The Telescope 63.3 by The Telescope

PALOMAR COLLEGE, SAN MARCOS, CALIF.

MONDAY SEPT. 14, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

VOL. 63, NO. 3

the-telescope.com Entertainment PAGE 9

Jammin’ Reggae star Ziggy Marley returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds

Opinion

HOLLY MEZA THE TELESCOPE

Butt out

Should people in the military be allowed to smoke?

PAGE 7

Focus

Smart phone shootout

The Telescope gives the rundown on the iPhone and other dream devices

PAGE 13

Sports

Are buses becoming an endangered species?

Facing a massive deficit, the transit district is weighing major cuts

PAGE 16

Comet volleyball Women’s volleyball team off to good start

An expected $400 million shortfall in the next five years is causing the North County Transit District to make drastic changes. The NCTD provides bus and Sprinter train service to Palomar College. At a public hearing on Sept. 3, NCTD board members discussed newly proposed alterations to existing bus routes. Representatives from Escondido, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas and San Marcos all gathered at the hearing, which was held at the NCTD office in Oceanside. These changes would save NCTD around $2 million a year. If these proposals are passed, they will be effective Jan. 24, 2010. Nearly 10 routes in the area are facing multiple proposals for changes that will attempt to make bus-running time more effective. Executive Director Matthew Tucker said that performance was not meeting the NCTD’s expecta-

Return of the swine flu Health officials tell colleges to prepare for return of H1N1 virus TONY PUGH MCT CAMPUS

Hoping to stop swine flu in its tracks this fall, U.S. health officials on Thursday advised university students, faculty and staff to “self-isolate” themselves in their dorm rooms or off-campus homes if they develop flulike symptoms. College students are a highrisk group for the 2009 H1N1 virus, which has spread to at least 168 countries after emerging in Mexico this spring.The lat-

est data from the World Health Organization reports at least 182,166 confirmed cases and 1,799 deaths worldwide. The new guidelines for colleges and universities issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends that students and school employees not attend classes or come to work. During this time, they should also limit contact with other people, except to seek medical attention. “They should ask a friend or a roommate to care for them by bringing them meals” and medsaid Education ication, Secretary Arne Duncan. These precautions should continue for at least 24 hours after the patient’s temperature returns to normal or their fever TURN TO H1N1 PAGE 3

tions on the tax revenue of the transit system. All issues that affect the bus route, the riders or the budget were taken into consideration when the proposals were made, he added. For some routes, the changes are as simple as reducing the

span of service during the week, and only running the bus when the ridership is at its peak. For others, it is more complicated. For example, route 302 stops at Kaplan College — NCTD will be eliminating this section, but trips to the college will still be made by

College shortfall

MiraCosta struggles to pay expenses PAUL SISSON MCT CAMPUS

“

MiraCosta College is poised to dig deep into its piggy bank this year to avoid cutting classes or laying off employees as revenue dips for the first time since 1995. MiraCosta trustees are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a final 2009-10 fiscal year budget that lists $102.5 million in expenditures and $94.2 million in revenue. Trustees plan to bridge the budget gap by tak-

shuttle vans.This is due to the danger of putting a large bus on smaller roads. According to NCTD, changes like this one still provide for the riders’ best interest, in safety and effectiveness, but will also save the NCTD around $362,000 a year. NCTD officials plan to extend, TURN TO BUSES PAGE 3

ing $8.2 million from the community college’s reserves. Jim Austin, MiraCosta’s vice president of business and administrative services, said Monday the shortfall is not quite as big as it looks on paper. The $8.2 million includes a $1.7 million payment to the college’s retirement fund that was carried over from the previous budget year. Nonetheless - not counting that carry-over spending at MiraCosta is up by more than 10 percent over the previous budget year, when the college spent an estimated $93.1 million. Meanwhile, revenue is down slightly from the $94.7 million the college brought in — Jim Austin during fiscal year 2008-09. During the 2007-08 budget year, the district collected $91.6 million but spent only $85.6 million.

Tax dollars were not meant to sit there and earn interest.

Find more online...

”

TURN TO MIRACOSTA PAGE 3

web: the-telescope.com twitter: @telescopenews search for “the telescope” on Facebook

2 | CAMPUS BEAT

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009

CAMPUS CALENDAR Monday, Sept. 14

•All College Forum will discuss the state and local budget at 3 p.m. in the Governing Board Room. •Dream Street by photographer, Douglas McCulloh is on exhibit in the Boehm Gallery until Sept. 22. •Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 1 p.m. in SU 203. Free HIV testing at 12 p.m. in the Health Services Building.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 •Fashion CLub meeting at 5 p.m. in Fash. #1. •Gay/Straight Alliance at 2 p.m. in SU 204. •International Club at 5 p.m. in SU 203. •Coffee Nite at 5 p.m. in the SU building.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 •Pre-med Club at 4 p.m. in the TNS 217.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Local high school hosts Issa

•Constitution Day celebrating the Constitution of the United States at 9 a.m. in the SU Quad. PHOTO BY CORAL MCMURTRY | THE TELESCOPE

Congressman Darrell Issa speaks to an audience at Rancho Buena Vista High School about recently proposed health care reform. The reform, called the Access to Insurance for All Americans Act, will make 300 health care options available to the public. It will also make insurance simpler and cheaper. Issa said he believed that those who cannot afford health care should be covered by the government.

First-semester students experience Palomar College

•MEChA meeting at 4:30 p.m. in SU 17 •TifaolemonaSamoan Club at 11 a.m. in SU 204

Palomar students take on beach garbage

Volunteers are needed for the 25th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Volunteers will clean up marine debris at over 80 spots in the San Diego area and across the border. According to the organization’s Web site, over 8,000 volunteers removed more than 160,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from at least 100 miles of beach and shoreline last year. Oceanography Professor Al Trujillo will offer his lecture students extra credit points for participating in the cleanup. Students must register prior to the event. For more details visit www.cleanupday.org.

PHOTOS BY SARA BURBIDGE | THE TELESCOPE

Elvia Nunez, a First-Year Experience coordinator and counselor, helps a student fill out a form at the first annual Palomar Premier on Sept. 3. The Palomar Premiere is an event for students in their first semester at Palomar College.

CAMPUS WEATHER

Tuesday, Sept. 15

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Thursday, Sept. 17

81˚/60˚

81˚/61˚

MOSTLY SUNNY

SUNNY

Monday, Sept. 14

•Black Student Union meeting at 11:30 in SU 17. •Fashion Club meeting at 5 p.m. in Fash. #1.

First-year students and their parents were invited to the first annual Palomar Premiere, an event to introduce freshmen to the college experience and offer resources to help them succeed. The event was held during a heat spell and the temperature was in the high 90s. Theresa Hogan Egkan, a First-Year Experience Program coordinator, said her group worked hard to get the event off the ground. Many campus departments participated, and events included an audio/video demonstration of the online Blackboard system to a soundtrack provided by the radio station. President Robert Deegan greeted everyone while they ate. Food services served some summer grub with hamburgers, veggie burgers, potato salad, chips and soda. A cool breeze kicked up and the event ended around 7 p.m. Many international students, grandparents, parents and older students returning to Palomar attended the event.

Cynthia Gonzalez serves food to Shawn Suttle, religious studies and film major, at the first annual Palomar Premier on Sept. 3.

Friday, Sept. 18

What’s up? Do you know something we should cover? Let us know. To submit story tips or events for the campus calendar, e-mail us at telescope@palomar.edu or call (760) 891-7865.

Friday, Sept. 18

Saturday, Sept. 19

Sunday, Sept. 20

83˚/63˚

85˚/63˚

87˚/61˚

86˚/61˚

SUNNY

MOSTLY CLOUDY

SUNNY

NEWS | 3

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

H1N1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

breaks without the use of medication. Duncan said students also should be vigilant about keeping commonly used items in their dorms and apartments clean, including doorknobs, keyboards and remote controls. University maintenance staff should likewise make sure that sinks, elevator buttons and classroom desks are kept clean, Duncan said. Health officials also are encouraging colleges to keep sick workers at home until their symptoms have disappeared. These precautions are similar to advisories issued earlier this month to employers and schools from kindergarten through grade 12. Unlike the seasonal flu, which falters in the heat and humidity of summer, the swine flu has continued to spread, particularly among children. Day care centers and some summer camps have closed as a result. The disease is expected to gain strength this fall, and college students are particularly vulnerable because they don’t see doctors on a regular basis, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. A CDC advisory panel has recommended that people under age 25, which includes most college students, be among the first to get the long-awaited swine flu vaccine, which will likely require two treatment courses to provide full protection when it becomes available in mid-October. Sebelius said health officials are using social-networking Web sites to encourage students to get vaccinated. “We’re hoping were on track to be ahead of this virus, to get the college-age population vaccinated once the vaccine becomes available in mid-October and to keep students as safe and secure as possible in the meantime,” Sebelius said. If severe outbreaks occur, colleges and universities working with local health experts could impose more severe precautions such as isolating sick patients in one location or canceling public gatherings. Those decisions will be made on an individual basis.

BUSES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

discontinue, reduce the frequency of and shorten routes throughout all of North County. The NCTD states that although many routes will be altered, riders will always have a way to get to their destination through shuttle buses, the Sprinter or alternate routes. According to NCTD officials, only 151 people would be affected by the route changes on weekdays. These changes can potentially affect students at Palomar; especially those who ride the bus from Carlsbad Village, as it is proposed that it operates on select weekdays, when the most people use it, on an hourly basis. This is one of 26 different proposals, each with a different nature of change. More information on these changes and the specific routes that will be affected can be found at www.gonctd.com.

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

MIRACOSTA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Austin said Monday this year’s deficit spending is intentional and is only possible because the college built up a $21 million nest egg over the last decade. Now, it seems, it’s time to make an omelet. “The taxpayers out there, their tax dollars were not meant to sit there and earn interest.Their tax dollars are meant to serve students,” Austin said. To that end, MiraCosta has moved forward with its plans to grow, hiring 11 full-time teachers and more than five “classified” support staff. It has also increased spending on part-time

faculty by six percent.The deficit spending is expected to reduce MiraCosta’s available unrestricted cash from $13.7 million to $6.1 million. Austin said the college also maintains an additional $11 million in “restricted” reserves, which includes a $9 million rainy day fund that is required by the state. He said the decision to run a deficit was made after looking at the potential future of property tax receipts, which provide 89 percent of the district’s budget. Austin said the college expects property tax revenue to remain flat over the next year and then

begin to recover. However, he said, if if property tax revenue continues to decline, layoffs and course reductions could be necessary. “If property tax was to drop 3 percent or 4 percent, then you’re going to see major recalibrations,” Austin said. “But we think it would be irresponsible for us to even be thinking about laying off people when we know that property values are probably going to come back.” Austin said the college could sustain two straight years of deficit spending if property tax collections stabilize, rather than

continue to decline. “That is going to be critical for us as we go forward.We are going to keep our finger on the pulse of revenue.” Most community colleges whose districts do not include a swath of coastal property from Oceanside to Del Mar have already had to make costcutting plans. Though enrollment is up more than 3 percent at Palomar College in San Marcos, spokeswoman Laura Gropen said that state funding reductions will force the college to cut an unspecified number of courses this semester and next.

4 | NEWS

Health Care Compared: DAVID LIGHTMAN MCT CAMPUS

When Congress returns to work, lawmakers have two broad, similar outlines of how to overhaul health care waiting. One includes legislation crafted by three House of Representatives committees. The other was passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and neither had much, if any, Republican input, critics said. Both alternatives back a “public option,” where government insurance would compete with private plans. Both establish health care “exchanges” where consumers would shop for the best deals. And both bar insurers from refusing to cover people because of pre-existing conditions. The House is expected to vote on a plan in midSeptember, while Senate prospects are less certain. Still to come is legislation from the Senate Finance

HOUSE

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

A comparison between the House and Senate reform committees

Committee, likely later in September. Its legislation will probably be combined with the health committee’s bill but no one is sure when or how. That committee’s action could go a long way in determining whether anything gets passed this year. Six negotiators, three from each party, have been talking privately for weeks, trying to iron out a compromise that can win bipartisan support. Chances are it won’t include the public option, and it’s unlikely to have many of the taxes contained in the bills. The negotiators’ task will be even more difficult when Congress returns, thanks to some sharp criticism and loud protests this summer by opponents of the Democrats’ health care plans. Notably, Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said in a recent GOP weekly radio address that the Democratic proposals are too costly. Several questions loom: How directly involved will President Barack Obama get? Will the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy be a calming influence on senators and

SENATE

CONSUMER CHOICE A new “health insurance exchange” would allow people without other health insurance to comparison shop among private and public insurers for coverage. While it would be a national exchange, states could choose.

The “affordable health benefit gateway” will allow comparison shopping for people without other coverage.The gateways can establish the federal government or states, which also can form regional gateways.

PUBLIC OPTION Virtually the same as the House.

Consumers eligible for the exchange generally people without coverage will be able to choose insurance from the private sector or a government-run plan, subject to the same standards and consumer protections.

CONSUMER OPTIONS Most consumers must choose an insurance plan. If not, they will pay a penalty of 2.5 percent of their adjusted gross income above a certain level. If a consumer can demonstrate financial hardship.

Consumers must choose a plan. Exemptions would be available for people with no access to affordable coverage or those who would incur “financial hardship.” There’s a minimum penalty for not getting coverage.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY Employers with payrolls of more than $500,000 must provide coverage to employees and meet minimum benefit and contribution standards. Or can contribute funds to the Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund. Employers would pay up to 8 percent of their payroll.

Employers with more than 25 workers must offer coverage. If they do not, or if they pay less than 60 percent of employees’ monthly premiums, they would be hit with a $750 annual fee per uninsured full-time employee.

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY Would offer credits to low- and moderate-income people. Credits would decline with income, and would end when income hit 400 percent of federal poverty level.

Provides credits similar to those in House bill.

COST About $1.04 trillion over then next 10 years.

Estimates are at $615 billion over 10 years.

TAXES AND SAVINGS $544 billion would come from a health care surcharge, or tax. For married couples, the surcharge would be 1 percent for income between $350,000 and $500,000; 1.5 percent for income between $500,000 and $1 million.

Not clear precisely how bill would be funded; still under consideration by the Finance Committee.

SMALL BUSINESS Businesses with payrolls of less than $500,000 are exempt from providing coverage. Those payrolls between $500,000 to $750,000 must provide partial help, and others are subject to penalties if they do not pay.

Employers with 25 or fewer full-time workers would be exempt from having to provide coverage. Also includes a small business tax credit.

INSURANCE REFORMS Cannot exclude coverage of treatments for pre-existing conditions, cannot cap lifetime or annual benefits.

Virtually the same.

MEDICAID Expanded Medicaid coverage, a federal-state program, provides health care to those who cannot afford it, and those below 133 percent of the poverty level.

Expands Medicaid coverage to all individuals below 150 percent of the nation’s poverty level.

FOR MORE information online Kaiser Family Foundation: http://healthreform.kff.org/ Families USA: www.familiesusa.org/august-recess-tool-kit/ Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee’s legislation: http://help.senate.gov/Maj_press/2009_07_15_b.pdf House Energy and Commerce Committee’s legislation: http://tinyurl.com/ECClegislation

give them a new push to move ahead? Are Republicans emboldened by polls and people at town meetings showing increasing skepticism? Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, DMont., recently told the Associated Press, “I think the chances are still good” for an agreement and the negotiators plan to keep talking. Should those talks fall apart, Democrats could wait until mid-October to seek a Senate vote on a plan. Thanks to a rules change, only 51 votes would be needed to move health care legislation forward, instead of the usual 60 needed to break a filibuster. Democrats currently control 59 Senate seats. Party leaders are wary of using the rule, though, fearing any plan passed under those circumstances will have a distinctly partisan hue. At the moment, that partisan tone colors the legislation that’s been passed by committees so far. Here, in general terms, is how current legislation looks:

OPINION | 5

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009| THE TELESCOPE

OUR VIEWPOINT

Obama’s speech to schoolchildren applies to college students too When President Barack Obama streamed live into K-12 classrooms across the nation Sept. 8, the message he brought was inspiring. In his speech, the president urged students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. Although the speech was meant for students aged 5-18, his message should appeal to all ages, specifically college-aged students. It is easy for college students to get frustrated, to stop caring, to miss class because they are finally out of their parents’ home and have no one to answer to. There are plenty of freshmen out there who may end up dropping a class their first semester, or having to repeat a class because they failed. The important thing is that you are here. You have taken the first step to continue your education, and the President of the United States is backing you up in your quest to build a better life for yourself. It is also about patriotism. As Americans, we have the freedom to go to the school of our choice and the opportunity to bring America back to the country it once was. “What you’re learning in school today will determine whether we as a nation can meet our greatest challenges in the future,” President Obama said in his speech. With urgency, we should take hold of the educational opportunities offered to us, and appreciate them, whether you are 18, 30 or a re-entry student at the ripe old age of 65. We are all trying to make a better life for ourselves, and in doing so, a better country to live in. “What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country,” Obama said. “The future of America depends on you.” This could seem like a heavy weight for some students to carry on their shoulders. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education show that from 2000-2006, 30 percent of college students left after the first year, and more than 50 percent never received a college degree. This demonstrates that although college students may start their first semester bright-eyed and ready to go, their gusto may quickly wear off. Further, for students who choose to attend two-year institutions, such as Palomar College, before heading to a university, their task may be even greater. Many students who go the community college route can take up to a year-and-a-half longer to graduate than those who head straight to a four-year college. However, studies have shown that transfer students actually perform better in upperdivision classes than those who started at university level. Statistics aside, now is your time to shine. The American economy is in a downturn, and is in need of a newly educated crop of professionals to steer this country back in the right direction. This is why the president’s message applies to you. For Palomar students feeling overwhelmed or struggling to stay in school, there are places you can turn for help. • TRiO Student Support Services: www.palomar.edu/triosss • Free Tutoring: (760) 744-1150, ext. 2448 (San Marcos cam pus) or ext. 8128 (Escondido Center) • Writing Assistance: (760) 744-1150, ext. 2778, room MB-3 (San Marcos campus) • Extended Opportunity Programs and Services: (760) 7441150, ext. 2449 • Counseling Office: www.palomar.edu/counseling or (760) 744-1150, ext. 2179 (San Marcos campus), or ext. 8157 (Escondido Center) Palomar’s counseling department has some good tips: A good attitude, a relaxed brain, chewing gum, getting enough sleep, setting study goals and rewards for meeting them, studying in the same place every time, reviewing notes after class and spending part of your study time with others.

MONDAY SEPT. 14, 2009

FOCUSED ON PALOMAR

WIRED

Think twice about addicting, sugar-loaded energy drinks CAYLE LEIPERT THE TELESCOPE

You wake up for school, and while you race out the door to get to class on time, you might grab yourself a coffee, soda or the eve r- p o p u l a r energy drink. The craze for such beverages has grown exponentially over the last few years. In 2006 young adults spent almost $2.3 billion on energy drinks — $2.3 billion that could be put to better use on more important things than a sugary energy beverage. Energy drinks contain two main ingredients: caffeine and sugar.The drinks do basically what they say — give their drinkers an energy boost. A typical energy drink can contain up to 80 milligrams of sugar. But is ingesting as many “spoonfuls of sugar” as Mary Poppins advised good for the body? “Energy drinks can become addicting,” said Travis Hetzner, a student at Palomar College. “People have to have them every day. They wake up, and the first thing they think they need is an energy drink.” This would explain why so many students seem to be walking around with an energy drink in their hand: because it’s so easy to get addicted. Maybe instead of looking to get that extra energy these types of drinks can offer, students could try to get the necessary seven to eight hours of sleep a night. Nothing is wrong with getting a little jump start to your day. I know when I wake up the first thing I grab is a hot coffee. It has got all that I need; caffeine and flavor. It is low in calories and has zero sugar. People who consume energy

VOLUME 63 NUMBER 3

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.

“

People have to have them..they wake up and the first thing they think they need is an energy drink,

”

— Travis Hetzner, student Palomar College

drinks may not realize just how much sugar and caffeine these drinks have in them and the danger of ingesting too much of them. Energy drinks can harm a person’s health.The drinks accelerate heart rate and blood pressure. They also can lead to dehydration. Sugar and caffeine provide an energy boost, but then leave a person dehydrated and often sweating more to burn off all that extra

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energy. Research shows that after just one week of regular consumption, people can become addicted to the sugary beverages, said Bruce Goldberger, a forensic toxicologist at the University of Florida. Once addicted, if a person stops drinking they will go through withdrawals, including headaches and mood swings. Energy drinks are addicting because they have extremely high amounts of caffeine. A typical 16ounce can of Monster has 160 milligrams of caffeine. Goldberger studied the amounts of caffeine in 10 different energy drinks. He found that a 16ounce can of Sobe No Fear contains 141 milligrams of caffeine. That is like drinking five cans of soda. Think about that next time you grab your energy drink first thing in the morning. Instead of needing that can of sugar mixed with caffeine in the morning, maybe energy drink users just need a bit more rest. We are such a “need it now” culture that we even substitute the most healthy thing we can do, sleep, with a “boost” of energy from a can. Let’s try sleeping, people.

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

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6 | OPINION

Parental neglect can be fatal KELLEY FOYT THE TELESCOPE

On Aug. 30, police shattered a car window to rescue an infant left inside while his father shopped for groceries in Escondido. The Friday prior, a 3-year-old boy drowned in a pond near his East County home before he could be flown to a hospital. A search party had found the boy under 5 feet of water. A 6-year-old boy died after being pinned under a vehicle that his drunken father flipped over Aug. 26 in the Central Californian town of Bradley. Children are being neglected at an alarming rate. These are recent, some of which are local, incidents. In 2007, there were an estimated 1,760 child deaths resulting directly from abuse or neglect, a statistic that many experts believe to be underreported, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway Web site. This 2007 statistic, the latest available to the public, represents an increase of about one child per day, according to the Press Release News Channel Web site. Since 2003, the average number of daily child deaths resulting from neglect had been four. In 2007, it raised to five child deaths per day. The United States rates are about 10-15 times higher than the average for industrialized countries, as stated in a UNICEF report. Child Welfare The

Information Gateway Web site defines fatal child abuse as being either a single and impulsive incident or as repeated abuse over a period of time. The three cases listed above would be considered single and impulsive, whereas something such as battered child syndrome would be classified as repeated abuse. In any case, the neglect stems directly from the parents’ failure to act appropriately and responsibly. About three-fourths of reported child fatalities are under 5 years of age. Almost half of those are under 1 year, according to the Operation Awareness Web site. These statistics are not even taking into account the children who survive. There are plenty of cases involving children who are neglected and live, but are forced to deal with the physical and emotional baggage resulting from the abuse. These are the children who will grow up to treat their own children the same way. Children rely on their parents for care and protection, and are completely vulnerable to their parents’ actions, or lack thereof. College students may understand a hectic schedule best out of anyone. Palomar students juggle however many units they decide to take on, a social and family life, basic necessity requirements such as rent or grocery money and a job to pay for all of the above. Returning students who already have families, single parents or young cou-

ples have even more to deal with than the average student. There is sometimes just not enough time in the day to handle everything. Despite all this, children’s lives should never be put in danger. It only takes a second to turn away from your child, when he or she will wander off. Houses should be completely childproofed, and children should be constantly within view and never left alone in a dangerous situation. There is no excuse for neglect. Children are not statistics. They should not be treated as numbers in a death toll. American children are born into a society with unlimited possibilities, and are often taught that they can do anything that they set their mind to. If these innocent lives are cut tragically short, they can never live up to that potential. As their caregivers, it is our responsibility to nurture and protect them.

Conservatively speaking: seeing Obama’s transparency in action DAN MCCARTHY THE TELESCOPE

In early September, Van Jones, then-special adviser to President Barack Obama for green jobs— one of the many “czars”—found himself in hot water after a YouTube video surfaced where he called Republicans “a**holes” at an energy lecture held in Berkeley. He used the reference twice. Not to be outdone, reports of his name on a 9/11 “truth petition” only served to add fuel to the flame, and in short time, news of his communist sympathizing and revolution baiting past was the catalyst that sent conservative talk radio and its ever seething blog-o-sphere counterpart into an absolute tizzy—for once, there was a legitimate, in the flesh Marxist revolutionary in the White House, and by golly all hell was about the wrought on his head. Stories and videos of the Green Jobs Czar came pouring in. At one point, “The Drudge Report,” arguably today’s most popular news aggregate Web site, had nearly a dozen media links regarding Jones and his lessthan-illustrious history. Congressional Republicans were quick to call for his resignation — and they got it.Three days later, Jones was gone — resigned, but effectively fired. Even with some lukewarm backing from the

White House, this ending was inevitable. In due time, the question had to be begged: how did this fellow — a 9/11 “truther,” radical Communist community agitator, environmental whack job and two-bit Jesse Jackson impersonator — land a position in the president’s advisory board? Indeed, that is a subject of much concern. You see, there’s a reason presidential Cabinet appointments have to go through a very thorough and public vetting process: to air out dirty laundry and pre-

folks running around the Capitol with their mouths to the president’s ear, and we, as a society, don’t have a clear idea of who they are, what they stand for and, most importantly, why they are there. But you, the college student, have been caught in the greatest breach of contract of your young lives. As one of the largest non-partisan groups to almost universally support Obama and his campaign of perpetually increasing vagueness, promises of “increased and transparency accountability” were heaped on you endlessly — only to then dutifully take it hook, line and sinker. Look how that turned out. Instead of an executive branch that exudes responsibility and openness, Obama and his Chicago thug staff have created a larger shadow GRAPHIC BY MCT CAMPUS government than even the most frenetic leftist hippie vent over-politicizing federal kook could have accused the agencies. Yet czars personify the Bush administration of amassing notion of having your cake and during the early 2000s. The libereating it, too. al wing of the Democratic Party Whereas presidents must be has effectively created a secondvery keen on whom they nomi- ary Cabinet interspersed with nate to Cabinet-level positions — faux agencies that represent cerboth in terms of subject area tain areas of import to the presiexpertise and non-radical politi- dent without any form of overcal pasts — special advisers need sight. This has all been done with meet only two criterion to get the nothing more than executive fiat. job: passing a 63-item questionIn over-delegating responsibilinaire, and getting a presidential ty, Obama may have trouble OK. We now have some 30-odd keeping all of his czars in line. He

MONDAY SEPT. 14, 2009| THE TELESCOPE

SPEAK OUT!

Do illegal immigrants hurt or help the U.S. economy?

“

That's a tough one. I haven't researched it enough.

“

”—Heather Walker,nursing

I haven't seen a true negative or positive impact in my lifetime.

”

— Bryce Bradford,photography

“

If they are paying their taxes and stuff then that's fine.

“

”—Chelsea Heagerty,engineering

”

I'm not sure, probably hurts.

— David Roper,computer science

“

I think some of them help when they are willing to learn the language and get a job if they need one.

”

— Linda Chen,psychology

may even lack the ability to preemptively rein in any loose cannons. Perhaps the only direction he can move in is to create a super-czar, one to act like the Whip in the House of Representatives, but instead for all the president’s little hatchlings. Keep in mind, though, that expanding the advisory staff is oddly reminiscent of any sort of federal expansion — a growing largess begets more hiccups, less accountability, less stringent criterion for admittance and exponentially increasing red tape for

the public to get through. The fact remains that Obama has done nothing but deviate from his campaign promise of increased openness with the general public, and it appears that he is intent on moving increasingly further from the platform on which he was elected. What Obama is now finding out, as a testament to his profound naivete, is that once you call for transparency, it is a code you’re going to have to operate by from inauguration on — a reality he and many statists like him are quite uncomfortable with.

OPINION | 7

MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Say‘no’to two states of California MARY PAULET THE TELESCOPE

Activist groups have advocated a rather unique solution to California’s problems — break the state into two or three separate states. This idea would solve nothing and would actually have severe negative ramifications for California, as well as pose a threat to the very existence of the United States. It is well known that California is a large and diverse state. In terms of physical area it is the third largest state. It is 250 miles wide and 770 miles long. In population it is the largest. More than 36 million people live in California, almost as many as live in the entire country of Venezuela. California is also very diverse. Cities range in size from the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles, to tiny Barstow, with only a few thousand residents. It is this large amount of area, as well as the level of diversity, that has been given as the main rationale by those who have historically supported, and continue to champion, breaking California into smaller states. This effort dates back as early as 1854. In 1992, an advisory vote was put on the ballot. The question was placed to residents of 31 counties of whether to split California into two states. The percentage of voters who voted

yes was over 82 percent in Modoc County. Today, supporters of fragmentation spout a long list of problems that they say will be resolved by breaking the state into smaller pieces. One major issue is water rights. Advocates claim that the thirsty Central Valley farms and residential consumers in Southern California have vastly different interests that can not be balanced in Sacramento since both groups have powerful claims on a finite resource. The sad reality is that if California was dismembered, the supplies of water would not multiply. The Colorado River provides a major percentage of water for both Southern California and the Central Valley farmlands. All that a breakup of the state would do is to create yet another intrastate conflict that would probably necessitate a lengthy battle in federal court. Another contention is that if it was broken into two smaller states, California might be easier to govern. As it is, gridlock paralyzes the state Legislature and has perennially made passing a timely budget impossible. This would not be resolved, as differing constituencies, as well as party loyalties, remain flashpoints within neighboring counties. No one would argue that West Hollywood and central Orange County have similar political or ideological flavors. The most important reason to

not split the state has to do with national politics. California has the greatest number of representatives in the Capitol of any state in the United States. Thus we are unparalleled in terms of our influence on national issues and regional affairs. Through the sheer weight of our congressional delegation, we more than dominate on issues of concern to the West. If and when water rights to the Colorado River are settled in the halls of Congress, California’s voice will be heard above all others. Most important, if we did vote to separate California into two states we would be, in effect, seceding from the United States. As a result of this, Congress could easily enact martial law and station troops throughout the state as was done with the Southern states after the Civil War. Perhaps a military governor would be more efficient. Although we as a state may not always like the consensus reached by the Legislature, or the amount of time it takes them to reach a decision, it is still a democracy. Perhaps a military government would be more efficient, but few Californians, other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, would wish to have the policies of their state dictated in the same way the United States initially dominated Iraqi affairs.

Dear Aunt Gertrude: I have a problem with the my girlfriend’s dad. I could tell he didn’t like me from the minute he saw me, but he never got in my face about it until last weekend. I was waiting for Christy one day and I asked him how he was. He says, “I’m upset that my daughter has chosen to go out with a crude, unmotivated, slacker who doesn’t have the sense to pull his pants up.” Whoa, where did that come from? Just because I am not a preppie a-wipe this d- head thinks he can bag on me. I didn’t say anything when his wife served me that green slop at their Sunday dinner. French cooking blows, but I didn’t tell her. I just didn’t eat it. I didn’t go off on him when he talked about the park he’s designing and how lame I thought it was. But I sure got the stink eye when I told him I wanted to be a professional skateboarder. When I told Christy what he said all she said was he had a point and maybe we should see other people. Where do those stuck up PRICKS get off calling me a crude dumb a-?

SK8R Guy

Dear SK8R Guy: Auntie G can answer you in two possible ways. The first is what you want to hear: WHATS WRONG WITH THOSE DUDES? But my second answer is what you should know. Parents for the most part want the best for their children. After 18 or 19 years they look forward to seeing their children on the occasional weekend. In other words, odd as this might sound, they want their children to grow up and eventually leave. I would venture to guess that the average dad would prefer his daughter marry or live with someone with more realistic future expectations, like an astronaut or doctor. In short, if what you said is true, and I have no reason to doubt you, the Sunday dinner brought your shortcomings into clear view. Perhaps the GREEN SLOP had a name; you might have inquired as to what it was. Designing a park may be described as many things, but LAME does not come to mind. I know this may come as a shock, but despite your stellar taste in boxers most of the world doesn’t want to see them, hence the name UNDERWEAR. When you walk around with your butt hanging out the first thing a person thinks is, “This is a guy that is going nowhere, has nothing to offer and can probably tell me more than I ever wanted to know about Grand Theft Auto (both the video game and the profession).” However you really don’t have to worry about her dad because YOU’VE BEEN DUMPED! So you can either continue on your current course, and you might become an X-Games champion, showing them that you were right, or eventually become a 39-year-old night cashier at a 7-11 who lives in a closet in his mom’s one-bedroom apartment. Choose well!

Aunt Gertrude

HANNAH HOUZE | THE TELESCOPE

Salute, don’t pollute GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

The United States Veterans Affairs Department recommends moving toward a tobacco-free military, perhaps in about 20 years, according to an Aug. 29 article by Fox News. Cigarettes have gone hand in hand with the military ever since the military’s been around, but the time has come to yank the cigarettes from their mouths and stomp them out. There is nothing like going to a party with a bunch of military men where you can’t see their faces because the room is full of cigarette smoke, polluting their lungs, my lungs, and turning me off. The Institute of Medicine conducted a study in July showing that tobacco costs the Defense Department more than $1.6 billion a year in medical care and lost work days, while the Veterans Administration has spent more than $5 billion to treat veterans for tobacco-related illnesses. The study showed that tobacco in the military had declined from 1980 to 2005, but has risen significantly since the war started. Now smokers have dropped to 1 in 5 Americans overall, but they make up more than 1 in 3 service members. Those coming back from war have a 50 percent higher rate of returning back as smokers. I may not have been to war, but I have family that has and I have seen how the effects of smoking not only rip the person you care about apart, but rips you up as well. Yes, being out there in the middle of a battlefield may not leave many options for stress relievers but there has to be something better than smoking. Value your health. You only have one life, why cripple your physical being as well as your mental? Draw, read, join groups when you get back. Write lyrics and make songs, build airplanes, play games, beat up a punching bag, work out until your arms fall off — there are other things that are healthier for you than a death stick.Taking up smoking is taking the easy and lazy way out. On the professional side, if your military job is based on your physical condition, how productive can you be if you have to run out of an area but the tar is too thick in

your lungs? You cannot be all you can be if you cannot breathe. Even if the smoking has not started affecting you in the worst ways it causes more stress, and impairs readiness in the combat zone. Stress is also a result of tobacco, because nicotine acts as both a stimulant and a depressant. If you are antsy after two hours it is because of withdrawal from the nicotine. The military now has designated times to smoke when on the battlefield because if the enemy sees the light of a cigarette at a distance at night, that squad could get ambushed. The report also identified a “strong association between tobacco addiction and mentalhealth problems, among them mood disorders, schizophrenia and substance abuse.” That sounds awesome. Give those with mental health problems a gun and put them around people. The biggest outrage is that cigarettes are sold on military bases at a discounted price, and the $80 million to $90 million that’s made from those cigarettes often pay for recreation and family programs on base. A ban may limit the amount of volunteers, but we usually like the fresh, ripe strawberries over the ones with white fuzz and mold. You have to pick your battles and I would prefer those protecting me will not be killing me with their smoke when they get back. There is already no smoking in the buildings or on the bases in general. Whenever I’ve gone to visit friends on Camp Pendleton I haven’t found myself coughing vigorously. The ban proposal isn’t getting much consideration so far. Defense Secretary Robert Gates seems to have turned a blind eye to the issue at the moment. According to Fox News, even the Pentagon doesn’t think the ban will be put in place anytime soon. Some said it would cut medical costs, make the force healthier, and eliminate smoking breaks, which would increase productivity. Others said it would dampen morale and reduce recruitment to the all-volunteer military. No one thinks it’s going to work, but I hope we’ll all be surprised when in a few years we can go to parties full of soldiers, step out on the patio and breathe the fresh air, not the fresh tobacco.

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009

10 | ENTERTAINMENT

This fall TV season there’s a lot of slapping the pasta against the wall to see what sticks. Cougars are on the prowl, medical shows steam up the screen and viewers are invited into sci-fi and fantasy forays. And former network powerhouse NBC hands over five hours of scripted prime real estate for Jay Leno’s cheaply produced talk show. While TV critics have their assorted favorites from ABC’s “Modern Family” to CBS’ “The Good Wife,” not since “Lost” premiered five years ago have critics and fans been so excited about a new series as they have been for Fox’s “Glee.”The series blends a wickedly witty sense of humor with the trauma known as high school. And while other series from “Cop Rock” to “Viva Laughlin” became punch lines for their poorly executed use of musical numbers,“Glee” producers (including “Nip/Tuck’s” Ryan Murphy) have somehow managed to make this series sing. “Glee” is this season’s BY SUSAN YOUNG pick for ‘best in show.’ FILM.COM Let’s see what else makes the grade this fall.

MONDAY SEPT. 14, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

“Glee” — 9 p.m. (all times ET) Sept. 9, Fox — Centering on a 1 largely unknown cast, “Glee” (right) taps into high school angst in the battle between the cool kids and those who are not.The adults play a crucial role, from the earnest show choir teacher to the sanctimonious cheer squad coach. HHHH (out of five). “The Good Wife” — 10 p.m. Sept. 22, CBS — We’ve watched the parade of politicians’ wives standing by their high-profile husbands after being cheated on and wondered how these women can choke down their self-respect. Julianna Margulies (left) has never been better as she plays the wronged wife trying to build a new life as a defense attorney. HHHH “V” — 8 p.m. Nov. 3, ABC — Just don’t screw it up. That was the advice from Scott Wolf’s family and friends about the remake of the 1980s cult hit about reptilian aliens in human form taking over Earth. He doesn’t, and neither does the rest of the impressive cast (right).Wolf plays a journalist whose integrity is compromised. This intriguing series asks questions about our moral fiber, and offers some crackling good action scenes. HHH “Eastwick” — 10 p.m. Sept. 23, ABC — There’s a cauldron full of trouble brewing in this small town as the Devil (Paul Gross) comes to get his due from three unsuspecting witches played by Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Jamie Ray Newman. Here’s to wishes coming true, even if they involve some dark magic. HHH “Flash Forward”— 8 p.m.Sept.24, ABC — This intriguing fantasy has the world slamming to a stop for two minutes and most survivors, like Joseph Fiennes as a cop trying to

solve the mystery, experiencing a look into their future. Can we change fate? Sounds a lot like “Lost,” which ABC desperately needs to replace.“Lost’s” Penny (Sonya Walger) and Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) co-star. HHH “The Cleveland Show” — 8:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Fox — Animated “Family Guy” spinoff pokes the censor bear. There’s no middle ground here. You either love creator Seth MacFarlane’s irreverent bawdy humor or you don’t. For those who do, this one’s not to be missed. HHH “NCIS: Los Angeles” — 9 p.m. Sept. 22, CBS — LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell form the perfect buddy unit, with a couple of the requisite quirky characters in this spinoff that doesn’t stray far from the mother ship. HHH “The Vampire Diaries” — 9 p.m. Sept. 10, CW — While it might seem as if this series is just a poser for CW to cash in on the “Twilight”/“True Blood” vampire wave, the books for this series came before either one. “Lost’s” Ian Somerhalder plays the bad vamp brother, vying with good vamp brother for the love of a high school girl. HHH “The Beautiful Life” — 9 p.m. Sept. 16, CW — Writing this may make quash all the credibility, but this wasn’t awful.Well,Mischa Barton as a washed up model was terrible,

7 8

“Mercy” — 8 p.m. Sept. 23, NBC — Nurses are the 1 new firefighters! A mouthy nurse (Taylor Schilling) fresh from Iraq, where she had a steamy affair with a doctor (James Tupper), returns home to rekindle a marriage. She’s joined by an optimistic nurse (Michelle Trachtenberg) and a sultry nurse (Jaime Lee Kirchner). Mercy indeed. H “Melrose Place” — 8 p.m. Sept. 9, CW — Past its prime time. Not even tabloid fodder Jessica Simpson’s little sis,Ashlee Simpson Wentz, can drum up much of a spark as the soapy show about residents of an L.A. apartment building attempts a comeback filled with a few old faces (Laura Leighton,Thomas Calabro) and a host of fresh flesh. H

10 11

Katherine Moennig as the rebel doctor looks like she’s one step away from a homeless shelter and her next heroin hit. No stars. “Trauma” — 9 p.m. Sept. 28, NBC — The trauma going on here is being forced to watch this mess about San Francisco paramedics filled with frenetic energy and forgettable characters. Things go boom, but make no sense.Two helicopters crash midair and one skitters across a rooftop leaving one guy alive? Not even sci-fi shows ask for this much suspension of disbelief. No stars. “Cougar Town” — 9:30 p.m. Sept. 23, ABC — This Courteney Cox vehicle drives right into the muck and can’t get unstuck. Cox plays a divorced woman who decides to take a dip in the kiddie pool, even hitting on high schoolers. No stars.

“Brothers” — 8 p.m. Sept. 25, Fox — What a mon- 5 umental waste of CCH Pounders’ considerable 3 acting abilities. The formidable actress gets stuck saying “He’s an ass, but I love him” three times to each of her sons (Michael Strahan, Daryl Chill Mitchell) and her husband (Carl Weathers) in this unbearable series. No stars. “Three Rivers” — 9 p.m. Oct. 4, CBS — This series is drowning in good intentions and very little else. Alex O’Loughlin (“Moonlight”) became an online pin-up boy for his vampire series, but this medical drama about transplant doctors just sucks. And

but the story of a bunch of wannabe models is a train wreck you can’t quite turn away from. HHH “Community”— 9:30 p.m.Sept. 17, NBC — Not there quite yet, but this series starring “Talk Soup” host Joel McHale and “SNL” vet Chevy Chase has some serious comedy percolating, but not enough to recommend yet. HHH “Modern Family” — 9 p.m. Sept.23,ABC — Shot documentary-style with characters speaking to the camera, three couples linked together test what it means to be a family. A few funny moments that might turn into something enjoyable down the line. HHH “The Middle” — 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30, ABC — Patricia Heaton tries to be super mom in Middle America to a clan that includes her blue collar husband (Neil Flynn), clinically quirky elementary age son, a terminally hopeful teen daughter and an attitude-infected teen son.HH “Accidentally on Purpose” — 8:30 Sept. 21, CBS — Wardrobe and make-up have some explaining to do, because stunningly beautiful Jenna Elfman gets a downgrade. Beyond the superficial, this series, about a 36-year-old film critic who gets pregnant after a fling with a younger man, has a glimmer of possibility given the talents of Elfman and co-star Ashley Jensen. HH

MONDAY SEPT. 14, 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Must-see Thrillers GRAIANNE WARD THE TELESCOPE

With all the blockbusters dominating the theaters — you know, the remakes of the classics that don’t quite measure up, or best sellers turned silver screen — it’s easy to miss the independent, original thought-provoking films out there.

The Killing Room “The Killing Room” starts with a woman going to observe some footage to analyze what’s going on in a white room. At first it seems a bit boring, but viewers soon begin to wonder just what goes on in that white room. Especially when you see the men in white hazard suites cleaning up the walls and floor. All the actors give good performances. Ms. Reily (Chloë Sevigny) gives a convincing portrayal of someone stuck in a sticky situation who can’t decide whether to run for it or stay. Dr. Phillips (Peter Stormare) does a good job of making moviegoers’ skin crawl. They don’t know what he’s going to do — or when a tense conversation may become bloody. Surprisingly Nick Cannon turns in an excellent performance as well. His character makes you want to kick his butt through most of the movie, but by the end you sit there with your mouth open and then a Grinch-like grin begins to form.

ENTERTAINMENT | 11

‘9’ lacks movie quality NIGEL HARRIS THE TELESCOPE

Shane Acker’s new film “9” is an interesting idea that falls flat due to a hurried plot, weak character development and generic themes. “9” takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been killed by a self-aware machine. The only life that remains are what can only be described as sack-puppets. 9 is the last one of his kind to be created. “9” is based on an online short of the same name and also directed by Shane Acker. The original short is much more refined than its full length film counterpart.The original contains no dialogue and is a raw chunk of what Acker can do. The film however, seems to have lost something in translation. It is as if the only thing remaining after getting the MOVIE REVIEW Hollywood touchup is the mere idea of what Acker was ‘9’ trying to accomplish. HH This film is much too short, OUT OF FOUR STARS giving the plot a slim chance at realization; had the film VOICES: Elijah Wood, Plummer, been given more time to Christopher Martin Landau develop, it could have been an RATED: PG-13 excellent movie. The film starts slow and finishes about as soon as it starts. The story seems like it is missing a key piece, making it a continuation of the online short instead of a traditional film. Visually, “9” is beautiful; at least it is as beautiful as a film can be with such a limited color pallet. There are lots of grays and browns which are great for setting up a post-apocalyptic setting.The animation is awesome, and most of the textures look like they would feel in real life. The film is definitely targeted to adults; that being said, “9” could be a cool thriller for younger viewers. The characters in “9” are underdeveloped. There are nine of these creations and none of

COURTESY PHOTO

Voiced by Elijah Wood, #9 peers out from a hiding place. them give the feeling of wanting to get to know them more. The nine creations are interchangeable for almost any scene. There is a shallow love plot that starts up, but it doesn’t really go anywhere. “9” also suffers from shallow symbolism that never gets taken any direction. The film has religious undertones for about half of it and then it decides to abandon the symbolism for something else. Unfortunately, that something else never really shows itself. The voice acting in “9” is lacking — the problem is that the actors don’t really seem to convey any sense of emotion when reading the lines. “9” had potential to being a great film this summer, but due to lack of development on a lot of key points, its ambition got it nowhere. With the right crew however, Shane Acker could be a talent to keep an eye on in Hollywood.

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Horsemen “Horsemen” is a movie about an overworked detective who barely has time for his kids. He’s going to make it up to them — after one last case, of course. The case is disturbing, with missing body pieces and demented sex toy contraptions. You very quickly realize the cases are linked to the four horsemen of the apocalypse, and the rest of the movie is an interesting retelling of the end of the world — with a twist. Any true suspense thriller fan may figure out what’s going on two-thirds of the way through the movie, but until you reach that point, the film is fantastic.The whole feeling of the movie is very dark so when color is introduced it’s so bright it seems filtered. Some of the film feels almost dream-like and will have you wondering if that really happened. All the actors played their parts perfectly and by the time the credits roll viewers feel so creeped out they want to take a shower.

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Teeth The title says it all. What if a girl had teeth in the mouth she does not speak from? This movie is definitely a “thrill-her” — women all over will love this movie. It’s hilarious and sure to make the men in the room cringe. It seems like every guy in the world is out to get in the heroine’s panties, and the consequences of their actions are gruesome. The entire cast did a good job of playing innocent, ditzy morons who later show a sinister side. You’ll laugh, you’ll heave, you’ll feel empowered.

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THE TELESCOPE |MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009

Surviving the flu: STEPHANIE DAO THE TELESCOPE

Goodbye summer, hello fall. Just as the seasons come and go whether or not we are ready, the same can be said for the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and carries symptoms very similar to --- yet much more severe than --- the common cold. Not sure which you have? Both viral and contagious respiratory infections, the symptoms of a cold versus the symptoms of the flu are much more mild and usually consists of a case of a runny or stuffy nose, a light cough, and/or a moderate level of fatigue. Generally, a cold can be cured fairly quickly under adequate amounts of rest combined with plenty of water to cleanse the body’s system. The flu is associated more with symptoms and complications that cannot be as easily ignored, such as pneumonia, high fever, continuous dehydration and bacterial infections. Moreover, the flu may worsen the symptoms of those with chronic medical conditions already, such as asthma and diabetes.The flu, unlike the common cold, is much more likely to be connected to hospitalization and even death. In each flu season, it is estimated that around 5 to 20 percent of the entire

U.S. population will catch the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications of the flu, and as many as 36,000 U.S. residents experience flu-related deaths. The majority of flu outbreaks occur in the heart of the winter season, but it is important to realize that transmission of the flu begins as early as October. If exposed to the flu virus, an individual will experience symptoms within one to four days. As flu season is just around the corner, getting a flu vaccination in early September is strongly recommended by doctors and medical professionals. Still, there are a number of preventative measures Palomar students and faculty members are using on their own terms in order to stay healthy and flu-free this winter. Elie Rickler, a freshman at Palomar this year, provided his best flu prevention tip, saying, “Wash your hands after going to the bathroom.” Stephanie Rathgaber, the senior office specialist in the Health Services department, elaborated on the same concept by saying, “Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Sneeze in your elbow instead of your hands, and stay at home so you don’t spread germs.” Since the influenza virus is chiefly through spread coughing and sneezing while in close contact with other people, it is important to be wary of personal hygiene, particularly in social settings. For those in search of on-campus resources, students currently registered

Tips and tricks for making it through the flu season alive at Palomar who have paid the health service fee are encouraged to stop by the Health Services building on campus to clear any health-related questions or make appointments for free nurse visits and physician and nurse practitioner appointments.While there is an extra cost for certain medications and tests, Health Services offers treatments for sore throats and colds, as well as flu immunizations. Health Services offers referrals for community health clinics, brochures for student health insurance and health education and counseling. Students who are interested in determining their level of healthiness can also take a Healthy Lifestyle Assessment test. “I’ve heard that most sicknesses are caused by being stressed out so I like to always keep my mind strong, sleep at least eight hours a night and drink lots of herbal tea,” sophomore Jessie Frietze said. Palomar’s Health Services suggests drinking hot tea with honey and lemon; on top of soothing a raspy throat, inhaling the tea’s steam helps clear a stuffed nose. To alleviate a sore throat, try combining a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda into half a glass of warm water, and gargle four to six times a day until the sore throat has disappeared. Health Services also suggests applying relaxation techniques in times of stress, as emotional trauma, fatigue, tension, and/or worry can aggravate symptoms. The flu arrives once each year to make its rounds on the unsuspecting. We can do our best to prepare ourselves by remembering to practice a few valuable health habits that are beneficial for us both physically and mentally no matter what season it may be: Keep yourself well hydrated, get your beauty sleep (this is for guys, too), get your body moving for at least 30 minutes a day, eat wholesome foods that will leave you feeling healthy and energized, maintain a fresh and positive outlook on life and always leave a little time during the day to do something that you enjoy. Follow these guidelines and next thing you know, you will be saying, “Goodbye sickness, hello good health.”

Better living through organization CHRISTINA PARKER THE TELESCOPE

School can be stressful if things aren’t in order. Students need to function through classes — which means it’s time to de-clutter, organize and prioritize your life. De-cluttering yourself goes hand in hand with organization. Once you push junk off to the side and out of the way, you can start to breathe. According to Palomar counselor Jerry Carter, “The first thing you should do is see a counselor.” Make an appointment before or mid-semester — “Students forget,” she says — and they end up rushing. Getting face time with a counselor will help with your current and upcoming semesters so even if you think it’s too late, make an appointment And come prepared. “If you have too many things, you can’t find what your looking for… you need a place for everything and everything in its place.” Carter said students should train themselves to organize papers into files and get rid of everything else. But what about all those old notes that have accumulated over past semesters? “Papers from previous classes that I’m never going to take again I recycle,” Palomar student Rachel Ascheri

said. “The ones I keep, I put in a place I don’t have to look at every day.” Ascheri also says she found that scheduling her classes one hour apart from each other is a great way to give herself a break, that way she has time for extra homework, preparing for tests, and it eliminates the stress of being rushed. Organize classes into separate binders so that different assignments don’t get mixed together, and keep due dates on a calendar, so that you know what’s coming up. Don’t stop at school. Take your organizing skills home with you. Remove excess clutter in your dorm, room or house. What do you do with textbooks you’ll never use again, clothes, and an overflowing amount of knickknacks? If you have textbooks that don’t relate to your major and you don’t plan on taking those classes again, then

take them to a local used bookstore. Don’t hold on to them. Palomar student Matt Anderson says he only keeps t ex t b o o k s and notes from his medical classes. Anything else would be useless to him. “I don’t keep any old textbooks … I only keep stuff my parents give to me and stuff from my girlfriend,” Anderson said. Pack up

those extra clothes and take them to Goodwill. Or if your clothes are still in great condition with no holes or stains, try taking them to a cash-for-clothes thrift

GRAPHICS BY MCT CAMPUS

store. This way you can trade in for store credit or even cash, and who wouldn’t love that? Do simple things, like rinse off your dishes when you are done eating, or how about cleaning them right then and there? Eliminate the task ahead of time. For stubborn roommates, for those who have them, try incorporating dog training techniques. It sounds mean, but the truth is “punishment and praise” proves effective. Put your clothes in a hamper. It may be painfully hard for some, but you can do it! Besides, you’ll feel better knowing that the less cluttered your floor is, the more likely it will be to find things. And for those of you who live at home still, what do you have to lose? The faster your clothes make it to the magic hamper, the faster they appear on your bed all folded nice and neat. The more organized you and your schoolwork are, the less stressful the school year will be. Coming home and not having to do the dishes means you can focus on your homework. Knowing exactly where those important school papers are means that you don’t have to spend extra time digging through your car to find them. And living clutter free will only make life easier. Give it a try.

14 | DIVERSIONS

THE TELESCOPE | MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009

Horoscope

By Lasha Seniuk

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Sept. 21 - Sept 27

Aries (March 21-April 20)

Late Monday business officials Work mates and officials may this may comment on past performance: week offer previously denied perwatch for subtle compliments and missions. rare permissions.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Taurus (April 21-May 20)

Early this week a friend or lover Group messages will be fast and may relive intense romantic memofurious this week: by mid-week ries. expect a sharp rise in gossip, romantic speculation and social information. Carefully study social promises this week. Although love and friendship are Silence or social withdrawal will positive, confusion concerning this week be revealed to have been times, dates or planned events may the right option. be draining.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Over the next four days friends Monday through Wednesday and colleagues will acknowledge expect friends and lovers to offer your unique contributions. gentle expressions of affection and trust.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Before mid-week a colleague may openly discuss workplace history or This week workplace relations refer to a previous costly mistake. will have a cheerful, almost humorous tone.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Social complications and quick Over the next few days friends romantic changes may be the topic of conversation over the next few and lovers may be more expressive days. than usual

COMET SPORTS |

MONDAY, SEPT. 14 2009 | THE TELESCOPE

Comets start strong, but run out of steam Palomar women’s soccer showed signs of life, but was not able to overcome the more consistent Riverside Tigers CHRISTIAN STINCHFIELD THE TELESCOPE

The Palomar College women’s soccer team record was dead even after the first two games of the season and the team was well aware of what awaited them in its third game against the Riverside Community College Tigers. Riverside, coming off an impressive win against Mt. 3 TIGERS San Antonio PALOMAR 1 College, had UP NEXT the momentum coming San Diego Mesa at into this nonPalomar conference at game Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Palomar on Sept.4. AT STAKE The Tigers stayed conThe Comets open up sistently Pacific Coast Conference play after s t r o n g , defeating a nine-day layoff. Palomar 3-1. T h e Comets started with the ball but had a hard time possessing early due to the constant Tiger defense. Comet players shouted, “play it simple!” or “keep it simple!” throughout the game. In other words: relax. They were able to “keep it simple” and were running steady

alongside Riverside (2-0) early in the first half. The Tigers had a well-designed play from the corner but the Comet defense shut it down. The Comets had opportunities in the first 20 minutes, including a missed shot on net by sophomore Stephanie Gonzalez in the 19th minute. Palomar’s defense hiccuped, and Riverside was able to score first, as freshman forward Reosha Campbell scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Alyssa Popov, in the 19th minute. For the next 10 minutes, both teams battled as the Comets were working to tie the game and get back into a rhythm. That effort paid off as Palomar came back in the 34th minute when Alexa Green rocketed one off the post to Comet freshman forward Vee Mendival, who put it in the back of the net, tying the game at 1. The rest of the first half was a defensive showcase. The second half was tough for the fatigued Comets. It was about 100 degrees, and the decrease in energy on the field was evident as both teams started to feel the effects of the sun. The Comets defense held off Riverside until the Tigers scored in the 67th minute. Midfielder Danielle Delong found sophomore captain Alyssa Popov near

SPORTS ON DECK

Wednesday, Sept. 16 WOMEN’S SOCCER San Diego Mesa at Palomar, 1 p.m.

WOMEN’S SOCCER College of the Desert at Palomar, 4 p.m.

MEN’S WATER POLO Grossmont at Palomar, 3:15 p.m.

WOMEN’S WATER POLO Grossmont at Palomar, 2 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18 WOMEN’S SOCCER Palomar at Cerritos, 4 p.m.

| THE TELESCOPE The Comets came out strong, but fatigue was a factor in this 3-1 loss to Riverside. ALLEN CARROLL

MEN’S SOCCER Palomar at Riverside, 3 p.m.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL the net, and she punched in the go-ahead goal to put the Tigers up 2-1. In the 81st minute, Marissa Fritsch tallied the final goal, assisted by Nicole Burk following a scramble in the box. Keeper Christina Beckerle had four saves for Riverside. After a hard-fought game, Palomar head coach Pamela Campbell was not disappointed in

her players. “The team looked a little flat early, but they picked it up and played well against a very good team,” Campbell said. “After this I know they’re ready to go this year and we’re going to be solid,” Campbell said. The Comets will take on San Diego Mesa on Sept. 16 at Palomar in their first Pacific Coast Conference game.

COMET SPORTS IN BRIEF

Palomar football dominates Southwestern 55-0

The Palomar College football team, which was ranked No. 4 nationally prior to their first game of the year, rolled to a 55-0 non-conference victory over defending Mountain conference co-champion Southwestern in its 2009 football opener at Devore Stadium. It was the most dominant victory for Palomar since they began the 2007 season by routing West Los Angeles 59-0. Starting quarterback Matt Christian and back-up Nate Ong combined to go 19of-27 for 270 yards and four touchdowns. Orenzo Davis rushed 123 yards and a touchdown and was named the Pacific Coast Conference Athlete of the Week for his game. Corner Anthony Young (five tackles, fumble recovery, broken up pass in the end zone), free safety Chris Boudreaux (five tackles, four solo, pass break-up, quarterback hurry) and corner Omar Smith (five tackles, fumble recovery, three pass break-ups) led the way as the defense completely shut down the Jaguars’ offense in pitching the shutout. Jeff Voa blocked a Southwestern field goal try. On special teams, kicker Kevin Ditch (2-for-2 on field goals of 38 and 40 yards, 7-for-7 on PATs, 60.7-yard average for 10 kickoffs) and Mikey Head (five punt returns for 130 yards led an equally impressive performance. The Comets rolled up 562 yards in total offense to Southwestern’s 222 yards, outrushing the Jaguars 292 yards to 30 and out-passing them 270-192.

San Diego Mesa Tournament, All Day, Sept. 18-19

Saturday, Sept. 19 FOOTBALL San Diego Mesa at Palomar, 6 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY Orange Coast Invitational, 8 a.m. at Costa Mesa

WRESTLING Mt. San Antonio Duals at Walnut, All Day

Tuesday, Sept. 22 MEN’S SOCCER Compton at Palomar, 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25 WOMEN’S SOCCER Grossmont at Palomar, 1 p.m.

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL Saddleback at Palomar, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26 FOOTBALL Palomar at College of the Desert, 1 p.m.

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