Opinion Craigslist tries its hand at children's adoptions. >>See page 3
Sports
Features
With a renovated field, could CRC add a football team? >> See page 5
Volume 58,Issue Issue Volume 60, 5 1 Volume 58,Issue Issue6 1 Volume 60,
Metro is the new macho: hear the men's perspective. >>See page 6
www.thecrcconnection.com
November 15, 2012 December 6, 2012
5-hour Energy linked to 13 deaths Los Rios selects new chancellor By Kevin Frodahl kfrodahl.connect@gmail
By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail After a nationwide search to replace retired Dr. Brice Harris, Dr. Brian King was appointed to serve as the new Los Rios Community College District chancellor, according to a Los Rios press release. Dr. King was chosen as chancellor by the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees at a special meeting held on Nov. 26, according to the press release. “We were looking for a person with exceptional leadership skills and broad communitycollege experience,” said Los Rios board president Ruth Scribner in the press release. “We found those qualities, combined with great personal integrity and a passion for student success, in Dr. King and we look forward to many years of his expert guidance at the helm of our district.” King has served as president and superintendent Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA, since 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in community college teaching and administrative positions, according to the press release. “It is a true honor to have been selected to lead such a great district,” King said. “The excellent reputation of Los Rios, its programs, faculty and staff are what encouraged me to seek this position and I look forward to continuing and enhancing that reputation for years to come.” King currently serves on various local and state boards including board chair of the California Community College Athletics Association, board member of the Community College League of California Chief Executive Officers, president-elect of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Dominican Hospital; member of the Santa Cruz Business Council, and chair of numerous accreditation site visits for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), according Dr. Brian King to the press release. King is credited for leading Cabrillo through two successful bond campaigns which raised more than $20 million in private donations through the college foundation, and guided the implementation of successful student success measures, according to the press release. King is expected to begin his duties as chancellor on Feb 1.
Five Hour Energy drinks are currently the subject of a Food and Drug Administration investigation into reports that are linking the popular beverage to serious health complications, and in some cases death. This information comes from a report titled, “Voluntary and Mandatory
Reports on 5-hour Energy, Monster En- heart rate, a decrease in concentration, ergy, and Rockstar” released by the FDA tremors, anxiety, fidgeting,”said Michelle on Nov. 15, which collects statistics from Barkley, head nurse at Cosumnes River health filings related to energy drink use College. “With long term effects, those since 2004. energy drinks artificially alter your heart According to the report, 5-hour En- rate, which is wearing down your body’s ergy may be involved with as many as 13 organs, especially the heart.” deaths and 36 hospitalizations over the The health reports also show a volley last three years in the U.S. alone. of health conditions that the energy drink “There are immediate effects to drink>>See Energy Drink, Page 2 ing it [energy drinks], which are a rapid
Mary Garcia | The Connection
The negative effects of 5-hour Energy drinks, among others, can last for far longer than the boost of activity you feel.
Proposition 30 relieves transfer student concerns when considering the costs of transferring.” Aagaard added that the benefit of having two local schools, California State Before the passing of Proposition 30, University, Sacramento and University of California colleges were facing the stark California, Davis, is that more students reality of having to make cuts to classes consider transferring locally to deal with and teachers with the possibility of al- the costs of four year schools. ready high tuition getting even higher. Confidence in students transferring Yearly tuition is nearing $13,000 for locally even with higher tuitions is not the University of California system and shared by all. $6000 for the California State University “If tuition goes down then yeah, they system. [transferring students] will probably stay Tuition hikes have plagued the uni- here,” said 20-year-old undeclared major versities for years and caused students to George Alveret. “That was probably part adjust every school year in their decisions of the reason they were going elsewhere. about which school to attend. It was going up every year ridiculously “Students need to consider all op- high.” tions,” said CRC Transfer Director David Kaitlyn Peck, 19, a microbiology maAagaard. “And I think private schools are jor, said she felt that it was possible that being considered more as an alternative she might consider going to a school in By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail
California after the passing of Proposition 30. “I’ve already gone to Sac State,” Peck said. “I need to go to wherever suits my needs better.” Peck also said that high tuitions were mostly likely a cause for students not going to school but that also it could be “because of what they want”. Martha Aguilar, 19, a communications major, said she plans to attend St. Mary’s in Moraga, Calif. but had ideas if tuition kept rising. “Somewhere close still like Oregon or Washington,” Aguilar said. “As I don’t want to be far from home.” Proposition 30 will bring relief to some and help them decide on where they are going to school, in or out of state, but Aguilar wasn’t certain it would placate all. >>See CSU, Page 2
December 6, 2012 |
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Energy Drinks: 5-hour injury runs rampant Continued from page 1 to call E.M.S. [Emergency Medimay have caused or contributed cal Services] because of a bad to, ranging from abdominal pain heart rate," Barkley said. At CRC, customers must pass and nausea to abnormal heart the little red vials before buying rate and convulsions. Seeing many of these symp- anything in the cafeteria. The student bookstore also toms at the CRC health services center is not uncommon for Bar- has 5-hour Energy readily available. kley. Students drink energy drinks “I get several students each semester that come in generally every day to help with studying or with symptoms of rapid heart rate, busy work schedules, and many anxiety, and inability to concen- have at least sampled 5-hour Entrate,” Barkley said. “I see a wide ergy. “I probably shouldn’t have range of student’s who come in with adverse effects from the en- drank it,” said Angela Marcelino, a 20-year-old English literature ergy drinks.” “In one case, we actually had major. “I had an exam I didn’t
CSU: lower tuitions, a saving grace Continued from page 1
“I do think some people will think it won’t last a good amount of time, and just give up and move to another state to get their education,” Aguilar said. One immediate effect from Proposition 30 came in the form of CSU implementing a tuition fee contingency plan that will roll tuition fees back to the 2011-2012 level. It is retroactive, meaning it will be effective for the current semester resulting in refunds for students depending upon how many units they enrolled in for the term. Tuition roll backs and refunds at the CSU could be a welcome sign to many CRC students seeking transfer in coming semesters, but for some there is more to picking a school than the cost. Choosing a school for transfer is a big choice and a family financial decision, as students need to consider the cost of transferring, Aagaard said. “I think the economy has had an affect on a lot of students,” Aagaard said. “As it has been harder for students to afford the cost of transferring.”
study for and I didn’t have any tea or coffee at my house so I went and bought a 5-hour Energy at the convenience store.” The news of the FDA’s investigation has affected some student’s differently. “It makes me feel like I’m definitely not going to drink them,” said Carrie Ehlers, a 24-year-old photography major. Other students who have already snubbed 5 Hour Energy see the news as just another reason to avoid the energy drink. “It makes me feel like I’m still not going to drink it,” said Clancy Taylor, a 19-year-old small busi-
nesses and management, entrepreneurship major. “Last time I had it, it was gross.” While it may seem like an effective means for studying or staying energetic, there are many natural ways to keep the pep in your step. “You never need 5-hour Energy as long as you’re getting enough sleep, you’re staying hydrated and you’re eating a well balanced diet,” Barkley said. “You’re going to have enough energy, enough concentration, you’re going to get those basic needs if you’re taking care of your basic needs.”
Social media becomes new life line ate for breakfast.”, said 27-year- on there,” said 30-year-old comold business management major munications major Genean FerBrian Carter. guson. “I'm happy to hear that Twitter was also a major fac- someone used Twitter for good Twitter was once mainly tor during election day with both and helped those people in the used for the world to post daily President Barrack Obama and hurricane make it out safe.” nonsense, obscene pictures and Republican candidate Mitt RomTwitter is not the only social wacky status updates. ney tweeting frantically, using fa- media app to save lives. FaceNow Twitter is a platform mous quotes and new promises book was used by two teenagused for more important things to gain last minute support from ers to save a suicidal teens life in like covering presidential de- tweeters headed to the polls. Jan. 2012 and is also used to help bates, reporting live news and Twitter has come a police stop violent crimes and even saving lives. fights that are pre-posted by In New York City, durwould be criminals on their ing the deadly and devastating status updates. Hurricane Sandy, Emily Rahi“Twitter, Facebook, mi was using Twitter for just Myspace all these social that reason, to save lives. media tools are steady Rahimi, who runs the evolving and the way New York Fire Department’s they are used are evolvTwitter account provided ing,” said 26-year-old a lifeline to victims by refilm major Jamar Jones. sponding to cries for help “One day its used for via twitter, giving out crucial posting pictures of your last minute advice and profriends the next its for savviding comfort to those still ing lives, one day you’re just trapped in harms way. going to click on an app and Rahimi constantly used its going to turn into Optimus Twitter to give updates on the long way since the first tweet was Prime and fly away,” said Jones. rising water levels from the sent back in July 2006. So if a major disaster should storms surge and the fires that The social website currently ever hit close to home and 9-1raged through Queens, and averages 340 billion tweets daily 1 is unavailable, check Twitter helping dozens of families that across the world, according to or Facebook. There’s a chance follow her on twitter escape the their own data. there could be some helpful instorm. “I’m not really a Twitter per- formation or tips that could be a “I don’t use Twitter personal- son nor do I ever use it to gain lifesaver in last minute situations. ly but it surprises me that some- real time knowledge only beIn the future Twitter may one actually used it to help oth- cause so many people post a lot make a big difference in your ers and not posting what they of stupid and false information survival. Jonathan Rich jrich.connect@gmail
News
The Connection Editor in Chief Zach Hannigan News Editor Stephan Starnes Features Editor Ashley Boucher Sports Editor Zach Hannigan Opinion Editor Alex Mosqueda Online Editor Stephan Starnes Production Manager Brittany Patrick Faculty Adviser Rubina Gulati
Editorial assistants Britni Alford Cody Durham Ariel Hevesi Scott Redmond Josh Slowiczek
Staff Takara Campbell, Emanuel Espinoza, Kevin Frodahl, Mary Garcia, Latisha Gibson, Victor Macias, Osay Ogbebor, Jonathan Rich, Mozes Zarate
The Connection is an awardwinning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 400 newspaper production class. Editorials and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Rios Community College District. The Connection is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC).
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Opinion | December 6, 2012
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Tainted hip-hop culture becomes the mainstream By Latisha Gibson lgibson.connect@gmail I remember being a kid in the 90s listening to the radio and every song that came on was a sing-along. There was no need to change the station because a smile would start to spread across my face and bring back good memories. Artist like Tupac, Biggie, Too Short, etc. brought radio worthy tunes to fans all over the world. It wasn't about having the hottest single but a great overall album. Hip-hop really meant something, so what happened? Music today is all about the beat and whether it is a club banger or not. The bubble gum lyrics the rappers provide in their songs are nothing compared to the metaphoric rhymes that were in songs from the past. Yes, every artist has to find their own sound for their generation, but someone has to admit that Soulja Boy isn't the new coming of Tupac. With nursery rhymes in every song that he has put out, I have to wonder why is it that everyone wants more from him? When the major labels see that great beats and mediocre rhymes are what the new generation are raving for they push the great artist to the side. Today labels are looking for a great single not a great all around artist or album which gives out these onehit wonders. I like a great party song too, but when I’m ready to relax, sit back and chill, I want that feeling I once had as an adolescent, and not became enraged from the garbage that I hear on my stereo. According to a blog on Wordpress by professor Phil Rutledge, lecturer of sociology and American studies at UNC Charlotte, said, “When we see pop culture in the modern world, we usually mean, that culture is supported by the mainstream, that culture is supported by the industries, that culture is supported by the economic forces.” Oh yeah, I forgot another thing: the beat. Hip-hop shouldn't be about the sound produced but about the whole package. Hiphop is becoming too mainstream and accessible and has turned into being all about money, cars and girls. Just like rapper Common explained in the song “I Used to Love Her,” his love song to hip-hop, he described his love of hip-hop and its evolution by comparing it to a woman that has changed over the years. “It was like a woman. I woke up, it was hip-hop. I went to bed, it was hip-hop.” Music will never be as pure as it once was. Maybe we I am getting old, or maybe music still has a message secretly hidden in the background. Nah, I don't think so. The one culture that has been built up from the urban neighborhoods to the lives of many is being commercialized. Media decides what’s popular and society goes along with it. Hopefully the new major labels will snap out of it and stop worrying solely about money and let the quality of hip-hop surface back into the mainstream. For now, people like me will have to pull out the old cds to listen to our favorite songs from the past. Our heads will begin bobbing and a smile will once again spread across our face with great memories of what once was, now that’s hip-hop.
HAWK TALK
Craigslist, a click away from adoption By Kevin Frodahl kfrodahl.connect@gmail Craigslist is a great tool for the honest, hardworking cheapskate like myself, and it’s also a great tool for anyone who wants to get rid of unnecessary junk. Books full of pencil marks, board-games with missing pieces and neglected exercise equipment are all just a click away with Craigslist. Users can also adopt dogs, cats, fish, birds and guinea pigs, or put their own animals up for adoption. You can even find your next romantic relationship on the website. But the new user may soon be finding a startling, new item available for trade or purchase on the popular online market. Babies. That’s right, human infants. Would-be parents and would-be non-parents are beginning to look towards Craigslist as a resource for adoption, according to a recent article by ABC news. There are a few reasons an aspiring parent might use Craigslist to adopt a child. Adoption services are often expensive and users may end up wasting their energy and money through processes that often take years. “Craigslist and other online resources put the power back in parents and birth moms' hands to some degree," Piper Weiss, a yahoo reporter who has spent the last few years investigating online adoption said, in an ABC interview. "It allows them to connect with each other, potentially, but also it forces them to be their own filter and kind of be their own experts in the matter. There are a lot of risks and a lot of reward to that."
How would you survive a zombie apocalypse and who would you sacrifice? Compiled by Scott Redmond and Takara Campbell. Photos by Britni Alford.
“Okay what I would do to survive the zombie apocalypse is I would put a whole bunch of treadmills outside my house on every square inch and pretty much do whatever I can to get those treadmills and when the zombies come they would walk on treadmills and I’d be saved.” Casey Teague, 18 Graphic Design
“To survive the zombie apocalypse I would probably go on a gun sword training. I don’t think I’d probably be in a big group 'cause I’d probably kill someone out of rage. But if there really was a zombie apocalypse I don’t think I’d trust too many people with certain things.” Karisa Newton, 18 English
Parents who use Craigslist still have to go through the same legal processes to adopt the child, and the practice is only legal in a handful of states, such as Connecticut, Illinois and Kansas. It is entirely illegal in Alabama and Kentucky, both of which have outlawed any kind of adoption advertising, according to an article in Yahoo! news. As crazy as it sounds, if I were ever to adopt a child online, I would use Craigslist as a constant reference, along with whatever adoption agencies are available and affordable. It may be ideal to adopt only through the proper channels: to find an agency and shell out money to find the perfect match for my family. But what is a prospective parent to do if they have no luck with formal adoption agencies? Craigslist allows users to consult with other users and to exchange phone numbers and personal information at their own discretion. In turn, it allows would-be parents to actively search for a candidate for adoption, and to do their own research and interviews on parents that would like to put their child up for adoption. The fact that Craigslist is a website known for internet scams and fraud might make it seem like a bad resource for adoption, but the fact that Facebook is a website known for online bullying and stalking doesn’t make it a bad resource for social networking or stop users from giving out highly personal information every single day. Just because there is a potential for Craigslist to be abused does not mean it is a bad adoption resource. So to the careful, responsible adult who is considering adoption, I say, try Craigslist.
“I’d probably have to probably get a lot of weapons and like some swords and knives, maybe a hammer. Probably just I wouldn’t have to sacrifice that many people, like three or four people I’d sacrifice.” Sarah Hibbs, 20 Criminal Justice
“Obviously I’d get more weapons, you know like chainsaws, snipers, and any kind of other stuff. Of course I would get a team because obviously I can’t do it by myself because otherwise I would be a zombie. If I had to sacrifice anyone I would probably have to sacrifice my teammates at one point or another.” Quentin Tillman, 19 Engineering
December 6, 2012 |
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Sports
Hawks sweep James Clark Invitational The Cosumnes River College men's basketball team hosted the James Clark Invitational from Nov. 29 - Dec. 1. They squared off against three other colleges: Merced, Columbia and Feather River. Game one against Merced proved to be the toughest test for the Hawks. However, with the help of Hawks' sophomore guard Charlie Standifer's huge doubledouble, they were able to defeat Merced 77-74. Columbia didn't provide nearly as much competition for CRC in game two as the Hawks soared to a 40-point victory.
On the heels of freshman forward Miguel French's doubledouble and consistent free-throw shooting (12-14), the Hawks advanced to the final game with a 109-69 beatdown. The final against Feather River was tougher than their previous game. However, with a 28-point outburst from Standifer and freshman guard Justin Barrels' most efficient game of the tournament (16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals), the Hawks won the game and the James Clark Invitational with a 76-67 victory. — Cody Durham
Britni Alford | The Connection
The CRC men’s basketball team huddles around each other and the first-place trophy after winning the annual James Clark Invitational. Mary Garcia | The Connection
Hawks' freshman forward Miguel French takes flight for a huge block in game one against a Merced attacker. The Hawks defense held opponents to 70 points per game.
Hawks' freshman guard Justin Barrels attempts a free throw in game one against Merced. The Hawks won the game 77-74. Barrels averaged 15.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
Mary Garcia | The Connection
Mary Garcia | The Connection
Hawks' sophomore guard Charles Standifer attempts to score against Merced in game one of the tournament. Standifer averaged 26.3 points and 8.7 rebounds in the tournament and was awarded MVP honors.
Sports | December 6, 2012
The Cheap $eats The curious case of the Sacramento Kings By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail
It’s a Wednesday night in December in the outdated “Arco Power Train Pavilion,” close to 12,000 fans are watching their Sacramento Kings take on the Toronto Raptors. Banners of glories past hang in the rafters, a once proud and vibrant franchise has been reduced to one of the NBA’s worst teams. The fans and players cheer each other on as the Kings fight for a win, but they can’t ignore the whispers. First it was Anaheim, then Seattle and now Virginia Beach. No one knows what will become of this struggling franchise. But one thing's for sure: they can not go on this way. The kingdom of Sacramento is beginning to grow restless in light of the recent information that both Seattle and Virginia Beach have tentative arena deals in place. The word tentative seems all too familiar to citizens of Sacramento, after our city council approved an arena deal that the Kings’ owners, Joe and Gavin Maloof, backed out of. That event left many questioning whether the owners are committed to Sacramento, when it is clear that Sacramento is committed to the Kings. In 19 of the last 27 seasons, the Kings have sold out whatchyamacallit arena, 10 of those were losing seasons. The city has even formed an organization known as Crown Downtown, whose sole purpose is “to show continued support for the construction of a downtown sports and entertainment complex and the benefits it would bring to the city and the region of Sacramento,” according to the organization’s Facebook page. Then there is the issue of the Kings’ roster; a roster that at times will leave you scratching your head. The young, but talented group is sprinkled with veterans and, at times, look like world beaters. But all too often, they are the punchline of a joke. Lead by former rookie of the year Tyreke Evans, who is struggling to find his niche within the organization, and controversial seven-footer Demarcus Cousins, the Kings are a model of inconsistency. On one night you can’t help but think this will be a team to be reckoned with in three years and other nights you are left throwing your remote at the television after a fourth-quarter collapse. Sacramento’s Head Coach Keith Smart seems to know how to treat young players, but not how to coach them. It is hard to understand why the smooth shooting fan favorite Jimmer Fredette, who owns a .463 field goal percentage, sits on the end of the bench when the Kings are in need of offense. So what’s to become of the Kings? Hopefully a mutiny. It is time for the team to start over. Find new owners, fire Smart and general manager Geoff Petrie and get someone in the organization that can get an arena deal done. As a fan’s sign put so elegantly, “Is this the last time we’ll see greatness in Sac?”
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Can CRC field a football team? “There was not any actual new stadium construction with respect to the football field," Podesta said. “The project It doesn’t make sense to have a newly was actually a renovation of the existing renovated football stadium with no foot- facility, that was funded partially through ball team of our own to play on it, but that a partnership with the Elk Grove Unified is the case at Cosumnes River College. School District." In fact, the last time CRC had a footPodesta is referring to the local Meaball team was in 1978, well before most of us were even thought of. That was when “Each year, CRC reviews its CRC was known as the Chiefs, not the athletic and intercollegiate team Hawks. “The Chiefs name was deemed insen- programs to ensure we are servsitive to Native Americans, so we took ing the needs of our students campus-wide suggestions and became the and community.” Hawks,” athletic director Liz Belyea said. But what happened to our football team? — Deborah Travis “There were not enough players to CRC President sustain a team,” Belyea said. “Elk Grove was very small then, so they had trouble fielding a competitive football team.” That was then; This is now. With the expansion of Elk Grove and the rapid growth of college students, finding players to field a new football team would seem like a non-issue. So what is it exactly going to take? “Money would likely be a key factor in CRC ever fielding a football team ever again,” said sports information officer Nicholas Podesta. “In order to be in compliance with Title IX, additional sports providing athletic participation for female athletes would also have to be provided by the college.” Title IX bans gender discrimination in schools, whether it be in athletics or academics. Fair enough, but just exactly how much money are we talking? “About $3 million,” Belyea said. “We need more personnel, equipment and facilities.” By Victor Macias vmacias.connect@gmail
Volleyball team hopes to rebound after losing season By Emanuel Espinoza eespinoza.connect@gmail The volleyball season ended on a downer as the Hawks lost their last game to Diablo Valley College on Nov. 14. They suffered numerous losses this season and things were not always easy for them. Freshman libero Mary Tamayo said that some of the changes this season made things tough for the team. “I think overall, we could have done better,” Tamayo said. “Because of the changes in positions, it affected our way of playing.” Freshman defensive specialist Sapphire Dedrick said that things could have been a lot better, but was optimistic in some areas. “I think we did pretty well,” Dedrick said. “Because we had a new coach and most of our team were freshmen and we actually had a few returning players. I think we did
sure M bond which was passed by voters in 2008. The bond initiated a $14.5 million renovation project of the new sporting facilities at CRC that included the school’s stadium, baseball and softball fields. Along with two new soccer fields and new parking spaces for students. With the recent success of CRC’s baseball team winning the State Championship, and both the women’s and men’s basketball teams winning their respective tournaments, there is no telling how much success a CRC football team would have or how competitive the team would be. “Each year, CRC reviews its athletic and intercollegiate team programs to ensure we are serving the needs of our students and community,” CRC President Deborah Travis said. The chances of fielding a new football team to play in the new stadium are slim to none, but that doesn’t mean we will never see a football team again. “There’s no really telling how much interest a football team would draw today, since there’s little recent history to base an assumption on,” Podesta said. If you ask students like 20-year-old, sustainable land design and irrigation major, Brock Mallory, the want for a football team is there. “I feel like if we had a football team I would definitely be on campus more to attend sporting events,” Mallory said. “I think football is the most interesting sport.” Maybe, just maybe, there is a chance that one year there will be a football team in high demand by other students like Mallory and the community. “Anything is possible, but this is not likely in any near future,” Belyea said.
pretty good; it was like building blocks for which the team could improve in the future. “I think that they could improve on innext year.” Sophomore middle hitter Rose Ko- dividual skills that they could be working on loamatangi said the reason the season was in spring time as a group,” Wells said. “Beso tough for the Hawks was because there ing able to come together and play as a team was not a lot of communication on the and get competitive.” Wells also stated the reason why this court. However, she still felt that the team season was tough for the Hawks. “Well, we play in a very competitive divimade an effort to work well together. sion, ” Wells said. “We play in the Big 8, which “We played together as a team,” Koloamatangi said. “We never gave up on each is very competitive. In fact, Santa Rosa, one other. We were always there to help each of our top teams, is still in the state champiother out. Any problems or questions we onship. They are playing for the Final Four this week. So it’s really competitive.” had on the court, we kept each other up and made sure we were motivated.” The last game that they managed to win a couple of sets took place on Oct. 10 when they took on Sacramento City College. They continued to struggle as the season progressed. Head Coach Natalie Wells also said that the team did well in their efforts despite not winning a lot of Victor Macias| The Connection games. She also mentioned that Sophomore middle hitter Rose Koloamatangi defends a there are areas in spike against the Delta College Mustangs on Oct. 26.
December 6, 2012 |
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Men embrace the world of fashion
Trendy males strut their stuff in the halls of CRC. It's not just about making a statement, it's evolving men's fashion as we once knew it. By Ariel Hevesi ahevesi.connect@gmail.com
Watch out ladies, the sidekick on our shoulder and our purse full of valuables is slowly but surely leaving our tight grip for the neanderthal man. From snazzy scarves to the ever-sopopular man bag, it appears men have finally fallen victim to the world of fashion. “It took them long enough!” said Tyler Holdener, an 18-year-old linguistics major at Cosumnes River College. The second America watched Channing Tatum strut his stuff wearing fitted sweaters and classy scarves in the movie “The Vow,” it was all over. “It is no longer considered effeminate or 'gay' for a man to take pride in looking well-groomed,” according to an article from the Daily Mail by Martha De Lacey. From Hollywood stars to college students, it’s evident the term coined “metrosexual” is slowly but surely losing its meaning.
"Most people judge a book by its cover, so might as well have a nice cover" —Tyler Holdener linguistics major, 18 One glance around campus is all takes. Sporting a colorful sweater over a crisp button up collared shirt and maroon bow tie, Holdener defines his style as both “hipster and classy.” Studying abroad in England inspired him to embrace the beauty of fads and style. “Over there, it’s fashion or die,” Holdener said. Coming from a small area in Lodi, Holdener said he sees a lot more diversity among men’s fashion at CRC. “They’re getting there,” said 22-year-
Features
Britni Alford | The Connection
Twenty-year-old music major Anthony Gi doesn't describe his style as anything special. He effortlessly flaunts a plaid button up shirt splashed with purple, pink and white colors. He accompanies the shirt with a classy black military style jacket and fitted light wash jeans.
old electrical engineer major Ken Trinh. “There’s some people that still look like they dress like kids.” However Trinh welcomes the world of fashion. “I dig the beanie look,” Trinh said as he described his go-to places for new trends, including the website Lookbook and Men’s General Quarterly magazine. Although it’s a matter of personal preference, more people should go for it and take more risks with their style, Trinh said. Even Professors have shifted their wardrobe to a more stylish and up to date collection. Mathematics and statistics Professor Matthew Rodrigues looked sharp and chic wearing a book bag and fitted jacket. Rodrigues said he notices a pleasant change in his style over the years, progressing from those confused teenage years to the mature male. “As I’ve gotten older I wear more fitted clothes,” Rodrigues said. He no longer the “kid skater look.” “I think more men are starting to pay attention to what they wear,” Rodrigues said. Although he sports a casual and classy look, he can’t quite claim all the credit. “My girlfriend dresses me a lot,” Rodriguez chuckled. Whether it’s help from women or tips from magazines, the secret of fashion is out and men have jumped all over it. It isn’t just a matter of throwing on clothes, it’s creating a unique sense of style that depicts something short of a novel. “I’m classy but a little bit preppy,” said 19-year-old theater arts major Alexander Stallings. “It has a mixture of a bum with a college professor.” His method of madness begins with a pair of shoes, which he then uses as inspiration for the rest of his outfit. This morning Stallings decided to go with the khaki cargo pants, a crisp cream sweater and headphones. “It’s a cross between a 1960’s jazz trumpet player” and a “crazed writer,” Stallings said. At the end of the day, the outfit chosen creates a portal to their personality, a picture worth a thousand words. “Fashion is a nice way to express yourself,” Holdener said. From metro to macho, it’s both a matter of preference and a desire to dare. “Most people judge a book by it’s cover, so might as well have a nice cover,” Holdener said.
Ariel Hevesi | The Connection
Tyler Holdener sports a cream sweater with maroon and navy blue detailing. He pairs it with a crisp white collared shirt underneath, blue jeans, and brown mocassin shoes. To complete the look he ties it altogether with a maroon bow tie and a winning smile.
Tips and tricks for all that holiday shopping By Osay Ogbebor oogbebor.connect@gmail.com
The countdown for holiday shopping has begun! You’re watching the constant Christmas commercials and receiving coupons about deals.But before you set out for the malls, here are some tips so that you’ll still have a holly jolly Christmas with some money saved for school in January.
1. Be Organized.
Play Santa, make a list and check it twice. Figure out who’s been naughty or nice and decide who you actually want to buy gifts for. Instead of going through the isles and picking up random items and saying, “Umm, I guess John would like this”, list the names and items you want to purchase for that specific person.
2. Do your Homework.
Even though Black Friday has ended it doesn’t mean the deals at department stores have ended as well. Find discounts at different places and use those to your advantage. Avoid being bamboozled and shop around at different stores or websites and see which places have the cheapest bargains.
3. Stick to your Budget.
Walking around the mall with your shopping bags in your hands could be fun at the moment, but the moment you see your credit card bill or your bank statement and notice that a chunk of your money is gone won’t seem so jolly. Shopping is fun especially this time of year with all the festivities around us that its hard to hold back. Avoid being a shopaholic this year and know the limit on how much you want to spend wisely.
4. Be Creative.
Christmas of course is the season of giving but it doesn’t mean that the giving has to have a price tag on it. With the Christmas spirit roaming through the air like Whoville, sometimes the gift that family and friends enjoy best is something made from the heart rather than something bought. Make something for that special someone rather than to buy something that would only last a minutes after opening it.
5. Be a Grinch.
Sometimes as shoppers we can’t say no! Your motive for being at the mall could be shopping for Aunt Betty but later you’ll find yourself in Forever 21’s fitting room. So to prevent yourself from turning Aunt Betty’s Christmas gift into your gift have a firm attitude. If your temptation keeps opening that wallet of yours go with someone that you’ll trust that can pull you away.
Features | Demcember 6, 2012
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Ambitious CRC English Professor stands out from the crowd in Mexico By Ariel Hevesi ahevesi.connect@gmail
In an office full of life, colorful art decoration and random knick-knacks sporadically placed throughout the walls, Cosumnes River College English Writing Professor Heather Hutcheson eagerly awaits her journey back to her second home in Oaxaca, Mexico where she will continue her sabbatical. “It takes awhile for the Spanish to kick back in whenever I go to Oaxaca,” Hutcheson said. “My brain has been thinking in English for so long, but tomorrow at 10 a.m. everything must switch.” It will be Hutcheson’s fourth time being back to Oaxaca, a place she’s grown quite fond of over her past visits. She must say goodbye to commercialized restaurants and convenient grocery stores, for soon she’ll be in a rural town known for their garlic and green beans. “With volunteering, the difficult things are completely diminished by rewards,” Hutcheson said. During her stay in Oaxaca, she teaches English to a group of villagers in building no bigger than a conference room with a couple of swings for a playground. “I love having the opportunity to try new things and meet new people,” Hutcheson said. However, between her imperfect Spanish and golden blonde hair, she can’t help but stand out in a place like Oaxaca, Mexico. “It’s funny because I teach English, but my Spanish makes me sound like a child,” Hutcheson said. In addition to the language barrier the laws are completely different, Hutcheson said. “Especially when it comes to driving.” It’s a painstaking six to seven people
to a cab and occasionally bus drivers will spontaneously race one another with a load of passengers, Hutcheson said. “It’s really difficult at times, but I’m attracted to figuring it out,” Hutcheson said. These challenges and cultural differences are what excite her the most. “ T h e r e’s something about being foreign in a place that’s so f a s c i n a t i n g ,” Hutcheson said. Perhaps her happy-go-lucky childhood fueled her curiosity to explorer other cultures. “Some of the more wilder experiences I have now, I think, ‘well it’s nothing my parents wouldn’t have done’,” laughed Hutcheson. From horse racing to gold mining, her parent’s unique entrepreneurism made her childhood anything but average. Hutcheson described her adolescence as “carefree” growing up around horses, cats and chickens in a rural town just outside of Palm Springs. “I was always running around crazy outside,” Hutcheson said enthusiastically. She hasn’t lost a bit of the spunk she had as a young girl.
Special to The Connection Hutcheson hopped onto the bus in Tlacochahuaya on her way to the town of Tule for an empanada fair. She slowly watched as one by one people toting heavy sacks and mothers with children file out of the bus at their various stops. Before she knew it, “I suddenly realized there was no one left on the bus-just me, the driver and his trusty sidekick.”
“She’s always had boundless energy,” said Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Virginia McReynolds as she described the various projects Hutcheson spearheads, such as the Literary Magazine, the Writers Conference and the SHAREfare. “She’s one of those rare people in the world that have so much going for them,” McReynolds said. “She has a huge heart.” Whether it’s instructing English to a group of Oaxaca villagers or a class of CRC students “I realized this is something that makes me feel really good,” Hutcheson said. Hutcheson’s eager spirit and selfless actions have touched the hearts of many, especially her former students. “I love her like family,” said 22-year-old
sociology and social services major Ayana Hudson who was inspired by Hutcheson to continue writing poetry. Hutcheson also spends a great deal of time writing about her journeys and experiences. “Whenever I would tell stories about my past my mom would say, ‘you have to remember she’s a creative writing teacher, she embellishes things’,” Hutcheson chuckled. However, there’s no sugar coating her extraordinary memories she continues to document. “I have a life full of hilarious people and adventures,” Hutcheson said. But this is merely the first chapter to her story. “I need to figure out what’s next.”
Holiday blissed Old resolutions are being accomplished and more are being made for the new year events Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
When: Nov. 2 - Jan. 21 Where: 701 K Street What: Sacramento’s original outdoor ice
By Brittany Patrick bpatrick.connect@gmail Every year, when that ball drops at exactly midnight in New York and the old year folds into a new or sometime during the first month or two of the year, many people make those one or few goals called “New Year’s Resolutions.” In fact it is reported 45 percent of Americans make new years resolutions, according to University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology. Though only 8 percent actually achieve their aspirations, 39 percent of people people in their twenties are likely to achieve their goals. In a series of interviews, four out of six people accomplished at least one of their resolutions for 2012. Two students wanted to put a more focused effort in school, which follows the statistic that 47 percent of people make self improvement or educational related resolutions, according to University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology. “I wanted to go straight into school out of highschool, and I did, no breaks” said Kylie McConviloe, 18, who is working on her general education. She also intended to spend more time with her family, which she accomplished. For 2013 McConviloe hopes to finish up school at Cosumnes River College and move to San Diego so she can attend University of California San Diego. Kenneth Rosette, 19, a construction and criminal justice double-major, said he made a lot of resolutions this year
rink celebrates its 21st season.
New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular
When: Dec. 31 - Jan 1, 6 p.m. - 1 a.m. Where: Old Sacramento What: Guests can enjoy two different
firework shows as part of the high-energy community celebration.
“The Nutcracker” Theater
When: Dec. 7 - 23 Where: 1301 L St. at Sacramento Ballet Company Community Center Theater.
Britni Alford| The Connection
including going to church more, which he accomplished. Rosette also wanted to put more time and effort into school than his social life, which he is “working on” in these last few weeks of school. He does not have any current goal ideas for 2013. One student set the common weight loss goal for the year. Jessica McKillican, 19, pursuing her bachelor of fine arts in musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy set out 2011 to shed a few pounds. “Of course most people’s resolutions are to lose weight and since Jan. 1, 2011, I’ve gone down three sizes in pants and lost 15 inches all over. I’m feeling great,”
McKillican said. A student who is currently balancing work and school set a goal to change her mindset. “Be happier, and if I am being honest to party more, I like partying,” said Anissa Williams, 19, a sonography major. “It took me a while, but it happened.” For this upcoming year, she said she would like to eat healthier and exercise more. “People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions,” according to University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology.
What: No holiday theater season would be complete without “The Nutcracker.”
Raley’s Theatre of Lights
When: Nov. 21 - Dec. 31, 6:15 - 7:45 p.m. Where: Old Sacramento State Historic Park What: Each night, event-goers will experi-
ence a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects that will take the audience back to the time of the beloved poem “The Night Before Christmas.”
More details about these events can be found at thecrcconnection.com with even more event and volunteer options in your local community.
December 6, 2012 |
8 | www.thecrcconnection.com
Arts & Entertainment
Dive into a good book, tv series or movie over the winter break "'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' by Rebecca Skloot. This book I've been interested in and comes highly recommended so I look forward to delving into it." -Scott Redmond Connection Staff
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"'East of Eden,' by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck’s attention to detail makes his story telling second to none.” -Zachary Hannigan Editor-in-Chief Sports Editor
"'The Foundling Series,' by D.M. Cornish. It’s a steam-punk coming of age story of this young boy. To see him grow up from this little kid to this amazing adult is a worthwhile journey to read about. The books are very detailed. There’s a dictionary after every book. You can tell the author has taken a lot of flesh out the world.” -Takara Campbell Connection Staff
"'The Divergent series,' by Veronica Roth. It’s really similar to the Hunger Games but with a love interest. I feel like its more appealing and more fun to get into, because theres more romance. I’m a romantic, but I love that the characters are not all about themselves, but that they’re love grows from helping others.” -Brittany Patrick Production manager
"'Elf ': starring Will Ferrell is one of the funniest comedians, and it’s a funny Christmas movie.” -Victor Macias Connection Staff
"'Man’s Search for Meaning', by Victor Frankl. A personal account of imprisonment in the Jewish concentration camps, told from a psychiatric perspective. It’s both educational and incredibly engaging.” -Mozes Zarate Connection Staff
"'Spaced:' It’s from the creators of 'Shaun of the Dead,' Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg. It stars Pegg and Jessica Stevenson as Tim and Daisy, and they lie about being a couple to get this apartment in London. The show focuses on their adventures while pretending to be together, when they’re not really attracted to each other at first. If you like watching stuff about nerds making endless references to comic books, 'The Evil Dead' and 'Star Wars' or you loved 'Shaun of the Dead' then you should consider watching this” -Alex Mosqueda Opinino Editor
"'The Rum Diary' by Hunter S. Thompson. The book is about a young man in Puerto Rico trying to figure out what he’s going to do with his life. It’s a good read. It’s about the tropics.” -Josh Slowiczek Connection Staff
"'Shameless:' You never know what you’re going to get with Shameless. They have no boundaries, and the show’s just off the wall.” -Cody Durham Connection Staff
"'Lost' is a superbly twisted television series that you can watch on Netflix. You’ll probably spend the entire winter break onwards wondering what the hell you watched. Nothing makes sense; polar bears are on a deserted tropical island that just happens to have a hidden civilization of evil, evil people. Your life will never be the same.” -Stephan Starnes News Editor Online Editor
The Connection staff recomend must see movies and must see television series to catch up on.