CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW B
CMYK
Movie still packs journey
Cult favorite celebrates 25 years of fandom
campus beat ◆ page 5
CMYK
scene ◆ page 12
sports ◆ pages 6-7
Swept
Incumbents hold onto seats
Teams hope for success Squads look to build upon freshmen players
VOL. 95, NO. 10
SINCE 1950 12 PAGES, ONE COPY FREE
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 ACCENTADVOCATE.COM
THE WEEKLY STUDENT VOICE OF CONTRA COSTA COLLEGE, SAN PABLO, CALIF.
Tuition to rise again
SCREAMING SENSATION
Cost to attend four-year schools grows
edit orial
By Sam Attal
Growing burden
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
Out loud — Club Nouveau band member James L. Richard II hypes up the audience for the evening’s festivities at “A Night of Talent” held in the Knox Center on Friday. The talent show hosted many acts from singing to dancing.
An
EVENING of
Student
groups,
soloists go headtohead at Knox Center for crowd votes, prizes in talent contest
By Faythe Del Rosario
talent
STAFF ILLUSTRATOR
“I’m bringing softball back,” was a lyric sung by Club Nouveau band member James L. Richard II that commenced an evening of specialization and fun. “A Night of Talent” took place in the Knox Center at Contra Costa College on Friday. The talent show was put together by softball coach Edward Miller and his assistant, Nina Young. “(The talent show) was basically a fundraiser for the Lady Comets softball team. Also, there is a lot of talent at Contra Costa College and this was an opportunity to show their talent,” Miller said. Prize money was given to those who ranked first, second and third after meeting the criteria of three judges. There were more than 20 performers who showcased their talents that evening. Singing, rapping and poetry were just some of what the contestants brought to the audience. To be able to astound the spectators, groups and individuals had to pay $15 for a slot in the show. First place went to a local step team,
“Forty-five percent of what I played was a mistake. The main purpose (of performing) was to see how I would do the first time on stage.” Thomas Marshall, student
Perfected Noise, who came up with a new choreography and only practiced two days prior to the spectacle. Student Megan Malie placed second for her hula dancing. Two different performers landed spots for third place. They were student Janit Saechao, who sang an a capella version of “Stand By Me,” originally performed by Ben E. King, and student Floyd Henderson for his rapping. Journalism major Brittani Fisher chuckled and said, “We (Perfected Noise) were expecting to win, just a little bit.” Fisher said he did not participate in the talent show for prizes or money. He instead saw it as an opportunity to challenge the group and reunite it after a three-year-long hiatus that occurred
because its members were too busy with school and moving to different locations. There were not many problems that arose during the evening, Miller said. All performers followed guidelines. He asked the participants not to do anything vulgar or obscene, as that would be considered disrespectful to CCC and the community. However, one woman in particular caused the coach to feel distressed when she came on stage wearing skimpy clothes and dancing sexually. “If I had known that she would dance like that, she would not have been in the show,” he said. Hercules High School freshman Lynn Donahue went to see her friend sing. Aside from Middle College High School freshman Marisa Poehnelt’s performance, Donahue favored the acts that contained dancing, she said. “Even though I don’t listen to the music or anything, the dancing was incredible.” Music major Thomas Marshall was a participant that did not win money that night for the song he played on the keyboard. He played “To Zanarkand,” the instrumental introduction to the role-playing game, “Final Fantasy X” by composer Nobuo Uematsu.
While many students face a difficult time paying for higher education, the California State University Board of Trustees decided to once again raise the system’s tuition costs last week. In hopes to offset a weakened budget while preserving services and classes, the Board of Trustees approved a 15 percent fee increase on Nov. 10, Media Relations Specialist for CSU Chancellor’s Office Erik Fallis said. “The state budget is not in great shape,” he said. “(The fee hikes) were necessary to bring level to support our current enrollment and provide quality education and services.” The fee increases are split
Clifton mourned By Cassidy Gooding OPINION EDITOR
Earlier this month, the Oakland community lost a dedicated member and Contra Costa College mourned the death of one of its legends. Phil Clifton, former track coach and chairman of the physical education and health services division, died on Nov. 1 of a long-time illness. He will be remembered at CCC as a steadfast coach and friend to Clifton Comet sports programs, having contributed 25 years to the college from 1969 to 1994. Born Aug. 3, 1939, Clifton was raised locally, attending Portola Junior High School in El Cerrito with CCC physical education professor Tom Kinnard.
■ SEE TALENT: Page 4
■ SEE CLIFTON: Page 4
“In this class we are trying to build a better society, keeping people in touch with their mind, body and spirit,” Bolanos said. “This class allows students to relax and perform better in their other classes.” Running strong for 21 years, the Tae Kwon Do class is broken up into three sections: aerobics, beginning and intermediate Tae Kwon Do. In the class, students must bow when entering and leaving the training mat, which represents respect; also, students must greet each of their classmates before class takes place. “We have four general rules in ■ SEE TAE KWON DO: Page 4
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A clear example of a perfect workout is exercising the three most important elements to any person: mind, body and soul. In PE 157, 261 and 262, a perfect workout is held in GA-20 on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7:15-8:30 p.m., as professor Arnoldo Bolanos teaches Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do is a Korean influenced martial art that combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy, Bolanos said.
Jump kick — Black belt Tae Kwon Do student Saul Cristales kicks a punching bag during his class in GA-20 on Nov. 10. The class provides a spiritual approach to combat techniques and selfdefense.
CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE
CMYK
SPORTS EDITOR
page 2
■ SEE TUITION: Page 4
Class promotes spiritual power By Malcolm Lastra
New fee increases are implemented to open classrooms to more students, but ultimately penalize a majority of working and middle class citizens who will no longer have the ability to finance swelling tuition costs.
CMYK
2 THE ADVOCATE
OPINION
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
Quotable “Speech is the mark of humanity.” Suzanne K. Langer philosopher, writer 1942
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 VOL. 95, NO. 10 ●
Editorial Access restricted
Sam Attal editor-in-chief Dariush Azmoudeh associate editor Lamar James associate editor Cassidy Gooding opinion editor Cassandra Juniel spotlight editor
Four-year college fees receive more increases
Malcolm Lastra sports editor Alexandra Waite news editor Cody McFarland scene editor George Morin photo editor Christian Soto assistant photo editor Jermaine Harrison circulation manager Paul DeBolt faculty adviser Staff writers Hilberth Ibarra Natalie Estrada Cary Gooding April Halog Cheuk Ko Janit Saechao Rodney Woodson Staff photographers Qing Huang Adam Oliver Staff illustrators Roy Chan Joel Ode Faythe Del Rosario Honors ACP National Newspaper Pacemaker Award 1990, 1994, 1997,1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 CNPA Better Newspaper Contest 1st Place Award 1970, 1991, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 JACC Pacesetter Award 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Member Associated Collegiate Press California Newspaper Publishers Association Journalism Association of Community Colleges How to reach us Phone: 510.235.7800 ext. 4315 Fax: 510.235.NEWS E-mail: advocate@ contracosta.edu or letters.advocate@ gmail.com Editorial policy Columns and editorial cartoons are the opinion of individual writers and artists and not that of The Advocate. Editorials reflect the majority opinion of the Editorial Board, which is made up of student editors.
L
ast week, the California State University Board of Trustees decided to raise the system’s tuition costs another 15 percent. This means that by fall 2011, a student attending any of the 23 CSU campuses will be paying $2,442 a semester. Though 15 percent on its own doesn’t seem too high a toll, especially considering the weedy state budget passed 93 days late, it is actually a pretty hefty increase once regarded in the bigger picture. In 2002, it cost a student only $700 a semester to attend a CSU. In less than a decade, CSU students and hopefuls have been subjected to steadily inflating tuition rates, and education is now more than 300 percent more expensive than it was just eight years ago. The University of California system is reviewing the possibility of a similar increase in fees. The proposal of an additional 8 percent — adding to the 32 percent tacked on last year — is currently on the table for deliberation. It’s ironic that in an age where a tremendous amount of information is so easily accessible, it is becoming more and more difficult to fund the pursuit of collegiate knowledge. American students can choose to follow literally any path they can dream of, but only if they or their parents have wads of cash to support the fantasy. Adding insult to injury, the Board of Trustees is trying to pass this fee increase off as a blessing. Media Relations Specialist for CSU Chancellor’s Office Erik Fallis argues the hikes are an asset to the educational system, not a handicap. “It’s important for students to realize that we are trying to create access and make seats available,” he said. This is a nice sentiment, but more seats will hardly do anyone good if the majority of students out of high schools and community colleges can’t cough up the dough to buy one for themselves. This is frustrating for likely community college transfer students who plow away at general education requirements and do all of the “right” things to move to a big-name four-year college. They get to sit on the sidelines and watch tuition rates grow and grow. With the exception of those lucky enough to hail from very wealthy backgrounds, the purity of the role of the student is becoming tarnished. Hardly anybody is just a student anymore. Juggling full-time jobs to support monster fees and living costs with the work load of also being a full-time student is a daunting task. What’s scariest is while these increases continue piling up, students are left to wonder whether a quality education will ever be really affordable. We urge CSU and UC trustees to begin contemplating new strategies to decrease this semesterly stress.
CODY MCFARLAND / THE ADVOCATE
■ Pride
Vanity, egotism burn bridges, hurt feelings
S
ome people fall prey to lust; others find themselves susceptible to gluttonous practices. I’m quite certain, though, that when the time comes for me to be judged at the pearly gates, the biggest mark on my record will be pride. In moderation, I’m sure being proud is wonderful. Everyone knows confidence is sexy, and people can smell insecurity on others like dogs smell fear. But there can be too much of a good thing. My pride has burned down many proverbial bridges linking me to people I’ve loved. There are people I grew up with who ignore me in public, I’ve banned my exes from even speaking to me and I’ve been called a snob tons of times. I’ve taught myself to turn my nose up at any hint of rejection, but there are times when I find that cutting people out leaves holes that can hurt in the long run. What most people infected with this sort of hubris don’t realize — and what I have only recently begun to see — is that while being so self-satisfied is all fine and dandy, it pushes others away. Maybe it’s a defense mechanism used to ward off fears of not being liked, or a way to compensate for a lack of appreciation. I don’t know the source, but egos without reins can wreak havoc. When I was 6 years old, I met my soul mate. She lived four houses down from me, loved the Spice Girls more than any of those silly boy bands and always had the best Barbie accessories.
cassidygooding
was wrong, and after her coworker took my order, I tried to get her attention in vain. She wouldn’t look at me as she unceremoniously slid my caramel macchiato across the counter without calling the name written on the cup. I left Starbucks with my mind blown and my knees shaking. What is pride, anyway? As I sat in my car, not even wanting the coffee anymore, our mutual vanity seemed childish and miserable to me. I couldn’t believe it was possible that the girl who made me grilled cheese for my first hangover and could read my mind; who threw a huge “Sweet 16” party with me and witnessed my first kiss could act like I didn’t exist. Our proud ways erected a wall between us stronger than everything we went through together during our 12-year friendship. I ended up drinking the coffee, hoping she hadn’t spit in it, and decided on my way home that I don’t want my personal relationships unraveled by my narcissism any longer. I need to grow up, get over myself and accept that I will inevitably face situations where I’m wrong. The need to always be right is dehumanizing and frankly exhausting. Maybe if I explain this to St. Peter he’ll forgive my indiscretions. Hopefully I don’t cut off my nose to spite my face before then.
Through the years, we shared our first text messages, high school drama and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. We had our own language and went everywhere together. When I was 18, she broke my heart. The split, following the stupid cliché, involved a boy she liked whom I was rumored to have flirted with. She confronted me, I told her the truth and she decided she didn’t believe me. We fought, “broke up” and haven’t talked since. I don’t know how many times I’ve wished I’d had the guts to call her the day after our fight and apologize. I said things I didn’t mean, but was too proud to take any of them back. For months afterward I comforted myself with the thought that it was her fault she didn’t believe me and let myself be satisfied with the feeling that she had to be pretty jealous of me to have made such a big deal. Before long, however, I missed my other half, but didn’t want to look foolish or undignified by making the first move toward contact. Last week, I walked into the Starbucks near campus and was confronted with my ex-BFF working at the Cassidy Gooding is opincounter. I almost left, since ion editor of The Advocate. seeing her was like a punch Contact her at cgooding. in the stomach, but hoped advocate@gmail.com. that three years was long enough to settle the storm. I
CampusComment
What are you doing for Thanksgiving?
“I will be celebrating by going out to eat with my brothers.”
“I will celebrate with family, food, love and togetherness.”
“I will be celebrating by staying home and watching TV.”
Sukhdeep Singh
An’trell Corbett
Nene Cisse
“I will be with family and friends.” Michelle Southichack
business management
liberal Arts
business management
business management
“I will probably be celebrating with family, having a MexicanAmerican theme with tamales and turkey.” Nancey Calderon nursing
ROY CHAN / THE ADVOCATE
“I’ll have a small dinner with close family and friends.” Iris Chin dance
FORUM ■ Maturity
alexandrawaite
Inappropriate dance moves stress faculty
T
eachers’ frustration at the failure to restrain teenage students from “grinding” at school dances led to the cancellation of a winter formal at Cleveland High School in Portland, Ore. last week. “We tried changing the music,” said Vice Principal Pam Joyner. “One year we sold T-shirts that said ‘No bumping, no grinding’ to promote clean dancing. We had chaperones use flashlights to shine on couples dancing inappropriately. I even spoke at one of the dances. We stopped a dance to clean it up.” Reading this and thinking back on all the school dances I attended, the Cleveland High students’ behavior did not surprise me. I remember vividly my first school dance in the seventh grade, complete with all the “freak” dancing, which included boys performing pelvic thrusts and girls rubbing against them. What confused me about this story was the reaction of the school administrators in handling the problem. Did they think this style of dancing is some new phenomenon? Though I am not a fan of the unimaginative “dry humping” dance style, I don’t think the teens should be punished for dancing provocatively. Thanks to most mainstream music videos, this may be the only dance style a lot of young people know. Instead of putting aside the problem by canceling dances, more school administrators should tackle the root of the issue: young people’s ignorance toward different styles. Most teachers in my high school shared the same feelings as those at Cleveland High; they wanted students to dance more “appropriately.” Their sentiments are understandable and they should not be forced to watch underage individuals grind on each other. But where are students expected to acquire more suitable dance moves? When I was in elementary school, the only way children were taught dance moves other than the sexually explicit ones seen on television was in dance classes they had to pay for. To allow more options of dance forms to choose from, elementary schools should instate programs that teach a variety of dance styles to students. Not only could this help diminish the popular “grinding” style, but it could also revive other types of dance that are slowly fading. A program called “EduDance – Classrooms in Motion” — teaches ballroom dancing to children in school. According to www.edudance. net, “the lessons to be taught through (dance) include self esteem, confidence, poise, etiquette, respect, courtesy, teamwork, social awareness and diversity.” More programs like “EduDance” should be included in public school curriculum, and not just at the elementary level, but also at middle and high school levels. All young people should have access to learning fun and energetic dances that are popular in other cultures and not feel as if they are only left with the option of “grinding.” Alexandra Waite is news editor of The Advocate. Contact her at awaite. advocate@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE
3
■ Society
D
Education important, ignored
uring an in-class discussion, a fellow student brought up the subject of education in modern American society. She wondered why education in this country is not as important to the youth as it is in her native land. Some students placed the blame on rap music and the over-glorification of street life. Others pointed the finger at modern technology and the countless venues of entertainment, as well as the over-publicized affairs of athletes and actors and the extravagant lives they lead. Personally, I do not buy that argument. Human beings are adaptive creatures by nature, meaning that we will adapt to our environment for ultimate survival. Those able to adapt successfully will exceed life expectancy and those who are not will meet other fates. In other countries or societies where education is an essential ingredient for success, there will be a great
blame the parents. It’s not their fault that a person can make a decent living from doing things that children do in their everyday lives, such as skateboarding, playing video games or riding a bike. Athletes themselves are not to blame for skipping number of youths who will college and becoming probe focused on their educafessionals at the age of 18. I tions and parents pushing would have skipped college, them in that direction. too, if someone guaranteed That isn’t to say that an to pay me $50 million to put education is not important a ball in a hoop. in the U.S., because it is. A Not all pro athletes skip good education can get you college, though. Some do all of the things you need go for four years, but they and want if one strives hard normally attain a major that enough to attain his or her wields no merit for great goals. But American sucsuccess because, hey, “The cess, health and respect are NFL draft is in a few weeks attained with revenue. and I’m projected as the No. In a country where people 4 pick.” can make a fortune by purThis is a society where posely injuring themselves snorting a line of wasabi can in creative ways (“Jackass”), make you money. It is our it’s a little bit confusing for society that has made trying the youths growing up in this to be a firefighter, a docmillennium to believe that tor, or a dentist a forgotten a higher education is a key dream for growing youth. component to success. In this America, we live for But do not blame the chil- survival and freedom comes dren — hell, you can barely with money. The more
rodneywoodson
money you have, the better chance you have of surviving. Worldwide, money equals freedom and intelligent youths realize this. You can’t completely put the blame on parents. But parents, we have the ultimate influence on our children. It is our job to not only encourage their dreams but to keep them on a steady path to success. Though a higher education is not necessarily needed for success, it is essential for a future world with a greater intelligence. Please do not let society and the demoralizing world around us dictate what is or isn’t best for our country’s children. Sure, these avenues are great and they provide a greater opportunity for the well being of all Americans. If little Timmy decides he wants to be the next “Jackass,” so be it; just make sure he’s not the next dumbass. Rodney Woodson is a staff writer for The Advocate. Contact him at rwoodson.
Grim warnings Lurid cigarette labels disregard societal poisons By Adam Oliver STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
W
ith the images of smoking tracheotomies, black lungs and toe tags to soon grace the cover of every cigarette pack, carton and advertisement, the glory days of the proud American smoker seem to have all but passed. After all, just over a half century ago smoking was acquiesced by most as hip, sophisticated and guilt-free. Some of the most popular celebrities and sports stars of the era were heavy smokers, and would even publicly endorse and defend their preferred brand of smokes. Now, the product once enjoyed by almost the entire of-age population will be adorned with chilling images of smoking corpses, cancer victims and mothers blowing smoke at their children. The nine most effective of the 36 graphic tobacco warning labels revealed by the Food and Drug Administration on Nov. 10 will be required on all cigarette products by Oct. 22, 2012, perhaps the most momentous step toward tobacco health awareness in our nation’s history. Health officials hope the addition of these warnings will reinvigorate the nation’s anti-tobacco efforts in a time when some 20 percent of adults and teenagers are regular smokers. The graphic nature of the warnings is said to provide a pictorial reminder of the harms of smoking, a sight that may deter children from trying them for the first time and possibly convince smokers to quit. But evidence suggests that the exaggeratedly gruesome images, though memorable, will quickly be dismissed by smokers. Tobacco companies argue that the addition of these strikingly graphic labels provide no new contribution to the awareness of health risks, and only serve to demoralize smoking and stigmatize smokers. I hate to side with Big Tobacco, but considering the equally hazardous effects of some of our country’s less scrutinized health epidemics, it would seem a viable claim. If all is fair in the interest of public health, why aren’t arteryclogging, heart disease-inducing foods equipped with warning labels as well? After all, obesity is far more prevalent in America and carries much greater consequences to one’s health
than cigarette smoking. Beer, wine and liquor would also seem fit to bear colorful warnings of liver cirrhosis, fetal alcohol syndrome and drunk driving deaths, but only a modest suggestion to “Drink Responsibly” appears to be necessary. Maybe it’s that America isn’t yet ready to confront the more cumbersome epidemics of obesity and alcoholism face on, but it is unfair to highlight and chastise a single minority group for their bad habit with a measure that hardly contributes to health risk awareness. These warning labels combine isolated incidents and a touch of macabre imagery to radically exploit tobacco indulgers as lowly and repulsive. They seek to deglamorize and lessen the appeal of cigarettes by likening smokers to walking corpses and child abusers. It is not the job of the FDA to morally police products they deem most contemptible just because they have the ability to. As Americans, we reserve the right to damage ourselves in what legal ways we can, and we take this right very
seriously. We would be outraged if warning stickers depicting obese children and flat-lining heart monitors appeared on the beloved Big Mac, or if pregnant teenagers guzzling liquor were presented on our favorite bottles of booze. In one form or another, we all indulge in the unhealthy. There is no need for overt fear tactics when people continue to hurt their health while fully aware of the consequences; it only insults our intelligence and debases our freedom to self-destruct. Contact Adam Oliver at aoliver. advocate@gmail. com.
FAYTHE DEL ROSARIO / THE ADVOCATE
4 THE ADVOCATE
CAMPUS BEAT
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
accent advocate ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Receive breaking news and updates by following The Advocate’s Twitter account, AccentAdvocate.
Newsline ■ TRANSFER
CSU offers information Cal State-East Bay representatives will visit the Transfer/Career Center in the Student Services Center today from 9:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Students interested in transferring there are welcome to come and find what they need to transfer. For more information, contact Transfer/Career Center Coordinator Robin Harrison at 510-235-7800, ext. 4241.
■ WORKSHOP
New tools examined
A Google Docs learning session will be held today in the Library and Learning Resource Center from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The session will include steps to set up access to Google Docs, a free online software that helps students with documents, spreadsheets, presentations and forms. The event is open to the public.
■ SPEECH, DRAMA
Knox Center hosts event
The speech and drama departments are putting on their annual “Speech, Drama and Media Showcase” on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Knox Center. Students will present impromptu, informative and persuasive speeches and drama skits. The event is open to the public.
■ EARLY LEARNING
Fall season celebrated
The early childhood education department will hold the “Fall Harvest Festival” on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Early Learning Center . The festival will include live entertainment, food, carnival games, face painting, prizes, a jumper and vendor booths. Proceeds collected from the festival will go toward the ELC.
■ MUSLIM FORUM
Questions answered
The Muslim Student Union is having a forum on questions about Islam on Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Food will be available for sale, and free samples of tea will be provided.
CrimeWatch Friday, Nov. 5: Officers responded to a physical fight between two De Anza High School students on Mission Bell Drive. Tuesday, Nov. 9: A victim reported a battery that occurred at the conclusion of her class. — Alexandra Waite
Talent | Students dazzle crowd Clifton ■ FROM: Page 1
“Surprisingly enough (the event) made me want to perform more. I haven’t felt excitement from anything other than watching anime.” Thomas Marshall, student
■ FROM: Page 1
“Forty-five percent of what I played was a mistake. The main purpose (of performing) was to see how I would do the first time on stage,” Marshall said. “Surprisingly enough, it made me want to perform more. I haven’t felt excitement from anything other than watching anime,” he said. It usually takes a year to get the Knox Center available to use as a venue, Miller said. Miller was able to gain access to the theater within two days of asking for it. He explained to drama professor John Morocco why they needed the Knox Center. “(Morocco) extended me a tremendous-sized favor.” Contact Faythe Del Rosario at frosario. advocate@gmail.com.
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
Sparkling notes— Student Lauren McCollins sings a ballad by India Arie during “A Night of Talent” at the Knox Center.
Tuition | Increases fund cuts ■ FROM: Page 1
into two parts. The first is a midyear 5 percent increase of $105 that will go into effect on Jan. 1 for the winter and spring terms. The second is a 10 percent, or an additional $222 per semester, increase that will strike students beginning fall 2011. An undergraduate who now pays $2,115 per semester will have to pay $2,442 by fall 2011, Fallis said. Tuition costs have steadily increased more than 300 percent since 2002 when an undergraduate paid $700 for a semester of education. The 5 percent increase for Jan. 1 was not planned until after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger approved the state budget almost 100 days late. Fallis said the smaller hike was deemed unnecessary before the budget was passed because the Legislature made a proposal to help with the CSU’s funding. That never happened. Executive Director of the California State Students Association (CSSA) Miles Nevin said budget cuts and fee increases are just becoming normal attributes of education. “It was surprising at first,” Nevin said. “Since it’s happened every year, it’s generally desensitizing students to it.” A one-time $106 million federal stimulus was given to the CSU system to help enroll 30,000 extra students in the spring semester. The money, however, will not last long, Fallis said. “While facing an uncertain budget going into next year, we need to let students prepare,” he said. The larger 10 percent fee increase is a cautionary hike made to help sustain the higher enrollment goals and resources throughout the future, Fallis said.
“We understand where the CSU is with its budget, but we want them to see where the students are as well. It’s hard to not disagree and say not to raise fees.” Chris Chavez,
president of the California State Student Association
yet resorted to layoffs, it has neglected to fill the positions left by faculty members who either retired or left, Chavez said. The University of California system may also soon implement additional fee increases of its own to add to the 32 percent it tacked on its students this year. Spokesman for the University of California Office of the President Steve Monteil said the UC Board of Regents will meet Thursday to decide on a proposed 8 percent fee increase among UC schools. If the proposal is passed, an undergraduate who now pays $12,150 will be required to pay $12,972 after the $822 increase is implemented in fall 2011. “There have been a lot of cuts in spending system-wide but an additional billion dollars is needed for 2011-12,” Monteil said. The UC system’s state funding has fallen 10 percent below three years ago, even after nearly 2,700 staff positions were eliminated over time, Monteil said. Nevin urges students to write the Legislature for help and to go public about their feelings toward the budget cuts and fee hikes. “We need to communicate from the student’s perspective,” he said. He and Chavez hope students join them in an organized protest against the cuts and hikes on March 14 at the state capital. “Ultimately students are tired of fee increases and they have to make some noise,” Chavez said. “Students need to get active, no matter if they are community college students, CSU students or UC students. Next year’s budget is going to look worse.”
As small as the increases are, they pound on some students with great stress, CSSA President Chris Chavez said. “We understand where the CSU is with its budget, but we want them to see where the students are as well,” he said. “It’s hard to not disagree and say not to raise fees.” Chavez said that although approximately 180,000 students — about half of the total CSU enrollment — receive financial aid, many who are not eligible for the extra help face the fee increases as a deterrent to their educational goals. “We still have to consider those middle class students who don’t receive financial aid,” Chavez said. Fallis sees the fee increases as an asset to education rather than a handicap. “It’s important for students to realize that we are trying to create access and make seats available,” Fallis said. The fee increases came at a time when CSU campuses face furloughs, or days where instructors are forced to take days off. Contact Sam Attal at sattal. Although the system has not advocate@gmail.com.
“I met Phil in seventh grade, and my first impression was that he was a great athlete and a good guy,” Kinnard said. Clifton went on to graduate from El Cerrito High School with Kinnard in 1957, leaving his own athletic mark on the school. “Phil and I were on the football team together during the fall, but during the spring his thing was track,” Kinnard remembered. “He was a good hurdler, and even competed in state competitions.” In 1969, Clifton joined CCC’s faculty as a part-time PE instructor before finding his niche as track and field coach. “He was a good coach,” Kinnard said. “The kids liked him and he understood track. He was just what a coach has to be to be good.” PE professor and Pool manager Jim Ulversoy, who took one of Clifton’s classes while he was a student at CCC, agreed. “Phil was able to take kids that didn’t get the right coaching in high school and make them better athletes,” he said. “That’s really the mark of a good coach.” Ulversoy described Clifton’s track program as solid, strong and with runners and hurdlers participating and placing in state competitions nearly every year. “Phil was able to work with the track guys, as he was a track guy himself, and he had knowledge of track as well as the ability to psychologically motivate kids to train,” Ulversoy said. “He got the best out of his team and created a good track program that he was able to maintain for many years.” Kinnard also spoke highly of the track program under Clifton. “Track is a difficult sport to be good at and win awards in, but his team was always “(Clifton) was a in the r unning good teacher, a good for the coach and a good championship,” friend.” he said. “Phil was Tom Kinnard, a good physical education professor teacher, a good coach and a good friend.” Even though his time as track coach is inarguably his greatest contribution to CCC, Clifton’s reported good nature spread beyond the physical education department, according to Senior Dean of Research and Planning Tim Clow. “Occasionally, Phil would wander up to my office and talk to students about career choices,” Dr. Clow said. “I knew him for 24 years and always thought he was a nice guy.” Clow recalled with a laugh that Clifton’s nickname was “Shaka,” after his love for funk musician Chaka Khan. He fashioned little “Shaka” dolls out of wood for his colleagues and even had the moniker as his license plate number. Clow commended Clifton’s work while he held the position of division chairman of the PE and health services department. “He was in charge of (renovating) the football field that had fallen into disarray. It was a real mess, and he was really the first one to start the construction 20 years ago by cleaning up the track and turning it into a classy stage for our athletic program,” Clow said. After he retired, Clifton became immersed in the large Baptist church in Oakland called Allen Temple, Clow said. “(Allen Temple) is very vocal and progressive in its approach, and Phil was very involved in volunteer work with them,” he said. Clow reminisced wistfully about his friend Clifton’s raspy-voiced jokes and laughter, wishing he “could just hear it one more time.” “Around the time I met (Clifton), I had fixed up a large cabin in Tahoe that my family would spend Thanksgiving in every year,” Clow said. As the larger part of his family was elderly and bothered by the high altitudes, only Clow’s immediate relatives would make the trek to the large cabin. “I began to invite Phil and his family along,” Clow said. Clifton would even make a phone call back to San Francisco to wish the more reluctant members of Clow’s family a happy holiday. Contact Cassidy Gooding at cgooding. advocate@gmail.com.
Tae Kwon Do | Mind, body, soul exercised ■ FROM: Page 1
this class,” Bolanos said. “You walk away to run away, no fighting, selfdefense and make friends.” Bolanos emphasizes these rules to his students to help them become more disciplined, patient within themselves — and humble. Several students said they have changed their attitudes and eating habits since joining the class. “I learned how to be more interactive with people and have a willingness to find more obstacles to overcome,” student Daniel Gracias said. “I also learned that you have to exercise to keep your stamina and have patience in dealing with conflicts.” After greeting each other, Bolanos has the class stretch, run in place and perform push-ups, sit-ups and a series of kicks and punches. The first hour of every class begins with a workout, then the class
is divided into groups to perform fighting stances and practice sparring amongst other students and professional black belt volunteers. “It is an intense workout,” student Michelle Borromeo said. “This class influences others to live a healthier, better life and become more knowledgeable.” Due to budget cuts last spring semester, class meetings that used to be held for two hours were cut to only one hour and convened only once a week, Bolanos said. However, the class meetings were increased in the summer, when the class met four times a week, and is back to meeting twice a week this semester. “Luckily we got this class back to two days a week,” Bolanos said. “When we used to have two hours the class would have intensive workouts in the first hour to focus on muscular fitness and in the second hour we’d learn the art of Tae Kwon
Do.” One of the good things that students can gain from the class is the opportunity to represent Contra Costa College and compete in national and state Tae Kwon Do tournaments, he said. Three years ago, CCC held a three-day Tae Kwon Do festival that helped the college and the Bay Area gain notoriety around the world, Bolanos said. “If we have students that have a great sense of potential, we will help prepare them to compete in a tournament,” he said. In past years the class only attracted male students; however, this semester more female students are becoming involved in the class. “Usually females are afraid to come into this class,” Bolanos said. “However, after coming into this class, they build confidence within themselves and learn self-defense.”
“This class influences others to live a healthier, better life and become more knowledgeable.” Michelle Borromeo, student
Bolanos hopes that the Tae Kwon Do class can continue to change students’ lives and play a role in changing the community. “I have changed my eating habits and exercise everyday since joining this class,” student Kenneth Dunn said. “I definitely recommend this class.” Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.
CAMPUS BEAT
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE
5
Guests talk sports, future By Natalie Estrada STAFF WRITER
CHRISTIAN SOTO / THE ADVOCATE
Tackling issues — Director of Athletics at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco Jaime Williams gave motivational advice to athletes in the Recreation Room Nov. 10.
Williams told the audience about his football experiences and how he was signed to continue playing in the NFL, but decided to retire to pursue his architectural studies. After telling the players about his choice to leave football, Williams said he has earned more than one degree. One of his degrees is in film, which explains why he told students they should keep moving forward by using phrases from well-known movies. “He told the football players that they were all ‘Jedis in training’ and that coach Alonzo Carter was Yoda, teaching them the way of the force,” said Comets linebacker Marcelo Magdaleno-Medina. The event started at 3 p.m. and went on until 5:30 p.m. Many students asked about their choice in careers. “No one else can defeat you,” Williams said. “Only you can defeat you.” Reeves told students to verify their information. “Don’t trust anybody. Verify what they tell you,” he said. The experiences that were shared by all the speakers gave the athletes inspiration and motivation to move on in their studies. “It was inspiring to all of us. The personal experiences were things that could be related to everyone who was present,” Comet linebacker Anthony Arguello said.
Former professional football players gave advice to Contra Costa College athletes on Nov. 10 on the importance of getting an education, even if they are choosing sports as a career. The three speakers were CCC Project Manager Burl Toler, Erwin Reeves of Mechanics Bank and Director of Athletics at the Academy of Art University Jaime Williams. The speakers not only talked about their past experiences, but gave the students a word of wisdom about furthering their education. “Our central message is to embrace education and secure a chance for a positive future,” said Dr. Williams, who played as a tight end from 1983 to 1994 for various football teams including the San Francisco 49ers and the Raiders, then based in Los Angeles. The Recreation Room was filled with about 50 athletes. “(The students were) attentive, curious and it took them a minute, but they warmed up to the message,” Williams said. Bringing up different role models, Toler told the students about his father and his successes. He shared the advice his father passed down to him and told them that in any situation where he found himself wanting to quit, he would ask himself, “What would my dad do?” “Without the ability to take care Contact Natalie Estrada at of yourself, you can’t take care of nlestrada.advocate@gmail.com. anyone else,” Toler said.
Governing Board incumbents take victory By Lamar James ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Incumbents Sheila Grilli and John Nejedly swept the ballot on Nov. 4, winning re-election to positions as
trustees for the Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board. Together, the pair has more than 25 years of experience on the board. Grilli triumphed over opponents Evelyn Centeno
and Greg Enholm, securing her position with 19,513 votes, and Nejedly beat out opponent educator Denise Tully by 12,366 votes. There were 243 write-in votes for the Ward 3 position and 198 for Ward 4.
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“I am looking forward to continuing working with both re-elected board members,” student trustee Brandon Amargo of Contra Costa College said. According to Amargo, the board members are leading the 4CD campuses on a path to success, and the experience of Grilli and Nejedly together works really well. “You have to understand nothing needs to be changed because we (the Governing Board) work so well together already,” Grilli said. “We have overcome budget issues, got the reserve money up and have been moving the district forward.” Grilli said she is very excited about continuing her work as a board trustee and is looking forward to working with the chancellor and other board members. Fellow Trustee Jesse Reyes said it was not that any of the other candidates were incapable of doing well, but that voters in both wards have a strong confidence in Grilli and Nejedly to get things done, which showed in the election. “It’s good they both won,” Amargo said. “They both know the way things work and are able to get the job done.” Amargo said he
has enjoyed his time on the board, and is really happy to be serving with the same members he came in with. Grilli has served as a board member for the last 12 years and had but two predecessors, which has accordingly bred an environment she describes as “stable and consistent.” Some of the tasks the board is facing include finding a new president for Diablo Valley College, closing the achievement gap and concentrating on getting students to graduate, she said. “We are going to focus on (President) Obama’s plan to get more students to graduate from community college, letting that be the hub with emphasis on higher education,” she said. Reyes said there are many benefits coming from Nejedly and he will continue to be beneficial to the Governing Board and to the ward he serves. “Because (Nejedly) has the experience, he is a very effective board member,” he said. “He has the ability to get things done and he really cares about the campuses.” Reyes said he has worked with Nejedly for quite a while and in doing so has recognized Nejedly’s driving ADVERTISEMENT
Grilli
Nejedly
passion to update and oversee facilities, making sure they are up to par for students to utilize. He started Nejedly Corporations in 1995, a construction, engineering and contracting firm, proving his strong background in engineering and construction. “He has ideas on how to make facilities better,” Grilli said. “These are things he concentrates on. He is really motivated about the campuses and how people see them. “All of the board members have special interest and areas they are good at,” Grilli said. “John has proven to be good at making sure facilities are up to date and overseeing construction projects.” She said he has been an effective board member and has dedicated himself to the issues of the campus. Contact Lamar James at ljames.advocate@gmail. com.
6 THE ADVOCATE
SPORTS
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
Comets shoot for success Inexperienced group looks forward to fresh start By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR
With a team filled with potential, a physical style of play and youth, the women’s basketball players and coaches look to compete and make their presence known as they embark on their 25th season. Paul DeBolt enters his 25th season as coach for the Comets, and hopes to establish a winning tradition for his young team filled with six freshmen and two sophomores. “It’s a small group with a lot of potential,” DeBolt said. “I can’t say that we have a standout player, but it’s a nice group and they are going to play better and play hard.” Last season the Comets were filled with experienced sophomore players, led by two-time Bay Valley Conference Most Valuable Player Kenyanna “K.K.” Martin. The squad finished (19-10 overall, 11-5 in the BVC) and lost in the NorCal Regional playoffs to Ohlone College in an emotional 71-67 result. “Last season was a great year and we could have won that playoff game,” DeBolt said. “(However), in junior college you just have to turn the page; you have good memories and you move on.” During the off season, DeBolt said he had difficulties in recruiting players to come to Contra Costa College, as players in the area were scarce. “Recruiting has been difficult as there are fewer players playing in the area,” DeBolt said. “A lot of players in the area went off to Laney College so most of our kids (we recruited) aren’t from the area.” Lack of overall experience is an issue that the Comets face this year as sophomore guard Nathalie Coss only played for half the season last year before sitting out for personal reasons, while the squad turns to sophomore forward Monay Ray, who transferred from Ohlone College, to be their leader on and off the court. “It is a hard task (being the leader), because the team relies on you,” Ray said. “Being one of the only sophomores is hard because it is only me voicing directions to the team.” “Monay has done a good job in helping lead and guide us on the college level of play,” freshman guard Jamie Capoot said. Another issue the young CCC team faces is the lack of players. Most teams are filled with 12 to 15 players while the Comets only have eight. DeBolt said that the small size of the roster will help the players develop quicker because of their playing time. “We haven’t had a team this small since 200607,” DeBolt said. “But it’s the third time in the past six years that we have had a team this small in numbers and the cause of that is that some players do not stay eligible and recruiting has been tough.” Several players agree that the small size
will help t h e m grow a bond as a team and build solid team chemistry. “(The small number of young players) is good because we get to build,” freshman center Chaz Ross-Reed said. “It gives us a chance to play a second year together and we will have two years to grow.” “It’s good that there are only eight of us so it’s not hard to know all the girls on the team,” Capoot said. “So far it has been easy (bonding with the players), which would be different with a team of 15 or 16 girls.” Compared to last season’s team, DeBolt said that one of the advantages this season’s team has is that it is a lot bigger in physical size. Last year, the Comets sometimes struggled against other teams due to their lack of height. Another advantage the young squad has is that they are a more physical team than those of recent years. “This team won’t back down and they are physically strong,” DeBolt said. “You will see more of a physical team, as the past two seasons we have been more of a finesse team.” This past weekend, however, the Comets had their weaknesses exploited in the Sierra Summit tournament against Butte and Fullerton colleges as the squad had trouble passing the ball, getting back on defense and displaying consistent shooting. Despite their mistakes, DeBolt is confident in his young Comets team and looks forward to molding his group into a great team. “It’s always tough, too, because basketball is such a fluid game and the best teams know how to play together,” DeBolt said. “These players need to learn each other as players. That is one of the main things we have been working on since June. Our main task as coaches is to get this team to play together and to play hard.” Despite starting off the season 0-2, players are hopeful for a successful season and look forward to competing. “I hope that we can eventually learn to play together and rely on each other,” Ray said. “I hope we can improve and go as far as we can.” Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra. advocate@gmail. com.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE
Assistant coaches
Coach profile
Nov. 12 vs. Fullerton (at Sierra) 98-42 L
Keith Allison Teri Williams Angelita Hutton Kenyanna Martin
DeBolt
Coach Paul DeBolt enters his 25th year coaching the women’s basketball team with hopes of molding his young Comets squad filled with six freshmen. DeBolt seeks to establish a winning mentality within his inexperienced squad. After leading last season’s team to the first round of the NorCal Regional playoffs, DeBolt looks to repeat that feat this season with hopes of clinching the Bay Valley Conference.
Schedule Nov. 13 vs. Butte (at Sierra) 80-70 L Dec. 2-4 Comet Classic
Roster 00 2 10 21 22 24 31 44
Key games
Monay Ray Nathalie Coss Jamie Capoot Chaz Ross-Reed Shay Mendes Brionna Sullen Janelle Rucobo Allesandra Jefferson
forward guard guard center guard forward guard forward
sophomore sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman
Last season by the numbers
VS.
Laney College
When: Away: Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. Home: Feb. 4, 5:30 p.m.
The young Comets look to make their presence known in the conference by sealing wins against the physical Eagles. Last season CCC fell to Laney twice.
Jan. 7 at Laney 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 at Yuba 5:30 p.m.
Conference finish third
Jan. 19 vs. Merritt 5:30 p.m.
Returning players Nathalie Coss
Jan. 21 vs. Mendocino 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Los Medanos 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 vs. Solano 5:30 p.m.
Freshman Mendes seeks to bring solid team chemistry and positive vibes to her CCC squad.
Ross-Reed
Mendes
Capoot
Ray Capoot provides crafty ball handling and the ability to drive as a first-year point guard.
Dec. 27-29 at San Jose City College
Conference record 11-5
Key players
Sophomore Ray brings a veteran presence to a young Comet team filled with six freshmen.
Dec. 16-18 at Monterey Peninsula College Tournament
Jan. 12 vs. Napa Valley 5:30 p.m
Overall record 19-10
Contra Costa College
Dec. 10-12 at Santa Rosa College Tournament
The first-year center brings size, shot blocking ability and solid play in the post for the Comets.
Jan. 31 at Merritt 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Marin 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4 vs. Laney 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Mendocino 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 vs. Marin 5:30 p.m.
SPORTS Basketball Previews | 2010
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE
7
Young squad seeks to fight for postseason berth CCC hopes to compete for playoff contention after falling short in the previous season By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER
Though the Contra Costa College men’s basketball team is young, coach Miguel Johnson said he expects it to be in the fight for a division title this year. With 12 freshmen players and only two players returning from last year’s team, coach Johnson said he will be looking for leadership from a few young players, and Johnson is no stranger to having a young team. “(Last year) we had a fairly young group, (but the team) got better mid-way through conference play,” Johnson said. “We just came up a little short.” Last year the Comets finished the season with a 14-14 record (9-7 in the Bay Valley Conference). A loss to Yuba College and two losses to College of Marin were tough defeats that kept them out of the playoffs, but despite the Comet shortcomings, coach Johnson said that he was satisfied with the way his team played. “I was happy with our effort and the guys played hard the entire season,” he said. Sophomore forward Cameron Cash said last year’s team was very talented but “didn’t have the leadership (needed) from a (fellow) player.” He said the Comets would have been more focused if they had someone on the court to help lead the team, but no player assumed that role. Second year shooting guard Bobby Ward, who was a freshman captain last year, said, “We had a good team last year but we didn’t live up to our potential.” Johnson said that it will be interesting to see how well the younger players develop during the upcoming season, adding that the team needs to improve in some areas. “(There are) not many things I can say we do well,” Johnson said. “(We play) good defense but nothing is consistent as of yet.” Ward said the team has to overcome the lack of an inside presence because they do not have a big man, but the team is pushing the ball up the floor well, is fast and is good at fast breaks. Cash said the Comets just need to stay focused. “We have talent, we just need to step up.” freshman point guard John Howell said. “The team is lacking a little on defense and confidence.” He said the Comets have a strong work ethic and everyone practices hard and wants to improve their skills. This season Johnson expects the Comets to
Schedule
Assistant coaches
Nov. 26-28 DVC Tournament Dec. 10-12 San Jose Tournament Dec. 17-19 Sequoias Tournament Dec. 28-30 Chabot Tournament Jan. 7 at Alameda 7 p.m. Jan. 12 vs. Napa 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Yuba 7:30 p.m.
Roster 3 4 5 11 15 21 22 23 24 25 32 33 35 44 50
Vionte Reid Donte Glover Paulo Rodriguez John Howell Daniel Rice II Cameron Cash Dave Baulwin Chris McFadden Martin Bobby Ward Tavio Sanders Jeremy Bardwell Bryce Pittman Andre Reynolds Alex Bull Joseph Mendez
point guard point guard point guard point guard guard forward guard guard/forward guard forward forward forward forward forward forward
Key games
Last season by the numbers Overall record 14-14
Jan. 19 vs. Merritt 7:30 p.m.
Conference record 9-7
Jan. 21 vs. Mendocino 7:30 p.m.
Conference finish third
Jan. 26 at LMC 7:30 p.m.
freshman freshman freshman freshman freshman sophomore freshman freshman sophomore freshman sophomore freshman freshman freshman freshman
Coach Miguel Johnson returns to coach the Comets men’s basketball team for the fifth year hoping to improve on a season that left the Comets just a couple of wins from the playoffs. CCC finished the season at .500 with a 14-14 record. With 12 freshman players this season, Johnson is making a point to his team to play hard and come together as a unit. He has high expectations from his young team. He said that he expects them to compete for the division crown and make the playoffs.
Johnson
Nov. 20 at Reedley 3 p.m.
Contact Rodney Woodson at rwoodson. advocate@gmail.com.
Coach profile
Glen Graham Jason Maples Jesse James Ivan Allison
Nov. 9 at Cañada 84-35 L
be more of a perimeter team, getting the bulk of their scoring from their perimeter players, though he wants them to improve on attacking the basket and getting to the foul line. Cash said that as one of this year’s captains he needs to step into his role and become a leader. He said that off the court the team gets along well, but on the court they need to improve on team chemistry. Howell said he thinks the Comets have a good chance at making the playoffs this year, if they can become a more cohesive unit. “We need more work,” Howell said. “Everyone has to find their role. We’re just trying to get to know each other right now.” He also said that he has learned a lot from coach Johnson while at CCC. “College is a lot more strict, but coach has taught me to be a leader, a better shooter, he’s helping me with school “Everyone has work and he’s me to find their role. teaching to be an allWe’re just try- around better guard,” ing to know each point Howell said. Johnson other right now.” said that he is not looking John Howell, forward to a guard specific game this season because he doesn’t know exactly where his team will be in terms of development at a certain point during the season. He added that they have a tough schedule and suffered a loss to Cañada College on Nov. 9 in pre-season play. Johnson said that all games are key games because they have a very young team, but he expects them to have a chance to win the BVC and the Comets should begin to play competitive basketball by the time that conference play starts. Ward said he is really looking forward to the upcoming season. “I think we should be able to compete in our league depending on how well we come together,” he said. Johnson said his main focus right now is improving and making sure the team is ready to play. “I just want to keep this team working with a positive mind frame (and) to be competitive,” he said.
Returning players Bobby Ward Cameron Cash
Contra Costa College
VS.
College of Marin
When: Away: Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Home: Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. CCC will take on College of Marin in February in both home and away games against the Mariners. The two teams met twice last year with each team getting a win on its home turf.
Key players
Jan. 28 vs. Solano 7:30 p.m.
Howell
Feb. 2 at Marin 7:30 p.m.
Ward
Cash
Jan. 31 at Merritt 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 vs. Alameda 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Mendocino 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 vs. Marin 7:30 p.m.
Forward Cameron Cash looks to help lead the Comets to the playoffs as a captain.
Sophomore guard Bobby Ward looks forward to another season as the Comets’ star guard.
Freshman guard John Howell is benefitting from his new coach’s tutelage on and off the court.
8 THE ADVOCATE
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
FOCUS
Perfect form — Tae Kwon Do student Gareth Fong (left) follows the example of black belt student Evelyn Sanchez (right) during their Tae Kwon Do class in
GA-20 on Nov.10. The Contra Costa College Tae Kwon Do course is built to help students stay in touch with their mind, body and spirit.
Mastering
Arts
the
photos by Christian Soto
Focused — Black belt student Adam Syed demonstrates different Tae Kwon Do sets to his group during the Tae Kwon Do class in GA-20 on Nov.10. Kickin’ it — Tae Kwon Do student Ja Nel Johnson practices his high kicks during the Tae Kwon Do class in GA-20 on Nov. 10.
Feel the burn— Tae Kwon Do student Belinda Nguyen stretches during her Tae Kwon Do class in GA-20 on Nov.10.
Tough workout —Tae Kwon Do black belt student Evelyn Sanchez practices with her group during the class in GA-20 on Nov.10.
SCENE
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE
New ‘Call’ hits mark
Unleashed
Movies
This week: “Harry Potter and the Deathley Hallows: Part I” (PG-13)
Fresh ‘Black Ops’ game electrifies fans By April Halog STAFF WRITER
The year’s most anticipated game gamereview is finally here. “Call of Duty: Black Ops” is the excit“Call of Duty: ing new Black Ops” addition to ★★★★★ the Call of Studio: Activision Duty franGenre: FirstPerson Shooter chise. The MSRP: $59.99 game tackles a new era that the previous games
“The Next Three Days” (PG-13) SPECIAL TO / THE ADVOCATE
Ready, aim, fire — “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” released Nov. 9, offers fans of the franchise new maps, modes and weaponry, while its online multi-player feature remains as enthralling as those of past installments.
didn’t touch: the Cold War era. Gamers play as a special operative named Alex Mason, who wakes up in an interrogation room recalling previous missions to unknown captors. The game’s storyline spans throughout the 1960s in black operations missions. As players progress through Alex’s story they will find themselves in missions right off the pages of history. The cut scenes involving Mason
talking to his captors are confusing at first, but at the game’s end the story wraps up nicely. Those who have played the previous Call of Duty games will be happy to know that this installment still continues the same fast-paced “run and gun,” but with a few additions. “Black Ops” throws in melee skills and the ability to pilot motorcycles, helicopters and other vehicles that add to the fast-paced
gameplay. Call of Duty is best known for its top-notch multiplayer modes and though campaign mode is short in “Black Ops,” the multiplayer modes more than make up for it. The game adds a new mode called “Combat Training,” which lets gamers practice against dummy opponents on any multiplayer map. “Combat Training” caters more to less-experienced online players
learning the basics of multiplayer mode before competing online. Experienced players can use it to refine skills and strategies. With its gripping story, tried and true multiplayer modes and improvements, “Call of Duty: Black Ops” managed to top its predecessor, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.” Contact April Halog at ahalog.advocate@gmail. com.
Tibetan music, spirit marred in film By Cheuk Ko STAFF WRITER
Descriptions of torture abound in this heartrending narrative as teachers, dancers, singers, students and monks speak of their ordeals in prison camps. The documentary film “Tibet in Song” is directed by Tibetan dissident singer Ngawang Choephel, who returns to Tibet after being forced to flee at the age of 3 with his parents to northern India. Graduating from the Indian School of Traditional Tibetan
9
Music, he risks his life and ventures up the border to record and reproduce traditional Tibetan folk music that has been largely replaced by Mandarin Chinese songs. The narrative starts out well with a short description of the modern political climate in Tibet. From scenes of fighting in the streets of the capital Lhasa to refugees crossing the border during the 1952 civil unrest, the film masterfully captures the turmoil of the time. The theme is expressed in the title; songs are the ADVERTISEMENT
primary method by which musical performances by Tibetans learn about their state-sponsored Mandarin culture. Music is speaking singers. an important aspect moviereview Musicians are of Tibetan life, routinely rounded from songs about up in large-scale milking to songs crackdowns and about drinking. are forbidden, on The commupain of 20 years “Tibet in Song” nists knew that by in prison, to sing ★★★★★ Directed by: destroying Tibet’s their indigenous Ngawang music, they could songs. In prison Choephel sever Tibetans’ they are forced to Where: Everywhere ties with their stand with their Genre: own culture. The faces to the sun Documentary film chronicles for 14 hours daily decades of musiuntil they sing the cal ethnocide by Chinese National use of communist propaAnthem in Mandarin. ganda, showing dozens of The fact that the only
way to be let out of prison is to sing the national anthem shows the power of songs in traditional Tibetan society, because the communists knew that the moment a dissident sings the anthem, she would have given up her will. From giving up ethnic pride by singing a song, to having to listen to propagandist loud speakers, ethnocide by way of music shows the extent to which music plays an integral part of Tibetan life. Contact Cheuk Ko at cko.advocate@gmail.com.
Speech, drama shown in Knox Student-made media showcased
He said it is nice to be able to share his opinion with so many other people. The Speech, Drama and Media Showcase is held once a semester, usually a week before every By Janit Saechao STAFF WRITER Thanksgiving. This upcoming showcase will The Speech, Drama and Media have a total of 16 participants. Showcase will display students’ Included in these presentations skills through speeches, debates made by speakers and participants and a variety of presentations in the will be a drama presentation featurKnox Center on Thursday. ing drama department Chairman Each ticket is priced at $10, Clay David. although no one will be turned Anderson said the two main away for lack of funds. The event things the Speech, Drama and will begin at 7 p.m. and last until Media Showcase does are reflect 9 p.m. onto the campus what students are Speech department Chairwoman doing on the speech and debate Connie Anderson team and offer the said attendees chance to recruit “CCC students will not be disapother students. pointed with what get to see what This showparticipants have case benefits the student body all students and to offer their audience. is capable of. It while this is not Dr. Anderson first of its brings the commu- the said this showcase kind, this Speech, will be giving Drama and Media nity together.” drama students, Showcase will media students, nonetheless be Julie LaBrincha, speech students just as engaging assistant director of forensics and speech team as the many others members a chance held in the past, to present their work. Anderson said. “Students work very hard in Assistant Director of Forensics classes. The Speech, Drama and Julie LaBrincha said, “This shows Media Showcase gives them the what is possible. It benefits the ability to show the campus commu- speech team because they are given nity their work,” Anderson said. another chance to perform. Student LaMar Harris, a fea“CCC students get to see what tured speaker in the showcase, said, the student body is capable of. “This is my first time speaking in These speeches inform, persuade front of a large crowd so I’m pretty and entertain us,” LaBrincha said. anxious, but I’m also excited. “It brings the community together. “My speech is persuasive, and People come from everywhere.” when it was first assigned to me, professor Anderson told me to do Contact Janit Saechao at it on something I was passionate jsaechao.advocate@gmail. about,” Harris said. com.
“Made in Dagenham” (R)
DVDs
New releases: “The Last Airbender” (PG) “The Kids Are All Right” (R) “Lottery Ticket” (PG-13) “Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore” (PG)
CDs
New releases: Rihanna: “Loud” Rascal Flatts: “Nothing Like This” Bruce Springsteen: “The Promise” Nelly: “5.0”
Games
New releases: Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (PS3, XBOX360, PC - M) Need For Speed: Hor Pursuit (PS3, XBOX360, Wii, PC E10+)
Editor’s note: This column lists popular new (and upcoming) releases for the week.
10 THE ADVOCATE
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
SPORTS
Double trouble on soccer field Twin brothers guide Comets to success By Dariush Azmoudeh ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Opponents of the men’s soccer team usually see double when playing against Contra Costa College that is not due to poor vision, but to the twins on the Comets’ squad. Brothers and Comet co-captains Steven and Kenneth Henry bring a double threat to their opponents on both sides of the field with Steven holding down the defense as a defender and Kenneth putting the team ahead on offense as a forward. The two freshmen athletes are students at Diablo Valley College but make the commute to Contra Costa College from their home in Pleasant Hill to take part in the Comet men’s soccer team, since DVC doesn’t field a team in the sport. “Traveling from DVC is really tough, but you get used to it after the first few weeks,” Kenneth Henry said. “We’re usually the first here to practice.” Born in Walnut Creek with Steven older than Kenneth by four minutes, the twins are first generation Costa Rican-Americans. Their parents moved to the U.S. from their native Costa Rica at the age of 17. “Our family really got us into (soccer),” Steven said. “We grew up watching the Costa Rican soccer team with our family and mainly played soccer on the street.” Kenneth said that they began playing soccer at the age of 5 when they used to have get-togethers at the park with family and did not begin playing on a team until the age of 9. Graduating from College Park High School in Pleasant Hill in 2008, the two only began playing for their high school’s soccer team in their junior year. Steven played on the varsity team for his final two years of high school while Kenneth began on junior varsity before going to varsity in his senior year. Before taking up positions on opposite sides of the field, the two used to play together in midfield. “He transitioned from playing left wing to playing defender and I transitioned from
midfielder to forward,” Kenneth said. “My cousin is a defensive minded coach and saw Steven was a defender. (Steven) was upset at first.” Steven said his transition from midfield to defender took place about two years ago, but he gave an additional reason why his cousin moved them apart. “My cousin hated that me and my brother always passed to each other,” he said. “He separated us so we could pass the ball to other people.” Eventually Steven grew into the defender position. “The thing I like about defense is the hitting part. You’ve got to be physical and we’ve got a big responsibility,” he said. “I really like hitting people and the physical aspect of it.” On the other side, Kenneth said he likes to play offense for the joy of scoring and taking on defenders. “It’s just a simple fact, I like to score,” he said. “It feels like I can contribute to the team. I can work in the midfield, but I like working with space up top. I like to have space. I don’t like being so trapped. I like taking on someone and working it from there.” Since coming to the Comets, the two have been making a difference with Kenneth being the Comets’ top goal scorer and Steven commanding the defense and knocking down opponents. Men’s soccer coach Nikki Ferguson said in his time as coach that the two have grown up a lot in past months. “Since my time here, I felt they were unconfident in the leadership positions (at first), but as time went on, they started to grasp how to be a team captain,” he said. Comet goalkeeper Kevin Esquivel said when he first came to the team, he did not know anyone and the brothers were the first to greet him. While the two look alike, they are different types of players on the field. “Steven is a more vocal, more of a hard type player and brings a lot of toughness. Kenneth is more of a finesse-type player,” Ferguson said. Personality wise, the twins can agree on who is the goofier one. “(Steven’s) a little goofier than I am. He likes to fool around. He’s also kind of loud,”
GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE
Seeing double — Twins Steven (left) and Kenneth Henry have been playing soccer since the age of 5. As co-captains of the men’s soccer team, the brothers are able to capitalize on their talents both offensively and defensively. Kenneth said. “People say he’s more laid back and chill,” Steven said. “He’d probably say I’m goofy.” The two enjoy watching soccer, especially their favorite team, Barcelona F.C. They hope to continue playing soccer at a four-year college and eventually try out and play professionally for one of Costa Rica’s top club teams, Deportivo Saprissa. Unfortunately, being twins, they often
leave friends, teammates, coaches and opponents confused. “It happened this season a lot,” Kenneth said. “(Our opponents) would ask each other, ‘Did they put that guy on defense?’ or ‘How can this guy be so fast?’ I’d tell them we’re twins. Other teams do refer to us as ‘the twins’.” Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.
Comets stumped in Sierra tournament By Malcolm Lastra SPORTS EDITOR
An overall lack of experience got the best of the women’s basketball team as it finished without a win in the Sierra College Summit tourney on Friday and Saturday, falling to Fullerton College 98-42 and Butte College 80-70. The Comets (0-2) allowed their inexperience to influence both games as many points were given up due to bad passing, the inability to get back on defense and failure to establish solid shooting. “We played like freshmen (in this tournament),” coach Paul DeBolt said. “We were shellshocked, but it was good for us. I’d rather play against top teams that will challenge us and have our
weaknesses pointed out to us.” court press defense which caused In the first game against the the team to turn the ball over 43 Hornets (3-0), CCC started out times in the game. rocky as the team made bad pass“We backed off and didn’t go ing decisions on which Fullerton at (Fullerton), forcing them to foul capitalized, jumping us,” DeBolt said. passing lanes and “(That allowed) them ScoreBoard nabbing steals. to play off of us and Along with poor cover passing lanes.” Hornets 98 offensive decisions, The Hornets led Comets 42 the Comets made the Comets 48-25 at matters worse as halftime. they were not able to “The first half was Roadrunners 80 get back on defense chaotic and we kind Comets 70 after committing of gave up,” guard turnovers. Jamie Capoot said. Next game: “We didn’t play as “We were all nervous Friday at De a team and we came and you don’t make Anza, 5:30 p.m. out soft,” forward the right decisions Allesandra Jefferson when you are nersaid. vous.” The Hornets overwhelmed the CCC was only able to score Comets by playing an intense full 17 points in the second half as the
Hornets took the game in a 98-42 result. “We knew (we) weren’t ready to play against that team,” DeBolt said. “Fullerton is a great team, and we want to be at their level, so (the game) was a good learning experience.” Learning was something the Comets took away from the first game as they improved their play offensively in the second game against Butte College (2-2). “We redeemed ourselves (from the first game) in the second game,” center Chaz Ross-Reed said. “We pushed the ball, played good defense and chose better shots.” CCC continued to struggle as the Roadrunners attacked CCC with a full court press, creating several steals and scoring on fast-
break lay-ups. Butte led the Comets 40-29 at the end of the first half. “The first game woke us up and helped us realize in the second game that we can work together,” Jefferson said. “We can’t win with just one player.” Again CCC had trouble getting back on defense after committing turnovers, which resulted in Butte taking the game in an 80-70 finish. “We are going to get tested this season as our schedule is brutal. We are not going to play bad teams often,” DeBolt said. “The players have to understand that and we just have to get better.” Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com.
Leadership displayed by volleyball veteran Sophomore Raquel leads with passion By Hilberth Ibarra STAFF WRITER
Some athletes are more than just strong players, but are also strong leaders who try to share their experience and lead their team by example. This is the case of Melanie Raquel of the Contra Costa College volleyball team. She is not only an excellent, experienced player, but she is also a leader on the team. Raquel grew up in Oakland, Calif. and started playing volleyball when she was 10 years old for Club Kalani. She attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda where she played varsity volleyball her sophomore through senior years. When she graduated, she said she began training with the San Francisco State volleyball team and after taking a year off, decided to come play for CCC. Raquel said volleyball is her favorite
sport and something she enjoys doing. “I like to play aggressively and hard. I like hitting the floor,” she said. She hopes that she is able to bring her experience to the court and help the Comets have a successful season. “I want to help (the team) on game days,” she said. Coach Zachary Shrieve had only positive things to say about Raquel as a person and as a player. “Melanie has a really good attitude and always brings good energy and a lot of effort to the court. She is always on the ground,” he said. With her experience she is able to lead by example and effort, showing her teammates how to aggressively dive for the ball and get it off the ground. Shrieve describes her play as scrappy. “Scrappy means you have a real nose for the ball, you get to the ball wherever it is on the court. You dive, you hit off your face or arm, whatever you have to do,” he said. She is also friendly and well liked by everyone on the team. Freshman Lynn Iosua calls Raquel inspirational. “She is very inspirational when it comes to games. At the beginning of
games, she always has something to say. She is always positive, she never gives up and she is a really good leader,” she said. Iosua uses Raquel’s experience to make herself an even better player as they spend lots of time practicing passing together. “She is one of our strongest players, she is always on top of her game and she never gives up,” she said. Raquel likes to travel and visit her family in Kauai, Hawaii. She has also traveled to Italy, France and to the Philippines, where her parents are from. She loves to take road trips to Southern California to visit her friends. “I just like to be at home with my family or my boyfriend, watching movies and eating,” she said. Shrieve knows Raquel will be successful in the future. “Mel’s tenacity in what she does in volleyball will carry over to whatever she ends up doing in life. That’s her personality. I don’t have any worries about her future.” Contact Hilberth Ibarra at hibarra.advocate@gmail.com.
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Crafty veteran — Sophomore outside hitter Melanie Raquel prepares to serve the ball at the game against Yuba College on Friday.
SPORTS
Yuba falls near end
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010 l THE ADVOCATE
11
DRIVING FORCE
Comets earn away victory by one point By Rodney Woodson STAFF WRITER
MARYSVILLE — The Comet football team (46, 2-2 in the Bay Valley Conference) ended its season on a high note after they overcame four turnovers and a late six-point deficit to secure their first road victory since 2006 against Yuba College (3-7, 1-3 in the BVC) on Saturday at Yuba, 20-19. The win marked the first GEORGE MORIN / THE ADVOCATE win versus Yuba College in Smashing through — Comet running back Keon Burden runs through the 49ers’ defensive line in the game at Yuba College on six years by Contra Costa Saturday. The Comets running game was a dominant force in their last game of the season, a 20-19 victory. College. CCC led late in the second quarter and the team due in large part to the three Behind Yuba wide receiv- Saturday because the defen- beaten the 49ers. All in all, it was driving for a score when s e c o n d - h a l f er Lewis David, who had sive coordinator was unable was a pretty good year and “We played hard Jeffery Anderson turnovers. 118 receiving yards and one to attend the game. this (season) is something to and Yuba played threw his first of “We got too touchdown catch, the 49ers A three-yard touchdown build on,” said Carter. two interceptions ScoreBoard excited (about scored nine unanswered run by running back LeRoy CCC freshman run- hard, and it’s been and the Comets the early lead) points, including a field goal Greene and a kicked point ning back James Hines led Comets 20 a few years since went into halfand we were with nine minutes left in the after touchdown by Jose the team in rushing with time with a 1349ers 19 not focused on game to take a 19-13 lead. Munguia put the Comets up 52 yards on the ground. we’ve beaten the 10 lead over the (protecting) CCC defensive end Niko by a point with four minutes Hines said that his motiva49ers. All in all, it 49ers. Season over: the ball,” wide Aumua said the defensive to go in the game. Then, tion for winning this game “ Tu r n ov e r s receiver Jordan game plan included a few an interception by Comet was the sophomores who 4-6 overall, 2-2 was a pretty good were killing us,” Morrow said. new plays to combat the defensive back Devin Brown were going to be leaving the in the BVC. coach Alonzo Offensively, Yuba offense. with two minutes left sealed team at the end of the year. year and this (seaCarter said. “It the team “We came out in zone the 20-19 victory for CCC. “(This game) was about the son) is something (turning the ball wanted to have a balanced (coverage) and they were “It was a little sloppy, team. It was about finishing over) killed the flow of the offense, passing and running taking advantage while we but we got our first road (strong).” to build on.” game.” the ball. However, they had a were molding to our new win (of the season),” Carter In the second half, the lot more success running, so defenses,” he said. Contact Rodney said. We played hard and Alonzo Carter, Comets lost the lead and they ran more running plays football coach Carter said he had to call Yuba played hard, and it’s Woodson at rwoodson. were unable to sustain drives in the second half. the defenses for the game on been a few years since we’ve advocate@gmail.com.
Weak serving drives team into defeat By Dariush Azmoudeh ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The volleyball team entered Friday’s home game facing a strong serving offense from Yuba College, and Contra Costa College lost in three sets, 25-12, 25-16 and 25-10. Playing in their final home game of the season, the Comets (4-11 Bay Valley Conference and overall) had trouble defending against the 49ers (11-4 BVC, 148 overall) offense as a lack of communication and energy in the first set plagued CCC. “We came out playing a little flat, neither team seemed to have much energy,” Comets’ coach Zachary Shrieve said. “We needed to get our energy up and we did in the second set but so did they (Yuba).” Both teams committed many errors in the first set. The Comets were only able to score consecutive points once in the set. “(The game) was OK, if not a little dead in the beginning. I wish we could have kept the intensity up for the whole game,” Comets’ setter Shayla Farinas said. The lack of coverage and communication made it hard for the Comets to defend the ball from the 49ers’ kills in the first set. “(Yuba) served pretty well,”
Shrieve said. “They aced us, so our serve receive wasn’t good. They scored a lot on aces.” The Comets’ poor serve return, plus the strong serving by Yuba allowed the 49ers to get a total of 10 aces in the game. “Letting balls drop were our main errors,” Comets’ setter Jazmine Mendoza said. “We didn’t do a lot of covering but we did do more blocks and we got behind the ball to dig it up.” The second set looked better for the Comets as their digging, hitting and blocking improved, ScoreBoard but Yuba 49ers def. continued bringing Comets 25-12, a strong 25-16, 25-10. offense Season over: 4that caused 11 overall, 4-11 trouble for in BVC. CCC, ending the set 25-16 in Yuba’s favor. “Our hitting was there 80 percent of the time,” Mendoza said. “Our communication was there in the beginning of the second set.” Shrieve said he was surprised with the Comets’ blocking in the game due to the team usually not being able to get them. “We had more blocks in this game,” he said. “We usually don’t
Box scores Football (Nov. 13) 10 0 0 13
6 0
have any. Today, we had eight or nine.” Entering the third set, the Comets’ continued offensively with strong passing and setting, but the Yuba defense prevented CCC from getting any balls to touch the floor. “When we got some good rallies, we got some good gains,”
12-42. — CCC — L.Green 3-16, Hines 13-52, Burden 2-18, Allen 9-38, Anderson 3-(-2), Morrow 4-8, Henderson 1-19, Lovett 1-0. Passing — Yuba— Birkenfeld 14-27-2 267, Peacock 0-1 0. — CCC — Anderson 11-21-2 72.
Yuba 19 Contra Costa 20 Yuba CCC
QING HUANG / THE ADVOCATE
Up high — Contra Costa College setter Jazmine Mendoza hits the ball toward waiting 49er players in the game against Yuba College in the Gymnasium on Friday.
3 — 19 7 — 20
Receiving — Yuba — David 6-118, Wilhite 2-8, Wilson 3-67, Peacock 2-40, Horsfall 1-34. — CCC — Morrow 1-1, Lovett 5-56, Williams 1-2, Allen 1-0, Aguirre 1-0, Hines 1-9, Burden 1-4. Missed field goals — Yuba — 2. — CCC — None.
First Quarter Yuba — Leal 35 yd field goal 4:59. Yuba –– David 23 yd run (Leal kick) 1:09. Second Quarter CCC — Hines 5 yd run (Munguia kick) 11:48. CCC — Burden 7 yd pass from Anderson (missed kick) 6:36. Third Quarter Yuba –– David 46 yd pass from Birkenfeld (missed kick) 8:28. Fourth Quarter Yuba — Leal 24 yd field goal 9:10. CCC — L.Green 2 yd run (Munguia kick) 5:58. Individual statistics Rushing — Yuba — Wilhite 20-60, David 7-47, Birkenfeld
Record — Yuba— 3-7 overall, 1-3 in BVC. — CCC — 4-6 overall, 2-2 in BVC.
Schedule Men’s Basketball at Reedley College, Saturday 3 p.m. at Diablo Valley College Tournament, Nov. 26-28 at San Jose City College Tournament, Dec. 10-12 at College of the Sequoias Tournament, Dec. 17-19 at Chabot College Tournament, Dec. 28-30 Women’s Basketball at De Anza College, Friday 5:30 p.m. host Comet Classic, Dec. 2-4 at Santa Rosa Junior College Tournament, Dec. 9-11 at Monterey Peninsula College Tournament, Dec. 16-18 at San Jose City College Tournament, Dec. 27-19
Shrieve said. “At times we looked really good, but we were inconsistent.” Comet outside hitter Lynn Iosua led the team’s offense in killing the ball and helped out the defense in blocking. “Volleyball is really simple. If you can pass, you can do the other stuff too,” Shrieve said.
Farinas said despite the loss of the last home game, she sees the team’s growth paying off. “We got better game after game. Next year we’ll be better,” she said. Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail. com.
SportShort Comets’ soccer team endures defeat due to late start, inability to warm up A lack of preparation from the Comets’ men’s soccer team doomed the squad during a 4-1 loss in its final game of the season at Yuba College on Nov. 8. Leaving the Contra Costa College campus late, the Comets got onto the 49ers’ field late and did not have time to do their pre-game warm-up. As a result, Yuba scored twice in the first five minutes of the game. “We pretty much lost the game before it even started due to a lack of preparedness,” Comet coach Nikki Ferguson said. “Once we settled into the game, it was pretty much over.” The Comets ended the first half trailing
Yuba 4-0. Ferguson said it took the team 15 minutes into the game to get prepared, but even then, he said the team could not win the game despite playing better than Yuba in the second half. Comet forward Kenneth Henry gave CCC its only goal in the 75th minute of the game. “We were more ready to play (in the second half), and we were somewhat embarrassed with the first half,” Ferguson said. “We played with more pride to win the second half, but it wasn’t enough. — Dariush Azmoudeh
12 THE ADVOCATE
l WEDNESDAY, NOV. 17, 2010
Classic movie tells tale of time travel
SCENE
around fighting robots, but the simple “guy runs away from Libyans, ends up in past, tampers with parent’s meeting each other and ends up trying By Dariush Azmoudeh to fix it all while trying to get ASSOCIATE EDITOR back to his time.” OK, it may Time traveling is usually a not be simple, but it makes confusing concept to underfor one great storyline. stand with the predestination The movie is set on Oct. paradoxes and alternative 25, 1985, where we are first timelines, but a simple way to introduced to Marty, a rockenjoy traveling through time is loving high school student. by watching the classic 1985 Following a dismovie, “Back to the Future.” appointing audiStarring Michael J. Fox as tion where his Martin “Marty” McFly and band fails to get Christopher Lloyd as Emmett a spot to play “Doc” Brown, the two main at the school’s characters make one of the dance, he shows most perfect and memorable a lack of confidence in his on-screen duos of all time. music talent despite not getThroughout the trilogy, they ting the gig due to being “too do not just show a mentorloud.” mentee relationship, but the Arriving at his home, Marty actors do a really good job sees his father, George, being illustrating a solid friendship pushed around by one of his between the characters. job superiors, Biff, to do his Since the first film’s release workload. in 1985, the trilogy has played During the family’s dinner, a prominent role in today’s the scene is illustrated by the pop culture and has been dark lighting that tells that the claimed as one of the best family’s life is unhappy. movies in cinematic hisUpon reaching Twin Pine tory. Recently it has been reMalls to meet Doc, Marty released on DVD and Blu-ray sees the iconic DeLorean for to commemorate the 25th the first time coming out of anniversary of the film. the back of a truck, shrouded This movie single-handedly by mist, giving the illusion that made the DeLorean famous it is more than just a car. for being known as the “Back Following a demonstrato the Future” car, as well as tion, Doc is gunned down making it the most preferred by a Libyan terrorist for conway to time travel. ning him out of Like Doc said when the plutonium Marty asked him about the that powers DeLorean, “The way I see it, the time if you’re gonna build a time machine, machine into a car, why not and do it with some style?” Not Marty to mention that the gull-wing tries to doors of the DeLorean gave it escape a futuristic look. in the Different from most science DeLorean. fiction movies, the time travelOnce ing premise does not revolve reaching 88
miles per hour, Marty is sent 30 years back into 1955. Dazed with where he finds himself, Marty runs into his father and accidentally ruins the moment when his parents meet and fall for each other. After running into Doc and convincing him about the time machine, Marty is told that he needs to get his parents back together or he might cease to exist, but finds it difficult due to his dad being a wimp constantly bullied by Biff and his mom’s newfound interest in her future son. The lack of confidence from George reminds Marty of his own and helps the both of them to overcome the problem as the movie progresses. Not only rushing to get his parents together, Marty is racing against time to get the DeLorean to the city’s clock tower at the exact time that lightning strikes it to get the 1.21 gigawatts to activate the car’s flux capacitor and send him back to 1985. This allows the movie to run longer without dying down. After George punches Biff to save Marty’s mom, Lorraine, his parents finally fall in love and George learns to stand up for himself, which alters his future.
Lost Treasure
Emmett “Doc” Brown
As a scientist, Doc does research and experiments in his home with the ultimate goal of achieving time travel. He was able to do so with his DeLorean DMC-12 after inventing a device called a “flux capacitor” that makes time travel possible. Skeptical at first about Marty’s tale of coming from the future to the year 1955, Doc helps get him back to 1985 by timing a strike of lightning to get the 1.21 gigawatts the DeLorean needs to time travel.
Being able to get back to 1985, Marty notices that his actions in the past affect the future, but fortunately it’s for the best. Most notably a message that he leaves for Doc in the past allows him to wear a bullet-proof vest on the night he gets gunned down by the terrorists. Also, by having his father stand up to Biff in the past, it makes George a more successful, confident person and his family happier with the illustration of bright lighting in the scene, contrasting the alternate timeline to the dark, unhappy family. All in all, “Back to the Future” is a classic that can be seen over and over again. It does not have a confusing storyline, the special effects are well done for its time and the humor is fairly good without any cheesy jokes. While not at the level of the original, the sequels continue the adventure, traveling to the now not-so-distant future of 2015 and back to western times in 1885. Even in 2010, the trilogy provides entertainment that could still be enjoyed throughout the future. Contact Dariush Azmoudeh at dazmoudeh.advocate@gmail.com.
Marty McFly
Being in high school, Marty enjoys the stuff that any teenager of the 80s would: skateboarding and playing the guitar. After traveling back in time to 1955, Marty runs into his parents as high schoolers. Accidently, he interferes with his parents’ history and must repair the damage he did to their relationship in order to continue existing, all while trying to get back to his home in 1985.
PAGE DESIGN BY DARIUSH AZMOUDEH / THE ADVOCATE