Nov 2003 Issue by The Pearl

Strikes in Southern California By Stanley Henderson “We are not asking for anything more then what we already had,” that’s what’s being said by the employees of Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons who are protesting recent changes in their contract. A few months ago the workers’ contracts expired and CEOs of the 3 grocery chains created a new contract. An employee explained, “In this contract employees would be required to pay increased co -payments, and place caps on payments for prescriptions and surgeries. All of this would amount to a 50% cut in medical benefits that would shift almost a billion dollars in health care cost onto the workers over the term of the contract.” Many employees believe this is being done so that their employers will be able to compete with Wal-Mart who just recently expanded internationally and started supplying groceries. The solution to staying in the competition was to take away the workers’ medical benefits so that money would be

saved without having to lower prices. Now previous workers of Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons are protesting hoping to put a stop to the changes in their contracts and get things back to the way they were before. Another employee explained that, “The strikes have been going on 24 hours a day 7 days a week, with a minimum of 3 people outside of an individual store and a maximum of about 40 people. For participating in the protest workers receive $300 for 40 hours from the union” The union, which is called United Food and Commercial Workers, is supplying the workers their money from their fund. This fund, however, is beginning to run low and it was said that if they are depleted they will have to begin deducting pay from employees in the union that are still working in the stores. The strike is having a great effect on the stores. Sundays can be considered the busiest shopping day for the 3 stores with some-

Photo by Shalini Kapoor

and Field, and also the Program Coordinator for By Emily Frausto SUA’s Physical Education proGet ready to get wet and sweat. Under the gram. Because of direction of two new coaches next fall, Soka his degree in athletes will officially compete against stuPhysical Educadents at other universities. This marks the Dave Salo tion, Shackleford beginning of what will hopefully be a strong and respected NCA division III athletic pro- thinks Slade’s experience and knowledge will gram at SUA. Dr. Dave Salo, and Scott Slade really improve our program. With Slade headare responsible for expanding SUA, AV’s ing the P.E. program Shackleford will be able athletic department. to focus more on other aspects of directing athletics at SUA, AV. Until recently, the athletic department included Athletic Director Keith Shackleford and his assistant Mike Moore. The new addi- Slade moved all the way from New York to work at Soka. “I was intrigued by the unique tions to the team bring enthusiasm, experience and impressive credentials. opportunity; the concept of education at SUA

On Your Mark Get Set Go Soka Sports!

(Continued on page 6)

Slade is the founding head coach for Track

Photo by Edward Chen

(Continued on page 6)

Inside This Issue Letters

Building Trust

Feature: Soka Artists

4-5

AIDS Walk

Sports

Language Lab

Quotes

Horoscopes

The Pearl strives to emulate slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl’s efforts to bring out the human side of every story. Following his courageous model, The Pearl opens channels of communication in an endeavor to articulately and respectfully express differing opinions. The contributors of The Pearl reports intentionally on issues of concern for the campus, the local community and the globe, aiming to unify the campus towards the realization of the mission of Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo.

consistently make efforts to incorporate everyone. We should strive even harder to speak in English, even though the group we are situated in is the majority. We must be able to feel for another student and understand the situaStudents swarm the cafeteria in excessive Have you ever thought twice about a student tion on a deeper level, rather than thinking numbers to grab their lunch after a harsh morning lecture. As I sit with a group of stu- who couldn’t understand your language? Have and acting superficially. If we are to go out in you thought about how much adversity other society and make a difference, it is through dents outside the cafeteria, I can’t help but notice a discomforting sight. A group of stu- students have endured through another’s ig- our actions at SUA that we can learn to actualdents sitting at a table, eating and conversing norance? Have you realized students avoiding ize harmony in our environment. If we lack a conversation because they couldn’t underawareness and act in oblivion, how are we to together, bursting and laughing heartily. But stand the language that group is conversing go out in society and make a difference? It is alongside those students, a couple students in? through our actions today, through our acwho do not understand a word of their lantions tomorrow, which will make the differguage, sitting in silence and trying to grasp the I feel that at SUA, we’ve somewhat prevailed ence in our lives as well as in others. conversation through their body language and -Virgil’s cousin, Han facial expressions. Although they can’t com- over this dilemma, but in an apathetic way: through indifference and passiveness. Before, prehend the language, the students continue talking, enjoying their pleasant conversation, many students have had “dialogues” and con- *This article is in no way versed about this conflict, showing deep con- aimed to single out a particuignorant of the pain they are inflicting. cern about what could be done. But how of- lar group. This article is inten have we “dialogued” about this clash re- tended on reflecting on the As I sit in my class, a foreign language permeates the room, frustrating both students and cently? I believe this is why it is vital for each natural tendencies we all have of us to reexamine our “self.” of associating ourselves with a professor. As I sit in my language class, an ignorant student shouts to the class in a foreign If we are to talk about “raising global citizens” specific group. and becoming “the leaders of the 21 st cenlanguage, isolating the students who do not tury,” we, as students and “leaders,” should understand the language. While I scan the

Letter to the Editor: Majority Rules?

room, I notice students who sit irritated, trying to be indifferent. I notice the professor staring at the students, wondering what is going through their minds.

AV. We could have never even imagined in 2001, when the first class arrived, that our campus life would have grown this much in two and a half years. Things that were one By WuLa Dawson student’s vision or a couple of student’s pasOn Wednesday December 3, 2003, yet another sion like Soul Wings and Outreach DepartSoka first occurred. The first class’s first study ment are now developed and healthy. abroad students returned to SUA, AV. After traveling by bus and plane for nearly 33 hours Now we have reached the point where it is impossible to know everyone’s name, let alone Toshikazu Akaishizawa (‘05) and Nathan all the gossip. Dozens of students regularly Gauer (‘05) returned to Southern California attend sports activities where we compete with from Buenos Ares, Argentina. other schools. The art forum is actually interWhile the absent junior class returns home one esting and inspiring and we have a culture deat a time, the rest of the first class will gradu- partment! Where there was construction, there ally leave—jet setting all over the world. Their are smoothly paved walkways and fragrant orange trees have matured and filled out with arrival makes study abroad more of a reality more blossoms and fruit. The dorms are finally for the rest of us. animated with eclectic music, strange smells, While juniors continue to go out and set Soka activity and life when previously it felt like a ghost town here. precedence in Barcelona, Communist Cuba, Mandarin speaking Taiwan and China, the students still here in Orange County will con- I just wonder what new clubs, activities, art tinue to grow and set precedence here without and movement will develop while the rest of the juniors are abroad. Will our founder visit? us. Will there be murals in the staircases? What This year has been a remarkable year of growth will the new faculty be like? Will stronger and realization of many aspects of life at SUA, bonds of trust develop between the students,

Letter from the Editor: Represent

staff, faculty and board? How will the newspaper grow? In this issue of The Pearl we report on some of SUA, AV’s recent growth. You will read about the Physical Education department expanding, intramurals and Board members connecting with students. In order to highlight news outside of campus, we also cover the recent fires and striking grocery employees. As we have been doing all this year, this issue showcases the talents of new writers. Most exciting though is the new centerfold including students’ artwork in color! This will be the last issue this academic year that many of the pioneer, foundation-laying, newspaper staff members will contribute to. Thank you everyone for your hard, hard work up until now. In conclusion I would like to say welcome back to all the juniors who have been abroad. You guys are going to the love the talented and illustrious class of 2007. We juniors have done our best in the past four months to represent the first class now it is your turn.

Building Trust with the Board of Trustees By Ravi Raghuram Over 50 students met with Board of Trustees members in the Ikeda Library reading room for a dialogue session organized by the Shared Governance Department on November 1. “Whenever we meet with the Board, our goal is to build trust.” Cecilia Ocampos (’06), the committee chair for the event, said. “The idea of Shared governance is to share the decisionmaking process. Every time we meet with them, we get one step further in building the trust necessary for that to be possible.”

atmosphere was more positive, optimistic.” Dr. Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., the first Dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College since 1979 and a tenured Professor of Religion, College Archivist and Curator at Morehouse College—the newest member of the Board— was a favorite of attendees. About his experience with him, Tomiyama said that “Usually, when people talk about peace, it’s really vague, but I feel like he was really serious about creating peace in the community and about nonviolence.” In addition, Tomiyama felt that Dean Carter “redirected [his] focus to the mission of this school.”

The meeting accomplished its goals—as Tetsuo Motoi (’06) said, “because the Board Students enjoyed anecdotes from the seven board members in attendance, and then they now knows that there are so many students who are sincerely thinking about the future of all got into small groups. Students seemed their school, the decisions that it makes will engaged in the groups and when the time came to end the discussions, it was difficult to be influenced.” pull the board Following the tone members set by the meeting, away to their President Habuki next meeting. sent the entire student body the minDr. John D. utes from the Montgomery, Board’s most reFord Foundacent meeting, enation Professor bling students to of Internamore fully undertional Studies, stand how the indiEmeritus, a vidual decisions of professor at the Board fit into Harvard Uniits purpose and versity since Photo by Edward Chen function. 1963, exLike us, our plained that he believed there were five general areas of academia. In terms of having a neighbors, UC Irvine and Saddleback College, have Boards of Trustees. Board’s are generally purpose and developing people, he felt that appointed or elected, and serve in order to Soka was doing a great job. He said that its objectively make decisions about the univerclearly defined mission led to the strong development of its students, who apply the ideas sity’s policies, keeping the university on track of thinking globally while working locally. In to meet objectives. In our case, the board is helping the school become a full-fledged unithe area of the quality of teaching, he remarked that Soka was, again, performing well, versity. Soka’s Board differs from the norm. The average college student does not know but was lacking in the areas of scholarship their Board of Trustees by name or face. They and culture. In order to improve Soka’s are anonymous to the Board of Trustees as scholarship, he said that SUA is deciding to reestablish the Pacific Basin Research Center, well. which provides opportunities for scholars to do research focused on the best policies, for There is a separation of the people who have example, for human rights and authority. In decision-making power and the people whom the decisions affect. This allows the decision the area of culture, he said that although it was “lacking,” it had made progress, citing the makers to be protected so they can “objectively” make their decisions—meaning examples of SOCCO and the work of the without full knowledge of what the people music professors whom these decisions affect think about In comparison to last year’s meeting between them. The recent meeting of the Board of Trustees with Soka students closed the chasm the board and students, Tommy Tomiyama (’06) said that “more kids came this year, and between decision-makers and decisionaffected. Shared Governance made a great effort to involve students.” He also noted that “the

Wildfires Ravage SoCal; SUA, AV Gets a Taste By Ryo Eugene Kondo Southern Californians faced the worst wildfires in its history during the last week of October. Although untouched itself, Orange County was virtually surrounded by fires that devastated our neighboring counties. The string of major fires started first in San Bernardino County on October 21. After over a week of fighting 30-foot high walls of flame and winds over 50 mph, firefighters were finally able to contain all of the major fires. The largest chains of fires were located in the counties of San Bernardino, Ventura and San Diego. These fires combined destroyed a total of 3,998 houses and burned through 745,000 acres of land. Orange County itself is only 510,848 acres. Twenty lives were lost due to these fires, including the death of one firefighter from the Novato Fire Protection District in Marin County. Steven L. Rucker, 38, died on Wednesday, October, 29 when Cedar fire overtook him and 3 others in their fire engine in San Diego County. A fund has been established for Rucker’s surviving wife and 2 children: Novato Fire Protection District, c/o Bank of Marin (415) 899-7338. Firefighting resources were stretched thin among the 3 major areas. With the aid of unpredictable winds and exceptionally dry weather, the fires continued unabated for just over a week before the weather began to favor the firefighters. On October 30, firefighters started to gain measures of control and contained the remaining fires in the following days. During the week, over 14,500 firefighters were called to duty. Total financial losses have been estimated at more than $2 billion. Although the record-breaking fires never entered Orange County, the ash filled the air and the smoke was visible on the horizon. Many members of the SUA, AV community had trouble breathing and for several days were careful to keep all windows closed. But on Halloween, as the firefighters continued to gain control of fires elsewhere in Southern California, a fire started here at SUA, AV. According to George Wesson, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, while the Haunted House was happening, the fire started in the canyon about 100 yards away from the water tank visible between Founders Hall and Dorm 300. A student noticed the fire, and campus security had several cameras on it immediately. (Continued on page 6)

What You Don’t Know About Eight Soka Artists Eight talented painters become involved in the process of dissecting one’s individual hidden self, or many hidden selves as it turns out. The project was called Alter Ego, an assignment given to the Advanced Painting class by Professor Daniel DuPlessis. The term Alter Ego means another side of oneself, a second self. When asked for the purpose of this assignment, Daniel says it was “to give students insights into how complex concepts can be expressed through painting,” that the reality of the self can be extremely complex. Here are the products of all students accompanied by their thoughts of inspiration. As you see, the results are incredibly unique and personal. Professor DuPlessis was also satisfied, “everyone reconsidered the conventional ideas of self-portraiture, producing works that were visually stimulating and also challenging at a conceptual level” And as this is only a peek to the real thing, Check back in upcoming issues for more information about the winter exhibit. -Gigi Schroeder

Culture Dept & EatArt

would like to announce that the theme and location of the Dorm Mural have been announced: Theme: Ocean. Location: Dorm 375. Please contact Gigi Schroeder (x4808, gschroeder@soka.edu) if you’re interested in sketching, now through winter break.

Celia ROCHA / Childish Alter-Ego This painting represents my alter-ego which is a child. In the process of creating this image, I asked myself: “how do children draw?, how do they see the world?, how do they represent it?” I went to an elementary school to see children and their drawings. The struggle was to bring back that childish quality into my own personal expression, because I’ve been conditioned to draw and observe in an educated way. So I had to go back to my own childhood, remember how I used to draw and how I represented my life then, just let go of what I learned and enjoy painting, which is what children do. Thank you, Sally, Daniel and Andy Marcos, for your wonderful support!

Jai FUKUTA / Frustration All my art works are like my children. They are part of myself. Emotions, moods, energy, mental conditions, thoughts...everything is in there. I feel like I'm giving birth everytime I start painting. (although I've never given birth... hahaha)

My Alter Ego painting is titled "frustration." I believe that true happiness comes from overcoming struggles. It is always frustrating to face my weaknesses... but with strength and hope in mind, I have to overcome hardships in order to develop myself. We are here to become global citizens.

Leema YAMADA

Leilani NELSON / Into the Depths of My Soul This piece really reflects everything that I was going through at this particular moment. It shows that our “true” selves have a very important role and things are always changing. We shouldn’t focus on changing our outward appearance, but to grow on the inside as much as we can. The large abstract curve that floats down the center, sort of represents life in general, and it is reflected in how it is the strongest aspect in the painting.

Atsuko MUROGA / Princess Atsuko Since this was the first project for the Advanced Painting class, and I was not used to "conceptual thinking", it took a long time for me to come up with this idea. The girl on the right side is myself, now, struggling. And the girl on the left side is what I want to be in the future, the happiest princess. So, my message is that the plain girl will be the princess through her struggles, and eventually overcoming them.

Sunny SEO / in the process Apparently I see myself constantly changing, but the core of who I am, which I tend to forget, as my life becomes routine, still remains deep inside of me. This project reminded me of the core. Even though environment is one of the biggest components that construct who I am, without the core I wouldn’t be who I am now. This project is about a combination of the core and the environment, and how the two create(d) who I am in the past and in the present.

Gigi SCHROEDER / Más cerca que la imaginación My alter ego is a combination of feelings I have for Mexico: inspiration, admiration, and melancholy. What you see is a colorful still life of common Mexican objects and a note, “Quello che me rodea influye mi ser”, to represent my self. In English it reads, “that which surrounds me influences who I am,” forming a relationship between my culture and the way I perceive life. I notice how the sensation to promote one’s home, country, or tradition grows when separated from it – as does longing and appreciation. Being at Soka, I have become intrigued with how differently many of us carry ourselves or follow different logics, and then, apply it to sokahood.

The painting also deals with a search to strengthen my memories of Mexico, revisiting places and lives which surrounded my childhood. This leads to a recognition of how all of my judgments and actions connect to my experiences. And as my present becomes my past, I aspire to build a fruitful and honorable blank.

Sally MacWILLIAMS / Meine Kinderfarbenbergwelt The girl is five-year-old me, who in a lot of ways, I still am now. The mountains in the background are the Alps, which I can see from where I grew up in Germany. I put them in the picture because they are the most beautiful place in the world to me. I’m not exactly sure what the picture means, but it has something to do with me creating my life as I go along, in a self-absorbed, childlike way.

On Your Mark Get Set Go Soka Sports! (Continued) (Continued from page 1)

(Continued from page 3)

The fire burned about 100 feet, and flames

reached 30 to 40 feet high before being contained and extinguished by firefighters from at least half a dozen units. A west-to-east wind and the quick response of the firefighters prevented the fire from becoming out of control. In total, 1.5 acres were burned. Wesson reassures that the SUA community had nothing to worry about. He stated, “We just finished the brush clearing, so there was no immediate danger.” He added that, in addition to brush clearing, SUA has taken other preventative measures to ensure the safety of the campus and its residents. The campus has a sprinkler system that extends off campus and a security staff that is prepared for such emergencies. Nonetheless, Founders Hall was evacuated, and the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system was shut down in case smoke and ash traveled onto campus. Arson is suspected to have started the fire, although there is little evidence to prove intent. Wesson said that “We had a camera on the fire after it started, but it didn’t catch anything.” Allison Reed (class of ’05) lived in San Bernardino, which was hit hardest by the fires elsewhere in Southern California. She said, “The people who still live there would not have been seriously affected by the fire unless the winds changed directions, but the dust and ash made it very difficult for them to breathe.” To help out those who were not as fortunate as her friends and family in San Bernardino, Reed started a donation campaign on campus. With the cooperation of the Student Outreach Committee, she collected over $250 in a span of 2 weeks. These proceeds will go to victims in the 2 areas that were hardest hit by the wildfires: San Bernardino County and San Diego County.

seemed to me to be the way education should be.” Slade has a unique approach to coaching. He believes that a large part of a student’s education happens outside the classroom as well as within it. He said, “When you’re with me, you’re learning more than how to run fast.” Salo has been coaching swimmers for over twenty years. After earning his PhD in human performance, exercise and physiology, he started coaching nationally and internationally, including for the Olympics. He is also the head coach of Irvine Novaquatics. Salo believes we have great potential here and wants the student body to get excited about athletics, which he believes can add a unique part to the university experience. Shackleford feels that Salo brings immediate

Photo by Shalini Kapoor

Wildfires Ravage SoCal; SUA, AV Gets a Taste (Continued)

Scott Slade

legitimacy to our entire Athletic program. His reputation and contacts will hopefully attract student athletes nationally and internationally. He added, “In keeping with the mission of the University, Salo will bring a new level of diversity and excellence to our student population.”

Both coaches are focused on recruiting future Soka athletes. As Slade says, “I want to recruit people who are fast, but are good people too.” Salo and Slade spend their days introducing SUA to coaches and athletes at swim and track meets around southern California. Salo and Slade both share a desire to get athletics at SUA moving as soon as possible and welcome students interested in running or swimming to get to know them and even begin training this year.

Grocery Strikes in Southern California (Continued) (Continued from page 1)

where around 140,000 shoppers, but now since the strike there have been about only 40,000 shoppers that come on Sundays. Because of this the stores have been forced to lower prices.

passion for the protestors. Shoppers come up to them daily and ask how they are coming along and continually wishing them the best of luck.

The employees are willing to stay as long as they have to in order to get what they feel The only thing employees are asking of cus- they deserve. Hopefully with the holiday seatomers is not to shop at Vons. Ralphs was son in effect and considering that many of the recently opened again because the majority of protestors have families the negotiations will the employees felt that they should ease up on come through and they will be able to enjoy shoppers for being so supportive. The prothe rest of the holidays with their families tests have remained non-violent and many knowing they have a job to go to the next day shoppers have shown great support and com- and not a day of standing in the cold.

uncle died of AIDS. “It is important to me to than 10,000 people living with HIV/AIDS help fight this cause, no matter how big or across Los Angeles County. Some examples By: Vanessa Rubinfeld how small I contribute” said Unione. of their dedication to fighting against AIDS are Health Services, Case Management SerOn Sunday, October 19th AIDS Project Los The walk was a 10 K (6.2 miles). It was a vices, California AIDS Drug Assistance ProAngeles sponsored the annual AIDS Walk. smoldering hot afternoon, yet to the particigram (ADAP), and Grassroots Activism. This is the 2nd time SUA students have taken pants it was well worth it. Taishu Utsumi (‘06) Since the earliest days of the AIDS public the initiative and decided to join thousands of was feeling sick the day of the walk but dehealth emergency, APLA has recognized that supporters walking to raise awareness about cided to go because, “It is something I could the actions of the government (and inaction) the AIDS epidemic. This year twelve students do for the community and also good adveraffect the course of the epidemic. Since 1983, and one faculty participated for the cause. tisement for our school.” APLA has been a strong voice in the halls of SUA students raised over $500 dollars togovernment for people with HIV/AIDS. wards the AIDSWALK. It was a grand event In Los Angeles, more than 52,000 people are They have consistently raised millions of dolwith an opening ceremony, which included living with HIV/AIDS, of whom between lars towards a cure for AIDS over the past Jamie Lee Curtis and Thora Berch, among 13,000 and 15,000 seek services each year years. other celebrities. from APLA (Aids Project Los Angeles) the sponsor of the event. AIDS Project Los An- Candela Montero (‘07) felt, “I made a differAllison Unione (‘07)walked because she has a geles annually provides direct services to more ence and I felt gratified at the end of it.” personal experience with the epidemic her

Hot Walk to Save Lives

Sports: Dedicated to the Basketball Club! By Daman Chhikara

Basketball intramurals, arranged specially by the brand new Soka Basketball Club, are progressing steadily. Basketball intramurals will now be played in the fall, as well as the spring semester. The president of the club, Sangy Park (’06) says, “We want more people to come out on the court and play, relieve themselves of the stress from all the work they usually have.” Park also wants beginners to have a chance to play more, and in a less intimidating environment now that there are two opportunities a year. Danny Nagashima (`05), the vice president of the club, does not think that SUA, AV will be competing with other schools in basketball any time soon: “Studies are the main focus at Soka, therefore sports can never become mainstream. We only want people to play and have fun dude!” However, participation this year has almost

Photo by Edward Chen

Guess what is the hottest place on campus…You’re probably right! It is the Rec. Center where all the intramurals are in progress. Yah People…it is the place to be!

doubled since last year. There were seven sixplayer teams. Besides being fairly competitive, students from many cultures unite extraordinarily on the basketball court.

There has been some good spirited criticism about the intramurals. Yoko Kogure (`06) feels, “Sometimes, it’s difficult to balance the game when guys and girls are playing together. For example, sometimes guys forget that they are playing with girls and become aggressive, but on other occasions they take it easy on girls, which is equally disturbing.” Despite the difficulty Kogure still thinks more girls should come out and play. ” Julia Kataoka (`06), who is a frequent spectator, says, “I would play if it were only girls playing.”

On the other hand, Matt Fisher (`06) feels that, “Guys and Girls playing together is great! Our team made sure that everyone played for These intramural matches were held every Monday at 7:30pm at the Recreation Center. equal periods in the game.” Fisher feels that The season ended on December 1st , when the there will always be difference between guys and girls because of their basic nature, but finals were played between the Smokers and intramurals is a good way to unite the two the Hardwoods. Hardwoods, had Coach Alex sexes. Marcos (`05), and Smokers had the die hard fighters, who have done well under pressure. Basketball is sure on its way, and the club is The game promised to be great! There has always been support for the players; cheering definitely fulfilling its purpose of getting people together to play. Be it Koichi Asako (‘07), for their favorite teams. Yes, Monica Kawai (`06) was there too! “It’s fun to cheer. I think who dreams about Basketball, or Alex Marcos, it’s an outlet to a lot of students, and a good whose game makes one feel like they’re in a way to get to know people, who you normally dream; they come together and unite to have don’t have a chance to be in class with,” said fun. Way to go club! Cheers! Kawai.

New Language Lab Guarantees Improvement

By Victoria Kraus

El Laboratorio de Lengua ????? ??? ? ? ? Location: Lab Hours:

Ikeda 415 M-Th 8:00AM-9:00PM (Except M 12:00-1:00PM) F 8:00AM-4:00PM Sa 1:00-6:00PM

The recently opened language lab has two audio-visual rooms and ten computers with high-tech interactive language programs. The new software, “CAN8 Virtual Lab” is being used for every language taught at SUA, Aliso Viejo. Student Spanish tutor, Kouichi Hara (’06), explained that with the program “any

language instructor can create their own exer- Language Lab Administrator, Jeffrey Lacises, such as vocabulary quizzes, recording Marca, is pleased with the student usage of and listening exercises for their students.” the lab. He explains that as of now, the priority is to develop materials to be used in the The lab offers tutoring in Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. Students receive one-on-one help from tutors in oral skills and homework assignments. There are currently five student tutors who assist in Spanish and Japanese. “The tutoring has helped me, especially with my conversation skills,” Yukio Nakajima (’05) said of the personal student tutoring. Beside Professors of Chinese Language, Nancy Hodes and Jing Fang Satow’s tutoring sessions, other Chinese tutors are not yet available. Spanish Professor and Director of Language lab by students. LaMarca also said, Development, James Lopez, explained the “Each one of the student assistants has been language lab is progressing well with the au- very helpful to our students and contributes dio-visual programs and a new television net- much to the lab’s operations.” work called SCOLA. It consists of three channels (3, 6 and 8 on televisions all over The lab will help you with pronunciation, campus) that represent 55 countries and of- vocabulary and conversational skills but of fers news, variety and various other interna- course tutors cannot write compositions for tional television programming. Professor students. Hara thought that the funniest acLopez encourages students to also take ad- tivity in the lab is to record your voice and vantage of the all the activities the Language listen to your own pronunciation. “Visiting Development Program offers including the our great tutors will improve your language language tables during lunch and “Movie skill significantly,” Hara added. Don’t miss Night.” out on an awesome resource. Take advantage of it now! Photo courtesy of Vitoria Kraus

Worried about mistaking the bus stop for a bathroom when you go abroad? Now that the Language Center in the Ikeda Library is open, your problem is solved. In the lab, open daily, students can improve their foreign language abilities with the aid of native speaker tutors and a fully equipped computer lab.

Founders Corner By Jesse Goodspeed and WuLa Dawson

university addresses called A New Humanism)

On November 25, the World Congress of Poets (WCP) held their 23rd international conference in Taipei, Taiwan. This year, the WCP awarded a gold medal to our university founder, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda. The WCP was established in 1969 by the World Academy of Arts and Culture. Since then, with a mission to promote exchange through poets and create peace through poetry, the WCP has hosted international conferences at various venues around the world. The theme for the conference was “poetry and nature” and “poetry and music.”

Only knowing Japanese, our founder has been able to spread his message of peace throughout the world with his remarkable talent for writing. He has written numerous stories, poems and books including many dialogues and correspondences, all calling for peace and the celebration of culture. Upholding the dignity of life through his pen, he inspires millions who read his words.

Horoscopes: Everyone Needs Advice Sometime

out that your homework miraculously finishes itself in half the normal time. Your life will be greatly improved in many uncountable ways, though creepy men hitting on you should be enough of a deterrent if you ask me.

This recent recognition of our founder’s poetry is one of many. In October 2001 at an event where his poetry was recognized in InPoetry is just Photo by Sam Morales dia, Dr. one of many Ikeda’s meshuman art sage affirmed forms that unifies humanity and brings that a world that shares a poetic spirit tranpeople together. On the subject of art, our scending barriers of nationality, ethnicity Founder Dr. Daisaku Ikeda said and language, would forge a solidarity of “Art is to the spirit what bread is the spirit as vast and boundless as the unito the body; through art we find verse itself, producing without fail a spirioneness with a transcendental entual renaissance that will lead to peace. tity, breathe its rhythm, and absorb Calling this the mission of poets, our founthe energy we need for spiritual der said that a "revival of poetic spirit" renewal.” would serve as a powerful force in insuring (Taken from a speech given June 14, 1989 that the 21st century is one of peace and in Paris, France found in a collection of his nonviolence.

By Loquacia and Pumpkin Substitution In the great tradition of telling you what to expect and how to live your life, here we go again. Scorpio: Stay away from online instant messengers. If you don’t, lonely, bored men will aggressively and obscenely hit on you, thinking they have a chance with you. They don’t. Remember, no matter how bad Soka Vision gets, they have no chance. Plus, you’ll figure

Sagittarius : The person you’re planning a surprise birthday party for knows. You may think your plan to delete the email from their inbox will work, but you will tragically fall asleep on the floor. And even if you manage to delete the email, they know. After all, they know when their birthday is. But go ahead, try. Maybe they’ll pretend they didn’t know. And it’s always fun hiding 100 people in

small, dark rooms for long periods of time. Capricorn: Chances are, Jonathan Ritter, our newest ethnomusicologist, will find you and impart his wisdom about the difference between the African xylophone and the marimba. You will be astounded by his knowledge. Or if not, stop by his office and find out said information. I certainly found it very interesting. If you don’t believe me, ask Nancy Hodes, she knows. Hey, maybe you’ll find a new passion and gain direction in your life. There could never be enough ethnomusicologists in the world and we especially need more on the Soka campus.

The Pearl Staff: WuLa Dawson (Editor); Jessica Webster (Managing Editor); Ryo Kondo, Vicki Kraus (Section Editors); Edward Chen, Shalini Kapoor (Photographers); Andrew Reker (Layout); Anna Ikeda (Office Manager); Julie Kakiuchi, Kajal Gulati, Jenny Tang, Ann Takayama (Behind-the-Scenes); Derrick Springer, Pamela Stoyka, Geoff Westropp (IT Technical Assistance).