Connection Vol. 58, Issue 6

Curl up with a good book over break Features, Page 7

r? s a u f p too m ca one e Havlice g e3 g a n, P o po i n i Op

Volume 58,IIssue VVolume 58, ssue 31 olume 58, Issue 6

Women’s team falls short in playoffs Sports, Page 4

www.thecrcconnection.com

December 1, 2011

COMMUNITY COLLEGES PROMISE:

WE WILL FIGHT A special statewide editorial condemning the Student Success Task Force. Over 20 community colleges across the state are publishing similar editorials against the recommendations of the Student Success Task Force.

In mere weeks, the Student Success Task Force will make recommendations that could completely change community colleges in California for the worse.

In the Task Force’s 80-page report, it is clear that money is the ultimate goal.

Beliefs that have been held high in colleges for decades, such as the idea that knowledge of numerous subjects is beneficial in the long run, are not only being questioned, but set aside in the name of money.

The recommendations include limiting what classes students could take based on their major. This means that out of the entire class list at every community college, all would be marked as either necessary or unnecessary, cutting out the ones that are not needed for a student to transfer.

Other recommendations include placing limits on financial aid based on how long it takes a student to enroll and pass the required classes.

So students that must work to support themselves would now be placed under even greater amounts of pressure, being forced to take on an even larger load.

If students and professors do not stand up to these recommendations, we will all suffer.

Classes will be cut, teachers will be fired and the learning environment that we currently have will be obliterated.

Students will no longer be encouraged to explore various subjects and given the time they need to fully understand a concept or class, but instead will be treated as merely a piece to the puzzle, a gear in the machine known as education.

Traditional methods will be thrown out the window. Classes will be combined and students will be force-fed an abundance of information at high speeds in hopes that the experiment is a success.

The Task Force has “success” in its name, but it is not working towards a greater success rate for students. Instead, it is working for a cheaper way to run community colleges because success for students varies far too much to be making giant changes to the entire system.

Not all students attend community college to transfer or even to attain a degree.

There are language classes, physical therapy classes, and classes that students must take before they are even prepared for “college-level” material.

If you believe that community colleges do not deserve this treatment, as we do at The Connection, then take a stand with us before we are silenced and kicked out of the system completely.

TAKE A STAND WITH US Tell these political figures that you’re against the recommendations being made by the Student Success Task Force. “United we stand, divided we fall.”

California Community College Chancellor Jack Scott 916 - 445 - 8752 Governor Jerry Brown 916 - 445 - 2841

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to read the Student Success Task Force report.

New film in series explores drug abuse Christina Salomon csalomon.connect@gmail This fall semester, Cosumnes River College’s Social Responsibility Committee is hosting a film series—You Are What You Eat: Pharmaceuticals.

Documentaries already shown in the series were “Dangerous Prescription,” and “Money Talks: Profits before patient safety.”

More recently on Nov. 15 the documentary “Generation Rx (Reading, Writing, and Ritalin)” was shown.

The 123 minute documentary was part of an Investigative Reports series from A&E and offered an in-depth look at the short and long-term effects Ritalin may have on America’s children.

Since 1990, Ritalin usage and sales have spiked, increasing more than 700 percent.

According to a separate but similar documentary “Generation Rx” by award-winning filmmaker Kevin P. Miller, one in 30 Americans between the ages of five and 19 are prescribed methylphenidates (Ritalin) to control their behavior.

Both AOL Jobs and CNBC report that the highest paid degrees are those in chemical engineering.

According to an article by Health and Life “Adderall vs. Ritalin,” the drug and its popular counterpart, Adderall, are both amphetamine salts-based medications prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Both medications prevent brain cells from taking up dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with focus, motivation and pleasure, according to the article. Adderall takes it one step further and causes the brain cells to produce dopamine as well.

More recently and ongoing, a growing national epidemic of Adderall and Ritalin abuse has occurred throughout the nation’s colleges.

Even CRC students said they have used Adderall.

Choosing to remain anonymous, a 22-year-old CRC student admitted to taking the “smart drug.”

“I can study for six hours straight without being bored,” she said. “With them (finals) coming up, I will probably use Adderall to help.”

The CRC student interviewed did not have a prescription, and admitted to getting them for free from a friend who did have a prescription. Some students even said people will charge $5-10 a pill.

Through siblings, the family doctor or friends, there are many avenues to be able to obtain adderall or ritalin both legally and illegally.

On Dec. 8 the final film, “The New Medicine,” in the You Are What You Eat: Pharmaceuticals series will be shown.

Opinion

2

December 1, 2011

Glitz and glamour have taken over news worthy stories Stephan Starnes sstarnes.connect@gmail Top news is no longer what’s the timeliest, the most relevant or the most impactful. Nowadays top news deals with whatever is flashiest, sexiest and can sell the most.

On my Yahoo home page I have a featured news widget and top stories boxes. The featured news is the one that includes a scroll box with stories and pictures. That’s also the one focusing mainly on articles that ask readers which celebrity wore a dress better and other celebrity gossip. Earth to Yahoo, that should not be featured news.

The top stories box, on the other hand, contains U.S. news, world news and all of the things that actually have an impact on lives. It also has a smaller font size, no attention grabbing graphics and is crammed into a smaller space. Even when I move that box above the featured news box my attention is taken away from it with bold headlines and eye-catching images.

At first I thought that perhaps the problem lay with the people who read the news. Perhaps people just don’t care about bigger problems in the world, but instead celebrity gossip and superficial stories. Stories that don’t say anything other than what might have been said or what could happen, like Justin Bieber’s paternity case.

Spending even a minute in the comments sections of those articles restored my faith in humanity when I saw numerous comments saying that such articles aren’t news, and more important things are going on.

I understand the idea behind not making the pepper spraying incident at the University of California, Davis featured news on a site that gives news on a level meant for more nationwide attention, but people care about these incidents, whether it’s in close proximity to them or not.

I hadn’t even heard about the incident the day it happened, because I tend to miss actual news when I just see the scroll box.

I found out about it before going to bed the next day when I hopped onto Tumblr, a social blogging site, and saw person after person from various parts of the country reblogging the photos and spreading awareness for the injustices on the Davis campus.

Clearly people care about news, and to me it’s clear that news doesn’t care about people anymore.

Yes, stories are being written about budget cuts and police brutality, but it shouldn’t be up to readers alone to garner attention for these things. News outlets should be featuring news, and not just gossip.

On the front page of MSN, rather than feature their stories on worsening U.S.-Pakistan relations, or even something about holiday sales—which does actually affect people’s lives—they feature stories about celebrity socialites you may not know as well as Paris Hilton.

Looking flashy and being up to date with pop culture to try and garner readership shouldn’t outweigh news judgment. Clearly mainstream news sources need to get back to the basics and remember their news values, most importantly the impact stories have on people’s lives.

The Connection

Staff

Editor-in-Chief News Editor Opinion Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Online Editor Webmaster Faculty Adviser Ashley Boucher Takara Campbell Tiffany De Leon Jon Gallenstein Tracy Gilkerson

Stephan Starnes Johny Garcia Stephan Starnes Holly Sanderson Imran Majid Mike Hendrickson Cory Fong Carlo Dela Cruz Rubina Gulati

Zachary Hannigan Tammi Kolesinski Jessica Leary Dorian Love Matt McWilliams

Alayna Mirjanovic Alex Mosqueda Ivette Naranjo Varsha Narayan Christina Salomon

The Connection is an award-winning 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 the Los Rios Community College District. The Connection is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges (JACC).

Letters to the Editor must be typed, signed and include first and last name and a phone number. They must be 200 words or less and may be edited for length, clarity or taste.

Telephone Fax Website E-mail Send letters to

(916) 691-7471 (916) 691-7181 www.thecrcconnection.com connect@crc.losrios.edu The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 Or drop by LRC 109 on the first floor of the Learning Resource Center

Debt: a hefty load for graduates Christina Salomon csalomon.connect@gmail The average student debt is more than $25,000 for those graduating in 2010, according to a report released early November from the Project on Student Debt at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS).

In California alone, 48 percent of students graduate with an average debt of $18,113, according to the report.

The economic downturn we are facing encompasses a national 9 percent unemployment rate, according to federal government studies and research.

With no hope or guarantee for a job and a large debt weighing them down, there have been countless stories of even the esteemed Harvard graduate having no other option than to move back in with mom and dad.

However, students don’t ignorantly accrue their debt. They consciously pick the school they attend knowing it is out of their budget.

“The money, it’s out there,” is what my high school counselors seemed to preach. Federal and private loans, especially those that are that are subsidized, are great options. Yet, students become so distracted with finals, freedom and friends that those loans that afford them their college experience don’t just disappear.

Can I afford it? That is one of the most important factors students need to consider when starting to look into attending any higher education institution.

I’m not saying attending that dream school with the big unaffordable price tag is wrong.

Junior year of high school, I knew exactly where I wanted to go: American University in Washington D.C. It was my dream school, but the funds to afford the $33,000 in tuition alone were not something I could dream up.

I took the junior college route instead and decided I could bide my time till I could transfer.

American, here I come.

However, somewhere along the way, my gears shifted and my perspective changed. The reality of being in debt without any means to be able to pay it back became a daunting certainty.

No matter how much money I saved in the meantime by attending a public two-year college, I’d still be in debt. I now feel more happy and confident about my decision to attend a local public four-year instead.

I won’t be in debt when out of college, and I will even have some savings when I’m 22.

I finally realize that the ultimate purpose to getting a degree, though such a simple and silly revelation, is so that I can land a desirable job and make those greenbacks.

I wouldn’t want to pay off student loans and forfeit some of my hard-earned income for the next five, 10 or even 20 years of my life.

The solution to the problem of the growing student debt is for students to become familiar with all of their options.

From keeping costs down by attending a local junior college for the first couple of years to making a few compromises along the way.

According to the National Source for Education, the difference in average cost for a public two-year school and public four-year school is at least $6,000.

If the junior college route isn’t for you, even compromising by considering an alternative school with a reasonable price tag seems the wiser decision today.

Graduating from college nowadays entails a depressing countdown till that $20,000 loan becomes unsubsidized, and it’s time to pay up.

Instead, if students made better informed decisions about their college of choice in regards to the cost, it doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to conclude that there would be less students eager to lump themselves in with the “99 percent.”

They would become the new 1 percent. The 1 percent of students not graduating college without much, if any, debt. A tangible feat truly worthy of a degree.

Social media expands child bullying Dorian Love dlove.connect@gmail Torment. Pain. Defeat. This is the experience of a young girl who took her life because a classmate continuously sent her threatening messages calling her “worthless, ugly and stupid.” Tragedies like this are all too real and many come with deadly consequences.

“Over 80 percent of teens use a cell phone regularly, making it the most popular form of technology and a common medium for cyberbullying,” according to the Cyberbulling Research Center.

Cyberbullying fatalities are growing at an alarming rate. Children are using social networking sites to spread rumors, leave intimidating messages and threaten other children. Could this problem be solved if children weren’t allowed on social media sites?

If a child is old enough to type cruel messages then he’s old enough to tell right from wrong.

Because many children have accessibility to social media sites, stricter regulations are needed to limit their usage.

Social networks should make it mandatory for children to have a parent signature and a valid phone number. If this were to happen and something got out

of hand the parent would be responsible. Also there should be rules of agreements from the parents, so they’re keeping a watchful eye on their child.

If more measures are enforced children will become more cautious of their online behavior, which could prevent future children from becoming victims of cyberbullying.

No child should have to endure constant pain to the point where they take their own life.

Of course, kids will be kids, but cyberbullying is coming with deadly consequences. Children aren’t being kids when they are sitting behind a computer, telling another to “go die.” If children are using social media sites as a way to bully, responsibility should be placed on both the social networking site and the parent. Parents need to take account for their children and social media, like Facebook, monitor the behavior.

Cyberbullying will worsen before it gets better if this responsibility doesn’t occur.

Social media isn’t supposed to be a tool of destruction, but a platform to connect with friends, share photos and communicate in a mature matter.

Until there’s a balance of vigilance, children will continue to use social media to victimize other children.

Opinion

December 1, 2011

3

How far should campus police go to ensure safety?

Pro: Equipped campus police provide safety Christina Salomon csalomon.connect@gmail

The media seems more likely to negatively sensationalize the actions of higher education officers than recognize the difficulty and often political nature of their job.

In light of the recent event involving the use of chemical agents at the University of California, Davis, questions arose about what procedures campus officers follow and what instruments they are allowed to deal with such situations.

In particular, the procedures for campus police here at Cosumnes River College.

While the use of firearms or chemical agents to subdue those threatening campus safety and security should not be wielded too freely, they are appropriate tools with which campus officers are trained to utilize if need be.

In 2002, CRC campus “The simple fact police officers that our own could not officers could not respond to ensure campus a situation involving safety because a student they were illwielding a equipped . . . ” gun at a men’s basketball game because they were unarmed. Although no one was injured, Sacramento Police had to be called in to handle the situation.

The simple fact that our own officers could not ensure campus safety because they were ill-equipped supports the obvious fact that it is a necessity for officers to be armed in order to do their

job.

Across the nation, incidents have arose that require armed campus officer attention.

In early November, a former student at North Carolina University walked onto campus brandishing a semiautomatic rifle, and had campus officers not been armed and able to subdue the aggressor, the outcome would have likely been much more dastardly.

A bill passed in Oregon this year officially allowed armed campus police at the University of Oregon, which is just one example of many higher education institutions that recognize that their officers can better handle certain altercations when armed.

According to a Los Rios Community College District report campus police have been allowed to carry pepper spray and collapsible batons while on duty since 1994.

On Nov. 3, 2004, the LRCCD board of trustees voted 6-1 to approve armed campus police.

On Jan. 6, 2006 CRC campus officers first began to patrol with firearms, according to a previous report by The Connection.

The board was right to approve the measure in 2004. However, there were certain stipulations that were carried out before armed officers were allowed at CRC. The sworn officers receive extra training and special evaluations before going on duty with a firearm.

Even though there are some instances of rogue officers who abuse their powers and go beyond the call of duty, armed campus officers are better equipped to handle certain situations

Con: Campus officers ill-prepared for action Cory Fong cfong.connect@gmail In the United States, law enforcement is a necessary component of our criminal justice system that exists for three essential functions: maintaining order, enforcing the law of the land and providing myriad of basic services when necessary— anything from administering first aid to encouraging drug prevention at an elementary school.

Men and women of U.S. law enforcement are, ideally, individuals who exhibit high moral character and are trained in such a manner that ensures when they take action, they’re preserving the safety of the people that pay their salaries—your everyday, tax-paying citizen and their family.

But when an officer of the law is recorded pepper-spraying a group of peacefully assembled students in a demeanor that suggests he’s unconcerned with the physical damage induced by his actions, when does the armament of an officer cease being a security measure and become a safety hazard?

This is a serious and familiar question that necessitates examination in light of controversy surrounding the actions and decisions of University of California, Davis police in at a recent Occupy Davis protest. It’s not the first, nor will it be the last, instance of an officer utilizing violent action to address a non-violent, albeit potentially volatile, environment.

The problem is this: the majority of campus police officers are simply not equipped to handle the pressures of a high-risk situation.

To be clear, I am not condemning the instruction and development of

officers belonging to any precinct—I’m of the opinion that the majority of law enforcement is considerably welldisciplined to handle the rigors of their daily duties.

I am suggesting the training and job requirements of a campus police officer cannot serve as a realistic “The problem is foundation this: the majority for handling of campus police pressure-laden officers are simply predicaments, not equipped and, as such, to handle the cannot be pressures of expected to perform with a high-risk grace under situation.” fire, especially with a weapon.

The intense, rigorous boot camp of U.S. Marines can only provide a simulation of the dangers they’ll encounter, but cannot ensure sound decision-making in the context of a real firefight—the same rings true for law enforcement.

A campus police officer, according to the Los Rios District Police Department’s website, is dedicated to crime prevention, the protection of life and property and the preservation of peace and order.

The duties of a campus police officer include: keeping mischievous students in check, enforcing institutional policies, keeping tabs on parking and driving hazards and securing programs and events on campus--not safeguarding hundreds upon hundreds of people.

If the most common criminal offenses they encounter are drug law violations and motor vehicle theft, how can we expect them to handle their weapons responsibly in situations they’ve never encountered?

New bills will crumble the internet as we currently know it Carlo Dela Cruz cdcruz.connect@gmail New bills were sent to Congress with the intent of stopping piracy in the country.

Unfortunately, it will bring problems that can dramatically affect people who use the internet.

The goal of the Senate bill Protect-IP is to allow the government and private corporations possess powers to block websites that are intended to infringe on copyright.

The result is that if you live in the U.S. when the bill turns to a law, you will be blocked from visiting these sites unless you know their IP addresses.

Another aspect explained in the bill that it’s a felony for sites such as search engines, blogs, social networking sites and forums to feature links to the content. Their funds can be cut and possibly be sued for the demand of such content removed.

HAWK TALK

In the House of Representatives, there is a similar counterpart known as the “Stop Online Piracy Act” where websites that contain infringing content are able to stay afloat if they removed such content.

While each bill’s intent is to safeguard copyright, the result of it can unnecessarily ruin the internet for companies and users who might not even be aware of the situation.

Because of how these bills act towards sites that might contain content that’s infringing, there is the possibility that their existence will soon die out. This can include sites that are not made to infringe content such as YouTube, Facebook and many others.

On Nov. 16, various sites including Tumblr, Reddit and the notorious 4chan protested on their sites by censoring various parts of their sites. Known as “American Censorship Day,” this protest was in-

tended to stand against the bills, especially Protect-IP. Another response to it includes the “Free Bieber” campaign where Justin Bieber can be technically sent to prison for his YouTube videos before making it big.

There is also the possibility that those popular sites wont get affected but due to how vague the bills were presented, the danger is looming.

Just because of how the government is unnecessarily trying to rework the internet, it can lead to a lasting circle of people trying to find loopholes while the government gets more strict.

There is also the chance that the influence of Protect-IP and SOPA would spread to other parts of the world. The infrastructure of the internet will become less safe and the use of it will dwindle down dramatically.

Should these bills pass so the enter-

tainment industry can enjoy more profit?

Sure the best clips of the final Harry Potter film on YouTube is somewhat of a violation but will it significantly impact people from buying Blu-ray copies managed by an industry that doesn’t contribute much to the economy?

Ever since the Napster situation in the late 1990s, it has been a long fight for these corporations to destroy this copyright “issue.” They attempted so many times throughout the years but failed.

They will keep on finding loopholes to help their agenda in getting sales and the people will do the same to enjoy what they do on the internet today. With these current bills, it shows that the government and corporations still don’t deserve to enforce the internet in their vision.

Voice your opinion to your local congressman and tell them that these bills will destroy the internet.

Do you have any superstitions for finals week?

Compiled by Dorian Love. Photos by Jessica Leary.

“I do better when I get sick and when I don’t get sick I do horrible.”

“For some reason not sleeping helps me do better.”

“I have to study last minute.”

“I tend to cram, but not because I believe it will help.”

Andrew Salinas, 20 Kinesiology

Courtney Rich, 19 Biology

Manjot Riar, 18 General Education

Nahdxyeli Valdez, 27 Biology

Sports

4

December 1, 2011

Women’s soccer falls in second round of playoffs after losing to Fresno City College Imran Majid imajid.connect@gmail The Cosumnes River College women’s soccer team ended its rollercoaster season on Nov. 22 after losing in the second round of the playoffs to Fresno City College.

Despite a late goal by CRC freshman forward Katie Ulan, the Rams would eventually tie the game in the second half. The match went into stoppage time and Fresno would score to take the lead and advance to the next round.

“The game could have been anyone’s game,” said Hawks’ freshman midfielder Alley Drake.

“We just came up short and allowed them to score within the last couple seconds in overtime.

The feeling of losing the game was devastating.”

The Hawks began its season on a demoralizing note. The team lost All-American sophomore forward Dani Arellano after she injured her knee in the first game.

However, the team recovered and ended the regular season ranked sixth in the northern region.

“We dealt with some adversity throughout the year and I think

Playoff Game Results Date

Round

Opponent

Final Score

11/19

First

Solano College

2-1 Win

11/22

Second

@Fresno City College

2-1 Loss

Women’s soccer player devoted to sport on and off the field

For Katie Ulan, soccer is a passion and a team sport Alex Mosqueda amosqueda.connect@gmail Katie Ulan is a 23-yearold freshman forward for the Cosumnes River College women’s soccer team. Despite losing in the playoffs, Ulan still maintains a positive outlook for next season.

“Unfortunately, we ended earlier than we would have liked to, but our season was definitely a memorable one,” Ulan said. “All the injuries we had, including my own, the adversity on our team, the experience of playing college ball. Quite memorable to say the least.”

Ulan made herself stand out in September when she led her team with 11 goals scored and 6 assists. She was CRC’s Athlete of the Month in October, and a Big 8 Conference Player of the Week Oct. 23-29.

Ulan credits her father for introducing her to soccer and being her biggest fan.

“He has been my number one fan and supporter through my career,” Ulan said. “He traveled with me to all my tournaments and videotaped all my soccer games so I could review them.”

Ulan also has other hobbies outside of sports, most notably photography.

“I’m extremely fascinated with black and white photography,” Ulan said. “I love still life and nature photography in particular.”

Ulan said she also enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends and her dog.

all of us are bigger and better people from that experience,” said head coach Cesar Plasencia.

CRC faced Solano College at home in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 19. The game was tied 0-0 going into the second half, however, freshman forward Jordan Moore and Ulan would eventually score to give the Hawks the lead and the victory.

“We made some adjustments

Ulan’s educational goals include graduating from CRC with an A.A. in photography and transferring to a four-year university. She is currently unsure if she will play soccer in the future.

“It depends a lot on if I continue to play collegiate soccer,” Ulan said. “I am quite realistic with myself and just am not able to compete at that level to maintain a career.”

Ulan also coaches for FC Elk Grove, a competitive youth soccer league. She teaches the Under 12 and Under 16 age divisions, and the experience has motivated her to coach a collegiate soccer team in the future.

“My experience with coaching has been a tremendous one,” Ulan said. “I love what I do, I love coaching and teaching the game I love with kids that are so eager to learn it.”

Ulan suffered many injuries throughout the season. Among several bumps and bruises, she played through a couple of concussions, a bruised tailbone, back spasms, sprained ankles and a fractured pinky toe.

“How do I overcome them?

As far as the injuries, playing through the pain and my scoring, I still struggle. Terribly,” Ulan said.

However, when she is on the field, Ulan has a distinct strategy for both herself and her teammates.

“We use all the strengths of each of our players to be an offensive threat for the other team,” Ulan said. “Soccer is a team sport. It takes everyone in every position to get the job done.”

Women’s soccer head coach Cesar Plasencia said that Ulan’s skills were above average.

“She’s a tremendous athlete,” Plasencia said. “She’s got a great shot from distance, excellent foot skills, just an outstanding player.”

in the second half that sealed the W for us,” Plasencia said. “The players did a great job of adjusting to some of the problems we were having.”

The Hawks traveled to Fresno on Nov. 22 to take on the Rams in the second round of the playoffs.

Both teams were evenly matched and the first half would also end in a 0-0 tie.

After Ulan scored the Hawks’ lone goal in the second half, Rams sophomore forward Monique Martinez tied the game on a corner kick.

The match went into stoppage time and the Hawks would give up the decisive goal in the 94th minute.

“Every single person played with a lot of heart but the score doesn’t really show that,” said

sophomore midfielder Melissa Gomez.

However, Plasencia and several players agreed that the season was a memorable one. The team overcame adversity, played through injuries and tried its best to win.

“I am so proud of my team for stepping up when things got difficult,” Gomez said. “We fought hard every game for 90 minutes.

I will never forget the last games, we played with so much heart and desire.”

Plasencia said that he looks forward to next season.

“We’re always vying to try and get to a final four and win a state championship,” Plasencia said. “I’m still committed to try and being the best program in the state.”

“My experience with coaching has been a tremendous one. I love what I do. I love coaching and teaching the game.

I love the kids that are so eager to learn it. I love coaching and will continue to do so as long as I can.”

Katie Ulan Freshman forward Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

Several players from the FC Elk Grove youth soccer league visit freshman forward Katie Ulan after her soccer game on Sept. 23.

Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

Freshman forward Katie Ulan scores off of a penalty kick in the first half of the game against American River College on Nov. 4. Ulan scored two goals but the Hawks lost 3-2.

Sports

December 1, 2011

5

Women’s basketball loses second game of season “We need to work on playing more defensively.

There could have been more movement in the second half, we got a little stagnant. Overall, we need to do better on defense.”

Coral Sage Women’s basketball head coach

Upcoming Games

Jessica Leary | The Connection

Freshman guard Fernandi Espinosa dribbles past Foothill College sophomore guard Colleen Goeser and attempts a shot on Nov. 22.

During the game, Espinosa scored 19 points, however, poor defense would cause the Hawks to lose the game 59-69.

Opponent

Place

Date

Butte College

CRC

12/2

Solano Invitational

Fairfield

12/912/11

Solano College

Fairfield

12/17

Fullerton Invitational

Fullerton 12/2712/29

Men’s basketball ready to step up in James Clark Invitational Despite recent losses, team still has positive outlook Tammi Kolesinski tkolesinski.connect@gmail The Cosumnes River College men’s basketball season has just begun, and with three wins and three losses, they have learned a lot about themselves in a short amount of time.

The team practices every weekdayw. The coaching staff has been studying footage of their games and reassessing coaching strategies.

“They’re not making plays in the critical situations,” head coach James Giacomazzi said. “They’re thinking too much.”

CRC kicked off its season

with the Hawks Invitational on Nov. 10-12. Despite winning the first two games, the Hawks lost in the final round against Sacramento City College because of poor free throw shooting.

In the first game of the Ed Boyle Classic at Mendocino College on Nov. 17-19, they played against the Las Positas College Hawks. CRC lost the game in overtime 79-73.

“We wound up playing some really good teams,” Giacomazzi said.

Led by Tony Gill, the Hawks defeated Siskiyous College in the second round. Gill had 29 points and shot 7-7 from the free-throw line in the 69-59 win.

The Hawks advanced to the consolation round and faced Cuesta College. Again, it was a close game and CRC was up by one at halftime. But Cuesta took the lead in the second half and

won the game 85-80.

CRC was missing two of its top players during its tournament in Ukiah.

Sophomore forward J.J. Mina did not make the trip and sophomore guard Fred Mobley rolled his ankle late in the second half of the first game, Giacomazzi said.

“Other guys stepped up when we had injuries,” Giacomazzi said.

Sophomore guard Tony Baldocchi was one of those guys who came into the game. He ended up shooting double digits in each game.

“There are some holes so I get in there and fill them,” Baldocchi said. “I’m a shooter. I’ll do whatever this team needs.”

He thought the team shot better in the Ed Boyle Classic than they did in the Hawks Invitational.

Giacomazzi needs the “100

percent buy-in from everyone” on his simplistic coaching philosophy and is working with his staff to bring the team “back to basics.”

“Play hard, play together, play smart,” Giacomazzi said. “They’ve got the first two down, gotta work on the playing smart. Defense, defense, react and play.”

The team had the Thanksgiving weekend off and is now back to work in preparation for its next tournament, the James Clark Classic, on Dec. 1-3, Giacomazzi said.

“Anytime we can get support from students, faculty and families it really makes a difference,” Giacomazzi said of the home-field advantage.

Baldocchi is looking forward to the next tournament and the rest of the season.

“We expect to win the league championship,” he said.

James Clark Invitational When: Dec. 1-3 Where: CRC Gymnasium What to watch for: After finishing in second place in the Hawks Invitational and sixth place in the Ed Boyle Classic, Cosumnes River College will look to rebound from its disappointing start. The Hawks will play against the Napa Valley Storm in the first game of the tournament.

Tip-off is scheduled on Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. The Hawks last played the Storm in 2008 and won the game 68-65.

Volleyball players reflect on challenges after losing season Dorian Love dlove.connect@gmail

Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

Sophomore Emma Franco attempts to block against Modesto Junior College on Sept. 30. Gunther said the team’s biggest strength was blocking due to the height of certain players.

The volleyball team ended its season on Nov. 16, losing to Sierra College in three sets, 25-23, 25-18 and 25-8.

Head coach Minet Gunther said the team tried its best despite struggling to get wins.

“We were 8-16,” Gunther said. “You don’t go into a season wanting to do that.”

Gunther said overall the team did good considering some of the unexpected circumstances that got in the way this season.

“We had a talented team, but some of our players had to play out of position,” Gunther said.

Some players agreed that mental obstacles got in their way, which translated onto the court.

“Overall, I think this season was a struggle,” sophomore setter Emma Franco said.

“I liked my team, but we had a lot of personal conflicts.

Physically we were strong, but

mentally it was like a roller coaster,” she said.

The team had its fun times during preseason, playing in the Modesto Junior College tournament. The Hawks won in three sets against Los Medanos College, but lost in five sets to Chaffey College.

“We had a pretty good preseason,” Barghout said. “We felt carefree and pumped at trying to get the W.” However, the team would go 1-16 against the Big 8.

The lone victory came against Diablo Valley College in the second to last game of the season, snapping the team’s 14game losing streak.

“We were in that conference and it’s like a dogfight,” said Gunther. “It is tough no matter what because you’re playing against strong opponents.”

Although they didn’t make it to the playoffs, some players did receive recognition.

Sophomore middle hitter

Domanique Coronado, who led the Big 8 in blocks per game, received All-Conference second team honors, while sophomore libero Natasha Malana made AllConference honorable mention, according to the CRC Athletics website.

With every loss, the team’s momentum began to decrease and mental pressure began to set in.

“Our biggest mental challenge was that we got inside our heads and picked ourselves up too late in the season,” said freshmen outside hitter Yara Barghout.

Gunther said despite having losing streaks the team handled themselves well.

“It’s not easy to lose more than you win,” Gunther said.

Despite their defeats many players said the team worked well as a unit.

“We did pretty good as a team, we built patience and a happy medium,” Malana said.

Features

6

Action-packed scenes make up for dull plot ‘Immortals’ sensational action makes up for poor acting and lackluster plot

Upcoming holiday season forces students to juggle priorities dents also said they worry about paying for classes and buying their Christmas presents around the same time.

“That’s always the worst.

As the holiday season nears, The school keeps increasing the students said they find them- tuition prices and I have a pretty selves concerned about balanc- big family to buy presents for,” ing the chaos of finals, getting said Simpson. “I know I don’t into classes and work rather have to buy gifts but it just feels than planning winter vacations. weird going empty-handed.”

Some students interviewed Some students said they feel at Cosumnes River school holds a higher College said work- “School is my main priority over gifts, ing retail during the priority so I don’t and focus solely on holiday season can be bother with pres- paying for classes. a burden while study- ents, luckily for me “School is my my family under- main priority so I ing for finals.

“Sometimes they stands that it’s a don’t bother with keep me longer at tough time to be presents,” said work than I have to a college student 19-year-old underight now.” be,” said a 22-yearcided major, Chelsea old business major Berry. “Luckily for Chelsea Berry Daniel Jones. “So me my family underthat cuts down on Undecided major stands that it’s a tough my study time, and time to be a college they’ll try to schedule student right now.” you in during a final. It can be a Although the race to enroll huge headache.” in the upcoming spring semesThere are some employers ter and passing finals is on many who are a little more under- students’ minds, many said they standing. Brittany Simpson, a are anticipating spending time 27-year-old science major, said with their families. her boss is very flexible with her Some students said they hours during finals week. will be commuting to celebrate “My boss won’t let me miss the holidays with family, such as work completely, but if I need to 17-year-old Stephanie Arredoncome in later for a final she’ll let do, an undeclared major, who me do it,” Simpson said. said she and her family drive to However, some students Los Angeles to exchange pressaid their holidays will not be af- ents with her cousins. fected by stress over finals.

Tricia Tecson, a 20-year-old John Hong, a 19-year-old communications major, said she undecided major, said studying celebrates by visiting her relafor finals did not interfere with tives. his plans for the holiday break, “I go to my family’s house in as “it ends before Christmas.” the bay area, have a potluck and Aside from working, stu- sing karaoke,” Tecson said.

Alejandra Mosqueda Takara Campbell amosqueda.connect@gmail tcampbell.connect@gmail

Zachary Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail Chosen by the Gods, Theseus (Henry Cavill) must save mankind from the bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his Heraklion army who have declared war on the Gods and all others who stand in their way.

Hyperion seeks the Bow of Epirus which would allow him to defeat the Gods of Olympus and become ruler of his world.

One of Hyperion’s raids left the protagonist’s mother dead, causing Theseus to exist only to hunt down and kill King Hyperion.

However, when he finds out the Gods exist and are looking upon him to save the world, he quickly takes on a greater duty.

The film delivers a compelling plot along with amazing action scenes.

When the swords clashed and the actors battled it out in slow-motion carnage, the film left you mesmerized. However, amidst the mayhem the film lacked originality.

With a mix of bad accents and poorly done cliche dialogue, the film left you scratching your head.

At times the film seemed like it wanted to be like Zack Snyder’s “300” and at other times it resembled Louis Leterrier’s “Clash of the Titans.” However, the film failed to seperate itself from “300” and “Clash of the Titans” which gave it a copy-cat feel.

If movies could be judged in sections, “Immortals” would take the cake for best production when it came to action scenes. However, they are hampered by poor acting.

Though Rourke plays a convincing psychopath and murderous king, he does not do it with any flair or originality. “Immortals” shows your cliche villain who has no conscience and makes questionable decisions.

December 1, 2011

Courtesy photo

As for Cavill, he did his best playing Theseus under the circumstances. Greek mythology in its own right is very confusing, and Cavill does his best the portray Theseus in the myths.

Other than his bad accent, he delivers the chiseled bad boy who fights on his own terms that we’ve all come to expect.

In the battle scenes he is able to capture that courageous leader role that can motivate even the most cowardly soldier to stand up. All hats go off to Cavill for saving this film.

If you want blood, guts and gore, then “Immortals” is for you. However, if you are looking for a movie with substance, stay away from this film.

Though many critics were harsh on this film, it did deliver the over-the-top, death defying scenes that we were looking for.

“Immortals” won’t win any oscars, but it will keep you entertained for 110 minutes.

Author’s score is out of five stars.

CAMPUS EVENTS

PAY OFF

Explosion of Student Scenes Black Box Theatre 12/7 @ 7:30 p.m.

Dance Showcase Recital Hall 12/2-3 @ 7:30 p.m.

The New Medicine Film SOC 158 12/8 @ 4:30 p.m.

Literary Series: Lawrence Dinkins, NSAA Hawk’s Nest Bookstore 12/ 5 @ 12 p.m.

TV & Film Student Video Showcase L111 12/9 @ 6 p.m.

LOCAL EVENTS

YOUR EDUCATION Tuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life.

By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!

Sergeant First Class Javier Machado 916-320-8459 NATIONALGUARD.com • 1-800-GO-GUARD AMS-02_5.88x7_Machado.indd 1

Basic Self Defense Orchard Room 12/2 @ 1p.m.

8/31/11 2:08 PM

Tesla Ace of Spades 12/2

Open Mic Comedy Pine Cover Tavern 12/4

Shady Coffee and Tea Open Mic Shady Coffee and Tea 12/3 - 2/18 @ 6 p.m.

Submerge Magazine’s 100th Issue Party Ace of Spades 12/16

Christmas Art Faire Yolo County Fairgrounds 12/3-4

December Show Park Fine Art 12/5-29

Features

December 1 , 2011

7

Editors’ choice:

Great reads to enjoy over the holiday break “Looking For Alaska” John Green

“Three Holiday Romances”

This is one of my favorite books. It’s about a kid with no real friends who goes off to a boarding school to find a new adventure and while doing so he makes a few friends and falls for a girl named Alaska. Everyone falls for an Alaska at some point, and the adventures in the book make it impossible to put down.

The intertwining stories are about various romances in a snowed in town. Three Christmas-time romances that seem to get more and more interwoven as the stories progress with a dash of adventure are a great way to spend down-time during the holidays.

This is probably a weird one for me, as a guy, to be recommending, but I got sucked into the show and then the books.

The books are different than the show, but it still follows the life of rich kids and their drama, mostly focusing on the women.

“FIght Club” Chuck Palahniuk

“Anthem” Ayn Rand

“Eating Animals” Jonathan Safran-Foer

“FIght Club” by Chuck Palahniuk goes where many authors wouldn’t dare to go with his descriptions. Through his success, he shows there is more than one route to success.

“Anthem” by Ayn Rand is about a dystopian future where individuality has been withered away by the people in charge. I like this book because it shows that, despite terrible conditions, hope and love can still survive.

In this book, Safran-Foer researches the farming methods used nowadays, all in order to see whether he should stop eating animals completely. It has great arguments on both sides of this ethical issue.

“Gossip Girl “

John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle

Cecily Von Ziegesar

Stephan Starnes, Opinion Editor

Johny Garcia, News Editor

“Traveling With Che Guevara” Alberto Granado

“No God But God” Reza Aslan

Exploring their travels across South America, Alberto Granado notably records the evolution of Ernesto Guevara, the funloving and adventurous youth, to “Che,” the revolutionary. It is heartfelt, honest and will leave you with a desire to buy an ancient motorcycle to begin your own adventures.

If you’re interested in broadening your understanding of something new, Reza Aslan’s “No God but God” will satisfy your curiosity. Although it is non-fiction, Aslan’s storytelling abilities explain the history of Islam in a refreshing tone. Providing a holistic analysis of the religion, “No God but God” successfully captures all aspects of Islam.

Holly Sanderson, Features Editor

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” Mark Hadden “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” is a heartwarming and suspenseful tale of a boy’s investigation of the murder of a dog he stumbles upon. During this investigation, the plot unfolds as the reader begins to understand the character and his unique perspective.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” Mitch Albom

“The Alchemist” Paulo Coelho

“Ender’s Game” Orson Scott Card

This book tells the story of a sports journalist who visits his dying professor. Throughout the book, the two discuss various ways of living and the problems encountered throughout life. For me, the book serves as a reminder to appreciate the people within my life and to never take anything for granted.

This is an allegorical novel that encourages its readers to follow their heart and dreams. This book has one of my favorite mottos: “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream.”

“Ender’s Game” is a science-fiction novel that tells the story of Ender, a chosen hero that is destined to save the human race. The book questions what it means to be human, and is a brilliant twist on the hero’s journey.

Imran Majid, Sports Editor

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News

8

Students speak out about disabilities

a voluntary office to help facilitate the services provided to help students with their education.

Lisa Stade is a 21-year-old student Reading backwards and having no feeling in his legs is an everyday chal- with Asperger’s Syndrome and Obseslenge for Tracy Gilkerson, a 38-year-old sive Compulsive Disorder.

“Asperger’s is a neuropsychiatric student at Cosumnes River College. He cannot be categorized and he does not disorder, the exact cause is unknown want anyone’s help to achieve his goal to and people with OCD have recurrent habitual obsessive compulsive thoughts be a journalist.

At age 8 Gilkerson was petting a or actions,” according to NORD. “Sometimes with OCD you can get horse when the horse got out of control side tracked from the and trampled him. His class or it can help you whole skeletal frame “I do not use government to get focused,” Stade was affected by this assistance. I am detersaid. “It’s like being incident. mined to work just like divided in two worlds, “The hardest part everyone else.” like having a personabout my injury is that ality disorder with an I now have numbness Tracy Gilkerson IQ.” in my legs,” GilkerJournalism Major Stade takes adson said. “When I sit vantage of DSPS. down I’m not sure that “I have to take I will be able to get tests by myself so that I can relax and back up again.”

On days when he wakes up and be less distracted,” Stade said. With cannot feel his legs, he misses out on go- Asperger’s, you can be “very good and intelligent in the class or you can be all ing to school.

“I do not use government assis- over the place in the class.”

Gomez said people could get tested tance. I am determined to work just like everyone else,” Gilkerson said. “It makes if they’re “struggling over a period of me want to push harder to prove I am time and finding that there is a pattern.”

“With budget cuts you wonder if just as good.”

His speech, hearing and sight have people have gone undiagnosed. There been impaired. The closest diagnosis he is a waiting list. LD testing could take has had was Congenital Bilateral Peri- several weeks or months to be tested,” Gomez said. sylvian Syndrome.

30-year-old radio production ma“This disorder can be diagnosed as early as birth and in some cases it may jor Tracy Jordan remains undiagnosed.

“We’ve always known that I’ve had occur randomly for unknown reasons.

CBPS is an extremely rare neurilogical something but nothing’s ever fit,” Jordan disorder,” according to the National Or- said. “We are still figuring it out.”

But students who know what type ganization for Rare Disorders.

Gilkerson is one of many students of LD they have said they still prefer to on campus with an undiagnosed learn- keep it to themselves.

“A reason I don’t disclose my dising disability.

According to Yolanda Garcia Go- ability to people is because they have the mez, Coordinator and counselor at tendency to label me as stupid or retardCRC for Disability Support Programs ed,” Gilkerson said. “I told my mom, if I and Sevices, Learning Disablities are a go down, then I go down fighting.”

If you think you may have a LD, broad area. If a currently enrolled student thinks that they have a LD they can contact the DSPS at CRC’s website or get tested on campus for free. DSPS is call 916-691-7275.

Tiffany De Leon tideleon.connect@gmail

Finals week riddled with unhealthy foods Tiffany De Leon tideleon.connect@gmail The pressure of finals week is coming and so are the caffeine crashes.

Students will soon be taking trips to late night coffee shops and pulling all-nighters to study. So how do you get through this week without crashing in class?

According to an article in Healthy Living, McDonalds is not the way to go.

The hotcakes meal, “weighs in at a heart-stopping 1,090 calories, 56 grams of fat (including nearly all the saturated fat you should have for the day), and 2,150 milligrams of sodium,” according to the article.

Students said coffee, energy drinks and other unhealthy snacks like doughnuts are pretty common.

“I cram studying, I stay up late and I get up early” said Tonisha Wiltz, 38, radio production major. “I drink coffee to keep my brain stimulated.”

Uriel Gonzalez, 19, physical therapy major, said he tries to eat healthy but is starting to see a correlation between coffee and finals, pulling all-nighters.

“I study all night and try to drink as much caffeine as I can to get through

class,” Gonzalez said.

Another student, Marisa Diaz, 18, broadcast major, is a newcomer to finals week.

“I do the late night studying and I’m not prepared for finals quite yet,” Diaz said.

“I eat fruit snacks. It doesn’t provide me energy; I just like to eat when I’m bored.”

But according to a recent article published in Help Guide, “It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat.”

“Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as defend against depression,” according to the article in Help Guide. “Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety and freshness.”

And these healthy alternatives can be bought on a budget.

The “healthiest alternative snacks on a budget are; bananas, nuts, apples, string cheese, boiled eggs, protein shakes, protein bars, vegetables and hummus and almond butter and crackers,” according to Health on a Budget.

Wiltz said that instead of eating almond joys she will try trail mix, but that she cannot give up her addiction to caffeine.

December 1, 2011

Los Rios will not make mid-year adjustments Cory Fong cfong.connect@gmail The Legislative Analyst’s Office announced that the state’s General Fund revenues and transfers would fall $3.7 billion below the level assumed in the 2011-12 budget package passed in June, according to a fiscal analysis document released by the LAO on Nov. 16.

The LAO, California’s nonpartisan fiscal and policy adviser, further stated the revenue shortfall will translate into $2 billion of mid-year “trigger cuts” to various state programs, including K-14 funding.

On Nov. 21, the Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brice Harris sent an e-mail to Los Rios’ faculty, reassuring his colleagues that the district has taken the necessary measures by assuming the mid-year cuts would take place and spending accordingly.

“The various reductions we made beginning in July assumed that we would not receive additional funding,” Harris said in his e-mail. “Therefore, we do not anticipate any further reductions this year as a result of mid-year cuts.”

The district has prepared by operating under the assumption that the worst-case scenario trigger cuts were likely.

“Every year, for more than 20 years, the Los Rios District has created three budget scenarios,” said Whitney Yamamura, Cosumnes River College’s vice president for Instruction and Student Learning, in an e-mail. “The district has always operated on the worst case scenario.”

Yamamura reiterated that CRC is unlikely to make further cuts to the campus’ budget in the near future. However, the actual effects of the measures have not been without consequence.

“There have been no full-time faculty layoffs in Los Rios and it is currently not on the table to occur,” said CRC’s President of the Academic Senate Charles Braden in an e-mail. “There have, however, been a number of part-time faculty who have lost positions as sections have been cut.”

Part-time positions on campus have been reduced because CRC is offering

fewer sections than last fall, meaning those offered contracts are fewer than last fall, Yamamura said.

Faculty Union President Jason Newman reiterated that further layoffs were unlikely, but other measures may be taken, depending on future budget projections.

“Faculty layoffs are not in the foreseeable future, but furloughs may become an option if major cuts take place in funding for higher education in late 2012 and 2013,” Newman said.

Though in its own way, remaining static is a reduction in how the campus would normally operate, Braden said.

“With the huge demand for our courses, we could certainly be offering more sections of just about everything at this point,” Braden said. “In normal budget years, this would have meant an increase in resources to offer more sections.”

Braden went on to say the campus is artificially keeping its enrollment low due to financial constraints.

In the past several years, CRC has experienced slightly smaller cuts, Yamamura said.

Because CRC sits right at a threshold of 10,000 Full-Time Equivalency Students (FTES), it receives $500,000 additional funding to its budget, said Braden.

Recently, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office issued a “workload reduction” which changed the threshold from 10,000 to 9,400 FTES. If the budget situation continues to degrade, CRC may no longer be protected and required to make further section cuts, Braden said. All in all, both Braden and Yamamura state that the district has handled the budget issues considerably well.

“There is no better fiscally managed district in the state,” Yamamura said. “Los Rios has a reputation across the state as a model for fiscal prudence.”

Braden offered this tidbit of advice.

“Don’t Panic. While it would be a mistake to underplay the severity of what is occuring with the state budget, right now, Los Rios is in a position where we have a plan in place and are not currently anticipating further contractions.

New study rooms in the library and more to come Dorian Love dlove.connect@gmail

two hours.”

Students can also get supplies for the white boards and get assistance from a liThe Cosumnes River College library brarian. recently opened study rooms for students.

“If they need research tips they can “The study rooms are a place for group come to the reference desk and we can study,” said Andi Adkins, a CRC librarian. help them,” Adkins said. The study rooms These rooms are designed for stu- allow students to openly talk amongst dents working in large groups. eachother.

“Students enjoy their privacy. These “There haven’t been any big issues berooms are a nice place to go and have a sides the occasional noise during group discussion,” Adkins said. discussions,” Adkins said. “Students are If a group needs a usually good about quiroom then any individual eting down when we ask This story is being student there are asked to them.” reprinted with the leave, Adkins said.

Many students proper author’s The study rooms weighed in on study name. allow students to talk rooms. amongst themselves “I like them, but I without interfering with think we need more bestudents wanting to study in a quiet envi- cause you have to share with other students ronment and are located on the first floor sometimes,” said Gagan Dhaliwal, 19, a biof the library. ology major.“They should be smaller.”

“We have six rooms total,” said AdBecause the rooms fill up quickly, stukins, noting that additional rooms are un- dents have to patiently wait for a vacant der-works and are free of charge. “We’re room. hoping to have more by the end of this se“I think they should build more mester or early next semester.” because everyone fights for them” said Other changes coming to the library 20-year-old, Pauline Cielo, a nursing maare new notebook computers. jor. “We either have to wait or get lucky,” “We received a grant and pur- said Cielo, as she waited for a room to chased six notebook computers,” said open. Both Cielo and Dhalial agreed that Adkins.“Students can check them out for study rooms have their pros and cons.