The Telescope 64.10 by The Telescope

Turkey Trivia

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Palomar College, San Marcos, Calif. monday nov. 22, 2010 Vol. 64, No. 10

the-telescope.com

Stereotypes are inaccurate, local Tea Party activists say mark saunders the telescope

Tea Party activists claim to be calm and peaceful, but Palomar students and voters are being led to believe these revolutionary rebels are hotter than a cup of joe. The Tea Party is a movement that has gained the hearts of thousands of Americans and the attention of news media outlets in recent months. The grassroots organization refers to themselves as common taxpayers fed up with the current government’s fiscal irresponsibility, Sarah Bond, the co-founder of Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition. However, local tea party leaders said if there is anything they are fed up with, it’s their chaotic portrayal by lawmakers and the media. “People assume we are all Christian conservatives,” Bond said in a phone interview. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. A lot of us are stay-at-home moms.” With the recent midterm elections over, the Tea Party has certainly sparked debate across the country. Ideals of responsible government spending and reform are the most commonly shared beliefs of tea party participants. “We are not completely anti-tax,” SCTRC co-founder Dawn Wildman said in a phone interview. “We are mad because we know where our taxes should be going and we see that they are not going there.” Rallies around San Diego have brought together individuturn to tea party page

Facebook system integrating email mike swift mct campus

In a bid to become the junction box for people’s digital communications, Facebook announced Monday, Nov. 14 it plans to launch a new communication platform intended to unify e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging and the social network’s existing message system through a single “social inbox.” While each of the social network’s more than 500 million users will have the chance to get an @facebook.com e-mail address as the new service gradually rolls out to members in coming months, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the goal was not to create the world’s largest e-mail network, but create a new seamless communication system. News of the new message system, dubbed “Project Titan,” has received intensive attention in the tech media in recent days based on the speculation that it would in one fell swoop eclipse the world’s largest e-mail turn to facebook page

Palomar event raises

$125k D

sydnie taylor the telescope

espite the economic condition and budget deficits, Palomar held its 19th annual Black Tie Gala to raise money to benefit its students. Palomar hosted the event Saturday, Nov. 13 at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad. It served as the main fundraiser for the Palomar Foundation and provided the funds for hundreds of scholarships and grants for Palomar students. This year’s gala is estimated to raise about $125,000 for the Palomar general fund, according to the foundation president and event chair Robyn Quaco. “That’s what it’s all about here tonight – our students,” Quaco said. Guests included college officials, special guests such as the San Marcos mayor, and the public, all of whom enjoyed live and silent auctions, dinner, student entertainment, “casino” action and the annual Comet Awards. Collectively, the foundation has raised approximately $500,000 from the last three annual galas, according to Ben Higgins, the emcee for the event and KGTV Channel 10 news sports director. “The college has been asked to do more for less,” Higgins said. “It’s the jewel in this county and we’re here to raise the support.” Several groups have worked hard to obtain funding for the foundation and student scholarships, faculty grants and special projects that help assure student success. The evening began with a silent auction. Items being offered ranged from small gift baskets to 7-day vaturn to gala page

photos by allyson watson | the telescope

(Top) Palomar dancers perform during a routine at the 19th annual Black Tie Gala. There was also gambling (left) and a three-course dinner (right) at the event on Saturday, Nov. 13.

|campus beat

Campus Calendar

• “Goal Setting” free workshop at 5 p.m., Room 500-B, Escondido Campus

T uesday , N ov . 23

T hursday , N ov . 25

• No class; Thanksgiving Break

F riday , N ov . 26

• No class; Thanksgiving Break

M onday , N ov . 29

• Movie Monday at 1 p.m. in SU-104. “Good Morning Vietnam” will be shown and free snack offered with student activity card.

W ednesday , D ec . 1

• Grab & Go at 10 a.m. in

Student Union upper patio. Free snack with student activity card • Student art and craft sale from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Contact 760-744-1150, ext. 2304 for more information. Opening reception from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 with a special record breaking demo by Alex Long. The sale will be located in the art department courtyard between the C & D buildings.

T hursday , D ec . 2

• Hoop It Up basketball contest at 11 a.m. in the Student Union quad • Concert hour at 12:30 p.m. in the performance lab. Palomar Electronic Music ensemble directed by Madelyn Byrne will perform. • “Sonic Celebration” at 8 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido • “Guys and Dolls” musical performance at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 in the Howard Brubeck Theatre. Admission cost $16 for general, $14 for senior and staff, $10 for students • Human trafficking prevention event at 2:30 p.m. in Room D-10. Phi Theta Kappa event. Contact Bobby Shuster at bobbyshuster@ yahoo.com

F riday , D ec . 3

• Mission 2B Clean & Green team event at 9 a.m. in the Student Union quad. Contact Lindsay Koch at 760-7441150, ext. 7509 for more information • Chairs for Charity event at 6 p.m. at Ferguson Kitchen, 1725 Hacienda Dr., Vista, 92081

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

Free workshop for prospective interns

Understand the benefits of an internship in your field at a workshop to be held Nov. 23. Palomar’s Career Center works with students to isolate their career choices and now will partner with career centers from other campuses to help students get hands on experience.The Nov. 23 workshop,“How Internships Lead to Jobs,” will be held from noon to 1:20 p.m. in the Governing Board room, SSC-1. Student admission is free. While they don’t match you up with an internship, they bring up important topics like building a resume. The career center recommends the site interninc.com to isolate possible internships. The site works Photos by Ed Brown| courtesy photos with students and businesses alike so the

M onday , N ov . 22

• Live Music Performance at 11 a.m. in the quad • “How Internships lead to Jobs” workshop at noon in the Governing Board room, SSC-1

THE TELESCOPE | monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Used chairs upgraded for silent auction ‘Tis the season to make donations to toy drives, volunteer at soup kitchens and for Palomar interior design students to create Chairs for Charity. Chairs for Charity is a creative way for interior design students to take a class assignment, finding old, unwanted chairs and turning them into a one-of-a-kind auction item. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 3, all chairs created will be auctioned off at Ferguson Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Gallery. This season’s event earnings will be donated toward the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Donations given to CCI are designated for dogs specifically trained to help wounded veterans who come back from Iraq, according to Sande Andre, Interior Design and Architecture professor. “It’s very expensive to train the dogs, they are specifically breed and intensively trained from when they are puppies,” Andre said. “They can actually retrieve things,

open refrigerators, sometimes they can even answer phones by being trained to hit a certain button.” “This event is a win-win situation for all,” Andre said. “The charity always wins, Ferguson wins because of the exposure and of course, the disabled veterans win.” Interior design students find chairs from thrift stores or garage sales and use materials learned about in their Materials of Design class (ID 105) to create their pieces. Along with the silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, raffles and cooking demonstrations are scheduled for the event. Admission to the event is a suggested donation of $10 for the general public and $5 for students. Ferguson, Kitchen, Bath & Lighting is located off Highway 78, next to Costco at 1725 Hacienda Drive,Vista, 92081. For more information contact Lori Graham at 760744-1150, ext. 2210 or Andre at ext. 3995.

Learn to achieve your goals on Nov. 23 Underachievers have no fear, the Teaching & Learning Center wants to help. TLC will host a free“Goal Setting”workshop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 22, in Room 500-B (the TLC classroom) at the Escondido campus.

Attendees will learn steps to success, practice goal-setting strategies and discover how to achieve their goals, according to the TLC website.To reserve a seat, e-mail Sarah Moore at smoore2@palomar.edu or call 760-744-1151, ext. 8171.

CAMPUS WEATHER Monday Tuesday Nov. 22

61°/43° SUNNY

Nov. 23

58°/46° Sunny

Breanna Avella| The Telescope

Child center playground gets makeover A Palomar student spent four months painting pictures in four play tunnels at Palomar’s Child Development Center. Kristin Collin, 28, is a child development major who spent two hours everyday from May to August painting images in tunnels used for play at the center. “The children love it,” Collin said.“I have a solar system in one of these tunnels and apparently they just sit there and count all the planets and name them. They’re really having a lot of fun with it.” Collin said the idea came from a teacher at the center mentioned to Collin’s mother that the equipment could use a paint job.

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Nov. 24

Nov. 25

Nov. 26

62°/44°

66°/45°

66°/47°

Sunny

possibilities are unlimited, according to Rosie Antonecchia, Career Center Director and organizer of the workshop. When joining the website, students begin by posting a profile and businesses across San Diego will be able to review profiles and offer an internship, which often translates to a full-time position. The workshop takes the site to a new level by inviting guest panels to speak on benefits of an internship. Career Center representatives from University of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, and the San Diego workforce partnership of City Heights will be present. Contact Antonecchia at 760-744-1150, ext. 2194 for more information.

sunny

“It started with (the teacher) saying the tunnels were boring and asked me to do it,” Collin said. “So I gladly painted it over the summer.” Four tunnels were painted, three smaller ones with a log image on the outside, each unique with moss, flowers or animal images. The largest tunnel is painted with planets and the sun. Collin said she purchased the supplies at Home Depot, using house paint, concrete paint and clear coater on her creative tunnels. Collins said she hopes to paint more tunnels next summer.

Saturday Nov. 27

70°/56° Sunny

Sunday Nov. 28

66°/47° Sunny

Campus police dept. needs Palomars assistance, donate toys for EOPS kids Palomar students, faculty and staff- cessful in raising money and toys for dehave the opportunity to help bring children serving families and charities during the joy this holiday season. holidays and hope to continue this tradiThe Palomar Campus Police Depart- tion, according to the campus police stament is holding its eighth annual Christ- tion’s website. mas Toy Drive from Nov. 1 until Dec. 17. StuFor more information contact Dillard at dents, staff and faculty are asked to bring a 760-744-1150,ext.2289,or visit the campus new, unwrapped toy for children ages zero police station during business hours. to 15 to campus for donation. Toys will be given to children of Extended Opportunity Program and Service student’s children, according to Officer Chris Dillard during a phone interview. “It’s not about (police officers),” Dillard said. “It’s all about the kids.” Boxes will be set up at the campus police station, Student Union, library, EOPS building and the Escondido campus for collection. Carl juste| mct campus In past toy drives, the campus police Toys are shown at a Toys R Us location in Doral, Fla. for shoppers have been very suc- who can afford to purchase and donate to children.

News| 3

Monday, nov. 22, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

gala Continued from Page 1 cations. Guests were served a gourmet, three-course meal. Dinner was followed by live student entertainment, which included dancing and singing songs with lyrics that encouraged guests to give generously to the foundation. Palomar’s dance team and choir groups made up this year’s entertainment. Students performed for guests while they ate. “These are better than hiring professionals.They are our students aspiring to be that,” Quaco said. Another tradition is the prestigious Comet Awards. These awards are presented to three exceptional community leaders who give of their time and resources to benefit the foundation and ultimately, Palomar students. This year’s recipients were John

Ashworth, a Palomar alumnus and golf clothing company icon; Peter Gach, a Palomar professor, artist and concert pianist; and Jim and Vera Eubanks, North County community leaders and supporters of Palomar. The award recipients, event chair and Palomar president Robert Deegan all encouraged guests to give money to support students’ success. “Access and opportunity combined with education is what is offered to students,” Deegan said. “Your donations go toward their success.” “Whether it’s a high school student, single mom, recently unemployed, young dropout or veteran, when they come to our (Palomar’s) door, we will say ‘yes, let me assist you,’” he continued. All proceeds from the evening went directly to the foundation.

tea party Continued from Page 1 als with likeminded ideals of fiscal conservatism. Palomar student and Phi Theta Kappa honor society member Lisa Murdoch attended a Tea Party rally to find out if media portrayals were truly spot-on. “I heard about all these dangerous people,” Murdoch said. “What I found media reporting (on) was much more provocative than in reality. I saw no antigovernment signage or voicing.” Bond said this misconception enforces its disorderly and ill-conceived label. “True Tea Party groups are nonpartisan,” Bond said. “We are all united around the principles and ideals of limited government and constitutional freedom.” The Tea Party is described as being leaderless and unorganized in a negative manner, according to Wildman. An Oct. 24 article by the Washington Post described the movement as a “disparate band of vaguely connected gatherings” that does “little to engage in the political process.” However, Wildman said it is the group’s anonymity that propels the party forward. “This only works if anonymity stays with groups,” Wildman said. “If the guy at the top does something wrong, it’s attributed to the whole organization. We shouldn’t have that problem.” Associate professor of political science Peter Bowman said the trouble with

“

speculating about the Tea Party’s influence on future issues stems from the variety of the group’s participants. “You can’t paint the Tea Party with a broad stroke,” Bowman said. “Different member(s) hold different ideals and spots on the political spectrum.” Bowman said he believes it is difficult to pinpoint the Tea Party’s general views and future, and the party faces contradictions between stances on economic and social issues. “One contradiction is with illegal immigration,” he said. “(The Tea Party) wants to increase homeland security and the Justice Department’s involvement.” This could introduce new government regulations, increased spending or taxes. Wildman said she disagrees and thinks it is the group’s variety of beliefs that help bring individuals together to discuss solutions for larger issues at hand. Bond said the — Lisa Murdoch real villains in the Student fight for America’s financial security are the mainstream Republican Party and news media outlets. She said money and the ability to establish a large media presence have allowed more popular groups to portray factions as one and the same. One such group is called Tea Party Express. The controversial group had been expelled by the National Tea Party Federation over racist comments from leader Mark Williams, but has continued national bus tours and candidate endorsements in the name of the Tea Party, according to a July 19 article by cnn.com. “Fox News has been the biggest problem,” Bond said. “The Tea Party Express has a big advantage and has created a misrepresentation of what local Tea Parties really are.” Bowman said he also notices the Republican Party being in angst over the movement. “They upset the established order, and that makes the GOP establishment nervous,” Bowman said. Regardless of the debate brewing among various groups, Murdoch said she was touched by the scene at the rally she attended. She said she believes the dedication of the activists will help the Tea Party continue. “There was a great representation of different ethnic groups,” Murdoch said. “I left with a deep respect for (Tea Party members). It was a beautiful picture of democracy in action.”

It was a beautiful picture of democracy in action.

”

illustration by joseph bonnet | the telescope

facebook Continued from Page 1 networks - Microsoft Hotmail’s 361 million users, Yahoo Mail’s 273 million users or Google Gmail’s 193 million users. But Zuckerberg said Facebook’s goal was to dissolve the fragmentation between the various computer and smart-phone communication channels, including e-mail, IMs and phone text messages. “This is not an e-mail killer,” Zuckerberg told journalists at a heavily attended announcement in San Francisco. “This is a messaging system that includes e-mail as one part of it. We don’t expect anyone to wake up tomorrow and say, ‘I’m going to shut down my Yahoo Mail or Gmail account, and switch to Facebook.’ “ The new system will allow Facebook members to send e-mail from within their Facebook page to any external e-mail address. But it also will allow people to see incoming e-mail from outside Facebook or a text message sent from a friend’s smart phone on their Facebook page, all integrated within a “conversation” assigned to that one single person. Danny Sullivan, editor-in-chief of the web-

site Search Engine Land, said while the success the success of the new system will depend on how easy people find it to use, “it’ll tie people to the service (Facebook).” The system will also allow essentially unlimited archiving of the ongoing conversation with a particular person, meaning that a Facebook user could see their entire communication with that person in one place, across a variety of communication methods. And Zuckerberg said that because Facebook knows its users’ networks of friends, it would be much more efficient at filtering out spam or less important e-mail messages. Andrew Bosworth, the Facebook engineer who headed “Project Titan,” said Facebook’s main thrust was to allow people to focus on the conversation, rather than whether they were doing it through e-mail, and instant message or a text message. “The goal for us is to make it easier for people to connect with the people they care about,” he said. “If they find it easier to do that through Facebook, cool.”

Sell Your Textbooks

illustration by rick nease| mct campus

Off-Campus Books

Get More and Pay Less For Your Books One block west of Palomar College (after CVS Pharmacy)

1450 West Mission Road San Marcos, CA 92069 (760)598-2665

Off-Campus Books Home of Year-Round BuyBacks

|Opinion

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, nov. 22 , 2010

Our viewpoint

Priorities in wrong places

The recession’s grip tightens as the University of California system and Cal State University system face another wave of tuition increases next year. Transferees, get ready to fork over more money and apply for more scholarships. Students in the UC system will see full-time tuition jump from more than $10,000 to around $11,000 a year, an 8 percent increase. CSU school full-time tuition fees jump from more than $4,000 to almost $5,000 per year, a 15 percent increase, according to a Nov. 14 article by the North County Times. Our state’s current economic straits aren’t the sole culprit for the price hike. Before the UC and CSU system raises the stakes on the future of higher education in California, they need to determine what other expenditures can be pruned. By budgeting realistically and finding new ways to use old money, both systems can avoid further burdening the students. From 2002 to 2006, classroom instruction spending nationally has decreased, as reported by the Delta Project, which looks at spending at higher education institutions. Meanwhile, spending for administration, and academic and student support increased, according to the same article. School officials are setting their priorities away from the classroom. At Palomar, pay increases were awarded to President Robert Deegan last May. Palomar’s 2010-2011 fiscal year budget for teacher’s salaries was less than the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget. Apparently, our

campus has the same mentality as CSU and UC schools. Schools seem to be cutting costs primarily in the teaching sector at all education levels. Universities have made it clear that while the current economy is no help, the schools are also part of the problem. Reorganization of spending priorities is necessary. The only way to reform the spending habits of the last few years is to reform the system that allocates funds. UC president Mark Yudof has introduced a two-tier pension and benefit reform to curb benefit spending. The reform would increase the retirement age minimum and maximum by five years as well as cut the current pension plan cost by 20 percent. Yudof has also proposed an expansion of financial aid coverage to help cover the tuition increase, according to a

JACOB LANGSTON | MCT CAMPUS

press release from the UC Office of the president’s Web page. The CSU system expects that despite the fee increase, students will still be covered through financial aid, Cal Grants and tax credits, according to a press release on CSU’s web page. Covering student fees through financial aid and grants is a great way to offset the hit students will take, but nothing has been said to address classroom funding. Everyone agrees that we need to find a way out of this recession. That way is through reinvestment in our students. An increase in spending on the classroom is the best way to right our economic wrongs. To reject this philosophy is to forget the importance of students to the state’s future, something California is in no position to gamble with.

Fear not: Fight the flu Natalia vasquez The Telescope

With modern medicine advancing day by day, humans are increasing their life expectancy and knocking out known predators even on the biological level. Flu shots are one more step modern society, taking toward immortality and allowing science to take hold of our daily lives. Just stick with the needle. There are other ways to fight the flu. Most people would like to stay safe and keep children and the elderly healthy because of the complications from influenza: bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, asthma, sinus and ear infections. Every year 200,000 people will seek hospitalization from complications, according to flu.gov, 23,000 of which will die. One yearly shot can prevent such complications, it’s foolish to not take advantage. Before the modern world understood the spread of disease, the flu would reach epidemic numbers — particularly after World War I, where small villages were lost at the extreme corners of the world. Today we have soap and water in every bathroom, and Bath and Body Works makes hand sanitizers in scents to appeal to everyone. Hand sanitizers have even graced key chains, public shopping entrances, and medical offices with the idea that preventative measures are the most effective. Some claim that over sanitation would allow bacteria to create immunities to cleaning ingredients, thus becoming stronger and having

a worse effect. Many people fear vaccines link to autism in small children, but as of February, the Medical Journal has stated this to be untrue. This entered the public eye because of the mercury content of vaccinations which could lead to health complications of already existing conditions — however, this type of mercury (ethylmercury, as opposed to the brain-damaging methylmercury) is thought to be harmless. The flu shot is cost-effective and available all over. Palomar students can get a free vaccine through Health Services, and the vaccine is also available at Walgreens and other pharmacies. The common fear of needles doesn’t have to disqualify a person from getting the vaccine, either. There’s a newly-engineered FluMist treatment, in which a spritz to each nostril completely protects against common strains including the pandemic-inducing H1N1 virus. This spray works just like a typical vaccine where a weakened form of the flu is introduced in the nasal passages where the flu often starts. FluMist is also free of preservatives and the mercury content that many have feared in the past. This is a brand new way of treating the flu, though their informational web page insists on double checking with a doctor before taking the vaccine. Both the flu shot and nasal spray are effective in preserving quality of life, helping everybody rid themselves of the coughing and sneezing associated with the flu.

How important is it to take flu shots?

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I live with my grandma, so getting the flu shot would help me help her with her health.

”

“

I think they’re not necessary, but they are a good way of preventing the flu.

— Tyler Wier, 18

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— April Kilbourne, 19

“

I would give my child their If you take vitamins and first initial flu shot, but I believe exercise, I don’t think it would be you should let the immune sys- necessary to take the flu shot. tem build than to inject artificial things into children.

”

—Daniel May, 29

Focused on Palomar

Volume 64 Number 10

The Telescope is published 11 times per semester. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily represent those of the entire newspaper staff, Palomar faculty and staff members or the governing board trustees.

”

— Jonathan Whalen, 21

“

I personally don’t because it doesn’t matter. Because one day or another you’re going to get sick and you need to get sick to be healthy.

”

— Josh Holloway, 21

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 receieved one week prior to the newspaper’s publication to be considered for inclusion.

Staff Writers | Casey Byrne, Ben Gross, Davon Hollis, Joseph Melson, Jarred Powell, Mark Saunders, Nick Shumate, Victoria Tran, Michael Treadway, Natalia Vasquez, Emilie Vurik, Chris Wafer Associated California Newspaper Staff Photographers | Layan Ammouri, Breanna Collegiate PRess Publishers Association Avella, Jennifer Bacon, Steven Balubar, Brak Blevins, Austin Castillo, Ian Chalmers, Laura Davis, Christina Dugdale, Rosa Galvin, Tina Hernandez, Doug Holstein, Christopher Kennedy, Reginald Legaspi, Rachel Martin, Rachel Munoz, Huy Nguyen, Mathew O’Neil, Christian California First Journalism Association Provano, Stacey Prince , Heather Skaggs, Kirgan Snaer, Amendment Coalition of Community Colleges Leslie Surek, Brian Tierne, Allyson Watson, Joshua Yepez

CFAC

Opinion| 5

monday, nov. 22, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

Freeway delays will benefit everyone’s future casey byrne The Telescope

The freeways in San Diego are a joke. The only problem is that anyone who has driven on a major freeway in America’s finest city lately is definitely not laughing. With major expansions projects on Interstate-15 currently underway, many drivers are seeing nothing but brake lights and orange cones in their paths, and that is causing them to see red more than anything else. These lane closures and self-induced traffic jams are a royal pain in the neck, but I think we need to stop and think about why we find ourselves angry at the situation. Traffic delays can be headache inducing, but isn’t that better than the alternative? Can you imagine the wear and tear that unkempt roads and potholes could inflict on your vehicle’s alignment and tires? While many of us find it easy to curse at CalTrans for causing these delays, let me ask this question: If you can’t close the freeway during rush hour to get these construction projects done, when are they supposed to get this much-needed work done? I feel sorry for those CalTrans employees because they are like the Rodney Dangerfield of construction workers … they get no respect. Everyone complains that the roads are in terrible shape and that they should have been fixed 10 minutes ago, but when the roads begin to get worked on, drivers complain about delays. They just can’t win, it would seem. Even though they work at night and into the morning hours, mere inches away from being clipped by a speeding car, many people still have the audacity to curse these highway men for doing their jobs. They are not the ones making you late. You’re doing that yourself. Freeway delays due to construction and expansion projects are nothing new to us here in San Diego, so why don’t you give yourself

extra time to get to your destination? It’s not like these construction zones just popped out of thin air. If people would read those bright orange signs that CalTrans posts informing motorists of imminent road closures, instead of sending a text message while zooming past at 85 MPH, then maybe they would know when to take an alternate route. Sure, it’s inconvenient, but then again, so is being faced with a $500 bill to fix the suspension on your car that a pothole on a neglected road broke.

Source: California Department of Transportation website

Community college enrollment remains on the rise Natalia vasquez The Telescope

Enrollment in the K-12 sector is shrinking in areas of North County while community colleges are seeing an enrollment surge. That is a bad omen for Palomar students — it means more competition for classes, parking spots and help from faculty and staff. Palomar’s popularity is mostly due to severe funding cuts from both the state and federal level, which lead to an increase in tuition costs for the CSU and UC colleges. Higher costs have forced many students to drop out of higher institutions and return to the two-year colleges. Enrollment at Palomar has increased 2.3 percent over last years enrollment. Past its capacities, students to complain about the lack of courses needed for the transfer hopeful. And even the possibility of a transfer is getting further and further from the reach of Palomar students. Only 26 percent of community college students who planned on getting a bachelor’s degree actually have that degree a full nine years after they first began schooling, according to a national study. The inability to transfer will keep enrollment up, but not in the way Palomar hopes.

Palomar isn’t able to get more state money for more students.Without financial help from the state, the administration will be forced to increase the cost of units again to lighten the load, but community colleges were founded on the idea of affordable education. There is a solution. Obama’s American Graduation Initiative will influence the growth of community colleges, and enrollment will continue to rise for the right reasons. The AGI was created to better prepare Americans to compete in a global economy. It is a $12 billion promise to every American preparing for the workforce by putting them through at least one year of college. Obama and Biden have toured the country’s community colleges that are in the same boat as Palomar, dealing with more students than classes can handle. The plan also includes increasing the amount of Pell Grant award recipients and a push to increase enrollment seven times over current numbers. Further enrollment will allow Americans to flourish, if the promise of higher education remains affordable. eric walker | the telescope To protect yourself, get informed and supStudents wait in the admissions and financial aid line at the Student Services building. Palomar’s enrollment is up port programs like AGI that will keep commuby 2.3 percent, leaving classes packed beyond capacity. nity college affordable for the masses.

|In Depth

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Beating the odds against the foster care system Nick Shumate The Telescope

Anthony Gonzalez is a typical Palomar student. He came to Palomar in hopes of continuing a football career, enjoys campus life, likes his classes and hangs out with friends whenever he gets the chance. Next fall he will be transferring to SDSU. The only difference between Gonzalez and the rest of the student body is that he was a foster child, and that piece of information makes all the difference in the world. Whenever a foster child turns 18 and becomes a legal adult, besides the standard registering for the draft and ability to buy cigarettes, they have to emancipate themselves from the foster care system. To “age out” or emancipate for a foster youth means separating from the foster care youth programs or institutions that act as legal guardians. “When you come out of the program it’s really shitty, there aren’t really any options,” Gonzalez said, “People don’t really think about how hard it is. You don’t have any direction.” This isn’t uncommon. According to MoveOn.com more than 500,000 children and youth are in foster care in the U.S.; approximately 20,000 youth emancipate from that system each year. Only 13 percent of children who age out of foster care make it through a four-year college. “I have a lot of friends that I was in the system with, who were just gifted as hell and had a lot of potential, but they’re in gangs now and ending up in prison or drug addicts.” Gonzalez said what made him different compared to his peers was the Extended Opportunities Programs and Services office (EOP&S) here at Palomar.

Kiigan Snaer | THE TELESCOPE

Anthony Gonzalez, Palomar student and former foster youth, often spends time between classes studying at the Phil H. Putnam Library. After finishing high school and emancipating himself, he was told by a superintendent to find the EOP&S office. Anel Gonzalez (no relation), Palomar’s EOP&S Outreach/Foster

Youth Liaison, said the Guardian Scholarship program is providing opportunities to these foster youth students to help provide them with not only the financial assistance needed but a network these stu-

dents can rely on to help find other resources they need. The program’s creation six years ago initially had one student; there are now 44 students continuously coming into Anel’s office looking for

assistance or direction. “Each year we get more students and every year our retention doubles,” Anel said. “We can’t go and ask students if they want assistance though, students have to selfadvocate.” Anel said the relationship the student has with her and the EOP&S are unique. She has some students that stop in almost every day or some that only check in once a month it is completely up to the student. “I’m going to bug them as much as they want me to,” Anel said. Housing is provided for the foster children prior to emancipation by institutions such as group homes and other state-funded facilities. After the youths separate from the system, they are left to figure this situation out for themselves. Anel said she has noticed this is one of the hardest parts of the transition for students. “A lot of times housing is the biggest issue. If they don’t have a place to study or even just a place to sleep, it’s hard to do well in school,” Anel said Anel is hoping one day Palomar will get dormitories for students who are in this situation. With more attention and with state and national funding increasing, this may one day be a reality. Less than half of former foster youth are employed two-to-four years after leaving foster care, and only 38 percent have maintained employment for at least one year, according to the website. The EOP&S helps students receive both federal and state grants that provide tuition, books and school supply allowance and monthly living assistance. Chaffe Grants, Pell Grants and Guardian Scholarship Grants are all available for students with a foster youth background.

In depth| 7

Monday, Nov. 22, 2010| THE TELESCOPE

Honored at last which was three weeks before he was killed, Cagle expressed his dislike for the combat he faced, yet The nation’s flag whipped and told his mother, “My men need whirled in the strong breeze above me, and I need them,” according to the Veterans Memorial Nov. 11 at Johnson-Roth. He died in Iraq on May 23, Palomar, in front of a large crowd gathered to honor the men and 2007. “Daniel is here in spirit, as we rewomen who served in the armed member who is putting themselves services. Emotions ran high among the in harm’s way,” Johnson-Roth said. She tore the tape away from the group of people covering the lawn. Many smiled and shook hands latest inscription that will forever with those around them, while oth- immortalize Cagle on Palomar’s ers held back tears remembering campus. Palomar is home to the largest those who had been lost. Among them were veterans, veteran population in all of Califormembers of the Palomar Board of nia, according to Palomar president Trustees, administrators, faculty, Robert Deegan, and the number of students and the family of Daniel veterans is only increasing. With several benefits, includCagle, the 33rd and most recent veteran whose name was added to ing personalized counseling and a study center, veterans prefer Palothe memorial. “It’s easy to forget a war is going mar’s campus. “Our veteran population is close on because we’re a bit disconnected from the front lines,” said Russ to doubling in the last two years, and as a college we offer more proMcDonald, a counselor. “I know I take our great demo- grams for veterans than many othcratic environment for granted so ers,” McDonald said. Deegan pledged to veterans it’s important to honor these people that fought for us to be stand- that the college will provide academic success to continue living ing here now.” The service centered around the American Dream. Deegan said he is proud of the Cagle, who was a former Palomar support Palostudent who died mar provides to while serving in the veterans on the military. campus. The ceremony Snapping began with the pictures from Pledge of Allethe sidelines, giance, as somber one student was voices congregatimpressed by ed in an anthem — Mark Minkler the crowd. of patriotism. Director of veteran’s services “There is so With her much support, daughter Nicole’s hand at her back, Gail Johnson- especially with all the military basRoth recalled her son’s dedication es around the campus,” said David to the people he fought beside and Ulrigg, a photography major and the leadership he exuded through former United States Marine. “Remembering fallen soldiers every mission. During his final return home, and anybody who served shows

Crowd gathers at memorial to remember fallen soldiers

Natalia Vasquez The Telescope

“

I’m glad politics have evolved into hating a war but not the warrior.

”

LAURA DAVIS | THE TELESCOPE

Nicole Cagle and Gail Johnson-Roth attended the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11 at Palomar College. The name of Cagle’s brother and Johnson-Roth’s son, Spc. Daniel Patrick Cagle, has been added to the Veterans Memorial and was unveiled during the ceremony. Daniel Cagle was in his second year of military service and was in the Al Anbar province of Ramadi, Iraq, when he died in 2007. support for those in active duty.” Governing Board members Nancy Chadwick and newly-elected Paul McNamara were in the audience showing their support. “I’m so emotional hearing these speakers,” said Brand Bruggers, English major who attended the event. “Being a veteran this day is so important and it’s so nice to have a memorial for the families because this day is so engrained in our history.” Deegan asked Mark Minkler,

Rachel Umeno| THE TELESCOPE

Anime Club members Chris Myers, Henrik Harbin, Larry Lopez, and Alex Leon watch an anime.

Anime showings on campus Ben Gross The Telescope

Everyone of this generation probably remembers when Pokémon took the United States by storm. So it is not a surprise that Palomar has an active club devoted to anime. Since its origins in Japan, anime has gained international success, and has been used in entertainment features like television shows, short films, feature films, video games, commercials and the Internet. The Anime Club at Palomar was started in 2000 by a student named Brian Gordon. The club is now led by Elisa Elane Luevanos. Luevanos, an art major, is in her first semester as president, but she has been a member of the club since 2005. Their vice president is Anthony Sciacca and secretary is Dane Schwaebe. Schwaebe joined this fall because he is simply “really into anime.” His favorite series is “Initial D,” a car racing series.

Luevanos said the club is special because the members become close and participate in many off-campus activities together, and go to anime expos in the region. These include the Anime Expo, the Pacific Media Expo, Anime Conji, and of course Comic-Con. They are also expanding their social networking efforts, including a Facebook page and YouTube channel. This has been done to expand the anime community at Palomar. The club meets Fridays at 2 p.m. in the P Building. All of these meetings are open to anyone. They have about 15 active members and are planning a collaboration night with the LGBTQA. This event will be held on Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. showing controversial gay and lesbianthemed anime films. These films include “Miyuki-chan in Wonderland,” “Utena: The Movie” and “Bronze.” For any questions about the club, contact club adviser Bill Jahnel at bjahnel@palomar.edu.

director of Veterans’ Services, to search for Palomar students who had died in the Iraq war, which led to the addition of six names. “I’m glad politics have evolved into hating a war but not the warriors,” Minkler said. “It warms my heart that the family could attend the dedication.” As veteran Ryan Williams stood at the podium, he recounted the importance of soldiers returning and acclimating to civilian life. He then asked the audience to take a

moment of silence. The Clock Tower chimed 33 times for the name of each fallen hero on Palomar’s war memorial. The somber members of the audience hung their heads low. The ceremony concluded with a thank-you from Cagel’s mother to student veterans like her son. “I think veterans have a hard time because of the horrible things they experience, but there are a lot of people rooting for you, so persevere,” Johnson-Roth said.

|Arts & Culture

THE TELESCOPE |Monday, nov. 22, 2010

Balboa Park features the Botanical Building with a lily pond in the front. Below is a sunflower also in Balboa Park. Brock Blevins | THE TELESCOPE

Do more with less in sunny San Diego Casey Byrne The Telescope

College students are notorious for being broke, and extravagant spending doesn’t always mean having more fun. Here are a few ideas to keep students active while on a tight budget. All activities are within San Diego and can be done for under $20.

Balboa Park

With breath-taking gardens, world-renowned museums, shops, restaurants and plenty of great architecture to take in, Balboa Park offers fun for all ages, regardless of how much coin you have in your pocket. While the museums and nearby San Diego Zoo might cost a little more than you want to spend, you can enjoy all the sights, sounds and scenery for nothing at all. There are many walking and jogging trails, as well as sprawling grassy areas that

are perfect for an impromptu picnic,or to lie out and soak up the San Diego sunshine.

Torrey State Reserve

Pines

In between La Jolla and Del Mar, the Torrey Pines State Reserve is a great place for those seeking a place to visit that won’t burn a hole in their wallet. The Torrey Pines State Reserve has a little bit of something for everyone. With over eight miles of trails perched right on the Pacific, Torrey Pines is a great place to go hiking and see some of San Diego’s rugged natural beauty. There are several trails that wind down to the sands of Torrey Pines State beach. Torrey Pines’ beaches

ck o R e v i t a n er t l A • R.E.M – “It’s the end of the world” • Nirvana - “Heart-Shaped Box” • Flyleaf – “Again”

• Paramore – “Misery Business” •Neon Trees – “Animal”

• Cibo Matto – “Sugar Water” • Gorillaz – “Feel Good, Inc.”

• Third Eye Blind - “Semi-Charmed Life”

feature world class surf as well as “swimsuitoptional”Black’sbeachfor those who want to let it all hang out. Not into hardcore rock and roll? There is a solution — alternative rock. Alternative rock is a type of rock music that was created in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of the first popular alternative rock bands was R.E.M., which started in the 1980s. In 2004 releasing its debut album “All We Know Is Falling,” Paramore sold over 7 million albums worldwide. Another alternative band is Cibo Matto. The unique thing about this band is it was one of the first Japanese all-girl bands to play in America. Cibo Matto did not catch their big break until it guest stared in the second season of the popular television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 1998. The Gorillaz are a staple in the alternative rock scene. The band debuted their selftitled album “Gorillaz” in 2001. Just recently the band members exposed their identities at a charity event in Los Angeles. Before this they had only been portrayed as cartoon characters. Finally, there is Flyleaf. Flyleaf is a band that formed in Texas. Their first album sold over 10 million copies with the intention to spread the word of God around the world in modern-day style.

Historic Encinitas

As you travel along historic Highway 101 in North County, take a couple of hours to take in the sights of this picturesque San Diego beach town. With many shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, downtown Encinitas is a great place to hang out. Moonlight beach is just a stone’s throw from Highway 101, with pristine sandy beaches and great surf awaiting those who are willing to make the five-minute walk. For those sports-minded folks, Moonlight Beach also has three regulation volleyball courts to practice your serves and spikes, as well a tennis court and a playground for the kiddies. Grab a hot dog from the snack bar, and you’ve got a great beach experience for only a few bucks

Visit a Craft Brewery

San Diego has quietly become the mecca of craft breweries in America. With over 33 craft breweries in San Diego County, there are many different ways to enjoy their best offerings and gain insight into this upcoming effervescent industry. Many of the local breweries offer free tours and tastings and with the proximity to each other; one could sample several different breweries in the same day and not travel more than a few miles.

With the recent boom of craft breweries in San Diego, several companies have started organizing “tasting tours,” which will pick you and your friends up in a limo bus and drive to the breweries. This is ideal if you have lots of people who can all chip in to go on fun-filled day trip sampling great beer at a reasonable price.

Farmer’s Markets

In a time of processed food and genetically engineered and pesticide-treated vegetables, take a break from the monopoly of grocery offerings and go to a local farmer’s market. Usually held once a week in many cities and towns across San Diego, these markets offer local, organically-grown fruits and veggies. and a variety of vendors can be found selling their homemade wares, as well as craft vendors and many others. Some of the bigger markets feature live music, and offer the community a chance to get to know one another and support local growers who place an emphasis on quality organic produce. To find your local farmer’s market, go to your city’s website and check the calendar.

Arts & Culture |9

Monday, nov. 22, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

What’s for dinner? Chain restaurants have tasty items that can’t be found on the menu Melissa Caston The Telescope

Everybody loves a good secret and restaurants have them. Secret menus, that is. Secret menu items can be as simple as adding extra toppings to your hamburger or combining two regular menu items into one. In-N-Out Burger, Burger King, McDonald’s, Jamba Juice, Wendy’s and Arby’s are just a few fast food chain restaurants with websites that have secret menus.

In-N-Out One of the items on In-N-Out’s secret menu is animal-style fries. Topped with two slices of melted American cheese, grilled, chopped onions and secret family sauce. Another item from In-N-Out’s secret menu is a neapolitan shake. Ask for this and the employees will mix their chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavors into one milkshake for you.

More Places With Secret Menus: Photos by melissa caston| THE TELESCOPE

Shown here is Chipotle’s “Quesorito.” It is a classic burrito that has melted cheese. Note that all locations will offer this item.

Chipotle Chipotle restaurants’ store policy is if the ingredients are available, they will make what you want.. The only item available at the Vista Village location is a quesoritto. This secret menu item is your basic burrito with melted cheese drowning the rest of the ingredients, which include pinto or regular beans, your choice of meat, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, white rice and a tortilla. Also at Chipotle, you can order quesadillas made from either their regular- sized tortillas or the small 4-inch tortillas to make child-

sized quesadillas. You can put any of the meats and sides on the quesadilla to make it truly yours.

Jamba Juice Jamba Juice has a famously long secret menu item list that isn’t shown in stores or on its website. Jamba Juice’s menu is typically a lengthy, healthy one. So when you hear they have candy-based smoothie options, you might question where the healthy part comes in. Jamba Juices’ smoothies never have candy in them, instead the employees use a combination of their

sherbets and other ingredients to make them taste that way. One of their secret smoothies is the Red Gummy Bear. Made up of soymilk, peach juice, strawberries, orange sherbet, lime sherbet, pineapple sherbet, raspberry sherbet and ice, it was a delightful surprise how similar tasting the flavor was to an actual gummy bear. They also have white and green gummy bear smoothies. Almost any restaurant can whip up an item a customer desires, secret or not. If the item isn’t listed on a regular menu; it can’t hurt to ask. Couponsherpa.com listed 24 restau

• McDonald’s • Burger King • Arby’s • Dairy Queen • Long John Silvers Note: Only at participating locations

rants with secret menus, but not all locations offer secret menu items. If you have secret menu items to share, visit the-telescope.com.

10|diversions

THE TELESCOPE |Monday, nov. 22, 2010

■ 2 oranges, quartered ■ 2 lemons, quartered ■ 6 sprigs thyme ■ 4 sprigs rosemary Dissolve the salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water in a nonreactive container (such as a clean bucket or large stock pot, or a clean, heavyduty plastic garbage bag.) Add the oranges, lemons, thyme and rosemary. If you have a bigger turkey and need more brine, use / cup salt and / cup brown sugar for every gallon of water. Remove the neck, giblets and liver from the turkey, and rinse it inside and out under cold running water. Soak the turkey in the brine, covered and refrigerated, for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 24 hours. Rinse the turkey well after removing it from the brining solution to prevent it from being too salty. 1

9. Besides the meat, what parts of a turkey can be used?

Facts, tips and trivia about our fine, feathered (and feast-worthy) friends 1. Who decided to make

Thanksgiving a national holiday?

In the mid-1800s Sarah J. Hale, a poet and editor, lobbyed for a national Thanksgiving holiday. But it wasn’t until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln — looking to unite the nation during the Civil War — gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation. Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving.

2. How much turkey do

Americans eat on Thanksgiving?

More than 45 million turkeys (about 535 million pounds) are cooked and eaten on the holiday.

3. How much turkey should I buy for Thanksgiving dinner?

For generous servings and leftovers, Butterball recommends: ■ 1 to 1 / pounds per person when buying a fresh or frozen whole turkey. ■ 1 / to 2 pounds per person for a frozen stuffed turkey. ■ / pound per person for a bone-in breast of turkey. ■ / pound per person for a boneless turkey roast or a boneless breast of turkey roast. 1

4. How can I find the best-tasting turkey?

Age is a determining factor in taste. A turkey younger than 16 weeks is called a fryer, and a “young roaster” is 5 to 7 months old. A yearling is just over a year old. Any bird 15 months or older is considered mature. Since old females generally have tough meat, hens are eaten when they are young and small. But young male birds generally have stringy meat, so older, large males

are preferred.

5. What is the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?

The best and safest way to defrost a turkey is to thaw it in the refrigerator. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature. Put the turkey in its original wrapping on a shallow baking sheet in the refrigerator. The following chart provides good guidelines for thawing times in the refrigerator.

6. How do I know when the tur-

A mature turkey has about 3,500 feathers, most of which are composted or disposed of. But some are used for such things as American Indian costumes and pen quills. It has even been reported that Big Bird’s costume on “Sesame Street” is made of turkey feathers. Turkey feather down is also used to make pillows. Giblets are the edible internal

11. How do I carve a turkey? 1. Let turkey cool after roasting so the meat can “set.” Pull legs away; cut through hip joint without removing the leg.

essential amino acid L-tryptophan, a natural sedative, with drowsiness. Although L-tryptophan occurs naturally in turkey, you would have to eat a lot on an empty stomach with no other protein for it to make you sleepy. If you get drowsy after a big turkey dinner, the culprit is probably your high carbohydrate intake as the blood rushes from your brain to your stomach to help digest the large meal.

12. How should I store my leftovers?

Within two hours after roasting, remove the stuffing from the turkey and carve the meat off the bones. Chill the leftover meat in the refrigerator before wrapping for storage. For refrigerator storage, wrap the turkey and stuffing separately, and eat them within three days. If you’re storing leftovers in the freezer, wrap the turkey and stuffing separately in heavy foil, freezer wrap or freezer bags. For best flavor, eat the stuffing within a month and the turkey within two months.

13. How can I use the leftovers?

The most popular ways to serve leftover turkey are: ■ Sandwich ■ Soup or stew ■ Casserole ■ Stir-fry ■ Salad

14. What states produce the most turkeys?

Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina and California are the leading turkey producers, and most states have at least one major operation. 2. The first cut into the breast meat goes horizontally, all the way to the breast bone, just above wing joint.

key is done?

The turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees F deep in the thigh and 170 degrees in the breast. Juices should be clear, not reddish-pink, when the thigh muscle is pierced. Pop-up timers provide a good indication, but you should always use a meat thermometer to confirm that the turkey is done. A stuffed turkey is done when the meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees F in the center of the stuffing.

kRtn infographics/bill bakER

3. Cut downward, making thin slices of meat. Repeat on other side of breast. Slice meat off thighs.

7. What is brining?

Brining involves immersing the turkey in a saltwater solution to provide the breast meat with a moisture cushion in case it is overcooked. Brining also seasons the meat, which eliminates the need to do so before or after roasting. A brined turkey will also cook faster than an unbrined bird by about 30 minutes because the absorbed water conducts heat.

8. How do I do it?

Here’s a brining recipe for a 10to 12-pound turkey from chef Emeril Lagasse: ■ 1 cup salt ■ 1 cup brown sugar

parts of a turkey, including the gizzard, heart, liver and neck. They are usually removed, placed into a plastic bag and reinserted into the body cavity. Many people, particularly in the South, use the giblets to make gravy. As for the turkey’s skin, it can be tanned and used for cowboy boots, belts and other accessories.

10. Does turkey really make you sleepy?

After a big meal of turkey and trimmings, most people want to nap. Studies have associated the

Visit www.the-telescope.com to read some holiday humor!

SOURCE: national turkey federation

16. How did the turkey get its name?

There are several theories on the origin. Some believe that Christopher Columbus thought he had discovered a land connected to India and that the bird was some kind of peacock, so he called it tuka, which is peacock in Tamil, an Indian language. Others believe it got its name from the American Indian word for turkey, firkee. Others theorize that it got its name from the noise it makes when scared: “turk, turk, turk.”

17. Can turkeys fly? What other special traits do they have?

Turkeys raised on turkey farms can’t fly because they’re too fat and weak. But wild turkeys can fly for short distances at up to 55 mph and can run at speeds up to 25 mph. Turkeys have great hearing, but no external ears. They can also see in color, and a wide field of vision (about 270 degrees), which makes sneaking up on them difficult.

18. Is it true that the turkey

was considered for the national symbol of the United States?

Benjamin Franklin argued passionately on behalf of the turkey and was unhappy when the bald eagle was chosen instead. In a letter to his daughter, he said the bald eagle had “bad moral character” and the turkey “is a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.” — Compiled and written by Cheryl Neely, Fort Worth Star-Telegram S O U R C E S : w w w. b u t t er b a l l . co m ; w w w. e att ur k e y. co m ; w w w. fa c t m o n s t er . co m ; w w w. f oo d t v. co m ; w w w. h o n e y suc k l e w h i t e . co m ; w w w. w oo d b r i d g ec h i p s . co m ; N at i o n a l t ur k e y Fe d er at i o n

Sports| 11

Monday, nov. 22, 2010 | THE TELESCOPE

Cheer captain strives for perfection emilie Vurik The Telescope

The captain of the Palomar cheerleading team is a 21-year-old male who was lured into the sport by his sisters. “I’ve been cheering for 10 years now,” John Lopez said. “At first I saw it as just fun because my sisters were doing it. So I thought I’d try it out and ever since then I’ve had a great passion for cheer and a hunger to win.” His drive convinced Lopez’s parents that cheerleading was a good idea for their son. “When I first started cheer my mom and my dad were skeptical about it,” he said. “After my first year of high school cheerleading my mom saw how much I loved it and supported me,” said Lopez. He said it took his father three years before he started attending games to watch Lopez cheer. “Then one day he said to me how proud he was of me, and ever since then my parents have been very supportive of what I do, and they know cheer keeps me out of trouble.” His mother, Gabby Lopez admits to not being sure of cheerleading. “At first when he started it was

hard on the family because it was a woman’s sport and we didn’t understand it,” she said. “Then it became easier for everyone … because it helped me realize how much it has helped him become a better person. “I think cheer has been a positive experience for John,” she added. “Cheer has helped us come together as a family and I’m very grateful.” Lopez began All Stars cheerleading when he was 14 and said he was inspired by his coach, Shawn Miller. “(Miller) was the one to push me to be the best I can be,” Lopez said. “He said to me, ‘Never give up and don’t settle for OK. Push yourself to do perfect.’ I use it in my daily life and never settle for just OK.” Miller said Lopez takes that mantra to heart. “He is very hard working and always tried to be the best,” Miller said. His teammates said Lopez is the best choice for cheer captain. “John is one of my best friends and he is also my roommate,” said teammate Erika Macconi, 19. “He is loyal, genuine, helpful, humorous and giving. I know he will always be there for me and will be able to com-

fort me if I have a problem.” “He has helped me with everything from school to cheering,” Macconi said. “He has given me life lessons that I can accomplish anything I want as long as I am willing to work for them.” Lopez said the team gives back to him as well. “I learned a lot about team work, dedication, and hard work in cheer,” he said. “It’s not about winning but more about the life lessons you learn and take from this sport. I found that my team is my family and they are there for me in the good times and the bad.” Lopez said he hopes cheerleading will help him get into a four-year school and realize his lifelong dream to work as an attorney. He is aiming for that dream by keeping his GPA up and volunteering with a local Big Brother Big Sister program. Lopez’s friend, 19-year-old Dillan Eckerfield said he has known Lopez for a year and a half and they have become like brothers. “He is someone I can count on and vice versa,” Eckerfield said.” John has supported and gets support from family and friends and they all thank cheer for making him the person he is today.”

Above: John Lopez pumps up the crowd at a football game. Right: Lopez propels Jennifer Cantrelle with one arm.

deb hellman | THE TELESCOPE

|Sports

THE TELESCOPE | Monday, Nov. 22, 2010

Built Ford tough

Yvonne lanot The Telescope

After a season of playing forward, a returning men’s basketball player is back to his natural position as center and promises big momentum. Last season, Jeremy Ford, 19, didn’t have the height to keep him at the position he played in high school, said Coach John O’Neill. Ford is 6 feet 4 inches tall and started playing basketball in the eighth grade, which put him behind many other centers in Palomar’s division. But this year Ford has improved enough to buck the statistics and regain his position, O’Neill said. “He’s done a lot better since last year,” O’Neill said. “He’s a lot stronger. He’s gained about 15 pounds of muscle and his confidence has gone way up. I think he’ll do spectacular this year. He’s strong, smart and he’s coming to his own.” O’Neill added that while playing forward last year, Ford “naturally gravitated to the center position and so we kept him there and that is his natural position.”

F rward ma kes th e mo ve t o ce n ter 2009-2010 2010-2011 By the numbers (25 games) (3 games) free throw (made/attempt) field goals (made/attempt) rebounds avg. points/game total points avg. minutes played

Hailing from Mission Hills High School, Ford was scouted by Palomar. “Palomar first scouted me and talked to me first,” Ford said. “I ended up choosing Palomar because it’s close to home and I like it.” Growing up in a family of basketball players, Ford said it only felt right to start playing basketball. “My whole family played,” Ford said. “Then one day my friends asked me to play so I did. I automatically loved it.” With being on a team, it can be

54/72 65/119 77 7.52 188 10.5

12/17 13/21 14 12.67 38 21.7

hard to work together and get along, but Ford said the team has a great bond. “We all work well together,” Ford said. “We have the ups and downs of a team, but I believe we can pull through them and have a great season.” His coach sees him as a good team player. “He’s a huge team player,” O’Neill said. “He’s not selfish at all with the ball. And sometimes he’s not selfish enough with it.” Returning player, Greg Anderson,

19, agreed with his coach and said Ford works well the team. “He gets along with everyone,” Anderson said. “He’s kind of quiet, but he’s the strong, silent type.” With the season having just started, Ford has a few goals set for himself. “I’d like to raise the percentage of making in free throws,” Ford said. “But I’d also like to grow into a leadership role this season. I’d like to step up and kind of bring the team together more and become more of leader.” brian tierney | THE TELESCOPE

Far left: Jermey Ford drives the ball to the key during practice. Middle: Ford spinning a ball on his finger. Right: Ford goes for the layup during practice.

Sports On Deck

Fri., Nov. 26 Men’s Basketball

Eastern Arizona 7 p.m. Palomar Dome