Rampage Fall 2010 Issue 6

Rampage

Fresno City College Volume CXX, Edition 6

November 17, 2010

Second Chance Heroes on Campus

Fresno City College Offers Offers Ex-felons Another Chance at Life by

Sammy Pro Loproto Contero, a 51-year-old FCC student Rampage Reporter

Photo By Kris Goka

Larry Contero, FCC Student, relives the past to ponder his future.

A majority of people have probably never heard the somber clang of a prison door shut behind them, nor have they endured the pain, misery and loneliness of life behind bars. However, more than one in 100 Americans is in the U.S. prison system, a majority of them for drug related offenses.

Life gets even harder when felons are returned into society -- an uncertain future and battles to re-adjust to life. They must contend with the State Parole board which applies a strict code of adherence to parolees while they live among the lure of drugs – the biggest cause of incarceration. For most ex-cons, staying out of jail comes down to keeping away from drugs, the lifestyle that got them there to begin with.

That is exactly where the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Program at Fresno City College comes in. This program which serves as many as 350 students presents second chances to those re-entering society from long jail sentences and drug use.

Such is the case with Larry

who is pursuing a degree in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Program. Contero spent 15 years in some of California’s toughest maximum security prisons, including the infamous Pelican Bay. He was sentenced to 15 years in a level four security at Pelican Bay. He was charged with second degree murder but was convicted on voluntary manslaughter with a firearm. Contero said he was so far into meth that he carried three different guns. After a drug deal gone bad, he committed a crime and hid in the foothills of Oakhurst in the dead of winter for three days. Helicopters and foot patrols were looking for him. He finally made a deal with God. He asked God to let him see his three daughters one more time as he decided to turn himself in.

Crying uncontrollably and clutching a photograph of his daughters, Contero knocked on a stranger’s door in Raymond. The homeowner took mercy on his soul. He called his sister and who took him to a Coarsegold church where he saw his three daughters before he turned himself in. He, however, says he is one of the fortunate ones because he was able to start his recovery in 2007

while he was still in jail.

“There’s more drugs and alcohol in prison, than on the streets of Fresno,” he said. “By the grace of God, I never made it to Hell.”

Jim Kirby, director of the Drug and Alcohol Counseling Program at FCC, said that about 30 to 35 percent of the students in the program are committed to the degree portion of the program and will hopefully pursue a position in the counseling field. “Of these, about 50 to 60 percent have a felonious background,” Kirby said.

In California, the tough economy has forced many of workers residents back to the community colleges, looking for a second chance.

The returning felons, unfortunately, must compete with the same citizens for job training and education opportunities.

Many parolees find it too difficult to commit to the dedication and hard work it takes to succeed in education after the torture of being institutionalized. The percentage of them that graduate is low compared to the numbers that can just stay clean and sober, and the process

See HEROES Page 3

Myspace Blog Costs Former FCC Student Dearly by

Sydney Excinia learned the hard way that privacy is

Rampage Reporter Cynthia Moreno did what many young people do and take for granted every day. She had posted what she thought was a private blog on Myspace, a social networking site. This one action has dominated her life for the last five years.

Moreno’s story started in 2005 when she was 21 and a student at University of California at Berkeley. She posted “An Ode to Coalinga,” a rant against her hometown and the people who “are nothing, were nothing, and remain nothing.”

This post has led to accusations, death threats, major upheavals in her life and her family’s, two trials at the state court level and one in the Court of Appeals. It is certainly setting a precedence for who owns what rights for works published on social networking sites.

An alumna of Fresno City College and a former Views editor of the Rampage, Moreno said she

News:

Holiday Shopping Tips See page 5

ever more elusive, especially in this technology-driven existence.

Growing Up Moreno grew up in Coalinga. She was a straight A student and worked really hard to achieve her best.

“I wanted to go to a really good university; that was my ultimate goal,” said Moreno. “My goal was to go to Harvard; that was my dream.”

Moreno said she was a victim of harassment in high school. Classmates made fun of her, bullying her about her weight and for being studious. Moreno enjoyed learning,“ I pulled all nighters; I was really dedicated to school,” she said.

She graduated from Coalinga High School at the top of her class and earned a full ride to UC Berkeley where she enrolled in Legal Studies with intentions to go to law school to become a lawyer.

At Berkeley, Moreno blossomed,

Front Page of the Fresno Bee, September 19, 2010 headlining Moreno’s lawsuit

See MORENO Page 4

Entertainment: Play Review: The Merry Wives of Windsor See page 7

Sports:

Views: Is Black Friday Worth It? See page 9

Victory With A Price: Girls Soccer See page 11

Rampage

2. News . November 17, 2010

Events Around Campus by

Tania Tran and term in order to help his brother, Robert aware of what’s going on on campus.”

Austin Verburg Gai, with a family business. However, At the end of the short lecture, students

Rampage Reporter people around campus including students, teachers and administrators, had shown their concern towards the idea of Gai resigning.

After doing a considerable amount of thinking and “soul searching”, Gai deThe payment date for students that regcided to finish his term as ASG President. istered between Oct. 25 through Nov. 5 is “I have to finish my term,” Gai said. “I Dec. 2 by 5:00pm. With waitlists being so can’t let down my constituents and I can’t long and most classes already filled, you let down ASG.” do not want to get dropped from a class This served as a relief to ASG, meaning for not payment. Payment can be made in they could focus on plans and propositions the business office in person, by mail with directly without worrying about finding a check, and over the phone with a Visa, President to take Gai’s place.

America Express, Discover, or Mastercard “I’m happy that he’s on board,” ASG by calling (559) 499-6009. To mail your senator Jodie O’Brien said. “I’m happy payment include your student ID number that he’s staying and I think he’s a wonderon the check and mail to: ful leader. I look forward to working with Fresno City College Business Office him on all events.”

1101 East University Ave While staying on board as President, Fresno, CA. 93741 Gai will still be helping his brother, but by phoning in directions and ideas. “[He] can do it on his own, so that’s what I’m encouraging him to do,” Gai said. “I’m going to be able to manage my State Center Community College Dis- personal life and ASG.” ASG advisor Sean Hendersen feels that trict is hold an open forum today at noon Gai’s decision to stay on board as ASP to educate Fresno City College students, President is “good news for the students.” classified staff and faculty staff, faculty on “I’m glad he’s staying,” Hendersen the process for the organizational review of the district office, food services and said. “I’m glad they’re on track and the Student Body Government is doing a good bookstore operations.

The review is being conducted by the job this year.”

College Brain Trust who will provide an overview on the purpose of the review and the process involved at this open forum in the staff dining room.

The consulting team will include, Dr. Robert Jensen, Dr. Fran White, Mike The Associated Student Government Brandy and Ray Giles. They will welcome (ASG) proceeded with its Smoking Tour your comments and questions during this last week, providing information to stuforum dents in various forum hall classes on the

Tuition Deadlines

District Holds Open Forum

ASG Holds Smoking Forum

ASG President Unresigns

Associated Student Government President, Daniel Gai, has decided to stay on ASG as President instead of resigning at the end of this semester as planned.

Originally, Gai had plans to resign mid-

Fresno City College

upcoming debate of smoking on campus.

On Monday through Wednesday, ASG representatives spoke to each class on the tour, giving each one a short lecture about the debates.

“We were able to get our message across to the students and gain their interests,” said ASG Legislative Vice President Rebecca Ashjian, “so they can become more

got a chance to ask the ASG representative questions about the proposition.

Most information given at each tour concerned the debates that will be taking place on Dec. 1-3 at the back of the student lounge. There will be three microphones set up for those who are against banning smoking on campus, another is for those who would like to see it banned, and a third microphone to represent those who feel that designating areas is the proper solution.

Students who choose to participate in these debates are encouraged to focus on the issues instead of attacking each other.

“We don’t want Ad Hominem attacks,” ASG President Daniel Gai said.

The elections to determine what actions are taken have been pushed back to the ending of the spring semester. This was scheduled to take place before winter break. However, the smoking proposition will now be voted on at the same time as the ASG elections at the end of the year.

Psych Class to Host Abuse Advocate

Guest speaker Dakota Draconi will give a talk regarding child abuse during class on Friday Nov. 19 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. in Forum Hall 101.. All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend.

Draconi’s experience with child abuse includes both her own growing up and her son’s during her marriage. She is a former Fresno City College student and currently enrolled in Fresno State’s masters program . She is the founder of Breaking the Silence, a Fresno-based non-profit organization that works with victims of child abuse.

The topics covered will include her personal story, laws dealing with child abuse, opportunities for advocacy, as well as insight and tips for parents to protect children from abuse

Rampage About Us

The 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.

Reporters

Editors Managing Editor: Ramiro Gudino News Editor: Sydney Excinia Views Editor: Max Rosendahl Entertainment Editor: Laura Bradley Sports Editor: Quinn Robinson Photo Editor: Abel Cortez Online Editor: Max Rosendahl Business Manager: Leah Edwards Production Manager: Jessika Verduzco Copy Editor: Dylan Domingos Faculty Advisor: Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Laura Bradley Abel Cortez Alyssa Diaz Ramiro Gudino Angel Lopez Anthony Rodriguez Ashley Trembley Austin Verburg Dylan Domingos Gabriella Ramirez Kevin Rodriguez Dustin Rocha Kris Goka

Kyle Barrett Lyssette Trujillo Marcell Dilworth Max Rosendahl Melanie Cron Phillip Romar Quinn Robinson Sam Loproto Sebouh Simonian Sendy Garcia Sydney Excinia Tania Tran William Christensen Karina Ornelas

Contacts

Editor In Chief rampage-editor@fresnocitycollege.edu Rampage business Office rampage-business@fresnocitycollege.edu Advisor dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu Fresno City College 1101 E. University Ave. Fresno, CA 93741 Office: (559) 442-8262 Fax: (559) 265-5783

Visit our Web site for updates www.FresnoCityCollegeRampage.com

Heroes:

Rampage

November 17, 2010 . News. 3

Continued from Page 1

can be discouraging. Many of the returning felons have reached out to rehabilitation and treatment centers familiar with the disease. Some of the lucky ones were able to receive counseling and treatment from inside the confines of jail.

Contero said it is almost impossible to succeed without the support that a drug rehab program provides. He credits the West Care rehabilitation program, which was highly visible inside the correctional system, until budget cuts eliminated the relationship. “That decision was traumatic for some inmates, and it really shattered some lives,” he said. For Contero it was a tough decision, but he opted to be released directly into an after-care program here in Fresno at the West Care facility. “I’ve got a beautiful wife, and grandkids; I really wanted to be home,” he said. “I knew I had more work to do, so I chose to go to the live- in recovery house.”

Another fortunate inmate is fellow student Bill Ward, 58, who started the degree program here at the start of the fall semester. “Even though my age is a factor, I hope to graduate and go into a Human Resources capacity as a counselor,” ” Even though my age is a factor, I hope to graduate and go into a Human Resources capacity as a counselor,” said Ward, now pursuing an AA degree in Drug and Alcohol program.

Ward attributes his recovery to the faith based 12 step programs inside the walls of Chino Men’s Institution.

He was released from prison earlier this year and started his education with the added benefit of four years of sobriety.

For some residents in the recovery program, the success rate is dismal.

For addicts who are released to the streets, the success rate of recovery can be around 20 to 30 percent. The numbers are better if they complete the after-care program, hovering around 67 percent. “Only a handful of residents graduated from my group,” Contero said.

One of those graduates was Mike Carmack, 48, a fellow West Care resident. Carmack, who is also pursuing a degree in the Drug and Alcohol program, says he had lost the capacity to reason and finally just got tired of the merry- go-round.

Carmack was strung out on heroin for more than 15 years. “It was socially acceptable to drink a little and snort a little coke. I had no idea it could get as bad as it did. I couldn’t make the choice between doing dope or going back to prison.”

“A lot of inmates, like myself, got a slap on the wrist,” Carmack said.

“We all headed back to the streets to run amok.” After prison stints at CRC, Corcoran, and Santa Nella, he was paroled from Jamestown Men’s Colony in 2009.

Carmack was not as lucky as others, as the state budget cuts prevented him from receiving help on the inside, but the West Care program was waiting for him. He has since been released from parole, as well as being clean since that day.

“I have the West Care live in facility to thank for that,” he said. “Even though I plan on graduating with the degree here at FCC, I cannot say for sure that I will go into the counseling field.”

The accredited program here at FCC allows students to study and obtain a degree through the California Association for Alcohol Drug Educators (CAADE). The program allows students the opportunity to develop the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes required to be effective in the treatment of alcohol and other drug dependency and abuse. “We are seeing about a 60 percent success rate when the students attempt to pass the CAADE final exam,” Kirby said.

For many addicts, a strong family core may be the key to success.

Contero says he couldn’t have gotten through without the emotional support of his wife and daughter.

“My wife is absolutely amazing, to stand by me like she did.” he said.

Contero’s daughter was recently honorably discharged from the military and is expecting a baby soon with her new husband. “Life is good man,” he said. “My family is everything to me.”

Carmack has seen a lot of changes in his family life. He said that all of a sudden, his two boys are 17 and 18 years old. “I don’t want them to have to go through the crap that I went through,” he said. Carmack, who is single, seems to be gaining the respect and trust of the rest of his family and friends as well.

“It’s up to me to keep that trust level up there. I thought that it was all gone. It’s coming back slowly, and I feel I can handle it now, and in order to do that I have to stay clean and finish this program,” he said. “I see a lot of light at the end of the tunnel. My boys are one of the main reasons I am pursuing this whole avenue.”

The Drug and Alcohol program at FCC is strictly educational, yet most attendees regularly attend either Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or

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Photo By Kris Goka

Mike Carmack, FCC Student, says he now sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings here in town. The meetings are generally faith-based and ask the attendees to answer to a higher power. Carmack says, “You may not necessarily have a relationship with God, but you sure will after you follow the program.” However, Carmack is convinced that his immediate success is a combination of the faith-based component and the educational side of the program.

“It’s been a rewarding experience, and it is keeping me clean and sober,” he said.” When you find something that is working for you, you don’t change it.”

Contero is also convinced that the combination of the two sides of the program add up. He is committed to finishing the program and following the call into the counseling field.

He is hopeful that even if he saves one soul from the ‘big house’ and continues to offer the truth about life on the inside from the outside, it will all be worth it. “Adjusting to a new life is the hardest thing in the world,” he said. “I will definitely be working in the field of counseling real soon.” Contero is hopeful that he will continue his education, and sees a master’s degree in his future.

“I’m not stopping here; this is just a stepping stone. I am committed to staying devoted to this program, so I can give something back to this community.”

Both Contero and Carmack will be doing just that, later this year.

They are scheduled to speak at some of the larger NA meetings in the West Care facility most likely around the Holidays. “My parole officer is thrilled,” Contero said.

“He told me, ‘they need some heavy

hitters like you guys’.” Residents and participants in the program rely heavily on the personal life experiences and can relate to the speaker’s advice. Sometimes, a person who needs the extra push to accept sobriety into their lives can hear a profound message from a speaker.

He said, “We tell them to ‘never give up’, and stop hanging around the people that drag you down.”

Kirby says that family is the main thread that keeps these souls together. Even though budget cuts to the college have not affected the program itself, it has affected the ability to place more incoming students into the internship program here at FCC. Kirby himself was drawn into the counseling end of the business when his own family reached out for help.

“It just made sense,” Kirby said of his decision especially after seeing “too many friends crash and burn back in the 70’s.”

According to Thomas Allen, who helps operate a successful NA program in the bay area, help behind bars is still available in some areas, mainly at the local level. At the Elmwood Correctional facility in Milpitas, Cal., counselors are allowed to run AA and NA meetings inside the walls of the facility. “If we can help save a soul from the inside, we are thrilled,” said Allen, is also pursuing the AA degree in the Bay Area . He organizes a weekly spiritual based NA program inside the County Jail. “Most of the participants are parole violators who agree to attend the meetings in lieu of returning to prison,” he says. “After they are released, we see roughly five percent of them attend voluntarily.” Thomas Allen

was convicted of methamphetamine manufacturing and did three years state time but was lucky.

Counselors and peer groups can usually arrange a live-in facility for the released inmate or coordinate meetings to attend once they are released. “It’s a great feeling when someone really gets it,” he says.

In the Fresno County Jail, the Counselors provide weekly AA and NA meetings on the inside, and usually invite guest speakers to attend. The voice of experience carries more weight than a badge.

Allen considers himself one of the lucky ones, as he also received counseling on the inside. Incarcerated back in 1997 for his offense, he never looked back to his partners in crime. ”You really have to cut all those old friends loose,” he said. “If you keep doing the same things you used to do, you’ll keep getting the same results. I am grateful I was given a second chance; I want to be sure to pay it forward. Without the help of my family, I would still be running.”

Most addicts and alcoholics who have successfully completed at least one year of being clean and sober realize that one drink or one snort of cocaine can crumble everything they have built up in their recovery. Allen says, “For some, one drink is too many, and a hundred not enough.”

All of our second chance heroes agree on a few things. It is important to give away their recovery in order to keep it. If they don’t, there are only three paces they will end up -- jails, institutions or death. And, they all agree that most importantly, “Family is everything.”

Moreno: Continued from Page 1 shed her baby fat and said she was “immersed in an intellectual environment where individuals value hard work and commitment in all aspects of their lives.” She wrote in her blog that she loved her new life, her classes and seemed well on her way to becoming “one bad *** corporate Latina lawyer who is not going to take ***♦ from anyone or anything.”

Ode to Coalinga In 2005, Moreno went back to a Coalinga high school homecoming game because she wanted to watch her younger sister who was a cheerleader.

“I decided to drive down that weekend from Berkeley, however while at the game I had a number of bad experiences,” Moreno said.

According to Moreno, when she arrived at the game, people were talking a lot about her changed physical appearance. She remembers that she and her father were walking down the stands when two girls started talking about her. They had allegedly looked at Moreno and said, “look at that b*tch, she changed her appearance.”

Moreno said she was shocked. “I didn’t know the girls, but their comments really made me angry,” she said.

“I had worked really hard, and I go to a football game and I start hearing these remarks that really get under my skin.”

She said the more she thought about it, the more upset she got. “No one cared about my studies or how I was doing at Berkeley, rather they were more interested in my appearance,” said Moreno.

Moreno acknowledged she had lost a lot of weight, which even her high school teachers immediately recognized. As she walked up one of the ramps at the game, a teacher yelled at her through the loud speaker, “Oh my god, you look great!”

These comments angered Moreno, “I felt nothing had changed, people were only talking to me because of how I had changed physically, and I didn’t like it.”

That same weekend, Moreno drove back up to Berkeley still fuming at what had transpired that weekend. “I talked to my roommate about my experience, and she could understand,” said Moreno.

It was then that Moreno sat down and wrote her blog, “An Ode to

Coalinga.” (Read Moreno’s “Ode to Coaling” at fblinks.com/ode.)

“I didn’t edit it, I just wrote it and hit enter,” she said. “I wrote about my feelings and how I didn’t like Coalinga.”

Her Myspace blog was posted for six days. Within those days, she received three responses from people.

One of them was from her best friend, while the other comments were from former Coalinga High graduates.

Moreno said that her friends seemed concerned about her wellbeing, but that they supported her.

“When I went through and explained to those people what happened, they understood. They let it go; it was just a blog,” said Moreno.

High School Principal Enabled Local Newspaper to Republish Myspace Rant Days after Moreno posted her blog, Roger Campbell, the then principal of Coalinga High School, now superintendent of the Coalinga-Huron Joint Unified School District, found Moreno’s blog and faxed it to the local newspaper, the Coalinga Record.

According to records, Campbell claims he found Moreno’s blog on his desk and proceeded to read it.

Campbell said he found it to be offensive and made the decision to send it to the newspaper for publication. The newspaper published the blog in its entirety and signed her name, without asking for her permission and despite efforts by both Moreno and her parents to prevent its publication.

“It wasn’t right for them to publish my blog, I didn’t give them permission,” said Moreno. The residents of Coalinga reacted with fury. They were angry, and it showed in their letters to the editor and in the war it waged not only against the 21-year-old, but against her entire family. Many in the community questioned how one of their own could write such a thing to the paper? How could she insult the whole town? How could Moreno disrespect the town that nurtured and propelled her to her status at U.C. Berkeley.

“The community was outraged, they were reading something that I wrote that was bashing them,” said Moreno. No one, not even the

The Fresno Bee, September 19, 2010

Rampage editor that published her blog, explained that her rant was a private online blog and was never intended for the Coalinga audience.

Weeks after Moreno’s blog appeared in the newspaper, she started receiving death threats. “People were telling me that if I come back to Coalinga they would do this…. to me,” Moreno said.

She decided to file a formal complaint to the superintendent, asking him to help fix the problem. Moreno never received a response. She continued to seek help, but it seemed like all had turned against her.

“I made a complaint to the Fresno County Cynthia Moreno tells her story to FCC Journalism students.

Office of Education, problem in Coalinga, so she decided ily decided to settle. “I didn’t want to to explain my situation, pleading to write a letter to the newspaper, settle, but that was a lot of money I for help,” said Moreno. She never apologizing for her blog. would have to pay for the risk of losreceived a response.

“The newspaper didn’t publish ing,” she said. The Coalinga Record After numerous attempts with the it,” she said. I wanted my letter to closed months later. educational board, Moreno decided calm down the community, to let Moreno sued the principal for to file another formal complaint to them hear my side,” she said. invasion of privacy. the Office of Education in Sacra- “While at Berkeley, I got really deTo claim invasion of privacy, mento. They too ignored her request. pressed. I didn’t take my mid-terms Moreno needed to allege that someIn a last attempt, Moreno filed two or my finals. I got dismissed from thing private was disclosed, and her different civil rights complaints. “I sent Berkeley, and had no choice but to posting did not qualify as private one to the department of civil rights come home,” Moreno said. “I had once it was published on Myspace. and the other to the department of worked so hard to get to Berkeley, I In addition, the court found that education, both in Washington D.C,” felt like I had lost everything,” she you have no expectation of privacy said Moreno. said. in materials published in a social Moreno said they later sent her a “The blog published in the news- networking site because you identify letter stating they could not help her paper had ruined me forever,” yourself by first name only, as long and advised her to contact a lawyer.

Moreno said. as pictures and other information After searching through 200 lawIn Clovis, Moreno’s parents are present; this allows viewers to yers, Moreno finally found one that struggled to get her to go back to identify you. would take her case. school. “I cried a lot, and slept a The final verdict declared the “I filed a lawsuit against the school lot; ultimately, I had no motivation principal’s conduct was outrageous; district, the principal as an individual, to do anything. At one point, I was however, he was not the substantial and the newspaper,” she said. suicidal. I didn’t want anyone to factor that caused the damage to know me or see me,” she said.

Moreno and her family.

Moreno’s Struggles “Trying to pick myself back up “When they read the verdict, my In Coalinga, Moreno said her fam- was the hardest two years of my mother and I broke down into ily started getting harassed by people life,” Moreno said about trying to tears,” said Moreno. in the town. rebound. She wanted to prove them She said, “I have never been “The people were outraged,” she all wrong. She enrolled at Fresno through a trial before but it was said. Students and teachers at school City College, joined the staff of the stressful, costly and there was no harassed Moreno’s sister, while her Rampage in the fall of 2007 and justice.” parents’ trucking business plum- discovered her passion for journalIsauro Villarreal, Moreno’s meted. ism. She was a reporter in her first boyfriend, assisted her attorney “My sister would be questioned semester and then became Views in selecting the jury. about my actions,” said Moreno. editor in the spring of 2008. She said According to Villarreal, there “They would say, ‘why would your the years at FCC helped her regain was plenty of evidence to show sister write such a thing?’” some confidence in herself and reaf- that the Coalinga superintenEveryone was offended by what firmed all she believed about herself. dent was a substantial factor in Moreno had written. “I don’t underIn 2008, Moreno wrote a formal causing harm. stand why people were angry,” said letter to Berkeley requesting a Villarreal believes that MoreMoreno. I thanked the people who reinstatement. “I explained the no’s case is quite different. “The had helped me get to Berkeley,” things that had happened, and jury thought since it is on the she said. how much I wanted to go back World Wide Web, then it was goThings escalated. Someone fired a and finish my education,” she ing to get out anyway.” In other shot at their home and hit the family said. Her request was granted words, because the internet is a dog; Moreno’s younger sister was and she was able to go back in relatively new area, most people being harassed in high school, and the fall of 2008. cannot understand all its facets. their business was boycotted. All

“They felt that what the princiof this led the family to flee from a The Court Ruling pal did was wrong but overall the town that had been home for more The first verdict in the matter of harm that occurred was a result than 20 years as well as a multi- Moreno versus her principal, her from what she wrote herself and million dollar business. She said, high school, and the school district how she put it out there herself,” “My parents decided that it wasn’t found that she could not state a Villarreal said. safe for them to live in Coalinga, so claim on both the newspaper and they made a quick move to Clovis.” school district. She appealed and Cynthia Today Meanwhile, Moreno could not the appeals court returned the case Moreno, now 26, is a reporter focus on her studies. “My parents for retrial. She decided to separate in Fresno working for the Spanish were calling me everyday with the defendants and then drop the newspaper, Vida en el Valle, which new problems,” she said. “There newspaper out of the lawsuit. is published by the Fresno Bee. were too many things going on at “The newspaper told me that if I “Looking back, I know that the one point that I could not handle it appealed and lost, they would charge ‘Ode to Coalinga’ is going to haunt anymore.” my family and I over $100,000 in me forever,” she said. “If I hadn’t Moreno felt helpless that she attorney’s fees,” said Moreno. gone to the game, all of this probcould not do anything to fix the Out of fear, Moreno and her fam- ably wouldn’t have happened.”

Photo By Abel Cortez

4 . News . November 17, 2010

Rampage

November 17, 2010 . News. 5

Anti Abortion Protests Spark Controversy Anti- abortion and pro-choice protesters clashed in the free speech area of the Fresno City College last week. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of last week, students gathered in the free speech area to voice their position on abortion.

It started on Tuesday when about 40 individuals exchanged abuses and graphic posters and argued their side’s positions trying to down the other side.

Several students said they were upset because of the graphic nature of photos being displayed by a anti-abortion group in the Free Speech area.

“They are gross,” said Nicole Parsneau, a pro- choice protester, about the photo of dead fetuses that were displayed. She stated that she was upset because the anti-abortion group would take back gains that women had made over the years. She said, “Every woman is different they all have different stories.”

Parsneau said she was inspired by her friend to join the protest because of the graphic images of aborted embryos that were being displayed by members of an antiabortion group called, “Students for Life of America.”

Steve Macias, a member of the Students for Life of America

group, described why his g r o u p was using the free speech area to promote its agenda. “ We are here to educate women and to show that there are alternatives to abortion,” Macias Counterprotestor Kayci Harris (right), debates against anti-abortion protests (left) said. “We realize that abortion is a violent, Williams who was the first stu Roman quickly created a petiharmful murderous act to the un- dent to challenge the anti-choice tion and began asking those who born, so we are here to prevent that group, was just walking by when disagreed with the graphic content by educating women.” he encountered the demonstration to sign it.

Macias was there with a man and “pulled a piece of cardboard Don, from Students for Life of named Don who declined to say out of the dumpster” with which he America, defended his organizahis last name. Don was the main made his sign. tion’s use of graphic posters. He speaker during the event. “We are Others joined Williams’ protest said, “Free speech is not meant to here to expose the ills abortion in and the crowd began to grow larger. tickle somebody’s ear. Free speech America,” Don said, adding that Matthew Roman was one of the can be hard to swallow; free speech they wanted to expose the reality early protesters. He said he was is supposed to irritate. ” that “abortion is murder.” walking to the cafeteria when he saw Steve Macias provided a hisThe graphic content in the orga- a student crying and complaining to torical comparison. “In England, nizations’ photos inspired Chase the college activities representative. a guy by the name of William Williams, an FCC student, to cre- Roman said the college activities Wilberforce used graphic images ate a sign protesting the pictures of staff explained that the anti-abortion of slaves to show the gory human dead fetuses. The Sign read, “It’s rights group had the right to use the side of slavery to convince other your choice not this guy’s.” free speech zone for their purposes. to stand up against the travesty.”

Photo By Abel Cortez

by Marcell Dillworth Rampage Reporter

Supporters of the anti-abortion group began to rally in support of the photos, creating their own protest signs as the rhetoric escalated and both sides hurled insults at their opponents.

As the day went on, a student who was member of FCC’s prayer group begin to preach to those who were against the graphic nature of the photos. He told them to repent for their sins. Some protesters complained that the pastor’s sermon missed the point of why they were protesting; they were their protesting the graphic nature of the photos, not the other side’s beliefs or opinions.

A man yelled, “A woman’s place is to give birth to a child no matter what.”

Another person shouted, “It’s a woman’s fault if she got raped, she opened her legs” Kayci Harris, an FCC student, said she was inspired to join the protest because she was insulted by the radical comments made by an anti-abortion supporters, “I don’t appreciate that a man who had no connection with me is trying to tell me what to do with my body.”

Harris says that she had had a partial birth abortion for health reasons, and that she was very by many of the radical statements made by the anti-abortion supporter. She said, “I believe that there are more reasons to have an abortion than people understand.”

FCC Student Wins Miss California Black Globe

by Max Rosendahl Rampage Reporter

Fresno City College Fresno ollege FresnoCCity ity C College ookstore ookstore BBB ookstore

Francis Wilson, a student at Fresno City College, has won the Miss California Black Globe.

“It really felt good to represent my community and my state as well,” said Wilson.

The California Black Globe pageant was held Saturday Nov. 6t at the MLK Auditorium in San Diego, California.

The pageant has certain guidelines for Miss California Black Globe including that the model must be a single, is a natural born genetic female, aged 20-39, with or without children. She must have at least 25 percent Black heritage This was the first state pageant Francis has ever won. She has been entering pageants since 2008 starting with Miss Black Sacramento.

At the age of six, Wilson began dancing, and this is what started her passion. During middle school, she enrolled in cheer and developed a passion for modeling.

“All my life, I’ve been dancing and cheering, so I think beauty pageants are just an extension of that,” she said.

Francis graduated from Sunnyside High School in 2007 and this is her second semester here at FCC. She will be finished with her degree in African American Studies by the spring of 2012.

The first pageant she ever attended was Miss Black Sacramento in 2008 Wilson feels that the pageants available in the past were for white women only and black women were not able to enter the compe-

tition, or that they simply had no have a chance of winning.

“Pageants like this were created to uplift black women and not set that standard of beauty where you have to be skinny, have long hair, and that kind of thing,” she said. “There is no set standard of beauty.”

Francis explained that at general pageants, the girls backstage often times cause a cat fight, whereas at the black pageants, all the girls are all supportive. “It’s a sisterhood and you guys are there to uplift each other,” she said.

Francis has received a great deal of support from black talk radio, the black chamber of commerce, and the California Advocate. “A lot of people are really close nit in this community have supported me through this whole process,” said Wilson.

These pageants meant a lot to Francis; this is one of the best experiences she’s ever had so she’s taken a lot from it. She still keeps in contact with the girls from her first pageant in Sacramento. Although Francis has always been into fashion, her long term goal is to become a lawyer. She hopes to attend Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy. Oak Brook is a four-year Christian law, school located here in Fresno.

For winning the Miss California Black Globe, Francis received a series of gifts including the crown and a sash. She also received a paid for trip to the national competition in Atlanta Georgia for Miss Black Globe International in August 2011.

6. News . November 17, 2010

Rampage

FCC Honors Local Veterans Rampage Wins Awards at JACC Conference with Peace Memorial by

Sammy Pro Loproto up in soft tones, offering a resolu- rines in the crowd all sang the “Halls Rampage Reporter

The rain came down for three days straight, and the soldier never left the foxhole. His feet were numb and encased in mud, but his eyes never left the horizon, scanning for signs of the approaching enemy. Mortar fire was intermittent, and he grabbed a smoke in between the blasts.

In contrast, the warm November sun radiated down on the free speech area last Friday morning, as if God was offering rays of hope and peace to all of his children this fine day. Fresno City College opened its arms in a memoriam to all of our country’s military veterans, past and present. Veterans from all branches of the military were in the house, and FCC paid homage to them all. Some of them can remember being in that same foxhole.

World War II veteran and prestigious holder of four purple heart medals, Gerry Eckenrod, says those memories are better left alone.

“Today’s soldier has other burdens to worry about,” he said.

The selfless dedication from our country’s military veterans goes unnoticed sometimes here at home.

But when we get a chance to give back to our veterans ,“Fresno is always up for the challenge, “ he says. With Veteran’s Day falling on a Thursday this year, FCC took the opportunity to get a head start on the valley’s celebrations. The morning began with the FCC Concert band warming

tion to conflicts past and present.

Then the traditional keeper of the bagpipes played “Amazing Grace”, as the ‘wreath ‘of the unknown soldier was placed on the Court of Honor. The U.S. Marine Corps. raised the flag while the FCC City Singers led us in a rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.

The veterans sang in unison as they saluted the flag emphatically.

The Jr. ROTC color guard from Fresno High School High School led the audience in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

President of FCC, Dr. Cynthia Azari, opened up the festivities with a short salute. “Throughout its history, FCC has provided veterans with many opportunities to pursue a college education,” she said. “After WWII, and the passage of the G.I.Bill of Rights, FCC welcomed returning military then , just as we do today. I am extremely proud of our Veteran’s office as we are always welcoming back returning veterans who have served our country,” she said.

The FCC concert band kicked off a patriotic rendition of America the Beautiful, as Dr. Azari asked each branch of the military to stand and be recognized. One by one, they stood, and were honored with their own musical tribute. The Merchant Marines, the U.S. Coast Guard, then the U.S. Army, were announced, as ‘Over There’ softly rolled over the lawn . The U.S. Navy, was honored with their famous song, Anchors Aweigh, and the U.S. Air Force was welcomed with a lively tune, “Into the Wild Blue Yonder. The U.S. Ma-

of Montezuma” as they stood and saluted each other and the crowd.

Kathy Bonilla was next up on the stage, and she introduced students dressed in original uniforms from the ages. Starting with the doughboy of WWI, and their all wool uniforms ,to the soldiers of the Korean conflict, and the integration of women, they were all represented. The FCC concert band played background music from all the eras, and it was a touching display. Dr. Azari shook hands with all of them in a gesture of thanks and recognition.

Many dignitaries were in attendance this morning, as U.S. Representative Jim Costa, State Senators Dean Flores, and Dave Cogdill among others paid their respect to these veterans. Costa, who had just flown in from Washington D.C ,as he does every other week, told the audience of his weekly ritual.

“Every time I pass through an airport and I see returning members of the military, I stop and shake their hand, and say thank you,” he said. “So next time you see a serviceman or woman, say thanks for your service.

As the closing ceremony was upon us, Costa asked the crowd to remember. “Let us never forget what our military veterans have sacrificed for us,” he said. “God Bless our veterans and God Bless the U.S.A.” The trumpet player from the concert band played taps on the hill behind the stage, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars fired a 21 gun salute, in honor of their fallen comrades.

by

Will Christensen in Ratcliffe Stadium. Ramiro Rampage Reporter

Judges at the NorCal Conference of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges reviewed student-produced newspapers from last semester and the Rampage received a few awards for its quality.

Ten Rampage reporters gathered on Nov. 6, 2010, at 5:00 A.M. to make the journey to San Jose State University for the conference.

The students attended workshops to learn more about the journalism trade, including insights into the use of multimedia and the management of an online news site.

The newspaper itself won in the General Excellence category, meaning that it did well in the way of content, design, layout and in meeting the needs of the Fresno City College community.

The Rampage Staff won first place for Enterprise reporting, or in-depth stories, and for its coverage of the Brad Lopez controversy.

A few students were singled out for their good work in the Rampage. Sydney Excinia, the present news editor, won first place in feature writing for her story Beyond the Veils, which had also placed third at the state conference. Emilio Guttierrez placed second in news reporting for his coverage of the citation of our eateries on campus. He also won an honorable mention for his coverage of the damage that had been done to the track fields

Gudino received an honorable mention for a student-designed advertisement and Will Christensen attained an honorable mention for his review of the movie The Last Song.

It affirms that our students are doing the right things, Dr. Dympna Ugwu-Oju, journalism instructor and Rampage adviser, said about the awards the reporters received. Theyre learning the right things, theyre making good choices in terms of the stories they write or in terms of their choice of stories, and it just makes you feel that youre doing all the right things.

Sydney Excinia said she was astonished to find that she had won. She expects that some positive change will occur in the Rampage because of the conference. Hopefully it will encourage more students to submit articles and want to take place in the JACC, she said.

Ramiro Gudino shared a similar view. Basically, it gives them [Rampage reporters] a little bit of incentive because it shows a little more competition. Its not just assignments; its seeing how you stack up against other people.

Dr. Ugwu-Oju said she has high hopes for the Rampage reporters who attended this conference. Im expecting that they apply what they learned in not only the publication of the Rampage but also in their practice of journalism . . . and also that they apply the new knowledge, the new technological knowledge in particular, in the online papers.

Rampage

November 17, 2010 . News. 7

Holiday Shopping Tips For The Season Gift Giving Ideas to Make the Holiday Shopping Easy and Stress Free by

Aly Diaz for a home cooked meal. He is

Rampage Reporter It is about that time again.

Christmas shopping is now in season, but many are strapped for cash. So what is a student to do? Here are 10 easy tips for giving meaningful and exciting gifts for the holidays, whatever your budget.

a truck driver, and mostly eats on the go. So, I have decided to create him his own recipe.

This can be as simple as taking a recipe from a cookbook and adding food coloring, or a fun topping! It can also be as simple as changing the way you serve an item. Purple pancakes with

Know who you are shopping for

Before you head out to buy a great gift, jot down a few notes about your target. For example, if you are buying for mom, where does mom spend most of her time? -- at work or in the kitchen?

Where does she like to shop?

What does she already have? Is there anything that she currently needs? Also, write down what you want to spend, stick to it, and stick to what you know about the person. And yes, get something mom will actually use. There is nothing wrong with a cookbook stand or new oven mitts, especially if they are personalized.

Cruise down Memory Lane

This season, revisit some old memories to invent new gift ideas.

For example, for my father’s birthday this year, I tried to make him a cookie cake. I purchased the cake mix and cookie crust at a dollar store, and whipped up the cake at home. Well, my father was delighted to see the cookie cake, but was turned off at first bite. He just did not like the taste of dollar store chocolate.

This Christmas, I have decided to revisit this special memory, and I am remaking my dad a cookie cake, this time with his favorite cake brand and in the shape of a camera. I am also adding in a digital photo album keychain! My dad loves photos, and the digital album is only $12.50 at Brookstone.

So here is an affordable way to say, remember the time? Let is make more memories AND tell someone they mean the world to me.

Are there any inside jokes, or silly mishaps you can recapture this Christmas? Buy a picture frame and paint an inside joke on the border. Go to Walgreens. com and design a photo gift and include memorable phrases.

Even beyond inside jokes, try to simply recapture a special memory. A first date -- do the whole thing over. Highlighting memories shows a person that you pay attention to the details of that relationship.

Create, Customize, and Add on!

You want to make something from scratch? As far as Christmas creations go, there are great options. How about creating someone their own recipe? This Christmas my step-dad asked

Reese’s pieces anyone?

Jewelry, pottery, home decor, or dishes? Color Me Mine has great options for customizing cups, vases, and more.

They provide the object, you paint it to your fancy, and they gloss it over with a protective layer, personal and professional. “That’s so special when someone takes the time to do something for you,” said Valerie DiPinto, Office Assistant III for Student Services.

DiPinto said she loves giving out handmade Christmas ornaments. She makes them out of bread dough and customizes each ornament, using different shapes, paint colors, and adding on names. DiPinto even dates the ornaments to make them extra memorable.

Customizing never gets old.

You can customize anything, from hats, scarves, and t-shirts.

Try Rhine stoning in initials on a hat. As for add-ons, is there something your boyfriend has that you can add on to? SoundSuppression Headphones? What about his car? Or maybe he needs new tools? And if you do not feel confident about picking the right add-on, do not worry; simply pick the right gift card.

Gift Cards are not the enemy

Gift cards are not necessarily an easy way out of personalized gift giving. You can personalize a gift card in minutes. And if you have ever received a good gift card, you know the fun in choosing your own Christmas

present. First, purchase a gift card that suits the person.

Observe where they shop. You can even get them hooked on a new store you think they might like. For example, as a student, I appreciate anything -- from WinCo gift cards to Bebe gift cards. To go that extra mile, wrap the card in a cute scarf

dies, baked goods, great smelling candles, and irresistible lotions.

Great stops for sweet stuff are Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Bath and Body Works, and your kitchen! Ever tried making your own candy or customizing baked goods? Well maybe it is the year to start. Store bought or homemade, this pack can cost as little as ten dollars. And to make it sparkle, wrap it in colored cellophane or magazine pages.

Back in the day pack -This pack is for the older folks. Make Grandpa feel good about being 60 this year. Hunt for a popular CD from his time or an old movie, and think of things he did when he was younger.

Was he a track star? Steal an old track photo and have it Photo Illustration By Austin Verberg made into a (you can get great scarves for poster. (Walgreens.com) stellar prices at thrift stores, Energy Pack: Is your son discount stores, or Forever 21), always telling you how tired he a fun tie, some cozy toe socks, is? Create an energy pack for new Christmas tree ornaments, him. Toss in some instant cofor even some fun material at fee, a new travel mug with an Wal-Mart. inspirational quote, and some Cynthia Barrajas, a student pajamas, reminding him that at Fresno City College, pur- sleep is a must. chased her sister a gift card for Winter pack: This idea is Christmas last year. Instead of pretty standard. It gets cold in simply placing the gift card in the winter time, and being well an envelope, she placed the card stocked on gloves and scarves in a small box, and put the small is part of surviving the cold. So box inside of two bigger boxes, gift your girlfriend the basics each box stuffed with tissue -- a stylish scarf and pair of paper. Her sister had to dig for gloves, but add in a Starbucks her gift card, but according to g i f t c a r d , a n d s o m e w a r m Barrajas, the goofy gesture had socks. Note: The Starbucks her sister smiling all day. card can also be replaced by a A good alternative to a gift cute puppy or kitten. card is a date card. Give someLast Christmas, Christian one a card that says Lunch and Shapazian, ASG Senator, gave Shopping with Mom, limit $50 away a theme pack as a white or Breakfast on Me, any Res- elephant present. Shapazian taurant You Want, limit $25. was at an LAE (Lamda Alpha, This is a fun way to give time Epsilon- American Criminal and money to people you care Justice Association) party, and about. When it comes to giving, he chose law enforcement as you can buy massive amounts his theme. He included fun dolof gifts, but nothing quite hits lar store items, like fake guns, the heart like quality time. a few games, and a picture of himself in a frame. Shapazian Themes and Packs are the said the recipient of his pack, perfect match Mr. Hill, loved the gift. InThere are holiday packs all stead of taking his chances over the stores, but what about on a different prize during stringing together your own pack the white elephant game, Mr. this year. Some themes, like Star Hill stuck with the theme pack.

Wars (one of my personal favorites) will be hard to manage on a Hunt to save your BUCK tight budget, but there are great With a busy schedule, it can be themes for the taking. Here are tempting to just go to the nearest a few: How sweet you are pack; store and make the purchase, but Remind someone of just how bargain hunting is often worth the sweet they are with creative can- extra hour or two. Do not settle for

the first toaster you find. Check out a few different stores to weigh out your options. Tell store sales reps what you are looking, and be clear on how much you want to spend.

It is their job to help you. And as a last note, don ot be afraid of big brand stores. During the holidays, it never hurts to search the mall for sales. I am infamous for staying away from name brand stores for fear of spending way too much money. However, I recently got a job at Fashion Fair mall, and on my breaks, I walk up and down the mall, just to scope out sales. You would be surprised how low prices drop during this time of year; these stores are more than worth checking out.

However, if you find it nearly impossible to make the time for shopping, why not try online!

The internet has tons of deals, and your packages are shipped right to your home. Just don’t say yes to the first deal you see.

Use the sale, do not let it use you

The key to sale shopping is to be intentional. Make a list of everything you want to get, and STICK TO IT. Clip the coupons before you go, and have them handy. Also keep in mind there are a ton of coupon sites. If you have a few minutes before you shop, hop online and google specific coupons. Some people see a SALE sign or a page of coupons and are ready to SPEND, SPEND, SPEND. If you have this problem, I urge you, snag a shopping buddy, someone who is not a shopaholic and will keep you accountable for what you spend. This way you will stay within your budget AND spread some holiday cheer.

Use your talents

Maile Glover, FCC Student Center College Center assistant, suggests writing a song for a loved one. Even a poem can be a memorable. What is your skill or hobby? Do you play with Legos on your free time? Why not build a Lego sculpture for someone!

Even if your h earrings. That is ok, just pick something a n d g o w i t h i t . Tr u s t y o u r instincts and how well you know that person. A gift says, “I appreciate you, and here’s a reminder.” Who can resist that, even if it is another package of their favorite candy?

Remember what is MOST important When it comes to gift giving, it truly is the thought that counts. During these hard economic times, many have come face to face with the fact that money isn’t everything. Jobs can be cut off in a day and money can varnish overnight. Bottom line -- motive is more impressive than a $100 gift. Give to the most important people in your life, and give what you can.

8 . Entertainment . November 17, 2010

Rampage

ArtHop: The Art of Revolution by

Dustin Rocha

Rampage Reporter ArtHop is a special event here in Fresno that occurs every first and third Thursday of each month.

ArtHop is a celebration of local artists, their artwork, and the organizations that supports them.

Iners, Par, Peso, and Helloh are renowned artists who frequent ArtHop. Each is celebrated for their own style of artistic differences.

Iners is the owner of Revolution (RVLTN) Art Studios, is an urban art gallery that appeals to a younger demographic then most around town. The gallery has been open for just under three months and showcases graffiti art. Iners has been painting since 1993 and says he does this because it is his passion. He contributes to ArtHop because he wants kids to feel welcomed through his art and to not be intimidated at art shows. Iners enjoys cleaning up the town with his work and he will continue doing this for years to come.

Par is an artist out of RVLTN Art Studios. He has been painting since 1993 and is a regular artist featured in Arte America, a Mexican based art gallery in Fresno. Par has painted murals all over Fresno, the majority of his work being three dimensional and very creative. He hopes his work inspires younger generations to stay out of the streets and realize they have more positive alternative options.

Par is known for his intricate line work and realist detail.

Peso is an artist who has been painting since 1988. He is involved with ArtHop at RVLTN Art Studios and has been featured at Arte American over the past 15 years for graffiti art tribute shows. He has also painted murals throughout Fresno and hopes people see his art and vibe with the color combinations he throws together. Peso has been painting for over 20 years so it is obvious he is passionate about his work. Peso says “artists aren’t made, they’re born; either you have it in you or you don’t.”

Helloh is an artist featured at RVLTN Art Studios and has been painting collectively since 1994.

He started showing his art at RVLTN to bring graffiti to another level, and to show the positive

Photos by Abel Cortez

Inner (above) and Par (right) work on murals for RVLTN. during the Nov. 4 Art Hop side of graffiti art. He also says it is a good way to network and meet other artists. Helloh stated that “Revolution is in a good spot right in between the Tower District & downtown Fresno, so it showcases the art in this area and gives kids something positive to look up to and something to respect.”

These two places for ArtHop are put together on the first Thursday of each month, and the rest of the venues are on the third Thursday.

Art lovers and enthusiasts who partake in all kinds of different art forms go to ArtHop to “meet and greet with artists and enjoy the reception and music,” said FresnoArtHop.org. Venues are can be located in studio buildings, museums, and other galleries, which open their exhibits to the public at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each event is free to participate in, and it is a place where anyone is welcome.

Rampage

November 17, 2010 . Entertainment . 9

The Merry Wives of Windsor by

Sammy Loproto the both of them, pledging his

Photo by Abel Cortez

Rampage Reporter undying love. The plot thickens as the two mistresses discover they have both been sent the same letter.

Mistress Ford (Kathleen Whiting) T h e F r e s n o devises a plot of revenge against City College the- the old letch, and elicits the help of atre came alive Mistress Page (Isabel Contreras).

S u n d a y a f t e rThe opera was well rehearsed. noon with the It moved happily along, as each sound of song as character brought a certain aura to the FCC Opera the stage. The crowd was a diverse Theatre Work- mixture of young and old, and shop presented some proud parents were enjoying their version of their children’s onstage debuts.

Otto Nicolai’s Director Melissa Wolfmann exadaptation of tracted the most out of her diverse a Shakespear- cast, as the two husbands of the ean comedy, mistresses stayed busy with their T h e M e r r y own debauchery and trickery. Mr. W i v e s o f Ford (Daniel Lee) is convinced his Windsor. wife is cavorting with Falstaff, and The produc- is intent on his demise. Lee, is at tion was a big his best when he uses his antics hit with the and facial expressions while plotcrowd, and ting his revenge on Falstaff. He the obvious seems to be having fun bringing f a n f a v o r- an aura of tomfoolery to the set. ite was the Meanwhile Mr. Page (Thomas paunchy old Tobin) is determined to offer his knight, Fal- daughters hand in marriage to staff (An- Slender (Chris Hoffman), while drew Her- her mother plans on her being with n a n d e z ) , Dr. Cajus (Jacob Sherwood). as he reTobin saunters onto the stage peatedly and commands an air of authorattempts ity, and is calm and secure in his t o s e - manhood. He also acts as the voice duce the of reason throughout the works, m e r r y as he calms Ford down during the m i s - climax, and asks for all to forgive tresses Page and Falstaff.

Ford. He delivers Meanwhile the daughter, Anna identical letters to Page, (Jasmine Swalef) who of-

fers a few beautiful arias herself, is in love with the charming Fenton (Peter Xiong). Fenton is not taken seriously, and he is dismissed by her father, yet Ford leaves the option open by declaring “the price is 600 pounds”.

The Choral Opera ensemble performs many group numbers and offers lively and spirited vocals, and dancing scenes. There are also many comical encounters, most of them at the expense of Falstaff himself.

Wolfmann delivers her best set decorations during the final act, as the stage is set as a backdrop to Windsor Forrest at midnight.

Special kudos go out to David Allen Meacham, for his lighting designs, and to Chris Hoffman for his sets and prop displays. The soft, full blue moon and tree layout was splendid, and made for excellent choreography for the climax. Wolfmann laughed about the serenity of the set. “It was supposed to be spooky, but came off as serene,” she said.

Wolfmann, who has offered FCC many fine performances of other operas, is particularly proud of The Magic Flute, and the Marriage of Figaro both fulfilled last semester.

“I directed Merry Wives here ten years ago. I am always looking at the actors we have at any given time,” she said. “I like to offer a wide variety of productions. ” Other musical based content includes Cabaret and Smoky Joe’s café, here in the FCC theatre.

Thumbs up to pianist, Matthew Horton, as he played flawlessly throughout the Opera. At times, the

audience forgot he was hiding there in the corner, that is how good he was.

The two mistresses have devised a scheme to fool all the men this magical night, and the whole cast brings the set to a climax.

The lustful Falstaff is lured to the forest, disguised as the legendry hunter Herne. He has high hopes of romance with either of the mistresses, and eventually believes he has them both. Young Anna’s suitors Slender and Dr. Cajus, are lured to the forest as well, and they too believe they are to find love with the young Page. The mistresses once again disguise the two into elves, and they each believe they are meeting young Anna. They chase each other through the woods and off to the altar, and marry each other. While Falstaff hides from the jealous Ford, Fenton escapes with young Anna and they too are married.

Meanwhile back under the full moon, the townspeople who are disguised as spooks and spirits lay in hiding for Falstaff, as he appears as Herne, wearing large antlers on his head .When he is discovered, he is stabbed, mocked and pinched. In the end, he repents, and the whole town is happy.

Young Anna and Fenton are happily married and the two exchange a beautiful love song while the townspeople sing along happily and joyfully as they take a final bow, singing thank you, thank you.

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Rampage

10 . Entertainment . November 17, 2010

Phillip’s Korner by

Photo by Gabriella Hernandez

Phillip Romar

Phillip Romar

Rampage Reporter We should always remember to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. That’s why Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to look at the year in, review and give thanks. (Notice “Thanksgiving” is “Giving Thanks” backwards. YA SMELL ME!?!?)

by and

Max Rosendahl Ashley Trembly

Rampage Reporters

Perhaps the fastest growing music genre today is House music.

During the late 1970’s, House originated in a Chicago warehouse and quickly became a culture of music especially for the gay, latino, and black community.

The genre got its name from The Warehouse in Chicago where it was commonly played.

“Fresno has become infected with house music after going to visit massive raves in Los Angeles and San Francisco,” said Fresno City College student Nathan Alchian.

DJ’s are now constantly on the rise because of how af-

1

10 Things You Should Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Be thankful that you didn’t get caught. You know what I’m talking about. Just be glad your parents don’t go to the same school as you.

2

Be thankful that you are alive. There are dead people out there wishing that they are still alive. Sadly, there are people wishing it was the other way around for them. Remember, if you’re alive, you have a chance to turn things around. Good thing your momma decided not to get an abortion. (Another reason why abortions are bad...)

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Be Thankful you have something to eat. Don’t complain because your family cooks ham instead of turkey, or Jambalaya instead of Gumbo.

Just be happy you got FREE food.

4 5

Single Girl. Be Thankful you are not pregnant. Having a kid out of wedlock is not cool.

Single Guys. Be thankful she didn’t get pregnant. You heard me the first time, didn’t you?

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The Uprising of House Music fordable the equipment is and the amount of people who use songmaking programs such as Abelton Live. New DJ’s mean new songs and also new genres, in some cases bringing forth sub-genres of house music such as electro-house, deephouse, and progressive house.

Alchian is a local DJ who mainly plays trance and electrohouse as well as dub-step and progressive house. He started out with just a simple turntable but now has two separate tables and a mixer that cost him over $1,300, proving his commitment to his craft.

“I wanted to learn how to play the music the way its sup-

posed to be played, and try to find my style” said Nathan.

DJ Bradley is one of the most popular local artists, according to Josh Martinez, FCC student.

“I love it for the entertainment and I’d recommend it to anyone who just wants to have fun in their element,” he said.

House music for many is viewed as a form of release “especially when you’re at a rave”, said Liz Christen, Film Major at FCC.

Electric Daisy Carnival is the most popular rave in North America and is held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in June of each year. This year, EDC had an estimated 185,000 people

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6

Be Thankful you Be thankful that can read this. Some you can see. There people your age out are lots of beautithere can’t read the ful people on this sign, “NO SMOKING WITHIN campus to feast your eyes on.

20 FEET OF THIS BUILD- (Especially Breanna Luna) ING!!” Or the signs on the bathroom. If I see one more girl in the men’s bathroom, I’m suing Be thankful for somebody.

MySpace and Facebook. Trust me, World War III Be thankful for your would’ve started if it were not for Family, except the these websites. (Forget Twitter) in-laws, obnoxious Doggone birds..... relatives. What is with those guys? Seriously! Grow Be Thankful up cousins. In fact, just be thankthat you go to ful for muzzles when those youngFresno City er cousins start screaming...

College. It is best school in the whole world!!!

3/8/10 9:37:09 AM

in attendance over Friday June 26 and Saturday June 25.

“I went to the Electric Daisy Carnival last year and I really liked Boys Noize, but there were a bunch of really talented artists there,” said FCC student, Liz Christen

The most popular raves are called a “massive”. The three most popular ones are EDC, Together As One(TAO), and Nocturnal Wonderland.

Together as One will take place on Friday, Dec. 31, and starts at 4 p.m. to bring in the new year until 4 a.m. This massive is featuring top artists such as Major Lazer, Wolfgang Gartner, and

Nero. For the official website go to www.NewYearsEveLA.com for more exclusive information and on tickets for this event.

Dj Alchian uses a website called www.beatport.com to get all his latest tracks and says that it is “the best website out there to use if you’re looking for new electronic music.”

There is a Facebook fan page entitled, “The Fresno Electro Movement.” The page has over 1000 likes and features postings on its wall about local shows and artists. For more information on raves in California, go to

www.caliraves.com.

Reviews:

. Entertainment . 11 Rampage A Sneak Peak at Today’s Hottest Movies, Games & Books

“ Morning Glory” by

Sebouh Simonian Rampage Reporter

“Moring Glory” is a romantic comedy with a strong cast of veterans like Keaton and Ford and even doblukm but also a strong younger cast like McAdams and Wilson.

Al of who do a good job of interacting with each other and balancing comedy with some good points about modern media.

The story revolves around Becky (McAdams) who is the newly hired producer for a network morning show and is very excited with her new job even though the show is doing very badly in the ratings.

In hopes of boosting the ratings she hires experienced news broadcaster Mike Polmeroy(Ford) Who had recently been let go from one of

by

“ Skyline”

William Christensen Rampage Reporter

I first became interested in this movie when I saw a stand-up cardboard advertisement for it at a movie theater. I had way too much time on my hands that day and so I studied it. I noted the careful detail that every picture carried, the fragmented state that the alien spacecrafts were in, and that the display had been constructed to make the images pop out at the viewer, while in reality they were still flat images. I came to realize, after I watched the movie, that the advertisement told me exactly what the movie was: heavily invested in visual effects, but fragmented and flat.

The film gets right to the point with blue beams of light plunging from Los Angeles’s

is subpar, their flaws produce conflict that doesn’t get resolved, and the conclusions they come to are sometimes non-sequitur.

The aliens are almost as bad. While intelligent and effective at what they do, their ingenuity is only skin deep. They run on human brains, they seem part machine, part flesh, and they have no particular characteristic that makes them believable.

This movie could have been so much better, but it had a terrible foundation to start with. Colin and Greg Strause, whom also directed “Alien VS Predator: Requiem”, aimed for a visual pleaser and got what they aimed for at the cost of everything else.

There are plans for a sequel in 2012, but if they do not learn from the mistakes they made with this movie, it promises to be just as terrible as this one, if not worse. I give this movie an F, because people want some content to go along with their pretty pictures.

“ Call of Duty: Black Ops” Call of Duty: Black Ops is the newest game in the series that has seemingly taken off since the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare back in 2007. Black Ops, is a more well-rounded gaming experience than Treyarch’s first attempt back in 2008 when they released Call of Duty: World at War. The campaign mode in Black Ops is set mainly in the 1960’s and starts off with the gamer playing as Alex Mason, a Studies and Operations Group manager for the CIA, who finds himself bound to a chair in an interrogation room, wired to computers

The computers were used extract information from Mason; information concerning a mission he was supposed to carry out, but didn’t succeed. As you continue through the campaign, the game returns you to the interrogation room, where the story began, and allows the player to discover more about Mason’s operation and what really happened when he was conducting the mission.

The first level of game play actually puts Mason and other members of a CIA task force, known as Operation 40, in Cuba to assassinate Fidel Castro during the Bay of Pigs invasion. Mason and his group raid a compound, where they believe Castro is living, but instead end up taking out everything that moves. The level then brings you to a thrilling shootout on the airfield as Operation 40 tries to escape Cuba as more and more Cuban soldiers close in on their

the Hand does everything the King doesn’t want to be bothered with), the King, Robert Baratheon, asks his oldest friend, Lord Ned Stark to be his new Hand. Ned is reluctant, but after his wife Cateyln recieves a letter from her sister Lysa, saying that Jon, her husband, was murderd, Ned agrees as a pretence to uncover the mystery of Jon Arryn’s murder. What he discovers is a bed full of lies, incest, betrayal, murder, and more secrets than he knows what to do with. Now that Ned has discovered the secrets Casterly Rock, he has to tread carefully, unless he wants to end up like Jon Arryn…

The books are exquisitely written, utilizing a vocabulary that is sorely missed from the more popular teenage romance novels of our time, with each installment of the series being in the 1,000+ pages. There are four books currently available, with a fifth and

sixth on their way. They’ve taken some time to release, but that may be because Martin is currently working as one of the writers for an HBO series based on his novels, A Song of Fire and Ice, coming to television in 2011, featuring the acting talents of big names such as Sean Bean as Ned Stark (Boromir from the Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring) and Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister (dwarf in the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian).

Martin’s story is one that readers of the fantasy genre have treasured for years, and still promote to this day. If there is anyone looking for a new book to read, A Game of Thrones is the first installment in Martin’s groundbreaking series, and you should promptly rush to your nearest bookstore and purchase it. Don’t forget to try and watch the HBO series next year.

Quinn Robinson Rampage Reporter

by

Laura Bradley

Rampage Reporter “Winter is Coming,” so goes the Stark saying. George R.R. Martin is the author of the Song of Fire and Ice series, and is accredited with being the “modern day Tolkien” by the Wall Street Journal.

A Song of Fire and Ice revolves around the lives of the noble born of the Seven Kingdoms, the most relevant being Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Targaryen. The story is a tale of murder, war, love, family bonds, duty, and honor with a splash of fantasy to make it even better.

After the premature death of Lord Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King (essentially

the major news networks and is not happy about it.

She ends up regretting the decision since he ends up making people around him miserable especially his co-anchor Coleen Peck (Keaton) who thinks he is acting like a snob.

Betty also starts to use gimmicks like having the weather man ride a rollercoaster and other embarrassing things on the air.

This while balancing a developing relationship with Adam Bennett (Wilson) who is the producer for the news division which has serious problems because of their jobs and her past relationship problems.

Brash’s script is well written it gives each actor a part to play in making the story work and the interaction between the characters flows well and makes you think they truly care about each other.

Director Mitchell does a good job keeping the audience laughing and does a good

predawn sky, ripping people from wherever they might happen to be to their doom.

Then, just as the fun begins, the audience is taken through a flashback to find things out about the characters they could have found out just by watching the interactions of the characters and listening to the dialogue.

Jarrod (Eric Balfour) and Terry (Donald Faison), two best friends, are hiding from aliens with three others: Elaine (Scottie Thompson), Jarrod’s fiancé, Candice (Brittany Daniel), Terry’s girlfriend, and Denise (Crystal Reed), Terry’s assistant. They are all small and insignificant, and the film lets you know this because they do little fighting of their own and act more as observers and victims for the aliens. When they start dying off, it seems as if a savior comes to them in the form of Oliver (David Zayas), an employee at the condominium where the other characters are hiding, but even he fails to be a solid leader of the group. Their dialogue

by

“ A Game of Thrones”

November 17, 2010

job of illustrating the chaos that often occurs in news rooms.

Not only is the film funny but it makes some good points what should be the main focus of TV shows should be to entertain or to inform or both.

The cast also makes the movie work well Ford is excellent as the grumpy and borderline angry former news anchor who feels the new job is beneath him. And thinks the show should focus on serious news stories.

Rachel Adams does a good job playing a woman who is trying to succeed in a job where she faces many different obstacles while still trying to have a social if.

One thing that detracts a little from the film is that it tries to hard at times to make people laugh with sometimes needles jokes.

But overall the film is funny and makes a good point about modern media.

position and try to take them captive.

Mason ends up sacrificing himself to allow his comrades to escape Cuba and this is just the beginning of the numerous twists and turns that you experience playing as Mason in the game.

Staying true to its form, Black Ops provides online game play that is deeper than any of the previous released titles. With Black Ops, you are able to customize your individual character for online play.

After playing Call of Duty during most of my free time from work, school and whatever else got in the way, I’m happy to say that Treyarch has redeemed itself tenfold from the catastrophe that was, World at War. Black Ops is by far the best installment in the Call of Duty franchise to date, and I can’t help but wonder what the next released game will be that can outshine Black Ops.

Rampage

12 .Views . November 17, 2010

Is Black Friday Worth It? Pro Con

by

vs.

Lyssette Trujillo

Rampage Reporter

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become a tradition for millions of Americans. It is the day that stores, across the country, bring out their huge flashy sale signs to attract customers. It is also the day of big savings. Things are marked down and some stores even give out freebies.

So, many may be asking themselves, “Is Black Friday really worth it?” Waking up before dawn and dealing with the chaos in the streets and the stores. You could be doing more productive things such as cleaning up the house after the Thanksgiving feast that went occurred the night before, or just recovering from the food coma you may still be suffering from.

The answer to that question is a definite yes. The deals that start that Friday after Thanksgiving are unquestionably worth waking up before the sun comes up and putting that cleaning aside for a later time, so you can get an early start on that holiday shopping.

The deals are undeniable.

Some of the bigger stores are Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target.

These are the stores people usually go to, and the ones that receive the most customers on this hectic day. Expect to save big on electronics; especially televisions and GPS devices are hot items.

There are always the people who wait outside the store hours before it opens to get the best deals. If you are not up for camping out in the cold, you can still go in after the store opens and still find great deals. With the economy the way it is, any discounts are good. $3 DVDs and GPS devices under $100 are staples on this day. Shopping for holiday gifts can all be knocked out during Black Friday.

Websites like www.bxzlackfriday2010.com have all the ads for the big stores for Black Friday. Planning ahead of time helps by keeping you organized, and makes going from one store to another much easier. It will also help you by letting you know which items will be the best deals of the year.

Not only will you be saving some money, but also the excitement that comes with this tradition is great. So, get yourself ready because this year Black Friday is said to be the biggest one yet.

by

Laura Bradley

Rampage Reporter

It has become a tradition among Americans, to forgo Thanksgiving desert in favor of donning cap and coat, and venturing out into the frigit night air to stand in the cold of Novermber, clinging to mugs of hot chocolate as though they where life rafts, and waiting until the predawn with money burning holes in their pockets.

Black Friday has been the number one source of holiday shopping since 1966, but it is less of a gift, and more of a curse. People have been injured during dangerous Black Friday stampedes, and in other parts of the country, people have been killed because someone pushed them under-toe in order to buy something. Since 2008 there have been three recorder deaths, and dozens more injuries because of this sick holiday.

How many people forgo dinner with their families in order to stand outside all night in front of a Wal-Mart just to get a good deal on a little holiday shopping. If more people thought ahead, there would be no Black Friday. Put your items on layaway people, and do it back in June when everything is less expensive, and you can pay off a little at a time, and by the time the holidays roll around, you won’t have to worry about anything but spending time with your family. Your family is not going to be more appreciative of you because you stepped on someone in order to buy them a new phone.

The holidays are about being together with family, and being thankful for everything life has given us, that why they call it Thanksgiving, after all. Hanukah, or Chanukah, commemorates the rededication of the Holt Temple, not the low prices at Sears. Yule celebrates the death of the Oak King and the reign of the Holy King, not who can beat the other to a pulp to get the first swipe at the shiny new X-Box. Christmas is for remembering the birth of Jesus for Cartoon Illustration by Austin Verburg some, and enjoying the innocent fantasy of Santa Claus for others, not arguing over who saw the fancy sweater first. Kwanzaa is to take pride in our African heritage, and to reflect on ways to better ourselves (which is something that should not just be reserved to Kwanzaa). Black Friday is a mockery of each of these, brought on my big time corporations to exploit the commercialism of the holidays and tear us away from what this time of year is really about.

Black Friday is a travesty on the east coast, and rather than waste your time with it, you should each be thinking of spending your time with you families.

Campus Voices

by Melanie Cron &

Dylan Domingos Rampage Reporters

Photos by

Gabriella Ramirez & Abel Cortez

How do you feel about the abortion controversy in the free speech area?

“I think it’s actually something very personal and to bring that out, it’s really disturbing, emotional, and upsetting. I already know how I feel about it and they are promoting it. It’s not cool.”

“It was disturbing because they had very graphic pictures shown to everybody, and a lot of times when they do presentations on abortions, they don’t understand the whole process.”

Elizabeth Martinez Graphic Design

Gabby Hodges Undecided “I think that it is only showing one side of it, so people are being informed only one way. They should be able to have both opinions presented so they can make their own decisions.”

Alecia Ram Nursing

Photos by Gabriella Ramirez & Abel Cortez

“To be honest, I feel that it is a good idea because we need to know what the abortion rate is. But, I also disagree with the pictures being shown.”

“I think it’s a bit too graphic because they are showing these big, huge display boards. PeoEric Fuller ple don’t want to see that. Think of the people Psychology who have had an abortion. They are going to come to school“Iand walkthey through something think are dumb because I don’t think they can’t ignore.

It’s just not right.” they have the right to tell people what they can Cat Lopez do with their own bodies. They don’t know what Bachelors of Science goes on in that person’s life.”

Dominique Hernandez Criminology “I think it’s a bit too graphic because they are showing these big, huge display boards. Think of the people who have had an abortion. They are going to come to school and walk through something they can’t ignore. It’s just not right.”

Cat Lopez Bachelors of Science “A lot of people don’t realize what an abortion is and the ramifications it has, not only for the woman and the child, but also for our society.”

Christina Garza English “It’s okay; I’m not really big on the whole issue. I don’t think it’s okay that they had images in the presentation.”

Veidre Lucero Biology

Rampage

CLASSIFIED INFORMATION

LAURA BRADLEY

Rampage Reporter There aren’t many jobs out there lately, and with this job market, you need to be ready to impress.

There are a few things that you should know when going into an interview:

sure to dress modestly. Employers won’t be impressed by showing off the goodies, and if they are, they’re not someone you want to be working for. And don’t forget the shoes—sneakers and flip-flops aren’t going to make the cut, you need to wear something closed toe that will compliment your attire.

is as reliable as you think. There is always the possibility that your potential employer did not receive your e-mail and your resume is floating out in cyber space, cold and alone. If you have a copy on you, you’re good to go.

Resume Need-to-Knows:

If it’s more than two pages, no one is going to read it. Potential employers go through a dozen resumes a day looking for the right new-hire, and you don’t want to be skipped simply because they cannot be bothered. Keep it short, and to the point. Don’t bother with a cover page or references in your first version. Just list the need-tos, and if they ask for a complete resume, give them the entire package: cover page, references, accomplishments, everything.

This is the version of the resume you should bring with you in hand when you go to your interview.

Anything mailed in or handed in prior should be simply, sweet, and to the point.

Be Cool.

CARTOON ILLUSTRATION BY AUSTIN VERBURG

Dress for Success.

In order to make a good first impression, you need to look good. Jeans and a t-shirt are not going to cut it for an interview.

Rather, go for a pair of slacks or a skirt and a nice button down shirt or blouse. Men should tuck their shirts in, girls should be sure to

Be Prepared.

Even if you’ve already sent in a resume, you should bring one along just in case. This shows that you are responsible and think ahead, besides, even living in the information age, you need to remember that not all technology

Community College Students Should Not Be Tested For Drugs by

ANGEL LOPEZ

Rampage Reporter Two year colleges should not test for performance enhancing drugs because of the high and unnecessary cost that would not solve the problem.

Banning it completely would be far more dangerous than regulating safe enhancement drugs. Most enhancement drug supplements, such as Creatine, are already available over the counter for consumers, and steroids are prescribed by a physician.

Regulation of drug intake would give more information to athletes on safe drugs over harmful ones such as the deadly injectable protein hormone, (EPO) which stimulates red blood cell production and sometimes hard to detect if doping is done right.

Not all performance enhancing drugs are bad for you. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and nutritional supplements are used to increase testosterone levels in the body to enhance lean muscle mass, while other nutritional supplements help increase energy for training and competition, such as multivitamin tablets.

For many athletes at community

colleges, taking safe performance enhancing drugs could be an advantage. An athlete can perform at an outstanding level by using a safe enhancement drug for two years, and have a good chance at getting drafted to their dream school. Having restrictions from harmless supplements could hold back a student from a promising future.

Although many are concerned for the need to drug test, it would be an expensive process and a waste of money for a school that is already dealing with major budget cuts. A school spends about $35,000 a year for athlete drug testing according to the book “Making Sense of Student Drug Testing” written by educators that believe the cost would not be worth it. The book also gives a large-scale national study that proved no major impact on illicit drug use by students and athletes after student drug test.

Logical solutions are always easy to find if you think a little harder. Drug testing is not what community colleges need at the moment, and regulation of safe drugs would be a less costly alternative.

Freaking out will only make your potential employer feel that you are not confident, and that will be detrimental to your chances.

Maintain eye contact (not overmuch though, or they may think you’re trying to stare them down), answer your questions to the full length of your abilities, try not to stutter or hesitate, and make sure to wear deodorant. The most important of these is to try to have a pleasant exterior. Your employer wants to see that they are hiring a confidant, kind person who is hard-working, and creative when

it comes to problem solving.

Be Confident, NOT Cocky.

It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between the two, but no one is going to want to hire a jerk. The worst thing you can do is act as though you already have the job. Going in there and assuming that you know more than those already in the employ of the company is a mistake. It’ll cost you the job for sure, and may prevent future job opportunities at that company. Keep in mind that even if you do not make it through the first interview, you can always try again, so long as you have a memorable encounter. But if you make a jerk of yourself, you can kiss that job good-bye. Be sure to be confident, relaxed enough to be open and pleasant, but not so much that you’re sloppy.

Tell the Truth.

Many people think that telling the employer what they think they want to hear will surely land the job, because you answered everything right, but this isn’t so.

Employers want to hire someone who is real, not someone who is just feeding them meaningless words because they sound good.

Tell the truth as much as you can without ruining your image.

Tips For Answering Questions.

The employer is likely to ask you a lot about past jobs, to get a feel of what you have done in the past, and what you can bring to their company. For these, all you need to do is tell the truth, talk to them about responsibilities you

N A T I O N A L

had at a previous job and what your day to day life was like in that position. Don’t talk their ear off, mind you, but when it gets to the tougher questions, such as, “Describe a difficult work situation/ project and how did you overcome it?” The thing to remember, is that there is no right or wrong answer to questions like these. They are behavioral assessment questions designed to gage your capabilities in these sort of situations.

Give concrete examples of difficult situations that actually happened at work. Then discuss what you did to solve the problem.

Keep your answers positive and be specific. Itemize what you did and how you did it. The best way to prepare for questions where you will need to recall events and actions, is to refresh your memory and consider some special situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. You can use them to help frame responses.

Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully solved a difficult situation.

These sort of answers, and more, can be found in any number of job finding self-help books.

Here is a list of some useful books that will help you land a job: “Suddenly Unemployed” by Helen Kooimanhosier “101 Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions” by Ron Fry “How To Write a Winning Resume” by Deborah PerlmutterBloch “E-résumés: A Guide to Successful Online Job Hunting” by Pat Criscito “1000 Best Job Hunting Secrets” by Diane Stafford and Moritza Day.

U N I V E R S I T Y® © 2010 National University 8897-27

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November 17, 2010 . Views . 13

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Rampage

November 17, 2010 . Sports . 14

Victory With A Price

Rams win final game of season but may have lost starting goalkeeper for the postseason. by

Quinn Robinson

The regular season is over and the Fresno City College women’s soccer team is once again on their way to the postseason. This trip however, might have come at a price.

Rams goalkeeper Stephanie Wininger sustained an ACL tear in her left knee in the second half of FCC’s 4-1 victory against Taft on Friday.

Wininger’s status for the postseason is in doubt as they await confirmation on the severity of her injury.

Women’s soccer head coach Oliver Germond believes that although losing his starting goalkeeper at such a crucial time is unfortunate, his backups are prepared to take over if called upon.

“We’re just going to consider her out [of the postseason],” Germond said of Wininger. “If she’s able to come back that’s great, but we have two great backup goalkeepers that have been training all year long for this situation.”

Wininger remains optimistic about her chances of playing

Carley Griffin (5) attacks the Taft defense during a 4-1 victory on Nov. 12.

in the post season even though early results don’t look that promising.

“I’ve had my knee checked out by three different people and two of them said that they are 98-99

percent sure that it is torn,” said Wininger. “I have to go see my doctor to get the MRI and we’re just waiting for [those results].”

Wininger stated that even if the results from the MRI confirm it’s

Photo By: Gabriella Ramirez

Rampage Reporter

a torn ACL in her knee she would still try to play in the postseason.

“If it’s torn I’m still going to try and play with a brace,” Wininger said.

Wininger said that she is able

to move her knee at about 50 percent of what she can usually move it and is constantly icing and keeping her leg elevated to reduce the swelling of the knee.

She has played 1585 minutes at goalie with a Goals Allowed Average of .454 and 62 saves this season.

Wininger’s back-ups if she can’t compete in the postseason are freshmen Tiffany Longcor (Yosemite) and Tegan Coltra (Hanford West). Longcor has played 117 minutes in the box and Coltra has played 98 minutes in the box this season.

The two freshmen welcome the challenge of playing in the postseason if Wininger is unable to go.

“We’ve been training for it for months so I was ready for it,” said Coltra. “I felt bad that she got hurt, but it’s something that we’ve been training for and have to be ready.”

The Rams are vying for a top 2 seed in the north, but seedings weren’t released until after publication of this issue. FCC will host their first round game this Saturday and the time and opponent will be available today on fresnocitycollegerampage.

15 . Sports. November 17, 2010

Rampage

Rams Wrestling Continues Opponent Domination Fresno City punishes Cerritos during their Dual State Championship match. by

Kevin Rodriguez Rampage Reporter

advantage FCC. It was an awesome “It was an awesome atmosphere, atmosphere, and very and very electric with knowledgeelectric with able wrestling fans rooting for our knowledgeable wrestling team,” said wrestling coach Paul fans rooting for our team.

Keysaw.

Paul Keysaw The crowd in attendance was able to witness two FCC wrestlers FCC Wrestling Coach that made it their night were wresdefeated their opponents from alistic shot at winning state,” tlers Chris Padilla (125-lb) and Cerritos College that were said Keysaw.

Lucas Keene (197-lb) who both ranked number one in state.

Although the Rams are one With their incredible pas- of this year’s favorites heading sion and technique of wres- into the state championships, tling they were able to help the wrestlers and coaches FCC win and defeat the same constantly remind themselves team that defeated FCC last to stay focused and not to beyear at the State Dual. come too confident with their

FCC dominated their undefeated record. competition this season goCoach Keysaw knows his ing 13-0 with a conference team has accomplished a lot mark of 4-0. The Rams will this season and he would like now shift their focus to the nothing else but to see his State Championships which wrestlers earned the best acwill be next month in Victor complishment which would be Valley, Calif. FCC has never winning State as at team or as been far from contending for a individual. a state title as they have had a “This is a special year and top 10 finish at state the past our wrestlers have come tofive seasons. gether becoming more intense, “If we prepare and keep they feel it and are enjoying working hard, we have a re- the ride.”

Photo By: Abel Cortez

The Fresno City College wrestling team has had a year that has been nothing short of amazing.

The wrestling team has been dominating opponents by having a special kind of determination and preparation taken into each match all season long.

On Nov. 14 at the FCC gym, the Rams showed how hard they’ve been working all season winning in a special way at the Dual State Championships against Cerritos Community College.

There were many supporters and fans cheering in the gym at the Dual Championships that created a great home field

Marty Fabian (top) goes for a pin against his Cerritos foe in the fcc Gym on Nov. 12.

FCC winners (weight class in bold) 125: 133: 149: 157:

Chris Padilla Archie Tovar Conrad Rangell Josh Van Haaster

165: 174: 197: 285:

Jake Schilling Martin Fabbian Lucas Keene Luis Contreras

16 . Sports. November 17, 2010

Rampage

Rams Defend Their House FCC hands Reedley a 48-13 beating, will face CC San Francisco in bowl game.

Football.

“Across the board in all sports, Fresno City and Reedley are The Fresno City College very competitive,” said FCC Rams beat their rivals, the Athletics Director Susan Yates.

Reedley College Tigers, in Part of the reason why FCC the annual Battle of the Pump and Reedley are rivals comes football game. The Rams se- from the fact that the two cured possession of the Pump schools typically compete for Trophy for another year with a athletes looking for a school 48-13 win against the Tigers. to attend. This is common with The team will now be playing most schools that are within the in the NorCal championship same district. game against San Francisco.

“It’s a fun rivalry,” Yates said.

The Pump Trophy, which is “No matter what the record quite literally a pump, carries of each school is coming into a significant status and “brag- that game, or who’s favored, ging rights” for whatever team it is always a great game filled possesses it during that year, with emotion, fun, competition, whether it FCC or Reedley. enthusiasm, and a great day for The idea for the Pump came the district.” from two former State Center The game was also significant Community College District in the fact that it was the sophoboard members, Harry Hiraoka more player’s last home game. and the late Lynn Ford.

“We’re going to miss them.

Having beaten their rivals for They’re a great group of guys the last (how many?) years, the and they’ve really stepped up Rams are glad to hold onto the and showed great leadership,” Pump for another year.

Caviglia said.

“We battled and played unThe Rams, til the end,” despite 12 penRams head alties and three We got some turnovers, secoach Tony unfinished Caviglia cured their 48s a i d , “ I t ’s business up there. 13 win with a good to keep They got us last total of 523 oft h e p u m p year, and I think fensive yards here in Fres- we got a gained, and no.” eight sacks on great shot The Rams defense. this year. quarterback “Obviously Lance OrenAnthony Elliot Fresno was the der, who FCC Linebacker better team,” threw for a said Tigers Head total of 212 Coach Randy yards, enWhited. joyed the significance of the Helping secure the win was game and having secured the the Rams defense. Linebacker Pump for another year.

Anthony Elliott made four of “I feel good about the Battle the eight sacks performed by of the Pump,” Orender said. the defense. Elliott gives credit “We won it. We’ll win it every to the entire defense which did year.” their jobs which helped him The rivalry between FCC make his plays. and Reedley is not just held in “It was a total defensive efby

Austin Verburg

Photo by Abel Cortez

Rampage Reporter

Settle Leighton runs the ball in for a touchdown in the first quarter.

recovered it from a fumble in the following drive by the Tigers.

Orender then threw another 30 yard touchdown pass to A.J. Castillo. The extra point kick brought the score to 20-3.

In the following drive by the Tigers, the Rams defensive back Lorne Bridgeford intercepted a pass. The Tigers strong safety Jovanny Carvahal immediately intercepted the ball back on the following drive, running it in for a 25 yard touchdown, followed by a good PAT kick. The score was now 20-10.

After a turnover on downs for the Rams, the Tigers offense attempted to score before the end of the half. Getting within kicking distance, the Tigers attempted a field goal, which was no good.

The second half opened with a touchdown by the Rams on their first drive. After a 26 yard run by runningback Larry Overstreet, the Rams were set up on the one yard line.

Quarterback Orender then drove the ball in for a touchdown. The PAT brought the score to 27-10.

After a possession by both teams each, the Tigers scored a field goal, bring the score to 27-13.

After another drive by each team, Overstreet scored another 37 yard touchdown, plus a good PAT by Reimer. The Rams then got the ball back on the following kickoff, scoring again Photo By: Gabriella Ramirez

fort,” Elliott said. “The holes were there. We watched film on them all week. We knew their weaknesses up front.”

The Tigers started the game off receiving the kick. The Tigers were forced into a punt, giving the Rams the opportunity to score on their first possession, though the kick was blocked.

The Rams defense shut the Tigers down on their second possession, gaining the ball back. Quarterback Orender then threw a 30 yard touchdown pass to runningback Leighton Settle.

After Rams kicker Jake Reimer made the following PAT, the score sat at 13-0.

The Tigers made a field goal kick in the following possession, bringing the score to 13-3.

FCC then fumbled the ball, but

FCC football players celebrate with the pump after their 48-13 win over Reedley College.

in the next drive. The score was then brought to 41-13.

The Tigers fumbled the ball on the following possession, giving defensive lineman Eric Wages a chance to recover.

This set the stage for runningback James Holland to score a 42 yard touchdown. With the PAT, the score was now at 48-13.

The Tigers were then forced into a punt by the Rams defense. With the ball on their final possession of the game, Orender threw a pass to Rams tied-end Zach Deges, who then ran the ball for a gain of 61 yards, setting the Rams up for one final touchdown. However, the Rams chose to kneel instead, ending the game.

The Rams will now move onto the NorCal championship game. FCC has not played in this game since 2006. Their opponents this year will be San Francisco, ranked No. 1 in the Conference.

“It’s going to be a heck of a game,” Caviglia said. “I know they’re a very good football team. I like how we’re playing right now. I like that we’re playing good at the end of the year.”

The NorCal championship game, known as the Hawaiian Punch Bowl, will take place on Dec. 4.

“We got some unfinished business up there,” Elliott said.

“They got us last year, and I think we got a great shot this year. I love this team and I think we’re going to do it. I think we got what it takes.”