The Corsair Vol. D Issue 4

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 VOLUME D ISSUE 4 FIRST COPY OF THE CORSAIR IS FREE, EACH COPY AFTER IS 25C

US POVERTY:

THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN 50 YEARS

Last week the Census Bureau released its 2010 figures that show 1 in 6 Americans now live below the poverty line. PG.3 AUTHOR EVENT WITH RAW FOOD DIVA Popular raw foodist, Debbie Merrill, holds a book signing for her newest creative endeavor, "The Truth to the Fountain of Youth." PG.10 FOOTBALL GAME ENDS ON HAIL MARY Back and forth shootout between SMC and SBVC goes down to the wire. PG.12

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2|CONTENTS

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Cover Photo by Michael Yanow Corsair

Michael Yanow Corsair A competitor prepares for the start of the swim course of the L.A. Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sunday Sept. 25 at Venice Beach.

EDITORIAL STAFF Jonathan Bue··············· Editor-in-Chief c o rs a i r. e d i t o r i n c h i e f @ g m a i l . c o m Nathan Gawronsky·······Managing Editor c o rs a i r. m a n a g i n g @ g m a i l . c o m Cathy Arias··········· Life & Health Editor c o rs a i r. l i f e s t y l e p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Juan Lopez······················A & E Editor c o rs a i r. c a l e n d a r p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Muna Cosic·················· Opinion Editor c o rs a i r. o p i n i o n p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m William Courtney············· Sports Editor c o rs a i r. s p o r t s p a g e @ g m a i l . c o m Hector Mejia············ Multimedia Editor c o rs a i r. m u l t i m e d i a @ g m a i l . c o m

Anisa El-Khouri················ Photo Editor Amanda Bojorquez············ Photo Editor c o rs a i r p h o t o e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Jenya Romanovsky··············Copy Editor Chris Aquino····················· Copy Staff c o rs a i r. c o p y e d i t s @ g m a i l . c o m Roger Morante···················Web Editor David J. Hawkins······· Web Administrator c o rs a i r. w e b e d i t o r @ g m a i l . c o m Nathalyd Meza················Design Editor Genesis Baltazar··············· Design Staff Alfredo Avila···················· Design Staff c o rs a i r. d e s i g n t e a m @ g m a i l . c o m FAC U LT Y A DV I S O R S Saul Rubin Gerard Burkhart

W R I T E R S Betsaida Agustin Tarrin Andrews Amber Antonopoulos Vanessa Barajas Eva Boguslawski Jared Bonnici Jay Be Brookman Aubryanna DiStefano Maria Dimera Morgan Doyle Regan Dyl Alyson Feldman Janae Franklin Jonathan Ghattas

Melissa Gold Fatou Samb Mai Sims Tabetha Harris Valerie Serrano Ryan Sinko Myles Johnson Mia Shilpi Christina Sziatinsky Luana Kasahara PHOTOGRAPHERS Reynal Guillen Samanta Kubon Tiahna Hale Jahnny Lee Paul Alvarez Cristina Maxwell Keijo Liimatainen Chris Alves Felicia Norgren Zoie Matthew Daniela Berzuini Marie Perez Michael Mejia Marisa Bojiuc Scott Smith Ashley Metcalf Jojo Cheung Silvia Spross Wayne Neal Jeannie Cole Lisa Weingarten Tatianna Paredes Ryan Cook Michael Yanow Michelle Ponder Marguerite Courtney Sequoia Ziff Melanie Rudkiewicz Christina Sziatinszky Katherine Ruiz

NEWS|3

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

US poverty highest level in 50 years

By Zoie Matthew & Michelle Ponder Staff Writers

Marine Gaste Corsair A homeless woman wakes up in a flowerpot on the corner of Highland Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood.

When Mila Wuryee, a Santa Monica College student, came to the United States in 2005 with her six-year-old son she already had a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from her home country of Russia.

She had produced and shown a line of clothing and was working towards a law degree on the side.

Prospects looked good.

But when her marriage turned abusive and she was forced to go out on her own with her now 12-year-old son, her situation quickly turned bleak.

"I tried to get a job for two years," says Wuryee.

Left with no family, friends, or help from her husband, she joined the 46 million living under the poverty line according to the 2010 census.

This is the highest number recorded in the 52 years that poverty estimates have been published, announced the Census Bureau in its press release. The poverty count has been on the rise for four consecutive years.

The census also revealed that the number of individuals going uninsured rose by almost a million people last year and that

the median household income has declined 6.7 percent since 2007, the year before the recession, painting a grim portrait of our nation’s economic state.

To organizations like Chrysalis, a local nonprofit dedicated to finding jobs for low-income and homeless individuals, the influx of clients due to the rising poverty rates has been overwhelming.

“Since the economic downturn began, we have experienced a 60 percent increase in the number of clients that we serve,” wrote Amy Fierstein, Communications and Marketing Manager at the center, in an email to The Corsair. “We routinely provide services to 450 clients each day at our three centers in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Pacoima. Not surprisingly, this has put a significant strain on our staff and resources.”

In addition, this number does not account for the individuals who appeal for assistance, but are not officially considered homeless or low-income. This is a group Chrysalis cannot help, even when help is badly needed.

According to the census, poverty is

calculated using the entirety of a person’s income - including things such as social security benefits, alimony, child support, and profit from estates. A family is assigned one of 48 different poverty thresholds, which are dollar amounts based on family size and number of dependants. If the income does not surpass the threshold, the person will be considered impoverished.

For Wuryee, legal complications involving her husband have made it difficult for her to qualify for many poverty benefits.

“They tell me, your issues are so complicated we don’t know what to do. We can’t help you,” says Wuryee.

For now, the only aid she receives is a small monthly sum from the Social Security Department. “$200 a month for two people. People cannot live on that,” says Wuryee. “That’s what they’re doing for a single mother a domestic violence victim - plus a child.

That, and the food stamps.”

Many who come to Chrysalis are like Wuryee - living on slim government assistance, in need of other options.

Fierstein says that the center’s saving grace

in this time of economic turmoil has been its large volunteer base.

“We are fortunate to have a large number of volunteers that work with us on a daily basis to supplement our staff,” said Fierstein.

For those interested, there are many ways to become part of this volunteer base. Fierstein suggests that those who want to help make a donation to Chrysalis on their website - changelives.org, or over the phone at 310-401-5424. One can become a volunteer and assist clients in resume-writing help by conducting practice interviews, teaching a class, or leading a workshop. Business owners are encouraged to hire those being helped by the organization.

As for Wuryee, who is unable to pay rent and may become homeless by the end of this week, she simply hopes for the best for herself and her son.

“The thing is, I need somewhere to live with my son,” she says. “Then I can kind of move on. Continue my study, find a job, and keep going.”

4|NEWS

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

UC regents reveal long-term budget Reynal Guillen Corsair Michael Sanchez (left), Robert McMahon (center) and Alexandra Serre (right) walking down Bruin Walk at UCLA campus, on the first day of class. They are paying $1000 more for tuition this year.

By Amber Antonopoulos Staff Writer On Sept. 15, the University of California regents discussed a multi-year budget proposal that indicates a possible tuition increase of up to 16 percent annually over the next four years if state funding to education remains insufficient.

“There are two primary sources of funding to education, state funding and tuition,” said Steve Montiel, media relations director for the UC Office of the President. “State support has been steadily declining, and as a result tuition has gone up. If there is no increase in funding, we have to find the funding to fill the gap.”

According to an executive summary of the regents’ September meeting, students are already required to cover 49 percent of the cost of a UC education. Since 1990, when the student share was only 13 percent, state funding has decreased by 60 percent.

According to Montiel, the university presently has no plans to further increase tuition, but regents are examining the

hypothetical scenarios to offset the $2.5 billion dollar deficit that the university is predicted to face by 2015 should state funding not improve.

“Components of a multi-year plan would include a proposal that, under the optimal scenario, would call for eight percent annual increases each in State funds and in tuition and fees through 2015-2016,” as stated in the executive summary. “If the State is unable to meet its share of this cost, student fees would be raised further to make up the State’s deficit.”

“This plan sets up a dependence on students for the next four years,” said Claudia Magaña, University of California Student Association president and UC Santa Cruz student. “Because the state has not shown a reliable funding pattern, this plan could lock us into four years of 16 percent fee increases. So long as fee increases are the only option on the table, other solutions will not be truly realized.”

According to Monteil, a multi-year funding plan is still in the works, and any action would probably not be taken before January. In a July letter to UC students

and parents, UC President Mark Yudof explained that the state budget approved in June “contained deep, unprecedented cuts to the University of California.” Along with a $650 million cut in state funding to the university, the state also neglected to cover the $350 million in cost increases, which together amounted to the existing $1 billion dollar deficit.

“It really depends on state revenue, but if the economy doesn’t get better, I can only assume that the state will not prioritize restoring funds to the UC,” Magaña said.

To help compensate for this shortfall, the UC regents already approved to raise tuition twice in the 2011-2012 year.

Currently in effect, these increases brought the annual in-state student tuition and fees without room and board to $12,192, an 18.3 percent increase from last year.

According to Montiel, the tuition hikes only account for about a quarter of the billion dollar deficit.

Despite the University of California’s emphasis on upholding its quality, many students have noticed changes on campus, and have grown discouraged by rising

tuition costs.

“Some students find the loan burden they would have to take on not worth it, especially when they hear about the lack of class availability, student-professor ratio, and diminished services,” Magaña said.

“Current students are struggling to hang on, taking out more loans, working more jobs, all while trying to focus on and pass classes.”

“I was talking to my cousin who just transferred to UCLA about how it’s becoming almost private-school prices,” said Janet Gonzalez, a first-semester SMC freshman from Oberlin, Ohio, who hopes to transfer to UCLA in 2013 to study communications.

Though concerned about the looming possibility of a tuition increase, Gonzalez remains steadfast in her ambition to attend her dream school.

“I guess I’ll just have to take out more loans,” Gonzalez said. “Going to UCLA has been my dream ever since I was younger. The first person in my family to go to college went there. Coming from Ohio, that’s the ultimate goal.”

Former SMC student aiming to become mexican idol

By Christina Sziatinszky Staff Writer Former Santa Monica College student Mariana Balquiarena has always dreamed of becoming a successful singer, and with the audience’s vote she will be one step closer. Balquiarena’s motivation has helped her become one of the contestants on the hit Mexican reality show "La Academia", a musical talent show that airs on TV Azteca much like a Mexican version of "American Idol".

Balquiarena was a contestant when the new season premiered back in August but was voted off the show by the judges.

However, she has been given a second chance to prove herself and return to the show.

“This week I was eliminated, but we all get a second chance,” said Balquiarena, still hopeful for what is to come. “I’ll be singing at a concert where the audience and judges will choose two of the eliminated to return.”

Her supportive father, Roberto Balquiarena, believes his daughter is

destined for greatness. “I’m so proud of her and I know she will be successful,” he said.

The elder Balquiarena believes his daughter was born with an undeniable talent that will impress the judges and the audience. Balquiarena was born and raised in Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

There she discovered her passion for singing, which is all she has dreamed of since the age of five.

“I am just so very happy and thankful for everything that has happened to me,” said Balquiarena. It has been a long road with many opportunities, and now that she is so close to a break, she is more driven than ever.

“I never give up and I will keep going,” said Balquiarena.

At the age of eight, she entered a radio contest in Mexico and won. This encouraged her to continue auditioning and competing. Balquiarena has performed with Mexican music icon Pablo Montero on his show in 2001.

Since then, she has hosted two TV shows in Mexico, "Fiesta Infantil" and "La Cosquilla," which helped launch her

career.

Balquiarena is also the lead singer for the band Grupo Bravada. She has her own YouTube account with video postings of her songs, music videos from her band, and recordings of contests in which she has performed.

When she was 16-years-old, Balquiarena moved to Los Angeles with her family to further her singing career. Here she auditioned for various commercials, and played an extra in a film called "Rain of Freedom." She even performed as a folk dancer in a Disneyland Parade.

Hoping for exposure, she submitted a resume to Explore Talent, one of the world’s largest online talent resources.

COURTESY OF TV AZTECA

“This career is very hard, but is not impossible when you have the talent and the energy to get it,” wrote Balquiarena on her Explore Talent Profile. “I’m ready to show the world how much I want to give them my heart, [doing] the things that I love.”

Balquiarena believes that hard work can help anyone realize his or her dreams. “All effort has its reward,” said Balquiarena.

A+E|5

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Metheny & Grenadier expand on all that jazz

By Zoie Matthew Staff Writer

Chris Alves Corsair Larry Grenadier hypnotizes the crowd with the smooth sounds of the bass, Sunday afternoon at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica on Sept. 25.

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Jazz guitarist Pat Metheny has a stylistic range as massive as his trademark hairdo, and at his concert at the Santa Monica Broad Stage on Sept. 25, he and bassist Larry Grenadier took the audience on a journey through a roller coaster of musical genres.

Their set included numbers that drew influences from bossa nova, contemporary and smooth jazz, bebop, blues, and folk music.

Metheny and Grenadier, who formerly played together in a trio with drummer Bill Stewart, formed a perfect musical balancing act. Metheny’s trilled, upperrange guitar tones were balanced out by Grenadier’s especially substantial bass sound.

Metheny’s technique was intriguing. His melodies were unpredictable, but seemed to make complete musical sense.

He also utilized his guitar in unique ways, at some points using it as a percussive instrument, or scraping the strings with his fingers and strumming below the bridge to create unique sonic textures.

On top of their technical prowess, both men seemed to perform with great fervor.

Both Grenadier and Metheny have a captivating habit of mouthing their instruments’ sounds along with them.

In the more climactic sections of songs, Grenadier slapped his double bass in a frenzied manner while tightly hugging onto it as though it would sprint offstage if he did not.

A highlight of the show was Metheny’s

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performance on his Pikasso guitar. This huge instrument, custom-made for Metheny by Canadian luthier Linda Manzer, totes two necks, two holes, and 42 strings.

On her website, Manzer wrote, “In 1984 Pat Metheny asked me to design and build a guitar with ‘as many strings as possible.’ The resulting collaboration was the Pikasso guitar.”

Watching Metheny play this elaborate, harp-like contraption was like watching someone tame a wild beast.

However, there were bigger musical monsters to be unleashed.

For the show’s finale, a black curtain behind Grenadier and Metheny was pulled back to reveal an enormous machine called The Orchestrion, which was created for an album of the same name released last year.

Metheny explained on his website that “‘Orchestrionics’ is the term that I am using to describe a method of developing ensemble-oriented music using acoustic and acoustoelectric musical instruments that are mechanically controlled in a variety of ways.”

In other words, it is a giant, multiinstrumental, interactive music machine.

Each time one of its electronicallycontrolled instruments would play a note, a light would flash right where it was hit, so the mechanism provided the audience with a stimulating audio-visual experience that left them roaring with applause.

Metheny’s newest album, “What’s It All About,” was released this year by Nonesuch Records. Future tour dates can be found on his website, www.patmetheny.com.

Chris Alves Corsair The 18-time Grammy Award winning icon guitarist Pat Metheny plays live jazz melodies from the acustic guitar on Sunday afternoon, at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica on Sept. 25.

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6|PHOTO STORY

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011

The professional women triathletes take off from the start line at the Kaiser Permanente L.A. Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sunday Sept. 25 at Venice Beach.

Michael Yanow Corsair Cameron Dye of Boulder, Colorado wins the L.A. Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sunday Sept. 25. Dye crossed the finish line with a time of 1:46:34 Chris Alves Corsair Erik Edmonds was just informed that he can not partake in the L.A. Triathlon at Venice Beach on Sept. 25. Edmonds lost his catheter bag on the bus ride down from his hometown of Santa Cruz.

PHOTO STORY|7

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Michael Yanow Corsair Competitors run on Grand Ave in downtown L.A. Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sunday Sept. 25. Over 2,500 participants took part in the event.

Michael Yanow Corsair

LOS ANGELES TAKES ON ANNUAL TEST OF ENDURANCE

Michael Yanow Corsair Spectators root on the participants during the LA Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sept.25 in Los Angeles.

By Michael Yanow According to Google maps, it takes 28 minutes by car to travel from Venice Beach, through Fairfax District, midWilshire, Korea Town, and ultimately to Downtown Los Angeles.

transitioning to a 24-mile bike course down Venice Blvd, Fairfax Ave., and lastly onto Olympic Blvd, towards downtown.

The last leg of the triathlon is a 6.2-mile run through the city streets.

On the grey, overcast morning of Sunday, Sept. 25, it took 1:46:34 for Cameron Dye of Boulder, Colorado to reach L.A. Live from the shores of Venice Beach. Dye, along with over 2,500 other competitors from around the world were competitors in the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon Presented by Herbalife.

Triathlons are a unique sport--an individual undertaking of will with a sense of group mentality. A triathlete must stay focused, controlling one’s own thoughts to keep energy high for three sports. Each one is on an individual quest to reach the finish line, and yet the camaraderie amongst the swimmers, riders, and runners is palpable. In addition, the course is lined with cheering strangers providing motivation. The Los Angeles Triathlon is a unique display of endurance and civic pride for both spectators and competitors.

The Los Angeles Triathlon consists of two courses, an Olympic and a Sprint.

The more grueling Olympic course begins with a roughly one mile ocean swim,

Michael Yanow Corsair Jason Smith leaves he transition area to start the bike course of the Los Angeles Triathlon presented by Herbalife on Sept. 25. Smith finished 13th in the male category.

8|OPINION

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Wheels in motion towards a bike- friendly campus

By William Courtney Sports Editor In a futuristic bike haven, cyclists would ride to their destination on clouds where a plethora of valet attendants would be waiting to take one's bike, so they could go off to class and be assured that it will be there when they get back.

Unfortunately, nobody knows what the future will hold, so for now students ride to school and search for a place to lock up their bikes. This begs to ask; do we need more safe places to lock up our bikes? Yes, we need more bike racks and the current ones need to be upgraded.

Personally, I depend on my bicycle and see firsthand how many people actually ride their bikes to school, and it's a lot of students.

The go-to spots on the Santa Monica College main campus are by the HSS building and the career services center, while the other eight, smaller locations around the campus are almost always filled to the brim. At one spot, bikes were even stacked on top of one another. A couple of bikes weren’t latched to anything, with only their back wheel locked up so nobody could ride off with the bike.

If one were in a hurry and couldn't find a place to park at their usual location, a simple solution to some would be to lock up their bike to a railing because it would be most accessible.

But beware, if you’re bike isn’t locked up at a bike rack, it can be impounded by the police, where you have to pay a $10 to $15 fee to get it back. As of now, the police have yet to enforce the fee.

SMC student Daniel Aron didn’t know about the impound rule and mentioned

Bikes locked up on the main campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica on Sept. 27.

that he is sometimes forced to park at a location far from his class.

It is understandable that if bikes are illegally parked, it can be a safety hazard.

SMC should be more stern with notices of the impound rules, informing students of this policy, so they can avoid any unnecessary costs. Currently, there are no notices on any of the bike racks on campus.

In total, the bike racks can accommodate approximately 600 bikes. Keep in mind that last fall we had over 31,000 students enrolled at SMC. According to the SMC website, roughly 82.5 percent of students are on the main campus. When you do the math, if 600 students ride to school that wouldn’t even be three percent of the student body.

All photos by Paul Alvarez Jr. A bike is locked up to a bike shaped bike rack at the main campus of Santa Monica College located in Santa Monica on Sept. 27.

A bike is locked up to a bike shaped bike rack at the main campus of Santa Monica College located in Santa Monica on Sept. 27.

On a campus that is pushing for alternative transportation, one would think they would be able to allot more than three percent of students to bike to school.

According to Jeffery Peterson, director of campus operations at SMC, the school's District Planning and Advisory Council, have taken into account the school's increase in bike traffic and have requested up to eight more bike racks on campus. Peterson adds that the estimated costs for the new racks are currently being considered. If this proposal goes through, they should also add the locations to the campus maps to keep students aware.

In the most recent AS board meeting, the topic was brought up and it was mentioned that the AS wanted adequate facilities to support a bike-friendly campus.

The AS even decided to form a committee regarding safe routes to bike to campus and other related topics, like the bike lock dilemma. The lack of better bike locks on campus is another part of the issue. Some allow you to lock up the frame and front wheel, which is a lot more secure than the wheel only bike locks. These are hard to properly place your bike in and are easy targets for theft.

So far this semester, the campus police

have indicated that there have been only three bike thefts, but sometimes it isn’t always the whole bike that is taken, but parts of it.

Student Kyle Miyamoto doesn’t lock his bike up anymore because the handlebars were stolen.

Instead he takes his bike to class with him, a practice that could get his bike impounded.

Having a bike valet isn’t such a farfetched idea. According to the City of Santa Monica website, “FREE bike valets are available at the Main Street Farmers Market and numerous city events.”

There is even a bike center opening in Santa Monica at 4th and Broadway, where they will offer indoor parking and other bike related services to paying members.

Let’s be honest, a free bike valet or biking center might be out of the question for SMC, but what if the AS charged a small fee, maybe $5 a semester and provided funding of their own?

This could be similar to the parking permits students buy each semester, except this would be one way to support alternative transportation for SMC students and the school's emphasis on environmental sustainability.

OPINION|9

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Poverty is smearing the American dream

By Mia Shilpi Staff Writer We have all heard the phrase, “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” but now it’s not just a phrase, it’s a reality. Thanks to the Census Bureau, the proof is staring us all in the face.

In 2010, one in six Americans was living below the Federal poverty line, which is currently defined as less than $22,113 for a family of four. 16 percent of California residents fall into this category, while 20 percent lack health insurance. These are terrifying numbers for a population already at the mercy of a childish government and an unsteady economy. Among all the job packages rolled out by Congress and President Obama, very few of them do much to help families struggling with mortgages, student debt and rising healthcare costs.

America is caught in a vicious cycle of debt and taxes, exacerbated by extremistdriven politics, and a government made up of people concerned with little more than staying in office. Desperate for campaign funds, congressmen are cutting horrific deals with any corporation willing to play crazy lobbyist with American legislation; with disastrous results for the rest of America. Large businesses are getting off scotfree with tax breaks and bail-outs, while the increasingly unemployed Americans are bearing the brunt of the damage.

Congress is admitting to news groups all over the country that the political bickering is both embarrassing and harmful, but no one knows what to do about it. A battle is being waged between political parties in Sacramento and Washington D.C., but those fighting are forcing the costs onto helpless Americans, shredding any potential aid into confetti and leaving us out in the cold.

“They really only help you if nothing is wrong,” said Jonathon, an older Santa Monica College student who declined to provide his last name. Jonathon is studying for technical certification and raising two children. “I have a family, and if anyone gets sick, we have trouble making ends meet.”

Health insurance is perhaps one of the biggest issues, especially as medical care is the number one cause of debt in America.

When going to the doctor for a cold or flu, it can cost $150 for a check-up, let alone treatment for any illness. It’s easy to see why this is a huge problem in America.

Conservatives whine about how ‘socialist’ governments that provide national healthcare for all citizens are all in debt; however, they seem to have completely missed out on the fact that rather than debt disappearing in a privatized health care system, it’s simply shifted to the unemployed—or under-employed—Americans, often killing

them as well.

Other big causes of debt include student loans. These loans can bring even the healthiest of financial packages to their knees. This is something SMC students can easily relate to, since most of us are here as an alternative of going directly to a university to reduce tuition costs. While there is financial aid even at the community college level, it often isn’t very helpful.

“We’re not poor enough to get financial aid and we’re not rich enough to go without it,” said Amy Sales, mother of SMC student Josh Sales, who was standing in line with her son for the Financial Aid office.

Her son adds, “I’ve been here three years because we can only afford a few classes at a time.”

Stuck in piles of debt, most Americans are suffering due to lack of employment to make what little payments they can on their debt. President Obama has been urging Congress into action, referencing a new job plan he has rolled out, which is largely made up of tax credits and hiring incentives. Unfortunately, the plan is also expensive. We are already so low on helpful options, that by the time Congress is through with it, the plan will be little more than a band-aid on an infected bullet wound. With the California unemployment rate hitting 12 percent, it doesn’t look like things are getting much better locally or statewide.

Think twice before you bare your essentials

By Janae’ Franklin Staff Writer If taking personal nude photos is one’s fetish, then one should really consider the grave consequences. In recent years, there has been an increase in people capturing nude pictures of themselves and posting them online, or keeping them on their phones. People of all stripes are following this growing trend, and it is becoming dangerous and self-degrading.

For centuries, the naked body was seen as a work of art, and was the central subject of many great works of art. In the Victorian era, public displays of nudity were seen as taboo. Back then, nude pictures were kept in a locked box in the back of the closet, or in a safety deposit box. Today, people freely distribute photos of their private parts as a way to create a buzz about them, or to keep sexual attention. Celebrities get publicity from naked photo leaks and normal folks get the attention they want from their peers.

This over-sexualized and narcissistic society has helped create this phenomenon of taking and sending naked photos. People are more concerned with their appearances and appeal that they portray to others. Just look at the plethora of weight-loss plans and cosmetic surgery advertised, making people either more insecure or overly confident.

We want to be desirable to others, and the ultimate test for women is whether they look good in provocative clothing. It is not uncommon in today’s newscasts to see a leaked nude photo of celebrities. In a day where being scandalous keeps you relevant, the reoccurrence of “hacked” naked photos is no coincidence. Celebrities

who find themselves in that situation need the publicity, and, as the proverb goes, sex sells. Look at Kim Kardashian and her sisters—they have created a multimillion dollar entertainment empire and reached incredible celebrity status by selling themselves through the vehicle of sex. In 2007, Kim Kardashian made a sex tape with her then boyfriend, singer Ray-J. The tape was shortly thereafter purportedly stolen and sold to the public.

Publicity stunt? Most likely; but ever since that watershed moment in celebrity porno history, there have been a slew of celebrities who have been granted their 15 minutes of fame by snapping naughty pictures.

Everyone has the right to take nude pictures. But why would anyone store them on a phone or computer, and risk them being sent out or viewed by the wrong people? Why would anybody send a compromising photo to anyone knowing the rise of phone and cyber hackers?

People need to be more aware of the lack of privacy that is affiliated with the Internet and phones. Last July, George Samuel Bronk of Citrus Heights, Calif., was convicted of hacking more than 230 email and Facebook accounts of women nationwide. According to Information Week, Bronk stole naked pictures and personal information, and sent them to all of their email contacts, exposing women’s secrets. Although this is a pretty extreme case, if these women had been a little more responsible and not stored naked photos of themselves on their Facebook and email accounts, would they have been affected as much? Probably not, since hackers wouldn’t have been able to attain them.

Another fantastic example is the recent case

Amanda Bojorquez Corsair Young people accross the globe are partaking in the newest of fads that involves taking risqué pictures and video of themselves with the idea that footage is hidden from viral circulation.

of former U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner, who decided to send risqué photos of himself to a porn star in exchange for both sexually charged conversations and photos from her.

Because of his impulsive decision to send provocative photos, he made what could possibly be described as the greatest gaffe of his political career. The scandal

became an international sensation, which ultimately led to his resignation. Taking naked pictures is not wrong in and of itself, but be aware of the possible outcomes that can occur if someone hacks your computer or your phone for those photos. It can affect your career, family, and everyday life.

I wouldn’t want to risk all of that just to create a sexy photo for others to admire.

10|HEALTH+LIFE

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Author event with raw food diva

By Samanta Kubon Staff Writer

Chris Alves Corsair

Debbie Merrill's book signing at the Mystic Journey Bookstore. Merrill spoke about her unhealthy lifestyle before she made her choice to become a raw vegan.

While raw foodists can be stereotyped as alternative, cross-legged hippies, wearing Birkenstocks while watching their veggies grow, an author by the name of Debbie Merrill breaks that generalization as shown at her most recent book signing.

When Debbie Merrill, self-proclaimed ‘Raw Veggie Vegan Diva,' began her presentation and book signing, Friday night at the Mystic Journey Bookstore on Abbot Kinney in Venice, customers got a real treat.

Merrill, a professional athlete and figure skater, whose real age remains unrevealed (no surprise there) walked into her event wearing a skin-tight mini dress.

She is best known to younger people for her guest appearance on the TV series “The Girls Next Door,” where she teaches Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Bunny girlfriends how to roller skate in her trademark, revealing American flag outfit.

The cover of her new book “The Raw Truth to the Fountain of Youth,” which, according to the author, is a step-by-step bible for transitioning to a vegetarian, vegan, or raw vegan diet, shows Merrill lying in a bed of leafy greens, surrounded by exotic fruits and vegetables, wearing nothing but pink lipstick and a bikini.

Describing her college experience, Merrill, who lost both of her parents to diet-related diseases, said, “I was insecure and had low self-esteem. Money was tight and popcorn and cookies were cheaper than carrots. I was carrying around 20 extra pounds, and felt miserable and depressed.”

After contracting Hepatitis A from bad oysters, she decided to take charge of her life. “I stopped eating animals, drinking alcohol, eating white flour and sugar, and got rid of all my acne,” said Merrill.

She started creating what she calls

“treasure maps,” cutting out pictures in magazines of things she wanted to have and achieve in life. Merrill's idea of the perfect body, the perfect house, and even simple things like bed sheets were mapped out.

“If you did one thing a day towards your goal, eventually you will reach your goal,” said the author, who since adapting to a healthier lifestyle lost 40 pounds and kept them off with regular exercise.

“Not exercising is not an option,” added Merrill.

Merrill is not a licensed healthcare provider, but being a raw vegan for the last 20 years gives her an inspiring story she can share with readers who are interested in a healthier lifestyle.

“Debbie looks wonderful, toned and healthy,” said Ben Schneider, a Los Angelesbased photographer who has been vegan for almost 20 years. He purchased a copy of Merrill’s book after the presentation.

“People her age are never that excited and energetic. She is a great example of how powerful raw food is,” Schneider said.

Merrill swears by wheat grass shots in the morning, and “super foods” such as seaweed, flax, and spirulina, a dietary supplement that promotes health. She also indulges on desserts such as her chocolate coconut ganache.

Within the pages of her book, readers can find anything from what to eat, where to buy it and motivational quotes and anecdotes along the reader’s personal journey to a healthier life.

Unique recipes for delicious raw meals, snacks, and desserts supplement the text of Merrill’s life story, making it an entertaining read.

In a town full of all sorts of personalities, Merrill still manages to stand out. "Be a leader in life, not a follower,”is her motto; or in her own words: “Don’t follow the herd, because you’ll step in poop.”

Chocolate Coconut Ganache This chocolaty, creamy treat is better than the real thing.

Actually, it is the real thing, Serves 4-6 Ingredients 1 c. coconut butter or coconut oil ½ c. dried goji berries (save a few as garnish) ½ c. cacao powder ¼ c. cacao nibs (save a few as garnish) 1 tsp. organic vanilla powder, or 1 pod 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ c. raw shredded coconut (save some as garnish) ¼ c. raw honey, agave, yacon syrup or 2T. stevia (optional) ½ c. hemp seeds Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Serve at room temperature and garnish with goji berries, cacao nibs, shredded coconuts, and buckwheat kernels. You can also roll into little balls, freeze, and eat like a truffle!

“If you are in love and joy, you will attract love and joy.”

Chris Alves Corsair

Rosemary Esparza sits with Debbie Merrill for a one on one talk about becoming a raw vegan. " It's a conscious demand, It's all in the mind" Esparza expressing her experience into living a healthier lifestyle on Friday night at the Mystic Journey Bookstore in Venice Sept. 23.

SPORTS|11

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Athletes of the Women's Cross Country team return from a 45 minute practice run on Grant Street.

Chris Alves Corsair

Corsairs put best foot forward

By Morgan Doyle Staff Writer After three events this year, the crosscountry season is off and running. In their most recent meet last Friday, the men finished 13th out of 18 teams, while the women came in 10th out of 20 teams.

Eric Barron, coach of both men's and women's squads, was pleased with the team results despite missing the top two runners for the women and the number two and five runners for the men.

Barron believed that if those runners were present, the women would have finished at

least a place higher, and the men would have finished in the top ten.

Coach Barron already sees improvement from both teams, even from the first to second meet. “More of our runners competed in the second meet, which helped the teams’ performance when compared to our first meet.

"We had more teammates to push each other through the entire race,” said Barron.

Last year, the women’s cross country team qualified for the state championships, where MacKenzie Lee and Sanna Malinen were the top two runners.

“Although we don’t have the same depth as last year, we are aiming to do the same

thing this season,” said Barron.

Women’s Assistant Coach, Marissa Tiamfook added, “We are very cohesive as a team.”

The men’s team did not qualify for the Southern California Championship and finished 11th in the conference. “For the men’s team, this is as good of a team as we have had in several years,” said Barron.

“Our goal is to qualify for championships as an entire team.” Barron mentioned how this year’s team has a little more experience and hopes that this will translate when it comes to competition.

“Our second year athletes are in better shape and are very helpful for the first year

runners,” said Barron.

Nick Alvarez, Chris Butler, Kenneth Pocasangre, Stephen Loredo, and Jason Derk are some men’s runners Barron mentioned to watch this season. For the women’s team: Jamillet Maldonado, MacKenzie Lee, Karin Kjellenberg, and Chanell Mosbe are leading the pack.

Upcoming key conference meets include the Western State Conference preview meet, Oct. 7 in Santa Barbara. The WSC Championship meet is Oct. 25 in San Luis Obispo.

“It is very important we make a point to race since it is where the finals will be held,” said Barron.

12|SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Game ends on Hail Mary Michael Yanow Corsair Santa Monica College defensive back Perry Clinton (right) knocks the ball down for an incomplete pass against San Bernandino Valley College wide receiver Eric Robinson (left) on Saturday Sept. 24 at Corsair Field in Santa Monica. SMC lost 40-35 dropping their record to 2-2 on the season.

By Michael Mejia

CATIE ROBERTS

Michael Yanow Corsair Santa Monica College running back Alonzo Frederick (center) looks for running room against the defense of San Bernardino Valley College on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Corsair Field in Santa Monica, Calif.

Photo by Amanda Bojorquez

Year: Freshman Sport: Volleyball Position: Outside Hitter (Captain)

Hometown: Westchester, CA Major: Kinesiology

What is your greatest sports memory?

“My senior year of High School, there was a really tough tournament we were in, and we actually ended up winning it. We were supposed to actually do really badly, because we were the shortest team there; we ended up beating a bunch of girls that were 6’3”, 6’4”. It was a really big accomplishment.”

Who is your biggest influence?

“I’d have to say my brother is my biggest influence, because growing up, I wanted to do everything he did. I wanted to be just like him. We were the best of friends, and I really admired him.”

If you could have lunch with anybody, who would it be?

“It would be Kobe Bryant, because I am a HUGE Lakers fan, and that would just make my day if I could have lunch with him.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“To be able to fly, because to be able to fly means I can go anywhere I want and I love traveling, and if I can fly anywhere in the world, that would be amazing.”

If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play?

“I would be a swimmer. I love the water, I love the ocean, I love the pool. I actually grew up swimming. That was my first sport I ever played, and I quit to play Volleyball.

Sometimes I miss it; I’d love to be back in the pool again.”

What is your favorite hobby outside of sports?

“I love to bike ride down at the beach. I love riding my bike.”

What is your favorite family tradition?

“When we go to Oregon every year to visit my aunt and uncle up there. We go to the river, have a nice fun picnic and just go play in the river. We spend all day there; I love doing that.”

What are your plans after SMC? “Hopefully I’ll go to a school that I love, like a four year school that I love and pursue Kinesiology, and just enjoy my college years.

I just want to have fun.”

Outside hitter Catie Roberts had 43 kills on 113 attempts and 12 errors in last weekend’s tournament hosted by Pierce College. The 5’9 freshman captain has been a force on offense with her solid hitting skills carrying the team to a 3-4 record this season. The lady Corsairs host L.A. Mission College Wednesday night Sept. 28 at 6 p.m., where they look to break even on the season.

Other notable home conference games include Pierce, Citrus, Canyon’s, West L.A. and Bakersfield College.

By Wayne Neal Staff Writer The Santa Monica Corsairs came up short on their last possession of Saturday’s game, resulting in a 40-35 loss to San Bernardino Valley College at Corsair Field.

Saturday’s contest went back and forth for four quarters, while neither team could take total control of the game. The stalemate ended on a fourth-down Hail Mary from the 50-yard line towards the end zone by SMC quarterback Alfonso Medina. SBVC sealed the victory, however, by coming through with an interception. Before the game, SMC’s defensive coordinator Steven Garcia spoke about his team’s last performance against Santa Ana, saying that they were going to work on the “little mistakes” that cost them that game.

“We were thinking too much and not reacting,” he said “ We are working on cleaning that up.”

The Corsairs were playing sound defense and looked poised to blow out SBVC, forcing them to punt on their first three possessions. After two early touchdown passes from Medina to wide receiver Chris Comass, the Corsairs took a 14-0 lead to end the first quarter. SBVC responded to the early deficit by going on a 21-0 run to end the first half. After a nine play 50-yard

drive, SBVC scored on a seven-yard run by running back Damar Sowell. Minutes later, SBVC‘s return man Dylan Schul returned an SMC punt 92 yards for the score, tying the game at 14.

With 25 seconds remaining in the first half, Sowell found the end zone again, this time scoring on a 2-yard run to go into the locker room with a 21-14 lead.

SBVC came out and picked up where they left off, scoring on a 70-yard interception return by defensive back Jamaal Anderson.

Minutes later, SBVC would score on an 18-yard touchdown pass. They would miss the extra point, however, giving SBVC a 20-point advantage.

“I challenged my team to find their heart,” SMC Head Coach Gifford Lindheim said.

“They came back strong.”

Despite the deficit, SMC took the challenge and went on a 21-0 scoring run.

Medina and Comass hooked up on a late third-quarter touchdown pass that sparked the rally, ending the quarter with another Corsair touchdown on a 2-yard run by running back Daniel Pipkin. This brought the Corsairs within a touchdown heading into the fourth quarter.

The Corsairs appeared unstoppable,

scoring in the early minutes of the fourth quarter on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Medina to running back Myles Johnson to take the lead 35-34.

Both teams would stall until SBVC quarterback Ethan Hillyer scored on a 32yard quarterback run, with 2:43 remaining.

The Corsairs went into their two-minute offense, getting all the way down to their opponents’ 18-yard line.

The Corsairs were then pushed back after two critical penalties and allowing two sacks. On fourth and 42, Medina heaved a hail mary, but was intercepted at the 7-yard line. SBVC then took a kneel to run out the remaining 30 seconds from the clock.

Comass finished the game leading all receivers with 152 receiving yards, catching three touchdowns with six receptions.

Medina finished the game completing 25 of his 33 passes for 299 passing yards with four touchdowns. Running back Alonzo Frederick also contributed with 109 rushing yards on 13 carries. Defensive back, Brian Hawthorne, lead the Corsair defensive with eight tackles and one interception.

The Corsairs have a bye this week, but come back to open up conference play on Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in Santa Barbara.