Fall 09 issue 6

Rampage Fresno City College

Volume CXVIII, Edition 6

Since 1949

Fountain ban modified

December 2, 2009

FCC Plans Ahead: WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD EXPECT

By Annette De Dios Rampage Contributor

By Mark Smith Rampage Reporter The restriction on club activities around the fountains at Fresno City College will continue through this semester but will be lifted in the spring of 2010. ASG president, Sergey Saluschev, announced the decision on Monday after a meeting between representatives of the student government,

the college administration and the SCCCD police.

“Students’ voices have been heard and taken into account. We’re no longer looking at a complete ban of any activities there,” said President Saluschev.

“We found a common consensus that it is important to promote participation in extracurricular activities, however, at the same

Photo Illustration by Jeremiah Henry time remaining mindful of safety more selective regarding events issues.” taking place there, but overall, the Saluschev also said the access to the fountain area will student representatives expressed be maintained for students,” he their concerns about the restric- said. Others who participated in tions, and the administration and the meeting about the Oct. 1 decicampus police explained their sion to restrict club activities near reasons. “We kind of found a the main fountain area include compromise that perhaps we need legislative vice president of the to limit the number of canopies See “Administration” on used in area [the fountain] and be page 11

Carrying the weight of history Carlotta Walls Lanier of the Little Rock 9 wows FCC audience

By Hector Ruelas Rampage Reporter

Inside:

Imagine being 14 years and carrying the weight of history on your back.

That is exactly what Carlotta Walls Lanier did in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. Lanier and eight other African American teenagers (known as the Little Rock Nine) made history when they became the first Blacks to attend Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas. The Little Rock Nine challenged prevailing attitudes and helped pave the way toward school integration in America.

Carlotta Walls Lanier, who spoke to a packed house at Fresno City College on Friday Nov. 13, wrote in her new memoir, A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School, with Lisa Frazier Page, an editor and award-winning reporter at the Washington Post, that the event changed her life tremendously.

Lanier’s story took place in the 1950s, in the deeply segregated Jim Crow South, when blacks and whites could not drink from the same water fountains, and blacks could not be served publically in a restaurant. It was also just a few years after the Supreme Court

Half the Man He Used to Be:

Ernie Garcia shares his inspirational 200+ lb weight loss.

See page 4

ruled that black children were LaNier, who was 14 at the time, entitled to the same education as writes. “They were, after all, there whites. to protect us and keep out the According to Lanier ’s troublemakers, I thought. But not memoir, on that day, she and eight one of them budged. ... Ernie, the other black students were greeted only senior among us, spoke up: by an angry white mob that waved ‘You’re not going to let us in? Is Confederate flags, jeering and that what you’re telling us?’, The screaming, “nigger, nigger, nig- officer repeated his order for us to ger.’’ When the Little Rock Nine leave. His men stood resolutely finally reached the school door, in formation, still blocking us the Arkansas National Guard, out, their rifles slung across their under orders from Orval Faubus, chest. Our group stood there for governor of Arkansas at the time, a moment, not quite sure what to blocked them. do. And then the ministers turned “I was certain that when and led us silently away,’’ said they saw us, they would step Lanier. aside and allow us through,’’ See ‘A Journey’ page 5

Fresno City College is planning ahead. President Cynthia Azari, president of FCC, presided over an open forum to discuss the merits of the proposed 15year Educational Master Plan on Wednesday Nov. 19 in the FCC Theater.

The 92-page Educational Master plan addresses accommodating the college’s annual growth over a span of 15 years. The writers of the plan explained the “concept of using a student-based model to generate all future planning efforts is essential with today’s everchanging economic environment and the competition for students.”

The overall goal of the plan is “to assist the college in projecting the educational programs and support services that will be needed through the year 25.” In order to determine the future needs of FCC, plan developers conducted both internal and external environmental scans which outlined the projected See “Growth” on page 2

Centennial Celebrations Begin

By Victor Rizo Rampage Reporter

Fresno City College is turning 100, and the college is planning huge celebrations to mark its centennial.

According to the College’s Public Information office, the first scheduled celebration is the Centennial Ball on Dec. 31, 2009 at the Valdez Hall of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center.

Events will continue throughout the year to highlight FCC’s programs, alumni, and employees. These include the centennial history night, Centree walk, centennial convocation, Progressive library tour, FCC’s spring formal and culminating in a formal academic See “Honorees” on page 9

Beyond the Veil:

The Jiggle factor:

See page 8

See page 16

Muslim women explain their perspective and love of their hijab.

Video games go too far in enhancing the female anatomy.

News

2 Rampage

Continued from page one

December 2, 2009

Growth creates possible limits environmental effects on the college. Through the environmental scan analysis, plan developers predict more higher education budget cuts due to state and nation wide recession. With limited funding, developers of the plan must ensure all resources are utilized which include space, full time faculty, and effective student services.

In order to improve efficiency of programs offered at FCC, the plan recommends considering various scheduling options “in order to maximize the availability of classes for students and the utilization of college facilities.”

Developers of the plan also recommend “developing and implementing a comprehensive program of articulation to ensure consistency of prerequisites, units of credit, and curriculum to allow students to transfer credit for coursework between instructional locations throughout the District,” along with identifying and promoting, “Signature Programs” for FCC and other college/centers within the District.

Expanding growth of facilities seems to be a predominant matter addressed in the Master Plan. In order to accommodate the expected 1.5 percent growth in student population, developers of the plan estimated 747,454feet total growth of facilities over the next 15 years. With such a large expansion of campus facilities and population growth on campus, stakeholders might ask, What about expanded parking facilities?

“It is not going to happen,” said Dan Rosenberg, MAAS Company representative and plan developer concerning parking lot expansion within the next 15 years. This raises a large issue for the FCC campus student population whom at a head count of over 25,000, spend a large amount of time each day “hunting” for a parking space.

In regard to the current and future need for additional parking space, Sergey Saluschev, Associated Student Government President, said, “The number of students exceed the amount of available parking on campus and the only way [to solve this problem] would be to purchase additional land available on the South East end of the campus, or go up and build a parking infrastructure [which is going to be proposed in 2010].

On which issue should be top priority in the drafted plan, Saluchev said, “My main source of concern was the fact that the plan does not accurately reflect the college and its capacity and potential.”

Results of student surveys collected last year show their concerns about “Green” activities, high cost of textbooks and the issue of safety on the campus. Saluchev said, “There was a logical need to use those results of student concerns to make sure they are reflected in the educational master plan.”

Many participants in the forum expressed concern about student population growth. One FCC faculty member suggested the college raise prerequisite requirements and enforce tighter registration deadlines in order to “Pace growth.”

The plan states, “Without students, the college does not exist,” but its developers said they are in support of “pacing” student growth. Does this not limit opportunities for students to obtain their college education? And in what ways can this “pacing” occur without curbing student chances?

Azari confirmed that the ultimate mission of the plan is to “enrich student opportunities [and] progress student success.”

About the projected rate of student growth included in the plan, the president said, “We are at a land-lock. We really can’t grow here. [A projected growth rate of]

1.5 percent is probably realistic.”

She added, “As an institution, we have to decide how large we can effectively be unless we have the resources for more faculty, more counseling [and other student services].”

Among the options being considered by faculty and decision makers of the college include increasing the amount of full-time faculty and using district wide resources to accommodate the needs of the growing student population. Dr. Azari said, “We need [more] resources because if we just grow, we are not going to be able to accommodate everyone.”

The State Center Community College District contracted MASS Company to develop the Educational Master Plan for campuses district wide, including Fresno City College, which is focused on bringing together “educational components of the College into a long-range plan that will support decision-making for the future.”

Developers of the plan included MASS Company, FCC President Cynthia Azari; Vice President of Administrative Services Michael Guerra; Vice President of Instruction Tony Cantu; Vice President of Administration/ Records John Cummings; Vice President of Student Services, Chris Villa, and Director of Marketing and Communications, Cris Monahan Bremer.

Dr. Azari said, “I do not want to deny access to any one, but I want to have the resources to provide it. I want to be able to say, ‘we are full but there are classes available at Willow’ [or any other district campus], [therefore] we need district wide planning in allocating resources and determining where programs are [in order to provide efficient services to our students].”

Cut of All,” Daniel Olivo’s name was mispelled as Daniel Olivio.

The correct spelling should have been Olivo.

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by Ramiro Gudino Rampage Reporter

Q:

During the Rampage interview with Dr. Emerzian of DSP&S, she said the program suffered a severe budget cut, as much as $500,000 worth. Why did a crucial program like DSP&S suffer such a severe cut? What can be done to bring the much needed financial resources?

A:

We were all surprised by the cuts to categorical programs; the budget cuts were not initiated by the college or the district. These actions were taken by the legislature. Information we received from the State Chancellor’s Office indicates that all categorical programs, with the exception of Financial Aid administration, have been reduced. CalWorks, EOPS/CARE, DSPS, Matriculation, Basic Skills, and library resources were all cut. EOPS/CARE received the greatest reduction - $901,278. Library resources were completely eliminated. All of these programs serve many students, so we are concerned about all of the budget reductions. DSPS serves about 2,100 of our 25,500 students, and all other programs serve thousands of students with various needs.

We will continue to provide the best possible services, considering the reduction in resources, and it is our responsibility to look for other sources of funds and review our current programs to see where we can eliminate duplication and re-engineer services where appropriate.

A:

I asked Dr. Christopher Villa, Vice President for Student Services to respond to this question. (Does the college keep a database of convicted felons who attend FCC?) -- Dr. Villa’s response: No. Convicted felons are not required to register with the SCCCD Police Department.

District police have no jurisdiction over them. ( What about other students’ right to know who is in a class with them?) -- Dr. Villa’s response: Normally, students with convictions are protected from having this information released due to FERPA and Civil Rights Laws. (How do you balance the right to know with the convicts’ right to privacy?) -- Dr. Villa’s response: If a student has a concern about another student who might be a registered sex offender, the student can go to the public website Weight Watchersw.meganslaw.ca.gov, follow directions and type in requested information person about whom that student has a concern.

Q:

Why are items sold through the vending messages so expensive?

A:

Does the college keep a database of convicted felons who attend FCC? What about other students’ right to know who is in a class with them? How do you balance the right to know with the convicts’ right to privacy?

I asked our vendor to respond to your question. The following is their response, “The vending industry is considered to be like a convenient store. The difference is that the vending company brings the product to the customer for their convenience.

The machines are available for you any time and any day of the week. Canteen makes sure the machines are filled at all times and have technicians available 24 hours/7 days a week to fix any machine that is malfunctioning.

Fresno City College receives a commission or a percentage from all items sold through the vending machines. All these services provided plus product cost and commission determines the pricing of each product.”

Reporters

Editors & Staff

Q:

Ram page

Setting it Straight!

The Rampage would like to thank our vigilant readers for pointing out the following errors.

In Issue 5, “The Harshest

Ask Azari

About Us

Rampage is an award-winning newspaper published biweekly by the Fresno City College Journalism 4 & 5 programs and is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges. Views expressed in The Rampage are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Fresno City College, its students, administration or the State Center Community College District.

Contact

Office: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783

Rampage Fresno City College 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741

Kyle Calvert, Ieasha Davis, Jacob Espinosa, Sydney Excinia, Michael Feathers, Ramiro Gudino, Jeremiah Henry, Luis Hernandez, Kimberly Hodges, Raymond Juarez, David Malagon, Brittany Nielsen, Victor Rizo, Jemima Romero, Max Rosendahl, Hector Ruelas, Keneshia Simon, Mark Smith, Laura Solis, and Marissa Villanueva.

Editor-In-Chief: Brittany Nielsen News Editor: Laura Solis Views Editor: Kyle Calvert On-Line Editor: Max Rosendahl Photo Editor: Jeremiah Henry Business Manager: Leah Edwards Production Manager: Ramiro Gudino Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju Production Adviser: John Guglielmino

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News

December 2, 2009

Rampage 3

Financial Aid Demystified

by Marissa Villanueva Rampage Reporter

Higher education officials throughout the nation report a significant increase in applications for financial aid and tuition waivers. Fresno City College is no different. This year, FCC received 27,000 applications for financial aid. About 78 percent of applicants received some form of aid.

Many FCC students say, however, they are turned down for financial aid but without a clear explanation about why.

Frank Ramon, the Financial Aid Director at FCC said in a recent interview that financial aid determination is based on a formula, considering the cost of attending college and the student’s financial situation.

Ramon said he is eager to answer students’ questions and address their concerns about financial aid. He said that financial aid is awarded to students who qualify based on need, depending on if the student is dependent or independent. Other considerations that determine the amount of award include the cost of attendance minus the income contribution [from students and family], said Ramon.

The first step in the finan-

cial aid process is the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “The school has responsibility to review your application and determine your need and to award you what you qualify for,” said Ramon. The information provided by the student is evaluated and used to show financial need. Student award amount varies because it is determined by financial need.

Students like Alishia Greene say that the financial formula does not seem fair and penalizes them sometimes. Greene said she was not approved for financial aid because she “made too much money.” Many other students claim that realistically, the money they made is just enough to get by.

Greene had a job at Carl’s Jr. and was denied financial aid, but then when she lost her job, her financial aid application was approved.

But what are the restrictions for those who qualify? What is financial aid really supposed to help pay for? And what are the college’s responsibilities in enforcing how students really spend the money?

“When you apply for assistance, you agree that you’re going to use this money for school related expenses; that’s your responsibility,” said Financial Aid Director Ramon. School expenses

entail many things and can be interpreted differently, and anyone can use that explanation to justify their spending. Ramon clarified, “There are allowances, for personal expenses…But we’re talking about deodorant, toothpaste, hair supplies, cosmetics, food, clothes, art supplies.”

Greene says she knows what it is like to need the money and not have it, so she spends it wisely. First, she pays her school fees and buys her books. Greene said she is very disappointed to

sary wants. “That’s what a job is for,” he said.

Many students understand the responsibility that Mr. Ramon referred to, but others take advantage of it and declare that they have the right to spend their financial aid award however they want because they go to school.

Jermaine Brown said the first thing that he does when he gets his financial aid money is “buy new gear,” referring to clothes and apparel. “Books and fees after,” he added, completely comfortable with his spending. He looked himself up and down, focusing on the clothes he purchased from financial aid money.

Is this spending respon-Frank Ramon, Financial Aid Director, FCC sible? Probably not, but what is a walk past students and hear them student to do with so much money talking about buying themselves left over? If school does not cost new Nike shoes with their financial that much, why is so much given aid money. “I just don’t understand to students? how students can receive money “I want to be real clear,” and spend it on expensive things,” said Ramon, “just because a said Greene. But when does it cross student applies for financial aid the line? Ramon says financial aid doesn’t mean that we’re going awards cover clothes, but does that to give them that much money; give the excuse to buy the most ex- they might not qualify for it. They pensive? Is that abusing the need? might qualify for a very small Students say they feel the amount; it might be just enough extra money left over that is theirs to buy a book or two.” Ramon to spend as they please. But other said regardless of their actions, students like Brandon Zapata say students like Jermaine Brown they save it. “My car messed up, might desperately be in need of so I needed it,” but he still drives it. Regardless, should financial the car to school every day. He ex- aid money be used for items like plained that while he gets financial rent, PG&E (and other bills) and aid, he doesn’t spend it on unneces- transportation or should surplus

“Just because a student applies for financial aid doesn’t mean that we’re going to give them that much money.”

A

money be saved for a time of need. No matter what, students with circumstances like Jermaine are not monitored on their spending. Why not? “We simply do not have the means,” said Ramon.

Is it fair to those who need it and are not approved? Amir Afshar said he was not approved because of his parents’ income.

Amir said, “I should get it because they [his parents] really don’t have enough for my schooling. I think it’s dumb.” Many students like Amir seem to be overlooked and pushed to find other means of getting financial help for school.

Frank Ramon said there are other ways that students can receive help.

There is the Federal work study which according to the FCC website “is limited and allows a student to work to earn funds for their educational needs.” Student loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and or/ Lenders and “must be repaid.”

There are other awards such as EOP&S, (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services) provides, Support services, EOP&S grants, Book Vouchers and Academic counseling. Scholarships are alternatives to financial aid and can help students like Afshar.

With major cutbacks this year, everyone is being affected.

Students who have experienced a major decline in income since they applied for financial aid can file a form called Special Circumstances to show the changed circumstances since the last tax filing period, increasing opportunity to receive financial aid.

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4 Rampage

December 2, 2009

Half the Man He Used to Be

Ernie Garcia shares his inspirational journey to a healthy weight

by Ramiro Gudino Rampage Reporter Ernie Garcia is half the man he used to be. Over the course of nearly two years, Garcia who is the Classified Senate president at Fresno City College, has lost over 200 pounds and 22 inches off his waistline.

Garcia has become a beloved staple at FCC over the last 12 years. He began attending FCC after graduating from Clovis West in 1997. By 2001 Garcia was ASG president and employed in the student activities office. In 2002, he transferred to California State University, Fresno and ended up graduating simultaneously from Fresno City College and Fresno State. “I had transferred and was about to graduate when I realized I only needed a single class to get my AA. So, I got my AA on Friday and my B.A. on Saturday,” said Garcia. Since then, Garcia has been working in the Admissions and Records office at FCC. Recently, he is working on a special project to help organize FCC’s Centennial Celebration.

Garcia’s struggle with weight began in early childhood. He enrolled in Weight Watchers for the first time when he was 9 years old. Over the course of the next two decades, Garcia was known as a Weight Watchers, “repeat offender,” sporadically enrolling in the program, losing a little of the weight, and then quickly losing interest again.

Photo by Nanci Sumaya

Ernie Garcia previously weighed 468 lbs.

“One of the hard parts was that whenever my friends and I would go out, we would always eat--and we would EAT. It wasn’t uncommon for us to go eat dinner, go to a movie or something, and then eat again.

I would eat just because I was bored or just because it was ‘time to eat’ even if I wasn’t physically hungry,” said Garcia.

Carrying the excess weight affected many aspects of his life. Garcia recalls a trip to Disneyland with friends and how embarrassed he had been. He had to use the wheelchair gate to enter the park because he couldn’t fit through the turnstile because of his weight. Throughout the trip, he refused to go on any of the rides because, “I was scared I would get to the front of the line and I wouldn’t be able to fit and everyone would see.” Rather than enjoying the rides with his friends, Garcia spent the day holding all the bags while his friends went on the rides.

Garcia said his friends and family were loving and supportive, but he still endured the occasional discrimination. “Well, discrimination against overweight people seems to be the last acceptable prejudice…I became extremely self-conscious. I would get nervous in social situations like parties or even going to the mall because I felt like I stood out too much. It caused me to kind of shy away from people and sort of keep to myself. It is still affecting me…I still have a hard time being around people I don’t know,” said Garcia.

Besides affecting his social life, Garcia also began dealing with the noticeable side effects his size had on his health.

He said he suffered from sitting in a chair all day and his knees would hurt just from standing up. He also tired easily and was out of breath quickly. Garcia said he at first tried to explain it away, “I thought I was just tired from school and my work schedule.” But, it became much more serious. On March 30, 2001, Garcia went to bed and couldn’t wake up the next morning. “My mother went into my room and couldn’t wake me up. She panicked and called the ambulance,” said Garcia. He was lucky he lived. He spent three days in a coma with blood sugar levels around 800 ml/dl. A normal range is 80-120 ml/dl.

Amongst other complications, Garcia was diagnosed with diabetes. He said he worked with his doctor to monitor his blood sugar but that he no longer tests regularly.

The subject of his weight and its impact didn’t go unnoticed by those around him.

“People would occasionally bring it up, but it was an instant turn-off and I wouldn’t want to hear it because I guess I just wasn’t ready,” said Garcia.

Ironically, it wasn’t his health concerns or friendly advice that finally motivated Garcia to lose the weight. He said his motivation was simpler, “The thing that made me realize I needed to do something was the fact that my clothes were getting tight. I was wearing a size 6X shirt and size 66 pants (actually, I had a few pairs of size 68 pants). Sometimes, it takes something as superficial as that to make you wake up…

One day a friend of mine said she was joining and asked if I wanted to go with her.

That was the little push I needed. At his initial weigh in, Garcia’s weight was at its highest: 468 lbs.”

Other than Weight Watchers, Garcia says he tried the weight loss aid Phen-Fen in early 1997 during his senior year in Clovis West High School. He quickly stopped using it after learning about health concerns connected to the drug. By September of 1997, studies indicated that the weight loss aid contributed to a 23x increase in cardiovascular disease and the FDA removed it from shelves. As for gastric bypass, Garcia said, “I had thought about it and did a little research online, but the main reason I didn’t want to do it was honestly because I didn’t know how long I’d be off from work. I totally support anyone who decides to go that route, but it wasn’t for me.” For him, the payoff just didn’t seem to justify the means.

Once again, Garcia joined Weight Watchers with a friend and started to work diligently on the plan. Garcia said his goal is simple. “I’m just going to keep plugging away. All I can say is that you have to be willing to commit and you have to want it. You have to realize you’re worth all the trouble,” he said. Today, Garcia knows he is worth it. “I had to learn to listen to my body’s signals.”

The Weight Watchers rates on a point scale based on serving size and nutritional value. Weight Watchers leader, Annie Hickman said, “We try to teach certain points are healthy points, like fruit points as opposed to cocoa puff points. Not all points are created equal.” Weight Watchers creates an individualized profile that looks at the participant’s health, gender, lifestyle, height, and weight. That information is applied to a formula that grants a daily number of points the individual can eat on a daily basis. As

Photo by Jeremiah Henry

Today, Ernie Garcia has lost over 200 lbs. the individual’s weight and lifestyle change, so does his point allotment. Garcia said, “At first is was kind of hard, but now it’s like a habit…If I were to say that I miss something about my former lifestyle, then it’s almost like saying I regret making changes, which I don’t, so I don’t miss anything.” Each diet also comes with 35 unassigned weekly points. These help with incidental meals that would otherwise break the diet.

Garcia started with 44 points, the program’s highest possible allowance. By Nov.2008, he had lost the first 100 pounds dropping his allowance to 43 points. From that point on, he subtracted one point for every 10 pounds he lost. His weight was 259 pounds during his last weigh in two weeks ago.

Garcia said the trick to weight loss is determination and finding what works for you. “Take it one day at a time. It’s not going to happen overnight. I’ve been at it for almost two years. It’s like planting a fruit tree. You can’t put it in the ground and expect to harvest all the fruit the next day. But, if you’re patient and are willing to take all the necessary steps (watering, pruning, ext.) you’ll see the results soon enough,” he said.

“For me, I went in with no expectations and no huge goals. Start small and be realistic.”

News

December 2, 2009 Continued from page one

A Journey to Justice

Photo by Jeremiah Henry

Carlotta Walls Lanier spoke at Fresno City College on Friday Nov. 13.

President Dwight D. Eisen- clearly sympathetic “even if hower prevailed in the end, sending they didn’t outwardly show it or in the 101st Airborne to escort the jumped in on our defense in times students into the building and to of trouble.” Lanier said, “You can bring order to the situation. tell by their kind eyes which on our It has been nearly 50 years worst days seemed to say, ‘I am since the Little Rock Nine integrated sorry this is happening to you’.” at Little Rock Central High. Lanier The majority of students said she had pretty lived in anonym- in Central High, she said fell into ity and avoided telling her story. the third group, “those who kept “I didn’t talk it about it for silent.” Lanier said, “They did not 30 years. I didn’t introduce myself torment us, but they didn’t extend as one of the Little Rock Nine. I themselves to us in any way either. didn’t want to. I had no intentions of They did not want to be associated ever returning to Little Rock. I got with either side. They chose to be on the train the day after graduation invisible or neutral as if remaining and never looked back,” she told a neutral in the face of evil were an Black Voices interviewer acceptable just choice.” shortly after her book was Responding to published. a question on whether She even kept the race relations were betstory from her family unter, Lanier answered til she couldn’t anymore. “yes” but that race re“My husband and I told lations are not solved. them in 1981, when ‘Crisis “Don’t think that just at Central High,’ a madebecause we have an for-television movie about African American presithe incident, was about dent in the white house to air. It took me a long that everything is hunky time to tell my husband, dory. We have to help but I told him before we him, to put the country were married,” she told the back where it belongs,” -Carlotta she said. Carlotta Walls Black Voices interviewer.

During her appear- Walls Lanier Lanier and the rest of ance at FCC, Lanier read the little rock nine were a few passages from her invited to President book, focusing on her early years in Barack Obama’s Inauguration in Central High. She read about how January 2009.

Central High was only a few blocks Lanier’s book was pubaway from her residence yet so far lished by One World Books with a because she was excluded. She said foreword written by former presilife would have been easier if more dent Bill Clinton. The youngest people had taken a stand for the of nine black students to integrate right thing. central high school in little rock Lanier remembers students Arkansas in 1957, Lanier was 14 at Central High as falling into three years old at the time and the first categories: the first and smallest black female to graduate from group consisted of the ones that Little Rock Central High (1960). can easily be identified as “those She lived in Fresno from 1982 to students that were determined to 1985. make our lives miserable.” She said, Lanier said she was urged “They were the ones who called us to tell her own story even though derisive names, spat on us, kicked, many of the Little Rock Nine had hit, pushed, and slammed us into already written their accounts of lockers and down the stairs.” that historical moment. She said, The second group, she ex- “Each of us has a story, no greater plained, included those who were nor lesser, just different.”

“Each of us has a story, no greater nor lesser, just different.”

A mother explaining to her daughter the significance of the Supreme Court’s 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka; Photographed on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., Nov. 19, 1954.

Photo by New York World-Telegram & Sun Collection/Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Rampage 5

News

6 Rampage

December 2, 2009

Multi-Cultural Holiday Traditions Kwanzaa:

Photo Illustration by Jeremiah Henry.

Images from the traditions of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Navidad, and Ramadan.

by Laura Solis 11 days before the previous year.

It takes 33 years for Ramadan to Rampage Reporter be celebrated on the same date.

“During the month of fast Navidad, Hanukkah, ing, we feel the compassionate, Kwanzaa, Ramadan. Think it’s the empathy of those who don’t impossible to celebrate all the have the means to eat. With this different holidays at home and economic crisis, there are a lot of with your friends? Think again. people who are unemployed Here is a quick lesson of all you and hungry,” said Director of need to know about all the major the Islamic Cultural Center of religions and how they celebrate Fresno Kamal Abu-Shamsieh. their holidays and festivities.

Ramadan is a full Ramadan: month of fasting. Muslims eat Ramadan is a holiday cel- before sunrise and after the sun ebrated by billions of Muslims sets. They are not allowed to eat around the world and in the United or drink anything in between.

States. Celebrated for a whole Instead, during the day light, they month, this holiday is a time of re- devote their time to reading the flection, devotion and self-control. Qur’an, giving charity and doing How Ramadan is celebrated varies good deeds. around the world, but the idea and Also, Ramadan works as activities are basic. a reminder of the less fortunate The ninth month of the people who suffer of hunger on lunar calendar is called Ramadan. a daily basis, and Muslims get The lunar calendar is 11 days the chance to appreciate what shorter than a regular solar calen- they have. dar, which means that Ramadan is During meal times, the never celebrated on the same date. families gather together and give Each year, Ramadan is celebrated thanks for the food they have.

According to a 2001 study on The New York Times, there is an estimated 18 million AfricanAmericans who celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest” and it has been celebrated since 1966. “African-Americans were trying to develop their own identity and their own self-concept as African people,” said Fresno City College’s African-American instructor, Kehinde Solwazi.

Kwanzaa is based on the seven guiding principles (Nguzo Saba), one for each day of the celebration, which starts on Dec. 26 and goes on to Jan. 1.

The first day is Umoja.

This day is dedicated to the importance of being together and enjoying the company of others.

The second day is Kujichagulia. This day is for selfdetermination.

The third night is Ujima.

Collective work and responsibil-

African-American culture and its traditions.

Hanukkah:

In Hebrew, Hanukkah means “dedication.” Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration of the festival of light and lasts for eight nights.

On each night that Hanukkah is celebrated, one candle is lit. Lighting each candle in the menorah symbolizes each day the menorah burned during the Hellenists’ occupation of the temple in Jerusalem. According to the Torah, the Jewish bible, the small flask that lit the menorah had enough oil to only burn for one day, but miraculously, it burned for eight days. It also commemorates the day Jews recovered the holy temple in Jerusalem.

The Jewish calendar is different from the typical calendar the world goes by. Because of this, Hanukkah does not always fall on the same day each year, but it does always fall in Dec. usually between Dec. 12 and Dec. 31. This is year 5770 in the Jewish calendar.

“Enjoy a multicultural holiday season.” ity is the highlight of this day.

The fourth day is Ujamaa.

This day is cooperative economics and encourages AfricanAmericans to meet common needs through mutual support.

The fifth day is Nia. This day is the youth day. They usually celebrate this day around youth and means “purpose.”

The sixth day is Kuumba.

This day is a day to celebrate creativity. It consists of big feast with lots of music, poetry and art.

And the seventh day is Imani. This day honors the

Continued from page one

“For each night a candle is lit, children get a present, varying from the smallest present on day one to the biggest present on the eight day,” said Al Geller, FCC student. The lighting of the candles and the presents are followed by food and music.

Navidad:

Pinatas, pastorelas, posadas and nochebuena flowers -- these are all a part of the Mexican Christmas tradition. The holiday preparations start on Dec. 16, with the first of nine posadas.

Posadas are events that represent

Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage on their way to Bethlehem. Mary gives birth to Jesus on Dec. 25 on which day the Navidad celebrates “the birth.”

Posadas are a Latin American celebration. “Posadas is a reenactment, within the community, of the journey Mary and Joseph took to Bethlehem. People dress up as Mary and Joseph, as they go asking for lodging in the different community houses, that symbolizes, the actual scene,” said Arturo Amaro, Chicano/Latino Studies instructor. On Dec. 24, Noche Buena (Good night) the night before Jesus was born and the day of the last posada, is celebrated.

Most Latin American families have a nativity scene with little figures of Joseph and Mary; and even some of the farm animals who all awaited the birth of Jesus. On Dec. 25, the figure of baby Jesus is placed in the middle of the scene.

Also, Los Tres Reyes Magos, “The Magician Kings,” is celebrated Jan. 6. This day is celebrated because it is said to be the day that the three kings were followed the Northern Star to the place were Jesus was born. Once they got there, they presented Jesus with gifts.

Many Latin American families don’t give their presents to their children until this day because it is the day baby Jesus was presented with his.

The holiday season presents an opportunity to incorporate various traditions, including Hebrew, Christian, and Muslim cultures and is a wonderful way to see the way other cultures celebrate. You and your friends can now enjoy a true multicultural holiday season.

Honorees named to kick off celebration convocation on Sept. 10, 2010.

In 1910 when Fresno City College started, the old Fresno Traction Company had just added two new trolley lines in Downtown Fresno. J.C. Forkner was just beginning to plant the first trees in Fig Garden, Theodore Kearney had just escorted Lilly Langtree to her performance at the city’s old Barton Opera House.

In that year, Fresno City College, California‘s first Community college, was established.

The college’s history actually began in 1907 when C.L. McLane recognized the need for a college institution for San Joaquin Valley students.

FCC, then known as Fresno Junior college, started with 20 students and three instructors.

In 1958, its name was changed from Fresno Junior College to Fresno City College. In 1963, FCC became part of the State Community College District.

Thousands of local people have worked through the years to make FCC a successful and strong educational institution. Likewise, the college has launched the careers of

a lot of individuals such as Clyde McCully, president of FCC from 1967-’86. McCully wasn’t able to get into Fresno State and started his academic career at FCC. “Fresno City College” saved my academic Career,” McCully said.

McCully isn’t the only one in that situation, Kopi Sotiropulos, a TV broadcaster, attended the college for two-and-a-half years.

“I couldn’t get into State. I needed a jumpstart,” Sotiropulos said.

To kick off the centennial celebrations, Dr. Cythia Azari announced the first 10 of 100 centennial honorees. The list includes Mr. Larry Fortune, Dr. Odell Johnson, Mr. Don Larson, Dr. Clyde McCully, Dr. Pete Mehas, Ms. Sarah Reyes, Mr. Kopi Sotiropulos, Mr. Garry Soto, Mr. Franz Weinstein, and Mr. Charles “Tom” Wright. Other honorees will be announced throughout the year until all 100 stars for 100 years have been selected, said Azari.

“I never expected something like this,” said Sotiropulos.

Don Larson, another honoree said, “My wife always said I didn’t go to work; I just went to play.”

Larson was Sotiropulos’ instructor when Sotiropulos attended FCC. As of the spring 2009 semester, Fresno City College had 24,587 enrolled students. This fall, the college is said to be at 105% of its capacity.

Tickets to the Centennial Ball. the first of the 100-anniversary celebration on Dec. 31, are available and cost $100 each. the ball will be held at the Valdez Hall Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center.

FCC students can participate in several ways, starting with attending the centennial ball. The money raised from the ball will be used to fund other events throughout 2010.

The California Community College system has now grown to 109 campuses, enrolling approximately 1.5 million students. Fresno City College has been built upon rich history and gone on to pioneer many new developments in community college education. Over the years FCC has provided good quality education, “And that will never change,” said Cris MonahanBremer, Director of Marketing and Communications at the college.

7 News FCC Music Inspires The Gift of Giving Rampage

December 2, 2009

by Jemima Romero Rampage Reporter

Fresno City College vocal music department performed music from a variety of cultures.

by Jeremiah Henry Rampage Reporter Choral ensembles, representative of Fresno City College’s vocal music department, entertained a full house of listeners on the evening of Nov. 10. Following their four year tradition, “Reflections” was a concert focused on celebrating the music of cultures from around the world.

Not only was the audience treated with voices from the various choral ensembles and staff musicians from the music department, the concert also spotlighted rich cultural clothing, dancers and speakers who delivered quotes relating to the celebration of cultural diversity. Julie Dana, FCC’s choral director, delivered a quote

by George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwrite and social reformist, expressing the general theme and message that the concert conveyed: “The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them. That’s the essence of inhumanity.”

Encompassing their trip around the world were musical selections from countries such as Spain, Serbia, Israel, Samoa, South Africa, Argentina, Jamaica, Mexico

Photos by Jeremiah Henry

and the United States—with several other countries’ music in between. Each country’s music was sung in its native language.

The concert closed with an arrangement of “Man in the Mirror”, a song made famous by the late Michael Jackson. An audience member, who wished to remain anonymous, commented on the nature of the concert, echoing the idea that acceptance, appreciation and change begins from within, “I see a lot of hate and mistrust today, and it’s nice to be able to forget about that for a while. It inspires change.”

Students might be disappointed at having missed this performance, but there are several other performances scheduled throughout the beginning of December. Oncampus events include Ram Jams on Dec. 3 at 8:00 p.m,. an Intermediate/Advanced Voice Recital on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., FCC Orchestra on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., Brass and Percussion Ensembles on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Concert Band on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m., String Ensemble on Dec. 10 at 5:00 p.m., and FCC Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information regarding musical performances at Fresno City College, contact the FCC box office at 559-442-8221 or email boxoffice@fresnocitycollege.edu.

The holidays are around the corner.

This means time to shop for gifts and spend with loved ones. It is also a special time to give to those unfortunate ones in our communities and bring smiles and hopes to their lives.

This year, many organizations are arranging drives for food, toys, and clothing all around the city for the holidays. Fresno City College is not the exception. This year, FCC invites the college’s community – faculty, staff and students to donate for this year’s Holiday Gift Bag.

Fresno City College’s Holiday Gift Baskets Every year, a number of FCC students receive holiday gift baskets to help them and their families have a better holiday. Most of the contributions are given by the employees, but students are also able to give and donate and become part of this great cause.

“I’ve had a heart for giving back directly to our students during the holidays through this project for approximately 10 years,” said Jeanine Castle, a CARE counselor at FCC. Ms. Castle is in charge of this year’s Holiday Gift Bags.

Last year, a total of 300 FCC students received the gift package. Castle said she’s hoping this year’s will be equally successful. Donations of all kinds -- Clothing, toys, books, food and any amount of money – are all welcome. An entire gift bag costs $50 and donors are encouraged to consider giving a complete bag.

The students who are awarded by this special gift are all nominated by staff members from various departments and divisions here at the FCC campus. To be nominated, students have to be enrolled in more than two classes and show the need of the gift bag.

Many other places around the city of Fresno are collecting holiday gifts for needy families.

Toys R Us and Babies R Us Unwrapped Toys Program Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores are pairing up with Toys for Tots, an organization that brings toys to needy children since 2004. They are accepting any new and unwrapped toys until Dec. 6. They have

collected more than 1.4 million toys and $750,000 in grants. They are also accepting any cash donations in store and online till Dec. 24.

Coats for Kids Share the Warmth Campaign The holidays can be very cold for unfortunate kids. That is why the Salvation Army, Sierra Vista Mall, KSEE 24, 93.7 Kiss Country have organized the Coats for Kids Share the Warmth campaign. New or Used coats, jackets and sweaters can all be donated throughout Nov. and Dec. 93.7 Kiss Country will be broadcasting outside the Sierra Vista Mall on Dec. 4, 5, and 6, accepting donations. If you cannot make it on any of these dates, donations will still be accepted in any Salvation Army store or at the customer service desk in front of Sears inside Sierra Vista Mall.

The Give a Gobbler Campaign The Give a Gobbler campaign at Fresno State kicked off on Nov. 11. The campaign started in 2007 to bring food to the needy families around Fresno. This year’s goal is 200 turkeys which will be distributed during Thanksgiving and Christmas. John Welty, President of the CSU Fresno said, “We welcome the support and partnership of the community at large.”

Donations of $25 to cover the price of a turkey are being accepted at the Gibson Farm Market on Barstow and Chestnut, or it can be mailed to CSUF Agricultural Foundation, Director, Agricultural Operations, 2385 E. Barstow Ave., AG85, Fresno, CA 93740. You can also call 559-278-4511 for additional information.

The Thanks for Giving Community Food Bank Drive Campaign Y101 and PEAK Broadcasting have partnered with the Community Food Bank to bring The Thanks for Giving Community Food Bank Drive campaign during the holidays. The campaign starts in mid Nov. at the Riverview Shopping Center on Fort Washington and Friant. Volunteers are needed to collect the donations. Anyone interested should call Leslie or Diana at 559-237-3663.

Jeanine Castle said, “We can all find it within ourselves, if we look for it and hard enough, a little more to give and a lot more love, to share when we make the choice to do so. In spite of the current economic challenges we are so greatly blessed.”

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8 Rampage

Beyond

News

December 2, 2009

the Veil

by Sydney Excinia Rampage Reporter FCC Journalism major, Amina Omar.

One year ago, Muna Ibra- said she has been wearing the hijab him was a registered student at a since she turned 19 in March 2008. cosmetology school in Fresno. She “One day, it just hit me, and I knew was half-way in an 18-month pro- that I wanted to wear it. I was gram to become a masseuse. She worried that some people would loved the school, her colleagues look at me like I was some kind and everything she was learning. of weirdo. But, I got over that,” Mostly, she loved the opportunities she said. “I love wearing it. My that completing the program would Hijab is part of who I am.” Now, create for her.

Omar’s hijab is a personal and That was until one day cultural statement. “It is about who when Ms. Ibrahim was assigned I am and how I choose to represent a client who needed a deep-tissue who I am,” Omar said, adding that massage. She would never forget she has learned to live with others’ the encounter and the impact it scrutiny, curiosity and sometimes made on her. disgust. She said, “I will never “I don’t want your kind of take it off.” people to touch me,” Ibrahim said Hagi-Mohamed said, “The the middle-aged fehijab has made me a male customer hissed really strong person at her. “Can I have with a lot of confisomeone else?” dence. It kept me away Muna Ibrafrom the ever-changhim said she believes ing trends and fashthat the only reason ions. It kept me away her customer treated from trying to reach her with such contempt this unrealistic conis because she wears a cept of beauty in this Hijab, a head coversociety and taught me ing, traditionally worn to just love and respect

by Muslim women. myself and my body. I In recent years, the truly believe that you various forms of covmust respect yourself erings, including head before anybody can gears worn by Musrespect you.” lim women have been at the center of many The Situation disputes and controTwelve percent versies in several counof students attending tries in the Western Fresno City College world. Increasingly, are estimated to have the hijab is becomMuslim background ing both a symbol of or ties. Student Heba Islamic consciousness Musleh spoke about and a cause for dishow she came to be crimination against a part of the college.

Muslim women in the Her grandparents had Post Sept. 11 world.

Amina Omar emigrated to the U.S. Anisa Bint from Saudi Arabia, Yu s s u f H a g i - M o settling in Fresno, Ca. hamed, a student at Her family had come for a better Fresno City College said, “I started life, for more opportunities in to wear the Hijab in middle school education and for a wide range because I felt I was ready to start of career options.

They had also covering as a young mature womcome for freedom from oppresan properly according to Islam.” sion.

According to the 2000 Amina Omar, a journalism student,

“I was worried that some people would look at me like I was some kind of weirdo. But, I got over that. I love wearing it.

My Hijab, it is part of who I am.”

-

U.S. Census, California also has the largest Muslim community population in the United States, an estimated 3.4 percent of the population, mostly residing in Southern California. They come from various social demographics and contribute to American society as entrepreneurs, engineers, industrialists, physicians, scientists, and teachers.

Throughout history, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all associated the concept of covering the head with propriety.

All traditional depictions of the Virgin Mary, for instance, show her veiled. Veiling was a common practice with church going women until the 1960’s, and a number of very traditional churches still retain the custom. Until around 1175, Angelo Saxon and Anglo Norman women, with the exception of young unmarried ladies, wore veils that entirely covered their hair and their necks up to their chins. For many years, women wore veils for a variety of different circumstances; some for pragmatic reasons, while others wore veils for a cultural tradition.

FCC student, Breanna Tamayo, said, “Muslim women’s dress shouldn’t be viewed as something negative; it is part of their religion and should be positive because they are conservative about their bodies.”

Cultural Misunderstanding “Women shouldn’t have to hide their faces or bodies,” said Hans Humrick, an FCC sophomore. “It [the face] is a form of feminine beauty that shouldn’t be hidden.” Marcelena Cervantez, a Mexican American who converted from Catholicism to Islam disagrees, saying that hostility towards women wearing the hijab results from failure to understand the culture or the rationale behind it. Others see the hijab as a form of oppression, of men’s imposition on helpless women. FCC student

Photo by Ramiro Gudino

Ashley Lee said her impression that’s all, but for you [Marcelena], of Muslim women is of, “a sup- there is no confusion about who pressed self expression.” But is it? you are,’” she said.

What is your own impresHaji-Mohamed added, “The sion of a woman in a full length hijab was like a stepping stone to dress and covering her hair? What bigger and better things. Once I assumptions immediately surface? started wearing the hijab, I really Do you think she is foreign? op- became more interested in my repressed? perhaps traditional? pi- ligion. It truly changed my life, ous? conservative? brought me closer to my Rabb The impression that Mus- (Creator) my religion, and my way lim women are oppressed is far of life: Islam.” from the truth, according to statements made by several women interviewed for this article. All the The History & Tradition Muslims differ as to how women insisted that their manner “hijab dress” should be enforced, of dressing is their choice, not an particularly in the context of a imposition from another person, woman’s right to free expression. family or organization.

According to information availAmina Omar described able on various websites, hijab is her decision to wear the hijab as an Arabic word literally meaning a result of a long process of discovering herself. Hagi-Mohamed curtain or cover. Most Islamic legal agrees, adding, “I wasn’t pres- systems define this type of modest sured to wear it by anyone, nor dressing as covering everything was I forced to. My mother did except the face and hands in public. encourage me to start observing Islamic scholarship gives hijab hijab which is more than just a the wider meaning of modesty, headscarf, but a modest covering privacy, and morality.

According to the Encycloof the whole body but the face pedia of Islam and the Muslim and hands.”

World, the word of hijab has Marcelena Cervantez said evolved.

The Qur’an does not deit was entirely her choice to wear scribe hijab or veil as an article of the hijab. She grew up in a family clothing for women or men; rather of Roman Catholics and had no it refers to a curtain that divides or pressure to dress conservatively. provides privacy.

No one in her family had known The Qur’an instructed the any Muslims or male believers been in a mosque.

(Muslims) to A friend of hers talk to wives exposed her to of Muhammad the teachings of behind a hijab the prophet Moor a curtain and hammed, and she Muna Ibrahim as such was the has never looked responsibility of back. “I started the men and not to wear the hijab before I even the women’s.

However, in later converted to Islam,” Cervantez Muslim societies, this instruction, said. She said wearing the hijab has transformed her life, and her specific to the wives of Muhammother and siblings are very mad, became generalized, leading pleased with the changes. “Seeing to the separation of the Muslim my dedication, fasting and praying men and women.

For today’s Muslim women, has led my mother to question her the dress is optional as is the decicommitment to her own religion. sion to wear any coverings. Some She says, ‘I don’t know what I See “Hijab” page ten am. I go to church on Sunday, and

Shown from left to right: Anissa Bint Yussuf Hagi-Mohamed, Amina Omar, Marcelena Cervantez, and Anissa Bint Yussuf HagiMohamed. All the women shown in these photos and quoted in the story are FCC students who have chosen to wear Hijab and follow Islam.

Photos by Jeremiah Henry

“My parents gave me the choice...”

-

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December 2, 2009

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News

10 Rampage

December 2, 2009

Hijab is about pride not oppression; faith not force Continued from page eight

“Muslim women had the rights of property, businesses, opinion and voice, centuries before other women had. Muslim women were scholars, rulers and leaders in every field, and they continue to excel in many areas.”

Photo by Ramiro Gudino

Marcelena Cervantez (shown above) made a choice to convert to Islam at 18 after being raised Catholic.

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women choose to wear just the explained, the female body is head scarf while others choose represented as something preto not take part in the traditional cious and can only be shown to dress. All types of Muslim dress family members and the women’s are optional; it is all a matter of husbands. Ibrahim’s parents personal choice, though according explained that dressing modestly to the muslim tradition, some type allows her to make friends with of covering should be worn by all people “who know you for who Muslim women. It is a form of re- you are, rather than by the way you spect and women who do not wear look.” She learned early to recoga covering can be looked down on nize who her true friends are and as well and disrespected by people the important people she can trust. in their culture.

“Women in Hijab are like Puberty is the typical pearls in their shells. Someone said time for Muslim girls to start wear- once everything that is valuable or ing coverings. Some girls choose precious is tucked away safe from to wait until they have accepted eyes that have no right to look at the new tradition while others them. I feel like this with Hijab,” immediately accept the new type Hagi-Mohamed said. “I feel like of dress.

I’m a pearl that is covered from Amina Omar’s journey other’s eyes. I don’t think anyone started at puberty, at 9 years has the right to look at my body old when her mother told her and judge me for the way I look she had to start dressing modestly. “At that age, it didn’t bother me.

I was in private school and was surrounded by others who dressed the same way,” she said. Her first major crisis came when she transferred to a public school where she became very visible. “No one else was dressed that way,” she recalled. “All I wanted then was to be like everyone else.”

Her mother listened and Omar retreated into anonymity until she started college and be - Anisa Bint Yussuf Hagi-Mohamed gan to see other Muslim women on campus. She then realized the necessity to take instead of who I really am. What a stand about who she was. does it matter if my hair, arms and Anisa Bint Yussuf Hagi- legs are not showing? Does that Mohamed acknowledged that determine who I am?” early on, she felt awkward about Ibrahim explained that the dressing differently. “Sometimes hijab culture is based on a principle I feel like a stranger or an outcast of female modesty, sometimes because no one else looks like influenced by the time, place, and me. I felt this feeling especially social class of the woman. Some in middle school when the whole options include hijab -- or modest, school wore uniform (blue, black, loose clothing and a scarf over white and other solid colors) and the head and under the chin -- and I observed Hijab.” burqa or burka, a more complete In Muna Ibrahim’s situa- covering of the head, face and tion, she started to wear the head body. scarf in middle school. “My parThere are variations of the ents gave me the choice to decide whether I wanted to take part in the cultural dress,” she said, adding that she never felt embarrassed about wearing the head scarf al- Anisa Bint Yussuf Hagi-Mohamed though “there were times when people would stare at me or give me dirty looks, but head covering and body dresses. after years of wearing the scarf, I Head scarves cover the entire have learned to ignore those small head, wrapped in a circular diencounters.” rection, keeping the entire face Ibrahim explained she per- shown. Face veils are similar to ceives the meaning of the cover- head scarves; however they cover ings as a quest for modesty. She the entire face, keeping only the said that when she was a young eyes visible. The body dress is an girl, her parents had used the entire outfit covering all aspects of analogy of wearing a beautiful the body, keeping arms, and legs diamond necklace to explain hidden in the clothing. modesty. “You wouldn’t want to There is much confusion flash it to everyone; you try and and dispute among Muslim wombe conservative about it, and only en about the status of the niqab show the people you can trust,” (face veil) in Islamic law. There they explained. are some Muslims who reject it This example, Ibrahim said, vigorously but they agree with the applies equally to covering one’s headscarf. There are other Musbody. In the Muslim culture, she lims who accept it while feeling

“It [hijab] is not a sign of my subjugation. It is a sign of my liberation.”

that it is an extra thing and a recommended act but not obligatory.

There are also Muslims who assert that it is the required form of modest dress for women. “The burqa is overdoing it,” said Amina Omar.

“The Hijab is timeless,” said Hagi-Mohamed. “Fashion trends, styles and societal ‘norms’ change with every passing year.

People in the 50’s did not dress the same as people today and people 50 years from now will not dress like the people of today. However, the hijab will never change.

Whether you are a Muslim woman in China or in Africa, hijab is the same.”

Is the Veil a Sign of Oppression of Women?

“If you look back in history, you will find that millions of Muslim women observed the hijab not because they were forced to but because they made that choice themselves,” said Anisa Bint Yussuf Hagi-Mohamed, adding that those who say the hijab is a symbol of subjugation should go to any Muslim woman and ask them directly why they wear it “instead of turning to media outlets and others who claim to be experts on Islam.”

She suggested that those who continue to view the hijab as a sign of subjugation and oppression should look at historical facts that show that women in the Islamic world had more freedom than women from other cultures.

“Muslim women had the rights of property, businesses, opinion and voice, centuries before other women had. Muslim women were scholars, rulers and leaders in every field, and they continue to excel in many areas,” HagiMohamed said.

She maintains that wearing the hijab is her choice and not coerced, “It is a sign that we are obeying Allah (God). It’s a symbol of our submission to His Will and not to the society’s.”

Amina Omar said she is proud to represent her religion and that despite stereotypes, she and other Muslim women are as assertive as everyone else. “Women are the same, no matter where you go,” she said. She further explained that the covering is a symbol of a woman’s coming of age in Islam.

It is a spiritual growth manifested in a piece of garment.

Ibrahim explained that her type of dress has never hidden her personality or her way of self expression. “I still incorporate designer labels in my wardrobe and stay in style with the latest fashion trends,” she said, adding that her watches and jewelry are trendy but, “I also felt that dressing in my cultural style was a way to add personality.” She said, “I enjoy being different and expressing my faith to others.”

“Muslim women are definitely not subjugated by the way they chose to cover. I’m not subjugated. I wear Hijab and am proud of this fact. I chose to cover myself. This was never forced upon me,” said Hagi-Mohamed. “It [hijab] is not a sign of my subjugation. It is a sign of my liberation.

News

December 2, 2009

Rampage

11

Continued from page one

Administration compromises with ASG, lifting fountain ban ASG, Phing Lee; president pro tempore, Matthew Roman; Sustainable Actions Club president, Rigoberto Garcia, as well as a number of FCC administrators and the chief of SCCCD police.

The ban will last for the remainder of the fall semester which Saluschev said will not be a problem since no further events are planned until the spring semester. Another meeting is scheduled next week between the student representatives and administrators, during which both sides will create new guidelines for the use of the fountain area. Both sides will aim to keep students happy and free to recruit new members and generate revenue while allowing FCC administrators some leeway with maintaining safety on campus.

Ban on Activities, effective Oct. 1 Monday’s agreement will begin to resolve the controversy started with the administration’s decision to restrict club activities around the fountains near the forum halls at Fresno City College.

According to the letter announcing the rule, “Fresno City College is no longer approving events to be held in the Main Fountain Area. Additionally, there will be no event set-ups on Mondays or Fridays.

The only exceptions may be recognition of national holidays. At least one advisor must be in attendance for the duration of the club sponsored event.” This rule took effect on Oct. 1.

Sergey Saluschev had explained that the letter was sent out to clubs and club’s advisors, specifying what those rules and guidelines were. “It has come to light that clubs are no longer able to use the fountain area. . .There’s been a limit on how often you can fundraise; also, there’s been a strict enforcement that a club advisor has to be present there at all times. There’s been a little bit of limit with regard to days and when you can fund raise.” Saluschev added that the ruling severely limited club activities, particularly fund raising as “Food sales will be limited to Club Rush events,” which means clubs can only sell food twice a semester and that other fund raising requests must be made 30 days prior to the event.

This ban was handed down by Fresno City College administration due to a concern regarding access of emergency vehicles on campus. A letter sent out by Azari clarified the reason for the administration’s decision.

“Earlier this semester, we had a disruption on our campus in the Main Fountain area, and there was considerable concern about safety for everyone on campus as well as access for emergency response vehicles.

We took immediate action to place restrictions on the use of the Fountain area, and our actions created concerns.”

The president’s letter continues, “I acknowledge that we should have had a greater dialogue regarding this issue before making that decision…I want to ensure you that I understand that student organizations benefit students in many ways, and that they need opportunities to generate revenue to support their activities, especially in these difficult economic times.” The president’s letter asked that the college community stays patient “as we go through this process.”

Concerns about Shared Governance The decision is a problem, not so much for the use of the fountain area by clubs, but because of the disregard for shared governance, said Sergey Saluschev, President of the ASG. “The fountain area is not really at the core of the problem, the core of the problem is shared governance.

Such a big decision that impacted so many students should have been made with the consultation of a student representative. It’s the principle of shared governance that this institution claims to practice.”

Rebecca Slaton, chairperson of the Shared Governance Committee of FCC’s Academic Senate, describes the principle of shared governance as, “ensuring that all constituent groups are involved in decisions affecting the campus, In other words, shared governance should be a process whereby students, faculty and administration, and staff have the opportunity to present their opinions and views regarding decisions that may affect the college.” The council is made up of faculty, staff, administration and ASG representatives who deal with the decision making process and are supposed to have a say in all decisions made on campus.

And because the administration made this decision regarding club activities in the fountain area without consulting shared governance, many club advisors and staff raised concerns. Slaton said, “I think that it is unfortunate that the decision to ban student clubs from the water fountain area was made in haste and did not involve a shared governance process. It is my understanding that banning clubs from the area has resulted in a lack of revenue needed to support the clubs’ activities…It is my hope that this matter can be resolved by bringing together constituent groups to discuss reasonable alternatives.” It seems Slaton’s wish has been fulfilled by the compromises reached at Monday’s meeting.

Club advisors and other faculty members had also highlighted Slaton’s concerns as well President Azari as others they have with the decision: In a letter sent to Azari on Nov. 16, the advisors had written, “We are writing to express our concern about the administration’s recent decisions regarding club activities on our campus. We believe the decisions are overly reactive responses to one student’s behavior, and represent unfairly restrictive treatment of some of the most actively involved students on our campus…

Therefore, we fully support the ASG and club members in their protest against the decisions…We are also disappointed that the administration did not involve club advisors in the decision-making process and did not provide advisors with additional information that they could distribute to club officers and members.” The letter, which was signed by every club advisor on campus, can be seen in full near the end of this article.

“I want to ensure you that I understand that student organizations benefit students in many ways, and that they need opportunities to generate revenue to support thier activities, especially in these difficult economic times.” -

The letter shown above was sent to President Azari by club advisors in response to the ban of activities around the FCC fountain on campus.

Clubs have been hard hit by this ban, not so much for the lack of food sales but a lack of foot traffic. Because the fountain area is off limits, clubs must now use the free speech lawn between the bookstore and cafeteria for all of their planned events.

Since the fountain area is the most trafficked area on campus, less people participate in the events and clubs have experienced a loss of funds and new members. Matthew Roman, president pro tempore of the ASG, said “It [the ban] has been extremely detrimental for clubs. If you look just at Lambda Alpha Epsilon, every time they’ve had a fund raising event, they’ve been in a hole since the ban.”

The Skateboard Incident and Its Impact on Ban

Advisors and students say they believe that the actual reason for this ban was due to an event which took place on campus on Sept. 25, although they acknowledge that emergency vehicle access is important.

On that day, the NAISA (Native American Intertribal Student Association) club was celebrating Native American Day around the fountain. A student, Gregory Moultrie, became involved with police when he refused to relinquish his skateboard upon officer request, as riding skateboards is currently not allowed on campus. Eventually, Moultrie’s cousin Demone walked up and began interfering with the altercation and refused to step back when asked. As a result, officers attempted to arrest both men and an aggressive scuffle ensued.

It was at this point that NAISA representative, Mischelle Loscano, got on the microphone that was being used for the club event and began shouting, “police brutality”, telling students to tape the event with their cell phones. Many students did and the videos were posted on Youtube and all over the airwaves as accusations of brutality were levied against the SCCCD police. Unfortunately, further details were not released on the matter to clear up impressions of a cover up of the accusations of police brutality.

Details released by campus police show that only one of the two cousins arrested by the police on that day was an actual student at FCC, and both have extensive criminal records. Additionally, Moultrie was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the arrest. The college administration raised the larger concerns regarding brutality accusations, student safety, and ability of law enforcement officials to deal with possible safety risks like non-student criminals.

They also expressed concerns for campus police in tense situations such as the one on Sept. 25 as they attempt to keep a crowd under control while a student incites the crowd with accusations of police brutality.

In spite of all of this, the ASG president said, “It would not be fair for me to say the administration is acting as a big dictator who dictates and directs all the decisions on campus.” Saluschev said, “Overall, I have to say that the administration is making a big effort to create an inclusive environment to allow students to participate in the decision making process.”

Do you want real life experience working with media organizations like KSEE Channel 24, Univision, Channel 21, Fresno Magazine, Fresno Business Journal, and others?

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Class meets on Wednesday from 2:00 to 2:50 p.m. in SC 211.

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Entertainment

12 Rampage

Fans going Gaga

December 2, 2009

by Jacob Espinizo Rampage Reporter

even half of where her talent lies. While most budding young Hollywood singers are unwilling subjects of the scrutiny of tabloid culture (the Miley Cyruses, the Lindsay LoEvery once in a while a new singing hans), Lady Gaga welcomes the attention. starlet waltzes her way onto the red carpet For her, fame is the art. and is dubbed “the Heiress to the Pop Music Now her much-anticipated follow up Throne” by the media. While Madonna, the to her breakthrough album The Fame is set true Queen of Pop, would be remiss to ever to be unleashed. abdicate her throne, she has definitely found At just eight tracks and 35 minutes, a parallel in Lady Gaga.

The Fame Monster makes for a pretty Drowsy pop audiences everywhere scrappy album. Its road to fruition has been Photo courtesy of musiclifetoday.blogspot.com were shaken awake by the Lady last year a bit of a struggle. Originally, it was set to be Lady Gaga is known for her ‘artist’ expression. when she burst on the scene with Just a double-disc rerelease of the first Fame, but Dance, her number one single. Since then, due to apparent production costs, Interscope in a tizzy. Strange effects like expanded To live up to its monster status, The Gaga has maintained a stranglehold on pop Records decided it would send the EP out pupils, digitally shrunken waistlines, and Fame Monster ends on a dark note. Teeth culture. on its own to fend for itself.

Gaga’s chants (“Rah rah roh mah mah”) is truly frightening. The song has a thumpTo call her sense of fashion It definitely lacks the make the video feel like some kind of ing, Southern cannibal aesthetic that must outrageous would be a dramatic unsame variety and glamour that electro-Bavarian opera. It’s all good though, be more than disturbing for some. “Take derstatement; some of her costumes The Fame has. For instance, because someone gets set on fire in the end. a bite of my bad girl meat / Show me your belong in the National Space MuFame had more of the guitarDespite containing some of Lady teeth,” she growls. seum. She’s also been the subject of riffs and power-ballads that Gaga’s most experimental sounds yet, the All in all, the album certainly serves one of the strangest Internet rumors. inspired much of Gaga’s early album still has some mellow grooves in its purpose, which is to make you want to Her only (sarcastic) answer on the sound. it. A potential club favorite, and personal dance. If her first album was to show her subject: “Yes, and it’s bigger than Monster is largely an favorite, is the infectious Latin-tinged track strength in the pop music arena, then The yours.” electro-dance album, and Alejandro. Equally as danceable but sub- Fame Monster seems to be Lady Gaga’s However, if you look past the lacks the underground rock stantially more provocative is So Happy way of flexing her muscles. Her voice unfounded rumors, the swarm of show vibe. That isn’t to say I Could Die, in which she uses touching is definitely stronger and her presence in Lady Gaga paparazzi that hound her like mosMonster doesn’t have its high herself as a solution to all her troubles. the music industry is taking form. Eight quitoes, or her decadent fashion, you points; the ballad Speechless Which it is. tracks, however, is undeniably too short for might actually see she is serious about her definitely lives up to Gaga’s glam rock roots.

Likely the next single off Monster, Lady Gaga to utilize her entire repertoire of music. Not only is Lady Gaga a prolific The album starts off with her cur- Telephone gets a little help from Beyonce, talents. Nevertheless, this for sure won’t songwriter—having written for singers like rent single Bad Romance, which is already with whom Gaga not-too-previously col- be the last we hear from the Lady, and only Fergie and Gwen Stefani—she is also an making its mark on the Billboard Hot 100. laborated on her single Videophone. I see time can tell what she’ll wear next. extremely talented pianist. Still, that’s not The music video has the fan community a pattern here.

“Yes, and it is bigger than yours.”

-

This She-Wolf is looking for a good Man

by Jacob Espinizo Rampage Reporter Aside from her world-famous hips, Shakira is well known for being a crossgenre artist, moving fluidly between them like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Few other musicians can successfully take an electric guitar, reggae rhythm, Indian drums, mix them all together and make a smash hit. Now, she’s set her lycanthropic eyes on conquering the pop world.

After being released all across Europe and Latin America, Shakira’s latest

album, She Wolf, finally reached the States on Nov. 23, and it was well worth the wait.

The title track for the forthcoming album has been prowling dance floors and airwaves alike for the past month. The song, She Wolf, serves as a very good preview for what the album has in-store. It’s up-beat, bouncy, and appropriately awkward at times. For instance, you might find yourself in the middle of dancing and mimicking as best you can Shakira’s moves, then stop mid-song to think about what she meant when she sang, “I’m starting to feel just a little abused like a coffee machine in an

Shakira takes one of her most provocative poses for She Wolf.

Photo courtesy of wrap.com

office.”

For true fans, who actually own a copy of Los Ladrones, the music video for She Wolf is also a bit awkward, as it is the most provocative Shakira has starred in. In years past (if anyone has noticed), Shakira adamantly refused to show her legs, though prominently baring her midriff.

Now she’s in a flesh-tone leotard, writhing in a gold cage or dancing in a suggestively pink tunnel. I guess that’s what pop music does to you.

Elsewhere, the album feels completely natural and unaugmented. A predominant force within the album is dancehall.

Long Time and Good Stuff are definite favorites and deliver on their titles’ promises, (despite Long Time clocking in at under three minutes, its mellow groove makes it feel like a good four).

But the gem of the dancehallinfused tracks is Did It Again, which quickens the pace with drum line precision.

However, She Wolf is not just about feel-good, dance-hard tracks. It also provokes the hard-hitting question: where are all the men in L.A.? Men in This Town is almost an ode to Los Angeles (“I’ve got to say / California is a place that I respect” she croons). Looking at the lyrics alone, it sounds surprisingly normal coming from Shakira’s mouth and may seem more appropriate for Beyonce or Lady Gaga. “Matt Damon is not meant for me,” she sings. If Damon can’t please Shakira, who can?

To get her new, techno-chic sound, Shakira turned to music producer, Pharrell Williams, who has made a name for himself by producing modern pop standards for such high-caliber artists like Madonna and Gwen Stefani. He’s done this not only by making

sweet, danceable music with his clientele, but by making his presence sufferably known on their records. Either he graciously stepped aside, or Shakira unleashed her Alpha Female side, because Williams has failed to mark his territory on She Wolf. There’s no Pharrell falsetto in the background, or rap-sung bridges before the chorus.

It’s pure Shakira, and that makes it all the better.

That said, Shakira’s sense of imagery still remains untamed. She still writes lyrics that make her listener stop and think, “Did she really just say what I think she said?”

Many of her early critics suggested that her metaphors were lost in translation, but this really is not the case. English or Spanish, she really does write things like, “I used to read survival guides when my world was full of seven-legged cats.”

As for weird lyrics, Gypsy definitely takes the cake, possibly of all Shakira’s songs, ever. The third line of the first verse is “crayons and dolls pass me by.” Not only is the song the only ballad of the brief album, but it is by far the best. Its lyrics are such non-sequiturs that I won’t even try to explain them. You’ll understand when you hear the song.

Shakira is many things, but above all, she is a musician. For fans, it never matters what genre she samples as long as it’s her. Shakira will definitely be memorable in this new era of disco. Since becoming the fourth richest woman in music, she has said in interviews that making money is not her focus, “I still care about the music,” she said. Lucky for her fans, that she does.

She Wolf is not just about feel good, dancehard tracks. It also provokes the hard-hitting question: where are all the men in L.A.?

December 2, 2009

Sports

Rampage 13

Fall Sports Highlights

Photos by Jeremiah Henry

Shown above: Ivon Gutierrez Andres and Vanessa Marie Cabrera were chosen as 2009 Homecoming King and Queen. Remaining photos highlight the 2009 fall sports season; wrestling, football, women’s soccer, vollyball, and men’s soccer.

Views

14 Rampage

December 2, 2009

Should marijuana be legalized?

Pro: $1.4 billion for California signing. He presented me with a form for lowering electricity rate, which seemed to be his favorite, and then proceeded to mention that he also had one regarding marijuana (both which I signed). He was well informed about the fact that signing the petition wouldn’t legalize it, but simply put the petition on the ballot in the November 2010 elections.

Statistics show that nearly 300,000 residents in California have signed the ballot in the last year. This many signatures put the petition on pace to make it onto the ballot in 2010.

At this rate, California may actually be the first state to legalize the drug that seems to have the nation in a frenzy.

I think that legalizing marijuana could be a major help to

an Amsterdam style coffee shops across the state (where you sit down, order some weed, smoke, and enjoy some food too). This idea could open up opportunities for many employers and employees.

And of course the tax dollars made from the product would be beneficial to everyone.

Money could be used to help get the state out of the massive debt hole we have fallen into.

The only downside to

by Brittany Nielsen legalization of marijuana would Rampage Reporter be the specific details that need to be addressed. Issues like age Weed. Pot. Miss Mary to buy, licenses to sell, how Jane. Hemp. Hash. Grass. Trees. much tax, how much one can Herb. Reefer. Dope. Chronic. carry on them, and just like the Bud. Cannabis. Ganja. Whatever legal intoxication limit with alparticular slang word you prefer cohol, one would need to be set to call it by makes no difference. for smoking imparity.

In recent years, marijuana has beI come a central topic of debates amongst college students and “For a lot of people, it’s just another brand d o n ’ t k n o w about you, but I state lawmakers alike.

A few weeks ago of beer.” -Richard Lee, founder of Oaksterdam University would personally rather be California politicians held driving down hearings regarding the bill that the freeway next to someone would legalize and tax the drug. the state in the long run. Not only who is high than next to someAccording to the New York Times, does the drug scream “cash cow”, one who is drunk. Instead of tax officials say that placing a tax but there are many other positive thinking they are perfectly fine on cannabis would create $1.4 factors that could come into play.

By legalizing weed, the to drive, someone who is high billion for the state annually. It’s becomes much more aware of pretty easy to see that legalizing state prison systems would clear up the road and tends to be calm marijuana could potentially create tremendously. Law enforcement behind the wheel. a way to help the state out of its agencies wouldn’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars Like Richard Lee, who continually growing debt. founded Oaksterdam University, Even California residents planning and executing drug busts the first marijuana oriented colare doing what they can to speak and raids in hopes to stop the traflege, located in Oakland, said up about the idea of legalization. ficking of the illegal drug.

Job opportunities would “For a lot of people, it’s just anI was doing laundry a few weeks other brand of beer.” I couldn’t ago and a man with a few petitions pop up all across the state. My agree more. asked if I would be interested in mom is all in favor of opening up

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Con: More harmful than cigarettes

It’s being said that marijuana legalization in California could be placed on the ballot in 2010. As a supporter of democratic empowerment for our citizenry, I couldn’t be happier as this gives everyone a chance to show their opinion on a very complex, controversial topic.

However, there are a few scenarios with marijuana’s legalization that I think ultimately harm its ability to become legal in the first place.

by Mark Smith The first and most obvious Rampage Reporter issue is: how do you tell if someTrying to explain the harms one’s high at that moment, and of marijuana to an average young how much they smoked? This is college student is like trying to for people who are stopped while explain to a cat it needs to use that driving. If a person has had alcofancy scratcher you bought instead hol, they’re a simple breathalyzer of your couch; they listen, but they or field sobriety test away from don’t really care. going free or going to jail. In Here goes nothing. marijuana’s case, the only physical In the case of marijuana and tells that someone’s been using it its effects on mental and physical are usually red eyes, a silly, giggly health, it’s an obvious fact that nature, or other such things that there are more fabrications and are easily covered up when dealfalse information ing with pothan with any othlice. This is a er drug. And let’s very big issue, not kid ourselves, because if a marijuana is a smoker is drivdrug, much like ing while high, alcohol in terms and marijuana of its recreational does impair use. Those who one’s ability tell you it’s a plant to drive, there or a medicine are should be pensimply shielding alties enforced themselves from on that driver the truth. but without a media.ebaumsworld.com/.../marlboro.jpg As far as Legalization of marijuana could simple way to smoking marijua- mean a pack like the one shown test them it’s na goes, the seri- above becoming available. impossible to ous physical conenforce. cern is that marijuana smoke can The second concern I’ve contain as much as, or even more often heard is that marijuana legalharmful chemicals than cigarette ization may act as a slippery slope smoke. Although it’s true that peo- to the legalization or heavier use of ple smoke cigarettes far more often other drugs. I am of the belief that than marijuana, marijuana users marijuana legalization wouldn’t differ in that they hold the smoke in lead to legalizing any other drugs, as long as possible to get the most as I find cocaine, meth, and other effect. Heavy smokers face serious such drugs to be much more harmlung problems over long periods of ful and addictive than marijuana. time. Another concern is the rate at However, I do feel that if we which marijuana smoking speeds lived in a society that accepted up the user’s heartbeat-as much as marijuana smoking, it could be 50 percent per use. This may not be possible for a higher percentage of a concern for those in good health, teenagers to try newer and heavier but for people with heart disorders drugs as they search for a heavier or blood pressure issues it can be a high. This is based on speculation, serious problem. but so is the average legalizationMarijuana, in the short supporter’s claim that marijuana term, can also have effects in doesn’t lead to other drugs. mental development and funcObviously, marijuana is a tion. Many users can experience very complex issue. It’s hard to effects of anxiety or paranoia; tell where the truth lies and where feelings which usually pass as the fact becomes fiction, but in the high passes. It’s been theorized coming years we should use all that long-term use of marijuana the resources at our disposal to can lead to schizophrenia or other research and learn more about this mental diseases, but this remains recreational drug. If 2010 brings a to be proven. What is true is that legalization law on the ballot, it’s marijuana, in both the short and our duty as citizens to vote on it. long term, can cause forgetful- But remember as you vote that it ness or impaired concentration in isn’t harmless as some may claim. some users. It also reduces logical I’ve heard stories of many houseand critical thinking skills, and holds being broken up by a user’s can affect reaction times, making inability to stop smoking pot, and the user less safe to drive a car or as I said it has harmful mental and perform other tasks that require a physical effects. Do your own fully-alert brain. research and decide for yourself.

Should marijuana be legalized for tax purposes?

“No, because it’s bad. All it would do is cause problems.” – Ariel Palacio Pharmacy

“Yes, because it would help fix the California state deficit.” Desmond Brown undecided “Most definitely. In California it’s a large cash crop and would bring in money for the state.” Marissa Balber Humanities “No, because people smoke it anyway and pay regular price.” Kenneth Price Recreation

“My opinion is that it shouldn’t be legalized because it would make people mad that already get it tax- free.” Jason Moser Engineering

“Yes, because it would take us out of our national deficit. It can be bad but it’s not as bad as alcohol. If anything should be illegal it should be alcohol.” Erica Brown Social Work

Views

Street Smarts

Rampage 15

How to drive like a wise guy a future in NASCAR. Constant speeding not only increases your chances of getting a ticket or causing an accident, it means worse gas mileage. That’s actually why A little common sense, speed limits were made in the first that’s all I ask. place: to save gasoline. So, if you For some, sensible drivwant more cash from your gas, ing comes naturally. But for keep the pedal off the metal. others I’m convinced that it’s Lack of blinker. This, to rocket science, a fundamental me, is ridiculous. All you have paradox, a clueless enigma. to do is move a lever that’s four For whatever reason, plenty of inches from your left hand! Is people just don’t get it. it honestly that hard? A lot of Maybe it’s because I feel confusion can be solved by doing like I commute more than John something so simple.

Madden, but I’ve driven a lot Drunk drivers. Now, this lately. Now, I’m no Caltrans is the no-brainer.

Every 15 minofficial but I’ve driven in Los utes somewhere in the U.S. someAngeles and Oakland and over one dies of an alcohol-related car most of the state of California, accident.

Drunk driving kills, and let me tell you there are literally. Need I say more? some bad drivers out there.

For the past couple of years, They not only baffle and I had the fortune of living in infuriate logical human beMexico.

It was there that I noticed ings; they endanger roadways that there aren’t very and cause traffic that many accidents. Even “Let’s use some common sense and has plagued drivers for though most roads were about a century. Acexercise some common courtesy on the small and badly paved, cording to my experidriving laws were at ence on the road here roadway.” times disobeyed and are a few classic mamisdemeanor and in some cases speeding was a common occurneuvers and characteristics that a felony.

So, unless you want to rence, everyone who drove was we’ve all seen and that drive serve time or pay a fat fine, just very conscious of those around us loony: stop your childish tantrums behind them.

And that alone saved us all The slow poke. These the wheel. a bunch of trouble. are the people that think that a Rubber necking. Have Most, if not all of these nice Sunday drive should be the you ever slowed down to see the problems come from not being everyday norm. Or they don’t aftermath of a wreck?

If so, then aware or even caring about others. have a driver’s license. Perhaps you’re guilty of rubber necking!

It’s all about “me”. This unforthey get paid by the hour. The If the roadway is clear and the autunate thought process causes a bottom line is that they get in thorities have arrived, don’t slow world of hurt, and they could be the way, especially if you’re late the rest of us down, keep going! mostly stopped by courtesy and to class or trying to get home I know you’ve seen accidents consideration. from work.

So, let’s use some common Moving road blocks. before. It’s not an uncommon occurrence.

There’s no reason to sense and exercise some common These guys are similar to the Publication Size stare, just move it along. Run Date(s) Initial roadway. You’ll Time gape and courtesy on the slow pokes, but these are the Speed demons.

Now, I unbe surprised at how it really can ones that don’t get out of the 4.9 xthat 5 at times we can be in 11/27 RAMPAGE derstand improve your driving experience way, especially on curvy roads in the mountains or in the fast a hurry. But there are some people and make it better for the rest of lane on the freeway. Apparently out there who think that they have us too.

by Donny Hansen Rampage Contributor

they don’t have any idea of what a turnoff or the slow lane is.

Bad parkers. Now these people grind my gears. Why on God’s green earth would you park two feet from the driver’s side door of my car? Now, I know that I’m a toothpick of a man, but that doesn’t mean that I enjoy the acrobatic act of getting into my vehicle when you do that. Expect to get some scratch marks from my door.

And if you think you’re cool enough to take up two parking spaces, just remember that whatever goes around comes around buddy.

Road rage. We’ve all been cut off or nearly side-swiped before. Some of us tend to react as if that’s equivalent to being spat on or having our dog kicked. Take a chill pill and show some maturity!

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, road rage is a

THA – SF

Campus Voices December 2, 2009

For your chance to score a pass (good for two) to a special advance screening on December 3 in Fresno come by the offices of

“No, because I don’t smoke it. Kids are starting to do it younger and younger and they don’t need it legalized.” Alicia Vang Radiology

THE RAMPAGE

(Room 211 above the FCC Bookstore)

Wednesday, December 2nd or Thursday, December 3rd between the hours of 9am–1pm.

“Yes because if you look at the effects of it, it’s not as bad as alcohol.” Juan Trujillo Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counseling “Yes! Why not? I have never known marijuana to harm or kill anyone. If you can take it for medical reasons then why not for all people?” Dorenda Williams Nursing Campus Voices by Max Rosendahl Photos by Hector Ruelas

SCREEN

GEM

WARD ” FREDFARAH D E R O M “AR DAN H FILMS DONEN NTAL H FARPRAODUCEDBY JOSHUDIRAECTEDBY NIMROD A IT W N CIATIO IN ASSO LANDER IMPSON UCTION USSELL HRITOTELN JAMES V. S D O R P INMENT MES R W BY ENTEREXTAECODUUTICVERE S DEBRA JA D A O R PR S TAR MURPHY TS A S S PRESEN MUSICBY JOHN

While supplies last. Passes are limited and will be given away on a first come, first served basis.

THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. PASSES RECEIVED THROUGH THIS PROMOTION DO NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION. SEATING IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, EXCEPT MEMBERS OF THE REVIEWING PRESS, THEATRE IS OVERBOOKED TO ENSURE A FULL HOUSE. No one will be admitted without a ticket. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Screen Gems, Rampage, Terry Hines & Associates and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, winner is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. Not responsible for lost; delayed or misdirected entries. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law.

IN THEATERS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4!

16 Rampage

December 2, 2009

The Jiggle Factor Why does industry focus on visuals more than gameplay?

The progression from Soul Calibur to Soul Calibur IV shows how Ivy’s character has really ‘grown.’

by Kyle Calvert Rampage Reporter Videogames are being ruined by two things: boobs, and more boobs.

In the glory days of the Gamecube, there was one game I played more than any other. It was a fighting game with beautiful graphics, complex but flowing combat, a gorgeous soundtrack, and overall great gameplay. It was Soul Calibur 2. I can easily say it was among my five all-time favorite games, and for good reason.

But as the trend goes with gaming, one good sequel begets another – and another, and another, and so on until we’re running out of things to stamp the Final Fantasy logo on. And of course, SC2 was followed by Soul Calibur 3, exclusively for the PS2, which sacrificed the perfect combat its

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predecessor established for a crotch shots so outrageous you other good one: you can destroy could see pubic hair if you looked your enemy’s clothes. graphical change.

What’s the point of all this, The first and most obvious close enough have practically difference in the character design turned fighting games into sexual I wonder? Are nerds so enticed is that all the female characters exhibition. It’s become violent by such blatant innuendos that went up a bra size and wore less interactive soft-core pornography. they’d pay $60 a game for this kind of thing? Or is this clothing. It left me wonjust a necessary push for dering, what was the point “I look forward to a brighter day for graphical advancement? of all this – to make a better game, or to make a fighting games...Gamers, please: ask for At this point I don’t think the graphics changes are better looking game? more than big bouncing breasts. There’s a push for realism. They Soul Calibur is not instead appear to reflect a the only game to encour- more to the world than that.” desire to emulate a fantasy age such style changes.

Most fighting series, such - Kyle Calvert so vivid and appealing that it outdoes regular perveras Street Fighter and Teksion. ken, make a habit of doing this as Earlier in the year I was A rack isn’t a prevalent if there was a stylebook to making starting to think it had worn down feature in most videogames, techsequels in the genre.

The point is, tits – big ones, a little bit, and then Soul Calibur nically. Plenty of genres of gamand then bigger ones, so that even 4 was released. Not only was the ing have a plot to put in with if the game isn’t actually fun, gameplay twisted around a graph- the visual appeal, and you’d be you’ll be so comfortable watching ics engine again, but – you’ll never surprised how a good monologue that you really won’t care after a guess – more and bigger knockers, love on the battlefield can distract while. Big bouncing jugs with more risqué costumes, and crotch you from the gorgeous sniper in individual physics engines and shots abound. Oh, and here’s an- the jumpsuit with hard nipples.

It’s more noticeable in fighting games because the game’s plot is insignificant to how much you enjoy a fighter.

Honestly, no amount of dirty pillows can make up for bad gameplay or a terrible plot.

I mean, I like a gorgeous set of twins as much as the next guy, but at this point I’ve seen so many between videogames, the internet, and my life that I can’t hold my tongue anymore. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too much boobage. In this day and age, developers seem to think no boob is big enough.

I look forward to a brighter day for fighting games. I would compromise to keep the bigger breasts if they weren’t being such an excuse for a quality decline.

But gamers, please: ask for more than big bouncing breasts. There’s more to the world than that.

Oh, and it degrades women.

Surge of Spirit City Dances

Fall Workshop 2009 Artistic Director: Jimmy Hao

Dec 3, 4, 5* at 7:30pm Dec 5, 6 at 2:00pm FCC Theatre

*Scholarship Benefit Performance Tickets: $12 General, $10 Students, $4 Group Rate FCC Theatre Box Office Phone: (559) 442-8221 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm and one hour before each performance

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