, modern medicine, education and jobs. To the brutal obstructionists, these are bad for one reason: they know the lifestyle they impress on their communities cannot survive in that society. They are fully aware of the fact that their countrymen will promptly expel them from the governing bodies if given the option self determination and free elections as Western nations are now offering. The notion that opportunities for selfimprovement and communal evolution are undesirable is profoundly indicative of who’s on the right side of the conflict. More importantly, it gives the saboteurs of progress name tags. Hello, my name is “Enemy.”

diversions| 6

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, feb. 8, 2010

all comics courtesy of randall munroe | xkcd.com

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, Feb. 8, 2010

Entertainment|

Paragraphs more than just a blip on radio SXSW has grown from 700 registrants in 1987 to nearly 17,000 today. Aside from preparing for SXSW, the band is currently reOf all things that could come out of a car accident, a band cording a few songs for release as 7-inch singles to follow up its isn’t something most people would expect. For Jesse Hofbauer recently released debut EP, “Gallows,” which the band put out and Mike Hunt, that’s what happened. on Hofbauer’s label, Domestic Wax Records. “We ran into each other, and while sitting on the curb, waitTaking a lesson from the do-it-yourself 1980s ing for a tow, I noticed a guitar in Jesse’s car, and he saw the punk days, Hofbauer decided the best way to get drums in the back of mine,” Hunt said. “We had their music out would be to do it himself. our first jam on the side of Highway 101, waiting “Growing up, I really looked up to lafor roadside assistance.” concert preview bels like Dischord (Fugazi) in Washington, A year later, the Palomar College students — D.C., and K Records in Olympia, Wash., one current,one former — are still playing together ‘The Paragrapghs’ and Sub Pop,” he said. “I like the idea of w/ Kara and the in a duo they call The Paragraphs. that: a strong community with a lot of cool Lesbians Drawing from wide influences such as Way8 p.m. Feb. 26 bands doing their own thing but also looklon Jennings, doo-wop and Bad Brains; The ParaSoda Bar ing out for each other like a family. I hope $3 graphs’ sound is a combination of 1950s juke and other bands will want to do this, too, and 1960s garage, with a little bit of modern pop. If you contribute something to the label. Let’s do ask them, the musicians said they sound “like Nirsplit 7-inches, compilations, tours together, vana and Buddy Holly got together.” Hofbauer said et cetera...” The band is preparing to embark on a small tour, highlightBeing in a band costs money, especially one that selfed by the South by Southwest Conference and Music Festival publishes its own music, but Hofbauer manages to balance it in Austin, Texas. with school. Currently a communications major at Palomar, “We just decided this is something we have to be part of,” he hopes to transfer to a four-year university, possibly Cal Hofbauer said. “I’ve always wanted to go there, and the timing State San Marcos. was right this year, so we went ahead and booked some shows on the way out to make a small tour of it.” South by Southwest (SXSW) is an internationally recognized music conference and festival that takes place every March. According to the event’s Web site, www.sxsw.com, Christian Fortmueller The Telescope

“

“School is cheaper [than the band]; put together, they require work around the clock, like a full-time job with lots of overtime and little pay,” Hofbauer said. Hunt also has a full schedule; he owns his own wood-working business, Taylor Design & Build. Both Hofbauer and Hunt are East Coast transplants. They found their way to California on separate road trips, but both “fell in love with the state,” as they described it. They also fell in love with the local San Diego music scene. “There are some great bands playing around town right now,” Hunt said. “Some of our favor— Jesse Hofbauer ites are Kera and the Lesbians The Paragraphs and Trouble in the Wind.” However, they admitted that the San Diego scene does need more of a “grassroots” movement. “It does feel a bit like the Wild West out here right now, where it’s every band for itself. We’re trying to establish more of a community so that we can collaborate more and help each other out, especially here in North County,” Hunt said. Despite the hard work ahead, The Paragraphs insist they “make music because that’s what they have to do.” “We just want to keep making good music and sharing it with whoever is interested,” Hunt added. Catch The Paragraphs on Feb. 26 at the Soda Bar in downtown San Diego. The band is online at www.myspace.com/ theparagraphs and www.domesticwax.com.

It does feel a bit like the Wild West out here right now, where it’s every band for itself.

”

Courtesy Photo

“Fuck it (I don’t Want You Back)”—Eamon

And does he. If you can’t tell from the title, this song is the epitome of a scorned lover. It’s everything you wish you could say to a cheating ex, but may not have the guts to do so.

“Song for the dumped”— Ben folds “Wish I hadn’t bought you dinner Right before you dumped me On your front porch Give me my money back Give me my money back You bitch”

For anyone who has been dumped right after a major holiday, birthday or Valentine’s but shelled out the money for gift can appreciate the lyrics. It will have you shouting: “Give me my money back!”

“Goodbye Earl”— Dixie Chicks “Those black-eyed peas They tasted all right to me Earl You’re feeling weak Why don’t you lay down And sleep Earl Ain’t it dark Wrapped up in that tarp Earl”

This song takes a slightly humorous

ng so s e alentin

Anti-v

“See I don’t, know why, I liked you so much I gave you all, of my trust I told you, I loved you, now that’s all down the drain Ya put me through pain, I wanna let you know that I feel”

and uplifting take on heavy subjects like domestic abuse and murder. Think the country version of Eminem’s “Bonnie and Clyde.”

“Tyrone”— Erykah Badu

“I think ya better, (call him) And tell him come on Help you get your shit You need to call Tyrone (call him) But ya can’t use my phone”

Anyone who has ever dated a slacker can get nostalgic with this one. Erykah Badu creates the ultimate day-of breakup, break-up song.

“The hardest part of breaking up”— 2gether “You had my heart, My soul, My attention But you walked out my life with my CD collection”

Getting your things back after a break-up can be tough, but you won’t mind if you’re listening to this song on the way there. — TS

8|Entertainment

Monday, Feb. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Monday, Feb. 8

What: Shorts ‘n’ Spirits Showcase When: 8 p.m. Where: Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center Cost: $5 donation Info: 619-255-5147

Tuesday, Feb. 9

What: The Editors w/ The Antlers and Princeton What: Indie/Alternative/ Rock When: 7 p.m. Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $22.50 Info: 619-299-2583 What: Ballroom and Latin Dance Classes When: 7 p.m. Where: Escondido Center for the Arts Cost: $8-18 Info: 760-839-4438 What: KnitNight When: 7 p.m. Where: Clever Knits Cost: Free Info: 760-806-6744

Thursday, Feb. 11 Who: The Art of the Circus! When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Balboa Park Cost: $15-$55 Info: 877-468-3861

Friday, Feb. 12

Who: G. Love & the Special Sauce What: Roots/Blues/HipHop When: 7 p.m. Where: House of Blues San Diego Cost: $22.50-$32.50 Info: 619-299-2583

NOW ON SALE Bad Religion

Concert at San Die House of Blues, March 1921. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com

Coachella

Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 16-18. Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com

“Doom Generation” “O” Cupid and St. Valentine have Murder and mayhem all in the This remake of Shakesphere’s become the poster children for name of love. This ‘90s cult classic “Othello” evokes another kind of hurt stars hottie Rose McGowen who alotogether: family hurt. Starring Julia a Hallmark V-day celebration, plays Amy Blue, a tough-but-more- Stiles and Josh Harnett. naïve-than-she-looks tweeker virgin and her boyfriend Jordon White “Revolutionary Road” but if that’s not your thing, There are no fuzzy feelings there played by James Duval. The pair pick up transient, Xavier Red and are no happing endings just cold stark there’s always sitting on the so begins a journey of experimen- reality in the supposed golden age of tal sex, orgies, S&M, homosexuality America. Tragic. Starring Leonard Dicouch, eating ice cream and caprio and Kate Winslet. and violence. watching movies, sounds like “Natural Born Killers” “The Bubble” An Israeli film, set in the “untouchable” Two serial murders in love, think the ultimate anti-celebration Bonnie and Clyde but much more vio- Sheikin Street district of Tel-Aviv, follows three roomates in their various ventures into lent. Starring Juliette Lewis and Woody of Valentine’s Day. Harrelson, directed by Oliver Stone love.When one of them gets involved with a Sara Burbidge & Alejandra Jackson The Telescope

“The Notebook”

This movie is sure to provoke a selfpity party. Choosing between two people can be heart wrenching especially when the most complicated issue many couples face is choosing between Applebee’s and Chili’s. Keep the suicide hotline number close by in case of an overdose on chocolate covered tears and ice cream.

Palestinian they all get a reality check of how near violence and terrorism are to them.

and soundtrack by Trent Reznor.

“Birthday Girl”

Small-towner John tires of waiting for the perfect women to come along and orders a Russian bride-to-order. When Nadia (Nicole Kidman) shows up she is good looking and good in bed but when a few of her “family” members show up for her birthday party, things start to go downhill quickly. Sometimes the unexpected can be exactly what is needed.

“In the Company of Men”

This movie should be titled “In the Company of Misogynistic Men,” it serves as a reminder that there are many people who enjoy hurting others. Sociopath Chad plays pupeeter and manipulates everyone around him into blaming themselves and others, except for him, into pain. Unless you are into sadism, this movie will make you cringe.

‘Dear John’ nothing to write home about Yvonne Lanot The Telescope

the troubled John. As a bonus, Tatum’s good looks will help the women in the audience forgive some of the film’s more glaring flaws. The film “Dear John” has plenty of romance, Although it’s easy to hate the female lead in a drama and wit. What it doesn’t have is chemistry romance (how dare she take the charming Tatum between its romantic leads. for herself?), Seyfried played the young, naive, This book-turned-movie is about a man and thoughtful Savannah very well. Movie review named John Tyree, played by Channing In comparison to “The Notebook,” Tatum, coming back to his hometown on another movie based on a book by ‘Dear John’ leave from the U.S. Army. He meets a Sparks, Tatum and Seyfried didn’t girl on vacation named Savannah Curtis, have the same chemistry that Rachel out of four stars played by Amanda Seyfried. McAdams and Ryan Gosling had Starring: Channing They end up falling madly in love in Tatum, John Tyree, Amanda when they fell in love. The relationjust two weeks. Later, Savannah has to Seyfried, Richard Jenkins ship here simply isn’t believable. leave for college and John has to go back The true gem in the movie is Rated: PG-13 to the Army.They promise to keep in touch Richard Jenkins as Mr. Tyree, John’s through letters. father. Like most Nicholas Sparks booksHis performance as an antisocial turned-movies, this plot follows the romantic dra- father obsessed with his coin collection was surma cliché of a man and a woman falling in love, prisingly good, and Tyree’s relationship with his going through obstacles, ending in tears. This for- soldier son formed the real heart of the film. mula made the movie dry and fairly predictable. Their bond overshadowed the young lovers. Set shortly after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, For Sparks fans expecting to cry, this movie many people may find themselves able to relate will not disappoint. While it did prove to be slow to the losses that John and Savannah suffer. The and predictable, where it fails as a romance, it movie realistically portrays the turmoil that war succeeds as a movie about hardships shared beinflicts both on soldiers and everyday people. tween a father and a son and the difficulty of beLuckily, Tatum did a good job in portraying ing away from the person you love the most.

Courtesy Photo | MCT Campus

Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star as lovers seperarted by war in “Dear John.”

Long-awaited album underwhelms original “Hellbilly Deluxe” session in 1998, with the same predictable sounds and very little innovation. However throughout the album Zombie creTwelve years after its original installment, ates a movie-like ambience. Songs like “Sick BubAmerican musician, film director and screenwrit- ble-Gum” and “Cease to Exist” include some bold er Rob Zombie released his fourth studio album sound effects, something he is known for and has “Hellbilly Deluxe 2: Noble Jackals, Penny Dread- gained him a lot of acclaim. fuls and the Systematic Dehumaniza“Jesus Frankenstein” is another of tion of Cool.” the few songs that shows a flash of new Music review It was hardly worth the wait. sounds and Zombie’s aggressive, hard Though it was recorded in 2008, the rerock style; however the song soon belease was delayed due to a lack of publiccomes repetitive. ity and Zombie’s focus on other projects. In any case, the last track of the physiFinally on Feb. 2 the album was recal album, “The Man Who Laughs,” leased through Roadrunner Records. brings together all the album’s good “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” is full of catchy qualities, joining them in a cohesive way rhythms from beginning to end but it and elegantly drawing it to a close with a Rob Zombie doesn’t say much. “Hellbill Deluxe 2” four-minute drum solo. The first single of the album, The digital version of the album, “What?,” is the song that best exempliavailable on iTunes, has 15 tracks; four of out of four stars fies Zombie’s potential but it doesn’t go which are mixes of existing songs from much further than that. the album. Tracks like “Werewolf, Baby” and “Mars Needs The CD has 11 tracks and artwork designed by Women” sound as if they were recorded during the a variety of artists. Camilo Barrero The Telescope

“Hellbilly Deluxe 2” is an average hard rock album, decently made and worth listening to but definitely not groundbreaking enough to draw much attention to its front man.

Recommended Tracks

•Sick Bubble-Gum •What?

• The Man Who Laughs

Other releases • Heligoland (Deluxe version) by Massive Attack – Feb. 9, 2010 • Screamworks: Love in theory and Practice by HIM – Feb. 9, 2010 •One Life Stand by Hot Chip– Feb. 9, 2010

Focus|

Monday, FEB. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

Valentine’s Day for the boys typhanie sharfner The Telescope

Valentine’s Day: A day to lavish your female counterpart with undeserving gifts of flowers and candy to keep her quiet and hopefully get lucky. But a dozen roses that inevitably die cost more than $50, a box of candy can run $12 and if you go out, you are stuck spending upwards of $100 to wait in a long line and enjoy a “romantic” dinner elbow to elbow with the other poor schmucks trying to avoid the wrath of a scorned lover. So you suck it up, shell out the money and avoid the worst while hoping for the best. When did Valentine’s Day become all about the girl? Isn’t it a day of love, a day to show your affection? It ‘s becoming more of a chore, and guys seem to get lost in the flowers and chocolate and before you know it, the day is over. The girl is hopefully satisfied while the guy is left with an empty wallet. Palomar student Chris Hawkins agrees there are unfair expectations. “Girls want the most expensive of everything — the most expensive flowers and the most expensive candy that they won’t even eat. The fact I got them anything at all shows I love them,” Hawkins said. This year, break the cycle ladies. If you’re expecting something, you should be returning the favor. They may not want the flowers or candy, but there are plenty of ways to express how much you like and care about them, no matter what stage in the relationship you are. Simply pay attention. Knowing their personality, hobbies, likes and dislikes can give you ideas. If heís into the outdoors, go camping for

Joseph Bonnet |The Telescope

the weekend. Go on a hike, fishing, rock climbing, the shooting range or hunting. Palomar student Kirby Searson suggests mountain biking as a good outdoor activity. Take a sunny day and go to the beach. Rent some jet skis for the day or take a boat ride. Plane lessons are an unusual gift but sure to earn brownie points. It’s pretty inexpensive, about $50, but the first lesson usually includes being able to fly a plane. For the guy who likes to watch sports, Palomar student Anthony Okipnti suggests getting tickets to a game. For a cheaper alternative, borrow or rent a big screen TV for game day and throw a par-

ty. Get chips, dips and other snacks and enjoy the game. This is also cool for those who like video games. A huge screen and a day of video games along with bottomless snacks are sure to be a hit. For anyone who knows a devout “gamer,”they could always use another controller, game or strategy guides. If you don’t know what kind of equipment to buy, a gift certificate to the local Game Stop will do the trick; then they can pick out what they want. Some guys like fixing or modifying their cars so one can’t go wrong with car parts and accessories or get their car washed and detailed; spring for an oil change or fill up their

gas tank. Beware: Frilly glitter or window paint declaring your love may not be a good idea, unless you’re going to clean it off too. Gadgets are always a popular gift idea. New programs, speakers and other computer accessories are practical but also show you are paying attention. Even if you can’t afford an iPod or new gadget, use what you have. Make a mix CD or create a new playlist on their MP3 player. Do they play a musical instrument? New guitar picks or drumsticks might be just the thing. A home-cooked meal is always enjoyable, if you can cook. Cooking for your guy may seem generic or outdated, but it works. However don’t force your guy to digest disgusting or burnt food in the name of love. For those who can’t cook, bake. Buy some cake mix or some cinnamon rolls and decorate them for that special someone; tasty and easy. Most guys aren’t going to push you off or deny any of your advances, so celebrate the day with nighttime activities. Rent some movies, order take-out and enjoy each other’s company. Find out what his fantasies are and try something new in the bedroom. Whatever you decide to do for, or with, your guy, don’t bitch and whine. Nothing ruins the day more than someone nagging about every little thing. Don’t take your guy fishing and complain it’s too cold or too quiet or too boring. Let him go alone or pick something else. Valentine’s Day should not be about flowers or candy or gifts. It’s a day to show appreciation to each other and it should be reciprocated; gifts are just an added bonus. On this special day, any activity you choose to do with your cherished one should be something you will both remember

Bake something with love for Valentine’s Day Kim ossi mct campus

Money might be tight this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share your love (or like) on Valentine’s Day. After all, they say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And here’s some breaking news: Most women cannot say no to a dessert especially if it was made by you.Yep, it’s a win-win for both sexes. Of course, this gift takes a bit of preparation, so get started now:

because they are heart-healthy. Look at you with a theme! Sun-Maid (www.sunmaid.com/en/recipes.html): Besides their cookies, check out their bread pudding recipes, like this one: www.sunmaid.com/en/recipes/recipe/Cinnamon_Raisin_Bread_Pudding.html Dove Chocolate (www.dovechocolate.com/recipes_all_ p1.html) had me at “Peanut Lover’s Dream Bar” and “Tunnel of DOVE.” Godiva (www.godiva.com/recipes) offers both company recipes and those from Chocolatier magazine. (Note: This site is better for a more experienced baker.)

Step 1: Figure out what sweets your sweetie likes, Step 3: Bake your selected recipe. and more importantly, hates. If you don’t know your significant other’s favorites (maybe this is a new or soon-to-be-sweetheart?), make note of their tastes and any complaints. Coffee or tea? Lactose intolerant? Allergic to nuts or eggs? Do they love butterscotch, but abhor chocolate? If the latter, immediately discontinue courtship and move on. OK, just kidding about that last part. Maybe.

Step 2: Identify a good recipe.

New to baking? This is not the time to dig out the Julia Child cookbook and find some fancy French desCourtesy Photo |MCT CAMPUS sert. Just stick to the basics. One of the best places to get yummy, fairly easy recipes is from companies’ Web sites. If you’ve baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies before, you may already have realized that the best recipe is likely the one on the back of the bag of chips. (And if not, try it!) Ditto with oatmeal-raisin cookies (both Quaker Oats AND Sun-Maid Raisins have good ones). Here’s a little PR 101 behind that fact: Companies want you to like their product so they usually have great recipes that best flaunt their product’s flavors. Which works out great for us. Here are some good resources: Nestle (www.verybestbaking.com/recipes): Makes a variety of “chips,” plus Carnation milk and Libby’s canned pumpkin. Having recently tried and loved their butterscotch gingerbread cookies (www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?ID=29543) along with other perennial favorites, I can vouch for the quality of the recipes. Also take a peek at the “Sensibly Delicious” section, if you want a lighter splurge (don’t give up after seeing all the pumpkin recipes there are some chocolate ones mixed in!). Pillsbury (www.pillsbury.com/recipes) offers award-winning recipes in their “Bake-Off Recipes” section. Peruse the desserts and just try to keep your mouth from watering. Quaker Oats (www.quakeroats.com/cooking-and-recipes. aspx): You get bonus points for making something with oats

Smell fabulous smells. But most importantly, Do. Not. Eat. ...Yet.

Step 4: Gift to your sweetie.

Remember, presentation counts, so wrap in parchment and tie up with some string or a ribbon bakery-style, or go the restaurant route and serve right on a plate with a sprig of mint you get extra points if you drizzle your “carved” initials in caramel or other sauce. (It’s the little things, really.) Now, give your sweetie a kiss and maybe he or she will let you try a bite of your labor of love as a reward. Or, you know, because they love you, too. Here’s an easy classic recipe that anyone can make:

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

16 ounces completely dry, room-temperature ripe strawberries 12 ounces dark, milk or white chocolate chips or bar, broken into chunks (See Editor’s Note.) 6 ounces dark, milk or white chocolate (opt. contrasting color for decorative drizzle) 1 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided parchment or waxed paper Editor’s Note: When chocolate is the centerpiece of your dessert, make sure you choose a quality chocolate, or the best you can afford.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash and completely dry strawberries; leave stems intact. (Important: Even a tiny bit of water will ruin your melted chocolate, making it grainy and unusable.) 2. Line baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. 3. Place 12 ounces of chips or chocolate chunks in a completely dry microwave-safe bowl (glass is preferable so you can easily view the chocolate). Add 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Microwave at 10-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate still has some small chunks left. Stir until smooth. (Note: White chocolate is more likely to burn in the microwave — keep a close eye on it.) 4. Dip each strawberry and place on lined baking sheet.

Courtesy Photo | MCT CAMPUS

5. Repeat chocolate melting process with 6 ounces of chocolate and remaining butter (tablespoon). Use a fork to drizzle contrasting-colored chocolate across dipped strawberries. 6. Place finished strawberries in the fridge; chocolate will set in about 30 minutes. Eat as soon as possible. Here are some recipes from Dove Chocolates that would be fantastic for the chocoholic in your life (to purchase Dove Chocolate Discoveries items from a chocolatier, go to www. dove-chocolate-discoveries.com):

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

4 ounces Dove Chocolate Discoveries (DCD) Dove Dark Chocolate (or any dark chocolate) 1 cup heavy cream 1 package DCD Chocolate Discoveries™Mousse Packet (or a plain mousse mix like Knorr Dessert Mix, neutral mousse) 1 flavor disc, if desired (Mint, Raspberry or Hazelnut)

DIRECTIONS:

Pour heavy cream into a mixing bowl and,while whipping with an electric mixer, slowly pour in entire contents of the Mousse Mix packet, and whip until soft peaks are formed (when whisk/ beaters are removed, peaks curl over and droop). Set aside. Melt chocolate slowly in microwave (stir at 20 second increments until fully melted). Drop flavoring disc into the melted chocolate and mix until completely dissolved. Immediately pour into the whipped cream, and mix vigorously until mousse is thoroughly combined and uniform in color. Enjoy.

10 |Focus

Monday, FEB. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

Does a unique planetary alignment coinciding with the final date of the Mayan Calendar mean the end of the Earth, and us?

By Kim Hone-McMahan Akron Beacon Journal

Mayan foresight?

John Major Jenkins writes in his book “The 2012 Story: The Myths, Fallacies, and Truth Behind the Most Intriguing Date in History” that the public “is driven by urgent doomsday scenarios spun out by the mainstream media and opportunistic writers. And yet the date is not simply a newfangled gadget invented by the marketplace. It is, in fact, a true artifact of the authentic Maya calendar, which has suffered the cut-and-paste cosmologizing of wannabe wizards, pocket-protector prophets and celebrity showmen.” Pamela Frese, professor of anthropology at the College of Wooster in Ohio and an expert on the Maya and New Age religion, explained that the Maya had many calendars. But the one that’s attracted attention recently ends on the winter solstice of 2012, raising speculation that the world is damned. Of course, many don’t agree. “It’s true that the long calendar, which fell out of use by the 1500s, and another calendar are coming to an end. But they begin again,” Frese said. “For the Maya, it’s a time of death and rebirth. It’s kind of like our new year, but much more significant because our new year happens every 12 months.” The only known reference by the Maya to the 2012 date, Frese maintains, is a monument in Tortuguero in Mexico. It was erected in 670 A.D. and forgotten until it was rediscovered by Westerners who were exploring the jungles in the 1800s.

The monument reveals a figure — a god that some believe foretells the future. It’s a god of war and destruction, but it’s also a god of rebirth. “It doesn’t say anything about the cataclysmic events,” Frese said. “That’s something attributed to the monument that just isn’t there. “If you are Maya and thinking about this (the end of the long calendar) at all, what you are hoping for is the beginning of a new cycle. If you’re oppressed, you’re hoping for justice and relief from that oppression,” the professor explained. “If you are a believer of some of the New Age religions, especially those who share Christian beliefs of the apocalypse, then you may believe that 2012 is Armageddon.”

Heard it before

This is the not the first time, of course, that people have made end-of-the-world predictions. There have been hundreds of failed doomsday scenarios. The Web site Universe Today, for instance, recounted a story from 1997 in which the Hale-Bopp comet was visible from Earth. It was an exciting time for scientists and people watching the celestial display. It was also a time when the Internet was gaining in popularity and the comet appeared on computer monitors around the world. Unfortunately, as UniverseToday pointed out, “the excitement was also accompanied by paranoia, panic, and even a false sense of euphoria as many people believed it signaled the end of the world. The mass suicide of the Heaven’s Gate (an American UFO cult) members drummed up even more doomsday

stories.” Thirty-nine cult members killed themselves, believing they would be taken to heaven in a spacecraft accompanying the comet. Chances are, you recall the start of the new century when rumors of the end were running rampant. Disaster was predicted not so much for humans, but for computers — via the “Y2K bug.” There was even a prediction of a recession (maybe that’s true, but it didn’t happen in the year 2000). The History Channel has thrown itself into the mix by featuring a series of 2012 end-of-the-world documentaries, ominous music and all. One of the programs explains that four days before Christmas of that year, the Earth will be in exact alignment with the sun and the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Some geophysicists, the show notes, believe the mantle of the Earth will suddenly shift, resulting in planetary catastrophe. Don Palmer, geology professor at Kent State University in Ohio, says that theory has no basis. “The mantle and Earth itself are remarkably stable,” Palmer said. “And the stability is derived from the fact that the sequential layers going down from the crust right to the center of the Earth increase in density. Further, very good geological records demonstrate mantle stability over periods of billions of years. “Even if you had a small planet hit by a large asteroid, it could make a disruption, but even then, the evidence is quite good that a planet with any reasonable gravitational pull holds together very nicely.”

Can’t get enough

Still, if you’re intrigued about the end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012, there are some places you can visit on a dark, stormy night with the help of your computer that might just scare the bejabbers out of you. For example, typing “2012” and “di-

saster” into a Google search recently suggested more than 4 million sites. “Doomsday” and “2012” found 700,000. If you want to follow an in-depth study by a 2012 believer, don’t miss author and researcher Patrick Geryl’s site (www.howtosurvive2012.com). There he explains his book of the same name. “It is a blueprint for all of you who want to relive the story of Noah,” Geryl says. “I explain thoroughly all the problems we are going to encounter and which precautions we need to take. I expect to inspire enough people so that together we can resume life on earth in a new civilization.” Mark Hitchcock is a pastor with a doctorate from Dallas Theological seminary. In his book, “2012: The Bible and the End of the World,” he includes tips on how to face doomsday predictions. “Don’t panic or be drawn to carry out rash, impulsive actions encouraged by fanatics and survivalists who claim to know the exact date of the end of the world or Christ’s coming,” Hitchcock writes.“They don’t know when the world will end. Only God knows, and He isn’t telling anyone when it will happen.” So, back to the beginning — will the world end on Dec. 21, 2012? And is it wise to put off the Christmas shopping that year? The decision is yours, but if there’s no Armageddon, you’ll be scrambling at the last minute to find something for cranky Uncle Clyde. If it does happen, that five bucks you wasted on the old geezer won’t matter anyway. illustration by Jennifer Pritchard | mct

Sports|

monday, feb. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

SPORTS ON DECK Monday, Feb. 8

Men’s Golf Tee Off Classic - Round 1 Los Serranos GC, Chino

Tuesday, Feb. 9

Baseball at College of the Desert 3 p.m. Men’s Tennis at Irvine Valley 2 p.m. Women’s Tennis Irvine Valley 2 p.m. at Palomar

Wednesday, Feb. 10

Softball at Cerritos 3 p.m. Women’s Basketball at San Diego Mesa 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11

Men’s Tennis at Orange Coast 2 p.m. Women’s Tennis at Orange Coast 2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 12 Baseball Fullerton 2 p.m. at Palomar Women’s Basketball MiraCosta 5 p.m. at the Dome Men’s Basketball Miramar 7 p.m. at the Dome

Tough economy tests Olympians Linda robertson mct campus

Shannon Bahrke roasts coffee. Michelle Roark blends perfume. Noelle Pikus-Pace sews hats. Torin Koos promotes pears. Megan Sweeney tends bar. America’s Winter Olympians work just as hard off the snow and ice as on it. They have no choice. Tough economic times are battering them like a blizzard, so they have opened businesses or taken part-time jobs to pay the bills. Scarce sponsorships during the global recession have forced Olympic athletes to compensate for the loss of income with entrepreneurial ventures and old-fashioned minimum-wage paychecks. For many, the road to the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler has been paved with extra sweat. Their reward is a shot at a gold medal. They have no illusions about striking it rich in their chosen sports. It’s exhausting to spend hours practicing runs down a moguls course, then hours more in a warehouse grinding, packaging and shipping coffee but that’s what Bahrke endured in order to make her third Olympic freestyle skiing team. “We used to get a lot of money through our equipment and apparel companies, but now we’re lucky to get a pair of skis,” Bahrke said. “I’ve been on the ski team for 12 years and this was the first season I had to invest my own money in the sport. It was either pay my own expenses or retire.” At least Bahrke has plenty of caffeine to keep her going. She started the Silver Bean Coffee company, which has six blends, including her signature D-Spin blend. The 2002 silver medalist employs other skiers in Salt Lake City and donates a portion of her revenue to athletes on the U.S. team. “It’s not yet turning a profit but

meri simon | THE TELESCOPE

USA’s Shannon Bahrke won the silver medal in the women’s moguls competition in in 2002. For the 2010 Olympics, she says she pays her expenses by manufacturing coffee. I’ve been able to pay for travel to World Cups, two training camps and massage therapy,” she said. “People may define you by the medals you win but I’ve always wanted my own business. This is the other side of me.” The U.S. Olympic Committee was careful to protect funding for its elite athletes when it laid off 54 employees and cut its budget 5 percent to $135.5 million last spring. It lost key sponsors General Motors, Bank of America and Home Depot, the home improvement chain that employed about 85 athletes at its

stores, including Bahrke. The USOC will receive $255 million in TV revenue for the 2010 and 2012 Games, but national governing bodies, which depend heavily on sponsors, have struggled to maintain the stipends and bonuses athletes need to get through a season. Slow sales in the snow sports industry have forced companies to trim back. The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association made pay and budget cuts that affected staff and developing athletes.U.S.Speedskating lost sponsor USB, a Dutch bank that went bankrupt, and grabbed

the lifeline offered by comedian Stephen Colbert, whose Colbert Nation website fans have pledged $300,000 in donations. “In a time when non-profit and arts organizations are going under, we’ve had to get creative,” said Janine Alfano, USOC chief development officer, who said fundraising in 2009 increased to $9.5 million from $5.8 million. Pikus-Pace, a skeleton racer, is hoping that passion will translate into more sales of her SnowFire hats. She designs the knit beanies lined with fleece and distinguished by the spiky “hair” growing out of them. She’s sold over 2,000, for $8 to $30 apiece. “The economic crisis has trickled down from corporations to us,” said Pikus-Pace. “Running a business while training and traveling in Europe has created more stress but I’ve been able to make ends meet. This will open doors for my future.” Pikus-Pace lost her Speedo sponsorship when the company decided to focus on summer sports. To save money, her husband, Janson, built her a sled last summer to replace a broken one. Buying a new sled costs up to $10,000, plus $5,000 for five sets of runners. They nicknamed the sled Habu, after the fastest jet in the world. “I love it,” she said. “It’s taken me to the Olympics.” Pikus-Pace, of Orem, Utah, was a medal favorite in 2006 before she sustained a double-compound fracture of her right lower leg when a runaway bobsled hit her during practice. She estimates expenses for a U.S. skeleton athlete on the World Cup circuit to be $25,000-$30,000 per season if he or she is not on the U.S. World Cup team. Financial support from the national and international federations and the USOC adds up to about $15,000-$20,000. She’s getting sponsorship help - and free diapers for Lacee - this Olympic season from Pampers.

Sports| 12

monday, feb. 8, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

Softball slam! Comets continue early season winning streak jarred powell THE TELESCOPE

Theresa Houle stood as still as a statue at the plate. She waited patiently for just the right pitch. When the time was right she delivered in the form of three home runs to lead the Palomar Comets in a double header win over visiting Pasadena City College Lancers 8-2 and 8-5 on Saturday Jan. 30. “My mentality now is that if it’s a strike and it’s in the zone I’m going to unleash on it,” Houle said. She displayed her new mental approach to hitting on Jan.30. The win puts the Comets early season record to 3-0 on the season. An improvement when you consider last season they started out 1-3. “I’m pleased because we are trying to maintain such a high standard and it’s hard to do,” coach Mark Eldridge said. As pleased as Eldridge was with the win, Houle garnered most of the attention and with good reason. Her

deb hellman | THE TELESCOPE

Palomar women’s softball player Ashley Dawson (freshman) preps to catch a ball during drills at the San Marcos campus on January 13, 2010.

three-run homer in the first game broke open a close 3-1 game. The Comets cruised after that. “That broke that game open,” Eldridge said about the home run in the first game. “She’s an exceptional talent,” he said. “You just don’t find talent like that anywhere.” In the second game of the doubleheader, she broke open a 5-5 tie with a solo home run and added another home run her next at bat. The last time Houle had suited up for Palomar before this season was two years ago. Last season, she injured her knee in the pre season and had to medical redshirt. Originally, she believed that her career was over. “When I had surgery, my doctor said that I would never play again,” Houle said. Determined to play again, she worked out all fall trying to get back into playing shape. Houle spent a lot of time with hitting coach Carl Grubb working on her hitting for

this year also. On game days, she goes to the field by herself. Sometimes hours before the first teammate show up. She does nothing but visualize her at bats. “I visualize hitting the ball in the strike zone,” Houle said. “When I’m up at bat I want to drive the ball as far and hard as I can.The home runs will come with it.” While Houle is starting off the season strong, she stays humbled and team oriented. “My goals are to stay healthy for my team and my own sake,” Houle said. “We have only 12 girls this year and you need nine to play.” With Houle’s leadership, the Comets are in good position to win another softball title. “We were just trying to find a way to hit their pitching and not give up.” “They have good team with good pitchers and hitters,” Eldridge said.

Ace future for tennis teams Denny dorsey THE TELESCOPE

With spring just around the corner, it’s time for Palomar College’s men’s and women’s tennis teams to serve up another season. Both teams won the Pacific Coast Conference last year, and began defense of their titles last week. The men lost to Cypress last Tuesday and the women played Saddleback on Thursday, Feb. 4. Ronnie Mancao, head coach of both programs, is entering his 25th year of coaching. He was the 2009 PCC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. During his tenures as coach at both MiraCosta and Palomar colleges, his teams have captured ten PCC championships. Though he is feeling the loss of key players from last season, Coach Mancao said he is optimistic about this year’s teams. On both the men’s and women’s sides, he said he sees rosters that have more talent overall. Both teams have lost significant players

from last year’s teams. The men will be without D.J. Jaehnig, with the women losing Anna Polivnikova. Each was player of the year in the conference. Players for the women’s team are optimistic regarding the upcoming season. “One of my main goals is to earn a scholarship to a four-year school,” Brooke McBride said. McBride sat out last season to concentrate on her studies. “I would like to play well enough to earn a tennis scholarship to a fouryear school because I want to pursue a nursing career,” freshman player Pamela Cademas said. Like the women, the men said the players on this year’s men’s team see success in their future. Ashton Babaee, who is projected to be the Comets’ No. 1 singles player, recently relocated from South Carolina. “I’d like to get a scholarship to SDSU, to play on their tennis team, and get a business degree,” Babaee said. Freshman standout Micah Groom’s goal is simpler: “Win a PCC championship.” If past success, enthusiasm and confidence of this year’s players is any indication, Palomar College students are in for another great year of tennis. Both teams have upcoming games against Irvine Valley and Orange Coast on Feb. 9 and 11, respectively.

Rocio castaneda | THE TELESCOPE

Comet Alex Aram prepares to hit an incoming ball during a practice match of tennis. Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams have lost significant players, however, the teams say that they look forward to successful seasons.