Since 1949
Volume CXIII, edition 2
September 12, 2007
Undocumented students struggle without aid by Ivette Lopez
Rampage Reporter
Hero
Photo by Joseph Rios
Andy Isolano owns New York Family Deli on the Northeast corner of Willow and Nees Avenues.
Sandwich
Local deli-owner recounts memories from 9/11, Ground Zero
– proud, thoughtful, and as laidIsolano was born and raised back as can be. As I sat down to interview in Long Island, New York City, and is one of the few surviving Andy, I could not help but ask firefighters to have been commis- if he would mind my asking of sioned out on duty the morning questions instilled with curiosity, of the September 11th attacks. heart-felt emotion. I worried that A firefighter for 11 years, Andy I’d be opening old wounds. “Not at underwent one of the most pain- all” he stated, “talking about 9-11 ful experiences of his life- losing is therapeutic for me.” For many of us, 9-11 was those closest to him, among them, a repetitive and ongoing movie his best friend, Danny. No one would be quick to with devastating effects and conassume that Andy, a resident of tinual tragedy. As spectators, we Clovis, CA had underwent the were affected by the images that September 11th attacks, but a were being portrayed on televiquick look at his New York Style sion: families shedding tears, Family Deli adorned with NYFD people searching for loved ones, paraphernalia suggests that there is a hero among our community See “Glimpses” page 13 next.”
by Cynthia Moreno
Rampage Reporter
I
t has been six years since the attacks on the World Trade Centers in New York City. It has been six years since many individuals lost those loved, closest, and dearest to them. It has been six years and Andy Isolano still vividly remembers that morning of September 11th, when the second plane hit the World Trade Center. “I was in complete disbelief. Nothing was recognizable,” he said as he paused recollecting the memories. “It really felt like WWIII was about to break out. I was afraid of what might happen
“It really felt like WWIII was about to break out. I was afraid of what might happen next.” —Andy Isolano Inside Lee Herrick pens a book of poetry-Page 2
Students get help at the Tutorial Center-Page 3
Sixteen-year-old chases military dream-Page 4
The moment one begins their years as an upperclassman in high school, you begin to ponder about college and how you think you will pay for all the costs. After years of receiving decent marks, you might pick up the pace to receive excellent grades and apply for scholarships, grants and most important of all, financial aid. You do rely on secondary options, but the aid is vital to pay for most if not all of the college materials such as tuition and books. To your surprise, however, you find out that you’ve been rejected as a candidate to receive your financial aid award due to the fact that you cannot back up your high marks with the proper documentation that allows you to live in the United States legally.
This is reality to some 5% of all undocumented college students living in the United States today. According to energyofanation.com, we have approximately 11 million immigrants living in the States, only 20% of those that have lived here for more than four years actually enroll in college. To some, the fact that a college degree does not guarantee a job in the same level as their classmates is a frustration, but for most undocumented students, the cost of attending college is just too much to handle working only a part-time, minimum wage job. With the tuition prices shooting sky high, it is no surprise that many undocumented students simply quit on the path to higher education. The average cost to attend a community college such as Fresno City, is approximated at about $500.00 per semester See “Financial” page 6
Bell not a bell at all by Julie Hamilton
Authentic Carillons are chromatically tuned stationary bells that are We’ve all heard it. But what usually hung in a tower and played is it? ”It” is a Carillon, more eas- manually from a keyboard . Many ily identified by students that at- prestigious schools have them. However, the Carillon at tend Fresno City College as “the Fresno City College is slightly bells”. The Carillon plays West- different. It is described, by the minster chimes every hour, on manual, as an “eight program the hour, and at other times play microprocessor controlled, 7-day random snippets of familiar tunes digital clock“. In other words, it is that can be heard throughout the a five and a half foot tall, somewhat campus. Anyone who has ever complex, completely electronic, been to a class at Fresno City has eight track player that is connected most likely heard it. The sounds to speakers. It is located on the second floor of the library in a are beguiling and hard to miss. Its existence still begs the storage closet. Fresno City currently has question: what is a Carillon? It is a French word mean- twelve tapes for it that are rotated ing “bells” or “chimes”. It is, every month. There are select tapes however, much more than that. for certain months. See www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com for the entire story Rampage Reporter
Korn comes home to So-Cal -Page 9
Check out The Rampage Online
Eight Simple Rules to keep a relationship going-Page 11
www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com
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News
Fresno City College’s Premier Student-Ran Publication Rampage
Fresno City College 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741 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
Reporters Leah Edwards, Joseph Rios, Eddie Ortiz, Cody Gless, Deshad Cato, Carrie Gunter, Marcell Dilworth, Alexis Abrahamson, Joseph Boone, Shirah Hopper, Ivette Lopez, Mark Anthony Balanon, Jen Langworthy, Adrine Avanesyan, Blake Gollmer, Julie Hamilton, Pedro Quintana, Jeannie Tyrrell, Amber Donabedian
Contact the Rampage
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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.
E-mail: Editor In Chief: rampage-editor@fresnocitycollege.edu
Letters to the editor and submissions to the calendar will be accepted via e-mail or in person 12 noon - 1 p.m. MonRampage business Office: day, Wednesday and Friday, at The Ramrampage-business@fresnocitycollege.edu page, Room SC- 211, above the bookstore. Please keep all letters to a maximum of 200 Advisor: dympna.ugwu-oju@ fresnocitycollege.edu words along with contact information. Also catch the rampage online @ www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com
Rampage Corrections:
* Larry Dickson, labeled Theatre manager in the Theatre booking story is actually the internim box office director. * In the Malcolm Ridge story, Malcolm was incorrectly identified as age 7 when he began smoking marijuana. While quite young, he was not 7. * In the Moniz takes the helm story, Shaw was incorrectly stated as last year’s starting quarterback. Shaw did not play at FCC last year.
Please send all corrections to: rampage-editor@fresnocitycollege.edu
Herrick pens book of poetry
Photo by Joel Pickford Special to the Rampage
A packed room bursting with love and a delicious Korean buffet is the setting for the publication and book-signing party for English professor Lee Herrick’s new book, This Many Miles from Desire (WordTech Editions, June 2007). The event at Samo’s Korean restaurant featured a lively crowd who shared Herrick’s excitement over his well-earned first book publication. Between roaring laughter and applause, an exuberant Lee
Herrick read poems from his book, including the crowd favorite, A thousand Saxophones, a poem inspired by Hurricane Katrina. Copies of This Many Miles from Desire are available at leeherrick.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the Fresno City College bookstore. By Joseph Boone (Read the next issue of the Rampage for a review of the book and an in-depth feature of Lee Herrick.)
September 12, 2007
News
September 12, 2007
Photo by Joseph Rios
Tutor Ryan Coe helps Juliann Warnes map out an essay for her english class. Coe helps many students with all kinds reports and essay assignments at the Tutorial Center.
Tutorial Center lends students a...
Helping Hand by Carrie Gunter
Rampage Reporter
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A friend suggested she turn to the FCC tutorial center, a resource that is provided free of charge for all currently enrolled students. During the spring 2007 semester 2,344 students walked through the Tutorial Center’s doors. “Our goal is to develop independent learners,” said Tutorial Center Coordinator, Ray Sanchez. “We help students struggling a bit, but also assist students wanting to
“Never place a period where God has placed a comma” -Grace Allen
God is still speaking. Join us every Sunday morning Contemporary Worship 11:00AM (Starting Serpt 9) Traditional Service 9:30 AM
College Community Congregational Church United Church of Christ www.collegeccc.org 5550 N. Fresno St. (559) 43-2690 Rev. Dave Schlicher
An open and inclusive family of faith. CollegeAgeGroup(C4) www.myspace.com/cccc4U
T
eens bursting out of high school and adults returning to college are shouting Jerry Maguire’s famous movie line, “Show me the money!” Eighteen-year-old Stacy Wells wants more out of life than a “Mcjob.” She wants to be a pediatrician because she likes kids, and thinks she can make a big difference in some kids’ lives.
Wells began attending Fresno City College last semester. She has worked hard at maintaining good grades, but is already struggling this semester. Math, a requirement for her major, seemed to be easy for her during high school. However, she received a D on her last math test and does not understand a science assignment due next week. Wells cannot afford a tutor.
keep their A’s.” FCC’s Tutorial Center is geared to help everyone prosper and offers tutoring and academic support in most subject areas and basic skills. “The tutoring services reinforces everything I do in the classroom,” stated FCC English Instructor, Lynn Campbell. “It’s a fantastic resource we provide for students.” “Tutors will stay with you for hours and hours until you get your homework done, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.” stated Brittney Putman. “If they’re unable to help you, they find a tutor that can help.” The 21-year-old majoring in Animal Science, has taken advantage of the tutorial center since 2003. Putman said the tutors are very helpful, and she does all of her homework at the center. Her major requires a lot of math and science. She plans to specialize in cruelty cases involving large and small animals. “I’m here [Tutorial Center] for chemistry today because I suck at chemistry,” she stated. Echoing Putnam, Alex Shkaruba said he discovered the Tutorial Center a year ago while taking a psychology class. The 22-year-old considers himself a pretty good writer and felt an essay assignment was complete. However, he jumped at the instructor’s offer of extra credit to students visiting the tutorial center. “I found really simple mistakes,” said Shkaruba. “When I actually got help on that, I came in for other classes just for better grades.” Soon, Shkaruba, a Liberal Studies Major, discovered he wasn’t returning to tutorial services for extra credit, but A’s on all of his work. “That’s way better than extra credit,” stated Shkaruba. “I recommend it for any subject and there’s some really talented people there.” He should know, the once student-in-need has turned into a tutor-indeed. Inspiration led Shkaruba
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onto a tutorial path this fall semester. He said tutors have already taken the classes they tutor and have passed them with A’s. “They work at helping students correct mistakes, but also teach students how to not make mistakes,” he explained. Students really trying their best to get the most out of college may arrive discouraged and not quite sure how to get things done initially. However, there is a quick turn-around. Aide and guidance are given at a slower pace in oneon-one sessions or small study groups. “Tutors know exactly what the teacher would want,” said Shkaruba. He likes helping fellow students and believes his own personal gain and teaching experience from the program will help him become a better instructor. He has a passion for creative writing and wants to share his gift of word with impressionable children, possibly fifth or sixth graders. Economics Major, Emily Carpenter said tutors are not just diving into subjects at the center, but they are teaching how to study, how to take notes and how to be a better student overall. “I really think it builds confidence and helps people in their classes even when they stop coming to the Tutorial Center,” stated Carpenter. “I see people coming in, totally know their subject, but they have one or two really troubling problems that are always at the end of the homework figured out.” “I went over and checked it out and it was pretty cool,” Carpenter said. The program was recommended to her by a teacher. She likes it so much, it is her second semester as a tutor. “I really like the atmosphere, I think it’s very friendly and encouraging,” she added. She said she wants to continue tutoring until she transfers, working towards attending UC Berkley. Since its creation in 1976, the Tutorial Center has continued to evolve. After the first five years,
See Students Apply Knowledge page 6
News
4 Rampage
September 12, 2007
Teenage G.I. Jane
Special to the Rampage
Sixteen-year-old Catherine LaRochelle seeks officer’s commission through the ROTC by Carrie Gunter Rampage Reporter
C
atherine LaRochelle is not a typical Fresno City College student. At 16years-old, her future goals are already set in stone. However, it was not always so. Once a defiant, out-of-control teen, whose mother sent her to an out-of-state boarding school, LaRochelle is poised to achieve her life’s dreams at a young age. The boarding school which specializes in behavioral modification turned her life around. “It was basically a boarding school for youths that were not doing great at home,” stated LaRochelle. Bored with traditional school, she at- Catherine LaRochelle tended the high school in Utah. Founded in 1959, Sorenson Ranch was once a summer camp, but by 1982, it became a year-round school, combining academics and therapy. While there, she was exposed to horses and a lot of discipline. The new environment sparked an instantaneous turn around. “I fast-tracked through school,” stated LaRochelle. “I “We have to pass the APFT and if we don’t completed three years worth of school in pass it then we’re not in the best physical shape.” about two-and-one-half months.” A ROTC cadet is required to comAlso, the life changing experience plete 75 push-ups, 100 sit-ups and run two kick-started her onto a military career path. miles. “Girls have to run it in 15 minutes and “I learned more about horse riding and guys in 13 minutes,” LaRochelle said. ROTC,” said LaRochelle. She said attending She’s already learned some handher second semester at FCC at age 16, adds to-hand combat, field maneuvers, tactical to her maturity level. maneuvers and how to do a wedge. “It’s She is majoring in Animal Science basically a flying V,” she explained. “It’s a and is currently a cadet with the Reserve tactical movement with maximum security Officer Training Corps, a training program so you can cover all directions as you’re of the United States Armed Forces. It is moving forward on foot.” designed to recruit and educate commisLaRochelle said the wedge is the very sioned officers. best, used for seeing people during the day in The program at Fresno City College open areas. Field training exercises are done is a college elective and its primary focus is three to four days at Fort Hunter Ligget, on leadership development, problem solvlocated in Southern Monterey County near ing, strategic planning and professional ethics. “It’s basically a building block,” LaRochelle said. The FCC ROTC cadet thrives off of the strict program. She said the leadership skills she has learned goes beyond the uniform. “If you see something that needs to be done, you do it,” stated LaRochelle. “You’re respectful and you help people out without them having to ask.” She said just a short time ago, she was a rebellious teenager, not wanting to listen to anyone. However, her character has changed a lot. She said she has found her place and the experience has made her more open to helping others. “I got involved in this program and I’ve got brothers and sisters in this program and they help me out if I’m going through a tough time,” said LaRochelle. “If they’re going through a tough time, I help them out.” She just completed her Advanced Physical Fitness Testing. “That’s basically a diagnostic to see where we are right now and by the end of the semester,” she explained.
Photo by Carrrie Gunter
Inside the helicopter, the sunlight coming through breaks up in a slow-motion like vision... Hearst Castle. It is the Army Reserve’s premier training center for the Western United States. That is where she will do paintball maneuvers. “Last semester we got to fly out in the Black Hawk,” LaRochelle said. Inside the helicopter, the sunlight coming through breaks up in a slow-motion like vision due to the rotating helicopter blades. “It was like watching a silent movie,” she explained. “Some got sick, but it was a lot of fun.” When LaRochelle completes the ROTC program, she will have earned a Bachelor’s degree and an officer’s commission. “I’ll probably go in [the Army] as a Second Lieutenant, have my years and get
rank,” stated LaRochelle. “It takes a lot of time, dedication and leadership skills to get field ranked.” She also said after ROTC, she will have more experience and more leadership responsibilities drilled into her and a higher pay wage than soldiers entering into the Army at basic entry level. A US Army Second Lieutenant, is a rank that is the most junior grade of a commissioned officer. According to military sources, newly commissioned officers do not remain at the rank for long before being promoted. “I’ve been thinking about my career for a pretty long time,” stated LaRochelle. “It’s always got to be something with veterinarian work and horses.” Horses have played an important part within the military. They have been used in human warfare probably since the beginning of domesticated breeds. Soldiers and horses have been trained for military uses which include battle, individual combat, scouting, transport and supply. War horses have been used in Cavalries, battle and individual combat. Some are still used in today’s modern world. Eventually, LaRochelle wants to become part of the honored Ceremonial Mounted Calvary Units. “The Cavalry has changed so much,” she said. “They’ve become more machine based, than equine based.” Even so, she still has her mind set on the horse related part of it. However, she must first complete all of the training that soldiers go through. When asked about her young age and extreme career goal, she said she wrote a letter to an Army Sergeant of the 101st Cavalry Units located in Texas, asking if she could follow this military career path. LaRochelle said she got a letter back stating they usually do not accept women into the Cavalry because it is a combat See Cavalry page 6
News
September 12, 2007
Littlewood murals capture death
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By Joseph Boone
U
pon walking into the Fresno City College Art Space Gallery, one is confronted with one central theme -death. Presented through 200 unique paintings by Jill Littlewood, “Death and Other Lives” captures the essence of death by portraying ideas from all corners of the world having to do with the end of life. “I chose death as a topic because I wanted something big enough to be both mythic and encyclopedic. It was a good choice – death takes you everywhere,” wrote Littlewood in her bio. With paintings hung one on top of the other from floor to ceiling, the gallery has been transformed into a maze of art. Winding through the isles, one is engulfed in paintings that inspire ideas of cultures, religions, rituals, politics, philosophy, technology, etc., all with the central theme of death. The sheer number of pieces is truly amazing. Each one small, yet part of a whole that fills the entire gallery; each one unique, yet connected. The making of the exhibit was no spontaneous revelation “caught on tape,” but rather a slow and steady process of trying to capture as many different ideas of the subject as possible. Over a four-month period, Littlewood studied images of death, researched cultural histories, studied funerals, and generally immersed herself with ideas of death by day. Starting at 9 p.m. she would begin the painting process, resulting in two panels front and back by night. The exhibit is literally made from scratch. Littlewood made the canvass and used the ‘paint’ by means of pulp painting, using a mixture of half hemp and half abaca. Pulp painting involves taking a wet dyed pulp and applying it to a canvass in place of paint. The application can be done via squirt bottles, spooning, or tossing it onto the canvass. Littlewood went the extra mile and used her pulp mixture to make the actual canvass as well. Each panel was made by pressing and drying the pulp into the 18” X 24” panel that gives the exhibit its unique look without ever seeing any of the actual paintings. This also gave each painting a background that seemed ancient, earthy. It’s as if these paintings were found among the same ancient literature that inspired them. The exhibit will be on display in the F.C.C. Art Space Gallery until Sept. 21.
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Rampage 6
September 12, 2007
Cavalry plays ceremonial role Financial woes continue
Continued from page 4
and/or front-line position. But she had found a lifeline in the letter. “But you can work through as an infantry and go into that field, then apply into the Ceremonial Cavalry to get accepted,” the sergeant had also stated in his letter. According to LaRochelle, the process could, at most, take ten years. “It’s one of those things you have to go through slow and steady and build up your reputation,” she stated. “You have to learn a lot before actually be awarded that position.” During the 17th and early 18th centuries, infantries would travel on horseback but dismount to fight battles on foot. It gave the soldiers an advantage of easy mobility. The Cavalry has been a key military instrument used to outflank, avoid, surprise and
overpower the enemy. Soldiers on horseback have greater height, speed and substantial mass over an enemy fighting on foot. By 1918, modern tanks and armored vehicles became the key mobile element of the army. Machine guns and aircraft took over light cavalry roles. However, Cavalry traditions were often mimicked by the emerging armored formations and air forces. During the late 20th and 21st century, a few guerrilla wars involved mounted troops. The units were not used as Cavalry though, instead they were referred to as the mounted infantry. They typically fought against partisan or guerrilla fighters with poor transport infrastructure. Today, the Horse Cavalry Detachment of the US Army’s 1st Cavalry Division is made up of ac-
tive duty solders. It is still an active unit, trained in the weapons, tools, equipment and techniques once used during the 1880’s. The Cavalry is often used for units that fill light roles such as scouting, screening, skirmishing and raiding. They were once known as dragoons, made of soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback during combat. “They go out and do parades, give demonstrations at schools and show what the Cavalry used to be like,” she explained. “It preserves history and gives kids something to go on.” LaRochelle is a perfect example that if you love what you do, and you do it well, it is never hard work. With a new lease on life, LaRochelle works hard at maintaining her educational goals, and, fulfilling a military career dream.
Today, tutoring is also available at the Manchester Educational Resource Center. Wells recently visited FCC’s website. There, she found the link to the Tutorial Center and simply clicked onto the Student Services link which took her to the Tutorial Center. From there, she found a subject search link. She clicked onto her math course and several tutor photos
appeared - along with their tutoring schedule. Breathing a sigh of relief, Wells said she plans to visit the center very soon, before it is too late. Today’s workforce requires increased literacy, more education and enhanced technological skills. Studies, statistics and life experience have proven the amount of schooling has a direct effect on an individual’s
Continued from page 1
with all fees but books included (fresnocitycollege.edu). At a State university the cost is even higher, averaging at about $10,170 per year or $5,085 per semester (csufresno.com). To top things off, undocumented students have to pay the out of state tuition in universities. Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 stated that “an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State (or a political subdivision) for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit (in no less an amount, duration, and scope) without regard to whether the citizen or national
Students apply knowledge in the real world Continued from page 3 evening tutoring hours were added for students with limited daytime hours and its doors were opened during the summer session. In 1991, students had access to the center on Saturdays. By 2000, success and necessity brought drop-in tutoring. In 2005, the center had expanded by opening a computer lab in the gymnasium.
future earning potential. At a cost of twenty dollars per unit, no one can afford to lose. Dropout rates continue to rise and employment opportunities are reducing at a staggering pace. The tutorial program touts its success in helping build self-confidence in students. It is a win-win program, assisting students as they begin and continue their college education onto a career of choice.
is such a resident.” Many students all across the country and even here on campus struggle with finances due to this act. Although they are very discreet, they take the same classes, receive the same instruction and study the same material as natives or residents. Susana Caballero is one of many undocumented students at Fresno City College. After having moved here from Guadalajara, Jalisco in Mexico four years ago, she has lived this hardship firsthand. She moved to the United States with her mother and siblings to reunite her then divided family, as her father and brother had moved one and a half years earlier to better their economic status. Caballero was told that she was to have a better life, and after attending and graduating from Roosevelt High School in 2006, she enrolled in Fresno City College. Now, she is denied financial aid due to her immigration status and is forced to pay a total of $606 per semester while also paying personal expenses working a parttime job. Due to the high prices in books, tuition and transportation, she cannot afford to take all the units she desires. See rest of story at www.fresnocitycollege rampage.com
7 Rampage
Entertainment
September 12, 2007
West flexes lyrical muscles in ‘Graduation’ by Deshad Cato Rampage Reporter
THA – SF
When thinking of a graduation most times people come to the conclusion that things are…well dull. It’s usually two, sometimes three hours of agonizing boredom. Everything from the shy valedictorian who trips and stumbles over the speech they wrote two months before, or the ever so excited ramblings of the superintendent who sounds like they just woke up and just wants to go back to sleep. Yes graduations are usually far from exciting, and the graduating class is usually itching to throw their caps in the air and get on with their lives. So, how fitting that Kanye West would come along and drop and exciting album and name it after on if the most boring events in human history. In keeping with his tradition of naming his albums after school oriented subjects, 2004’s “College Dropout and 2005’s “Late Registration”, Kanye brings us “Graduation”. “Graduation”, one of the many September 11th albums coming out this year, may be one of the biggest surprises in this year of lackluster Hip Hop sales. Where you might expect Kanye’s newest offering to be just as full and sweeping as “Late Registration” it simply isn’t. Just like a graduation it is an album that takes it’s time and slowly draws you in. At first listen it becomes increasingly clear that there isn’t a “Gold Digger” or a “JesusPublication Walk” to speak of. None of theRAMPAGE beats jump out and grab you like the two aforementioned songs do. Songs like “Stronger”
and “I Can’t Tell Me Nothing” come extremely close, but they’re not quite they’re…which ends up being a good thing. On this new outing with Kanye you won’t find yourself skipping to a particular track more than others, and in turn leaving your Itunes play count a little lopsided. Instead The album seems to sneak up and stay with you. So instead of an album you might love straight off just because of one or two tracks “Graduation” plays like an album you like at first, then grow to love a month later after realizing you played nothing but it on repeat since you got it. It’s because tracks like “Stronger” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” don’t drown out the other songs and allow for the lis- www.kanyewest.com tener to explore the other goodies Morning” poking fun at valedictorians and delivering his disserta‘Graduation” has to offer. To say Kanye did this on tion using a sampled Jay-Z line get purpose might be a bit much, but if his point across. Add this with his witty he did then he’s a better producer charm and cocky demeanor and than people give him credit for. As a lyricist Kanye contin- it easy to forget this is the same ues to grow by leaps and bounds. guy the said he “doesn’t try hard”. Lines like “In my past / your on Although, just like in a graduation, the other side of the glass/ of my there are some dry spots. “Drunk memory’s museum/ I’m just say- and Hot Girls” is by far the worse ing/ hey Mona Lisa, come home/ song on the album. Even Mos Def, who makes you know you can’t roam without Caesar” from the hypnotic “Flash- an appearance way to late in the ing Lights” point out his growth nicely. He flexes his storytelling muscles on “Big Brother” an ode to his friend, label mate, and idol Jay-Z. On “Barry Bonds” he seemingly out performs Lil Wayne with ease and raps circles around Size Run Date(s) Initial Time the self-proclaimed “greatest rapper2alive”. x5 WEDNESDAY 9.12 He even uses the them of a graduation speech, on “Good
song, couldn’t save it. The premise is nice though, and if you take the time to listen the lyrics aren’t bad either. Its just that it never is quite the song you wish it was. In retrospect “Graduation” may not be the Kanye West where all used to. The Kanye West of 2005 is definitely not the Kanye West of 2007. While he still holds the brash and cockiness that makes people love him or hate him he surprisingly takes a quieter route
with this new disc. While still not the masterpiece the “Late Registration” was “Graduation” is proof that Kanye can still make an album worth buying, something that Hip Hop has missed this year. Where Kanye goes now that his an alum to the game has yet to be seen, but if its anything like what we’ve seen before you can rest assured that he will around for class reunion flashing his accomplishments.
“...one of the biggest surprises this year.”
Ready for EXTINCTION? Win a pass to a special screening of RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION in Fresno on Thursday, September 20th! For a chance to receive a pass (good for two), stop by the Rampage Office (Rm 211, above Yoshinos’s) right now! The first 10 people to pick up their pass @ the Rampage Office will receive a RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION prize pack! Hurry! This film is rated rated rated R for strong horror violence throughout and some nudity. 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. No one will be admitted without a ticket or after the screening begins. Screen Gems 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.
OPENS IN THEATRES SEPTEMBER 21ST!
Entertainment
8 Rampage
September 12, 2007
INCUBUS
Another ‘Stellar’ Performance
by Cody Gless Entertainment Editor
Incubus hit Chula Vista Saturday September 8 and put on a show that will be unforgotten. These Southern California natives returned to Chula Vista to promote their new album Light Grenades which was released earlier this year. Lead vocalist, Brandon Boyd, along with fellow band members Mike Einziger, Jose Passillas, Chris Kilmore, and Ben Kenney brought along alternative rockers, The Bravery, as well as a mysterious and unknown bass playing virtuoso, making the concert a tremendous hit. The concert consisted of a fan base ranging from the
Fungus Amongus: 1995
www.elementzofsoul.net
www.enjoyincubus.com originals, which grew up with Incubus as far back as the late eighties and early nineties to the younger “teenybopper” audience and attracted by the bands’ latest
Make Yourself: 1999
work. Incubus is a true musical genius; they inspired me more and sounded better live than on any CD or record. Their sound,
Drive: 2000
however, was not all that made them a huge success; their visual performance along with their active involvement with the audience made this a concert that
Morning View: 2001
even the least interested fan was sure to enjoy. The concert was complete with computer monitors, massive television screens portraying virtual sunsets and a lightshow that even the blind could see. The guest bassist appeared on stage just in time to bring his own original and unique style to “Stellar”, incorporating into the song “pop-and-slap” solos never previously heard. Overall, the musical mastery of this concert left fans amazed and wanting more; the deafening screams that preceded each song roared throughout the Coors Amphitheatre until the band began playing a new song. It seemed as though each song progressively got the audience more riled up, ending the concert with classics “Dig”, “Drive” and “Pardon me”. Incubus WILL remain throughout musical history as masters of their trade and a timeless act, impossible to follow or match. If you want to see an amazing performance that you will be able to brag about for generations, Incubus is the way to go.
A Crow Left of the Murder: 2004
Entertainment 9 Korn comes home, rocks Bak-o’s socks Rampage
September 12, 2007
by Alexis Abrahamson Rampage Reporter
This year Korn and Evanescence co-headlined on august 28th, in the Rabobank Arena, to throw an outstanding concert in Korn’s hometown, of Bakersfield. The Family Values tour consisted of Atreyu, Flyleaf, Trivium, Hellyeah, Evanescence, and Korn. Hellyeah was the first to perform. They sang about five songs, one of which was was their new single Alcohaulin’ Ass.
Jonathan Davis of Korn
About every guy that didn’t even know the lyrics, happily sang along to the clearly understandable song. Next to perform was the band Flyleaf, who did an awesome job. The music sounded even better than on the CD. The surprisingly tiny lead singer, Lacey Mosley , twirled herself around the stage in her big red and black striped dress. Making all the fans who came to see them scream in excitement. After Flyleaf preformed,
www.familyvalues.com
most of the punk dressed girls left with them. The following performance was by Trivium. They threw a good show for all the metal fans. The thing is, if you aren’t a metal fan you would not be able to understand the lyrics. They have a hardcore metal scream when they sing. The bass was so powerful in the tiny arena that every word they sang would pound in your chest, causing the metal fans on the floor to run around pushing each other, laughing and screaming along with the band. Next to play was Atreyu, who’s songs moved back and forth from screaming to singing. They were a great band to put in the tour because everyone in the audience seemed to enjoy them. Atreyu had everyone hold out there fists straight ahead and sing along with them during the whole performance. After Atreyu’s performance was over, a big black piano was rolled onto the stage. Everyone knew what that meant, Evanescence was up next. When lead singer Amy Lee walked onto the stage, the fans went wild. Lee’s voice was so powerful during her performance, that it overshadowed the rest of the band. It seemed like Evanescence added a more metal flare to their songs, which was a good thing be-
cause it helped them blend in better with the previous performances’, and it also helped the audience who never really listen to them, appreciate them more. As Lee sat herself down on the piano, a huge light show appeared behind her. There were lines of light glistening down like rain, in a range of red and white. Everyone cried out in excitement. For the rest of the show, the lights moved along with the music, making it look like you can feel the music being played. When Evanescence was done with their show, you could hear a pin drop because the audience knew what would be coming up next. All the lights were off and the staff was putting together a new stage setup. After anxious time passed, creepy circus music started to play and Korn came on stage. The crowd went absolutely insane. People were screaming at the top of their lungs, standing up with their arms open. The lead singer Jonathan Davis greeted his hometown, said how excited he is to be back, and how he was going to throw one hell of a show, which is exactly what he did. For the first three songs Korn just had some dimmed white lights on top of them, but then during the middle of one of their songs the lights moved more towards the
roof. Then all of a sudden a great big wall of lights flash in front of the crowd, and every Korn fan could see nothing but each other. Every person in there was stunned, and the people went completely nuts. For the rest of the show it looked like it was Riddler’s cave, from batman. There were green lasers moving in and out all across the audience, moving to the music. It looked so surreal with all the lights glowing through all the fog and there was a certain hint of illegal smoke that probably was the reason why most people could not stop smiling. Even Jonathan Davis said he was feeling a little too happy on stage. On the last song of the night Korn preformed their hit single, Blind. It seemed like everyone in the arena knew all the words, which was strange because there were fifty year old women holding lighters right next to twenty something metal fans, all singing together. Towards the end of the song Korn used every single light used during the concert, causing Korn fans to be Blind. For only thirty-eight dollars you were able to hear the top rock performers, and see Jonathan Davis in his famous Scottish Kilt. That was definitely money and time well spent.
50 Cent: Still getting rich, hasn’t died trying by Deshad Cato Rampage Reporter
When asked about his upcoming new album 50 Cent let the world know he planned to return to the raw street sound that made “Get Rich Or Die Trying” on of 2003’s best selling album. Street buzz was at an all time high, and by the time his first single “Straight TO The Bank” was released 50 had all ears pointed in his direction. Then, something unexpected happened. While “Straight To the Bank” was a considerable success it was no where near the success that a 50 record is used to seeing. Then “Amusement Park” followed and saw the same dismal airplay that “Straight To The Bank” had. Until finally with the release of “I Get Money” and “Ayo Technology“, two album name changes, and numerous release date changes the considerable buzz that 50 had built up has somewhat diminished. That is until Kanye West announced that he would be releasing his new album “Graduation on the same day. Then the buzz was back and the talk around 50’s third album “Curtis” was back. The good news is that 50 lived up to his word…sort of. The album opens up with a sample from a British gangster movie, setting the mood perfectly for the three murder-obsessed tracks that that follow. “My Gun”, which is easily one of the better tracks of the album, keeps up the mood with the help of a muted guitar rip that’s better than anything Shop Boyz could come up with. Next up is “Man Down”, which has one of the better hooks of the album even though its about killing. Then comes “I’ll Still Kill” where 50 lets everybody know
that…well, he will still kill you. Akon adds nicely to the macho fest singing the hook in his usually unchanging high falsetto. One of the nicer surprises on the album is it’s version of “I Get Money”. Redone by adding classic lines from Audio Two’s “Top Billin’ and blaring beefed up beat still reminiscent of Cassidy’s “I’m A Hustla” 50’s sound swells up better then before. A few other tracks like “Come and Go” follow the same patterns of these songs edge out the gangster feel nicely.
Sadly, that’s where 50’s promise of returning to “Get Rich Or Die Trying” stops. The incredibly cheesy “Amusement Park” is by far the worst track on the album. Coming in a close second is “Fire”, which objects the listeners to the awful pairing of Pussycat Doll front woman Nicole Scherzinger. “Follow My Lead” is a better song by leaps and bounds. Robin Thicke’s crooning in the back ground really helps the song excel. “All Of Me” is the best out of the bunch, helped along by the always stellar singing of Mary
J. Blige. “Ayo Technology” is also a great song. Timberland’s production of clunky pianos matches perfectly with Justin Timberlake’s singing. The only problem with these songs are that they are on this album. 50 promised that “Curtis” would be a return to his first albums rawness. Instead he only half delivers. He doesn’t excel on any particular songs, nor does he try and grow as a lyricist he did deliver on his promise with half of the album. The love songs only did one thing,
and that was distract from the set tone of the album. Not only are they a downer, but they’re also unbelievable considering the first 6 songs are all about death. It feels like a cheap play to selling records, adding Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke into the fold just to sell more records. If you’re a fan of 50, which many people are, then this album is a good buy. You get the macho, ready to kill 50 along with the sweet and cuddly 50. Its “Many Men” meets “Candy Shop”. Surprisingly, the pairing comes up short in this case.
e g e a Thmp Ra CampusVoicesAnswer: What is your opinion of the politics surrounding the war in Iraq? I don’t know what to think.
Brittney Wafer I don’t think the US has a good reason to still be there.
Jim Yang I hate it. I am scared for all the parens that have kids over there.
Lupe Gastelum I don’t know a lot, but I do know war is never a good thing.
10
Views
Know Yourself-Know Your Politics-Vote
by Shirah Hopper Rampage Reporter
I don’t know what everybody else on campus is thinking about the upcoming 2008 Presidential election, but I am having a hard time figuring out which candidate to vote for. This is a first for me. The 2008 Election will be my third presidential election. In my first election, I was sick of the Clintons and did not want Gore even in the picture. So, I voted for Bush. I voted for Bush the second time for two reasons; John Kerry was his opponent, and I didn’t like him. And the other reason was as a U.S. Navyman, I believed Bush was good for the military. He made sure we got the benefits and the pay we deserved. As I’ve gotten older, I tend to lean towards the more liberal view. I don’t necessarily agree with the Democrats, but then again I don’t agree with the Republicans either. I never voted strictly by “party.” In my 20’s, I’m learning more and more about who I am and who I want to be. I find myself more humanitarian than anything. I find myself more compassionate towards others. I used to be like, ‘Who cares about those people in Iraq or Darfur?’. The only person I cared about was me and those in my circle. Now, I’m starting to realize that it is important to conserve and recycle (and I’m not doing it for Al Gore’s sake either). And I enjoy it. I feel like I’m doing my part by recycling, by using reusable shopping bags, walking more and doing less driving. My gym is right down the street so why not walk. I would probably also walk or ride a bike to work and school if I didn’t need my car for errands for my boss. I support gay rights, although I don’t choose that lifestyle for myself. I’m not religious, but I am spiritual and
September 12, 2007
believe in God. I am pro-choice, although I don’t know exactly what I would do in that situation. I see many parents who cannot have children of their own and believe adoption is a great choice. But I do not want abortion to be used as a birth control. I support our troops wherever our president sends them. I may not agree totally with our leader or the Iraq War, but our troops deserve our support as they are fighting for all of us. I support immigration, as we are the land of the free, but I believe immigrants should go through the system to obtain legal status. Though I don’t yet know the exact candidate I will vote for, I will vote. Hillary is a smart woman, but I don’t want to see her as president. I still don’t trust her from when her husband was president. Obama scares me because he says he is so anti-war, yet if he is elected, he’ll send our troops to Pakistan – why? I still don’t know. The other democrats I just don’t know well enough to trust. My favorite at the moment is Rudy Guiliani. I became a fan of his after 9/11. I believe the other republicans are a too strict in their beliefs and won’t allow Americans to be themselves. I think Mitt Romney might be good, but I don’t know how I feel about his Mormonism. I’m not into religions. I also believe in the separation of church and state, something this country was founded on and I’m not sure Romney would be able to separate them. The presidential election is one thing that makes this country so great. We have the right to have our own opinions and beliefs. We have the right to support what we choose. So, as the election nears I ask that each of you to vote. It is our right as Americans and not everybody has that privilege. If you don’t know where to start, a website I have found very helpful is www.rockthevote.com.
I’m always supportive of the troops, but the US involvement in Iraq should be more defined to the public. We should understand why we are there. Marcos Zamora
by Leah Edwards Views Editor
It seems that the term politics has become a dirty word. Whenever you think of politicians, and often government in general, it can bring a bad taste to your mouth. It seems that the presidential race has become more of a popularity contest. And if they can’t convince you to like them, they will tell you why you should hate the other guy. On the other hand, without government, what kind of world would we live in? According to the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, the world would be bleak and full of chaos. The reality is that government is vital to a civilized society. Our world is dependent on its government to function properly. We are the lucky ones; we have the freedom to choose, yet we don’t seem to care. We sit around and complain about our leaders but don’t take the time to study them and vote. It is frustrating for me to watch as new generations grow up with a complete lack of understanding or comprehension of the voting process and how government functions within our society. Though I too have found myself disillusioned by many of our leaders, I realize that the only way to make changes is to become active in the process. The way I understand politics is the analogy that politics are like cooking. You can complain that the food tastes bad and continue eating. Or, you can learn what the ingredients are and try your hand at cooking the dish yourself. Now, I’m not saying you have to become a politician. Just get your facts. The first step is to decide what you believe in. Really think about what you believe in, not what your mother and father have told you to believe, or what your friends say they believe, but what you believe in. Next, learn the policies that each candidate stands for, and see how they measure with your own personal beliefs. If you want to see the war
I really think there shouldn’t be a war, but i also realize that in order to keep the peace we must have troops over there.
Photos by Carrie Gunter Interviews by Leah Edwards
We should pull out.
I’m undecided on what to believe.
Lee Cha
in Iraq end, you wouldn’t vote for a presidential candidate that promotes ‘winning the war at any cost’. If you believe abortion is immoral, you wouldn’t vote for the candidate that holds a pro-abortion stance. If you believe capital punishment is cruel, you probably wouldn’t vote for the candidate who claims to be ‘tough on crime’ and promotes the death penalty. If you believe in stricter gun control, you probably wouldn’t vote for the candidate who is an avid hunter. But the reality is that each candidate may have different ideals than your own. You have to determine what is most important to you, then check your candidate’s political and personal history. Are they the type of candidate who just tells the public what they want to hear, or do they follow through with a plan of action? Do they keep their promises? Have they flipped their stance in the past? Can you trust them with your future or that of your children? Because, the reality is that the decisions that we make today will affect tomorrow. Once you’ve made your choices, you can decide how involved you want to be. A great way to understand the process is to become part of it. Apply for an internship or become a volunteer and help get your candidate elected. It is a great experience and you can walk away with a greater understanding of the entire process, as well as something to add to your resume. If you don’t want to go that route, then some other options are to attend presidential rallies, join the assosiated student government or sustainable action clubs here on campus, or check out the site www.youtube.com/ democraticdebate and add some questions of your own. You have the power to be informed. You have the power to make a difference. The choice is yours; you can just keep eating or start cooking for yourself.
It is what it is. We can’t do anything about it.
Russell Faretta
Sultan Toles’bey
Nyesia Driver
Mimi Nijmeddin
Views
September 12, 2007
Rampage 11
8 rules for a stronger relationship by Adrine Avanesyan Rampage reporter Take it from someone who knows, being in a long term-relationship is not easy, especially for college students. Today’s average college student has to deal with school, work, extra-curricular activities, credit card bills, and personal problems. Balancing a relationship along with everything else can be overwhelming. Most people fear commitment and who can blame them? Sometimes it is just too much work. However, after being in a relationship for a few years, you learn a few things. A few rules of thumb that help us deal with the ups and downs of a relationship. You might even come to realize that love can be beautiful. I am not an authority in relationships and love, but I have learned a few lessons throughout my own relationship. I, Adrine Avanesyan, have found that there are eight essential rules, in no particular order, which will keep a relationship strong. 1. Trust: Always trust one another and avoid that ugly feeling of doubt. Things like constantly checking up on your partner; listening to their voicemails, searching their pockets and asking them where they have been, can and will destroy your relationship. A lack of faith in each other will eventually make any relationship tiresome. If you find that
you can not trust your partner then you are wasting your time. 2. K e e p
thing. Realize that it can be hard for your partner to always know how you
his friends while you go to the movies with some of your gal pals. It is important that we all have our own space the flame and time to do the burning: After things that we love being in a relato do. Every once in tionship for a long while do something time, we often for yourself; take a start to neglect yoga class, attend a our partner. Never poetry reading, or go forget to say, “ I mountain bike riding. love you.” Once 5.Support: It in awhile, tell your is important to support partner that they and encourage one are special to you. another. Support your Do not be afraid partner’s beliefs, ideas, to let them know career opportunities, how attracted you and creative outputs. are to them. Write You do not have to little notes to them agree with everything and hide them in a that your partner says place that they will and does. However, find later on in the offering them moral day. support will strengthen 3. Comyour bond with them. munication: 6.Do not igShare your feelnore your looks: It ings with your is nice to dress up once partner. If you are in a while and show angry with them, your partner that you tell them instead of still want to look your keeping that anger best for them. Put on Photo by Blake Gollimer inside of you. LisOne FCC couple holding hands something special when you go out, ten to one another, take into account feel if you do not tell them. instead of the typical jeans and shirt. how your partner feels about things, 4. Alone time: Occasion- For women, it is nice to wear a little regardless of whether or not you ally take some time apart from each agree with them. Talk about every- other. Let him go have a beer with makeup from time to time. For men,
it is important to smell nice and have a clean cut shave. It is very important to look at your partner of many years and still find them the most attractive person. 7. Have fun together: Sometimes put everything aside and just enjoy your relationship and your partner. Go camping together, see a funny movie, have a romantic picnic. Do no be afraid to look like a fool in front of your partner. Go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out. Sometimes relationships get tiresome because we take them too seriously. 8. Educate yourself on your partner: Take the time to truly discover your partner’s likes and dislikes. Find out who is their favorite band or singer and surprise them with concert tickets. Learn what their concerns are about life and love. Take notes to yourself when your partner is telling you about their goals, their favorite food, the things that upset them, and the things that make them happy. The more you know about your partner, the easier it will be to understand them and be in a relationship with them. Every relationship is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. However, I have found that these simple rules have helped me in my own relationship with my husband. Some of you might agree with me and some of you might
If a person wants, he or she can bring their own computer and go on-line at the Myxx Hookah Lounge. Then there are the people who call themselves Juggalos. Juggalos are skateboarders who occasionally paint their faces like the
security job he had in Madera, “They solved the problem by opening up a skateboard park for the kids to hang out enjoy themselves.” Joe Villines, a third year automotive student at FCC, says they ride their skateboards in other places because they are banned from ridding
shopping community. Their job is to keep that community safe from those who wish to cause trouble or loiters, such as a group of people who where peddling their new mix CD in front Borders for $6. Mat Springer, an FCC Music major said he hangs out at Borders at
A snapshot of Riverpark. members of the rap group called the Insane Clown Posse. “Many people like to call us a gang, but we are not,” said James Stitt, an FCC criminology student, “We don’t like bigots and we don’t tolerate racist activity.” The mannor that Juggalo’s hang out at River Park has been banned because many of the customers did not appreciate having to avoid nearly running into a skateboarder. “The people complaining are costumers who spend their money at the stores,” said Officer Smith, a security guard at River Park who was riding on a bike, “I feel for the skateboarders because they don’t have a place to go and ride their skateboards.” He went on to talk about how the same problem occurred at the last
on the smooth surface parking lots in River Park. The Edwards Theater mall is where many of the under aged teens hang out while they are either waiting for a movie to start or chatting after a movie. “Creating a curfew would hurt many of the small business’ in this area,” said Shahzaib Zaman. He owns a mobile cart by the name of Stunner Shades that sits right in front `of River Parks’ Edwards Theater. Stunner Shades is a place were you can find many of the popular sun glasses for reasonable price. “We have the latest and the greatest shades that cover the eyes of some of the most famous trend setters in the pop culture,” said Zaman. River Park is riddled with security to protect and serve the
least three times a week, “Normally I do not buy anything, I just walk around.” Springer is just one of many who hang out at either Borders or Barns & Noble reading books or drinking non-alcoholic beverages. Barnes & Noble, which is across the street from what is officially called River Park, has its own crowd enjoying their products and adding to the culture. Outside Barmes & Nobel is a patio where a person can enjoy listening to soft music while chatting with friends for hours. The inside of the store is like a state of the arts library, some of the customers are looking to purchase products, while others are either doing their homework or relaxing and reading in the isle or in another area
with comfortable chairs. The book stores in River Park are a family environment where a parent can take their child and spend hours looking through or reading from a large number of various children’s books. It is easy to notice that each store has its special way of adding to the culture of River Park. None of the particular groups spill into the other stores’ areas. The sports bar, called Hooters is sitting right next to the hookah lounge, but the two crowds don’t seem to blend. On Friday evening, a group of motorcycle riders spent their evening hanging out at one of River Park’s Starbucks. Many of them were just chatting, drinking coffee, and no one ever got on his or her bike and peeled out or even blasted their music. Maybe, it is because River Park’s culture is not a club scene but more like a place where average people go to hang out in a comfortable place. Yet, we still have the old fogies who want to cause trouble by nitpicking. Of course there are some things that occasionally go wrong in every place that large groups of people gather, and River Park is no exception, but River Park is also a safe place for everyone who is not looking for trouble to go and have a good time. I would like to recommend that the self-centered whiners, who complain about the young crowd, should be banned along with the skateboarders, trespassers, and loiterers. Then there would be a group of people, who would be right, to say the old fogies have the same right to shop and hang out at River Park as the youngsters.
Riverpark Cultural War Exposed As Exageration by Marcell Dilworth Rampage Reporter There is a culture war going on at Fresno’s River Park shopping center between the older conservative crowd and a faction of the younger pop culture. Many older costumers are complaining about the teens hanging out in the parking area or people driving by and playing loud music. “I have a hard time explaining to my young daughter what words like b*tch or h*e mean,” said a caller to KMJ, a local Conservative talk radio station. For the past week I have been out at River Park observing what was going on. I have come to the conclusion that many of the complaints are an over-exaggeration. What I recognized was a culture of people who are just minding their own business, trying to have a good time, and not intruding on any one else’s privacy at River Park. Korey Ray, a Fresno City College sociology student, usually goes to the movies in a group (two guys and two girls). Afterwards, they go across the street to the Myxx hookah lounge to kick back. The hookah lounge is an internet café and people also go there to smoke hookah. A hookah is tobacco that can be smoked in a huge pipe with a tube coming from the top of the bowl. The tube is used to puff the smoke. A person has to be 18 or older to enter and purchase a hookah. After the hookah is purchased then there is choice of different color hookah pipes, the customers then go into the patio area to kick back, listening to music-chatting and puffing on hookah tobacco.
www.woodwardpark.com
Fresno City College Rampage Views
12 Rampage
Obama’s Race
7.4583” X 15.5”
September 12, 2007
by Eddie Ortiz Rampage Reporter As the ’08 presidential election draws nearer, a certain issue has been brought to the voters’ attention. Barack Obama , IL (D), presidential hopeful has been in the news for what many see as all the wrong reasons, with his “blackness” brought into question. The media seems to have put the spotlight on Obama’s racial ethnicity and chosen to ignore all of his honorable work. So is Barack Obama ‘black’ enough? I say, who cares? Does the color of his skin really have anything to do with what kind of a president he could be? No, it doesn’t. It’s ridiculous how the media has made it their duty to determine who or who isn’t ‘black’ enough? It’s shameful and unfortunate that in this day and age, race would be an issue at all. Obama has been scrutinized so harshly, yet he continues to walk with his head held high.. Doesn’t this show his true character and integrity? Are these qualities supposed to be singular to a certain ethnicity? I don’t think so. And isn’t it the character and integrity of the person that we should be looking for in a President? Yes, Barack Obama is biracial and has a direct connection to Africa . His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya . But, Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii , and for a few years in Indonesia . Obama is also articulate, young, and well educated. And, aren’t those some of the qualities that what one might expect or even hope for in a presidential candidate? Although his biracial identity has helped him gain a following in Middle America , it’s also opened a gap for others to question his authenticity as a black man. Still others identify him as the first “mainstream African- American”. He’s like a rock star. He’s on the Oprah Winfrey show, BET, etc… But back to the question of, “is Barack Obama black enough? What is ‘black enough’? The reality is that Obama is married to a black woman, goes to a predominately black church and deals with many of the same stereotypical prejudices black men face. Yet, must he define himself as anything more than an individual willingly and ready to do the work necessary to make this country great. He is no stranger to giving back to his community; as shown by the work he has done with the poor on the south side of Chicago , where he resides. If the media is going to label and categorize a candidate, why single out Barack Obama, why not every candidate? Hilary Clinton; is she woman enough? How about Rudy Giuliani and John McCain; are they conservative enough? Or is Bill Richardson Mexican enough? In the long run, whether our next president is black, brown, a woman, or even purple or green it certainly shouldn’t matter. What is important; will the individual who’s running this country do a good job? Will they turn our current administration’s wrongs into rights? Will they listen to the people? Will they make the United States a stronger nation? That’s what really counts. The question of whether Barack Obama is ‘black enough’ is insignificant. What we should be concerned with, Is Barack Obama’s voting history, his beliefs, and what he plans to do if he becomes president.
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Next to Starbucks
In Walgreen’s Shopping Center
Next to Starbucks
Raley's Shopping Center
Food 4 Less Shopping Center
Inside Sequoia Mall
At Akers & Hwy. 198
Limited-time offer expires 9/30/2007. Other conditions and restrictions apply. See contract and rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live and have a mailing address within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area. Up to $36 activation fee applies. Equipment price and availability may vary by market and may not be available from independent retailers. Early Termination Fee: None if cancelled in the first 30 days; thereafter $175. Some agents impose additional fees. Unlimited voice services: Unlimited voice services are provided solely for live dialog between two individuals. Offnet Usage: If your minutes of use (including unlimited services) on other carrier’s networks (“offnet usage”) during any two consecutive month exceeds your offnet usage allowance, AT&T may at its option terminate your service, deny your continued use of other carriers’ coverage, or change your plan to one imposing usage charges for offnet usage. Your offnet usage allowance is equal to the lesser of 750 minutes or 40% of the Anytime minutes included with your plan (data offnet usage allowance is the lesser of 6 megabytes or 20% of the kilobytes include with your plan). Standard usage rates apply, depending on your plan. See www.cingular.com/media/media_net for terms and conditions. Rebate Debit Card: Allow 10-12 weeks for fulfillment. Card may be used only in the US, is valid for 120 days after issuance date but is not redeemable for cash and cannot be used for cash withdrawal at ATMs or automated gasoline pumps. Card request must be postmarked by 10/31/2007 and you must be customer for 30 consecutive days to receive Card. Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment. Service provided by AT&T Mobility. ©2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T, and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures and/or AT&T affiliated companies.
Rampage 13
September 12, 2007 many, including myself, New Yorkers became closer because of this. What I realized after coming out to Clovis, California, 3,000 miles away from New York City was that it wasn’t just New York that became close-knit, but the whole country. This was a big something and its important to never forget what happened.” He continued, “I think the media handled the situation well and I do think that it should be kept in the media because it could always happen again.” I asked Andy if he could recall any deeds being done by everyday people during the September 11th attacks. “Absolutely” he said, “I will never forget seeing this old lady in her late 60s-70s holding a bag of bananas and climbing through the rubble to give us (firefighters) bananas to eat because there were times that we did not have the opportunity, time, nor energy to eat. Whenever she finished giving out a bag of bananas, she went back for more and reassured us that she would return. She would do this every single day for as long as I remember being there. I also remember
how many of the expensive multimillion dollar restaurants that surrounded the World Trade Centers set up tables outside their restaurants and situated themselves in such a way so as to make peanut butter sandwiches all day long for us and those who were helping in the rubble. I also remember at one point when I was taking a nap in a ballroom near the Trade Centers that was set up with recliners, a nurse who noticed that the soles of my boots had melted to the point that my socks were made visible. I was so incredibly tired that I did not realize this and she mentioned that I would need a new pair of boots if I intended on going back into the rubble. After falling asleep for a few minutes, I realized that this nurse had brought me a new pair of boots. As a firefighter, I felt I had everything at my disposal- everything and anything I could possibly have or need within the span of a few hours. What is saddening to me, is that I can’t say the same for what happened after Hurricane Katrina…” The September 11th attacks on New York City were an eyeopener to Americans, and the efforts and strengths of the New York Police
Department and the New York Fire Department were closely monitored and held on a pedestal of America’s heroic deeds. Andy if he considered himself a hero. His answer was surprising. “I don’t consider myself a hero because I was doing my job- I was simply doing something that I was trained to do. I was working as a professional thus it was expected that I do my job”. I smiled and said that for many Americans, including myself, one can only take their profession to such an extent that everything after it comes from within. He then mentioned, “Well, if we are going to go by the definition that society has on a ‘hero’- I guess I can be considered one, but above that, I like the respect that I get from everyone. I think because I was there during 9-11, I can relate on a personal level”. About to wrap up my interview with Andy, I asked him for any final thoughts about September 11th. “ I really do feel that if people continue to ask me about 9-11, it is a good thing because it means that nothing else that is bad has happened yet.”
See www.fresnocitycollegerampage.com for complete story
Photo by Joseph Rios
Former firefighter Andy Isolano stands beneath the jacket he wore at Ground Zero.
Glimpses of the past Continued from page 1
Another pause. The September 11th tragedy left Americans wondering if any individuals inside the World Trade Center could possibly be alive. Few stories circulated regarding the survivors, but more the deaths of countless individuals whom were either not found or had died. “We dug, and dug, and dug, trying to find a person that was alive. It was frustrating throughout the first few days because we could not find a full body,” Isolano explained. I proceeded to ask Andy what was the most vivid image that comes to mind when he hears an individual utter the phrase, “September 11th”. Andy looked at me for a few seconds before asking, “does it have to be an image? What about a smell?” My perplexed look was enough for him to continue his answer. “The smell…the smell of death. As soon as I arrived at Ground Zero, I was in search mode. The times that I spent from the moment I arrived until November when I was released due to health problems related to the search, the smell was something that lingered upon me. Each day that went by, the smell got worse; it was the smell of bodies being incinerated, bodies decomposing, metal melting…just a number of things getting worse. There were times where I would go home to shower and I would find that I would shower 4-6 times a day and that smell just wouldn’t come off of me. I reached a point where I started to realize that this smell- the smell of death- was more psychological than it was physical,” he said. It was nearing noon at the deli and it started getting busy. Customers began coming in, sandwich orders were being said out loud, customers glanced at us with curiosity. As I stole glimpses around his deli, I explained to Andy that for many Americans, the impact of September 11th was immense, far-
reaching, and emotional. It was the most devastating tragedies of our generation. Any one individual can recall what they were doing the day of September 11th, 2001. The gravity of the event seemed to touch every person in America. It was one of the rare moments in history where every American mourned the loss of another American. I asked Andy what impact did September 11th have on his own life as a firefighter. “I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore like I used to. As cliché as it might sound, life is too short. I know first hand how it feels to lose those you love and care about the most in an instant,” Isolano said. I asked if his experience has left any instilled fears for his family who still live in New York City. “Of course,” he responded. “The fear is not for what can happen to me, but what the future is going to hold for them,” he stated. After September 11th, the American government underwent changes for security measures all across the United States. I asked Andy if the consensus was that Americans felt safer post September 11th. He answered, “Americans should feel more safe. I feel that this experience encompasses both positive and negative results. Positive in being that people are more aware that life is short. Negative in that people need to realize that they should live life differently- not take it too seriously.” I asked if he felt that the attacks occurring in New York City had anything to do with the way Americans reacted to the tragedy. He stated, “I think New York City became more close-knit. In a way, I am happy that it happened there because the perceptions of New Yorkers are negative. People see them as busy, self-involved and uninterested in the life of others, but to the surprise of
14 Rampage
September 12, 2007 Who do you like most of the current candidates? “I think Obama is the most honest out of all of them. He admits to using drugs in the past, and did not try to cover it up.” — Greg Rodriguez
What do you think about Hillary Clinton?
Should the next president be a war veteran? “I feel like it is a plus and a negative. On the plus side it would be good to have input form someone who has actually been through war. On the negative side, I question if he has any clue how to frun a country.” —Antoinette Johnson
“One Clinton is enough. I am all for women in the White House, just not her.” —Patrick Thorne
Photos by Amber Donabedian Interviews by Alexis Abrahamson
Who’s who in 2008: The Democrats by Shirah Hopper Rampage Reporter
Do you vote? Will this be your first time at the voting booth? Do you might think the election doesn’t apply to you and that it is no big deal? Do you have student loans? Do you work and pay taxes? Do you want your children to have it better than you did? Despite the media’s attempt to make this entire election about the Iraq war, it isn’t. The War in Iraq is just one issue. Education, abortion, gay rights, Katrina Hurricane cleanup are just a few of the many issues associated with the 2008 presidential election. Whether you agree or disagree with the current White House’s policies, this election will have a direct impact on the lives of all Americans, including you. The election is about you. So register to vote today. California’s primary elections are February 5, 2008, and the general election is November 4, 2008. And if you are struggling with which candidate to vote for in the coming election, the Rampage is here to help. The following is a compilation of the contenders, a brief biography and their views:
Democratic Candidates: Joe Biden
Occupation: Senator from Delaware Abortion: Supports abortion rights. Immigration: Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants; voted to authorize construction of a 700-mile fence along the U.S.Mexican border. Iraq: Voted for use of military force in Iraq; voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008; opposed Bush plan to increase the number of American troops in Iraq; proposes plan for Iraq that includes establishing three regions within the country, engaging Iraq’s neighbors, and drawing-down troops by the end of 2007. Same-sex marriage: Opposes a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Social Security: Opposes Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts; supports using private accounts as a supplement to the program.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Occupation: Senator from New York Abortion: Supports abortion rights. Immigration: Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have increased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants; voted to authorize construction of a 700mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border. Iraq: Voted for use of military force in Iraq, but now says she would have voted differently “if we knew then what we know now.” Supports de-authorizing the war; voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008; opposed Bush plan to increase the number of American troops in Iraq; supports a phased redeployment and a cap on the number of American troops in Iraq. Same-sex marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage but supports civil unions. Says states should ultimately decide the issue; opposes a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Social Security: Opposes Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts.
John Edwards
Occupation: Director for Center on Poverty, Trial Lawyer Abortion: Supports abortion rights. Immigration: Supports legal status and citizenship for some illegal immigrants. Calls for working with Mexico to better control the border and stop illegal trafficking. Iraq: Voted for use of military force in Iraq, but now says that was a “mistake.” supported war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008; opposed Bush plan to send additional American troops to Iraq. Same-sex marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage; opposes a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Social Security: Opposes Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts. Taxes: Opposed 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts. Supports eliminating tax cuts for oil companies and the wealthiest Americans.
creased funding and improved border security technology, improved enforcement of existing laws, and provided a legal path to citizenship for some illegal immigrants; voted to authorize construction of a 700mile fence along the U.S.-Mexican border. Iraq: Opposed use of military force in Iraq; voted for war spending bill that would have withdrawn most U.S. troops by March 2008; supports phased redeployment of U.S. troops; opposed Bush’s plan to send additional troops to Iraq; had once called for troop withdrawal to begin by the end of 2006. Same-sex marriage: Opposes same-sex marriage, but also opposes a constitutional ban; supports civil unions. Social Security: Opposes Bush plan allowing workers to divert some Social Security payroll taxes into private retirement accounts.
Barack Obama Occupation: Senator from Illinois Abortion: Supports abortion rights. Immigration: Supported Bush-backed immigration reform legislation, which would have in-
Read about Republican candidates in the next issue of the Rampage.
FRESNO CITY COLLEGE TRANSFER CENTER
TRANSFER DAY Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Free Speech Area (between the Bookstore & Cafeteria)
Representatives from CSU, UC and independent colleges and universities will provide transfer information and materials.
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING DAY! HOSTED BY THE FCC TRANSFER/COUNSELING CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (559) 442-8290
Sports
September 12, 2007
Rampage 15
AROUND THE Women’s Golf Desert Classic Fresno City
Meghan Olsen ...................................................72-4 -146 Andrea Lovering..............................................75-81 - 156 Venessa Tamez.....................................................84-84 - 168 Emelle Christensen.........................................85-03 -178 Melissa Rosalez..................................................98-95 -193 Marlena Medearis...........................................99-121-220
Cross-Country Beaver Invitational Men- 4 Mile
Teams: 1. American River, 32 2. Fresno City, 57 3. West Valley, 112 4. Hartnell 121.5 Sequuoias 145 Individuals: 1 Angel Gonzalez 20:45.2 (West Valley) 2. Nelson Mawangi 21:10.4 (AMerican River) 3. Josh Hernandez 21:19.4 (West Valley) 4. Bobby Rodriguez 21:26.5 (Fresno City) Fresno City: 13 Vincente Vilarde (22:15.18) 18. Angel Hernandez (22:2519) 19. Tim Flanagan (22:26)
Women’s Volleyball
Nonconference Fresno City 3, Monterey Peninsula 0
Coaching not an issue
Photo by Joseph Rios
Head Coach Gary Bluth watches his runners warm-up from atop his bike at a recent practice.
Continued from page 16
My camera and bag were already over my shoulder as I pulled into a parking space a few yards from where Coach Bluth stood mounted atop his Trek bike. My bike was in the back of my Jeep and my running shoes were on my feet. I was expecting to chase these guys around the park afternoon for a photo. I was already sweating from the car ride and being outside under the afternoon sun offered little relief. I shut the door. I caught sight of the runners trotting over the newly paved road and down the hill on a trail that curved alongside the creek. I tried cutting the distance between the runners and I by flanking them through the rough and onto the
trail. I was hoping to get a photo of them as they passed. Luckily Bluth saw me before I started my goose chase and stopped the group for what would be their warm-up for that day’s practice. After a brief introduction, the group continued their regimen of line drills. The drills run like clockwork. Bluth needs only to sit on his bike seat and keep himself upright while the team of all young men kicks up dust with high knees, fanny-kicks, and skips. In cross-country, Bluth explained, “coaching isn’t that important as time goes on. Crosscountry runners are very disciplined; they automatically know what they have to do.” On that day, the team drills were warming up the team for a 10-mile run around the park.
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They had no set course to follow. All they had was an electric mile counter mounted on Bluth’s handlebars. At the end of each mile, Bluth told them their time and how many miles they had to go. Coach road caboose as the train of Rams meandered through and outside the park. At the eightmile mark, the caboose got a flat tire and was out of commission. It was the third time he lost a tire. Like he has done before, Bluth stashed his bike in the bushes where he could find it later and ran to his home near the park and brought his Jeep – which doubled as an ambulance for his injured bike. Meanwhile, the team finished their workout. Aside from the occasional joke at the Coach’s expense, their focus never shifted
HORNS Football
Fresno Ciy 56, College of Marin 0 Marin.......................................................0 0 0 0 --0 Fresno City.........................................20 21 15 0 --56 f. Sherman Lang pass from Bryant Moniz (kick blocked) f. Lawrence Hood 31 yard interception return (Sherman Lang pass from moniz) f. Hood 53 yard interception return (kick failed) f. Aresnio Curry 51 yard pass from Moniz (paul rodriguez kick) f. Marcus Russel 14 yard pass from Moniz (Rodriguez kick) F. Moniz 6yard run (rodriguez kick) f. Raymond Neal 41 yard run (rodriguez kick) f. Deandre whitney 79 fumble return (Michael Servantes Run) Rushing: Marin, Billy Mckie 15-33, Travis Senhaux 9-10, Thomas Arguello 4(-13), Mitsu hayashi 2-5, Levi Leon 1-0 Fresno city: Kenny Hedrington 2-39, Raymond Neal 6-69, BrandonThompson 947, Moniz 1-6, Nick Moore 4-21, Jeffrey Alexander 8-27, Dan Haycock 1-5, Kevin swan 1-5, Chris Rolff 1 (-7), Ceth moore 4-45.
30-20, 30-26, 30-28: FCC Whitney WElch 27 digs; Auren Manzo 26 assists; Donesha Jackson 9 kills Records: Fresno City 1-0, Monterey Peninsula 3-3.
passing: Marin: travis senhauk 4-9-2 --30, Arguello 5-15-0 --51, Salvador Mendez 1-0-0--0 Fresno City: Moniz 13-14--0----222, Rolff 1-2-0 --(-6)
Men’s Soccer
Receiving: Marin, Rex nowak 2-18, Leon 1-1, Christopher peters 2-29, Robert tracy 2-25, Billy MMcKie 1-2, Bobbi Lutge 1-6, Fresno City: Lang 1-49, Haycock 1-2, Thompson 1-2, Neal 1-2, Matt Tatham 2-34, Hedrington 1-22, Marcus Russell 228, Dontrell Lee 2-29, Arsenio Curry 2-54, Ronald Hattin1-(-6).
Nonconference Fresno City 2, Ohlone 0
First half: Pablo Segura (29th minute, Chris Silva). Second Half: Allan Vu (78th, Andrew Field) Shots: Fresno City 13, Ohlone 4. Saves: Fresno City, Jose Lopez 3; Ohlone, Manual Farla 6. Records: Fresno City 5-0-1, Ohlone 0-2
completely from their workout. “There are days when they don’t even see me,” Bluth said. The team keeps track of their workouts, times, and distances in a log book that Bluth reviews after practice. From that book, he can tell how hard the runners worked that day without riding them all afternoon. It would be easy for a runner to lie and put down false times or say they ran more than they did, but Bluth said that it never happens. “If one of them is unable to finish a workout, they tell me,” Bluth said. “I don’t know what it is about cross-country that makes it that way. I wish I could take credit for it.” Even when the young runners find themselves slapping each
other, wrestling, punching one another, and play-fighting they somehow manage to tack up staggering mileage. During last Friday’s practice, the team was instructed to take it easy in preparation for the meet on the following day. With Bluth taking care of things in his office, the team was left to conduct practice by themselves. “Coach said to do two miles,” one of them said. “Yeah, but I want to do more,” Cesar Rodriguez said. “Yeah, I wanna do more,” Vicente Velarde said. With ease, the team looped around the track multiple times. They glided over the red moat like a canoe on a fast-moving stream.
September 12, 2007
Sports
Rams rout Marin 56-0 in home opener
16
Smoky air stalls girls’ home debut
Photo by Joseph Rios
More unhealthy air for Fresno: Winds wisked a wave of smoke from the Sacramento area into Fresno last Thursday night. The high levels of smoke in the air prompted regional air authorities to send an advisory against outdoor activity. The women’s soccer game on Friday was subsequently postoned until a later date. The game was to be the team’s first at-home this season. In lieu of the game, head coach Oliver Germond and his team went along with a normal practice. Other teams on campus continued with practice as well.
Running Wild
Cross country men enjoy independence, stick to business Photo by Joseph Rios
Raymond Neal carried the ball six times for 69 yards against Marin.
by Marcell Dilworth Rampage Reporter
Freshman quarterback Bryant Moniz completed 13 of 14 passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns en route to Fresno City college’s 56-0 shut out over Marin City College on Sept 8. Moniz’s first touchdown pass came in the Rams first possession, when he hit freshman Wide receiver Sherman Lang in a play that went for 51 yards. Moniz’s passes were crisp and on time. His offensive line didn’t allow many defenders a chance to get close to him. This gave Moniz enough time to plant his feet and fire the ball to any receiver he wanted. The highlight of the game came in the second quarter from tight end Arsenio Curry who caught a pass around the thirty yard line and broke not three, not four, but five tackles, as he bullied his way into the end zone for a touch down. Curry stated that the only thing that was on his mind was getting into the end zone, “I was just being a beast,” he said. This was a game that Coach Tony Caviglia could allow most of his players a chance to get some playing time. “We were just trying to polish our offense and get some other players
involved,” he said. The defense played with a lot a fire. They harassed the Mariners quarterbacks all game. The Rams defense never gave him a chance plant his feet, forcing them throw on the run. It was the defense that dictated the momentum of the game early with back to back interceptions by the sophomore out of Fresno High, Lawrence Hood. He ran them both back for touchdowns. The first was a 30-yard pick retuned for a touchdown. The second pick was returned 51 yards for a touchdown. Both interceptions came on the Mariners second and third possession in the first quarter. The Rams’ defense racked up five sacks by the end of the game. The Rams’ linebacker Deandre Whitney sacked the Mariners quarterback, forced him to fumble. Whitney then picked the ball up and ran it back 79 yards touchdown in the third quarter to give the Rams a 56 to 0 lead. The Rams next game will be against San Francisco City College. The Rams are 1-8-1 against S.F. City, they lost 34-31 last season and got blown out 40-0 in 2005. However, Coach Caviglia said that this week’s practice will be business as usual.
Runners from the cross country team hit the trail at Woodward Park.
Photo by Joseph Rios
By Joseph Rios avoided paying the $3.00 the park when I saw a man on a bike entry fee to get into Woodward Park that looked like head cross-country by going through the open gate on coach Gary Bluth. I applied the Friant road. Once inside, I rubber- breaks and peered into my rear-view necked to and fro, hoping to catch a mirror. The man wore a bleach-white glimpse of a roaming pack of Rams cap, a white polo shirt, and a pair of during their pre-season workout. I thought I hit pay dirt when I sporty sunglasses. Sweat rolled off saw a mob moving across a grass his tanned face as he looked over field in the distance, but the group his shoulder at the group of runners looked too young – junior high coming up over the hill. “Come on you guys. Lets go,” maybe. They wore matching green he said. gym shorts. I was looking for red. I had nearly circumnavigated See “Coaching” page 15
I