http://www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com/media/paper1236/documents/y0f1vbpr

Blackout at FCC Since 1949

Volume CXIII, edition 7

November 28, 2007

www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com

ACLU weighs in on Clinton issue

Rallies Possible Patterson answers to Academic Senate

by Carrie Gunter and Joseph Rios Rampage Reporters

Passive Resistance

Photo by Joseph Rios

Free Speech Collective rallies to raise awareness on campus

by Cynthia Moreno Rampage Reporter

The 1960s Civil Rights movements did more than instigate massive movements of individuals protesting their civil rights and liberties.

Students at universities across the nation became the protectors of the rights that students today leisurely enjoy.

Historically, the movement began on the University of California, Berkeley campus. At the time, it was the largest studentlead protest in the history of the nation and has remained so as the core movement for students’ right to free speech and academic freedom.

The protest aimed at lifting a ban on on-campus political activities were restricted to two political parties at the time.

Moreover, student activities were to be conducted outside of the university’s property.

The protest, which lasted a

few months ended favorably for the students. Students were then allowed to hold political functions and all other functions pertaining to on-campus groups and organizations.

As a result, the student’s success in the protest became known as the Free Speech Movement which spread throughout other college campuses in the nation in an effort to alleviate the restraints placed on free speech.

Today, those same restraints on free speech are being questioned on the Fresno City College campus.

To speak or not to speak?

The question alone has caused a debacle among Fresno City College students, and more particularly with activist groups such as the Fresno Speech Collective.

The on/off campus organization compiled of more than 50

members from Fresno City College and the surrounding community, gathered around Fresno City College’s main fountain area on Nov 8, 2007 to protest violations of their ‘freedom of speech’ and the rights associated with it.

According to the organization, many of the guidelines and procedures that a student must take in order to assemble for a cause

suppress, repress, and infringe on the rights of the students.

“The goal of this protest is to make people aware of free speech while celebrating its many manifestations through action, visual artistry and voice” stated Sarah Reuter, one of the press representatives for the Fresno Speech See “Collective” page 4

Inside

Unique art display - page 5

‘Altruist’ his the stage - page 6

Holiday Diversity - page 13

‘American Gangster’ - page 9

The American Civil Liberties Union issued a formal interpretation of the Education Code regarding political activity on California community college campuses to President Ned Doffoney on Nov 14.

The organization’s interest stemmed from the variety of justifications offered by Fresno City College and State Center Community College District officials about their decision to halt discussions on a potential visit by Hillary Clinton.

The Rampage reported that administrators cited statewide Education Code as justification for their decision to deny the Clinton campaign a forum.

ACLU staff attorney, Julia Harumi Mass, stated in a letter to Dr. Doffoney, “The purpose of 7054 is to prevent school and community college districts from allowing public resources to be used to the advantage or disadvantage of one candidate over another or one side of a ballot initiative over the other.”

The FCC Academic Senate invited Teresa Patterson, Executive Director for Legislative and Public Affairs for State Center Community College District, to explain the district’s role in the decision making process.

Patterson said that hosting the Clinton rally on the FCC campus would have been a violation of the law.

“They wanted the balloons, they wanted the signs, they wanted the cameras, and all of that,” Patterson said at the biweekly meeting. “My recommendation for this campaign… was ‘no’ we can’t have a political rally.”

However, according to the ACLU, “The college can comply with the mandates…by providing equal access to candidates (and initiative opponents and proponents) and charging for the use of campus See “Senate ” page 3

2 Rampage

Holiday Recipe

News

Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce 1 tablespoon of olive oil ½ cup of green onions, chopped 1 scallion, minced 2 cloves of garlic minced 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, minced Old Bays Seasoning 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons of Creole mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice ½ cup of mayonnaise 4 eggs (use half for mix half for coating formed crab cakes) well beaten ½ teaspoon of cayenne 1 ½ pounds crab meat 3 cups of breadcrumbs (use half for crust) ½ cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Salt & Pepper to taste 1 cup of all-purpose four 1 ½ cup vegetable oil ( for frying) In a small sauté pan, over medium heat, put the olive oil.

Add the green onions and scallions cook for about three minutes then sprinkle a little Old Bay Seasoning and add the garlic and parsley just until the garlic is cooked. Shut off heat and let mixture cool.

In a large mixing bowl combine the Dijon mustard, Creole mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, 2 beaten eggs, Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne, and all the crab meat. Add the cooled sautéed ingredence. Slowly fold in 1 ½ cups of bread crumbs and the Parmigiano Cheese.

Place three pie pans on the counter. Put the flour in one, 2 beaten eggs in another and the last one will hold 1 ½ cups of bread

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November 28, 2007

TheRampage

Fresno City College’s Premier Student-Ran Publication

Rampage

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Editor-in-chief: Joseph A. Rios News Editor: Joseph A. Rios Views Editor: Leah Edwards Entertainment Editor: Cody Gless Photo Editor: Blake Gollmer Business Manager: Leah Edwards Adviser: Dympna Ugwu-Oju

crumbs. Season the flour and the breadcrumbs with Old Bays, salt and pepper. Form golf ball size crab cakes and then flatten them down to about 1/2 inch thick, place the crab cake into the seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture and lastly into the breadcrumbs.

Place on a plastic tray and leave in the refrigerator at least an hour or overnight.

In a large skillet heat the vegetable oil until is starts to smoke just a little. Place no more

that six crab cake in the pan at a time and make sure that they are evenly spaced. Fry them until the bottoms are golden brown (about three minutes) and then gently flip them. After they are done place them on a cookie sheet topped with a cooling rack. This will keep them nice and crispy until you are ready to serve. Place them in a warming oven at 200 degrees.

Makes about 2 dozen crab cakes

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Reporters Leah Edwards, Joseph Rios, Eddie Ortiz, Cody Gless, Deshad Cato, Carrie Gunter, Marcell Dilworth, Alexis Abrahamson, Joseph Boone, Shirah Hopper, Ivette Lopez, Jen Langworthy, Adrine Avanesyan, Blake Gollmer, Julie Hamilton, Pedro Quintana, Jeannie Batey, Amber Donabedian, Cynthia Moreno

About Us

Rampage is an awardwinning 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 the Rampage Business: (559) 442-8262 Production Rm:(559) 442-8263 Fax: (559) 265-5783 E-mail: Editor In Chief: rampage-editor@ fresnocitycollege.edu Rampage business Office: rampage-business@ fresnocitycollege.edu

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Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at The Rampage, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore.

Please keep all letters to a maximum of 200 words along with contact information.

Advisor: dympna.ugwu-oju@ fresnocitycollege.edu

Also catch the rampage online @ www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com

November 28, 2007

News

Rampage 3

Campaign ‘08

Candidates Make Stops at California Community Colleges

Photo by Joseph Rios

Senate unsatisfied

Teresa Patterson explains her role regarding the potential Hillary Clinton visit to the Academic Senate on Nov 14.

Continued from page one that time was ‘no’ we can’t have a equipment on an equal basis for all political rally,” Patterson said.

She had handled the negospeakers and requestors.” tiations with the Schwarzenegger The fact that no judge has campaign which deemed the camofficially interpreted Ed Code secpus unsuitable for their campaign tion 7054 opens it up for varied plans after a series of discussions. opinions.

The college gave no such attention “Funding a rally: that’s to the Clinton campaign. prohibited,” said the President of As previously reported in the Academic Senate, Rick Santos. the Rampage, the college made a “That’s understandable because decision within a 24-hour period then you are having a public tax following the campaign’s tour of payer institution taking a stand on the campus, citing a lack of ada political candidate in a sense but equate communication. that does not preclude the ability Patterson said she was disto have a rally.” tracted by a family illness. She had “There’s potentially a tomade all calls from the hospital tal lack of understanding how and seemed near tears when she campaigns work with national mentioned the subject in front of campaigns and at the local level,” the senate. stated FCC Political Science inPatterson could not comstructor and member of the Acament in regards to what was said demic Senate, Mark Trezza. to the Clinton campaign because Patterson spent fifteen minshe was not part of the discussions utes laying out her training and with the campaign.

All discussions experience dealing with the Ed funneled through Michael Guerra Code. She cited Measure E and Vice President of Administradialog with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s campaign team during his tive Services. However, she did run for reelection. Both cases of- say she was responsible for the fered unique obstacles, she said. recommendation and that Dr. Schwarzenegger went to River- Doffoney followed through with park and faculty members were the decision.

Guerra declined to comnot allowed to discuss Measure E ment regarding his role in the promotion during work hours. matter.

“My recommendation for “We like one answer, but this campaign, not based on any there’s been different reasons sugpartisan politics, but just strictly gested and that just fuels conspiron my understanding of the law at

acy theories, you know, maybe there’s some other reason why we’re not being told,” Trezza said.

Several senators are still awaiting comment from Guerra and SCCCD Chancellor Tom Crow.

“I appreciate that Dr. Patterson came and talked to us. But as we learned, she was kind of out of touch,” Trezza said. “Even with our communication in 2007, her mind was elsewhere; she was occupied, okay. That even says more so to me that leadership was involved. Because if she was going to be here handling decisions…she would have been in communication with Dr. Doffoney and Chancellor Crow, that’s just how it works.”

The district plans to draw up specific guidelines and conduct face-to-face dialog with all potential visitors to avoid any conflicts in the future.

It is critical that the college avoid mistakes like this with respect to future opportunities, the ACLU said in the letter to Dr. Doffoney. “As a public institution of higher learning, the college should foster rather than foreclose, political and civic participation by lending its facilities to all applicants on a neutral basis,” wrote Mass.

pccd-news-events.smugmug.com

Hillary Clinton accepted the endorsement of Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums at Laney College on Oct 1.

The Channels

Above: Dennis Kucinich gives a speech in front of a crowd at Santa Barbara City College on Sept 23.

Below: Barack Obama greets a crowd of people after his speech at SBCC on Sept 8.

“...the college should foster rather than foreclose, political and civic participation by lending its facilities to all applicants on a neutral basis.” —Julia Harumi Mass, ACLU Google Images

4 Rampage

November 28, 2007

Collective disagrees with regulations

Continued from page one Collective.

“Our main goal is to get certain regulations changed on the Fresno City College campus,” added Gresencia Cruz, press representative for the Fresno Speech

Collective.

According to the Fresno Speech Collective, the Academic Senate has been very supportive of their motion to de-regulate some of the policies currently present in the

on campus must take in order to have an organized function/event held on campus.

The handbook states, “Fresno City College is committed to supporting the community by providing activities, events, and services to support student success and involvement. However, the College has certain guidelines that must be followed so as not to disrupt any function of the college.”

According to the Fresno Speech Collective, there are four regulations that they disagree with and feel should be amended for Photo by Joseph Rios the benefit of all students at FCC: Handbook for Student OrganizaThe first regulation includes tions regarding free speech on the the practice of an approval stamp.

FCC campus.

The approval of the stamp is necesCurrently, the handbook sary in order to place a flier on a contains the procedures and all relkiosk around campus. evant steps an individual or group However, the approval stamp is not given by the College Activities Office if they feel the content of what will be posted is “deemed inappropriate”.

Secondly, leafleting is not allowed on the FCC campus.

The College Activities Office has stated that leafleting causes “litter” and therefore, is unacceptable.

However, the type of leafleting that is often allowed on campus has been inconsistent with this rule by letting particular groups and/or individuals pass out Bibles and not condoms on campus.

“The campus has always stated that condoms promote promiscuity, but when they allow groups/individuals to pass out bibles, it appears that they prefer to preach abstinence,” stated Sarah Reuter. “Leafleting is not a crime, but littering is, and if a student litters he becomes responsible for that action.”

Thirdly, in order to host an event, there is a 10-day wait for an approval that must be granted with three signatures.

The problem with this rule is that the time to gain approval is too long, and hence, approval is not always guaranteed. Thus, the rule inhibits certain groups to organize an event.

Lastly, Fresno City College has a designated area on campus where students are free to practice ‘free speech’; this area is located on the grassy area in front of Yoshino’s and the cafeteria.

However, the Fresno Speech Collective feels that there should not be a “designated” place for free speech; all areas within a campus should be open to free speech.

For this reason, the Free Speech Collective chose to hold their rally near the fountain, which is often rented out to businesses but closed to students who want to host independent events.

According to the Fresno Speech Collective, the four regulations they address place impediments on free speech by regulating

it to content, constricting it within specific time frames, and censoring it based on the beliefs and agendas of the College Activities Office and Administration.

“Last semester during an immigration day protest, some of the poetry hosted by students were censored because of the profane language” stated Gresencia Cruz.

On another instance, a club wanted to host an open-mic night, but they were denied because the Administration stated that they had no control over what would be spoken, thus it could not be censored” The Fresno Speech Collective stated that their efforts to get their regulations amended has been successful- but to a certain extent.

Students have the freedom of speech on the FCC campus, within reasonable limitations.

However, the administrative practices contradict the right of free speech by regulating it more than time, place, manner and physical safety of students.

The Fresno Speech Collective stated that their free speech protest was made aware to the Administration via e-mail. However, they did not fill out a facility request nor pay to reserve a spot for their protest in the fountain area (as restricted to students).

Their fear of being revoked for their recognition as a group on campus did make them nervous.

“The consequences for not going through the 10 day process shouldn’t cost us too much trouble. They (the Administration) threatened to shut us down or pull our recognition, but we are a collective group, not a recognized group on campus” Sarah Reuter stated.

The question remains whether a student on the Fresno City College campus has the right to speak- or not to speak?

Rather, the question appears to bring another question to mind: Is regulated speech, free speech- and to what extent?

Do school guidelines and policies infringe on free speech?

“We feel it is our obligation as concerned students and community members to challenge and amend these policies in order to uphold, practice and protect our freedom of expression; to demonstrate our grievances, and actively represent our commitment to free speech on campus, we want to raise awareness of this important issue to our fellow students and set a tradition in confidence in our ability to practice free speech” stated Gresencia Cruz in her opening speech at the protest.

In the midst of the student activists, student passer-by’s, curious onlookers, free t-shirts reading “claim your campus,” creative artwork, mellow music and plethora of pamphlets and brochures from topics as diverse as ‘anarchy, feminism, and birth control.

One extraordinary act of bravery didn’t go unnoticed at the protest: free condoms were handed out.

November 28, 2007

News

Rampage 5

Art Space Gallery Presents...

Unique blown glass from Bob Kliss is on display at the Art Space Gallery. Kliss runs one of the few glass blowing studios in the Fresno area.

Photo by Amber Donabedian

Bobtanical Gardens

1993, Kliszewski Glass, with help from his glass instructor at Fresno State, Larry Anderson.

It was in Anderson’s class that Kliss decided blowing glass was his calling.

“I just picked it up and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” said Kliss.

His work has since been featured in numerous glass exhibits. In 1994, one of his shard vessels won Best of Show for the entire Big Fresno Fair finearts show.

The collection is on display in the Art Space Gallery until December 7.

by Joseph Boone

Rampage Reporter Bob Kliss, a former Fresno City College student and local glass artist, has converted the F.C.C. Art Space Gallery into a jungle not of trees or shrubbery, but rather what Kliss likes to refer to as ‘Bobtanicals’.

The entire color spectrum decorates the gallery. Bob and Laurie Kliss, his wife and partner in glass blowing, wrote, “We consider ourselves colorists first and foremost, and are endlessly intrigued by the ability of glass to convey pure colors.”

Orfelina Valdovinos, a firstyear business and accounting major, enjoyed the glass art. “It’s beautiful, I love all the colors. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss,” she said.

Kliss’ vibrantly colored, hand-blown glass vases all bear some resemblance to a flower bulb.

Some are big, some little, some are not vases at all but teapots.

But regardless of the particular piece, a viewer can look upon any work and see leaves sprouting out from the base of a stem, all sitting atop a bulbous vessel.

It almost functions as a second signature, in conjunction with the dated signature Kliss brands each of his pieces with the second they are cool enough.

Kliss operates the only glass-blowing studio in the Fresno area with the exception of California State University, Fresno, where Kliss produced his first professional piece of blown glass.

“I just want to get the word out; let students know there’s a studio in town,” said Kliss.

Kliss opened the studio in

Art Space Gallery Hours

Tues: 10.-5 Wed/Thurs: 10-2 Friday: 10-2 Photo by Amber Donabedian

Rampage 6

News

Theatre Production: The Altruists

November 28, 2007

Satire depicts rebels with too many causes

by Joseph Boone

Rampage Reporter

Photo Special to the Rampage

Care to save the whales?

The Altruists sure do, and they’re quick to tell you how horrible you are if you do not. This holds true with just about all of the world’s causes, to the point where the Altruists have no idea what they believe in.

In Nicky Silver’s satire “The Altruists,” shamelessly hypocritical individuals jump from cause to cause reveling in the excitement of protesting without ever giving more than a moments thought to what the protest was for, all the while completely ignoring their own hypocrisy.

Director Janine Christl did a wonderful job of taking the three separate and hilariously dysfunctional groups and tying them into one gravely complicated situation.

She spoke of long rehearsals but was pleased with the outcome.

“It’s like putting music together,” she said.

As the story evolves, the characters discard morals and principles as readily as a person bad with a typewriter throws out paper. “It points out that people don’t live up to their own expectations,” said Christl, “I think it’s very clever.”

Leshawn Holcomb, a Theatre major playing the role of Ethan the sex machine, described the play as “the closest thing to ‘Rent’ in a long time.” “Rent” was the 1996 musical, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical among others.

Holcomb is spending his last year at Fresno City College and is glad to be a part of this particular performance, his fifth one here. “It’s very very very funny,” he said, “a lot of sex…smoking…and more sex.”

But though the performance is very comedic and playful, it has a serious side that Holcomb has come to appreciate.

“It just shows what a person will do when they get in trouble,” he said.

His character of Ethan shares a similarity with the rest of the characters in that he is completely absorbed in the now. At times, he almost seems to suffer from a severe case of short term memory loss, but this is not the case. The Altruists simply can not dwell on one idea for more than a moment.

This is made evident in a scene where Ethan finds that Sydney, his girlfriend…wait…roommate (he isn’t looking to commit

to a relationship), tried to kill him; he is minimally surprised and even more minimally disappointed/angry. The pseudo-couple make amends within a few moments.

The issue is officially closed some three minutes later when Ethan asks (what is likely a very common request from him), “Can I borrow your car?”

Another great example of the play’s rocky relationships is a scene between Lance, a naively positive homo-sexual social worker, and his male prostitute. After a few silent moments of ‘connection,’ Lance says, “I believe I love you,” to which the prostitute responds, “Wow…no shit…” and something to the effect of, “But you still haven’t paid me for last night.”

After a smile, nod, and quick signing of a check, the relationship was normalized as if nothing had ever happened.

Want to see the show?

Where: Studio Theatre 105 When: Nov 30 - Dec 8.

Cost: General $12.00 or $10.00 for students and seniors.

For more information Call (559) 442-8221.

7 Rampage

Entertainment

November 28, 2007

‘Lions For Lambs’ a thought provoking thriller

by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter

“Lions for Lambs”, is Robert Redford’s first film as a director in seven years; it’s his most overtly political drama, an intelligent, at times provocative, it’s political agenda is loud and clear.

“Lions” is headed by Redford, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise in his most powerful performance to date.

Screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan Carnahan’s saga story takes place on three tense and emotional fronts, each with considerable personal stakes.

Republican Senator Jasper Irving (Cruise) is about to give a sensational story about his new war strategy in Afghanistan to probing TV journalist Janine Roth (Streep).

Streep and Cruise’s scenes together steal the show.

Their conversation is smart and alert; they challenge each others back bone and stance on how the war on terrorism is being handled.

We witness how the two pros engage in a fierce game of wit and evasion.

Confined to a single set, and only interrupted by several calls, which allows Roth to ex-

Photo Provided by google.com

amine documents and photos in Irving’s office, the scene plays like a stage scene.

Cut to a West Coast University, a once idealistic sixty something professor, Dr. Malley (Robert Redford) confronts a privileged but laid back student (Andrew Garfield) in need of fire

and in danger of never fulfilling his potential without his encouragement. Disappointed with his own publishing career and emotionally burnt of teaching, Malley puts all his cards on the table in advocating direct political engagement.

There’s a personal note

here, and we get the impression that the student reminds Malley of his own youthful and idealistic days.

Meanwhile, in the heat of battle in Afghanistan, two of Dr. Malley’s former students, Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Peña), lay bare the debates and

arguments of their mentors and politicians, fighting for their sheer survival. It’s significant, I think, that the two soldiers are a Latino and a black man, pretty much reflecting the demographics of the military.

“Lambs” voices different point of views; ultimately, it comes across as anti-Bush platform and would have been much more effective had it been made two or three years ago.

The film is effective, emotionally charged and thought provoking.

The film could be used as an effective educational tool in high-schools and colleges to ignite debate about the state of the union, how American politicians, professors, journalists, and ordinary people have dropped their political engagement and sunk into cynicism and apathy, thus neglecting their basic duties and responsibilities as citizens in a young democratic society based on freedom of speech and organization.

“Lambs” may come off as dull and preachy, but in a day and age where movies are meant to entertain there comes a film that provokes a passionate conversation on the war on terrorism.

THA – SF

From game screen to silver screen, Hitman’s a hit

by Pedro Quintana Rampage Reporter

Hitman is one of the most anticipated movies out right now with number four seat right now.

It is sure to climb up and steal the number one slot.

There is so much action in this movie, that it just jumps right into action. With Agent 47 played by Timothy Olyphant, he was raised in a camp were they taught him how to be a great assassin, they only gave all the boys numbers, when they graduated and ready to kill they would go and work for the top assassin business.

Agent 47 is a top genetically-engineered, elite assassin, he is great at what he does. He is

ordered to Kill the Russian President, Agent 47 thinks he killed the Russian president but only find out that he killed a look a like Russian President.

Agent 47 is set up, by the Russian president, the president orders other assassins to kill agent 47.

Agent 47 finds out that he was set up and other assassins are out their to kill him. He takes the girlfriend of the Russian President, keeps her hostage.

Until he finds out that assassins are looking for her to murder her. Agent 47 now has to protect her and himself. He takes out every one that is after him. One by one he kills them; He then Kills the Russian President that ordered him to be murdered.

This is movie is a thrill ride it keeps you on your feet.

Great action, it is really worth every penny.

You will walk out of the theaters wanting to see it again. It has not gotten great reviews. But review the movie yourself, be your own judge and go see Hitman.

It is rated R, for nudity, and For MAJOR VIOLENCE!!!

This movie has some James Bond Action, and also hints of the Bourn Identity, with all of the killing, spying and guns.

With mind blowing action.

Timothy Olyphant steps up to the plate, he shows that he can play with guns too. The movie is directed by Xavier Gens, and produced

by Vin Dieseal. Go check out this movie you will not regret it.

Publication

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WEDNESDAY 11.28

SWEENEY TODD IS COMING! Win a pass to a special screening of SWEENEY TODD

THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET

in Fresno on Tuesday, December 18th!

For a chance to receive a pass (good for two), mail the following trivia answer on a 3x5 card along with your name & address and a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope.

Q: On how many movies have Johnny Depp and Tim Burton worked together (including SWEENEY TODD)?

Send entries to: SWEENEY TODD/ The Rampage One Post Street Suite 2400 San Francisco, CA 94104 This film is rated R for graphic bloody viiolence. THEATRE IS OVERBOOKED TO ENSURE A FULL HOUSE. Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee admission and must be surrendered upon demand. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. 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. Paramount Pictures, The 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. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors their employees and family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS! TICKETS RECEIVED THROUGH THIS PROMOTION ARE NOT FOR RESALE.

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Entertainment 9 ‘American Gangster’: Bringin’ it back old school November 28, 2007

Rampage

only just kill the fun of going through all the great

by Deshad Cato lines Jay delivers.

The only thing Rampage Reporter that irked me was the Inspiration, it’s the interjection of current driving force behind evworld events into the mix. erything thing. Whether it Maybe I’m being to be from money, and icon, picky, ok I am, but this or in this case a movie. For was supposed to be conJay-Z inspiration came in the cept album. form of the film “American As much as I loved Gangster”. to her Jay speak on some The tale of Frank Luof the top stories of today, cas, the infamous drug dealer and he makes some good who pretty much ran Harlem points too, it did make in the early 60’s and 70’s and me aware that he kind of made upwards of about 250 broke off from the original million dollars. plan of the album.

The story goes that Nonetheless, it after viewing the film he doesn’t affect the high became so inspired that he quality of the album. wanted to create a concept Photo Provided by google.com Its kind of good to know album built around the story Denzel Washington’s recent role inspired Jay-Z to adopt what became the title of his new album, “American Gangster.” that Jay-Z can still make a in the movie along with his And how lucky we are that he did. Jay-Z offerings it might take a few tion duo The Hitmen to recreate banger of an album. own personal experiences, mainly Rebounding off the critically mixed listens to capture and understand some of the old Bad Boy magic.

After “Kingdom Come” stemming from is childhood and “Kingdom Come” Jay-Z presents every line. came out a lot of people wondered Just Blaze, The Neptunes, teen years.

“American Gangster” his first What helps this Album so No I.D, Dj Toomp and Jermaine whether or not Jay still had the will “When I saw the movie, the concept album to date. Its apparent much, alongside with Jay’s lyric Dupree help round out the list of to keep going. way Denzel portrayed the char- from the first go round that Jay-Z mastery is the production. “Ameri- producers that make this album He’s got more money than acter, you know, we never seen a puts his experiences as a youth in can Gangster” feels like and old worth listening too. any other lyricist in the game, Black guy ascend this high in a Brooklyn to good use. school album deeply rooted in the Alongside the brilliant pro- somewhere are 550 million dolmovie before, to being over the Acting as a tour guide soulful songs that it emulates. duction is Jay Z himself, who dis- lars, and 3rd only to The Beatles mob. So immediately that struck through the life of a gangster Jay Samples from Marvin Gaye plays the lyrics and flow that helped and Elvis in number one albums. with me. weaves through lines effortlessly, and Al Green help add to aurora put him on top of the Hip Hop “American Gangster” proves to L i k e t h e s u c c e s s o f coming off as the experienced created. P Diddy, or what ever you world. There are too many lines the world that inspiration works i t a l l . I t o o k t h a t e m o t i o n lyricist that he is. It’s not as easy call him these days, joins up once from me to pick from to give as for everyone, regardless of fame and pulled it into my songs.” as you think though, like many again with the legendary produc- examples, and honestly that would or fortune.

Views

October 10, 2007

10

Religion and what it means to me

November 28, 2007

Faith In Me, Not Religion

Faith I Never Walk Alone

By Jeannie Batey

By Leah Edwards Religion is the most primal and personal form of expression a person can experience. It can bring peace, love and purpose to your life. And, the hope and faith that you receive from a higher power of your own understanding can get you through the most difficult of times.

I have spent most of my life trying to understand why the world is the way it is. Wars, drugs, crime, and discrimination seem to drown the beauty of the world. But, I believe the ugliness has a lot with people’s attitudes.

It seems to me that far too many people don’t care about other people. The world is full of evil, and religion is twisted by a sick few to excuse their own selfish desires. They kill in the name of religion, they discriminate in the name of religion, and they think they are somehow better than other people because they go to church? This is not what religion is supposed to be about.

Church does not absolve you of sin.

To me religion is about the search for inner peace. I view God and the Devil as the ultimate battle of good versus evil.

And based on these beliefs, I strive to live my life so that it reflects the best of me. I try to be unselfish (though I don’t always succeed), I try to treat others with kindness, and I truly believe that at the end of this long hard struggle called life that there will be a place in Heaven waiting for me.

Now, I’ll be honest that wasn’t always the case. There was a time when I thought religion was a waste of time. I thought it was all a lie. After all, why did bad things happen to good people?

I rebelled against everything that my parents taught me, but deep down it was still there. I just had to search for my own understanding. I needed time to mature and see the world without faith. It used to drive me crazy when my mother said she was praying for me, but deep down I was glad she did.

I discovered through my own personal journey that religion isn’t about what your parents believe, or what other people believe, it’s about what is meaningful to you.

When the hardest times of my life rolled around and I found myself at my darkest hour, I knew there had to be more. People

live and people die, and it is what they do in between that really matters. We are all a part of each other.

Ultimately, the basic belief in almost every religion is that of living your life the best way possible. Love your neighbor as yourself, do not kill, honor your parents, tell the truth, give to those less fortunate, and generally be a good person. So, what’s wrong with that? There is nothing wrong as far as I can see.

In my experience, people who judge others will eventually be judged themselves.

You can’t spend your life trying to convert everyone to your way of thinking. They will only resist. And, you should never discount their faith just because you’ve never experienced it. True faith cannot be forced; it is felt from deep within the soul.

I don’t understand the why’s and where fore’s of everything in life but each day I make a decision to believe in myself and to believe in a power greater than myself. I believe this power helps guide me further ahead, and to make the right choices in life. You might call it your conscience, but I call it God. I know God is always beside me, and I am never truly alone.

I believe individuals must search for their own belief through self-discovery. As for me, I think of the saying, “I’d rather believe and die to discover there was no God, than to die disbelieving only to find out that there was.”

over my life.

I don’t base every decision in my life on a book, or the writings of another.

Because that’s what The Bible really is, a storybook based on another person’s beliefs.

To have a thing like religion separate nations and cause torment and heartache is pathetic. For a community to join up every Friday and preach the word and discuss their God is one thing, but to judge and mistreat people that don’t believe in what you do is wrong.

Religion to me is what you make it. Does that mean I’m going to hell?

Well, based on the “Be good little kiddies, believe in Jesus Christ, and you’ll go to heaven” bedtime story you preach to your kids then maybe.

What’s wrong with believing in oneself? Surely a human being can be able to at least function without an act of God. People need to learn to have faith in themselves before anything else. Having faith or holding on to this crutch that “God will make everything ok if I pray about it” should be considered a wrong way to look at life.

You make things happen. The atmosphere and the things around you are created by you alone. There are not the work of some all powerful being. You control you.

So, I highly recommend you start writing a Bible about your own life.

There are hundreds of long established religions in this world. All with different rituals, chants, and deities to do and worship.

Some religions require their followers to “strive in the way of God” by completing The Five Pillars of Faith.

While other religions only require you to show up once a week and sing.

Some religions can prosper together and link a community, while still others rip nations apart.

Everyone has a different view on religion. They also have a different view on faith. I would like to share mine.

When I was a little girl I remember having to wear a big poofy pink dress and have my bangs curled in a way I absolutely hated. I would be dragged into church faithfully every Sunday and dreaded every moment of it. I hated sitting in Sunday school classes, hated never being able to get the bible names right or answer the questions correctly.

Being the child I was, I didn’t understand why I was going to church.

Why was my mother taking me to see all these strange people and why were they singing?

Sure, I listened in and tried to understand. I participated in the plays and activities that the Sunday school teacher had me in. But as a child, I just didn’t get it.

I always found it strange to see people giving complete credit to some “All knowing being,” when really they overcame an obstacle on their own. They avoid a red light and they say “Thank you Jesus!” when in reality it was just a light.

So what is faith? When some people hear that the first thing their brain turns to is religion.

To me faith is a form of trust. Like “I have faith that Timmy Turner will pay me back the hundred bucks he owes me.”

How does faith affect my religion?

Truth is my family and music is my religion. I believe there might be some higher being that created this world and made it the way that it is.

But, I don’t believe in having so much faith or trust in something or someone else that I let it have complete control “Continued left”

a beautiful frame. You give the gift of special memories you have shared.

When it comes to gift giving, it’s all about the quality not the quantity. A quality gift shows the person that you care enough to make an effort.

A quality gift doesn’t have to break the bank, but it is better to give one thoughtful gift than a bunch of ‘future yard sale’ presents.

Don’t be a cheap-skate.

Sometimes, it is worth spending a little extra on someone special. Remember, you don’t have to buy something for everyone.

And, please avoid those cheese and summer sausage baskets.

There is nothing worse than those impersonal cheap pre-made basket type gifts.

If you want to make an impact personalize your gift. It takes a little bit more time, and sometimes a few extra dollars but a small gift can become huge when it’s personalized.

It shows the person that you care enough to make the extra effort.

To see your initials or name on an item can make anyone feel special. Something small like a keychain or bracelet can make great gift ideas. Or perhaps you want to go a bit larger, like a briefcase for the doctor, lawyer, or teacher in your family.

Another great idea is givng engraved hand or beach towels. These are easy and affordable gifts.

The best way to find the perfect gift is to know the person’s hobbies, interests, and

passions. When you know what they like to do, gift giving is made much easier.

For family and friends that enjoy going to the movies, you can fill a popcorn bowl with movie goodies (the dollar store can really help save a few bucks on these movie minis) Then, throw in a movie pass or rental card at their favorite blockbuster. It’s simple, fun and fairly inexpensive. I smell the perfect gift.

The most important thing to remember is that it truely is the thought the counts. You don’t have to go into debt. You don’t have to jump through hoops. You just need to be creative and make a geniune effort.

If you give from the heart, then your Christmas holidays will be much more fun and much less stressful.

www.halexandria.org/images/why-religion.jpg

Guide to Gift Giving This Holiday Season

by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter

It’s almost that time of the year.

Christmas is just around the corner and in case you missed “Black Friday,” here is some suggestions to help your gift giving experience to be a little less stressful. You can trust me, I’m a struggling college student and I know how to be frugal.

According to shareyourgiftideas.com, the best gift is the personal gift. Gift cards may be an easy choice, but it wouldn’t be as personal as something that you took the time and thought to get.

So, what is a more personal gift? Get a picture of yourself and that person and put it in

Views

November 28, 2007

What are you doing this holiday season?

Campus Voices

Lautrice Kingsby Business Major “Nothing. Trying to get a job.”

Nauhi Lopez Business Major “Spending time with family”

Roseanna Velasquez Social Work Major “Get together with family and see Santa at midnight..”

Heather Toledo Nursing Major “Going to Hawaii.”

William Taito Undecided Major “Chill with the family, and kill it with the boys.”

Matthew Juarez PsychologyMajor

Photos by Jeannie Batey

“Spending time with family.”

Brandy Shultz Business Management “Go to my uncle’s house in Morgan hill.”

Chelsea Bogdan Undecided Major

“My roommate and I are having our first Christmas tree and I get to see my brother.”

Rampage 11

Views

12 Rampage

November 28, 2007

Politicians lack courage to solve enery crisis

by Marcell Dilworth Rampage Reporter

America is on the verge of paying $4.00 or more per gallon for gas. The price per barrel of oil has skyrocketed, and no one knows when the prices will stop their upward spiral.

This is great news for the investor who owns stock in oil commodities. But, for the average American, this not only means that we are going to be paying more for gas, but the the affects of this increase will trickle down to everything we purchase.

Most of the products we buy everyday find their way to the grocery store shelves via plane, train or automobiles (trucks). It stands to reason that if it costs more to transport our goods to the shelf, it will definitely cost the consumers more for these products.

Fresno City College Business professor and Phd in Finance, Marianne Dunklin talked about how the increasing demand for oil in India and China has affected America’s economy and is now forcing the politicians in Washington to make tougher decisions. “I think the two political parties need to work together, I think we all need to work together,” said Dunklin, about solving the problem of higher gas costs.

Many of our political leaders are split on how to solve the issue surrounding our dependency on foreign oil. The Bush administration believes that we should be tapping into our emergency oil revenues by drilling in places like Anwr, Alaska and along California and Florida’s beach fronts.

Their theory is if we increase the oil supply in the homeland, then eventually the price per barrel of oil will go down.

The leaders of the Democratic Party believe that we should be looking for alterative ways to wean America off our thirst for foreign oil. They have been working diligently to thwart every attempt by the Bush administration to accomplish it’s goals.

As the debate between the two parties loom, the price of gas has surpassed record levels. Back in November of 2000, the price of gas in Fresno was around $1.19 per gallon and now the price is soaring past $3.00 on its way up and beyond to $4.00 a gallon.

We need to start looking into the new technologies that will help the average American save more money at the pump. One of those happens to be the hybrid car.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency (EPA), “Hydraulic hybrid technology (hybrid) uses a hydraulic energy storage and propulsion system in the vehicle. This hydraulic system captures and stores a large fraction of the energy normally wasted in vehicle braking and uses this energy to help propel the vehicle during the next ve-

hicle acceleration. The hydraulic system also enables the engine to operate more efficiently when it is needed.”

What the hybrid car does is switch from hydraulic power to the engine power depending on where the car is located. For example, if a hybrid is at a red stoplight, the car will not be using its gas because it automatically switches over from the gas powered engine to its hydraulic components, then when the light turns green and the car accelerates to a certain speed limit, the car switches back to the gas operated engine.

that hybrid cars used one particular source of power.” said Keith Turner, a senior business management student who went on to say, “When the gas ran out, you switch over to the electric, and once the electric runs out a person would have to plug into the wall to recharge.”

In the past, many conservative leaders in the mainstream media have been trying their best to convince the American people to shy away from showing any interest in the more environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles.

On the San Jose Mercury News blog one woman called out Rush Limbaugh for what

When the hybrid car is accelerating uphill, it will be using gas to pull it up the higher grade and when it is heading downhill, the hybrid will switch over to its hydraulic components thus saving the owner gas.

This is how the EPA defines the process.

“Hydraulic hybrids draw from two sources of power to operate the vehicle - the diesel or gasoline engine and the hydraulic components.

In other words, a typical diesel-powered or gasoline powered vehicle can be fitted with hydraulic components as a secondary energy storage system. The primary hydraulic components are two hydraulic accumulator vessels (a high-pressure accumulator capable of storing hydraulic fluid compressing inert nitrogen gas and a low-pressure accumulator) and one or more hydraulic pump/motor units.”

According to www.fueleconomy.gov, the Honda Civic hybrids get 51 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway and 49 MPG when combining street and highway.

People are just now discovering all the new fuel efficient options to consider if the price of gas keeps skyrocketing. “I always thought

she said was an out and out lie, “Limbaugh was talking about a story in today’s newspaper about Honda dropping its hybrid Accord model, which hasn’t been selling well. The glad handed passer of prevarication told his audiences that the drop in Accord sales proved his contention that people don’t believe that hybrids are any better than other cars. He saluted his “smart” listeners for not buying into the hype about fuel economy, gas mileage etc,” she continued, “When the so-called liberal media is gone, are Rush Limbaugh’s lies all that will be left? Well, if you read the Mercury News version, you know that sales of hybrids are rising. But sales of the Accord were down, because at only 30 miles per gallon, its V-6 wasn’t giving the dramatic savings of more popular four-cylinder engines.”

“Never place a period where God has placed a comma.”

- Grace Allen

God is still speaking.

Contemporary Worship 11:00 AM

Traditional Worship 9:30 AM

College Community Congregational Church

United Church of Christ www.collegeccc.org 5550 N. Fresno St. (559) 435-2690 Rev. Dave Schlicher

An open and inclusive family of faith.

CollegeAgeGroup (C4) www.myspace.com/cccc4U

Join us every Sunday morning.

INGLIS.HOUSE.GOV/IMAGES/ISSUES/GASOLINE3.JPG

Why is it that so many well known conservatives in the mainstream media get bent out of shape when the subject of finding different sources of energy come up? You don’t have to look any further than the major contributors to the Republican Party for the answer to that question.

A report put out by The Center of Responsive Politics reveals a long term contribution by the oil and gas industries to the both political parties, but between the election cycles of 2000 to 2006, the oil and gas industries had contributed at least 80% of it’s over 104 million dollars to the Republican Party. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the answer to that question. (Please go to the Fresno City Rampage web site to see additional statistics) “The two parties represent us, so what we decide as individuals and what we communicate as individuals will drive their decision making because we are the ones that vote,” said Dunklin, “ When the voters decide that they want action, and they let it be known what action they want, then our elected leaders will follow that action because they want to be elected.”

While Dunklin may be right, I believe we can only accomplish this goal by pointing out the root of the problem. Politicians in Washington DC won’t work together.

In the 1990’s, many white Americans and conservative leaning minorities were convinced to stop relying on civil rights leaders. The conservative media types labeled the leaders of the civil rights movement and the people they called limousine liberals as “poverty pimps” and “ambulance chasers” who were using the black community to line their own pockets.

Now, I say these same conservative leaders have fallen prey to their own rhetoric.

And since 2000, they have been raking in the dough by doing what they claimed they despised most. They are guilty of the same behavior they once accused of the civil rights and environmental community.

Whether it’s the scheme called, “The War on Terrorism”, that has many of us convinced to support waging wars in every country that is not harboring Osama Bin Laden; or the issues surrounding gas saving automobiles, we the people have to stop allowing the new ‘pimps’ in the mainstream media from using our cultural differences to undermine our national security, and keep us from advances in fuel economy for the benefit of a few.

Rampage 13

Diversity

November 28, 2007

Holiday

Students talk about the holiday celebrations in their homes

by Ivette Lopez Rampage Reporter

Counter-

Clockwise from top: Nellie

Pelloian, Hugo Martinez, Katelyn Oliver, and Rapinder Gill Photos by Ivette Lopez

Whether you call it Christmas, Navidad, Kwanzaa, or maybe even Hanukah, most people celebrate some unique holiday during this festive season. Around the globe, different people celebrate different types of celebrations.

Although some may be far from their homeland, people do not lose their traditions that they picked up from original customs. Students at Fresno City College are no exception, as they too enjoy their special festivities around this time of the month.

First year student Nellie Peloian has not lost touch from her Armenian roots as her family and friends celebrate their own rendition of an Armenian Christmas each year.

Celebrated January 6th, this Armenian holiday calls for a church program which then leads to a large family feast.

Foods such as lamb shanks and pilaf are common, but the traditional Armenian food is what truly tops off this holiday.

Plates such as cheeseborag, which consists of cheese and bread, paklava, a sweet desert made with thin dough and nuts, and appetizers such as yalanchi, which are grape leaves enclosing rice in the middle, are all Armenian delicacies that are eaten during the Armenian Christmas.

According to Peloian, she plans to keep this tradition going with her family because it is “delicious and fun.”

Other students celebrate more known holidays such as Navidad, the Mexican celebration of Christmas. Hugo Martinez is no stranger to this holiday; his family is accustomed to the traditional “posadas” or traditional parties which include food, dancing, piñatas, as well as the placement of baby Jesus on the nativity.

Martinez enjoys feasting on “tama-

les” which are corn husks filled with dough and meat, and “ponche” a traditional drink which is enjoyed during the festivities.

Although Martinez and his family currently live in the United States, he does hope to keep the spirit of Navidad alive as it has been a family tradition for generations.

Starting anew in another country could be a hazard to original doings, but students do keep their holidays alive in modern day America.

Rapinder Gill, a student here at Fresno City, recently moved to the U.S. from India. Although they are thousands of miles away from their homeland, Gill and his family celebrate the “birthday of God” each 24th of November.

Because Gill is a Punjabi Indian, he and his family visit church, enjoy fireworks and enjoy a family dinner on their Christmas day. To the Sikh, the religion to which Gill belongs to, God is known as “Nanak” and on this day they worship and pay their respects by gathering together and show their devotion to God. They are not allowed to eat meat on this day, but they still enjoy feasts amongst family and friends. Gill comments that he too will keep this tradition going with his own family as it is important to him to remember the day that his God was born.

Having a unique Christmas is somewhat special, but for students such as Katelyn Oliver, Christmas is the traditional American holiday, filled with eggnog and mistletoe.

Throughout the day, Oliver and her family feast on turkey, ham and other dishes while her grandmother bakes a fresh batch of her chocolate chip cookies. They finish the night off by sipping on coffee and talking until the wee hours of the night.

14 Rampage

Sports

Girls tackle preseason tourney

Novembe 28, 2007

Around The

Horns

by Audrea Avalos Rampage Reporter By the end of the first half the Lady Ram’s basketball game they had already gained almost a 20 point lead. The score at the end of the half was 46-27. With a score like this that continued through the beginning of the second half, Coach Tessler was able to rest his started and let some other girl’s on the court. The first half the girls did a great job gaining this lead, and now other players had the opportunity to help keep it. Starters were in and out of the game the Fresno took on Ohlone Col- looked the best in those last few second half to help keep the game

by Audrea Avalos lege for the championship trophy. seconds than it had throughout the at a steady pace. All the girls did Rampage Reporter Both of these teams had won two tournament. a good job working together to not The final seconds were lose the lead.

A win Thursday night put previous games that brought them winding down, and the last shot by a championship in sight for the to this final.

The second half was similar Ohlone was a forced three pointer to the first, because the girls conIt was going to be a battle FCC boy’s basketball team. But in order to get to that game they until the end. Unfortunately to tie the game, and it just would tinued to add up the points. A few had to put up a good fight against Fresno City was playing Ohlone’s not fall. The final score was 76- turnovers due to traveling calls did San Francisco who had also won game during the first half. It was a 73, and the FCC Rams were the allow Solano to score a few basgood half, but ultimately the score champions. their first game. kets, but other than those small-but The FCC boys pulled potentially critical-mistakes FCC’s Both teams came out Friday proved that Onholne was playing through three hard games to win defense was able to stop Solano ready to play. And they did just just a little bit better. the trophy, and they definitely from scoring. The whole team A while into the second that, both teams were playing their deserved it. half the game was beginning to best game in hopes of making it to had a good attitude and played a It is the beginning of the good game. The girls that were change.

FCC began to play a little the final game.

After a well played first harder and want it more than their season and it has already gotten watching the game rooted on those off to a great start. The full court who were playing, and that is what half, the game was still close. The opponent. press dominates over every team, a team is all about.

FCC’s strong press defense boys continued to put up a fight and forces many turnovers. Coach was forcing turnovers all night. throughout the second half.

The final score was 88-59 Madec subs quit often which al- Fresno City. The girls are well This game was by far as intense as It came down to the final seconds of the game. With 6.9 any of the games they had played lows his players to stay fresh and off to a great season, this is not not tire themselves out. seconds on the clock and Fresno this tournament. the first game that they have won The team plays everywhere, by that many points. Two other With a little over a minute up by 2 points, Coach Madec calls a time out. The time out that remaining in the game the score meaning that they have great games have been won by at least Madec calls freezes San Francisco was tied at 71-71. For the rest shooters, and they play a good 30 points. This game brings the of the game the boys kept up the post game also. The boys that girls record to a perfect 7-0 overall. in action.

Now was that strategy or intensity and both the offense and play down low are making shots Coach Tessler, who is a new coach coincidence? Now with only a defense were dominating for the and getting rebounds. They seem at FCC, definitely has a great team to play very disciplined. couple seconds left on the clock last seconds of the game. on his hands. The girls work well They play with heart and together and know how to make The lead that FCC gained San Francisco is running short on time. The next sound is the forced Ohlone to foul to stop the very smart, and that is what it takes good things happen on the court. crowd and the clock, time is up. clock. Unfortunately for Ohlone to be successful. It looks like it With a group of very talented girls is going to be a season of great and a great new coach the team has were fouling all the wrong The game is over and gains they HH225ME/Fresno St FCC LTC Rampage 3/5/07 2:16 PM Page 1 Ken Bickel Brown Disk 74.5:HH225ME/F college basketball. players.

The free throw shooting its very well earned win. a lot to look forward to.

Madec starts his boys off right

Find out more about Army ROTC's Summer Leader's Training Course.

Contact MAJ Barry Whyte at 559-278-5460 or email at bwhyte@csufresno.edu or stop by RM 211 upstairs in the North Gym.

Men’s Basketball Nov 29-Dec 1 Monterey Peninsula College Tournament, Monterey Dec 5-9 Modesto Junior College Tournament, Modesto Dec 14-16 San Joaquin Delta College Tournament, Stockton

Wrestling Dec 1 North Regional, Rocklin-All Day Dec 7-8 State Championships, Fresno-All Day

Women’s Soccer Dec 1 3rd Round Northern California Playoff v. American River Fresno-2:00 pm

News

November 28, 2007

Complaints go unheard Continued from page16 Many students feel that they are completely taken out of the decision-making process when their education is being jeopardized by the absence of professors they feel are instrumental to their success in the Idile program.

In the Idile student’s eyes, the neglect of the program to cater to their needs and considerations has caused a whirlwind of feelings and emotions that have been unable to be articulated for lack of opportunity.

The students feel that the objective of Idile is intended to promote “family” as the mission statement of the program details. However, because the students’ voices are not being heard, they have taken alternative initiatives to communicate their grievances.

The students recently discovered that one of their counselors (who has chosen to remain anonymous for this publication) will no longer be a part of the Idile program next semester. When the students became aware of this and attempted to seek out answers, they were silenced.

As a result of this, Idile students have formulated their own conjectures to the problems they are facing.

A few weeks ago they decided to boycott their classes from a presumed instructor they felt was responsible for the re-

lease of another counselor in the Idile program whom they felt had helped them tremendously thus far in their academic career.

Homer Green, an Educational Advisor on the Fresno City College campus became aware of the situation and stated that Idile students should not boycott their classes because “it doesn’t mean anything. The focus is to get A’s and B’s in their classes and not get caught up in the politics.”

However, it is the politics surrounding the program that have resulted in the drastic measures the students have taken to express their frustrations.

“There is a lack of communication with the program as far as to what is going on” stated Ashley Williams, a student of the Idile Program. Moreover, when decisions are made, students are not “even polled for an opinion or for a voice to be heard. The only voice that matters is the instructors’ voices” added Rodney Bailey, another Idile student.

“Students have to be specific in what they want” stated Homer Green, “but the students are the focus of the program, as is their well-being; they should not suffer. If a conflict arises, which was clearly present here, there should have been some sort of intervention.”

“Not going to class is not a stratagem I would take” added Robert Fox, Dean of Students at Fresno City College.

Dr. Brown, an English in-

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structor for the program has stated that “students who feel they have concerns or are facing problems with faculty should address that faculty person directly by speaking to them. The key is to continue trying” she said.

Some Idile students mentioned that when a few professors learned that they were upset about the counselor that wouldn’t be a part of the program next semester, Dr. Ned Doffoney, President of FCC stated that he was unaware of the entire situation, but according to his knowledge, “nobody had the authority to remove the counselor.”

The counselor who was allegedly removed from the program stated that she “feels like she has cheated the (Idile) students out of what was promised to them when they were recruited because when she recruited the students, she informed them that she would be their instructor for the fall and spring semester”. She added, “I always tell the students that the one thing no one can take from them is their educations, so take full advantage of that while they are young.”

Idile students are making attempts to remedy their situation by taking initiatives to speak to their mentors, counselors and professors about their feelings toward the program and the lack of communication.

As Brandon Godbolt, an Idile student stated, “I know that there is support out there for the program, but I believe com-

Rampage 15

Honoring

Veterans

Photos by Joseph Rios

Fresno City College celebrated Veteran Day on Nov 9, recognizing men and women who served in the different branches of the armed forces. Above: Marine Corps veteran salutes the flag. Below: Dr. Ned Doffoney presents Cpt. James Makofske with the Citizen Soldier Award.

News

November 28, 2007

16

Students, Faculty unite to

Spread Holiday Cheer

by Ivette Lopez Rampage Reporter

5

Top

Ally Norgard studies outside Teazer’s in Tower.

Photo by Blake Gollmer

Places to Study For Finals

The holiday season is filled with outlandish gifts, large family dinners, and a multitude of good memories.

To some people, however, the material things do not come as easily as do to others, which is why Fresno City College came together to form Holiday gift baskets to those who are less fortunate here on campus.

Organized by Maile Glover, this FCC tradition has been going on for a couple of years now with the help of faculty as well as students.

A faculty member from each division of the school represents their section; from there they

divide the items that need to be put into the baskets and put a section in charge each of these items.

This year for example, the health science department was in charge of toothbrushes, and these individuals were able to get such donations to the 350 baskets made this year.

Other items that are included in the holiday baskets are $30 gift card to Save Mart, canned food, a box of mashed potatoes, stuffing, fresh fruit, candy canes, apple cider, olives, cranberries and many more items vital for the holiday season.

With the help of donations from faculty, students, and the community, the committee has raised a total of about $12,000 this year for this very noble cause.

Any money left over from these holiday baskets is then put into a fund for the next year, giving the future committee a head start on their project.

After the assembling is done with the help of the Associated Student Government here on campus on Dec 3-4, the distribution of these goes on during Dec 6 and 7.

The recipients of these gifts are nominated by faculty and staff and must be enrolled in at least two classes in order to receive their compensation.

With the help of the various individuals who make this event happen, the holiday season brings a ray of hope to those students that are less fortunate here at Fresno City College.

By Adrine Avanesyan

E

Rampage Reporter

verywhere you go there seems to be students with their faces buried in books. Students, coffee shops, and laptops have become a typical combination.

Take it from someone who knows, studying at home is sometimes impossible. There are many distrac-

tions like television, husbands, wives, children, noisy neighbors and a lack of concentration.

For those of you who are stressing about finals and wondering where you can go to get your study on, here are a couple of good locations.

1. Barnes & Noble

3. Starbucks

This is a great place to study because of its friendly atmosphere, great java and a nice variety of music. There are students who study at Barnes & Noble every day thus, the staff is student friendly. If you ever get tired and need a break from studying you can read some magazines, read a nice book, or go check out some music. The little cafe also offers some delicious baked goods and sandwiches and do not even get me started on their vanilla latte.

2. FCC Library

For those of you who have a very short attention span and get distracted by every little noise, the FCC library is a great place to study. With absolutely no talking allowed, studying is the only thing you can do. There are thousands of books at your disposal and access to computers is not a problem. The helpful library staff is also available to help you with anything that you need.

The only problem with studying at the FCC library is that it sometimes gets too quiet. If you are really tired and deprived of sleep, this would probably not be a good place to study.

Studying at Starbucks has become a trend for students.

There is just something about Starbuck’s coffee that leaves you wanting more. Starbucks offers a quiet environment for students.

4. Behind Yoshino’s This is a convenient place to study for students who do not want to leave the campus or spend money. It is usually quiet and there are a lot of places to sit. The good news is: if you get hungry, Yoshinos is a step away. If you get tired of sitting in the same place you can always walk to another location on campus. And if you don’t like the food in Yoshino’s (I don’t) then the cafeteria is only a short walk away.

5. Teazer’s For all you tea lovers, this is the place to study. Teazers offers a friendly staff, quiet place to study, and a soothing cup of tea. Let’s face it, The Tower District is the closest thing we Fresnans have to the coffeehouse scholar scene. At Teazer’s and the nearby Review, studiers get a chance to soak up study guides in the heart of Fresno’s art capital.

Idile students do research in one of the computer labs near the library.

Internal Conflicts Make For

Photo by Joseph Rios

Unhappy Students

Idile students feel left out when it comes to decisions regarding their ‘family’

by Cynthia Moreno Rampage Reporter

The Idile program has been a pillar of succes on the Fresno City College campus for many years. Its objective is to enroll and foster students toward academic goals by providing them the resources necessary for success. The program offers extensive services and support to insure that students enrolled transfer to a four year institutions, be it a CSU or UC campus.

The purpose of Idile is to reach out to the 92% of African American students at FCC who do not transfer to a four year institution.

Currently, 28 students are

enrolled in the Idile program of which most are expected to transfer to four year universities in the near future.

However, there is an internal problem plaguing the Idile program’s efforts. Numerous sources have stated that there is an imbalance between the instructorstudent relationships which have resulted in problems within the program.

A recent complaint has brought these issues to light. An anonymous letter submitted to the Rampage expressed frustrations and concerns regarding leadership in respect to the professors and counselors that coordinate the program.

The anonymous letter was

signed by “furious students” which are assumed to be a part of the Idile program. The students feel that many of the decisions that are being made in the program are being done without their consideration. The example that the “furious students” gave was that decisions regarding their professors are not taken into account.

The students are neither sought out for evaluations or concerns regarding the teaching methods of the professors.

“There is a lack of communication between us students and the faculty. When we ask questions, we are told to stay out of ‘grown folks business,’” stated Idile student, Monica Blackman.

See ‘Complaints’ page 15