Spring 2014 - Issue two

www.thecrcconnection.com

Poetic Voices Campus celebrates Black history through event with spoken word poetry | News, Page 4 Campus procedures for gunmen News, Page 5

Sacramento’s new pro soccer team holds training camp and scrimmage on campus Sports, Page 13

Hot destinations Find the top 10 Sacramento area spots for entertainment | Features, Page 9

Seeing both sides: the Woody Allen case Opinion, Page 12 ISSUE ₂

Stephan Starnes/The Connection

THE STUDENT VOICE OF COSUMNES RIVER COLLEGE SINCE 1970

02.27.2014—03.12.2014

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FEBRUARY 27, 2014

>>News HAWK’S EYE News in Brief Financial aid change focuses on student responsibility The California Community Colleges Board of Governors has changed the eligibility requirements of the Board of Governors Fee Waiver.

The new policy will require students to meet minimum academic and progress standards in order to remain eligible for the BOG waiver.

“We will do everything in our power to help students on financial aid succeed, but students need to know that they have a responsibility to keep up their end of the bargain,” said CCC Chancellor Brice W. Harris in a press release.

This new policy will take effect in fall of 2016.

Students who receive the BOG waiver would lose their eligibility if they are on probation, not able to maintain a 2.0 GPA for two consecutive terms or if they do not complete half of the units they attempt in that same period.

Los Rios trustee passes away Lawyer, business executive and Los Rios Community College District Trustee Terry Cochran passed away from sinus cancer complications at the age of 74 on Feb. 14.

Cochran had served on the Los Rios board, respresenting the Folsom and El Dorado County districts, since 1996.

At the time of his passing, he was serving his fifth term on the board.

Cochran also served terms on the board as president and vice president and was also part of the group that recruited current distrct Chancellor Brian King as well as King’s predecessor Brice Harris.

Cochran is survived by his wife Mary, mother Elizabeth and daughters Eryn and Alexandra.

In lieu of flowers, his family requested that donations in his memory be made to the Los Rios Foundation or the Snowline Hospice.

OneBook author comes to campus for Earth Day Michael Pollan, author of the current OneBook “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” will visit campus as the keynote speaker for an Earth Day celebration on April 24.

Pollan is the author of several other books and a longtime contributor to The New York Times Magazine.

Pollan’s visit will be the final event in the OneBook series for the year, which has focused on sustainability, food and good health.

Pollan’s visit and the Earth Day events are sponsored in collaboration with OneBook, the CRC Foundation and the Sustainability Committee.

A presentation introducting the topic of the next OneBook series for 20142015 will follow.

Correction: In the story “Bans at local colleges bring questions about the campus smoking policies” freatured in the Feb. 13 issue of the Connection, the smoking policy was stated incorrectly within the story.

The policy on campus is that smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas on campus visible by the blue signs that designate them as smoking areas. Smoking areas can be found on campus maps.

Ride sharing companies offer lifts, student jobs

By Heather Kemp hkemp.connect@gmail.com The days of having to stand on a sidewalk to hail a cab are over, as application based ride sharing companies Lyft and Uber both launched in the Sacramento area in 2013.

Although they have offered this service to customers since their respective starts in San Francisco, the concept of ride sharing and having an app-based car service is new to Sacramento.

Both companies are accessible from an app, which you can download for free to any smartphone or tablet.

When a user needs a ride they simply open the Uber or Lyft app, indicate where and when they need to be picked up, as well as their destination.

After the destination is reached, payment is just as easy as using the app once more.

Ride sharing is similar to carpooling in many respects, the main difference with Lyft and Uber is instead of carpooling with a friend you are riding with a qualified driver for a fee.

“I see two immediate possible benefits. One would be a reduction in cars on the road,” said Geography Professor Debra Sharkey. “Which, in theory, means less people could own cars, which reduces the resources we take out of the ground to build those cars and the fossil fuel that it takes to build them.”

Sharkey said there were other ways ride sharing is good from an environmental standpoint.

“Secondarily would be a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from less vehicles on the road,” Sharkey said.

Lyft and Uber have many potential benefits for students, including the convenience of getting a ride with just a click and having a lower price range than traditional taxis.

Uber rides cost 10 percent less than a normal taxi, according to their blog. LYFT can cost 20 percent less, according to an investigation done by Arizona TV station ABC 15.

“I would use it, because

Scott Redmond / The Connection

LYFT’s app allows users to locate the nearest driver and indicate their destination. The app also allows users to login as a driver and search for nearby customers seeking rides. Uber’s app is similar in make-up.

it’s cheaper and it’s convenient, wherever you are they can come and pick you up,” said Raheela Zareen, 25, an accounting major.

A c h e a p price is not the only opportunity afforded through ride sharing. Employment through the companies is a possibility for cash-strapped college students.

Anyone over 23 years old

with a clean driving record and a four-door car has the potential to earn up to $35 an hour, according to LYFT’s website.

“Students could benefit from the convenience and freedom of creating their own work schedule,” said Economics Professor Amy Leung. “Using their own car, and earning an hourly wage that is well above what many college students earn at their part-time jobs.”

Have you used either LYFT or Uber and want to share the experience?

Visit facebook.com/crcconnection and let us know.

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Frustrated students react to Higher One ATM problem

By Heather Kemp hkemp.connect@gmail.com

Students that use financial aid can add one more thing to the list of stresses that they encounter in college, as many are upset that the campus Higher One ATM often does not read their cards.

Higher One is the company that disburses student’s financial aid onto their Los Rios Community College District OneCards. Once the financial aid funds have been loaded onto the debit card, students are free to use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted or take money out of the account.

“It says that it’s unable to read my card. I have to swipe it about 10 times before it finally works,” said Naomi

Jefferson, a 41-year-old early childhood education major.

“I’m not able to get money out of the ATM and then I’ve had to go use the Schools [Credit Union] one where they charge you.”

The Higher One ATM, located next to the financial aid office in the Library Building, is the only one on campus.

“I get frustrated and upset, because some of the times I’m trying to get it done in between classes and it makes you late,” Jefferson said.

Keiko Lacy, 19, a human services major, said she has used the machine about four times and it didn’t work three out of the four.

She said that the ATM needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

“It’s important because sometimes we get hungry and we don’t want to use our card. We want to use cash when we go to the bookstore or we want to use a vending machine, so it’s really important because we need an ATM to get money,” Lacy said.

Saunders Delaney, a 56-year-old real estate major , shared similar thoughts.

“I think it’s very important because that’s the only outlet for your financial aid,” he said.

The Financial Aid Office was contacted to see if they were aware of the ATM’s malfunctions, but as of this time they have given no official statement on the matter.

Campus Financial Aid is not responsibile for ATM re-

pair, their only responsibility is to contact Higher One for assistance when problems with the ATM are reported, a Higher One representative said.

“With the first complaint we create a ticket for the ATM mechanic to come out immediately upon receiving the information from any caller. A student or a faculty member can call any time that they see an ATM is malfunctioning and we’ll address it,” the Higher One representative said.

Students should contact Higher One when they encounter problems using the ATM. Higher One’s phone number is located on the back of the LRCCD OneCard.

SAVE THE

DATE

Scott Redmond / The Connection

LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITY?

Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) presents the Spring 2014 Workshop series.

Topics include improving interview skills, transferring to a CSU or UC campus, cleaning up tattoos and exploring allied health programs.

Any student wanting to attend a workshop must sign up in room L-106. Workshops are open to all students and staff.

OUR LIFE STORIES

MONTHLY FOOD EVENT RETURNS

COMIC CONVENTION COMES TO CAPITAL

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

Cosumnes River College presents “Our Life Stories,” a cross-generational writers conference sponsored by Hart Senior Center.

Join CRC on the campus on April 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and enjoy several educational workshops.

For registration and additional information contact Hart Center at www.

Hart-CRCwritersconference. org.

The long-running Wizard World Comic Convention circuit arrives in Sacramento for its innagural run on March 6 at the Convention Center. Guests will include Stan Lee, William Shatner, Bruce Campbell and Norman Reedus.

Tickets are on sale on wizardworld.com as well as at the door.

The convention runs from March 6 to March 8.

Food Truck Mania presented by Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis comes to Old Elk Grove on Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Featured trucks include Krush Burger, Baconmania, Chando’s Tacos, Happy Cow, Gyro King and others.

The Elk Grove Food Bank will have a booth at the event to accept financial and non-perishable food item contributions

Cosumnes River College invites you to “Earth Day Sustainable Food Festival” on Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Winn Center.

The festival is a special one-day event in collaboration with OneBook, CRC Foundation and the Sustainability Committee featuring sustainability, food and good health in celebration of Earth Day.

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Kayla Gangl / The Connection

Poetic performer Anna Marie Sprowl shows her feelings through her gestures as she reads some of her poetry to Cosumnes River College students and faculty at the Black History Month Poetic Voices event. Sprowl was one of three performers to come share her works on Feb. 19.

Campus celebrates Black History through poetry

By Kayla Gangl & Stacey Marie Harris kgangl.connect@gmail.com smarris.connect@gmail.com

C

osumnes River College’s series of events celebrating Black History Month continued with “Poetic Voices,” a poetry event held in the Recital Hall on Feb. 19.

“Poetic Voices” featured three local African-American poets, who all shared original pieces that represented themselves along with the history of their culture and heritage.

The event began with an open microphone invitation to the audience, followed by poet M.E. Miller.

“If we could go and visit slavery again, take a timeline or a vessel to that place in time most of us, after five minutes, our hearts would just break, and we would get back on that ship and never ever return to that place again,” Miller said. “That is

how devastating that experience was.”

Miller is a published American author and poet with a background in journalism. Miller has earned recognition and several honors for his works in short stories and poetry and refers to himself as a human poet rather than a black poet, according to the event program.

During his performance, Miller began speaking in the tongues of the slave culture of the past, as the audience sat listening in silence.

“My favorite piece was probably ‘I’ve Known Rivers’

by Langston Hughes,” Miller said. “Langston and I have a strange tie.”

Miller has often been compared to American poet Langston Hughes in terms of writing style, according to the biography in the event program. He even included a piece composed by the late poet during the event.

“In high school and before I even really knew about him people were telling me

‘You’re going to be the next Langston Hughes’ and it was something I didn’t ask for, but it was something that I kept hearing,” Miller said.

“Everywhere I read that name and after 20 years of running from that legacy, because I didn’t want to wear those shoes, I just finally started to embrace it.”

Miller has also written a book titled “Goodbye Langston.”

His performance was followed by poet Anna Marie Sprowl.

Sprowl has been a writer of poetry and has been involved in performances for years. Sprowl said her life experiences are the basis of her expressions and she engages audiences with her passionate readings.

“I have always written,” Sprowl said. “My whole life I knew I wanted to be a writer and I have a lot of emotions and it’s an outlet.”

Sprowl read from her poem titled “Jump.” Inspiration and taking a leap of faith

were key points in Sprowl’s piece.

“Don’t be afraid to let your passion guide you,” Sprowl said. “Take a leap of faith go out on a limb and if it breaks, just, jump.”

The event’s third speaker was Sean King. King said he is a computer geek who simply loves life.

An activist and a dreamer with three published writings, King gives back to the community as a mentor of youths, here in Northern California, according to the event program.

King’s first reading was a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “You cannot assassinate a spirit, you can only kill a man, the only thing that can kill Dr. King is we,” King said.

King also spoke of where he finds inspiration.

“Frustration,” King said.

“I would say growing up in Bakersfield, there was a lot of racism and so that was a way for me to basically deal with

that, as opposed to always being upset or being down.”

King said he took to writing as an outlet to channel those frustrations instead.

There was one more poet, from the audience, who felt inspired enough to come up and participate.

Janayla Wysinger-Rasco, an 18-year-old mass communications major, made her way to the stage and recited a poem she wrote.

“What inspired me is music, I love music a lot,” Wysinger-Rasco said.

She said that her favorite piece from the event was in fact the “Jump” poem recited

by Sprowl. “ ‘Jump’ really hit me, it really shows like with my poem and our generation we all need to jump,” Wysinger-Rasco said.

English Professor Emmanuel Sigauke ended the event by honoring each of the poets with a framed version of one of their published works that they performed during the event.

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In the wake of school shootings campus is ready

In case you missed it...

By Stacey Marie Harris smarris.connect@gmail.com The year was 1999 when two teens decided that they were going to take center stage. That stage was Columbine High School, located in a suburban area of Littleton, Colo.

A place where students felt safe and their parent’s biggest fear was their son or daughter coming home with an F on a term paper.

Nothing could have prepared them for the horror that took place on April 20, 1999.

But this would not be the last time reports of a deadly shooting behind school walls was released.

Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech and Santa Monica College are just a few among the many schools that have been victims of gun violence in recent years.

“Columbine was treated as a hostage situation, everybody stood by allowing the gunman to roam freely through the school,” said Captain John McPeek of the Los Rios Police Department. “Our officers are now trained to respond and not wait for backup.”

McPeek said that after Columbine, there was a need for training officers on how to deal with a situation of this magnitude.

“Over the last decade, training has been provided in the form of active shooter scenarios, on all of the campuses, to prepare faculty and students,” McPeek said.

According to a NY Daily News article published in December 2012, the small town of Harold, Texas has already taken matters into their own hands.

Administrators are allowing teachers to possess firearms in classrooms to protect themselves and their students should an active shooter situation occur.

Those teachers must undergo training in crisis intervention and hostage situations before they can be allowed to carry a firearm, according to the article.

Radio, TV and Film Production Professor Terry Finnigan said he felt that there would be no need for faculty to carry guns.

“I’ve been here fifteen

years and I have never felt threatened,” Finnigan said.

“My one goal is to keep my students safe, I’ll do anything to keep them safe.”

J’neil Gibson, a 19-yearold international studies major said that he feels safe to an extent. Gibson said he is not worried about a threat.

If there was a threat on campus Gibson said he knew what he would do.

“I’m going to run,” Gibson said. “Well first I am going to yell gun, then I will probably run.”

Gibson also said that “playing hero should be left up to law enforcement and not us.”

Students had mixed feelings on just what to do if faced with a gunfire scenario on campus.

Some students, unlike Gibson, felt that they may not have the protection that they need from campus officials.

Khaliah Taylor, 22, a psychology major said she was concerned.

“I know that cops are trained to protect us, but they are not always able to,” Taylor said. “We have to protect ourselves, because cops are human and make mistakes all the time.”

Nevertheless, McPeek said that training has been implemented with the use of what is called a “red man suit.” An officer dresses in attire defining him as an active shooter, while faculty respond to this by throwing things at him to protect themselves.

This form of training replaced the former classroom setting in which a Power Point presentation was used to train faculty members in active shooter situations, McPeek said.

“It was well received,” Mcpeek said. “Students can be assured that they are safe here at CRC.” Should faculty carry guns on campus to protect students? Do you feel safe should if an armed individual were to come on campus? Share your thoughts on our facebook page at facebook.com/crcconnection or send a letter to the editor with your thoughts on the story and how prepared the campus is.

Nicole Scott / The Connection

Attorney and Civil Rights activist Robert L. Harris headlines the opening ceremony to celebrate Black History Month at Cosumnes River College in the Recital Hall on Feb. 10. Harris disscussed what Black History Month meant to him as an African-American man. Check out the whole story at thecrcconnection.com.

Kayla Gangl / The Connection

Philosophy Professor Richard Schubert speaks to an audience at the OneBook event, “The Educational Omnivore: The California College Student’s Dilemma” on Feb. 05. In his presentation Schubert explained how students eating habits are molded by the collegiate lifestyle. Check out the story at thecrcconnection.com.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

20 4 Oscars

PAGE 6

The 2014 Oscars will air March 2 , and we asked a staff writer Greg Prouty to predict which nominees will win for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine” Woody Allen’s private life cannot dwarf Blanchett’s towering performance in this heavyweight drama. She perfectly captures a woman on the edge of a nervous breakdown with a cocktail in one hand and a bottle of anxiety pills in the other.

Other nominees: Amy Adams “American Hustle,” Sandra Bullock “Gravity,” Judi Dench “Philomena,” Meryl Streep “August: Osage County”

Best Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”

Best Actress

Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”

Best Actor

McConaughey plays Ron Woodroof, an electrician and hustler who is diagnosed with AIDS. In the film, Woodroof works around the system to help other patients diagnosed with the debilitating disease. McConaughey, who lost a significant amount of weight to prepare for this role, gave the best performance of his career, and as the Academy will most likely decide, the best performance of the year.

Other nominees: Christian Bale “American Hustle,” Bruce Dern “Nebraska,” Leonardo DiCaprio “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Chiwetel Ejiofor “12 Years a Slave”

Best Picture “12 Years a Slave”

Best Supporting Actor Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”

He and McConaughey will both be taking home gold for their roles in Dallas Buyers Club. In the film, Leto plays a very progressive role as a transgender AIDS patient Rayon. What could have easily been a drag queen caricature in the hands of a lesser actor, Leto transformed the character into a real person.

The beautiful Kenyan actress, who most people have never heard of before, plays Patsey, a young slave.

Her character is an object of obsession for the malevolent plantation owner, Master Edwin Epps, played by Michael Fassbender. She brings a powerful female presence to a story about race, power and humanity.

Other nominees: Barkhad Abdi “Captain Phillips,” Bradley Cooper “American Hustle,” Michael Fassbender “12 Years a Slave,” Jonah Hill “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Other nominees: Sally Hawkins “Blue Jasmine,” Jennifer Lawrence “American Hustle,” Julia Roberts “August: Osage County,” June Squibb “Nebraska”

This fact-based film is about a free black man named Solomon Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who is sold into slavery is the most likely winner for this year’s Best Picture award. It is a unique depiction of a shameful period in the United States history. It is dark, gruesome and difficult to watch, but it is a very necessary modern classic that will be watched and studied for years to come.

Other nominees: “American Hustle,” “Captain Phillips,” “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Gravity”, “Her,” “Nebraska,” “Philomena,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”

By Greg Prouty gprouty.connect@gmail.com All photos are courtesy photos

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Page 7

Netflix builds an even bigger house of cards

By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com

With the tagline “hunt or be hunted” followed by a sinister sounding “welcome back” spoken by the cutthroat and powerful Frank Underwood to end the first episode, it is indeed a very hearty welcome back for a second season to Netflix’s original series “House of Cards.”

When the series left off, Frank (Kevin Spacey) was preparing for the conformation to become vice president. At the same time, his wife, Claire, (Robin Wright) was seeking to deal with a lawsuit against her from a former employee and with the possibility of conceiving a child.

Intrepid reporter, as well as former lover and confidant to Underwood, Zoe Barnes (Kata Mara) and her fellow reporters were hot on the trail of some proof of shady dealings that Underwood was part of.

“House of Cards” doesn’t miss a beat as the second season dives right back into all these matters and begins to weave an even more deadly and intricate web than the first season, topping it all off with the biggest shocker in the first episode.

Part of the appeal to the growing number of original series from Netflix is the ability to binge watch and finish a season of a show, or even an entire run, in quick order.

The biggest appeal of

Courtesy Photo

this new era though, is that with Netflix there isn’t the eternal chase for ratings that happens on network and cable that condemns many shows to the void of cancellation. There is money coming in, through subscriptions to Netflix, meaning that the shows have some popularity with the audience, but are not slave to the ratings.

What this means is that they can attempt daring and shocking things, not just to get high ratings but because the story calls for it. With many programs on television,

it starts to feel like the stories are easily predictable as plots fall neatly into a familiar pattern.

Director, and creative force behind the series, David Fincher did not shy away from taking a gamble to tell the story he wanted as the second season starts off almost par for the course from season one, but by the end of the first episode it all comes crashing down and nothing is taken for granted going forward.

While the format of the series continues to bring it

mass appeal, and the story helps solidify why it is so widely appealing and loved, it is the actors that bring these nuanced and full human beings to life.

Frank, Claire, Zoe and all the rest are not just stock characters put into interesting plots. They are dynamic and driven, and in the case of the Underwoods, cutthroat and pure hunters.

Spacey continues to stand and deliver when it comes to playing the evil man you love to hate in Underwood, but Wright is

no slouch as she rightfully so stands shoulder to shoulder with Spacey when it comes to bearing the weight of this show.

There are so many twists, turns, plots, revelations, secrets and moments that just leave you wondering what more could happen that it’s easy to wish that the announced third season was already here.

The house of cards that Netflix built is back, better and stronger than ever.

Welcome back, “House of Cards.” Let the hunt begin.

#TrendingNow Compiled by Damon Hickman and Kaley Andrews

“It’s just completely ridiculous,” said Hiba Baloch, 18, a political science major.

“There’s no such thing as homophobia, it’s just ignorance.”

With Ukraine facing social unrest, protestors and the government continue to attempt peace between the warring sides.

“I’m neutral at the moment because, originally, I know there was a lot of police brutality, now it seems they’re basically offering no resistance,” said Lauren Vollucci, 23, a veterinary technician major.

the New Black’

‘Orange is

While Sochi Olympic competitors have reason to cheer, concerns grow over Russia’s discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

ne Riots’

‘Ukrai

‘Sochi O

lympics’

The Netflix original series will return with a second season leaving fans waiting with a teaser before the series returns on June 6.

“Opening up people’s eyes and accepting the [LGBT] rights. It’s a step in the right direction,” said Fred Tolentino, 23, a physical education major.

PAGE 8

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

Staying in shape on a budget

By Emiliano Martin emartin.connect@gmail.com

Does size matter?

Rachel Norris & Scott Redmond rnorris.connect@gmail.com & sredmond.connect@gmail.com

She Said:

It’s no secret that women like big things. Big diamonds, big heels, big bank accounts and big baby makers?

In a survey done by Cosmopolitan magazine, 52 percent of all men said they want a bigger penis, and 30 percent of men said it would be just to make themselves feel better, while the other 22 percent said it would primarily be to better satisfy their partner.

But having a big package doesn’t necessarily mean good sex. In fact, some of the best sex comes from the guys who are innovative enough to make up for the lack of size of their members.

Yes, there are a lot of factors that go into whether or not the penis is satisfying to a man’s partner, such as the way he uses it, the depth of the vaginal cavity and of course the size of it, but sometimes the best sex comes from the passion of the person that it’s attached to.

Also remember that not all women are the same.

There is a ton of variability when it comes to what we prefer in bed, and it’s not a huge member every time.

Stuart Brody, a study researcher and a psychologist at the University of the West of Scotland, ran a study that found that 34 percent of women preferred longer-than-average penises, 60 percent said size made no difference and six percent said longer was less pleasurable than shorter, according to an article from the Huffington Post.

So guys, stop stressing over what you’re packing in your pants.

It’s not always the size of ship, but the motion of the ocean that keeps us women satisfied.

He Said:

When it comes to media, the answer to the question above seems to be yes.

When it comes to relationships, the size of your partner in many cases seems to be of great importance.

Common myth has suggested that the size of what a man is packing in his pants, and what a woman is carrying upon her chest is very important to potential mates.

Bigger is better is what most say.

A study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science showed that when Australian women were presented with a group of computer-generated images of male models of differing body types and heights but all with flaccid penises, the size of a man’s penis had just as much influence on attractiveness as his height.

Porn is full of buxom women who, at times, could put your eye out if they were to bounce, further instilling this myth that men only want women with big breasts because those are the women that movies and television show as getting the men.

Size doesn’t matter. A woman with an A-cup or a D-cup size is no less or more attractive than the other just based on their breasts. A man with a three-inch penis is no less capable than a man that has a seven-inch penis.

You might find a certain size, or lack of size, not as attractive, and that is only fair.

But the idea that things must be big for them to matter is ludicrous.

Ignore the porn and the movies you see, look at the person for more than their endowments.

In the end, no one should feel shame because they aren’t readily packing to star in a porno right now.

Besides, do you really want to be walking around with porno-sized equipment?

For more No Strings Attached columns, visit our website thecrcconnection. com. Does size matter to you? Let us know your thoughts.

We’re all aware of the need to live a healthier lifestyle, but there are so many options it can be overwhelming. Diets ask someone to give up too much while health fads yield empty results, but many want your money.

In 2013, 72 percent of Internet users looked online for health information and about a third of them were asked to pay to get access to the information, according to the Pew Research Center.

So, how can you stay in good, physical shape while also staying in good, financial shape?

The first step, which may be most difficult, is to become more conscious of what you eat.

The easiest thing to remember is to balance each

meal equally with fruits and vegetables, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which means ordering the healthier option at the drive-thru or avoiding the drive-thru altogether.

The healthiest solution is having a home-cooked meal, but many only have a few minutes to spare. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are quick, inexpensive alternatives to fresh produce and are touted because they maintain more nutrients than fresh produce after a few days, according to research by the University of California, Davis.

Next, your improved diet is best accompanied by physical activity, which many mistake as an expensive part of staying in shape.

Walking, for example, can be done for free. Over the course of a week, only two and a half hours of walking

Heather Kemp/The Connection

Students pratice lifting hand-held weights in a powersculpting class in EGA 114 at the Elk Grove Center on Feb. 24.

are needed in total for adults, which can be broken in parts, such as two fifteen-minute walks a day for five days.

Walking is the simplest and has the most sustainable participation rate, according to the American Heart Association.

To stay in shape, one can also participate in yoga, which is offered at a low cost of only $5 a session by the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department, but has the potential to be practiced without the classes as well.

Yoga not only strengthens your core muscles but eases your mind. It can reduce stress, which is known to contribute to poor health, including weight gain.

Staying in shape can also be done without leaving the house and, potentially, for no money.

Pushups and situps can easily be done in any room of the house, increasing the number of sets and repetitions as opposed to purchasing equipment to accompany the workout.

Hand-held weights can be purchased for about a dollar a pound and, again, the number of sets and repetitions can be increased to receive the maximum effectiveness of the weight.

Lastly, if you feel it’s difficult to stay motivated on your own, forming a group is the most effective way to ensure you stay in shape and on track, and it’s free.

It makes exercise more entertaining and makes it more likely you’ll stick with your routine.

Staying in shape is a life long journey and there’s no better time to start than now.

For more Features stories, and stories on how to save money visit www.thecrcconnection.com.

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PAGE 9

Top 10 places to go in Sacramento

Sacramentans complain that there aren’t enough fun activities in town. However, that is far from the truth. This must-see list guides you through the top 10 most amusing and entertaining things to do in the area.

By Shafa Ilyas silyas.connect@gmail.com

1. Surf’s Up!

3443 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove

Sacramento Pipeworks has 11,000 square feet of climbing terrain. There are a plethora of modeled wall structures with a great assortment of angles and steep routes, that cater to the moderate learners of rock climbing. With over 2,000 square feet of boulders, this place is perfect for both children and adults seeking to have a great time.

9. Old

Granite Park has been classified as one of the best skate parks in the Sacramento area.

Some of the park’s features include a 9-foot pool and a 12-foot drop pool. The park is designed for both beginners and professionals trying to have a good time.

The gorgeous 28-acre State Historic Park is one of the most amazing places Sacramento has to offer. Whether you are going with an empty stomach or cash in your pocket, Old Sacramento has a plethora of restaurants, shops and attractions.

Ramona Ave and Power Inn Road., Sacramento

Old Sacramento is located behind Downtown Plaza

Sacramento

Park

Elk Grove is home to Surf Xtreme, the first indoor surfing place in the Sacramento area. The indoor surf has a simulator that gives the illusion of surfing. Don’t be scared of falling because the water is only two inches deep and is also heated. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, everyone is welcome.

2. Climb a Rock

5. Granite Skate

3. Paintball

7. Stinger’s

Located in the heart of Elk Grove, Surf Xtreme has a paintball arena as well. This military-based sport is competitive, yet fun and guarantees an adrenaline rush. The facility is well equipped for beginners and professionals and safe for young kids.

Whether you choose to get an all-day pass, or stay there for a few hours, don’t be afraid to get dirty as you battle to be the winner.

Stinger’s is a popular bar in Sacramento that is wellknown among college students. It has a great reputation for having a relaxed environment with warm and friendly bartenders. Stinger’s is a popular stop for the crowd because not only are their drinks cheap, but they are also well done.

3443 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove

116 N 16th St., Sacramento

7890 La Riviera Dr., Sacramento

6. Raging

Country Club Country Club Lanes in Sacramento offers laser tag entertainment called Lazer X. Laser tag is a great action-packed game for both friends and family. Have fun without emptying your wallet! A two hour session costs $6.50 a game.

Raging Waters is a well known water park located in the center of Sacramento.

Known for its thrilling slides such as, Cliffhanger Speed Slides, Breaker Beach Wave Pool and the Shark Attack Water Slide Complex, Raging Waters is a perfect escape from the terrible heat in the summer.

1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento

2600 Watt Ave., Sacramento All photos are courtesy photos

Kings

Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Sacramento is to go see a Sacramento Kings game. The team has been through a lot lately, however the games are still full of excitement and the arena is usually packed. Go see a Kings game and root for our city’s team.

1 Sports Parkway, Sacramento

Waters

4. Laser X at

10. Sacramento

8. Arden Fair

Mall

One of the biggest malls in the Sacramento region, Arden Fair Mall is your one stop shop for all your favorite brands. The mall has stores such as, Nordstroms, Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Sears. Plan your trip to Arden Mall and try the amazing restaurants, such as BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse or Season 52.

1689 Arden Way, Sacramento

PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 27, 2014

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Sacramento goes too far in exploration of smoking ban Thinking about transferring to Sacramento State or UC Davis? If you’re a smoker, it might not be the best idea.

UC Davis, and the University of California system as a whole, has banned smoking on their campus and all satellite campuses. Sacramento State voted to start a ban in 2015.

Now the city of Sacramento is considering a ban of their own.

Members of the Sacramento City Council will examine how banning smoking in outdoor dining areas has worked in other cities in California, before possibly going forward with their own ban, according to an article from the Sacramento Bee. Both the universities and the city council cite public health as a concern in the choice to ban smoking, but a ban is going too far.

While those behind these decisions have done the research and come to an informed decision, those that choose to smoke are being left with no choice in the matter.

Smoking is terrible for you, that’s a given. So are many other activities that human beings engage in that are not being banned.

Universities still serve alcohol in many cases, as will the bars and restaurants in Sacramento that would ban smoking.

Many of the foods that the restaurants serve are filled with more than or equal to the amount of calories a person should consume in one day.

Yet smoking is the vice being put on the chopping block.

Opponents would argue that smoking is the only one of those vices that hurts the user, and others around them, who had no choice in the matter.

According to the American Lung Association, more than 392,000 people die from tobacco-related diseases every year, making it the leading cause of preventable death. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes another 50,000 people a year to die from tobacco-caused disease.

Those are large numbers, yes. There are large numbers of people who die from obesity-related diseases or alcohol-related diseases, or just from people who are intoxicated while driving.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 48 minutes, which is roughly 30 people a day.

Over a third of U.S. adults are obese, according to the CDC. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancer which are all some of the leading causes of preventable death.

It costs the U.S. an estimated $147 billion a year in medical costs in relation to obesity-related conditions, according to the CDC. Yet we’re not calling for a ban on food or alcohol.

There is no diminishing the damage that smoking does to people who choose to smoke and those who don’t, but a ban on smoking isn’t the way to go.

Designating areas that smokers can go to in order to light up is the simplest solution and allows for both sides to enjoy their night, whether they smoke or not.

If people go near an area designated for smoking and they don’t smoke, they are making the choice to go where they know someone will smoke.

Taking away choices and freedoms from any people starts us down a slippery slope that is better left avoided.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know at connection.crc@gmail.com or thecrcconnection.com

HAWK

TALK

What was your worst dating experience?

Kristin Buechler 18, Photography

Joshua Johnson 21, Art

“This guy and I had been going out for about a year and a half. But we never really went on a date, and he took me out to dinner...but what was awkward was, he brought his little sister with us. So not only were we talking about things, but I planned on breaking up with him. So I had to make it even worse in front of his little sister, and not make him cry in front of his little sister.”

“Ending up in a pool where there is no water. That’s the thing I don’t remember how it happened.”

Zacharie Barak 20, Film & Media

Warren Davis 19, Undeclared

“Worst dating experience would have to be getting ready to pick her up, and she taking longer than I expected to get ready. So, probably three or four hours just to do the hair.

That’s my worst dating experience.”

“I went to the movies and she expected a dinner after, but I didn’t have enough money. So she just dropped me off at my house after. It wasn’t a good look for me.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s the worst, but I remember there was this guy who smelled like garlic.

Like really strong garlic and it’s just really distracting.”

Tasneem Abed 18, Speech Pathology

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view the Hawk Talk video.

Editor in Chief: Scott Redmond Features Editor: Rachel Norris News Editor: Scott Redmond Online Editor: Zach Hannigan Opinion Editor: Zach Hannigan Sports Editor: Nick Valenzuela Visuals Editor: Stephan Starnes Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff: Kaley Andrews, Bobby Bishop, Jelina Cortero, Amari Gaffney, Kayla Gangl, Stacey Marie Harris, Damon Hickman, Shafa Ilyas, Heather Kemp, Emiliano Martin, Nicole Scott, Greg Prouty

Compiled by: Bobby Bishop & Stacey Marie Harris

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 410 & 411 media 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 and California Newspaper Publisher’s Association.

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

The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 Telephone: (916) 691-7471 Fax: (916) 691-7181 www.thecrcconnection.com connection.crc@gmail.com

Facebook.com/crcconnection Twitter: @CRCconnection Instagram: @CRCconnection Storify.com/TheConnection

thecrcconnection.com

Page 11 Computer Information Science Professor Gregory Chapman teaches his algorithm design class in the Learning Resource Center on Feb. 24. Some students perform better in the traditional classroom setting than in an online course.

Bobby Bishop/The Connection

Online classes are not best option for students

By Heather Kemp hkemp.connect@gmail.com

Imagine being lying in bed in the morning with your pajamas on, not having to get up and rush to get ready so you are on time for your first class.

Taking classes online is a great way to make this scenario come true.

Online classes have become increasingly popular in the last few years, but is their convenience a good thing for students or does it present new obstacles that we have to overcome?

Being able to sit in your pajamas is one of few perks that online classes offer.

However, only 29 percent of people said that online classes offer equal educational value to regular classes, according to a study from EdTech, a company dedicated to bettering e-learning.

Still, any responsible college student should be able to successfully complete an online class with flying colors, right?

Only 50 percent of students are successful in taking online classes compared to a

70 to 75 percent success rate of traditional classes, according to an article from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Sometimes having to go sit in a classroom feels like a hassle with all of the other responsibilities on students’

minds.

Listening to a professor ramble on for an hour and 20 minutes regurgitating exactly what is written in the textbook can be a real test of one’s patience.

Participating in an online course seems like a terrific

solution at first.

You can do your work from literally anywhere in the world, as long as you are connected to the Internet.

Personally, when I took an online class I felt very disconnected and missed the social aspect of a traditional

“Being left on your own to sit in front of a computer and pay attention while you

try to learn is a difficult task. The temptation of opening another Internet window and browsing the web...can be irresistible at times.”

classroom.

There was no feeling of community like there is in a classroom.

I felt like the class was just going through the motions and there was no personalization.

Perhaps it was just my class, but it seemed like there was a lack of help, which made doing things correctly difficult.

Being left on your own to sit in front of a computer and pay attention while you try to learn is a difficult task.

The temptation of opening another Internet window and browsing the web instead of being attentive to your class can be irresistible at times.

After a few weeks of neglecting your virtual classroom, you realize you have fallen behind.

In general, online classes do not seem like the best option for students. However, if you are independent and self sufficient, you may prevail.

What do you think about online classes? Let us know at thecrcconnection.com

PAGE 12

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

Woody Allen case: Silence doesn’t mean innocence Allen’s adopted daughter claims sexual assault in an open letter to the New York Times

By Kaley Andrews kandrews.connect@gmail.com

In the 1990s, movie director and comedian Woody Allen faced allegations of molestation of an adopted daughter, allegations that were subsequently dropped both in court and, it seems from the public eye, until recently.

Dylan Farrow released an open letter that detailed the alleged abuse she suffered at Allen’s hands. It is a disturbing read, and news outlets have already snatched the bait and run with stories, some which proclaim Allen’s guilt, others that are more Scan this QR skeptical.

M a n y code with of the aryour smart guments phone to read the open against the validity of letter from Farrow’s DylanFarrow allegations pointed towards coaching by her mother, Mia Farrow, out of vindictiveness or jealousy.

Certainly a valid point, but in these sorts of cases, medical findings must be considered, as well as the testimony of a child who, though repeatedly questioned, did not vary from her story.

Farrow herself asserts in her letter that her mother asked if she was lying, and promised no punishment if she admitted to it.

Despite this, Farrow did not recant her allegations.

Others pointed out the dangers of presumption of guilt in molestation and rape cases, again a valid point, and one I can find no fault with.

However, I do believe both accuser and accused ought to be granted the benefit of the doubt.

Even so, with the advent

of social media, the true extent of rape culture within the United States have become more immediately apparent.

On a more personal level, I need more than one hand to count the number of female friends and acquaintances who have been molested or sexually abused or assaulted.

What this says about our society is incredibly disturbing.

Alongside my own experience, I am inclined to believe that Farrow is not likely to be lying.

I understand, of course, the inherent bias in this. But it has become quite clear through the new avenues opened to victims of sexual abuse that it remains vastly underreported.

There is often a pervading sense of silence in our society, a refusal to acknowledge the fact that cases of sexual abuse and assault are kept quiet, unreported or swept under the rug for fear of speaking out.

Few of the aforementioned friends of mine ever reported what happened to them, not only because of the stigma so often associated with survivors of rape. Some of them did not realize that what was happening was not normal or acceptable, because they were children.

Some were too scared to speak out.

We, as a society, must start to realize and understand that silence does not equate to innocence of the accused.

Too often victims of sexual assault are afraid of coming forward, fearing that they may be disbelieved, accused of lying out of regret or spite or subjected to the stigma and victim-blaming so often faced by rape victims.

Yet, we must also remain healthily objective, without presuming guilt or innocence, though this admittedly difficult.

Whether or not Farrow’s allegations are true, the fact remains that we cannot base assumptions of guilt or innocence in sexual abuse cases on the previous silence of victims.

Universal virtual currency is here to stay

By Emiliano Martin emartin.connect@gmail.com

Bitcoin, an innovative, electronic form of currency, is a viable form of money ready to be used within day-to-day transactions.

The fear of a completely digital currency becomes null, when considering that most transactions take place through the implementation of the Internet.

The U.S. government’s cautious approach to the ever-growing Bitcoin economy is the right response to the currency.

“There are many legitimate uses. There virtual currencies are not in and of themselves illegal,” said Mythili Raman, the acting assistant attorney general, to The Washington Post.

The government hasn’t take a hardline stance on the issue of Bitcoin because they will, and rightfully should, follow the people.

Consumers, have seen the value of adopting Bitcoin.

We’ve latched onto the idea of the ever-growing currency and its convenience.

Others agreed Bitcoin is a currency ready to handle transactions, which has led to it gaining wellearned traction amongst proven organizations like Overstock.com, Subway and the Sacramento Kings.

Technology CEO and Kings Owner Vivek Ranadive has implemented the currency for the “betterment of the fan experience,” as he said in a press release.

The technology is only 4-years-old and is still improving.

Recently Mt. Gox, a popular Bitcoin exchange website, shut down.

Currency in the U.S.,

as we know it today, took nearly a century to evolve, while the European Union has worked for decades to create a stable currency.In those decades, the U.S. currency has encountered many setbacks from mismanagement, such as the the Wall Street Crash of 1929, so this problem shouldn’t overshadow the

Bitcoin, unlike the U.S. dollar, has risen over 7 percent since the price dropped after the closure of Mt. Gox proving its resilience and further asserting itself as a viable currency.

With the recent attention Bitcoin has gained in the media it has also gained users, increasing the price of Bitcoin in the last year from $13 to about $600. Like the price of stocks or even the value of the dollar, the price of Bitcoin does fluctuate based on supply and demand, a n d the fact that the currency holds such a high value shows that there is a thriving economy behind Bitcoin.

Bitcoin gives the consumer an exciting alternative for payment.

Businesses see the inherent value of Bitcoin, as Overstock.com’s CEO Patrick Byrne told CNN Money, “it saves us about two percent from interchange fees,” which makes “substantial improvement to our bottom line.”

Bitcoin has proven itself a resilient and viable form of money and continues to grow.

What is now a niche form of currency is rapidly growing because of interest by those open to an innovative form of currency that you will soon use to pay for everything from tuition, to a bag of chips in the cafeteria.

“The price of Bitcoin, unlike

the U.S. dollar, has risen over 7 percent since the price dropped after the closure of Mt. Gox proving its resilience and further asserting itself as a viable currency.” many positive aspects of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin avoids the problem of exchange rates when transactions are made internationally, since it isn’t tied to any one country, yet it’s as easy to use as PayPal. The events at Mt. Gox have been viewed as Bitcoin’s downfall, but because Bitcoin is an open currency there are many more options where consumers can exchange their money.

Even though Bitcoin exists as a self-regulated currency, government intervention wouldn’t lead to better management.

Even with government intervention after the Wall Street Crash, the U.S. dollar still faces problems, which were embodied in the Great Recession.

This clearly shows that every form of currency has its problems, but the price of

Will Bitcoin last?

Let us know at thecrcconnection.com

thecrcconnection.com

>>Sports

Page 13

CRC hosts professional soccer team for practice

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com While Sacramento’s new professional soccer team waits to see if a new sports facility at Cal Expo will be there home, it was Cosumnes River College that provided a place for the team to hold their first training camp on Feb.17-21.

The Republic FC reached out to CRC about using the campus’s new soccer facilities and paid to use them under the school’s rental terms, said Republic FC President Warren Smith.

“CRC made significant improvements to their playing fields and they have some beautiful, beautiful fields,” Smith said.

“And it’s [CRC] in the city of Sacramento, so it’s a great location and we wanted to be as close to the Sacramento core as possible.”

The team was running two-adays during their training camp in preparation for their preseason games, which started with a friendly match against Sacramento State University on Tuesday.

That match and training camp will not be the only time CRC harbors the Republic. The team was issued a permit to use the facilities, which includes the fields, locker rooms and a portable classroom, from mid-February to mid-September, said CRC Vice President of Administrative services and Student Support Cory Wathen.

“In addition to the standard faly-formed Republic FC. “This week was a little bit of a hell cility use fee, the agreement includes The team has been in dialogue week, a tough week for us, but in the improvements to the CAC locker with district leaders to use Hughes modern game you need that and perroom facility, which will benefit our Stadium at Sacramento City College, sonally I think it’s going to help me a athletes over the next several years,” Smith said. lot as well,” Lopez said.

Wathen said.

If the proposed Cal Expo sports It may have been a “hell week” on The Republic will use CRC as facility is not finished in time, the the bodies and minds of the players, their practice facility, while they defranchise will have their inaugural but for a community that helped provelop long-term or permanent facilihome opener at SCC on April 26, vide CRC with the fields, it may have ties, Wathen said. according to an article on the team’s been a week in Paradise.

Payers seemed to have enjoyed website.

“Obviously the community their time at CRC invested in their and echoed the “I love it. The moment I was welcomed to the team I felt at home. [CRC’s] fields,” words of their Smith said. “This A lot of good people, starting from the top in the office to the president. was a way for “They [the to provide coaching staff and the players. It’s an environment you want to be them fields] are amazthe community ing. I think the with a return.” around.” college is doing Wathen said a phenomenal the campus is -- Rodrigo Lopez happy to have the job, a favor for us Republic FC midfielder actually, keeping team practicing at the fields in great CRC, mentioning shape,” said midthat the Republic’s fielder Rodrigo Lopez, who was the While the facilities that the Repub- selection of CRC as a practice facility, first player signed by the Republic. lic have used at CRC and will use at “speaks to the quality of our fields “That’s something that a good SCC are considered top notch, it is and our commitment to support comteam needs, day in and day out, practhe community that Lopez said he is munity events.” ticing on good facilities, having some happy with. locker rooms, somewhere to change “I love it. The moment I was welStephan Starnes contributed to this before practice and chat a bit.” comed to the team I felt at home. A lot article Another midfielder, Ross Middleof good people, starting from the top miss, who has yet to sign a contract in the office to the coaching staff and with the Republic, said the “fields are the players. It’s an environment you Read more of Zach Hannigan’s articles some of the best in the area” and that want to be around,” he said. at thecrcconnection.com or follow him on it’s “a privilege to play on them.”

The Republic will continue to Twitter @ZachHannigan CRC is not the only school in the gear up for their inaugural season, but Los Rios Community College District Lopez looked back on training camp that has a relationship with the newone last time.

Page 14

February 27, 2014

Michael Sam: media needs to be more responsible

By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com Former University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam made headlines on Feb. 9 when he announced he was gay on ESPN’s show “Outside the Lines.”

It was a landmark day for not only professional sports, but the United States. Sam can become, and is likely to become, the first openly gay player in the NFL. Unfortunately, Sam’s act of bravery may come back to hurt him in the 2014 NFL Draft. Anonymous scouts told Sports Illustrated, that his announcement would likely hurt his draft stock.

Sam, who won co-defensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference of NCAA football, was projected as a third to fifth round pick by ESPN. Despite winning that award, in the best conference in college football, his talent may not be what is looked at when a team decides to draft him.

It is a ridiculous notion that we hurt someone because he has the guts to announce his sexual orientation to the world, but that is the world of the NFL, perhaps the most macho world in professional sports.

However, when Sam spoke to the media again at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 22, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. He was sporting a “Stand by Sam,” button that a woman gave him and lauded the support he received on the Missouri campus.

Sam also said that teams did not ask about his sexual orientation in private interviews. However, he knows the deal when it comes to the media.

“Heck, yeah, I wish you guys would ask me, ‘Michael Sam, how’s football going?’” he said in a press conference. “I would love for you to ask me that question, but it is what it is. And I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the gay football player.”

So is it the media creating this hullabaloo about Sam, or is it the NFL locker rooms?

No one can say for sure, but what we do know is that no one in the NFL has openly criticized him, despite the media’s best attempt to get someone to do so.

A similar point was reiterated by Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome, who said to ESPN, “He’s been a good player, he’s been in the locker room, it’s what you, the media, what are y’all going to do with him,” Newsome said. “Once he gets in, and he can rush the quarterback, get the quarterback on the ground and make tackles, he’s going to be a good teammate. The biggest thing is how the media is going to deal with it.”

So, it seems that bottom line in the NFL is really the idea of whether a player can help his team win games. And Sam, seems to hold that same sentiment, and has the talent to do just that.

It’s time that we take some of Sam’s own words and put them in action. It’s time to look at him as a football player and not the gay football player.

Emiliano Martin / The Connection

The Hawks’ softball team in practice. Many players have outside workout routines in addition to practice.

Kitchen and gym play vital roles in CRC athletes’ season preparations

By Heather Kemp hkemp.connect@gmail.com Cosumnes River College is home to nine sports teams.

Throughout the year Hawks sports teams flock to the fields and courts hoping for victory.

These teams include men’s soccer, basketball, tennis and baseball, and women’s soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, and basketball.

In the 44 years that the campus has been open CRC has bred great athletes and has won countless games.

The talent that CRC athletes have is obvious, but the hard work and dedication that they put in all year round is what separates them from other community colleges.

Each player has his or her own unique way to prepare physically for the season.

“Off season I go to the gym like four times a week. I lay off carbs off season because I don’t use them,” said softball player Gail Oliver, a freshman shortstop.

“I just practice, just whatever the coach plans; we take grounders and hit, I pitch because I’m the pitcher. We do warm-ups and sometimes we run,” said Shasta Stinson, a freshman pitcher on the softball team.

“The only time I eat differently is during games. I don’t eat like pizza or greasy stuff because it’s heavy and I feel gross. When I play, I’ll eat granola bars or stuff like that,” Stinson said.

Their teammate, freshman centerfielder Christin Stein, has a more structured pre- season routine.

“I go to the gym at least three or four times a week. I always start off my workout with cardio. I usually run a mile to start my workout. I do a lot of core training for abs. I do a lot of squats. I do weightlifting, biceps, back, and pretty much mix up my workouts every single

day,” Stein said.

Stein also keeps a clean diet throughout the year.

“Diet wise I always watch my eating with staying away from saturated fats,” she said.

“I’m trying to cut back on soda now, strictly staying to water and teas. I eat a lot of chicken for protein, I’m always drinking water and amino acids while I’m working out. And I’m getting a lot more strict too, my New Years resolution was to eat healthier.”

“Off season I go to the gym like

four times a week. I lay off carbs off season because I don’t use them.”

--Gail Oliver

Softball freshman shortstop

Josh Cosio, the sophomore outfielder on the baseball team, shared his year-round regimen.

“Before the season starts, basically, I just lift weights and run,” Cosio said. “We all have pretty consistent diets throughout the year. A lot of proteins, a lot of carbs for energy and we try and drink a gallon of water a day to stay hydrated.”

“During the season it’s just maintaining workout wise and then eating the same and trying to drink even more water. After the season we usually take a little bit of time off, let our body recuperate, and then start working out harder.”

Although players make preparing for their sports a year-round process, they are human and there are some things they just cannot give up.

“I always eat healthy except for chocolate I will always eat chocolate,” Oliver said with a grin.

thecrcconnection.com

Baseball season in review

Page 15

After undefeated streak is ended, Hawks prepare for conference play The Cosumnes River College Hawks’ baseball season kicked off to a strong start with a 6-2 win against Shasta College.

The team went on to a 10-game win streak, with a close 2-1 win against Chabot College in extra innings in their fifth game of the season.

Four days after a 10-1 shut out over Lassen Community College, the Hawks met with their first loss at the hands of Skyline College.

CRC fell 10-9 after a game riddled with errors.

The Hawks will play four more games before conference play begins March 11.

They will be pitted against Sierra College in their first conference game of the season.

—Nick Valenzuela Stephan Starnes / The Connection

Sophomore catcher Cody Morris hits against Lassen Community College on Feb. 21. The Hawks won the game 10-1.

Follow the Hawks’ season progress on thecrcconnection.com or follow The Connection on Twitter @crcconnection

Bobby Bishop / The Connection

Hawks freshman utility player Austin Friello bats against Lassen Community College on Feb. 21.

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

Sophomore pitcher Shane Martin pitches with a man on second in the Hawks’ game against Skyline College on Feb. 25. The Hawks lost the game 10-9 after making several errors.

Page 16

February 27, 2014

Courtesy photo

A rendering of the front of the King’s proposed new stadium, with the venue’s 7,500 square foot glass entrance shown. The 50 foot doors would fold horizontally to allow entrance.

Kings’ arena renderings met with mixed reactions

By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com Secure in the fact that the Kings are to remain a Sacramento-based team under their new leadership, the same leadership unveiled the final renderings of the future new arena for the team on Jan. 28.

In 2013 the hard fought battle to keep the Kings in Sacramento was won when new team owner Vivek Ranadive, among others, bought the team away from the Maloof Brothers.

Part of the process of getting the team to stay in the city came from the work of Mayor Kevin Johnson and the city council.

It included plans for a brand new arena to be built in what is currently Downtown Plaza.

“When we bought the Sacramento Kings, we committed to the NBA and to the people of Sacramento that we wouldn’t just build a new arena, but that we’d build a world-class entertainment venue, an arena truly for the 21st century,” Ranadive said in a press release.

According to the same press release the arena will have a grand entrance that measures 50 by 150 feet with multiple balconies.

The new arena will be constructed with materials that range from glass to recycled aluminum to precast concrete that is composed of sand from San Benito and rocks of Sierra limestone.

Gail Oliver, 18, a pre-med major said that the design is cool and that it looked nicer than the current arena.

Other students shared similar

sentiments to Oliver. “[The arena is] pretty cool. It might bring some attention back downtown, and bring some more money in. Increase revenue,” said 18-year-old undeclared major Lamar Collier.

“Last time I went to [Sleep Train] Arena was when I graduated. That one is simply outdated.”

Undeclared major Janie Myles, 21, said the designs were nice and they would draw more people in.

Others were not as sure about the new arena plans.

“I believe it has good intentions,” said 19-year-old undeclared major Cezar Chavez.

“I went to the mall today and I found out all the stores there are closing, [going] out of business. I talked to one of the workers there and he said he believes its’ for the best intentions.

I believe if it’s to benefit the city as a whole then we should do it. Might be something we need to keep them here.”

Martin Galvan, a 20-year-old undeclared major, said something quite different.

“I think they’re doing too much, because they already have an arena,” Galvan said.

“I think it’s a waste of money on something that is not needed. There are a lot of things that are needed. It looks pretty nice, it’ll be cool to see it, but at the same time it’s a waste of money when there is stuff out there that still needs help or to be rebuilt.”

While students are divided on the stadium and what it can mean for the

Courtesy photo

A rendering of the inside of the proposed King’s stadium depicting a potential concert.

city, Johnson said he knows just what it means.

“This is a glimpse not only into the new arena, but into the future of downtown Sacramento,” Johnson said in the press release.

“I applaud the Kings and AECOM for developing a design that achieves so many goals: reactivating downtown, developing an iconic civic space, and promoting our emerging

green and agricultural sectors. The extensive public outreach done by the Kings and City has paid off in a design that truly celebrates the best of our community’s great past and even brighter future,” Johnson said.

The arena is on schedule for ground breaking in the summer of 2014 and to be open for use in October 2016.

Shafa Ilyas contributed to this article.