October 21, 2010
An Associated Collegiate Press two-time national Pacemaker award-winning newspaper, serving students since 1922. Vol. xxxVIv, No. 4
Riverside, CA | www.viewpointsonline.org
First Copy Free | Additional copies 25 cents
Tigers kick it in gear for homecoming For a
SPORTS story see Page 16
Khai Le / Senior Staff Assistant
GAME TIME: Riverside City College’s Sadale Foster returns a punt from Orange Coast in the fourth quarter of play during the homecoming game on Oct. 16. The Tigers won 45-20 bringing them to 5-1 in their season.
2 | October 21, 2010
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
News
California Autumn Nights
The Riverside City College culinary academy presents California Autumn Nights on Oct. 22 at 1155 Spruce St. It will be an elegant evening with a six course meal, live jazz entertainment and prizes. Tickets are $45 per person and benefit the student culinary competitions and other activities. For more information, call 951-328-3575.
Free flu shots
Riverside City College students can get a free flu shot at Student Health. Walk in and get vaccinated to protect yourself and others against the flu. Call Student Health and Psychological Services at 951-222-8151.
Donation drives charity Temple Fitness and the Riverside City College Softball team will be at Temple Fitness on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. collecting clothing, furniture, toys and electronics to benefit Goodwill job training and employment programs.
Assistance from the Transfer Center The Transfer Center is offering help to anyone in need of assistance with university applications. Interested students must register to attend the workshops. The workshops for the California State University applications will end Nov. 24. The workshops for the University of California applications run Nov. 1 through Nov. 29. For more information, call the Transfer/Career Center at 951-222-8446.
Halloween is coming to RCC
RCC is hosting a fun and safe Halloween environment for children 10 and under. There will be trick-or-treating, costume contests, game tables, and many more fun activities. During the last few years, over 3,000 children have attended this fun event. This free event will be taking place in the Quad on Oct. 29.
Scholarships help ease students’ burden
The online application process for Riverside Community College District scholarships has begun. Interested students need to go to the financial aid page on the student services link of rcc.edu and click on scholarship information. There are also informational pamphlets at the student financial services offices at Riverside, Norco and Moreno Valley colleges. The deadline to apply is Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.
UC Berkley visits RCC
University of California Berkeley will be on the RCC campus on Oct. 28, from 4-6 p.m. in the Digital Library Auditorium to answer questions and give out information about transferring to the university. Interested students have to register to attend in the Transfer Center or call 951-2228557.
A helping hand
For students having trouble with their homework, there are people who can help. Tutorial Services offers help to anyone in need of it. The tutors are well-qualified and have received a B or higher in the subject they are tutoring. For questions or to sign up to receive a tutoring session call 951-222-8170.
Under the spell of the ‘Bee’ The Landis Performing Arts Center will host the Broadway musical “The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee” for its off Broadway series. Performances will be on Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 and 31 at 2 p.m. Get tickets at the Landis Performing Arts Center. Call 951-222-8100 for tickets or visit www.landispac.com.
Viewpoints receives awards
The Riverside City College newspaper Viewpoints received both print and online General Excellence awards from the Journalism Association of Community Colleges in its annual Southern California conference on Oct. 16 at California State Fullerton. Student journalists from community colleges throughout Southern California competed by entering stories, photos and designs published in their student newspapers during the fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters. This is the first time in the newspaper’s history its received the General Excellence awards for both Viewpoints and Viewpoints Online.
california state university
education first: San Diego State University is one of the colleges that students can utilize an easier path to transfer to under new legislation.
New transfer law is easy It will be easy for community college students to transfer with new bill passed sandra rodriguez Staff Writer Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill on Sept. 29 that will make it easier for community college students to transfer to a Cal State University. “The bill will better align our higher education system, saving students time and money,” said state Sen. Alex Padilla in the LA Times Sept. 30. The bill entitles that a student will need the same amount of units as required before, but also an associate degree at the college level. When this is completed students will have the opportunity to transfer to their choice of a CSU and start their first semester as a junior. The bill guarantees an enrollment spot at a CSU. However, the CSU’s budget affects how many transfer students will be accepted per semester. “I’m very happy with this law and can’t wait to see it put in play. I’m happy that our governor is finally helping out our school system,” said student Edurado Hernandez, who hopes to transfer to Cal State San Bernardino. Although this bill is not to be put into effect until fall 2011, the director of the Transfer Center, Arturo Dassow, said that a statewide task force of CSU and California Community College personnel are working toward putting this bill into action within the proposed timeframe.
Many students are not aware that this bill has been passed. “I didn’t even know they were trying to pass a law to help us transfer. I knew they were trying to help our schools but I didn’t think this is how they were going to go about it,” said RCC student Samantha Puerta. Students worry that the law will cause a rise in transfer students, which will make it even harder for students to add classes. Even worse, pushing student transfer years or graduation dates further back. “The rate of transfer enrollment, as is the number of classes offered is more affected by state budget restrictions as opposed to enacting a new legislation,” Dassow said. Mariane Baltizar a sophomore at RCC, doesn’t think the new law will make it harder to add classes. “I honestly do not believe that adding classes will get any harder. I think if anything more students will expand their class selection,” she said. Baltizar also expressed her interest in understanding the law so she could further her education. “I looked it up a couple of times because I am seriously considering obtaining my associate and transferring somewhere out of state,” she said. One concern is the success of this bill. Will this bill help students save time and money as the senator said, or could this bill put students behind in their career plans? “The success of this legislation will depend on how it is put into action by the CSU and CCC systems in California,” Dassow said.
Viewpoints
October 21, 2010 | 3
Serving students since 1922
RCC awarded prestigious grant News
Takahiro Kuorsaki Staff Writer
mailee virgen-aguilar
Staff Writer
After going through a competitive process among 13 cities in the United States, the City of Riverside and Riverside City College won a grant to launch their innovative project to improve college access and success in the city. On Sept. 27, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it would award Riverside a $3 million grant over the next three years to support implementation of the Communities Learning in Partnership Initiative, a coordinated community partnership project to boost their postsecondary completion rates. The City of Riverside and RCC had already gathered with key educational, business and community institutions and groups over the past nine months to devise new ways of helping more students successfully complete an education after high school. Wi t h t h e g r a n t , R C C implements the project aiming to increase the associate degree completion rates from the current number of 14 percent to 20 percent by 2013. “Four cities in the United States were chosen, and Riverside was one of those. So we feel very appreciative and fortunate,” said Riverside Community College District Chancellor Gregory Gray. “We believe we have the right plan
daniel balboa / Special to viewpoints
an honorable award: Riverside Community College District Chancellor Gregory Gray announces the Gates
Foundation award that will fund the Communities Learning in Partnership Initiative. at the right time.” The low college completion require a community concerted RCC is facing its lowest rates indicates a number of students effort among higher education associate degree completion rates who are not academically ready for institutions, government agencies now. college-level work, who juggle and other business and community According to a press release, it school and family responsibilities groups, the planning process has was shown that only 17.5 percent and who must work full-time while shown the solidarity of a citywide of the entering seniors in the class attending classes. partnership and effort within of 2002 had earned a degree or “Our vision of success is a Riverside. certificate six years later. community where all students who “The beautiful thing was the have the desire to earn a degree partnership among the two school or credential will also have a way districts, the Mayor’s office, to get one rather than fighting the Chamber of Commerce and barriers,” Gray said. “We will ourselves,” Camak said. “The remove them. That’s the goal.” partnership was really cemented With the grant, RCC will throughout the process, and even if take several strategic approaches we did not receive the funding, we including: working with the city knew that we could work together to create an environment where so well.” college completion is valued In addition to receiving a grant and aligning academic standards from the Bill and Melinda Gates between high school and college. Foundation, Henry W. Coil, Jr. “The way that they shared the of Tilden-Coil Constructors Inc. data is never happened before, donated $5 million to the RCCD. which means we’re finding out The $5 million donation, the a lot more. So we can help our largest ever to the district is going students,” said executive dean of to fund programs at the Riverside workforce development Shelagh School of the Arts, which will be Daniel Balboa / Special to viewpoints named after Coil’s parents; The granting education: Local student Samuel Morgan Camak. Although the approaches Henry W. and Alice Edna Coil talks about why the CLIP initiative will make a difference.
School for the Arts. This $60 million school is scheduled to be finalized by 2014 on University Avenue and Market Street. Other projects in the works on that intersection include a new culinary center and the Mine Okubo Center for Social Justice, with an art gallery featuring works by the Riverside born artist. This project is due for opening on June 27, 2012. All of the projects together are estimated to cost $88 million to build, incorporating renovations and new construction. Chancellor Gray, publicized Mr. Coil’s gift to a group of Riverside leaders during an engagement at the Mission Inn. He said in The Press Enterprise that the construction costs for the new school for the arts will be paid for with public funds and the $5 million gift from Coil will be utilized to fund programs for the school, as well as endowed professorships.
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Viewpoints
Waiting becomes the norm Serving students since 1922
4 | October 21, 2010
News
Students struggle with being put on a waitlist, gamble on entry into essential classes Caitlin Elison Staff Writer Enrollment in community colleges may be up, but that does not necessarily mean students are getting into classes. California community colleges have faced $520 million in budget cuts during the 2009-2010 year which has caused many colleges to reduce classes by 20 percent and Riverside City College is no different. Many classes have been cut, and students are struggling to get enough units in order to graduate and possibly transfer to a four-year university. According to instructor Rosemarie Sarkis, several language courses, including Latin, Greek, and Korean, have been cut for the time being. Furthermore, if not enough
students’ sign up for French 2 in spring, that section will also be cut indefinitely. These budget cuts come at a time when more students than ever are seeking admission to community colleges. Students who enroll intend to complete a two-year education then transfer to a four-year university. The largest high school senior class in California’s history graduated in 2010, leaving many four-year universities full. In addition, many students cannot afford four-year university tuition due to rising college costs. Student Richard Sanchez was waitlisted for all of his classes this semester. Though it may seem shocking, Sanchez is not alone. “The waitlists have a lot of people, so it sometimes makes it
difficult to get into the wait lists, let alone the actual class,” Sanchez said. General education classes typically have the longest waitlists, because every student is competing for a spot. Student Jacob Walker says he knows this situation all too well. He was waitlisted for his math class, and almost did not get in. “It is generally difficult to get into general education courses because so many people are trying to get in, but there are only a set number of classes available,” Walker said. Even after students get past the waitlists and successfully enroll in a class, they could be looking at an enlarged time frame for transferring or getting a degree. Many students are forced to take classes they need at a later time, which in turn sets back their
California legislature agrees on budget after 90 day stalemate
Community colleges receive $206 million from budget Nita Gandhi News editor
Riverside City College thinks highly of the new budget the state passed. Even with a $10 billion deficit “The overall state budget, the 2011-2012 state budget was I think actually is a very good agreed on Oct. 8. budget for community colleges According to a document from and RCC in particular because we Scott Lay, executive vice president receive growth funding,” Brown and CEO of the Community said. College League of California, “We also didn’t receive any community colleges in California reductions in our general portion,” will receive Brown said. $206 million This is in new funds. good thing T h e for RCC breakdown students of the budget because is with a it means 2.21 percent that there enrollment will be a growth is continuation $126 million, of programs $35 million for students. is to backfill “In the categorical current cuts imposed economic in 2010, $25 time we are million for -- Aaron Brown in having a Economic and RCC associate vice budget that Wo r k f o r c e basically chancellor of finance leaves you Development programs, and whole plus $20 million for Career Technology a little bit of growth money is programs equals to the $206 really a favorable situation for us,” million that Lay stated in the Brown said. document. “So that means we can continue Lay states in the document the to offer programs to students like budget is flawed, but it is good for we have in the past year,” Brown community colleges. said. “The state budget provides A bad part about the new budget funding for about 25,000 new is that the $189 million increase is full-time equivalent students in paid from a new deferral of $189 community colleges, expands million from the 2010-2011 fiscal targeted job training in high- year to the 2011-2012 fiscal year demand industries, and provides which will total an inter year colleges with some funds to deferral of $892 million, Lay wrote mitigate the deep categorical in another document. program cuts imposed last year,” Lay wrote in an e-mail that Lay wrote in an e-mail. his concern is to fund the new Aaron Brown, the associate initiatives the state is essentially vice chancellor of finance at borrowing from the 2011-2012
“
“In the current economic time, I think this is a pretty favorable budget for community colleges”
budget by deferring the cash for the new investments to July 2011. “The budget is believed to rely on many overly optimistic assumptions that will likely require mid-year cuts, overseen by the new governor,” Lay wrote in a document. Brown said that the chancellor of RCC Gregory Gray made it clear that there will be no more section cuts to the colleges’ budget for this fiscal year. Chancellor Gray and Jim Buysse, vice chancellor of administration and finance were not available for comment as of press time. Departments in the college apply for grants throughout the year for money. Specifically for their departments to stop class cuts from happening. RCC recently received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation of $3 million over the next three years and a $5 million grant from Henry W. Coil, Jr. of Tilden-Coil Constructors Inc. for the school of the arts that will be named after Coil’s parents. The $5 million from Coil is the highest amount ever given to RCC in its history. “In the current economic time, I think this is a pretty favorable budget for community colleges,” Brown said. “Things could have been a lot worse given with what we are faced with; the state is faced with a $19 million budget deficit and for us not to take any reductions in this fiscal year is a favorable situation,” Brown said. For more information and continuing updates on the state budget go to viewpointsonline. org.
educational goals. “It would be much easier to get into the classes and waitlists I need if they would stop cutting courses,” Sanchez said. “If they continue to, it will take me longer to transfer.” Another common side effect to class cuts is problems with financial aid. Many students have either lost or been at risk of losing their fulltime financial aid status because they could not enroll in enough units. “My second semester at RCC I did not make it into a class,” said student Nikki Collard. “I was enrolled in 10 units and needed 12, which made me lose my full time financial aid.” Walker receives financial aid each semester, and has been in the same situation as Collard. “There have been multiple
occasions where I was in danger of losing my full-time status because of waitlisted classes,” Walker said. Sanchez made the suggestion that RCC should focus on opening more general education sections, because those are the classes required for students to transfer. However, other students do not see this as the answer. “I think it is best if they keep a good mix (of classes),” Walker said. “Courses that some people do not find important may be important in the eyes of others.” According to Collard, the solution is not which classes are offered, but rather careful planning. “I helped my boyfriend get almost full-time units his first semester,” Collard said. “You just have to plan it out right and know what to take and when.”
Viewpoints
opinions Serving students since 1922
Viewpoints Staff
October 21, 2010 | 5
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Holland (951) 222-8495 viewpoints@rcc.edu eic@viewpointsonline.org MANAGING EDITOR Javier Cabrera (951) 222-8488 managingeditor@viewpointsonline.org ADVERTISING MANAGER Vanessa Soto (951) 222-8488 ads@viewpointsonline.org FACULTY ADVISERS Allan Lovelace Dan Evans SENIOR STAFF ASSISTANT Khai Le admin@viewpointsonline.org NEWS EDITOR Nita Gandhi news@viewpointsonline.org
OPINIONS EDITOR Sonja Eide opinions@viewpointsonline.org
SPORTS EDITOR Danielle Schmidt sports@viewpointsonline.org
INSCAPE EDITOR Juan Aguilar inscape@viewpointsonline.org
FEATURES EDITOR Shardai Perry features@viewpointsonline.org
Jerry konstanin and meg whitman campaign
Baby-kissers or mudslingers?: California gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman are more focused on attacking each other instead of rectifying the state’s problems.
Battle of the bureaucrats
PHOTO EDITOR Lauren Garcia photo@viewpointsonline.org
STAFF Chad Arias Joel Avila Monique Berduo Christian Bowers Nicole Burdette Jesse Castro Kyle Crouse Meagan Cunningham Lily Dsouza Caitlin Eliason Michael Fawcett Dominique Franklin Leah Frost Sahara Garey Andrew Gonzalez Jason Ho Antonia Huerta Lonny Huff Mecedes Jaudon Richardson Jean-Baptiste Rebecca Kern
Takahiro Kurosaki Ryan Lynch Fred McCarthy Christina Melgoza John Mendoza D’Zhane Parker Garth Pullen Fatima Ramsey Sandra Rodriguez Denise Ruiz Gabriella Salas Sergio Santamaria Clayton Skaggs Abrendal Smith Kathryn Snyder Kate Starbuck Cloie Swain Steve Thomsen Johanna Vasquez Mailee Virgen-Aguilar Billy Yang
In the midst of California’s financial meltdown, two contenders have stepped up to duke it out and let voters decide who will take the helm during these troubling times. Unfortunately, the two candidates seem more than content to bulldoze each other’s reputations rather than focus on discussing and finding adequate remedies for the state’s problems. Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, the leading Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominees, have been relentlessly flooding every media outlet available in an attempt to drag each other’s names through the mud. In their most recent skirmish, Brown lambasted Whitman for employing an undocumented immigrant. Meanwhile, Whitman demanded an apology after one of Brown’s campaign aides was caught on voice mail calling Whitman a “whore” with Brown agreeing in the background. These politicians have a firm grip on the other’s dirty laundry and are determined to air it out for all to see, and it’s not letting up any time soon. Oddly, they both have taken to attacking people from their respective parties as well. Whitman criticized the other Republican candidate, Steve Poizner, after she beat him, and Brown has made public his distaste for Bill Clinton, even though Clinton endorsed him. It seems anyone who might step into the picture to derail his or her personal vendetta is caught up in the chaos. And it appears that their back-and-forth denouncement of each other’s actions is gaining momentum as the election inches closer and closer. With the economy in shambles and California’s actorturned-governor twiddling his thumbs in anticipation of being booted from office, it is apparent that voters are left
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with choosing the lesser of two evils. It is clear that citizens cannot trust either of them to lift the state from the mire if they are more concerned with roasting their opponent at the stake. Does it have to come down to who has made themselves look better in the media rather than who has the most desirable plan to ensure the state’s survival? California is in crucial need of a leader that will take initiative and create a plan that will get the state out of financial disaster, not one that will bicker like a child with their adversary. Negative campaigning and petty quarreling merely serves as a distraction to voters, and it’s become a distressing trend in any type of election. If the current candidates for governor take the attention off the fiscal situation by making their competitor look fallacious, they can gain support without actually saying anything valuable about themselves or their platform. The question of why anyone would want to take the reins as the state’s financial situation veers further out of control must also be raised. What’s in it for each candidate? Whitman has the chance to prove her political savvy, while Brown has a chance to end his career on a potential high note. Neither petitioner appears to be concerned with providing a secure feeling for taxpayers, as both campaigns dish out vague promises for the future and withering remarks about their opponent. Stuck in the middle of this grave debacle are the voters, who will once again have to cross their fingers as they check ballot boxes and hope for the best. Whatever the outcome of November’s election, it’s clear: no one is getting out without getting dirty first.
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Reach us: PHONE: (951) 222-8488 E-mail: viewpoints@rcc.edu Editor in Chief PHONE: (951) 222-8495
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Viewpoints is a public forum, First Amendment newspaper. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. © 2010 by the Viewpoints staff, Riverside City College, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA. 92506-0528. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the Viewpoints Editor-in-Chief.
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
6 | October 21, 2010
Opinions
Igniting California’s voters Marijuana tax necessary for state revenue
chad arias editor’s assistant In times of desperation, desperate measures should be called upon to shed new light on the current situation. The crisis at hand is that California, America’s highest populated and grossing state, is on the verge of bankruptcy. State legislation has tried everything to revive its once booming economy. Citizens of California have sat back for the past eight years watching their beloved state create futile attempts at solving the problem. It is evident that with the current economy, revenue needed to run California is not going to come from the labor force. New out of the box ideas are needed to help stimulate a lifeless financial state. Proposition 19 states that if marijuana was made legal, it could be taxed and better controlled by the state. If passed California could make an estimated 1.4 billion dollars that could be used to aid the failing education system or other state funded programs. Proposition 19 was not created on a moral stance but on a financial one. The fact is that California is hard up for revenue and this new tax could help solve the problem. Items such as alcohol and cigarettes (harmful substances) are already being taxed. If marijuana was to be added to the list, it would be the least harmful of the three. Alcohol and tobacco carry a physical dependency that marijuana does not. Out of any drug, alcohol is the only one that can cause fatality during withdrawal. Alcohol is legal and its fatality rate is far higher than marijuana’s will ever be. About 10,000 people die each year in California due to alcohol. According to drugwarfacts.org the number of deaths related to marijuana is 0 a year. The statistics speak for themselves. If marijuana is safer than alcohol then why not legalize it and get some revenue? Cigarettes cause 400,000 premature deaths in America each year and yet they are legal smoke. Why is there such an opposition to marijuana when it is a harmless substance? It is safe to say that most of those who oppose Proposition 19 have never smoked marijuana. They have been brought up with propaganda that states if you
get high you die. The idea that marijuana turns you into some kind of zombie or vegetable is completely irrational and false. This stereotype needs to be ripped out of close minded opposers. It is impossible to make a judgment on something they have never tried. People are going to smoke marijuana whether or not it is legal. Billions of dollars are spent every year trying to enforce a law that will never succeed. Eight hundred thousand people in America go to jail each year for marijuana related offenses. Why are police wasting valuable time on harmless stoners? Murders, domestic violence, rape, and vandalism all take place while the police focus on a harmless substance. Its an outrage to send someone to jail for marijuana when it costs around $60,000 a year to keep them there. Marijuana being an illegal substance costs Californians far more than if it was legal. The state’s job is to make sure it can be self supporting and do the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. Proposition 19 is a new way to make this dream more plausible. Marijuana becoming legal does not mean that the entire state will indulge in its new found freedoms. The same amount of citizens will smoke it like they always have, except this time the state will be profiting from it. An underground network of cartels and dealers will be put out of business. Their black market product will not be needed anymore. Where there is demand, there is supply. If local farmers are meeting the demand then marijuana from Mexico will not be needed. This effect will lessen the tornado of crime that has been waged by drug cartels. Keeping money in the local vicinity will circulate helping each county get back on its feet. It is a fact that people will always smoke marijuana and the government can do nothing about it. If legalized by Proposition 19, less people will be thrown in jail, saving tax dollars for more useful things. Police can shift their patrolling to more impertinent matters. Crime over drug turf will become more and more a thing of the past. The state will receive more revenue and start to crawl out of the hole where it has fallen. Proposition 19 is not the entire answer to California’s financial woes. It is a stepping stone that California can use to propel itself towards a full recovery. It is time for a new wave of ideas to flow through California. Proposition 19 is aimed to save a withering state, and if given the chance, it will do so.
P O I N T
Legalizing drug has no economic benefits
Sergio santamaria editor’s assistant
C O U N T E R P O I N T
November is just around the corner and Californians will face an important decision on whether to legalize marijuana. A large amount of people in today’s community are all for it, but is it the right thing to do? California is in need of revenue and the right thing to do would not be to legalize and marijuana. The idea that this will help the economy is complete nonsense and it will also not allow enforcement to focus on more important crimes. It is common sense that these thoughts will surely lead to utter chaos and sink California into a grave of madness. The proposition screams of crocodile tears in hopes that Californians will take it for the change it needs. Once engulfed in the problems it will bring, there will be no escape. Many for the proposition will aim towards Amsterdam’s “coffee shop” marijuana sales, which is where marijuana is sold most and distributed to the public more often than other retail, but they do not know the full scoop. The Dutch have reduced from thousands of shops to only a few hundred, and this is due to “drug tourists,” drugrelated organized crime, and public nuisance problems. That’s aside from the tripling of lifetime use rates, and the doubling of use among 18 to 20 year olds. Now back in California, a 2004 meta-analysis showed that between 4 percent and 14 percent of drivers who sustained injuries or died in traffic accidents tested positive for THC, or delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the active ingredient in marijuana. Legalizing marijuana would lead to more accidents due to its affects such as affecting driver’s judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. This is only one risk aside from the handful that could harm the body mentally and physically. The biggest risk that many are brainwashed to ignore is simply addiction. The drug can be easy to get hooked on, and then it goes downhill from there. The economic benefits that many expect from the tax of marijuana if legalized are myths. Drugs already regulated and taxed such as alcohol and tobacco are not typically grown or made.
Consumers accept high taxes on them as retail. Marijuana, on the other hand, is easy to cultivate indoors or outdoors and Proposition 19 would allow individuals to grow 25 square feet of marijuana for themselves. Now this would not get out of hand at all, because everyone would be volunteering to pay taxes on marijuana if it were legalized. Of course not. The underground market has been in this business longer than anyone would have expected and for them to adapt to undercut taxes would barely diminish. The tax revenue alcohol and tobacco generate at the moment cannot surpass the costs given to health care and criminal justice due to many incidents due to just these drugs. For example, every dollar society collects in taxes on alcohol, we end up spending eight more in social costs. What a way to help out our economy at the moment by giving the community another drug to abuse. At least the law will concentrate on “real” crimes, but it will be the proposition that will bring forth a burden. Law enforcement currently doesn’t make much effort to arrest adults whose only crime is possessing small amounts of marijuana. The proposition would burden officers by requiring them to enforce laws such as getting caught “ingesting or smoking marijuana while minors are present.” Does this come in effect when used in a private home and is a minor “present” if they are 15 or 20 feet away? California law enforcement would have to be ignoring gunshots to be on the lookout for adults taking hits in front of children. Clearly, if legalized, marijuana will jeopardize California to the point where drastic measures will have to be enforced. Don’t take the proposition as a joke, it can and will ruin our society as we know it. To a v o i d d e s t r o y i n g communities and millions of people’s lives, make Proposition 19 a thing of the past. It’s not rocket science to know that legalizing marijuana will not solve California’s budget crisis or reduce criminal justice costs. Everyone for the proposition now is just going for the legalization to be able to do it in plain view, and due to shortened attention span and distractibility that the drug does they will forget to even vote. But there is a much bigger group that will make sure it is not passed due to the truth. There are other ways to help California, but not this way.
Viewpoints
Opinions
Serving students since 1922
October 21, 2010 | 7
may be irreversible. It places her in a state of mockery because she has gone against one of the platforms that is said to be most crucial to California, border strengthening. Rasmussen Report polls have shown that before Santillan’s immigration status became public, Brown and Whitman were virtually tied, Brown with 47 percent over Whitman’s 46 percent of voters support. Now they stand with a substantial gap. Brown trumps holding 49 percent of voters’ support and Whitman with 44 percent. May it be that this scandal turns Whitman into a hypocrite if all facts stand true? Are voters seeing that Brown has more experience with politics and might have a better vision for California than the greedy businesswoman, Whitman? So what if Whitman fired Santillan? As a true politician, she had to follow appropriate measures to ensure her campaign would be unharmed by her mistake. Doesn’t look like it did much help. It only threw Santillan under the bus in tears as she now tries to fight for citizenship after working in an American home close to nine years, with no help from her emotionless former employer. It is absolutely ridiculous that it took this amount of time for Santillan’s citizenship status to become knowledge in the home. Especially in the heart of southern California where over 60 percent of Los Angeles county informal work force are undocumented persons. There is no doubt that Whitman had known about the undocumented status and is becoming extremely hypocritical in her campaign. She began producing campaign ads in Spanish to acquire support from the California Latino community. If she wants to support the Latino community, then why not help Santillan in gaining her citizenship? Whitman would
Image courtesy of: Meg Whitman Campaign have been able to then keep her under her roof for nearly nine housekeeper and Santillan would years. Brown criticized Whitman have been able to keep receiving during a debate saying that she shouldn’t be running for governor her $23 per hour. Whitman is trying to save if she cannot stand strong and face and appeal to a community admit fault. Whether her fault or not, in a demeaning way. She does not support the D.R.E.A.M. Act which she ought to apologize and start not only allows alien students to fresh. He claimed that she blamed receive education from the higher the housekeeper, blamed her educational institutions that set competition, the left and the unions, our nation apart but also to give but she never once accepted any the students an irrevocable status form of responsibility. This is tearing apart Whitman’s of citizenship. Whitman said, “I don’t think accountability and trustworthiness it’s fair to bar and eliminate the and will ultimately falsify her ability of California citizens to campaign as a whole. Whitman made a huge mistake attend higher universities and and because of this her supporters favor undocumented (students.)” Whitman has to be held may not vote for her, giving Brown responsible a 100 percent for the upper hand in the running for having a non-citizen working California governor.
Whitman embroiled in scandal Rebecca kern asst. opinions editor Every election season, candidates are exposed and opponents do whatever they can to raise their image by tearing down the competition. This year is no different for Meg Whitman and her campaign as it slowly begins to crumble. Running against Jerry Brown for California governor, the New York native Republican has a huge elephant sitting in every room she enters. Last year, housekeeper Nicky Diaz Santillan, admitted to her employer, Whitman, that she is an undocumented immigrant. Santillan made it publicly aware via her lawyer Gloria Allred, that Whitman was well informed of her citizenship status and that Whitman treated her poorly. Whitman denies ever knowing about the illegal status as well as denies ever seeing letters from the Social Security Administration regarding mismatching information in Santillan’s documents. Whitman has a thick past with business including her former position as chief executive of EBay, senior vice president at Walt Disney Co. and general manager at Hasbro Inc. Although her resume is full of great leadership skills in a business world, where will she stand in actually creating a functioning California? She has not taken responsibility in her actions of hiring an illegal immigrant when she stands so strong in the fight to tighten our state’s borders in cooperation with
the nation as a whole. Whitman’s platform consists of promises to create at least 2 million private-sector jobs by 2015, chopping $15 million out of the California spending budget, as well as creating letter grades for schools to give accountability to failing schools and expand charter schools to improve choice. Unlike her Democratic opponent Brown, she strongly supports the tightening of California’s southern border to keep immigrants from taking American dollars. Whitman addresses her stance on immigration as the “need to build an ‘Economic Fence’ with a strong e-verification system that holds employers accountable for following the law. We are never going to solve the problem of illegal immigration as long as there is strong demand for undocumented labor.” The Whitman family hired Santillan in 2000, where she provided a Social Security card and California driver’s license and falsely proved her citizenship. In 2003, the Social Security Administration sent a letter to Santillan noting that there were discrepancies with her Social Security documents. Though Whitman denies seeing any letter, the media were released a copy of the letter addressed to Whitman and her husband Griffith Harsh. The letter informed the couple that Santillan’s earnings couldn’t be put on the employee’s Social Security record until the information given matched the government records. Harsh said he did not recall receiving the letter, as it was sent seven years ago, it is possible that he would have noted a follow up for Santillan. “Nicky Please check this Thanks,” is scribbled at the bottom of the letter. This scandal has definitely affected her campaign in ways that
Time to put an end to the struggle for wage equality
cloie swain Staff writer Beggars can’t be choosers. This mantra, repeated by the throngs of unemployed Americans, has become a chant in the minds of those desperate for a job. With unemployment in its 17th month of being at least nine percent or more of the population and having 95,000 jobs lost this past September, the alleged end of the recession apparently doesn’t apply to the majority of the country that it was being bleated to by mouthpieces and press releases. For the minority of employed workers, the situation fares better, but just barely. Cut hours, reductions in benefits
and wage are only a few symptoms resulting from desperate business owners to stay afloat as the rest of the country sinks. But how can being one of the privileged few with a job have even more negative impact based on something predetermined before birth? Being a woman. Females in the American workplace will earn, on average, 77 cents to every one-dollar that a man makes doing the same job. In an economy where people are literally scrounging for change, those missed 23 cents make an impact. The truly offensive aspect of this is the archaic nature of the gap. Women and men can get the same educations, the same qualifications and can do the same quality of work. So what justifies paying someone, who in all respects is an equal, less than another based strictly on which box they check
on forms to indicate gender? While many are outraged by the inconsistency in wages between genders, what is more concerning is how little attention this struggle for equal pay is getting in the mainstream media. With the foreclosure drama, Brett Favre’s alleged indecent exposure, and Hungary being buried under feet of toxic mud, it is reasonable to expect much of the attention to be diverted to things that will generate clicks and views as opposed to something that many people are unaware of. It is unacceptable not to be educated about the battle for wage equality. Not only the nation, but also the female population of the Riverside Community College District, should be aware of the battle going on on their behalf. The legislation, the Fair Pay Act sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Delegate Eleanor Holmes of the District of Columbia, would mark an attempt
to establish equal pay for equal work. It also has scores of fans that would like to see it turned into a law. According to the site PayEquity.org, over 80 percent of people registered to vote are in favor of some form of new legislation to ensure that equal pay becomes a reality, instead of just a hopeful policy. Much like the debate over gay marriage, gender equality has faced its share of hurdles in spite of the gains it has made. Many people support it, but the lack of momentum on important issues often halts the progress right before something important is addressed. The importance of having a fair pay scale regardless of sex is the underlying meaning in it. When society begins to demand equal pay for equal work, it will emulate what the theory of trickledown economics state (except it will actually work), and begin
to spread into all areas of the American social spectrum. Acknowledgment and enforcement of equality is the first important step towards gaining it in its truest sense. This act is no exception, which is why it is so crucial to be informed about it. Knowing is half the battle, and with widespread exposure of the injustices in the work force affecting women, there is an opportunity to make an effectual change. While some may question the necessity for laws such as this one, there is an obligation that needs to be fulfilled by its passage, if only symbolically. Since the women’s suffrage movement of the early Twentieth century, women have gained the same status as their male counterparts in American society. But the discrepancies in pay are a glaring blight on that fact, and this bill offers an opportunity to correct this.
8 | October 21, 2010
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
October 21, 2010 | 9
‘Jackass’ takes the 3-D experience to a new level Steve Thomsen Staff Writer
In this this day day and and age, age, where where the the whole whole 3-D 3-D revolution revolution has has taken taken over, over, one one must must ask ask themselves themselves sensible sensible In questions. questions. For example, example, “is “is making making aa movie movie where where aa bunch bunch of of testosterone testosterone bound bound idiots idiots who who puke puke and and defecate defecate on on For the camera camera in in three three dimensions dimensions necessary?” necessary?” the The answer answer isis aa resounding: resounding: no, no, itit isis not not at at all. all. But But my my goodness, goodness, isis itit amusing. amusing.Anyone Anyone who who can can deny deny that that The they didn’t didn’t at at least least giggle giggle for for every every 3-D 3-D slow slow motion motion fist fist to to the the face face or or kick kick to to the the groin groin has has no no funny funny bone, bone, or or they at least least has has no no juvenile juvenile funny funny bone. bone. at How appropriate appropriate that that aa 3-D 3-D “Beavis “Beavis and and Butthead” Butthead” introduced introduced the the movie, movie, which which was was probably probably the the best best How thing to to ever ever be be done done in in box box office office history. history. Throughout Throughout the the whole whole movie movie the the audience audience will will no no doubt doubt ask ask “why “why thing this in in 3-D? 3-D? What’s What’s the the point?” point?” isis this Then they’ll they’ll forget forget and and marvel marvel at at the the idiocy idiocy the the filmmakers filmmakers somehow somehow pulled pulled off off in in three three dimensions dimensions in in this this Then hilarious and and somewhat somewhat familiar familiar sequel sequel from from America’s America’s favorite favorite band band of of idiots idiots in in “Jackass “Jackass 3-D.” 3-D.” hilarious So how how isis this this different different from from the the other other two two movies, movies, besides besides the the 3-D 3-D gimmick? gimmick? Not Not that that different different at at all. all. So There’s still still the the same same disgusting disgusting and and often often dangerous dangerous skits skits that that fueled fueled the the other other reality reality based based movies, movies, and and There’s in some some ways ways this this one one didn’t didn’t really really step step itit up up from from the the other other two. two. That’s That’s not not to to say say that that you you won’t won’t laugh laugh until until in hurts, but but itit really really doesn’t doesn’t deviate deviate from from the the formula formula in in any any significant significant way. way. itit hurts, Anyone who’s who’s seen seen the the show, show, or or even even aa commercial commercial for for the the show, show, knows knows what what to to expect. expect. Johnny Johnny Knoxville, Knoxville, Anyone the fearless fearless leader leader of of the the Jackass Jackass squad, squad, has has survived survived an an amazing amazing career career and and constantly constantly puts puts his his life life in in the jeopardy for for his his fan’s fan’s amusement. amusement. For For that, that, they they owe owe him him their their gratitude. gratitude. But But that that doesn’t doesn’t mean mean that that this this jeopardy broke any any new new or or exciting exciting ground. ground. broke Most of of the the pranks pranks that that occur occur are are so so disgusting disgusting they they can’t can’t be be written written about about in in aa newspaper, newspaper, but but suffice suffice Most to say say itit isis larger larger and and grosser grosser than than ever ever before. before. However, However, this this time time around around didn’t didn’t feel feel like like the the step step up up that that itit to “Jackass 2” 2” achieved. achieved. “Jackass One of of the the skits skits involves involves Johnny Johnny Knoxville Knoxville dressing dressing up up as as an an old old man man and and pretending pretending to to make make out out with with One his granddaughter, granddaughter, only only to to be be caught caught by by his his wife wife and and the the girl’s girl’s grandmother. grandmother. ItIt was was kind kind of of funny, funny, but but didn’t didn’t his achieve the the same same guttural guttural laugh laugh as as in in the the second second movie movie where where he he gives gives his his grandson grandson cigarettes cigarettes and and gets gets achieve confronted by by an an angry angry tough-guy tough-guy wannabe. wannabe. confronted But some some of of the the 3-D 3-D gags gags are are hilarious. hilarious. Bam Bam Margera Margera has has aa special special section section called called “Rocky” “Rocky” where where he he But splashes an an unsuspecting unsuspecting victim victim with with water water and and then then punches punches them them in in the the face face with with aa boxing boxing glove. glove. The The slow slow splashes motion 3-D 3-D effect effect that that results results isis truly truly aa piece piece of of cinematic cinematic genius. genius. motion And watching watching Steve-O Steve-O play play tetherball tetherball with with aa beehive beehive isis also also an an amazing amazing example example of of all all that that this this movie movie And did right. right. You You see see the the swarm swarm swoop swoop past past the the glasses glasses and and come come to to marvel marvel at at the the complexity complexity of of aa shot shot that that did good on on aa movie movie this this stupid. stupid. good It’s hard hard to to really really be be critical critical of of such such idiots, idiots, so so there there will will be be none. none. It’s It’s more more of of the the same, same, but but this this time time around around It’s the fun’s fun’s in in 3-D. 3-D.Anyone Anyone who who bought bought aa ticket ticket and and left left disappointed, disappointed, didn’t didn’t take take the the time time to to absorb absorb the the Jackass Jackass the formula and and decide decide ifif itit worked worked for for them them or or not. not. formula
Images courtesy of: Paramount Pictures
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
10 | October 21, 2010
Coming around with new music
jason ho asst. inscape editor
Kings, that’s what they are, the Kings of Leon. With their great musical drive and epic rock ballads, they come back this year with yet another great album, “Come Around Sundown.” The three Followill brothers and their Followill cousin formed the group Kings of Leon in 1999. After significant success in the U.K. and their previous album “Only by the Night” topping the charts in the U.S., the group was due for an epic fifth album. Their song, “Beach Side” was available for web streaming, as a trailer or teaser for their album. “Beach Side,” like the title, is a beach side song, one to enjoy while relaxing on the sand with a few friends and burning firewood. A very relaxing song indeed, listening to the consistent guitar riffs, and hearing the lead singer’s unique voice. The Clash Music reporter Simon Harper said in part about Caleb Followill’s singing styles on this album, “Caleb Followill opens his heart throughout–he sounds yearning; his usual fervid bawls here turn into tender pines.” “Everything I cherish is slowly dying or it’s gone,” Followill sings in “Pyro,” “I won’t ever make you cry,” he appeals in the throbbing doo-wop blues of “Mary.” Entertainment Weekly writer
Leah Greenblatt writes about the “Tennessee-bred champions of whiskey, women” and she said, “The group now sounds like a more ponderous My Morning Jacket, coiffed and calibrated to
reach the cheap seats. That does lend tracks like “The Immortals’’ and “Mary’’ their own sonorous appeal, but as Sundown drones on, it begs for less melodrama, and more levity.”
Source: Sony Music Entertainment Weekly grades this album a B-minus. Their first single released from the album was “Radioactive.” It’s obvious to say that the track was electrifying. It’s definitely a
feel good song. A lot of their songs are very positive and “feel-good” and have a pretty epic rock drive to a lot of their tracks. The band had written and composed all of their songs on this album; they did not require any assistance from other lyricists and composers. The song “Pyro,” like the title is fiery with a hint of folk music. “Single book of matches, gonna burn whose standing in the way, burning down the mountain, better call on the fire brigade,” is one of the best lines from the song. “The Immortal” has a really good drive, and a handful of awesomeness. One of the lines from the song was really outstanding, “Just put your foot in front’ the other Crow like the rooster we are allowed to get us something free as a danger...” Kings of Leon ultimately sells a great album with epic rock drives and a melodramatic sound to their songs. There were mixed reviews of the album, but overall, the album gets a B-plus. The record had a same sound to their previous albums, but the lyrics were really well-written and lead singer Caleb Followill’s vocals were perfect. He sung with such heart and passion that it was too perfect to give the band a lower grade on this album.
Vi ew p o i n t s E n t e r t a i n m e n t C a l e n d a r Oct. 22
Oct. 23
MOVIES EVENTS “Paranormal Activity 2” Book Signing: “Night of the “The Company Men” Living Trekkies” by Kevin “Inhale” David Anderson EVENTS at the the Riverside Plaza Photography in the Owens Border at 4 p.m. Valley Zontober Fest: A at UCR Extension Luncheon, Paddle and from 1-5 p.m. Silent Auction Birds of Anza Borrego at Phood on Main in at UC Riverside FineMOVIES Arts Riverside from MOVIES “Fame” “Fame” from 7-9 p.m. 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Oct. 27
Oct. 24
EVENTS First Annual Spay-ghetti Dinner at Elks Lodge in Riverside from 5-8 p.m. 28th Annual Friends Of U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens Fall Plant Sale at the UC Riverside Fine Arts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oct. 29
“Surrogates” “Surrogates” “Pandorum” “Pandorum” “All Shook Up” at “All Shook Up” at EVENTS EVENTS MOVIES Landis PAC Landis PAC But First, Define Skalloween, TheAlejandra Guzman “Monsters” at Alejandra Guzman at The Mountain: Skeletones and Chase Long “Saw 3-D” Pechanga Pechanga Joey Lehman Morris Beach at The Barn in “Welcome to the Rilevs” Norm McDonald at Riverside Fine Norm at the UC Arts McDonald at Riversde from “Wild Target” Irvine Improv from 12-5 Irvine p.m. Improv 7:30-11 p.m. EVENTS Lunchtime Learning Author Tom Lutz book “The Color Purple” “Disability Etiquette” signing and Q&A at the Fox Performing Arts at the UC Riverside Fine Arts at the Riverside Plaza Center at 8 p.m. from 12-2 p.m. Border’s from 7-8:30 p.m.
Oct. 28
Oct. 25
Oct. 26
EVENTS EVENTS The Coven Next Door: ROCK with Reading The Early Micah Justice at the Modern Witch In Horror Mission Tobacco Lounge in Films Of The Riverside at 7 p.m. ‘60s And ‘70s Alan Disparte: at the UC Riverside Fine InterNatural Arts from 12:30-2 p.m. at the Riverside Art Employment Law at the Museum from UCR Extension 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from 6-9 p.m..
Oct. 30
EVENTS Wheels to Warbirds Cruise at the Riverside Municipal Airport Hangar “S” from 8-11 a.m. Victoria Gardens Fall Fest at The Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga at 10 a.m.
Oct. 31
EVENTS Book Signing with Author Paulina Jaramillo, “The American Southwest: Pride ~ Prejudice ~ Perseverance” at the Riverside Plaza Border’s from 12-3 p.m.
Viewpoints
October 21, 2010 | 11
‘Medal of Honor’ returns to glory Serving students since 1922
Inscape
Garth Pulen Editor’s assistant
The “Medal of Honor” series sees a revival in it’s recently released revamp of the series, ironically entitled: “Medal of Honor.” Aside from the name, the game doesn’t really push the boundaries of originality; but what it lacks in surprise, it more than makes up for in a solid multi-player experience. With the last decade seeing the release of very competent and well-received military shooters, sales for the “Medal of Honor” franchise slowly took a back seat and eventually fell off the firstperson shooter map. Electronic Arts–the developer of the series–was running out of steam until, back in 2007, the project finally went dormant after the release of the ill-received “Medal of Honor: Airborne.” H o w e v e r, s h o r t l y a f t e r production wrapped on the aforementioned title, Electronic Arts reached out for help. What they found was a little development team known as DICE. Any gamer familiar with PC shooters to an unhealthy extent, knows DICE was likely responsible for that compromising behavior in some way, shape or form. They are the development team behind the critically praised “Battlefield” series, and after some swift negotiations with Electronic Arts, they agreed to devote a team to develop the multi-player component for the new “Medal of Honor.” How this translates into the multi-player experience will be a relevant discussion for later. For now, let’s take a moment to analyze the rich, cohesive canon of controversy that is the singleplayer campaign. So maybe the campaign isn’t as reflective or as gutsy as Electronic Arts has advertised, but there is something to be discovered in its’ depiction of the true grit American warrior. Neglecting the few tense and believable moments shared between the generic-looking characters you’re surrounded by throughout the story, this is another “Call of Duty” clone.
games press
firepower: Whoever is in the line of fire is going to wish they had taken cover because this guy is on a rampage. The real surprise here, it’s not a bad one. “Medal of Honor” serves up many uncontrollable situations with a bold stance on “less is more.” Without interpreting a lack of butt-kick within the title, the care that was given to militaristic authenticity will have many vets of the field either genuinely appreciative, or downright uncomfortable. Players start the campaign a spy of sorts. The units’ directive: Act like the enemy; talk like the enemy; befriend the enemy; kill the enemy. All of the missions are situated in Afghanistan, and as soon as the first chapter starts, there is an uneasy cloud about the environment that will definitely keep players on their toes. Given the amount of staging and pure cinematic appeal the first few chapters evoke, it’s a real shame that the game-play and artificial intelligence don’t respond with the same polish. In-fact, about halfway through the third chapter, everything that was engaging about the game takes an insane dive into awe-inspiring tedium. Even with the campaigns’ innate ability to strip you of your own hair, you’ll probably breeze
game press
here comes the chopper: Those two and their RPG’s won’t stand a chance against that oncoming helicopter.
through much of the slop in roughly four hours. When the hours are up, run to the nearest barber for a good once-over, then jump onto the multiplayer bandwagon and don’t look back! There’s not much to say about the level-up system or the generic
game modes because anyone reading this has already played it in any other military shooter to come out in the last five years. “Medal of Honor’s” multiplayer is one part “Modern Warfare,” two parts “Battlefield” and three parts heart. Electronic Arts has successfully
revitalized one of its’ most popular franchises with sometimes stunning execution. The only problem lies in the titles’ increasing competition. Whatever the critique, “Medal of Honor” may not be the biggest dog in the room, but it’s got one heck of a distinctive bite.
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
12 | October 21, 2010
Inscape
A night with the cast of ‘Jackass 3-D’ Meaghan Cunningham
Asst. Inscape Editor
Through Oct. 8 and 9, Paramount Pictures allowed college press an amazing opportunity to attend the “Jackass 3D” pre-screening and interview the stars of the film. The crew reunited for their 10 year anniversary to make “Jackass” in 3-D. The all star cast includes: Bam Margera, Johnny Knoxville, Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Ryan Dunn, Ehren McGhehy and the director Jeff Tremaine along with multiple guest stars. On Oct. 8, I attended the press pre-screening of the movie at Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. At the showing, the audience was provided with complimentary soda and popcorn. As the theatre quickly filled up everyone was given the option to sit in the regular theater seat or a “D-Box” motion seat. I took the “D-Box” seat and enjoyed the action as if I were apart of the stunt. After the film, college press was released for the night. However, the fun wasn’t quite over for me yet. On the way to my car, I walked right into Margera, who was there for the press junket that was to take place the following day. As Bam and I exchanged small talk he told me, “The worst thing I could have probably done
was tell the director of “Jackass” that I’m terrified of snakes cause that means, lets throw snakes on Bam.” The next day the press junket for “Jackass 3D” was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The press were divided into small groups and sent to different rooms where we waited for the cast to enter. Though “Jackass” is not a project that seems like it lends itself to 3-D, Knoxville explained that it didn’t hinder their usual process. “I asked Jeff, I don’t want me and the cast worrying about cameras…I don’t want to worry about going too far over here, too close because that’s not how we shoot, and we did not worry about the cameras at all,” he said. “We wrote ideas that had to be funny in 2-D first… if it isn’t funny in 2-D it won’t be funny in 3-D…that was kind of our rule.” Movies in 3-D are either shot in 3-D or converted after shooting. The difference can be seen in the final product. Shooting in 3-D, as they did on “Jackass,” is always better, but is more expensive, so the conversion method is what’s generally used. “Shooting it in 3-D, that’s what we did on this movie, it isn’t post converted, shooting it required extra crew, so getting used to that, but really the energy of the guys, getting them back together was so hot, you didn’t feel that wall,” Tremaine said. Tremaine also discussed how
meaghan cunningham / asst. inscape Editor
say cheese: “Jackass 3-D” star Bam Margera discussed his fear of snakes with Viewpoints’ Meaghan Cunningham.
meaghan cunningham / asst. inscape editor
making the rounds: Assistant Inscape Editor Meaghan Cunningham met up with star Johnny Knoxville at the “Jackass 3D” college press junket in Hollywood. the cast and crew comes up with the unique stunts they perform. “Our favorite stuff is the stuff that isn’t planned…like while we’re setting up an elaborate stunt,” he said. Margera explained how they always have to be on guard on set, because anything’s fair game. “That’s the worst part, if you sleep on the set, you’re doomed,” he said. “There’s a masseuse on set. If you’re like, I just did a stunt, my neck hurts and I need a massage; that’s another vulnerable position that you get stun gunned or peed on or punched.” From several interviews and speaking with the guys during down time, which was quite often, I got a sense of what they’re like in person. Many of the guys claim that their inspiration comes from watching cartoons or stuff that makes them laugh. Although they’re not hardcore pranksters all the time, they are full of humor. When they sat down at the table for questions they were relaxed and would say something funny to
lighten any awkwardness. Throughout the junket all of the guys were really nice and accommodating. Overall the access to the cast seemed limitless with respectful boundaries. The cast mingled with press, contest winners, DJs and staff while taking pictures with fans and making jokes. Fortunately, I was able to meet much of the cast and hang around
the extravaganza. I was able to ask almost any question I had in mind. Although everyone that was interviewed from the film said a lot of stunts were cut out. There is a “Jackass 3.5” with some extra footage that will be out later this year. This film is meant for mature audiences and reenactment of any stunts or pranks of any kind are completely discouraged.
Paramount Pictures
a dynamite opening: “Jackass 3-D” is the third film of the franchise and grossed $50 million its opening weekend.
Viewpoints
October 21, 2010 | 13
Serving students since 1922
Features
Instructor does more than teach SHardai perry features editor
Zack Kraus, part time theatre teacher, part time actor and director, practices what he preaches. Aside from his two theatre classes, intro to theater and acting for the camera, Kraus is directing a version of “Macbeth” in Los Angeles. “I like active theatre, I took interest in this production because of the use of non-traditional space, it’s taking place in an old warehouse,” Kraus said. Non traditional theatre is when a play is held somewhere other than the traditional theatre. “It kinda has this bohemian feel,” he said. When asked to describe “acting” he quotes Sandy Meisner, “Acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” Acting was only the first step for Kraus. “In order to be a well rounded actor you have to know how to do a little of everything,” he said. And that’s precisely what Kraus did. “I’m not so much into producing, but this isn’t the first play that I’ve directed and it won’t be the last,” he said. Kraus has been teaching at Riverside City College since 2007, but acting since high school. “I never wanted to become a teacher, but it’s been the best
Ryan lynch / staff photographer
Action!: Riverside is the only school Kraus has ever taught at, he celebrates his fourth year here in January. surprise of my life,” he said. Kraus puts teaching on the same level as his passion for acting. “Both give me the opportunity to change someone’s life,” he
said. Although Kraus has become quite fond of teaching, it’s been “trial and error” trying to balance it, with his passion for acting. “When push comes to shove
my priorities come first, if I have an audition the same day I have class, I have to go to class,” he said. Unfortunately Kraus has missed auditions for class, but it just goes to show how dedicated of a teacher he really is. In the long run, his technique in the acting world has actually helped him become a better teacher. “Being on stage you realize the amount of energy it takes to obtain people’s attention for a certain amount of time,” he said. Kraus learned soon after becoming a teacher the biggest difference between teaching and acting. “Teaching puts you in a more vulnerable state than acting,” he said. The classroom and the stage although both familiar places to him, require different parts of him. “Teaching is all me. There’s nothing to hide behind, no character, no lines, no costumes, just me,” he said. At the end of every class he may not get a standing ovation or even a “bravo!” “I just want my students to leave with the ability to think critically, to question everything, life as they know it,” he said. Kraus may not be the best but, “I am me and nobody else
is that.” “Every once in a while, depending on the class and my mood, we’re able to have a open, meaningful dialogue, those are the moments I walk away feeling like I succeeded,” he said. Some days are better than others, whether you’re in the world of education or entertainment. “ T h e r e i s n ’t a f o r m u l a for teaching or acting, every class, every play is a different experience,” he said. He’s no Buddhist but he does believe “all we have is the present.” “There are days I have no idea what I’m doing, and there are days I feel like I actually taught someone something,” he said. Teaching and acting are similar in one way though, both audiences are judging you, whether it be consciously or unconscious. “You really have to have a clear understanding of what you’re teaching, or rehearsing, because you’re being watched, tested even,” he said. Whether he’s on stage or in class, he’s doing what he loves. “Life is a constant learning process and I’m still a student, I don’t want to ever lose the ability to surprise myself,” he said. As a teacher, for Kraus learning never stops. “I believe in education more than anything,” he said.
14 | October 7, 2010
Viewpoints
Serving students since 1922
October 21, 2010 | 15
Sports
NBA set for a super season Javier Cabrera Managing Editor
Men’s Soccer
Football Season Record Overall: 5-1 Conference: 1-0 Next game: 10/23 At Golden West 1 p.m.
Season Record Overall: 5-3-4 Conference: 3-2-1 Next game: 10/22 At Orange Coast 3 p.m.
Football Sept. 4
Bye week
Women’s Soccer Season Record Overall: 5-2-6 Conference: 4-2-3 Next game: 10/22 At Saddleback 3 p.m.
Volleyball Season Record Overall: 13-4 Conference: 1-3 Next game: 10/22 Vs. Fullerton 7 p.m.
Oct. 5
RCC 3 Fullerton 2
Oct. 8
RCC 1 Orange Coast 2
Oct. 12 Sept. 11 RCC 64 San Bernardino Valley 28 Oct. 15 Sept. 18 RCC 16 Victor Valley 7 Oct. 19
RCC 0 Irvine Valley 1
Oct. 22
At Saddleback 3 p.m.
Oct. 29
Vs. Santa Ana 3 p.m.
Nov. 2
At Cypress 3 p.m.
Nov. 5
Vs. Fullerton 3 p.m.
Nov. 9
At Orange Coast 3 p.m.
Nov. 12
Vs. Irvine Valley 3 p.m.
Sept. 25 RCC 10 Mt. San Antonio 36 Oct. 2
RCC 32 Chaffey 26
Oct. 9
RCC 28 Citrus 14
Oct. 16
RCC 45 Orange Coast 20
Oct. 23
At Golden West 1 p.m.
Oct. 30
At Santa Ana 1 p.m.
Nov. 6
Vs. Desert 6 p.m.
Nov. 13
At Southwestern 6 p.m.
Women’s Water Polo
Season Record Overall: 14-6 Conference: 3-0 Next game: 10/22 At Golden West Tournament TBA
Season Record Overall: 18-0 Conference: 3-0 Next Game: 10/22 At Long Beach Tournament TBA
Oct. 27
Sippy Woodhead Pool at the Cesar Chavez Center on 2060 University Ave. Riverside
RCC Santiago Canyon
Women’s Water Polo Sept. 10
RCC 14 American River 9
Sept. 11
RCC 13 Fresno 3
Sept. 17
RCC 19 Chaffey Tournament 5
Sept. 29
RCC 13 Orange Coast 4
Norco College.
Oct. 1
RCC 22 Cuesta Tournament 2
Volleyball
Oct. 9
RCC 11 Northwood 7
Oct. 13
RCC 16 Saddleback 1
Oct. 15
RCC 12 Golden West Tournament 5
Oct. 20
At Fullerton 3 p.m.
Oct. 22
At Long Beach Tournament TBA
Oct. 27
Vs. Golden West 3 p.m.
Nov. 4
Orange Empire Conference
Aug. 30
RCC 1 Rio Honda 3
Aug. 25
At Southwestern 5 p.m.
Sept. 3
RCC 2 San Diego 3
Aug. 27
RCC 3 Pasadena 1
Sept. 7
RCC 3 Citrus 2
Sept. 3
RCC 3 Chula Vista 0
Sept. 10
RCC 2 Palomar 3
Sept. 10
RCC 3 Mt. San Antonio 1
Sept. 14
RCC 0 Chaffey 0
Sept. 17
RCC 3 San Diego Mesa 0
Sept. 17
RCC 16 Imperial Valley 0
Sept. 22
RCC 3 San Bernardino Valley 0
Sept. 28
RCC 5 Orange Coast 1
Oct. 1
RCC 3 Santa Ana 0
Oct. 1
RCC 0 Irvine Valley 3
Oct. 6
RCC 2 Saddleback 3
Oct. 5
RCC 1 Santa Ana 1
Oct. 8
RCC 1 Golden West 3
Oct. 8
RCC 2 Fullerton 1
Oct. 13
RCC 2 Cypress 3
Oct. 12
RCC 5 Cypress 2
Oct. 15
RCC 10 Orange Coast 18
Oct. 15
RCC 1 Santiago Canyon 1
Oct. 20
At Irvine Valley 6 p.m.
Oct. 19
RCC Golden West
Oct. 22
Vs. Fullerton 7 p.m.
Oct. 22
At Orange Coast 3 p.m.
Oct. 27
Vs. Santa Ana 7 p.m.
Oct. 26
Vs. Irvine Valley 3 p.m.
Oct. 29
At Saddleback 6 p.m.
Oct. 29
At Santa Ana 3 p.m.
Nov. 3
Vs. Golden West 7 p.m.
Nov. 2
Vs. Fullerton 3 p.m.
Nov. 5
Vs. Cypress 7 p.m.
Nov. 5
At Cypress 3 p.m.
Nov. 10
At Orange Coast 7 p.m.
Championship at Cypress College Nov. 6
Sippy Woodhead Pool at the Cesar Chavez Center on 2060 University Ave. Riverside
Cross Country Sept. 10
Nov. 12
Vs. Irvine Valley 7 p.m.
Nov. 12
Vs. Golden West 1 p.m.
Nov. 17
At Fullerton 6 p.m.
Oct. 9
Women’s Soccer
Sept. 10
RCC 12 Golden West 7
Sept. 15
RCC 23 Santa Ana 7
Aug. 27
RCC 0 Miramar 5
Sept. 17
12 Cuesta Tournament 13
Sept. 1
RCC 0 San Diego Mesa 1
Sept. 24
RCC 10 Cal Baptist Tournament 8
Sept. 3
RCC 1 Moorpark 3
Sept. 29
RCC 12 Orange Coast 4
Sept. 7
RCC 4 Mt. San Antonio 1
Oct. 8
RCC 19 Chaffey 9
Sept. 14
RCC 4 Golden West 1
Oct. 13
RCC 19 Saddleback 8
Sept. 17
RCC 0 Santiago Canyon 1
Oct. 15
RCC 10 Cal Baptist 18
Sept. 21
RCC 2 Saddleback 0
Oct. 20
At Fullerton 3 p.m.
Sept. 28
RCC 0 Santa Ana 0
Oct. 22
At Golden West Tournament TBA
Oct. 1
RCC 3 Cypress 3
At Golden West Invite at Huntington Beach Central Park 10 a.m.
At Santiago Canyon 3 p.m.
Men’s Water Polo
Fresno CC Invitational at Fresno Woodward Park 10 a.m.
Sept. 24
Nov. 9
Norco College.
Vs. Cypress 3 p.m. * Home games will be played at
Oct. 2
* All home games are played at
Vs. Golden West 3 p.m. * Home games will be played at
RCC 4 Golden West 1
* All home games are played at
Men’s Soccer
Men’s Water Polo
At Cal Baptist University 10 a.m. At Southern California preview at San Diego Mission Bay Park 10 a.m.
Oct. 29
At Orange Empire Conference at Mission Viejo Oso Creek Park 10 a.m.
Nov. 6
At Southern California Finals at San Diego Mission Bay Park 10 a.m.
Nov. 20
At CCCAA State Championships at Fresno Woodward Park 10 a.m.
As the NBA faces a possible lockout next year, the upcoming season will be centered on the main attractions, the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. After the Lakers ended last season as back-to-back NBA Champions, the attention shifted to LeBron James and where he would he play, since he was an unrestricted free agent. Rumors had James going to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles with the Clippers, but the big rumor was in Miami, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. After Wade and Bosh said that they would sign with the Heat, James followed behind them a few days later when he announced it on the television show “The Decision” on ESPN in primetime. The Heat went from an average team to a championship elite team in seconds once James made it official that the three will be teammates in Miami. The ground-breaking moves that occurred in the NBA landscape this past offseason sets up what is expected to be one of the most anticipated seasons to look forward to for NBA fans all across the world. The Lakers have most of the spotlight and attention entering the season. NBA experts and basketball fans will watch and see if the Lakers can three-peat as champions with three new bench players and two rookies. Not only do the Lakers have the pressure to win their third straight title, but they also will be looked upon to see if they can capture their 17th NBA championship, and tie the Boston Celtics with the most titles won. On top of all the team’s expectations and pressure in the upcoming season, coach Phil Jackson will seek to win his 12th NBA title and Kobe Bryant will attempt to tie Michael Jordan with six NBA championships. While the Lakers handle their business in Los Angeles, the “super team” in Miami will be expected all season to win all their games and beat the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ regular season record of 72-10. The Heat will be favorites to come out of the east and make it to the finals. Before it can do that the Heat will have to get past an older Celtics team that acquired Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal in the offseason. The Lakers are favorites to win the west since the San Antonio Spurs are nearly done as an elite team, the Utah Jazz did not improve their roster and the Denver Nuggets will likely be trading their superstar, Carmelo Anthony by the season’s trade deadline. The Lakers’ only main concern in the west will be the young and dangerous Oklahoma City Thunder since it was the only team to catch the attention of the Lakers in the NBA playoffs last season. The Thunder also has Kevin Durant, who finished second in MVP votes last season behind James and who is rapidly evolving into a superstar. No one is expecting any other teams but the Lakers and Heat to make it to the NBA Finals in June 2011. In the annual NBA general manager’s survey predictions on NBA.com, 70 percent of the general mangers believe the Heat will win the Eastern Conference and 96 percent believe the Lakers will win the Western Conference, which means the managers believe it will be the Lakers and Heat in the NBA Finals. In the survey, 63 percent believe the Lakers will threepeat and win the NBA championship. A Bryant vs. James NBA finals match-up looks to be happening this season after years of dreaming by fans.
Sports Brief RCC football team ranked No. 10 The RCC Tigers are still improving with age and do not show any signs of stopping. With only one loss to the defending state champions, the Mt. San Antonio Mounties, the Tigers continue to show off their new and improved team by not letting any other team get in their way. The Tigers are currently tied with Santa Ana for first place in the Central East Conference with a record of 5-1. RCC’s next game is at Golden West on Oct. 23
16 | October 21, 2010
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Sports
Tigers come out on top after homecoming
khai le / senior staff assistant
cheer on: RCC’s dance and cheer time rile up the crowd during the Oct. 16 Homecoming game against Orange Coast College
Khai le / Senior staff assistant
go long: Tigers quarterback Dalton Livingston looks to make a pass during the Oct. 16 Homecoming game against Orange Coast College.
khai le / senior staff assistant
Making the catch: Brandon Young attempts to make a catch during the Oct. 16 Homecoming game against Orange Coast College.